The Gospel of John“Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!”

“but these have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name”

Part 1: Chapters 1-9

Bob Harding

Table of Contents

Chapter LESSON TITLE Page

Introduction…………………………. ………………………………......3

1 The Word Became Flesh; Behold, The Lamb Of God….……………...24

2 The First Miracle; Cleansing The Temple……………………………...77

3 The New Birth . ………………………………………………………. 110

4 The Samaritan Woman.…..…………………………………………..164

5 The Third Sign And Conflict With The Jews…...……………………204

6 Having The Right Motives In Following Jesus………………………241

7 The Feast Of Tabernacles (Booths) In Jerusalem………….………... 280

8 Jesus As The Source Of Light And Truth…………………………… 311

9 Lessons From A Blind Man……………….………………………… 343

INTRODUCTION TO THE GOSPEL OF JOHN

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In the four accounts of the gospel of Jesus Christ: Matthew wrote particularly for the Jews, Mark for the Romans, Luke for the Greeks or Gentiles, and John wrote for everyone but especially the Christian. Matthew presents Jesus as the Messiah and the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophets. Mark presents Jesus as one with power and strength, while Luke presents Him as the Perfect Man.

John presents Jesus as the Son of God and the one in whom we are to place our faith. Yet, John is vastly different from the other three accounts (called Synoptic Gospels). Notice some things John does not include: the birth of Jesus, His baptism, His temptation, the healing of the demon possessed, the parables, the Last Supper, Gethsemane, and the Ascension. Then John gives the following which are not included in the Synoptic Gospels: the marriage feast at Cana, Nicodemus, the woman of Samaria, the raising of Lazarus, washing the disciples feet, and the coming of the Comforter. In this introduction, we wish to study the background material for a proper study of the gospel account of John.

I. AUTHOR: THE APOSTLE JOHN

According to the internal evidence furnished by the Gospel itself the author was:

A. A JEW:

1. He quotes from the Hebrew Old Testament, not the Septuagint (LXX).1) See the following passages:

2:17 (Ps 69:9): “His disciples remembered that it was written, ‘Zeal for Your house will consume me.’”

10:34 (Ps 82:6): “Jesus answered them, ‘Has it not been written in your Law, “I said, you are god”? 35 ‘If he called them gods, to whom the word of God came (and the Scripture cannot be broken),’”

12:40 (Isa 6:10): “He has blinded their eyes and He hardened their heart, so that they would not see with their eyes and perceive with their heart, and be converted and I heal them.”

13:18 (Ps 41:9): “I do not speak of all of you. I know the ones I have chosen; but it is that the Scripture may be fulfilled, ‘He who eats My bread has lifted up his heel against Me.’”

17:12 (Ps 41:9): “While I was with them, I was keeping them in Your name which You have given Me; and I guarded them and not one of them perished but the son of perdition, so that the Scripture would be fulfilled.”19:24 (Ex 28:32; Ps 22:18): “So they said to one another, ‘Let us not tear it, but cast lots for it, to decide whose it shall be;’ this was to fulfill the

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Scripture: ‘They divided My outer garments among them, and for My clothing they cast lots.’”

19:28 (Ps 69:21): “After this, Jesus, knowing that all things had already been accomplished, to fulfill the Scripture, said, ‘I am thirsty.’”

19:36 ((Ex 12:46; Num 9:12; Ps 34:20): “For these things came to pass to fulfill the Scripture, ‘Not a bone of Him shall be broken.’”

19:37 (Zech 12:12; Rev 1:7): “And again another Scripture says, ‘They shall look on Him whom they pierced.’”

2. It is corroborated by his references to Jewish (and Samaritan) religious beliefs, particularly regarding the Messiah (John 1:41, 46, 49; 4:25; 6:15; 7:27, 42; 12:34).1) He knew and understood the Jewish expectation of the coming Messiah

(John 1:19-51).

3. Familiar with Jew feasts.1) Passover (John 2:13, 23; 6:4; 13:1; 18:28).

2) Feast of Tabernacle (John 7:37).3) Feast of Dedication (John 10:22).

4. Familiar with Jewish customs.1) Marriage (John 2:1-10).2) Purification (John 2:6; 3:25; 11:55).

3) Burial (John 11:38, 44); 19:40). 4) Position of women (John 4:27).

5) Derisive attitude of the Palestinian Jew toward the Jews of the Diaspora (Dispersion) (John 7:35).

6) Law forbidding the Jews to leave a dead body on the cross the day of the Sabbath (John 19:31).

7) Strong hatred of Jews and Samaritans (John 4:9, 20). 8) Superiority of the law of circumcision over the law of the Sabbath (John

7:22).

5. Comparison with 1 John shows they are written by the same person.1) The style and language are the same; often the same words and phrases

being used.2) He expresses things both affirmatively and negatively (John 1:3, 20;

3:16-17; 1 John 1:5; 2:27). 3) Use of Logos (Word) (John 1:1; 1 John 1:1). 4) Use of “only begotten Son” in reference to Jesus (only found in John’s

writing) (John 3:16; 1 John 4:9).5) Repeated use of life, light, love, darkness, death, world, fellowship, and

truth.

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6) Both books begin and end with same thought.7) The purpose and scope is the same.8) At least 35 passages where the thoughts are parallel.

B. A PALESTINIAN JEW:

1. It is supported by evidence which indicates that the author is acquainted with religious and political conditions in Palestine (John 4:9; 7:35; 11:49; 18:13, 28, 31, 39).1) He was familiar with the countryside of Palestine (John 1:28 cf. 11:1;

2:1, 12; 3:23; 4:11, 20; 11:54; 12:21).

2. There is an exactness of the topography of Jerusalem and its immediate vicinity (5:2; 9:7; 11:18, 54; 18:1; 19:17); and the Temple (2:14, 20; 8:2, 20; 10:22-23; 18:1, 20).1) He was aware of Galilee (1:44, 46; 2:1-2). 2) He was aware of the region of Samaria and that Jacob's well was located

in Sychar (4:5-6), and that it was deep (4:11). Again, archaeologists have found this well.

3) He knew about the sacred mountain of Samaritan worship (4:20-21).4) He knew the pool of Bethesda had five porches (5:2). {Archaeologists

have unearthed the five porticoes of the pool of Bethesda by the Sheep Gate.

5) But further, he knew that Bethany was only fifteen furlongs away from Jerusalem (11:18). He knew that Ephraim was near the wilderness (11:54).

6) He knew that the Garden of Gethsemane was on the other side of the brook Kidron (18:1).

7) He knew that there was a paved area outside of the praetorium (19:13). Among many scholars who were not asked to participate in the Jesus

Seminar, there is a new consensus of confidence in John due to these recent discoveries. As recently as 1961 an inscription was discovered in Caesarea, providing for the first time extra-biblical corroboration of Pilate as Judea's prefect during the time of Christ.

Another interesting feature of John is that, when compared with the Synoptic Gospels, his Gospel consistently gives more references to chronology, geography, topography, and the like.

C. AN EYE-WITNESS:

1. He was contemporary with the incidents he records and an eyewitness to many of them.1) He remembers when the events occurred, sometimes the exact hour (1:29,

35, 39; 2:1; 3:24; 4:6, 40, 52-53; 6:22; 7:14; 11:6; 12:1; 13:1-2; 19:14, 31; 20:1, 19, 26).

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2. He does not state his name, but there are traces of his own hand in the gospel. 1) “We beheld his glory” (1:14). 2) He knew the number of pots used at the wedding at Cana (2:6). 3) He knew that Jesus was weary when He sat down by the well (4:6).4) He remembers the very words spoken by the neighbors of the man born

blind (9:8-10).5) He knew the value of the anointing perfume (12:5). 6) He knows by name the servant of the high priest whose right ear was cut

off by Peter (18:10).7) He was acquainted with the high priest (18:15).8) He was at the crucifixion: He himself saw the blood and water issuing

from the pierced side of Jesus (19:33-35). 9) He knew the distance from the shore of the apostles boat and the number

of fish caught (21:8, 11). 10) “This is the disciple who is testifying (bearing witness) to these things,

and wrote these things, and we know that his testimony is true,” (21:24).

3. So the writer was a Jew from Palestine, who was an eye-witness and he was a master of accuracy in chronology, geography and history.1) He must have been an apostle of our Lord.

D. ONE OF THE TWELVE APOSTLES:

1. The fact that John partakes of the Supper with his Lord shows that he must be one of the twelve (John 13:5, 23-24). 1) Other passages where the reference us distinctly to “the twelve” (John

6:66-71; 20:24-29).2) The writer (John) was one of the apostles appears also from his intimate

knowledge of their actions, words, and feelings (John 2:17, 22; 4:27; 6:19; 13:22, 28; 21:22). The author knows exactly what was said within that inner group.

The conclusion is inescapable that John belongs to it.3) John 1:35, 51: The unnamed disciple (John) is mentioned in connection

with Andrew, Simon Peter, Philip, and Nathanael, all of whom belong to “the twelve.”

4) It is to be noted that the author, while mentioning other apostles by name, never indicating in that distinct manner either John or his brother James. That very fact is by a process of elimination is not too difficult to

arrive by necessary inference that the apostle John is the author of the book.

2. Often found in the company of Peter (John 1:35-42; 13:23-24; 18:15-16; 20:2; 21:20-23).1) Luke 5:10: In partnership with Peter in their fishing business.2) Luke 8:51-56: At the raising of Jairus’ daughter. 3) Matt 17:1-2: On the Mount of Transfiguration.

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4) Mark 13:3-4: Questioning Jesus about the destruction of Jerusalem5) Luke 22:7-8: Preparations for the keeping of the Passover. 6) Matt 26:36-37: In the garden of Gethsemane during Christ’s agony. 7) Act 3: Entering the temple and the healing of the lamb man.

This afforded them the opportunity to preach the gospel. Acts 4: They were arrested and stood before the Jewish council at

Jerusalem.8) Acts 8:14-17: Sent by the apostles at the conversion of the Samaritans and

imparted miraculous power to them.9) Gal 2:9: Pillars in the church at Jerusalem.

John played an important part in the early church.

E. THE DISCIPLE WHOM JESUS LOVED:

1. As an apostle John refers to himself often as the disciple “whom Jesus loved” (John 13:23; 19:26; 20:2; 21:7, 20). 1) From 21:7: the “disciple” may be identified as one of the seven persons

mentioned in John 21:2. Simon Peter. Thomas called the Twin. Nathaniel of Cana in Galilee. The sons of Zebedee (James and John). Two others.

2) Since John is closely related to Peter he seems to be one of the inner three: Peter, James, and John (John 20:2-10; cf. Mark 5:37-38; 9:2-3; 14:33).

3) Only three could lay claim to such a relationship—Peter, James, and John.

2. The identity of this “one whom Jesus loved” is narrowed down to be John from the following:1) It is not Peter (John 13:23-24): John sat next to the Lord at the last

supper, and Peter motioned to him (John). Peter is listed separately in John 21:20. John’s future is

distinguished from Peter’s (John 21:21-24).2) James (John’s brother) was martyred at a very early date (44 AD, Acts

12:2).3) John is the only one remaining of the three.

Therefore, if it is true that he was an apostle, and one of the inner three, and he was not Peter, or James, then he must have been the Apostle John, the son of Zebedee.

3. Why does the author so describe himself?1) This description does not distinguish himself above other, for he

repeatedly asserts in this very book (11:3, 5, 36; 13:1, 34; 15:12).2) Jesus loved all the disciples. So it is not that he was saying something

unique to himself. Why does he identify himself as “the disciple whom Jesus loved”?

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3) I think it is because he was so impressed with the fact that Jesus loved him! Jesus loves even me!

4) By the time John wrote this book nothing else was important.

4. Consider his other writings.1) He marveled at the manifestation of love which had made it possible of us

to become children of God (1 John 3:1; 4:9-11). 2) 1 John 4:8: “God is love.” 3) 1 John 4:19: “We love because he first loved us.”

What had become important to John, a man who started with thoughts and ambitions so tainted with worldliness (Matt 20:20-28; Mark 10:35-45).

I am the disciple Jesus loved. He loved others as well, but the marvel of marvels: He loved me, though I was not lovable! (Rom 5:8).

John had become a testimonial to the transforming power of the love of Jesus!

Summary

Internal evidence leads to the conclusion that what we call “the gospel of John” is the authentic writing of the apostle John. Luke wrote that “with great power gave the apostles their witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all” (Acts 4:33). One manifestation of this great power was the gospel of John. In this marvelous work we discover the same Messiah promised by the prophets … the same King introduced by Matthew … the same Servant we learn to trust in Mark … the same Man we long to be like in Luke.

II. DATE: 80-90 AD.

Nothing certain is known of either the place or date of writing the Gospel of John. It is not even certain that John wrote the Gospel before Revelation. John also wrote the three short epistles whose dates are also uncertain. All history has concurred in putting the date in the latter part quarter of the first century, usually from 80 to 90 AD. Again all history gives Ephesus as the place of writing.

A. External evidence is overwhelmingly in favor of John writing the book.

1. Eusebius (325-340 AD) tells us that John remained in Jerusalem until Mary died which was about 15 years after the crucifixion of Christ.1) This fits with what we know from the New Testament.2) John was still in Jerusalem when Paul went there to settle the problem of

circumcision around 49-50 AD (Acts 15; Gal 2:1-10).3) At this time John was known as a pillar of the church in that city.4) However, when Paul returned to Jerusalem about 57-58 AD, John is

absent and only James is present (Acts 21).

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Another source says John left Jerusalem at the beginning of the Jewish war in 66 AD.

2. History informs us that in the latter part of his life, he left Jerusalem and went to Ephesus where he lived before being banished to Isle of Patmos during the reign of Domitian (81-96 AD).1) While on the Isle of Patmos he wrote the Revelation (Rev 1:9). 2) Nerva allowed his return to Ephesus in 96 AD.

3. Early “church tradition” is unanimous in ascribing the fourth gospel to John. 1) Ireneus (130-202 AD) was the first to name the gospel of John and said

that it was written after the other gospels from Ephesus.

Irenaeus’ Second Century Account of the Apostle John

Polycarp also was not only instructed by apostles, and conversed with many who had seen Christ, but was also, by apostles in Asia, appointed bishop of the Church in Smyrna, whom Ialso saw in my early youth, for he tarried on earth a very long time, and, when a very old man, gloriously and most nobly suffering martyrdom, departed this life, having always taught the things which he had learned from the apostles, and which the Church has handed down, and which alone are true. To these things all the Asiatic Churches testify, as do also those men who have succeeded Polycarp down to the present time, a man who was of much greater weight, and a more steadfast witness of truth, than Valentinus, and Marcion, and the rest of the heretics. He it was who, coming to Rome in the time of Anicetus caused many to turn away from the aforesaid heretics to the Church of God, proclaiming that he had received this one and sole truth from the apostles,-that, namely, which is handed down by the Church. There are also those who heard from him that John, the disciple of the Lord, going to bathe at Ephesus, and perceiving Cerinthus within, rushed out of the bath-house without bathing, exclaiming, “Let us fly, lest even the bath-house fall down, because Cerinthus, the enemy of the truth, is within.” And Polycarp himself replied to Marcion, who met him on one occasion, and said, “Dost thou know me?” “I do know thee, the first-born of Satan. ”Such was the horror which the apostles and their disciples had against holding even verbal communication with any corrupters of the truth; as Paul also says, “A man that is an heretic, after the first and second admonition, reject; knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself.” There is also a very powerful Epistle of Polycarp written to the Philippians, from which those who choose to do so, and are anxious about their salvation, can learn the character of his faith, and the preaching of the truth. Then, again, the Church in Ephesus, founded by Paul, and having John remaining among them permanently until the times of Trajan, is a true witness of the tradition of the apostles. (Taken from Ante-Nicene Fathers: History of the Christian Church, Vol.1, page 416 by Irenaeus).

4. John was either cited or named as authentic during the first four centuries by the following:1) Clement of Rome (95-97 AD)2) Ignatius, in 110 AD quoted John 3:83) Polycarp (110-150 AD)4) Basilides, in 120 AD quoted John 1:9

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5) Papias (130-140 AD)6) Irenaeus (130-202 AD)7) Justin Martyr (150-155 AD)8) Clement of Alexandria (150-215 AD)

From Irenaeus and Clement of Alexandria we learn that John wrote after the other gospel accounts. From a comparison study we learn that John fills in a great deal

which the Synoptic Gospels omit. Irenaeus said John wrote from Ephesus prior to his banishment

to the Isle of Patmos which would place the writing between 85-90.

Written in opposition to Gnosticism which would demand a later date.

Most agree on the date of 90 which is the date the early church accepted.

9) Tertullian (150-220 AD)10) The Muratorian Fragment (170-200 AD)11) The Latin Marcionite Prologue (200 AD)12) Origen (185-254 AD)13) Cyril of Jerusalem (315-386 AD)14) Eusebius (325-340 AD) Eusebius specifically identified John with the

Gospel which bears his name and he classified the gospel without hesitation as being among “the undisputed writings.”

15) Jerome (340-420 AD)16) Augustine (400 AD)

5. It is believed that John died in Ephesus at the beginning of Trajan’s reign about 98 AD (John 21:20-23; Rev 22:20)

6. Rylands Fragment.1) Preserved a scrap of John 18.2) Shows John was in use in the first half of the second century.

Summary

External evidence leads to the conclusion that what we call “the gospel of John” is the authentic writing of the apostle John. Westcott declared: “All the evidence points in one direction. There is not, with one questionable exception, any positive indication that doubt was anywhere thrown upon the authenticity of this book.” (The Gospel According to Saint John, B.C. Westcott, p. xxxii).III. JOHN’S FAMILY AND BACKGROUND.

A. FAMILY:

1. John was the son of Zebedee, a well-to-do fisherman on the Sea of Galilee.

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1) When James and John were called by Jesus, Zebedee had hired servants (Mark 1:19-20).

2. John’s mother was Salome, one of the noble women who followed Jesus (Matt 27:56; Mark 15:40-41).1) She supported Him with their means (Luke 8:3). 2) She brought spices to the tomb (Mark 16:1). 3) Salome was thought to be the sister of Mary the mother of Jesus, making

Jesus and John cousins.

3. Because James is always mentioned first, it is thought that he was the olderof the two.1) John, along with James, was first a disciple of John the Baptist (John

1:35-39). 2) They become apostles to Jesus (Matt 10:2). 3) They were often found in the company of Peter.4) Peter, James, and John were considered pillars in the church at Jerusalem

(Gal 2:9).

B. JOHN’S NATURE:

1. Probably seen in his attitude toward those who rejected Jesus.1) Luke 9:51-56: Jesus sent word to a Samaritan city to make ready for Him,

but they did not receive Him.2) James and John wanted to call down fire from heaven and destroy them. 3) Mark 3:17: Jesus “surnamed them Boanerges, which is, ‘The Sons of

Thunder.’”4) They seemingly had a violent, vehement temper.

Through his association with Christ that nature was brought under control.

2. Many anecdotes come down to us concerning John.1) It is said that he once entered the public baths whereupon he found

Cerinthus, a man who taught Jesus did not come in the flesh. Upon seeing this man John fled crying for all to get out of the building lest it fall on this teacher of error.

2) It is again said of him, by good authority, that upon entering the assembly in his old age that he always said the same thing when asked to speak. Being unable to make a lengthy speech he would lean on his cane and say, “Little children, love one another.” When asked why he always said the same thing he replied, “Because it is the Lord’s command; and if this be done, it is sufficient.”

IV. THEME, SCOPE, OR PURPOSE.

A. PURPOSE: 11

1. Matthew, Mark and Luke are known as the Synoptic (same as) Gospels.1) They contain many of the same stories.2) They tell about the life of Christ is Galilee.3) John tells about the life of Christ in Judea.4) Each book has a different purpose.5) It is not necessary to study them in chronological order.

2. Each writer of the four Gospels paints four different portraits of Jesus.1) No one writer gives us the whole story.2) No one writer automatically supplies all the details in any given account

of a particular incident.3) Four different portraits of Jesus are painted from different angles, with

different backgrounds and lighting, each writer emphasizing a particular aspect of Jesus’ nature.

3. Matthew paints the portrait of a KING.1) He was a Jew writing to Jewish readers primarily to convince them that

Jesus of Nazareth was the long-awaited Messiah.2) To establish Jesus’ right to the Messianic throne, he begins his gospel with

a genealogy that traces the lineage of Jesus all the way back through the royal line of David to Abraham, the father of the Jews (Matt 1:1-17).

3) It is Matthew, more than any of the other gospel writers, who appeals to the fulfillment of OT prophecy as evidence that Jesus of Nazareth is the Messiah.

4. Mark paints the portrait of a Servant (Mark 10:45).1) His explanations of Jewish customs and Aramaic terms (Mark 3:17;

5:41; 7:2-4, 11, 34; 14:36; 15:22) suggest that he was writing to Roman Gentiles who were unfamiliar with these things.

2) His gospel has been called the “gospel of power” or the “gospel of action,” because he emphasizes what Jesus did more than what Jesus said.

3) Miracles occupy a prominent place in Mark’s gospel as Jesus repeatedly demonstrates His power over nature (4:35-41), demons (5:1-20), disease (5:25-34), and even death (5:21-24, 35-43) in His service to both God and man.

5. Luke paints the portrait of the Son of Man (Luke 19:10).1) He wrote his gospel especially for his friend Theophilus (i.e. “lover of

God”) to provide him with “an orderly account” of those things “most surely believed among us” just as the “eyewitnesses and ministers of the word delivered them to us” (Luke 1:1-4).

2) Theophilus, a Gentile and the content of the book suggests that Luke is writing to the Gentiles.

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3) The gospel of Luke, the longest book in the NT, gives us the most comprehensive picture of the life of Christ, with more information about His humanity than any of the other gospel writers.

4) Luke’s genealogy identifies Jesus intimately with the human race by tracing his lineage back, not just to Abraham, but to Adam (Luke 3:38).

5) This gospel presents the fullest account of the birth, childhood, domestic and social life of Jesus.

B. JOHN: SUPPLEMENT OF THE SYNOPTIC GOSPELS.

1. Clement of Alexandrian and Eusebius said that it was written to supplement and fill in the gaps of the Synoptic Gospels.1) The Synoptic Gospels deal with Jesus ministry in Galilee; John mainly

deals with His ministry in Judea.2) The Synoptic Gospels mention one visit to Jerusalem (at His passion)

while John mentions four.

2. Comparisons: Totality of material that is peculiar to each:1) Matthew — 42%2) Mark — 7%3) Luke — 59%4) John — 92%

3. Totality of material that is similar to the others:1) Matthew — 58%2) Mark — 93%3) Luke — 41%4) John — 8%

4. John 20:30-31; 21:25: None of the four writers claim they tell all that Jesus did.1) The gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke are known as the Synoptics

because they all approach the life of Christ in the same way and cover almost the same events in His life.

2) The gospel of John however covers the same life of Christ from a different viewpoint. He deals with different events.

3) The Synoptic Gospels began with Jesus’s birth and prove his divinity by the things He did.

4) John begins with Jesus as God and deals not so much with what Jesus did as with what He said.

5) All four gospels are in harmony in every respect.6) They all agree that Jesus was divine and the Son of God, while at the same

time He was human and the Son of Man.

5. The difference in approach is mainly this: in the Synoptics “the human is divine” and in John “the divine is human.”

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1) Synoptics give the facts of Jesus’ life, John reports the effects.2) The brethren had believed the facts, but were not believers in Christ.3) The belief needed to be practical, more than mere orthodoxy, theological,

or philosophical.4) Faith is to be a pervading force of life (John 14:12). 5) It is John who gives us the seven “I Am’s” (John 6:35; 8:12; 10:9, 11;

11:25; 14:6; 15:5).

DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE SYNOPTIC GOSPELS AND JOHNTHE SYNOPTICS JOHN

chiefly concerned with Jesus’ ministry in the north, around Galilee

gives more coverage to Jesus’ ministry in the south,around Judea

much emphasis on “kingdom” inheritance more emphasis on the person of Jesus (“I AM’s”) andeternal life inheritance

Jesus as Son of David, Son of Man Jesus especially as Son of Godthe gospel of the infant church the gospel of the maturing churchthe earthly story the heavenly meaningJesus’ sayings generally short (e.g., parables) more of the long discourses of Jesuscomparatively little commentary by the gospel writer

much commentary by John

only one mention of a Passover three, possibly four Passovers cited (on the basis it isconcluded that Jesus’ public ministry lasted 3/12 yrs.

Chart by Irving L. Jensen

C. PRODUCE LIFE-GIVING FAITH (John 20:30-31).

1. Signs (shmei`on, semeion).NASU: 17 times in John.KJV: Translated sign[s] 4 times in John (2:18; 4:48;6:30; 20:30).

Translated miracle 13 times in John.1) A sign is something that points to something else.2) The sign (miracle) pointed to the fact that Jesus came from God.

John 3:2: “this man came to Jesus by night and said to Him, ‘Rabbi, we know that You have come from God as a teacher; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him.’”

3) The signs (miracles) were to produce faith in Jesus.

2. Believe (pisteuvw, pisteuo): John uses faith or belief 98 times in the book.1) This is the reaction called for.2) The evidence is presented (the signs and testimonies).3) The result within the person should be faith or belief.

The other reaction is to reject the evidence.4) As used by John belief is more than mental assent that Jesus is the Christ

the Son of God. Belief is a call to obedience to who He is.

6) Since He is the Christ the Son of God, He has authority and we must submit ourselves to Him (John 3:36).

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3. Life (zwhv, zoe): John uses this word 36 times in this book.1) It is not simply an existence in this realm.2) It is a way of life originating in Jesus (John 14:6). 3) It is an abundant life (John 10:10). 4) Though it includes the way we live in the here and now with its blessings

and results, it more refers to eternal life in the hereafter. Through our belief (obedience) to whom Jesus is, we have the

abundant life.5) To the end that we might believe John gives 7 testimonies or witnesses in

John 5, and 8. The Father (John 5:37; 8:18).

Twice the Father said this is My Son (Matt 3:17; 17:5). Jesus Himself (John 8:14; 18:37).

Supported by 7 “I am” statements.* Bread of life-Strength (John 6:33-35). * Light of the world-Knowledge (John 8:12;9:5;12:35-36, 46). * Door of the sheepfold-only way to be saved (John 10:1, 7). * The Good Shepherd-Security (John 10:11, 14). * The Resurrection and the life-Hope (John 11:25-26). * The Way, the Truth, the Life-Standard (John 14:6). * The True Vine-Productive, bear fruit (John 15:1-8).

The Spirit (John 15:26; 16:14). His works-7 signs (miracles) (John 5:36; 10:25). The Scriptures (John 5:39-46).

The Old Testament pointed to the one coming—the Messiah who would save man from His sins.

John the Baptist (John 1:7; 5:33-35; 1:29-30) The apostles (John 15:27; 19:35).

V. REFUTE GNOSTICISM.

A. ORIGIN AND MEANING OF GNOSTICISM.

1. In 62 AD, a system of religion known as “Gnosticism” (as ism of religion based on knowledge) was prevalent at Colossae and soon entered the church in that city. 1) Present-day writers often refer to this mixture of the two religions as

“The Colossian Heresy” which seemed to have the following traits: Philosophies of men (2:8). Judaistic ceremonialism (2:11-17). Angel worship (2:18). Reduced or limited the authority and sufficiency of Christ

(1:14-22; 2:8-10, 17, 19).

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Asceticism (2:21-23): Affliction of physical body to reach a higher spiritual state.

Doceticism (3:5-11): Indulgence of the flesh since the material is totally evil.

Claimed to be Christians.2) “In religion the people were especially lax, worshipping angels. Of

them, Michael was the chief, and the protecting saint of the city. It is said that once he appeared to the people, saving the city in time of a flood. It was this belief in angels which called forth Paul’s epistle (Col 2 18).” (Jim Everett)

3) Gnosticism continued to flourish during the lull following the Neronean persecution (64-68 AD). There is still no gnostic document that in its present form can be

dated prior to the New Testament.

2. It comes from the Greek gnw`si (gnosis) meaning knowledge.1) The verbal form is ginwvskw (ginosko).2) The people claim a superior knowledge, a heavenly apprehension of truth,

a “more excellent way.”3) By an intellectual enlightening they knew the gospel better, more

accurately than the apostles and prophets.4) Scripture became unnecessary and unimportant.5) Their brethren who were not “in the know” were looked down upon.6) They were puffed up, egotist, not having a love for others.

B. BASIC PREMISE OF GNOSTICISM.

1. Blended the Greek doctrine of the supremacy of intellectual enlightenment with the Oriental doctrine that matter and everything material is evil.1) They believed in a dualism—Spirit is good; matter is evil.2) The Spirit and body are two separate entities.3) The Spirit is of God, the body or flesh is of sin.4) The two, Spirit and body, can have no enduring relationship.5) The Spirit was eternal, the body was subject to death and decay.

2. God (Spirit) is good and the creation (matter) is evil.1) How could God who is total good, create the world (matter) which

is evil?2) Emanations, Aeons, or Angels proceeded from God, from these other

Aeons were descended, each being a little less God or less perfect.3. Two views arose.

1) The lowest of these Emanations are almost wholly corporeal so the spiritual element almost lost.

2) Finally the world of man and of matter is reached (the abode of evil).3) We reach an Emanation called the Demiurge.

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He rebelled against God (the Supreme Being). The Demiurge created the world and rules over it. This Demiurge is considered to be the God of the Jews.

4) The Anti-Jewish Gnostic represented the Demiurge as being insolent and resisting the purposes of God. The Judaizing Gnostic considered him to be a restricted unconscious

instrument of God to prepare the way of redemption.

4. Salvation comes by escaping from the realm of matter to the realm of the Spirit; not faith in Jesus Christ.1) This escape comes through knowledge, to this the gnostic could attain and

impart while others did not know.2) If the human body is inherently evil, it is a matter of indifference what it

does.3) The gnostic need not trouble himself with conduct for his spirit was

steeped in light.4) Good actions could not greatly increase his enlightenment.5) Bad actions could not seriously detract from it, rather they could be sought

to add to his knowledge.6) Sin is ignorance, so knowledge brought you away from sin.7) Jude describes the gnostic.

Jude 4: “For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.”

C. GNOSTIC VIEW OF JESUS CHRIST.

1. God is Spirit—inherently good, free from evil, eternal.1) The body is matter—inherently evil, full of sin, subject to death.2) Christ is God (Spirit), who then is Jesus?3) How can the Spirit Christ (who is sinless and eternal), occupy a body

subject to sin and death? If God, how could he die? If He died on the cross, how could He be God? Either Christ is not human or Jesus is not divine.

4) Both the Deity and Humanity of Christ Jesus were being denied.

2. Docetics.1) From the Greek dokevw (dokeo) meaning “seems.”2) They argued that Christ only seemed to be; he did not really exist.3) Christ was not really flesh and blood.4) They denied the humanity of Christ.

Notice John’s emphasis (John 20:31; 1:1, 14; 1 John 1:1-3). John emphasized that the man Jesus is the Spirit Christ.

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3. Cerinthians: Named after a heretic Cerinthus, its chief advocate.1) A separation of Jesus from the Christ (making 2 entities).2) Jesus was a man born in Bethlehem; subject to sin, decay, and death.3) He was born of Joseph or illegitimately.4) At his baptism, the Spirit Christ entered into the man Jesus through the

descending dove (Matt 3:16-17). 5) The Christ, Spirit, permeated the man Jesus for the rest of His sojourn

upon the earth.6) Just prior to death the Spirit Christ left the man Jesus and returned to

heaven so only Jesus died.7) This was the meaning of Jesus’ statement in Luke 23:46: “And when

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

8) At that time the Spirit Christ left the man Jesus who died on the cross and the Spirit Christ lived on, thus denying the deity of Jesus.

4. Ebionites (possibly, but some say not a form of Gnosticism).1) Christ was merely a creature—He was only a man.2) Denied the deity of Christ.

D. PRACTICAL CONSEQUENCES OF GNOSTICISM.

1. Asceticism: The punishment of the body; abstention from all pleasure.1) Since the body is evil then all its wishes and desires must be denied, the

body must be punished.2) They practiced:

Celibacy, (Forbidding to marry). Fasting, (starving oneself almost to the point of death). Rigid ill-treatment (physically beating) of the body.

3) Led to the monasteries where most things were denied the body.

2. Epicureanism is the belief that pleasure of the senses is the ultimate good; heap luxury and pleasure on self.Antinominionism come from the Greek means against law.1) Since the body is evil, it is not responsible for its acts.2) The body could commit sin, but since it is only the body, the spirit could

continue in its relation to God.3) Gratify the body’s lust and passions without any control or limit.4) Physical chastity does not matter, it is not of any importance what is done

with the physical (evil) body.1 John 1:6: “If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:”1 John 2:4-6: “The one who says, ‘I have come to know Him,’ and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him; 5 but whoever keeps His word, in him the love of God has truly been perfected.

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By this we know that we are in Him: 6 the one who says he abides in Him ought himself to walk in the same manner as He walked.”

5) The body could continue in sin while the spirit was dedicated and one with God.Rom 6:1: “What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that gracemay abound?” They would answer yes, but Paul said no in Rom 6:2: “God forbid.

How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?”6) They were the libertines and Nicolaitans (2 Pet 2:19; Rev 2:6).

3. Spiritual Perfectionism.1) Believed they received a second working or experience of grace making it

impossible for them to sin.2) Man was regarded as altogether spiritual, having shed all material things

of life and having released his spirit from the bondage of matter.3) For them sin ceased to exist.4) They had reached spiritual perfection.

1 John 1:8-10: “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.” 2 John 9-11: Destroyed Christian fellowship between those who had

this special knowledge and those who did not. Resulted in pride and arrogance of the Gnostic. Destroyed belief of the Bible.

4. The following is an excerpt from a Bible Dictionary entry on “Gnosticism”:(The Oxford Companion to the Bible, Gnosticism, by Robert McL. Wilson, p. 256)

“…there is evidence that there was a good deal of “nosticizing” thought even in the first century c.e. A question still in debate is the extent of “gnostic” influence on the New Testament, since the evidence has to be found in the New Testament itself, and there is always a danger of interpreting it in light of later systems, which may be to impose on it the ideas of a later period. There is still no gnostic document that in its present form can be dated prior to the New Testament.

The chief characteristics common to all the developed systems are: (1) a radical cosmic dualism that rejects this world and all that belongs to it; the body is a prison from which the soul longs to escape; (2) a distinction between the unknown transcendent true God and the creator or Demiurge, commonly identified with the God of the Hebrew Bible; (3) the belief that the human race is essentially akin to the divine, being a spark of heavenly light imprisoned in a material body; (4) a myth, often narrating a premundane fall, to account for the present human predicament; and (5) the saving knowledge by which deliverance is effected and the gnostic awakened to recognition of his or her true nature and heavenly origin. At one time it was thought, as the church fathers sometimes allege, that the gnostic was “saved by nature, and that

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mortality was therefore of no importance; indeed, since ethics is largely a matter of obedience to the law of the creator, who seeks to hold the human race in slavery, it could be seen as a positive duty for the gnostic to disobey all such commands. The evidence of the Nag Hammadi documents, however, suggests that while some Gnostics may have shown libertine tendencies, the main direction of the movement was toward asceticism. Some of the characteristics listed can be identified was toward asceticism. Some of the characteristics listed can be identified in other systems of thought, but that does not make these gnostic; it is the combination of those ideas into a new synthesis that is Gnosticism.”

VI. WHY THE JEWS HATED CHRIST SO?

A. He challenged everything about their lives.

1. He challenged their axioms, their philosophies, their hedonistic world, theirreligion, politics, etc. (John 8:31-34). 1) Every facet of His life touched theirs.2) They were made to realize what sinners they were.

B. The urgency of His purpose and His zeal for God.

1. Jesus goes into the temple and drives out the money changes (John 2:16-17).1) He made them feel so inadequate (especially in their service to God).2) His zeal showed their lackadaisical attitude, their lukewarmness, and

indifference.3) His purity showed their immorality, and worldliness.

C. Because He was not afraid.

1. John 8:46: “Which one of you convicts Me of sin? If I speak truth, why do you not believe Me?”1) They had claimed that He had a demon.2) He placed Himself on the altar and told them to bear witness of any sin.3) Even those who knew Him best could not accuse Him of any sin.

2. Before Pilate.1) John 19:9: Pilate asked where He came from and He said nothing. 2) John 19:10: Pilate became angry and says he has the power of life or

death.3) John 19:11: Christ tells him he has no power but from God. 4) They mocked Him, scourged Him, crucified Him, yet no plea for mercy.

3. They could take His life but not quench His spirit.1) Through a study of John we are given adequate evidence that Jesus is the

Christ, the Son of God. 20

2) This should lead us to recognize His authority in spiritual matters and humbly submit to His commands leading us to the abundant life in the here and now and eternal life in the hereafter.

VII. THE AUTHENTICITY OF THE GOSPEL OF JOHN.By Warren E. Berkley, Expository Files 5.7; July 1998 (outline, bold BH)

A. Denied by a small heretical sect, the Alogi, about 170 AD.

1. The reason these denied John’s authorship is because of his presentation of Jesus’ deity which conflicts with their views.

B. The Enlightenment was an intellectual movement of the 17th and 18th centuries marked by a celebration of the powers of human reason, a keen interest in science, the promotion of religious tolerance and an attitude of unbelief in the supernatural.

1. During this period various attitudes regarding the Bible and religion developed which we would today identify with modernism and humanism. 1) Part of this “Enlightenment” was to question the integrity of the Bible,

and in particular to raise questions about the New Testament account of Jesus & the gospel of John specifically.

2) Regarding the gospel of John, Horne said: “Its authenticity has been questioned by Erasmus, Calvin, Beza, Grotius, LeClerc, Wetstein, Semler, Schulze, Morus, Haenlein, Paulus, Schmidt, and various other writers who are mentioned by Wolfius, and by Koecher…” (Introduction to the Scriptures, Baker, 1970, Horne).

C. More recently and in our time there is the Jesus Seminar.

1. This is a group of New Testament scholars who met first in 1985, and have worked together periodically since then using the tools and methods of modernism to call into question almost everything the New Testament says about the Lord, and continue the unjustified attack on the book of John. 1) These men have “voted out” the book of John.2) These men began with certain assumptions. “Many are led astray because

of conclusions that are allegedly based upon objective historical or literary investigation and method. However, in reality, the conclusions are the result of a subjective world view.” (More Evidence That Demands A Verdict, Josh McDowell in a chapter titled: “The Presupposition of Anti-supernaturalism,” p.#3). McDowell uses the term “Anti-supernaturalism” --- “…disbelief

either in God’s existence or His intervention in the natural order of the universe.”

So, these men begin with their long ingrained intellectual assumptions; those assumptions determine and shape their methods –

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they invent this Jesus, and He becomes an advocate of their worldview. In order to do all this, they must reject the book of John.

2. It is not a matter of the synoptic problem, a question of dating, evidence or literary structure. 1) It seems to me the real problem with the gospel of John is – THE

STRAIGHTFORWARD AND REPEATED CLAIMS MADE ABOUT WHO JESUS IS!

2) Remember, we are talking about a group of men who assume Jesus is not Deity.

3) Or, they define His deity is such a manner, there is no uniqueness to Him.4) Some border on a New Age definition of Deity.

OUTLINE OF JOHN DETAILING EACH CHAPTER

1. Word became flesh; the ministry of John the Baptist2. First miracle; cleansing the temple3. New birth into the kingdom; John the Baptist’s work and teaching

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4. Samaritan woman at the well5. Healing on and questions about the Sabbath6. Feeding the 5,000; Jesus the bread of life7. Teaching in the temple and opposition8. Woman taken in adultery; the father of the Jews (Abraham or the devil)9. Healing of the man born blind10. Jesus the Good Shepherd11. Raising of Lazarus12. Anointing of feet by Mary; triumphal entry into Jerusalem13. Washing the disciples feet; Judas to betray Him and Peter to deny Him14. Jesus comforts His disciples; the Comforter15. Jesus the true vine; love and persecution16. The Comforter to come; Jesus speaks of His death17. The Lord’s prayer18. Trial before the high priest and Pilate19. Crucifixion and burial20. Resurrection and appearances21. Third appearance to disciples and Peter’s love questioned

CHAPTER OUTLINE OF A PORTRAIT OF CHRIST1. Son of God2. Son of Man3. Divine Teacher4. Great Personal Worker5. Great Physician6. Bread of Life7. Water of Life8. Forgiver of the Fallen9. Light of the World10. Good Shepherd11. Resurrection and Life12. Great King13. Great Servant14. Great Consoler15. True Vine16. Great Giver17. Great Intercessor18. Great Sufferer19. Crucified Christ20. Great Victor21. Forgiver of the Penitent

Introduction To JohnSTUDY QUESTIONS

1. What are the Synoptic Gospels?23

1)2)3)

2. Why isn’t the Gospel of John included in the Synoptics?

3. What is the main difference between the approach of the Synoptic Gospels and John?

4. The Synoptics deal mainly with Jesus’ ministry in ___________ and John in __________.

5. When was the book written?1) About how many years later is this from the synoptic gospels?

6. Based on question 5, what group of people is the book written to?

7. Read John 20:30-31. What does John say is the purpose of the book?

8. Besides Judaism, what false doctrine became prevalent in N. T. times? (cf. Col 1-2; 1 John)1) Was this doctrine known (documented) before the coming of Christ?

9. The internal and external evidence makes it clear that John is the writer and the book is authentic. Why would critics doubt the authenticity of the book?

John 1THE SON OF GOD: WORD BECAME FLESH; MINISTRY OF JOHN THE BAPTIST

INTRODUCTION

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A. If I knew a special individual that I wanted you to know and I had only a few minutes, I would introduce him in a certain way.

1. The apostle John and close friend of Jesus with the Holy Spirit’s help wants us to get acquainted with Him in a special way.1) John begins by introducing Jesus as divine and became also a man on earth.2) John commands our attention by the boldness of his words.3) John introduces Jesus by showing how He is related to various things.

B. The Prologue, 1:1-18 is one of the most studied parts of the fourth gospel, which is without parallel among the gospels.

1. Volumes have been written on these verses.1) In modern parlance it would be called a “prequel” (movie or novel set at a time

preceding the action of an existing work, especially one that has achieved success).

2) While Matthew and Luke begin with an account of Jesus’ birth, and Mark begins with the ministry of John the Baptist, John begins his account of Christ in eternity.

2. There is no need for John to rehearse the ground that the other three gospels had already tread. 1) John’s purpose for this gospel is stated toward the end of this book (20:30-31).

This purpose statement is extremely important to our study. 2) As we progress through John’s writing we must recognize that he is not

recording everything that Jesus did. 3) Therefore, as we come to the various signs and stories in this gospel, we are

compelled to ask this important question: “Why did John include that sign?” We need to consider what John is trying to teach his audience through the

sign he records. It is worthy of our noting that John chooses seven signs to impart faith to

his readers.

3. Now just because John is writing so that we believe should not cause us to draw the conclusion that we do not need to study this gospel because we already believe. 1) This gospel will deepen and strengthen your faith in incalculable ways when

we grasp what John is trying to get us to see about Jesus. 2) John is not looking for mere mental assent about Jesus. 3) John’s purpose is to produce a life-changing faith in Christ.

The gospel is intended to cause us to fall on our faces and cry out, “My Lord and my God!” (20:28).

I. THE PROLOGUE (1:1-18).

A. CHRIST’S RELATIONSHIP TO DEITY: ESSENCE (1:1-2).

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

“in the beginning”

1. Gen 1:1: In the period of eternity (before creation) up to creation where we start counting time.1) In the Bible creation is a reference point in helping to describe eternity.2) Anything existing before creation had no beginning.3) Therefore, it always existed=eternal.4) Anything existing after the destruction of this universe will always exist.5) Man is eternal in the latter sense, but only the divine beings are eternal in both

senses.

“was the Word”

1. We know that “the Word” is a reference to Jesus because of verse 14: “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” 1) Rev 19:13: We read about the victorious Jesus who has conquered his enemies,

and in beautiful symbolism rides on a white horse: “And the name by which He is called is The Word of God.”

2) Gen 1:1 begins with the words, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” John begins his gospel with, “In the beginning was the Word.”

“and the Word was with God”

1. An important word in this sentence is “was.” 1) The scripture does not say that the Word became God or came to God. The

Word was in the beginning with God. 2) Therefore, just as at the beginning of the creation of the world God existed, so

also the Son, the Christ, existed. 3) This simultaneously proves both that Jesus possesses Deity and He is a separate

and distinct living Being from the Father.4) The Word was “with God” in that Jesus was present in the beginning with the

Father, hence, He is a separate individual living Being from the Father. 5) John does not wait to get to the heart of the matter.

“and the Word was God”

1. But also He “was God” in that He Himself possessed Deity.1) To say there is one God is not necessarily saying there is only one individual

Being that possesses Deity. 2) Jesus affirmed that He and His Father are “one” as all believers are to be one

(John 17:20,21) — not one individual, but one in purpose, goal, doctrine, etc.

2. Notice that there is no genealogy, like in the gospel accounts. The reason is clear. 1) John was to start with a very controversial point: Jesus is God.

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2) Jesus is not just a man. Jesus is not a mere prophet. Jesus is not a created being. 3) Jesus, the Son of God, the Word, existed in the beginning, before the world

began. 4) There is no genealogy recorded because he is the eternal God. 5) He has no beginning. He has no end. 6) In the beginning (of time as we know it) the Word already existed (in eternity).

3. The term “God” refers to that which possesses all the characteristics of Deity and therefore deserves to be worshipped and honored as God. 1) The true God of the Bible is one God, but consists of three separate and distinct

individual Beings, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. 2) They all possess unlimited power over the created things, all are eternal and

unlimited in wisdom, goodness, love, etc. 3) There may be some differences among them as regards their relationship to one

another, but as regards their relationship to us the creatures, they are all the same.

4) There is no difference to us whether it is the Father who tells us a matter, or the Son, or the Spirit.

4. These three are “one” in contrast to the heathen deities that possessed different characteristics, different wills, different degrees and areas of power, and often even warred and contradicted one another.1) Some claim Jesus is “a god,” but not God like the Father is God.2) Some, such as Jehovah’s Witnesses, argue that the Greek “was God” has no

definite article before “God,” whereas there is a definite article in “with God.”3) So it is claimed that Jesus is a god in a lesser sense different from the Father.

Hence, the “New World Translation” says, “the word was a god.” 4) However…

All major standard translations say, “the Word was God.” None say “a god.” Hence they contradict the NWT. (See NKJV, KJV, ASV, NASB, RSV, NIV, etc.).

If Jesus is “god” in a lesser sense than the Father, then we would have two different true gods! Clearly Jesus is not a false god; hence He is true God. But if He is “god” in a different sense than the Father, that would violate the passages saying there is one true God!

Many Scriptures use “God” (Gk. θεος) without an article to refer to the true God (Matt 5:9; 6:24; Luke 1:35, 78; John 1:6, 12, 13, 18; Rom 17:17) and many others.

Many Scriptures use “God” both with and without an article in the same context, yet both uses clearly refer to the true God (Matt 4:3,4; 12:28; Luke 20:37, 38; John 3:2; 13:3; Acts 5:29,30; Rom 1:7, 8, 17-19; 2:16,17; 3:5, 22, 23; 4:2,3) etc.

The context of John 1:1-3 shows that Jesus is eternal and created all things. To call Him “God” in such a context must surely mean He is God in the same exalted sense as the Father.

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We will soon see other passages referring to Jesus as “God” using the definite article. If the NWT distinction is valid, then these passages must prove conclusively that Jesus is God in the same sense as the Father.

So John 1:1 refers to both Jesus and the Father as “God” in a context that affirms the eternal existence of Jesus and that He is the Creator of all (1:1-3). This would be blasphemy if He does not possess Deity as the Father does.

[Marshall, Vine, Vincent, Lenski, Robertson, and other Greek scholars contend that the article is absent from “was God” in John 1:1, not to imply that Jesus was a “lesser god,” but simply to identify “God” as the predicate nominative despite the fact it precedes the verb for emphasis (Colwell’s Rule). If it had the definite article, that would imply that “the Word” and the Father are the same person. In any case, the Scriptures listed above clearly show that the lack of the article does not prove Jesus is God in a lesser sense than the Father.]

5. Other passages affirming Jesus’ Deity.1) Col 2:9: “For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily” (NKJV,

KJV, ASV). Or: “For in Him all the fulness of Deity dwells in bodily form” (NASB, RSV, NIV is similar).

2) Heb 1:3: Jesus was “the express image of His [the Father’s] person” (NKJV, KJV) or “the very image of his substance” (ASV), “the exact representation of His nature” (NASB), “the exact representation of his being” (NIV). The context describes Jesus as the Creator, far above the angels so that He

deserves to be worshipped. But only God is properly worshiped, hence Jesus is God in the fullest sense of the word.

God possesses certain characteristics that are so unique that no one but God can possess them (eternal, all-powerful, etc.). If no one but God possesses these, yet Jesus is the exact reproduction of the essence of God’s nature, then He must possess these qualities. But if Jesus possesses all qualities that are unique to God, He must be God, He must possess Deity.

3) Phil 2:6-8: Before coming to earth, Jesus “existed in the form of God” (2:6). This is so translated in KJV, NKJV, ASV, NASB, RSV. NIV says: “being in very nature God.” This must mean that Jesus truly possessed Deity before He came to earth. 2:7: The same word “form” (μορφη) says that He took the form of a

servant. Was Jesus really a servant on earth? Of course He was (Matt 20:28; John 13:1-6; 2 Cor 8:9; Acts 4:27, 30, ASV). It follows that, before He came to earth, He really possessed the nature of God.

4) John 20:28-29: After Thomas saw proof of Jesus’ resurrection, he addressed Jesus as “my Lord and my God” (KJV, NKJV, ASV, NASB, RSV, NEB, NIV). Clearly Thomas is here calling Jesus “God.” Consider: The word for God is θεος with the definite article. According to

their argument on John 1:1, even Jehovah’s Witnesses must admit that this means the one true God, in the same sense as the Father.

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If Jesus did not possess Deity, Thomas’ statement would have been blasphemy, and Jesus should have rebuked Him. Instead, Jesus praised Thomas and pronounced a blessing on everyone who believes the same (20:29)!

5) Heb 1:8: The Father said to Son, “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever” (KJV, NKJV, ASV, NASB, RSV, NEB, NIV). This is a quotation from Psalm 45:6-7, which is translated exactly the same (KJV, NKJV, ASV, NASB, NIV). Note that God the Father Himself is here addressing Jesus as “God” (cf.

Heb 1:1-9). Further “God” here has the definite article so even Witnesses must admit

it refers to the one True God.

2: “He was in the beginning with God.”

1. A repetition of verse one to prevent any misunderstanding.1) “In the beginning” must refer to the beginning of creation. 2) So Jesus existed from eternity with the Father. 3) Note that the use of “was” shows that Jesus already was in existence when the

Creation occurred.4) “With” expresses the closest possible relationship and fellowship. 5) John 17:5: The Father and Jesus are in PERFECT AGREEMENT!

2. The Word has the very same nature as God the Father. 1) The Word was in intimate fellowship with God the Father throughout all

eternity. 2) Where God exists, the Word exists. 3) There is not a time or place when the Word did not exist or when the Word was

not God. There are three proofs that John offers in these first five verses to prove

that Jesus, the Word, the Son of God, is in fact the fully divine God.

B. CHRIST’S RELATIONSHIP TO THE PHYSICAL WORLD: CREATOR (1:3).

3: “All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being.”

1. If you didn’t understand verses 1-2 – then get this.1) Since Jesus existed in the beginning (1-2), He is before everything that was

created. 2) In fact, Jesus created everything that was created, without exception. 3) Nothing was made without Him (1:10; Col 1:16; Heb 1:2; 1 Cor 8:6).

2. The passage does not affirm that Jesus was the only Being involved in the creation. 1) Rather, it says all things were made “through Him.” 2) He was the active force who actually brought all created things into existence.

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3) But He was also acting on behalf of the Father and the Holy Spirit. 4) The fact that all three Beings of the Godhead were present at the creation is

what explains the use of plural pronouns for God (Elohim) in Gen 1:26-27.

3. It follows necessarily that Jesus Himself is eternal.1) He cannot be a created being, as Jehovah’s Witnesses argue. 2) He created everything that was created. 3) This necessarily means that He Himself was not created or else He created

Himself. But He could not have created Himself. Therefore, He must be eternal (Col 1:17).

4. This also affirms His Deity, for if He is the eternal Creator, then He must be God. 1) He is not classed with the created things, but stands apart from us being classed

with the Father and the Spirit.2) Creation is a work of God, yet “nothing” was created “apart from Him.”3) Gen 1; Ps 33:6: The OT attributes creation to the “word” of God.4) Heb 11:3: The NT attributes creation to Jesus=Word—the creative agency of

God.5) Therefore, Jesus is proving His divinity by His works.6) Heb 4:12: The word or power of the word did not cease at creation, but is still

living and active.7) Jesus is not only the Creator but by His power everything is held together

(gravity, atoms, molecules). Any view that presents Jesus as less than the active Creator of all Creation

or less than an eternal Being in the Godhead is a view that contradicts Scripture and denies the exalted truth regarding the nature of Jesus.

C. CHRIST’S RELATIONSHIP TO THE MORAL WORLD: LIFE AND LIGHT (1:4).

4: “In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men.”

1. The first five verses of John’s gospel contain the theme of John’s writing. 1) We are going to read so much about “life” and “light” in this gospel. 2) John’s effort is to prove that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God by showing that

Jesus does what God the Father does. 3) This will be a theme we will notice throughout the gospel. 4) Jesus is God because He is doing what only God can do.

2. In these first five verses we see that Jesus is God because He did only what God can do: create, give life, and give light. 1) These are activities reserved only for the power of God. 2) Since Jesus did these things, then He also is God. 3) This theme becomes the lens by which we must study John’s gospel. 4) We must ask ourselves how Jesus’ teachings or actions parallel what we see

God doing in the Old Testament, therefore proving that Jesus is God.

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5) Therefore John intends that the whole of his gospel should be read in light of this verse. The deeds and words of Jesus are the deeds and words of God” (Pillar New Testament Commentary, 117).

D. CHRIST’S RELATIONSHIP TO DARKNESS: VICTOR (1:5).

5: “The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.”

1. To call Jesus “the light” and “the life” is another way to declare that Jesus is God. 1) These terms were used in the scriptures to describe what God does.2) Life suggests vitality, movement, actions of Deity (man can’t compete with

God). Jesus didn’t just make the material world but is the very SOURCE of all

life.3) Jesus is “the Light of men” Synonym for knowledge and goodness.

He is the teacher of men, He shows and instructs (makes manifest) men how to be saved, proceed without danger, and how to enjoy every blessing.

2. Light is given to dispel darkness.1) Light and darkness are opposites. Or more specifically, darkness is the absence

of light. 2) Darkness exists where light does not exist, but the coming of light eliminates

darkness. 3) Just as Jesus is the source of light, He is the One who dispels darkness.4) Light represents truth and the proper understanding of the meaning of life and

how to please God to receive eternal life. 5) So darkness represents the ignorance of men who do not understand the

purpose of life and how to please God. 6) So darkness comes to represent evil and wickedness that leads to eternal death

instead of eternal life.7) Just as light dispels darkness, so the truth of Jesus can eliminate wickedness

from the lives of men and lead them to eternal life instead of eternal punishment. Yet the light sent from God was not comprehended by the darkness.

“and the darkness did not comprehend (overpower; overcome), ESV) it.”

1. Without Jesus, we are lost in the darkness of this world. 1) We are lost in our own wisdom, our own futility of life, and our own foolish

thinking. 2) We are so lost in our minds and hearts that we think we have life right now. 3) We are so deluded by Satan that we think we have all that we need while we

are sitting in this darkness. Listen to how Paul described this condition.

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Rom 1:21: “For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened.”Eph 4:18: “being darkened in their understanding, excluded from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the hardness of their heart;”2 Cor 4:4-6: “in whose case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving so that they might not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. 5 For we do not preach ourselves but Christ Jesus as Lord, and ourselves as your bond-servants for Jesus’ sake. 6 For God, who said, ‘Light shall shine out of darkness,’ is the One who has shone in our hearts to give the Light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.” Satan, through the ways and schemes of this world, has blinded us from

seeing the light of Jesus. We are sitting in the darkness, thinking that we have all the answers, not recognizing that we are in the dark! Have you ever sat in a room reading or watching television or something like that in the late afternoon. You did not need the lights on because the light from outside was strong enough. As the afternoon wanes the darkness grows, but you do not notice it. Your eyes simply continue to adjust to the darkness, not recognizing how the darkness is encompassing you. Suddenly someone turns on the light and you recognize how dark it truly was in the room. But up to that point you did not see the darkness you were in. You had no motivation to seek the light because you thought you could see, even though you were encompassed by the darkness.

This is what it is like to live in this world. We think we have light. We think that we have the wisdom and knowledge we need because the darkness is slowing closing in around us. Jesus is the light. Jesus is the light that shines in the darkness so that we can see. Only in Jesus can we have direction and can our hearts be enlightened. Only in Jesus can our hearts have spiritual perception and understanding. Otherwise, we are sitting in the dark room not realizing that we cannot see.

2. Light is crucial. We are dead and cannot see the way. 1) Jesus came to shine in the darkness. He exposes the works of darkness. 2) Where there is no light, there is no vision, no view of reality, no direction, and

no guidance. 3) Jesus is the light. The world of darkness does not understand Jesus and does not

overcome Him. Light always overpowers darkness. There is never a time when you turn on the light and the darkness is not

vanquished. Light always overpowers the darkness. Christ overcomes the powers of darkness through His life and death on the

cross. The darkness would not be victorious over Christ. The light and the darkness came into bitter and decisive conflict and the

darkness could not prevail. Jesus always overcomes. Jesus is always victorious.

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3. The word of God is often pictured as the light.Prov 6:23: “For the commandment is a lamp and the teaching is light; and reproofs for discipline are the way of life.”Ps 18:28: “For You light my lamp; the Lord my God illumines my darkness.”Ps 119:105: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”1) Until the arrival of Jesus, the light had been put out. 2) Not only was the world full of sin, but the nation of Israel had lost its way and

no longer represented the light to the nations as it was instructed to be. 3) This lack of light is seen in that God no longer sent a light to the people any

longer.

4. Mal 4:4-6: For more than 400 years God did not send a prophet. 1) No one was speaking the inspired word of the Lord. 2) The nation had been left in darkness because they had turned away from the

Lord. 3) Jewish writers of the first century understood themselves to be lacking the light

of God. Babylonian Talmud, Yomah 9b: “After the latter prophets Haggai,

Zechariah, and Malachi had died, the Holy Spirit departed from Israel, but they still availed themselves of the voice from heaven.”

Josephus, Against Apion: “From Artaxerxes to our own times a complete history has been written, but has not been deemed worthy of equal credit with the earlier records, because of the failure of the exact succession of the prophets.”

1 Maccabees: “So they tore down the altar and stored the stones in a convenient place on the temple hill until there should come a prophet to tell what to do with them.”

5. To this point the author has used past tenses (imperfects, aorists); now he switches to a present. 1) The light continually shines (thus the NET translates, “The light shines on in

the darkness”). 2) Even as the author writes, it is shining. 3) It expresses the timeless truth that the light of the world (8:12, 9:5, 12:46)

never ceases to shine. 4) Therefore we stand in a great time in human history, along with everyone who

has lived once Christ came to the earth. 5) The eternal message of God has been revealed through the life and teachings of

Jesus. 6) Christ sent the Holy Spirit to guide His apostles into the full revelation of

God’s truth, who wrote that message down for us. As Peter would confess, “You have the words of eternal life” (John 6:68).

7) Eph 1:18: Now the eyes of your heart can be enlightened and you can comprehend the will of the Lord. Give your full devotion to the word of God.

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It is the light you need in this dark world. It will restore your soul and give you life if you will let the Spirit’s words

reach your heart.

6. Finally, this imagery should capture our hearts in understanding when Jesus, who called Himself light, then calls His disciples “lights in the world” (Matt 5:14-16). 1) Phil 2:14-16: Christians are to “…appear as lights in the world, holding fast

the words of life…” We have a great charge to be kept. Shine as lights in the darkness of this

world by holding fast to the word of life. Live in a way that shows you are lights. Do not let your light be made dim

by sin and by the weights of the world that hold us back from shining bright.

E. CHRIST’S RELATIONSHIP TO JOHN THE BAPTIST: TRUE LIGHT (1:6-9, 15).

6: “There came a man sent from God, whose name was John.”

1. John did not come about his task on his own. 1) John was sent by God. 2) John was divinely commissioned to be the first witness.

7: “He came as a witness, to testify about the Light, so that all might believe through him.”

1. The apostle John cites his first witness to give testimony to the truth of John’s proposition regarding who Jesus is. 1) John the Baptist was sent from God to be a witness to the light.

2. John is a human witness sent from God. 1) Keep this in mind: John’s purpose is to testify to the Light. 2) This is very important to the theme of John’s gospel. 3) Bearing witness only occurs twice in all three synoptic gospels combined. 4) However, bearing witness occurs 33 times in John’s gospel.

Remember the objective that the author has in this gospel (John 20:30-31).

3. John is saying to listen to him so that you will believe in Jesus. 1) John’s role as the witness was to recognize the true Light when it appeared and

call attention to it “so that all might believe.” 2) This belief is not merely acknowledgement, which we will notice throughout

this gospel. 3) Believing in Jesus means to recognize who Jesus is, to put one’s trust fully in

him for deliverance, and commit one’s self completely to the Light.

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4) If you will, John as a witness is to bring people to recognize the light.

4. Note the emphasis, especially in the gospel of John but also throughout the New Testament, on the concept of testifying or giving evidence (witness). 1) God does not expect men to just accept Jesus and His message as being true

without evidence. 2) John is writing to provide us evidence, and he begins the book making this

point. We will see the concept of evidence again and again throughout the book.

8: “He was not the Light, but he came to testify about the Light.”

1. He himself was not the Light, but he was a witness to testify about the Light, so that all might believe.John 5:35: “He was the lamp that was burning and was shining and you were willing to rejoice for a while in his light.”1) The moon reflects light from the sun.2) The moon testifies concerning the sun but it is not the true light.3) John was loyal to the Light.4) The true light-bearer must be sure that he helps men see what they ought to see.5) The author wants to emphasize John’s subordination to the light. 6) This first chapter will make this point a number of times. 7) John is not the light and he is in submission to the light.

2. Successful servants of Jesus understand their proper role: to point to the light. We do not point to ourselves. We do not glorify ourselves. 1) Successful servants of Jesus point to the light. We glorify Jesus. We point

people to Jesus. We show people Jesus. 2) As we live, we simply point to the One greater than us. Our teaching must

always point to Jesus. Our lives always show glory to Jesus. We must continue to point people to the light. We cannot walk in the light

of Jesus and then put that light under a basket, hiding it from others. We must shine.

9: “There was the true Light which, coming into the world, enlightens every man.”

1. Though John was not the true source of light, yet the “true light” did exist and did come into the world. 1) It made light available to every man.

2. Jesus was already called the light (1:5). 1) However, the author wants to emphasize that Jesus is the genuine light. 2) The word translated “true” is used 28 times in the New Testament, 23 of those

times occur in this gospel.

3. The word refers to what is real and genuine.

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1) The author is implying a contrast between what is falsely described or falsely offered as the light.

2) There are many things that are portrayed to the world as light, that is, the thing that will bring enlightenment, deliverance, freedom, or release.

3) Philosophy has been touted to be the light. 4) Various religions and teachings have tried to claim to be the light. 5) Opinions are not the light. Our thoughts are not the light. Our words are not the

light.6) There were many false Messiahs through the centuries claiming to be the light.7) There are so many claims to giving light to the soul, but Jesus is the true light.

4. He is the “true light” that enlightens every person. 1) Everyone has opportunity to be enlightened by the light. 2) The light did not shine to just a few. 3) The light shined to the whole world. 4) The light is not limited. This is true about light.

It is not possible to turn on the light in this room just for me and it not shine for you also.

5. Isa 49:5–6: “And now says the Lord, who formed Me from the womb to be His Servant, to bring Jacob back to Him, so that Israel might be gathered to Him (For I am honored in the sight of the Lord, and My God is My strength),6 He says, ‘It is too small a thing that You should be My Servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob and to restore the preserved ones of Israel; I will also make You a light of the nations so that My salvation may reach to the end of the earth.’ ”1) Jesus is this light. He is the true light to restore Israel and act as a beacon to the

nations so that the salvation of the Lord may reach the ends of the earth. 2) Jesus is the fulfillment of the Messianic expectation of “the coming one.”

He is the one who was “coming into the world.”

F. CHRIST’S RELATIONSHIP TO HUMANITY: GIFT (1:10-11).

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

1. Note that, if men are ignorant, it is ultimately man’s fault. 1) Physical darkness has no choice but to give way to the light. 2) But men in darkness do have a choice whether or not they will recognize and

accept spiritual light. 3) The problem is not that truth was unrevealed or cannot be understood.

The light did shine. The problem was that men chose not to accept it (John 3:19-21).

2. There is no excuse for people who do not know truth and do not recognize Jesus. 1) He is the Creator, the One who made us all, and yet men don’t recognize or

honor Him! 36

2) The great irony that the Creator of the world was not recognized by His own creation (Rom 1:20).

3) Imagine a created work that becomes so egotistical that it somehow denies and even rejects its own maker. That is how the world treated Jesus.

3. John writes this having the benefit of the historical knowledge that Jesus eventually was killed. 1) Since people ended up rejecting Him, John sets out to prove that He really was

who He claimed to be and people therefore should not reject Him.

11: “He came to His own, and those who were His own did not receive Him.”

1. Not only did the world in general not recognize Jesus, though it had been made by Him, yet even His own people did not recognize and receive Him. 1) This includes especially the fact that the Jews killed Jesus (though even more

may be implied).2) Beginning with Abraham and following through his descendants and the

prophets, the Messiah had been promised again and again. 3) He was the promised blessing on all nations to come through Abraham’s seed.4) He was the great Christ promised to come as David’s descendant.

2. The Jewish people were all looking for Him, but when He came, they did not recognize Him, but rejected and killed Him. 1) This fact had been predicted in many Old Testament prophesies and was the

point of many of Jesus’ own parables (Luke 24:46).2) The irony increases! The world was made by Jesus, yet the world rejected its

own Creator. 3) And the special people of God who, of all people, ought to have recognized the

Christ, yet killed Him! The builders rejected the chief cornerstone (1 Pet 2:7).

G. CHRIST’S RELATIONSHIP TO BELIEVERS: AUTHORITY (1:12-13).

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

1. In the midst of this sorrowful, condemning statement which leads one to think that all hope is lost, there is yet a glimmer of hope offered. 1) Not everyone rejected the light. Some went against the trend of rejection by

receiving Him. 2) The world’s hatred of God and rejection of Christ cannot overrule or thwart

God’s plan. 3) Sometimes we ask the question why God would create humans knowing that

they would reject Him and sin. Perhaps this is part of the answer.

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God knew that after sending His Son to redeem us from sin that some would receive Him.

2. Though many did not receive Him, however, some did receive Him by believing in Him. 1) To these He gave a great blessing. He gave them “the right (authority) to

become (not to be) children of God.”2) However, contrary to popular belief, the verse does not say that a person

automatically and immediately becomes a child of God at the point of faith or simply because he believes.

3) Other passages show that, in order to be born again (3:3-5) as a child of God, one must also obey God. In particular, one must be baptized.

4) What this passage actually says is that believing gives one the right to become a child of God. He is not yet a child of God, but he has the right to become one if he

exercises his right.

3. The word “right” can also be understood as “freedom” or “authority.” 1) They were given the freedom or the authority to become God’s children. 2) Divine authorization is given to them to become what no human effort could

accomplish. Only God can do this. 3) We cannot authorize ourselves to become God’s children. 4) We have no right to be his children. We are in the darkness. 5) We have been blinded by the god of this world. We are full of sin.

We have no rights. We have no freedom for we are enslaved to sin.

4. To those who receive him Jesus gives the right and privilege to become God’s covenant people, a privilege lost by the Messiah’s own people. 1) There is a change of status that occurs. 2) We are moving from darkness to light. 3) The author of this gospel will describe this change as passing from death to life

(John 5:24). 4) We have been given the privilege to become the covenant people of God.

13: “who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.”

1. Notice there are three negatives to make sure we fully understand what it means to be born of God.

“born not of blood”

1. This right does not come by blood lineage. 1) Being born a Jew does not give this right. 2) Being a physical descendant of Abraham does not provide the authority to

become a child of God. 3) There is no hope or rights by tracing your lineage.

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The Jews thought that by tracing their lineage to Abraham that they were children of God (Luke 3:8).

The apostle John announces that this is not the case.

“born nor of the will of the flesh”

1. In addition, the works of the flesh do not bring the right to be a child of God. 1) None of our external efforts can cause this to happen. 2) The Jews believed that their various external works brought them into a

relationship with God. 3) They believed that the works of the flesh, like circumcision and the keeping of

various ceremonial laws like eating clean and avoiding unclean foods, placed them in this covenant relationship.

4) But there is no act that we can take that authorizes us to become children of God. We are lost in our sins. We are in the darkness. We are dead in our sins and trespasses. We are outside the covenant because we are violators. We are born not of the will of man.

5) It does not matter how much you want to be in a relationship with Jesus. You could want to be a child all you want, but you have a problem. You

still have a sin problem. Desire does not overcome our sins. You can be as good as you want to be, try as hard as you can, want to be

with God but your condition before God does not change. The problem of sin remains the same.

“but (born) of God”

1. This is God’s doing. God has done through Jesus what no one could do. 1) We needed help and that is why the Light was sent into the world. 2) Only the blood of Jesus is able to move us from the status of dead in our sins to

children of God. Our heritage does not move us from death to life. Our desire does not move us from being dead in our sins to being children

of God. No system of works can change our state before God.

2. The concept of being “born of God” is an important theme is John’s writings. 1) The phrase “born of God” is found nine times in John’s epistle. 2) In this gospel, John will explore the idea of being born of God more thoroughly

in chapter 3 when Jesus speaks with Nicodemus. 3) Being born of God is the way to transition from darkness to light, from death to

life, from dead in sins to children of God.

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4) Receiving Jesus is the only way to become children of God, which means that we surrender our lives to follow Him because He is the foundation of our faith, our hope, and our very lives. Since we are born of God, notice what John says in his letter about how

such people live.

3. This is another way of saying they could be spiritually born again (see notes on 3:3ff for a deeper discussion of being born again). 1) Jesus has the right (power) to give people a new birth because life is in Him

(1:4). 2) What an incredible blessing! We can be made children of God by being born

again into His spiritual family, which is the church (1 Tim 3:15; Acts 2:41, 47).

3) No founder of any other religious system can make good on such a claim. 4) Only Jesus can make children of God (John 14:6: Acts 4:12). 5) Without Him every man is powerless to enter God’s favor.

4. But we must believe in Him. 1) It follows that those who do not believe in Jesus as the one true Savior cannot

be born again – they do not have the right (power) to become children of God, but will die in their sins (John 8:24; Mark 16:16).

2) For other passages about the new birth (John 3:1-7; 1 Pet 1:22-25; Rom 6:3, 5; 2 Cor 5:17; Gal 3:26-27).

3) For other passages about the need for believing in Jesus, see: Heb 10:39; 11:1, 4-8,17, 30; Rom 1:16; 4:19-21; 5:1-2; 10:9-10, 13-17; Gal 5:6; 2 Cor 5:7; Jas 2:14-26; John 3:15-18; 8:24; 20:30-31; Mark 16:15-16.

H. CHRIST’S RELATIONSHIP TO THE FATHER: REVELATION (1:14-18).

14: “And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw (beheld) His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.”

“And the Word”

1. This verse clearly identifies who “the Word” is as discussed in context. 1) The Word was introduced in (1:1-5), but here finally we are told that this Word

is “the only begotten of the Father.” 2) He is not named until verse 17, yet here verse 14 identifies Him to be Jesus.3) Verse 18 refers to Him as the “only begotten Son” (John 3:16). 4) This is confirmed by verses 19-34, which show that Jesus is the one John

testified about.

2. We must examine why Jesus is called “The Word.” 1) Consider that there are many descriptive terms that the Holy Spirit could have

used through John to describe Jesus. 2) He could have been called the light, the life, or some other term.

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3) But the term given to the Son of God is the Word. What is being communicated by calling Jesus the Word?

3. In keeping with the theme of this gospel, God’s word is what brings things into existence and brought the world into being. 1) To call the Son of God by the term “the Word” denotes that creative power of

God that must have been there in the beginning. 2) The Word must have been there before creation because it is through the Word

that the whole universe was spoken in existence.

4. The other important aspect of the Son of God being called the Word is that the Word reflects the one who speaks. 1) A person’s words are the means by which people reveal what they are thinking.2) 2 Cor 2:9-13: You do not know what is in my mind unless I communicate my

thoughts to you. 3) Therefore, the Word is the revelation of the mind of God. 4) The Word reveals the very nature of God. 5) Jesus is God’s Word for us. 6) Because Jesus is the eternal Word of God, and because “the Word became

flesh and dwelt among us”, we are able to know God. This is the very point the writer of Hebrews makes as he begins his letter

(Heb 1:1-2).

5. John called Jesus the Word (logos). Originally – word, speech, account, reason.1) This Greek word was used to express reason and speech.2) We think and reveal thoughts in words.3) Words are sounds which convey thoughts. Words have thoughts behind them.4) Words are necessary vehicles to transfer thought from one mind to another.5) Words take the thoughts in my mind and are put into your mind.6) God chose words to be our means of communication (2 Cor 2:9-13).7) Heb 1:1-2: God has made His will, thoughts, commands known through His

Son.

6. The meaning of logos evolved through time.1) 500 BC – the principle for order and knowledge.2) 350 BC – argument from reason, reasoned discourse.3) 300 BC – active reason pervading/animating the universe4) 30 BC - 50 AD – an intermediary divine being between God and creation.

Jerome, other Christian writers were frustrated with translating the term.7. John’s application: The Word (logos) was God \ Deity.

1) 1:3: Creator2) 1:4: Life giver3) 1:5: Light source

“became flesh”

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1. Please notice that the Word did not cease being the Word=Deity=God. 1) He did not cease to be what He was from the very beginning. 2) 1:18: “the only begotten God” (not Son): Oldest and best manuscripts.3) The Word only added to himself that He came to the realm of the flesh as flesh.4) Everything that has been attributed to the Word, as the eternal God and in

whom is light and life, is now applied with the same absoluteness and exclusiveness to the man, Jesus. We now know with certainty that John is writing about Jesus.

2. This One “became flesh and dwelt among us.” 1) Here is a clear statement of the incarnation of Christ. Though He was God from

the beginning (1:1), yet He took upon Himself the form of man and was born in the flesh (Phil. 2:5-9). This explains how the “Light” came into the world (1:9).

3. The concept of God coming to earth as a man is an incredible doctrine and in many ways beyond our comprehension. 1) Yet it is clearly taught here and in many passages. 2) This is the consequence of the Virgin Birth, as Jesus was born as the fleshly

son of Mary (human), yet conceived in her womb by the Holy Spirit – Deity uniting with man in Jesus Christ. See Luke 1:26-38, especially v. 35; Matt 1:18-25.

4. In particular, there were apparently some (perhaps Gnostics) who denied that God ever could or over did take on the body of a man. 1) John here and elsewhere, especially in 1 John, clearly identifies this belief as

false doctrine, even the anti-Christ. 2) It is serious error to deny that Jesus possessed the full nature of Deity, but it is

also serious error to deny that He came in the flesh as a man. For other passages showing that Jesus truly came in a bodily form as a

man see Phil 2:5-8; 2 John 7; 1 John 4:2; Rom 8:3; 1 Timothy 3:16; 1 Pet 3:18; 4:1; Eph 2:15; Col 1:21,22; Heb 2:9-15. This concept is often called the Incarnation.

“and dwelt among us”

1. The Greek word for “dwelt” is skenoo which means a tent or tabernacle. 1) If we were to translate with awkward English, we would say that the Word

became flesh and pitched his tent with us, or tented; tabernacled with us. 2) The imagery is not merely that God lived with us. We saw that point made back

in verses 10 and 11.

2. Recall as we began this study we observed that John is trying to cause all to believe that Jesus is the Son of God (John 20:31). 1) We noted that the way he would do this was by proving Jesus is God by

showing that Jesus does what God did in the Old Testament.

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2) We saw this with the very first words of the gospel which did not read, “In the beginning God,” but “In the beginning was the Word.”

3) The Word is God because the Word created all things. The Word is God because He tabernacled with us. The point is that a new Sinai has occurred.

3. Exodus 33-34 is the primary reference point for this parallel. 1) God gives the law from Mount Sinai a second time and reveals His character

and glory to Moses. 2) Our first point of parallel is: Just as the Law came from God which revealed the

character and glory of God, now the Word has come from God which reveals the character and glory of God.

3) Our second point of parallel is: Just as God “tabernacled” with His people in the wilderness, the Word “tabernacle” with His people, perhaps particularly referring to the apostles who are witnesses of the new exodus accomplished in Jesus.

4) In the wilderness we see God in His glory dwelling with His people as a pillar of cloud and fire above the tabernacle. More importantly, when the tabernacle was constructed, notice what

occurred:Ex 40:34–35: “Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle. 35 Moses was not able to enter the tent of meeting because the cloud had settled on it, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle.”

The same thing happens when the temple is constructed.2 Chron 7:1–3: “Now when Solomon had finished praying, fire came down from heaven and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices, and the glory of the Lord filled the house. 2 The priests could not enter into the house of the Lord because the glory of the Lord filled the Lord’s house. 3 All the sons of Israel, seeing the fire come down and the glory of the Lord upon the house, bowed down on the pavement with their faces to the ground, and they worshiped and gave praise to the Lord, saying, ‘Truly He is good, truly His lovingkindness is everlasting.’ ”

“and we saw (beheld) His glory”

1. So this is an allusion to the fact that God’s presence in the Old Testament dwelt in the tabernacle, where men could come and see His glory (Ex 25:8; 2 Sam 7:6; Ex 16:7, 10; 29:43; 40:34-35; Lev 9:6, 23; Num 14:10; 16:19, 42; 20:6). 1) So likewise in the New Testament, Jesus came to earth and dwelt in a physical

body where men would behold His glory. 2) Deity manifested itself so men could be overwhelmed by the evidence of His

greatness.

2. John affirms that he and others beheld Jesus’ glory. 1) Here is a claim that John himself was an eyewitness.

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2) He did not just hear about Jesus’ glory as a rumor or legend handed down for many generations.

3) But he personally examined that glory for himself. This is the strength of Bible evidence for Jesus: personal eyewitnesses

testify what they saw. John will reaffirm this personal testimony several times in the book and in

his other books.

3. Please notice that the people of Israel understood the glory of the Lord filling the temple as God’s grace, steadfast love, and goodness. 1) The glory of the Lord was dwelling with His people. But what happens later in

Israel’s history is sad. 2) The people are full of sin and violate the covenant with God. 3) Ezek 10:4, 18; 11:22-23: The prophet Ezekiel comes on the scene and sees in

his visions the glory of the Lord leaving the temple. 4) But Ezekiel prophesies of a hopeful time when the glory of the Lord will return

to his temple (Ezekiel 43:4–5; 44:4).5) Hag 2:6-9: Haggai commanded the people by the word of the Lord with

encouraging words to rebuild the temple.

4. But there is the curious thing about these prophecies looking forward to the day when the glory of the Lord would return to the temple. 1) When the people returned from Babylonian exile and built the temple in the

days of Zerubbabel, we do not read of the glory of the Lord filling this temple.

2) The word “glory” does not appear in the books of Ezra or Nehemiah which chronicle the return from exile.

3) But Haggai had promised the return of God’s glory to the temple. 4) However, the people built the temple and nothing happened. No return of

God’s glory. No filling of the temple. Nothing. 5) Now listen to the words of John verse 14: “And the Word became flesh,

and dwelt among us, and we saw (beheld) His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.”

5. Ezekiel saw the glory of the Lord return to the people in the imagery of the glory of the Lord filling the temple. 1) Haggai said that the latter glory of this house would be greater than the former. 2) The former glory was immense because Solomon built a temple that was filled

with gold and precious stones. 3) Further, God filled that temple with His glory. 4) But the future glory of the temple would be greater!

Jesus, the Word, was that future glory. Jesus is where God and humanity meet. Jesus is the revealing of the glory of God.

6. The glory of the Lord that left his people because of their sins has returned. 44

1) The glory of the Lord, that did not return when Zerubbabel led the rebuilding of the temple and did not return when Herod beautified and expanded the temple, has now been seen.

2) The glory of the Lord that had not been observed for hundreds of years has been shown to the world once more. “We have seen His glory!”

3) Ex 33:18: Notice what Moses asked to see. He did not ask to see God, but asked to see God’s glory. What did God say would pass before Moses?

Ex 33:19: “And He said, ‘I Myself will make all My goodness pass before you, and will proclaim the name of the Lord before you; and I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show compassion on whom I will show compassion.’ ”

“glory as of the only begotten from the Father”

1. John 17:5: Jesus had glory with the Father before the world began, and that He would return to that glory after He left earth. 1) So the glory that Jesus showed while on earth, great as it was, did not appear to

men in the full glory of Deity that He truly possessed. 2) He often appeared simply as a man; though the greatness of His real nature

sometimes showed through, such as in the Transfiguration (Matt 17:1-5). 3) Yet on earth He humbled Himself and made Himself of no reputation so He

could serve as a man (Phil 2:5-9). 4) So the glory John and others saw while Jesus was on earth is, even so, just a

partial revelation of His full greatness.

2. “Only begotten” does not mean God created Jesus or brought Him into existence, as some claim. The point is not at all the idea that the Word was physically a descendant of God the Father. 1) 1:3: Showed Jesus Himself is eternal and created everything that was created;

hence, He must be eternal. The phrase could refer to Jesus’ begettal when He was made incarnate in

the virgin birth Isa 7:14, Immanuel=God with us). But the term primarily refers to a father-son relationship which is so close

it is unique, shared by no one else (1:18; John 3:16; 1 John 4:9).

3. The Greek word is monogenes which means “to being the only one of its kind within a specific relationship, one and only, only; to being the only one of its kind or class, unique (in kind)” (BDAG Greek Lexicon). 1) This is why most translations read “the only Son” or “the one and only Son”

(ESV) to communicate the uniqueness of the person of the Word and the uniqueness of the relationship the Word has with the Father (which is further pressed in 1:18).

2) The Word has no equal. He is able to fully reveal the Father, like no one else. God’s personal revelation of Himself has no parallel elsewhere, nor has it ever been repeated.

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3) Jesus can reveal the Father (1:18) in a way no one else can do, and He Himself possesses glory that belongs to no one else (John 17:5; cf. Heb 1:3).

4. The full glory of God is seen in Jesus! 1) All other revelations of God’s glory had been partial. 2) But now God has revealed himself through the Son in an unparalleled manner.

How amazing! How precious! But what did the people see when they saw Jesus? Isa 53:3-4: “He was despised and forsaken of men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief; and like one from whom men hide their face He was despised, and we did not esteem Him. 4 Surely our griefs He Himself bore, and our sorrows He carried; yet we ourselves esteemed Him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.” It was not in the physical body of Jesus that there was anything glorious to

see. 3) But the glory was seen in His teachings, in His miracles, in His love, in His

actions, and in all that he said and did.

5. Real greatness and real glory does not need to assert itself and is not found in pomp, pageantry, and show. 1) Real glory is seen in the Word leaving His exalted place and doing the lowly

thing, becoming a servant. 2) In fact, in John’s gospel we will see Jesus describe His coming execution on

the cross as the time when He would be glorified (John 7:39; 12:16; 12:23; 17:1). People did not see His glory. They only saw shame. They considered

“Him stricken and smitten of God. 3) Jesus saw the shame as the means to be glorified.

In that way He performed the ultimate service: He took away the sin of the world.

John is saying that this is what real glory means. Jesus had no need to come to earth. He might have retained all the joy and

splendor of heaven. But He left it. And when He came to earth there was no need for him to live in poverty

and rejection. But he did it. And when He came to the end of His life He was not compelled to die the

painful and shameful death of the cross. But He did. Could anything be more glorious?

6. We see that for us as for Him real glory is in lowly service. 1) The Christian way is not a way in which we look of people to praise us, to

recognize us for what we think is the full extent of our merit. 2) Real glory rather is finding some useful piece of service, no matter how lowly,

and doing it as well as we can. 3) Unless we see that, we do not understand what Christian service is.

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4) The call to Christian service is not a call to occupy some comfortable and eminent place.

5) It is not the suggestion that if we go along in the right way, everyone will speak well of us.

6) The call of Christian service is a call to take up our cross daily and to walk in the steps of Him who for our sake took up His cross.”

“And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw (beheld) His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.”

“full of grace and truth”

1. When God revealed His glory to Moses, He revealed that His character was abounding in covenant love and faithfulness. 1) What does John say that we see when we see the glory of the Word? 2) We see the Word “full of grace and truth.” 3) In Jesus we see God abounding in covenant love and faithfulness. 4) This is the idea of “truth” that John is driving at. 5) The Jewish concept of truth was not merely knowledge but stressed one being

true to his word (as we would say). 6) Truth speaks to integrity. God is faithful to His word and that faithfulness and

truth is seen in the Word. In Jesus we have seen the glory of the Father, full of grace and truth.

2. The entire mission of Jesus was one of “grace” (favor we don’t deserve) He was bestowing upon us, which no one deserved (Rom 3:9-13; 23).1) Whereas the Law of Moses was based on the shadows, and operated on the

basis of law that demanded perfect obedience or punishment for guilt.

3. “Truth” is that which conforms to facts.1) In Christ, there is nothing false or contrary to actual facts.2) He never misleads one contrary to what is true.3) Eph 1:10: Christ is the reality of which all things before Him were mere

shadows, copies, and figures (Heb 9:9, 23; 10:1).4) Jesus brought the true blood to cleanse and forgive the guilty, not because of

what they have done, but as a gift (grace).15: “John testified about Him and cried out, saying, ‘This was He of whom I said, “He who

comes after me has a higher rank than I, for He existed before me.” ’ ”

1. How can He be both before and after John at the same time?1) The gospel declares that though John’s public ministry preceded Jesus,

John was preparing the way for the ministry of another prophet and teacher (1:6-8).

2) But this One, whose earthly ministry would follow John’s, had actually existed long before John. In fact, He is eternal (1:1-3).

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3) Because of His eternal existence and Deity, He has priority or preferred position. He has a more exalted position with far greater authority and honor.

4) Therefore, John is not the light and is not important. Jesus is important and John is pointing to Jesus as the eternal light and life

(Isa 7:14, “Immanuel”=God with us).

2. From physical birth, John was older, but Jesus was pre-eminent, and John humbly recognized this (1:20, 26f, 30ff, 36). This statement from John is directly applied to Jesus in 1:30, 36).

3. Despite the claims of some then and now, John at no point made any effort to seek for himself a position above or even equal to that of Jesus. 1) The author here makes clear that John himself knew his proper position. 2) He came to prepare the way for another, who was greater than He was. 3) Yet the One for whom He prepared the way had preeminence because of pre-

existence, as well as because of His exalted position.

16: “For of His fullness we have all received, and grace upon grace.”

1. What John says in verses 16-17 should change or clarify our view of how God dealt with people in the days of the Old Testament. 1) In Jesus, God unveiled the full measure of grace and truth. 2) But John does not picture the time before Jesus as a time lacking grace and

blessing. 3) Rather, grace has been added to grace. What does it mean that grace was added

to grace?

2. What we receive comes from that which filled Jesus.1) We have just been told that Jesus was full of grace and truth (1:14). 2) Now we are told that we humans can receive that which comes from or made

up this fullness (that which filled Him). 3) He was filled with grace, and we may partake of that grace. 4) He was filled with truth, and we may partake of that truth (see more on 1:17).5) Other references to the fullness that filled Christ (Col 1:19; 2:9; Eph 3:19;

4:13; 1:22-23).6) But Jesus has provided “grace upon grace” multiplied favors that we do not

deserve. God has not skimped in His blessings to us through Jesus. He has not

given of His leftovers or lesser blessings. He has given us favors multiplied by and heaped upon favors.

This is what we receive from God’s unlimited storehouse. How many favors has Christ done for us? Depends on how long you have

been a Christian. God grace is only “realized through Jesus Christ (Acts 4:12).

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17: “For the Law was given through Moses; grace and truth were realized through Jesus Christ.”

1. 1:17: “For” John explains what he means here. 1) John does not paint the law in a negative light, but he described the law as the

first grace that was offered.2) The Law of Moses revealed grace in a number of ways. 3) We must never forget the occasion of God giving His law to Israel. 4) He had just delivered them from Egyptian slavery. 5) God had just shown His power against Israel’s oppressors and had set them

free. 6) Grace was already flowing toward Israel.

The Law of Moses reveals God’s grace in many ways.

2. First, the law revealed the character, nature, and will of God. 1) The law was a detailed explanation of God’s demands. 2) God did not leave His people in the dark about who He was and what he

desired. 3) It was gracious for God to reveal himself through the law.

This is one of the misconceptions we continue to have about the scriptures and about God’s laws. We often look at God’s laws as a bunch of rules given by a cosmic dictator trying to tell us what to do.

Instead, we need to see the scriptures and the laws of God as grace. God is revealing Himself to us. God is telling us about himself.

God is telling us what we must become if we are going to have a relationship with our Creator.

4) Law is not in opposition to grace but is the extension of grace, the revealing of grace. Israel’s deliverance under the first redeemer, Moses, issued the gift of the

Law. The Law was given to the people. It was not a burden. The Law was the revelation of God’s will for His

people.

3. Second, the Law revealed the truth about ourselves. 1) The Law was gracious because it showed where the people stood before God.2) The Law revealed their shortcomings. 3) The Law declared the character of God so that their hearts would be illumined

that they fell short of his character. In this we truly see grace. The Law revealed sins and revealed that the

people were law breakers. 4) But God did not judge the people immediately for their sins. God did not

destroy people for every sin they committed. Grace was extended to the people. Grace was being offered, allowing the

people to repent and offer sacrifices so that the people would see the gravity of their sins.

5) Fire did not come down from heaven and consume every person for every sin.

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We see that happen on a few occasions toward those who were standing in rebellion to God.

But that was not the stance God had toward the world, nor toward His people.

6) Grace was being offered through the Law of Moses in that though the people did not obey the law, God continued to have a relationship with His people. God continued to bless His people though they were violators of the law.

7) This is the very point the apostle Paul was making about God.Rom 3:25: “whom God displayed publicly as a propitiation in His blood through faith. This was to demonstrate His righteousness, because in the forbearance of God He passed over the sins previously committed;” Passing over sins is grace. God was being gracious to the people

throughout their history.

4. But now we are receiving the fullness of grace through Jesus Christ. 1) Through Jesus God has revealed the full measure of grace. 2) God’s faithfulness has its ultimate fruition in Jesus. 3) God’s character of grace and truth (faithfulness) was revealed with the giving

of the law but was fully revealed and made available to all people through Christ. To parallel the exodus, the redemption brought by the second Redeemer

(Jesus Christ) was a deeper revelation of God and the fullest experience of salvation, grace, and covenant faithfulness.

4) God had been giving grace but now the ultimate reality of grace has been bestowed through Jesus. God’s grace and faithfulness are seen in Jesus. This thought leads us to the uniqueness of Jesus.

5. Moses’ message is contrasted to that of Jesus. Each man was a great leader who revealed a major religious system. Moses revealed the Old Testament; Jesus revealed the New Testament. 1) The characteristic of Moses’ message, which is emphasized here, was law —

commandments to guide men’s conduct. The features of Jesus’ message, which are emphasized here, are grace and truth (1:14).

6. Does this mean there was no grace under Moses’ revelation and that Jesus’ revelation contains no law? 1) Well, did Moses’ revelation contain “truth”? Surely it did. 2) So the point of the passage is not to deny that Moses’ law contained grace and

truth, nor is it intended to deny that Jesus’ message can be characterized as law.3) The point of the verse is to contrast unique or dominant features of each

revelation, which result in a different emphasis between the two.4) To use this verse to deny that there was grace in Moses’ law would be a

perversion. Likewise, it perverts the verse to use it to claim that Jesus’ revelation is

not a law and contains no commands we must follow!

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5) That the New Testament is a law containing commands we must obey to be saved is made clear (Matt 7:21-27; 22:36-39; John 14:15, 21-24; Acts 10:34-35; Rom 2:6-10; 6:17-18; Heb 5:9; 10:39; 11:8, 30; Gal 5:6; 2 Thes 1:8-9; Jas 1:21-25; 2:14-26; Luke 6:46; 1 Pet 1:22-23; 1 John 5:3; 2:3-6).

6) The difference emphasized here is that Moses’ law showed men they were sinners but never gave permanent forgiveness, whereas Jesus’ message is able to provide complete forgiveness of sin (grace). Moses’ law was true, but not all of the truth. It was not the complete and

final revelation of God’s truth. Jesus’ gospel contains many commands we must obey to receive its

blessings, but its unique character compared to the law is that it shows how men can receive grace by Jesus’ sacrifice (Heb 10:1-18).

7) This explains why the New Testament was needed. If the Old Testament provided all men needed, the New Testament would never have been needed. But more was needed, which is why God sent Jesus to reveal the gospel. Other passages emphasizing the grace revealed in the gospel: (Acts 15:7-

11; 20:24, 32; Rom 4:4-7; 5:1-2; 2 Cor 9:8; Eph 1:5-11; 2:5-10; 1 Tim 1:13-16; 2 Tim 1:8-10; Tit 2:11-14; 3:3-7; Heb 2:9).

7. Both grace and truth are needed.1) Note that the verse does not say we are saved by “grace alone,” as taught in

some human creeds. 2) It says, not that Jesus brought grace only, but that He brought “grace and

truth.” 3) Truth is equally emphasized in the gospel, even in this passage that contrasts

the gospel to the Old Testament. But truth itself implies the need for knowledge and application of that

truth. What good is the revelation of truth to man unless a man studies that truth,

learns it, and uses it in his life?4) To be made free from sin, we must know the truth and abide in it (John 8:31-

32). We purify our souls in obeying the truth (1 Pet 1:22-23).

5) So even this passage emphasizing grace in the gospel, when understood in light of the gospel teaching about truth, necessarily implies the necessity of obedience. Study of these passages will confirm the importance and need for truth to

be learned and applied: (John 1:14; 8:32-36; 14:6; 16:13; 17:17; Rom 2:6-11; Eph 1:13; 4:14-16; 2 Thes 2:10-12; 1 Tim 3:15; 4:1-3; 2 Tim 2:15, 25-26; 4:2-4; 1 Pet 1:22-23).

18: “No one has seen God at any time; the only begotten God who is in the bosom of the Father, He has explained Him.”

1. Jesus came to reveal God to man.

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1) Jesus was able to reveal God and His will in a way neither Moses nor any other man could do.

2) No man has ever seen God personally. No man (since perhaps Adam) has had a personal relationship with God to know His will first-hand apart from the Bible (John 6:46; Ex 33:20; 1 Tim 6:11; 1 John 4:12; Col 1:15).

2. Jesus was “the only begotten God (Son)” (1:14; John 3:16; 1 John 4:9). 1) He possessed Deity Himself, and He was “in the bosom” of the Father – He

had the very closest possible relationship to the Father (this is the significance of “in the bosom”, 13:23).

2) He was able to do what no one else could do – He could reveal from first-hand knowledge what God’s will and character are like. Further, He was able to show us by His own life what God is like (John 14:9).

3. Because Jesus partakes of the nature of God and understands first-hand what God is really like, one reason He came to earth was to live a life and present teachings which only He could do. 1) Men could hear directly from the teachings, and could observe from the very

life of who possessed Deity, what God is like and what He wills for us. 2) What an incredible concept! God was so determined that man know God and

His will in the fullest way possible, that God was willing even to come to earth and live as a man among men.

3) This is why the emphasis in these introductory verses has been on Jesus as the revelation of God and His will. He is the Word (1:1-3, 14). The Light (1:4-9). The truth (1:14, 17).

4. John has introduced his account with an amazing picture of Jesus. 1) One who appeared to be “just a man” - and in fact was a man - was yet far

more than a man. 2) He was God, the very Creator, the only-begotten Son of God, come in the flesh.3) Jesus is the full expression of God’s faithfulness.4) Jesus is the full expression of God’s grace.5) Jesus is the full expression of God the Father.

This is the view of Jesus that John has introduced and that He intends to give evidence for throughout his account of Jesus’ life.

To not know Jesus is to neither know God, know His faithfulness, or know His grace.

II. TESTIMONY OF JOHN THE BAPTIST (1:19-42).

A. JOHN’S TESTIMONY CONCERNING HIMSELF ON THE FIRST DAY (1:19-28).

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19: “This is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent to him priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, ‘Who are you?’”

1. John the Baptist testifies that he was not the Christ.1) The rest of John 1 discusses, directly or indirectly, the preaching of John the

Baptist and his testimony about Jesus. 2) As usual, John’s account adds some information not found in the other

accounts, which helps support the claims of Jesus. 3) John’s testimony regarding Jesus can be found in John 1:6-8, 14-15, 19-36;

5:31-33; 3:22-30; 10:40-41; Acts 19:4-5, as well as Matt 3; Mark 1; Luke 3.

2. The Jews in Jerusalem (Pharisees, 1:24) was the place of the Jewish Sanhedrin, the Supreme Court of the Jews 1) The priests and Levites were those skilled in the Law of Moses.2) This body of Jews guarded the people from false prophets and Christs.3) Their purpose for coming is to check on John – “Who are you?”

3. The very fact that they sent to ask about him indicates that his preaching had caused a great stir among the people. 1) If he was having no effect at all, why would the leaders bother to be concerned

about him? 2) But they were interested enough to investigate.

Their manner does not appear to be either favorable or unfavorable at this point. They appear to simply be investigating the facts.

20: “And he confessed and did not deny, but confessed, ‘I am not the Christ.’ ”

1. “And he confessed” is the positive statement. “And did not deny” is the negative way of expressing it.1) It would be a temptation for a man with all this honor bestowed upon him to

refrain from denying that he was the Christ. It would be easy to accept this glory.

2) John readily admitted he was “not the Christ.” “Christ” means the anointed one. It is equal to the “Messiah” prophesied

in the Old Testament (1:41). 3) John knew this was not his position, so he did not make false pretensions nor

exalt himself to that which he did not deserve. This shows his honesty and humility.

4) The author here again takes the opportunity to show the error of those, then and now, who believed John was the Christ (Luke 3:15). John himself knew better and openly denied having that position.

2. Note that the fact the people wondered about this shows they were looking for the Christ. 1) Also note that the ideas about who John might be were similar to those about

who Jesus might be (Matt 16:13-20). 53

2) Apparently, the Jews understood prophecy well enough to be looking for these people to come. This also shows the significant impact John made on the people that some

might wonder if he were the Christ.

21: “They asked him, ‘What then? Are you Elijah?’ And he said, ‘I am not.’ ‘Are you the Prophet?’ And he answered, ‘No.’ ”

1. They wondered if he were Elijah. 1) Elijah was expected to come before the Christ (Matt 11:14; 16:14; 17:10-13;

Mark 9:11-13; Luke 1:17; Mal 4:5). 2) But as with many prophecies, this reference is figurative or symbolic, not

literal. 3) Many other passages show that, in the symbolic sense meant by the prophecies,

John was Elijah (Mal 4:5; 3:1ff; Matt 11:14; 17:10-13; Mark 9:11-13).4) John’s preaching actually was the fulfillment of the prophecies that Elijah

would come again.

2. Why then did he deny being Elijah? Because he was not literally the same person as Elijah. 1) He came “in the spirit and power of Elijah” (Luke 1:17). 2) His character and work were similar to Elijah’s and this is what the Malachi

prophecy meant. 3) However, he evidently concluded that the men were asking whether or not he

was literally Elijah. Since he was not literally Elijah, he answered correctly according to

physical reality.

3. “The prophet” probably refers to the prophet Moses predicted, who would be like Moses (Deut 18:15-19; Matt 21:11). 1) This was fulfilled in Jesus (Acts 3:22-26), who was like Moses in many ways. 2) In particular, both revealed completely new systems or covenants. 3) But the prophecy was not fulfilled in John, so he said it did not.

He was a prophet, but not that prophet.

4. Once again, note John’s humility. 1) He refused to pretend to hold a position or to seek a position, which was not

given him by the Lord. 2) He was a great and godly man. That should be enough, and he sought no more.

22: “Then they said to him, “Who are you, so that we may give an answer to those who sent us? What do you say about yourself?”

1. Having exhausted all the special men they knew of, they request he speak of himself.

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23: “He said, “I am a voice of one crying in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord,’ as Isaiah the prophet said.”

1. John the Witness draws their attention to the prophecy of Isaiah as the explanation of who he is. 1) The Isaiah prophecy is an excellent summary of the work of John. 2) Isa 40:3-5: The message of Isaiah is a challenge to the nation,

“A voice is calling, ‘Clear (Prepare) the way for the Lord in the wilderness; make smooth in the desert a highway for our God. 4 Let every valley be lifted up, and every mountain and hill be made low; and let the rough ground become a plain, and the rugged terrain a broad valley; 5 Then the glory of the Lord will be revealed, and all flesh will see it together; for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.’ “

3) When the road is prepared and the highway is made straight, what will happen? “The glory of the Lord will be revealed, and all flesh will see it together.”

2. Once again, John showed an understanding of his proper role in relation to Christ, and the author of the book explains this to any who might seek to give John a higher or lower position than God intended him to have. 1) Anyone who sought or who seeks to give John a different position, needs to

reckon with the statements of John himself.

24: “Now they had been sent from the Pharisees.”

1. See Acts 23:8 for the difference between the Pharisees and Sadducees.1) The Sadducees were the “liberals” in the Jewish religion while the Pharisees

were the “strict” sect (Acts 23:6 & 22:3).

25: “They asked him, and said to him, “Why then are you baptizing, if you are not the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?”

1. Rather than hearing John’s call for the nation to cleanse their hearts and repent, this delegation wants to know why John is baptizing if he is not the Messiah. 1) The fact that John was taking upon himself the responsibility of making a new

law of baptizing was what made the Jews think he must be one of the three men mentioned.

2) Their question is: If you are not one of these three, where do you get your authority to set this new law of baptism into effect?

26: “John answered them saying, “I baptize in water, but among you stands One whom you do not know.”

1. John acknowledged that he baptized with water (literally “in” water). 1) However, he gave no further explanation except to elaborate on his claim that

his work was a preparation for someone else to come later.

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2) Someone stood among them – someone whom they did not recognize - who was coming after John and yet was pre-eminent over him.

2. Matt 3:11: We learn how John used this statement.1) His baptism was in water, while the Christ’s baptism would be in the Holy

Spirit.2) John uses the elements of their baptisms to compare the greatness of each.3) John’s baptism was a small thing when compared to that which they could soon

expect.

3. Note: Jesus only baptized his apostles in the Holy Spirit.1) He only promised it to his apostles in John 15-16 and reaffirmed this promise

again in Acts 1:4-8. Acts 2:1-4: He fulfilled that promise.

“but among you stands One whom you do not know”

1. Even though Jesus the greatest of all men was living among the people, yet he was not known by his outward looks.1) His true identity was to be revealed in a very special way.

27: “It is He who comes after me, the thong of whose sandal I am not worthy to untie.”

1. The greatest man on earth at that time was John the Baptist, yet this statement shows how small he was in comparison to Jesus.1) He was so much greater than John that John could not even unloose His sandal

strap. 2) This would be the work of a lowly servant, but John said he did not deserve

even that menial task compared to the greatness of the One who would be his successor.

2. John once again dismisses himself as nothing. John is baptizing with water, but the one coming after him is far greater. 1) This is the third time we have seen John speak of his own smallness and the

greatness of Jesus. In the first eighteen verses we see John is the Witness about the Light, but

is not the Light. Jesus is the Light. We see John saying he is the voice, but Jesus is the Christ. Now John says that he is baptizing with water, but one greater will come baptizing after him.

3. John was baptizing the people to prepare them for the coming of One who would be truly great (Matt. 3 & Luke 3) where John discussed the nature of the baptisms Jesus would administer).1) John appears to be appealing to his work of preparation as the basis of his

authority to baptize.

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2) He was baptizing, not for the ultimate goal of making disciples for himself, but as a means of accomplishing his work of preparing for Jesus.

3) Those who became John’s disciples ought eventually to become disciples of the Christ (3:25-30).

28: “These things took place in Bethany (Bethabara) beyond the Jordan, where John was baptizing.”

1. This Bethany is not the Bethany located about 2 miles from Jerusalem1) This was east of the Jordan about 13 miles south of the Sea of Galilee and

approximately 20 miles southeast of Nazareth. The exact location is unknown. It appears that John moved from place to place in his work (3:23).

29: “The next day he saw Jesus coming to him and said, ‘Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!’ ”

B. JOHN’S TESTIMONY CONCERNING JESUS ON THE SECOND DAY (1:29-34).

1. This is the first actual appearance of Jesus as a man on earth in the book of John. 1) Whereas the synoptic accounts describe Jesus’ birth, early life, baptism, etc.,

John’s gospel skips all this. 2) Jesus’ first appearance occurs after He has been baptized, and John the Baptist

is testifying about the significance of who Jesus is. 3) This implies that this account was written long after the other accounts, so it is

assumed that the facts of Jesus’ early life were already well known from the other accounts.

“Behold, the Lamb of God”

1. What a declaration by John! Jesus is rarely referred to as a lamb in the N.T. 1) The apostle John is the primary author who describes Jesus as a lamb,

particularly in Revelation. 2) Calling Jesus the lamb establishes two points.

By calling Jesus the lamb John is declaring his sacrificial death. Consider that there is nothing ferocious about a lamb.

3) There is nothing about a lamb that is a picture of strength or leadership. No one uses a lamb as a symbol of power. Lambs are meant to be slaughtered (Isaiah 53:7). This is particularly true in the Old Testament. Lambs, goats, and bulls

were the primary animals used in sacrifices to God. The lamb has its strongest meaning to the Passover. A lamb without

blemish was offered (Ex 12:3-11).

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4) The apostle John takes the imagery of the Passover lamb (a picture of God’s deliverance) and combines it with the picture of the sin sacrifice “who takes away the sin of the world.” Since Jesus died as the sacrifice to give forgiveness and to spare us from

dying for our sins, He is often compared to a lamb (Isa 53:7; John 1:29, 36; Acts 8:32; 1 Cor 5:7; 1 Pet 1:19; (Rev 5:6-8, 11-12; 6:1; 17:14; etc.).

2. However, the N.T. reveals that O.T. sacrifices could not accomplish permanent forgiveness, but sins were remembered every year. 1) Those sacrifices were shadows or symbols of the greater sacrifice to come —

the sacrifice of Jesus is the only sacrifice which could completely take away sins (Heb 10:1-18; 1 Pet 2:24).

3. This also illustrates Jesus’ sinlessness. 1) To be an acceptable sacrifice, the lamb had to be without blemish. 2) And to be our sacrifice, Jesus had to be without sin, otherwise death would be

the penalty for His own sins. 3) He could pay the penalty for the sins of others only if He Himself was without

sin (1 Pet 2:22-24; cf. Heb 4:15; 7:26; 1 Pet 2:22; 1 John 3:5; 2 Cor 5:21). Jesus is also, in some passages, presented as being meek and harmless like

a lamb.

“who takes away the sin of the world”

1. Jesus’ sacrifice is so perfect, not only can it permanently forgive sins, but it can take away the sins of everyone. 1) This contrasts to animal sacrifices, which only pertained to the particular

people who offered them. 2) If other people wanted forgiveness, they had to offer other sacrifices.

2. But of equal significance is the fact that, the animal sacrifices of the O.T. law pertained only to the nation of Israel. 1) It was a national law, never intended to be universal in application. 2) Gentiles were essentially excluded (though they could choose to subject

themselves to the law by becoming circumcised and, in effect, joining the nation of Israel).

3. John’s statement here anticipates the fact that the gospel of Christ would be a universal covenant, equally available to people of all nations. 1) While this was not understood by the Jewish disciples till much later, it was

clearly prophesied in many passages like this. 2) For other passages about the universal nature of the gospel see: (Mark 16:15-

16; Luke 24:47; Titus 2:11; 1 Tim 2:4,6; 2 Pet 3:9; Heb 2:9; John 3:16; Acts 10:34-35; Matt 11:28; Luke 2:10). Jesus is the world’s Messiah, not just Israel’s Messiah!

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4. This fact also demonstrates that Jesus must necessarily have intended from the beginning to give a whole new covenant system, different from that which Moses gave. 1) Moses’ system was limited in application to the nation of Israel. 2) If Jesus’ system was to include salvation for all, it would have to be an entirely

different covenant with a different sacrifice. 3) This too is eventually made clear as the gospel is further revealed (Heb 10:1-

10; 7:11-14; 8:6-13; 9:1-4; 2 Cor 3:6-11; Gal 3:24,25; 5:1-6; Rom 7:1-7; Eph 2:11-16; Col 2:13-17).

30: “This is He on behalf of whom I said, ‘After me comes a Man who has a higher rank than I, for He existed before me.

31: I did not recognize Him, but so that He might be manifested to Israel, I came baptizing in water.’ ”

1. John describes how he knew Jesus to be the One he was preparing for.1) At first, John himself did not know exactly whom he was preparing the way

for. 2) He knew he was preparing the way for someone who would eventually be

revealed to Israel, so he came baptizing as He was guided to do. 3) But he did not know exactly whom he was preparing the way for.

That would be revealed to him later.

2. This does not mean that John did not know anything about Jesus as a person before he baptized Him. 1) John and Jesus were cousins, whose mothers knew one another and became

pregnant about the same time by special blessings of God and who knew the sons they would bear would be special servants of God (Luke 1).

2) It is highly unlikely that John knew nothing whatever about Jesus or had never met Him before.

3) Matt 3:13-17: When Jesus came to be baptized, John said, “It is you that should baptize me.” This would also appear to indicate that John did know Jesus and even

knew Him to be a greater teacher than John was.4) 1:10, 26: Also speak of Jesus saying that people did not “know” Him, yet those

people surely knew of His existence. The point is that they were not aware or did not believe in His nature as

the Christ, the Messiah, the Savior of the world. This, most likely, is what John also did not know about Jesus until it was

revealed to him.

32: “John testified saying, ‘I have seen the Spirit descending as a dove out of heaven, and He remained upon Him.’ ”

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1. Though John did not know what individual he was preparing the way for, yet He had been informed that there would be a sign to indicate to him who the individual was: “the Spirit would descend like a dove out of heaven” and He remained upon Him.” 1) This would be the One to come.

33: “I did not recognize Him, but He who sent me to baptize in water said to me, ‘He upon whom you see the Spirit descending and remaining upon Him, this is the One who baptizes in the Holy Spirit.’ ”

BAPTISM IN THE HOLY SPIRIT

1. Note these passages regarding Holy Spirit baptism: Matt 3:11; Acts 1:3-8; 2:1-21, 33; 10:44-49; 11:1-4,15-18 [Mark 1:8; Luke 3:16; John 1:33].1) From these passages we learn the following points about Holy Spirit baptism. 2) Note how these points distinguish Holy Spirit baptism from water baptism.

A. ELEMENT

1. This baptism immersed or overwhelmed people in the Holy Spirit. 1) Notice that water baptism and Holy Spirit baptism are here shown to be two

separate and distinct baptisms. John contrasts them. 2) But only one baptism is in effect today (Eph 4:4).

Most people who claim Holy Spirit baptism today also practice water baptism.

According to this passage, that would be two baptisms.

B. ACTION

1. The word “baptize” means to immerse, overwhelm, engulf. 1) This is a spiritual baptism, not physical, in which the subjects were to be

overwhelmed by the Holy Spirit.

C. ADMINISTRTOR

1. Jesus Himself would baptize people in the Holy Spirit. 1) This baptism required someone greater than John to administer it. 2) Only Jesus is great enough.

No man can or ever has baptized others in the Holy Spirit.

D. PROMISE

1. Holy Spirit baptism was something God promised to do for certain people, not something they were required to do for Him. 1) There was no command to be baptized in the Holy Spirit.

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E. SUBJECTS

1. John’s statement promising Holy Spirit baptism was fulfilled upon the apostles on the occasion of the first Jewish converts (Acts 1:4,5, cf. chap. 2), and on the first Gentiles to be converted (Acts 10,11).

F. CHOICE

1. God Himself decided who would receive Holy Spirit baptism (the apostles), when (not many days hence) and where (Jerusalem) (Acts 1:3-8). 1) It was not a blessing offered to all, such that anyone could have it if they chose.2) God made the choice independently of any man’s desire to receive it or not

receive it.

G. PURPOSE

1. Holy Spirit baptism gave the apostles power to bear witness throughout the world (Acts 1:8). 1) And it gave miraculous power of tongues (Acts 2:1-13; 10:46). 2) In the case of Cornelius’ household, it was necessary to convince the Jews that

God was willing to receive Gentiles as His children (Acts 10:45; 11:17-18), so Peter would baptize them in water (Acts 10:47-48). [Cf. Acts 15:1-11]. This shows that Holy Spirit baptism was not the same as the indwelling of

the Holy Spirit. The indwelling is available to all who wish to be saved, but it does not

involve miraculous powers.

H. DURATION

1. Holy Spirit baptism began at Jerusalem, “not many days hence” after Jesus’ ascension (Acts 1:4-5). 1) There were only two recorded instances of Holy Spirit baptism — the apostles

when the first Jews were converted, and Cornelius’ household when the first Gentiles were converted.

2) No other event in the Bible is described as Holy Spirit baptism. 3) There are other instances of baptism, and other references to the Holy Spirit.

But no others are called Holy Spirit baptism.

2. Holy Spirit baptism ceased. The subjects to receive it were just a few. 1) It was never for all men. 2) Its purpose was fulfilled and it is no longer needed. 3) The message it guided men to receive has now been fully delivered and

recorded (John 14:26; 16:13; 2 Tim 3:16-17). 4) It is not to be repeated (Jude 3; 1 Pet 1:22-25).

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3. The written word gives all the evidence we need that Gentiles may be saved by the gospel. 1) Miracles confirmed the new revelation as it was delivered (Mark 16:20; Acts

14:3; Heb. 2:3-4). 2) Since revelation is no longer needed, miracles are no longer needed (John

20:30-31; 1 Cor 13:8-13). 3) Holy Spirit baptism fulfilled its purpose and ceased soon after the gospel was

first preached. Today, there is only one baptism – water baptism for remission of sins

(Eph 4:4-6; 5:26; Acts 8:35-39; 10:47-48 [John 3:36]).

34: “I myself have seen, and have testified that this is the Son of God.”

1. This sign was fulfilled at Jesus’ baptism (Matt 3; Luke 3).1) John concluded that Jesus is the One he had been preparing for and the one

who would baptize in the Holy Spirit (whereas John himself baptized in water).2) The way John was convinced Jesus was the Son of God is the way everyone

should be convinced: because the Spirit descended and remained on him at the baptism.

3) God told John that this was the sign he should look for and would be the sign to the world declaring who Jesus is.

2. Based on this evidence, John the Baptist testified that Jesus is the “Son of God” (1:14, 18) regarding Jesus as the only begotten Son). 1) This confirms the relationship with God that Jesus claimed to have, which in

turn confirms His Deity.

JOHN’S TESTIMONY ON THE THIRD DAY (1:35-42).

35: “Again the next day John was standing with two of his disciples,”

1. John introduces two of his disciples to Jesus.1) One of these disciples turned out to be Andrew, the brother of Peter (1:40). 2) There is good reason to believe that the other disciple was John the apostle, who

wrote this book. 3) This conclusion is based on the fact that the apostle John often describes stories

at which he was personally present but does not name himself (13:26; 19:26, 35; 21:7, 20, 24)).

4) Andrew and Peter were fishing partners with James and John, so it is very possible that John was with Andrew on this occasion.

5) It is almost certain that, whatever Andrew and Peter knew about John the Baptist and Jesus, their partners would soon know it too.

2. The remainder of the story mentions a total of five people who became disciples of Jesus.

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1) The other four are all named and all became apostles: Andrew, Peter, Philip, and Nathanael (assuming Nathanael is the same as the apostle Bartholomew 1:45-52).

2) This strongly implies that this account is intended to introduce us to five of Jesus’ first disciples, all of whom became apostles. In that case, the unnamed disciple must surely be John the apostle.

3. There can be no doubt from other accounts that John was one of Jesus’ earliest disciples, and it is entirely possible that he was one of John’s disciples. 1) If so, then he witnessed directly or indirectly everything he records in this

book.2) Note that the effect of John’s teaching, as it ought to have been, was that it

made followers for Jesus. The ultimate goal was not to make followers for John, but for the One for

whom John was preparing the way.

36: “and he looked at Jesus as He walked, and said, ‘Behold, the Lamb of God!’ ”

1. John knew and repeatedly declared that his work was not about himself, but about revealing Jesus as the Lamb of God to Israel. 1) There is no question. This is the obvious choice. 2) Jesus is the Lamb of God who takes away sins.

I must follow Him.

37: “The two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus.”

1. You leave what you are doing and follow Him. 1) It is amazing to me how often this does not happen! 2) When we understand that Jesus is the Lamb of God who takes away our sins,

you drop everything and follow him. 3) You do not go back to what you were doing before. 4) You do not return to your normal way of life. 5) You do not go back to work and back to your routine.

The Lamb of God has come. Follow him!

38: “And Jesus turned and saw them following, and said to them, ‘What do you seek?’ They said to Him, ‘Rabbi (which translated means Teacher), where are You staying?’”

“What do you seek?”1. Obviously Jesus knows what these two are doing.

1) But notice that Jesus does not ask them who they are seeking, but what they are seeking.

2) Jesus wants to know why they are following Him. 3) Jesus asks this question of every person who seems to be walking with Him.

What do you seek? Why are you following him?

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2. This is one of the most difficult questions to answer in life.1) The answer won’t stay answered.2) Ask it today and you will have to ask it tomorrow.3) You can ask it when you are young and you will have to ask it again when

you’re old.4) The rich or poor, educated or not, white or black, Christian or non-Christian5) Everybody eventually has to ask and answer the question before anything

worthwhile happens.6) What do I really, really want?

If we are honest with our hearts we may find that there are numbers of reasons why we follow Jesus, none of which are what Jesus wants to hear.

3. We may follow Jesus for some sort of social benefit. 1) People speak of the church in terms of social benefits. 2) People will readily declare that they go to church because the people are nice,

the programs are good, the children’s ministry is excellent, the music is good, the food is good, the potlucks are great, or something like that. This is not the reason to follow Jesus.

4. Some follow Jesus to soothe their guilt. 1) They know they have been immoral and perhaps have committed a great sin. 2) Therefore they are looking for a way to not feel so bad about themselves. 3) Jesus is turned into a type of therapist who will make you feel better about

yourself and ease the pain you have in your life. Jesus is turned into a personal therapist, as if the purpose of Jesus is to

make you feel better about yourself or about your life. 4) Following Jesus does not just make you feel good about yourself because

following Jesus is a constant reminder of our sinfulness and shortcomings. Taking up the cross and following him is not a path of feeling good about

ourselves all the time.

5. Others follow Jesus out of habit. They follow because this is what they have always done. 1) Their parents were Christians, they grew up in the pews, and they really don’t

know what else to do with themselves on Sunday. 2) They do not follow from the heart but from habit. 3) They follow because they think they have to, not because they want to.

Why are you following Jesus? What is your motivation? What are you seeking from Jesus?

6. The two addressed Jesus as “Rabbi,” a term meaning teacher. 1) It was commonly used in that day (and yet today) by Jewish people to refer to

their teachers.

7. Notice the response of these two who were following Jesus. 1) They want to know where Jesus is staying.

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2) This is not a point of information for these two. 3) They are not saying that they are following because they are merely curious

about His sleeping arrangements. 4) They are declaring to Jesus that they want to get to know Jesus and spend time

with Him. 5) They were seeking a relationship with Jesus. 6) They were going to stay where Jesus was staying and they were going to use

that time to learn more about the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. Jesus responds with the words they were hoping to hear.

39: “He said to them, ‘Come, and you will see.’ So they came and saw where He was staying; and they stayed with Him that day, for it was about the tenth hour.”

“Come and you will see”

1. Follow Me and let’s go spend some time together. 1) Jesus receives people who with honest hearts are seeking to know Him. 2) The only reason to follow Jesus is because you are seeking a relationship with

the sin remover. 3) Following Jesus is about needing our sins removed and desperately seeking a

Savior.

2. The result was the two disciples stayed with Him that day.1) Obviously, this gave Him the opportunity to teach them and gave them the

opportunity to observe Him for themselves. 2) The results evidently convinced them to believe in Him (1:40ff).

3. All this fits the view, described earlier, that this section is introducing us to several of the men who later became apostles. 1) It specifically introduces us to John, who is writing the account. 2) And in the process, of course, it gives John the opportunity to provide evidence

about Jesus, so that we can all have opportunity to believe in Him, even as His first disciples believed in Him.

“for it was about the tenth hour”

1. 4:00 PM, assuming John was using Jewish time. 1) We are told nothing about the place where He was staying, which shows that

the place was not the important point of the story. 2) What was important was that the disciples had the opportunity to be introduced

to Jesus and His teaching.

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40: “One of the two who heard John speak and followed Him, was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother.”

1. Andrew is named and it is likely that the author himself (John) is the other one.1) This is certainly in keeping with John’s practice of not naming himself.

41: “He found first his own brother Simon and said to him, ‘We have found the Messiah” (which translated means Christ).’ ”

1. The Hebrew word “Messiah” and Greek Christ mean one who is anointed (1:20). 1) Anointing (usually with oil) was a symbolic ritual in the Old Testament to

dedicate or appoint someone to a special work.2) It was most common for kings (1 Sam 9:16; 10:1; 16:13), but was also done

for priests (Lev 4:3) and sometimes prophets (Ps 105:15). 3) The word was used in this way many times, but the word messiah is never used

in the Old Covenant writings as a special title referring to the ideal or unique king of the future.

2. Beginning from the time of God’s promise to David that of his descendants God would set one upon the throne and “establish the throne of his kingdom forever” (2 Sam 7:11-16), there developed in the inspired revelation the idea of a unique and an ideal king who was to come.1) As David was preparing to die, he described in his “last words” the character

of the king that should rule over God’s people: he would be “one that rules over men righteously, who rules in the fear of God.”

2) He should be “as the light of the morning, when the sun rises, a morning without clouds,” dispelling the clouds of darkness which had for so long captured the world.

3) Among the ungodly, who should be as thorns to be thrust away, “because they cannot be taken with the hand,” this ruler “must be armed with iron and the staff of a spear” that he might utterly burn them “in their place” (2 Sam 23:1-4, 6-7). This king must rule possessing that rare combination of the tenderness of

the grass after the shower and the brightness of light when the clouds have been dispelled, combined with the balance of toughness of iron.

3. Then David confessed “Verily my house is not so with God.”1) David realized that he and the nation must look to a future seed whom God

would anoint for the fulfilled desire of a king of such stature, one who would rule in righteousness (Ps 45:6), yet rule among His enemies with a “rod of iron.”

2) It was not until the days of Isaiah (750 BC) that this prophecy of an ideal king, one related to both God and man.

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3) As a sign, to the house of David one would be born of a virgin, whose name shall be called “Immanuel” (God with us) (Isa 7:13-14).

4) This child shall be called “Mighty God,” Everlasting Father,” Prince of Peace” who will sit upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, “to establish it, and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from henceforth even forever.” The zeal of God will perform this (Isa 9:6-7).

5) The ideal king is further described as being anointed with the Spirit of God, as judging in righteousness and with equity, and as smiting the earth “with the rod of His mouth” Isa 11:1-5). He would stand as a rallying point (sign), of the people and the nations

who would seek him (Isa 11:10).6) Micah (contemporary with Isaiah) prophesied that after the suffering of

tribulation in Babylon (606-536 BC [70 yrs.]) there would be a return of the former dominion, the rule of David’s house (Mic 4:6-10). He who would rule will come out of Bethlehem, the village of David, of

the tribe of Judah, “whose goings forth are from of old, from everlasting” (Mic 5:2). Therefore, He would be an eternal one.

He will feed His flock in the strength of God, and He would become great to the ends of the earth (Mic 5:4).

7) About 100 years later after Isaiah and Micah, the prophet Jeremiah promised, “Behold, the days come says Jehovah, that I will raise unto David, a righteous Branch, and He shall reign as king and deal wisely.” Through Him Judah and Israel will be saved and He would be called

“Jehovah our righteousness” (Jer 23:5-6).8) Ezekiel, who prophesied in Babylon while Jeremiah was in Judah, described

the one to come as a shepherd-prince, feeding and caring for the people of God (Ezek 34:23-24). He will be a prince forever, ruling over a reunited people under an

everlasting covenant (Ezek 37:24-28).9) Another 100 years later Zechariah identified the one to come as Jehovah’s

servant “the Branch” (Zech 3:8). This “Branch” would build the temple of Jehovah, bear the glory, “sit

and rule upon His throne, and … be a priest upon His throne” (Zech 6:12-13).

The one to come is identified as a king and a priest at the same time sitting upon His throne.

Also, He would be identified as a king, just and lowly, “bringing salvation,” whose rule will be “from sea to sea, and from the River to the ends of the earth” (Zech 9:9-10).

4. Jesus held all three of these positions being a prophet, priest, and king (which no one did under the O.T.), but the special significance is that He would be the King or Ruler of God’s special people under the N.T.

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4) Jesus was the rightful heir of David’s throne by lineage, but especially He was chosen of God to be the King of the spiritual New Testament kingdom (1:49).

42: “He brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, ‘You are Simon the son of John (Bar-Jonah); you shall be called Cephas” (which is translated Peter).’ ”

1. Have you ever thought about the impact of having your name changed when you are an adult by a person you do not know? You have been called by your name all your life. You are used to your name and it is a good name. 1) Simon was a very common name at that time. 2) It is not that he had a terrible name or that his parents had done a disservice to

him. 3) But Jesus has the authority to change your identity.

He has the ability and the authority to change everything about you.4) Consider the prophetic blessing Jesus was placing upon Simon. 5) Jesus changes Simon’s name to Cephas (in the Aramaic, the language of the

Jews at that time). 6) Cephas means “rock” in the Aramaic, and the corresponding Greek name for

“rock” is “Peter.” This is the Peter we read about in the gospels and in the book of Acts.

Jesus knew what Peter would become.

2. Simon was an inappropriate name for his mission. 1) Peter is the right name for you, Jesus says. You are going to be the rock. 2) What is especially awesome about this name change is that it does not seem

like Peter is a rock during the life of Jesus. 3) He is full of faith and fire for Jesus but we see him falter on many occasions,

even denying Jesus three times during His darkest hour. But Jesus knew what Peter would become.

4) Jesus anticipated that Peter would become a man of strength and stability, rock-like in character (Acts 4:10).

5) Peter still had a long way to go before reaching that point.6) Christ’s statement shows the process (growth) was underway.7) Peter would be a prime illustration of Jesus’ power to transform men.

3. What will you become for the glory of the Lord? 1) We must not look at our past and consider that our failures prevent us from

being devoted workers in Jesus’ kingdom. 2) If you have ever done any investing for your IRA or 401K you will notice that

the papers given to you have in small print, “Past performance is not an indication of future results.” We ought to have that tattooed on our foreheads. It is so true of us.

3) Your past does not have to be an indication of what you can be for the Lord. Paul considered his past a mark of being the chief of sinners, but look at

the glory he brought to the Lord through his life! You can be changed to be a rock in the kingdom of the Lord.

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4. Having found the Christ, in his zeal Andrew wanted other people to know about Him too. 1) We ought all to respect this zeal in Andrew and imitate it. 2) We too ought to tell all our friends and relatives about the blessings they can

have if they accept the truth about Jesus.

5. Note that Andrew and Peter both eventually became apostles. 1) Very little is ever told us specifically about Andrew except that he was Peter’s

brother. 2) But regardless of what else he may have ever accomplished, bringing his

brother to the Lord was a great accomplishment, since his brother became one of the most influential of apostles, preaching the first gospel sermon, etc.

3) We too may never personally accomplish things that put us much in the public eye.

4) But if we convert a few souls for the Lord, and they accomplish much in His service, then through them we have accomplished much good that otherwise might never have occurred.

6. Note that Andrew did not personally teach Peter all that Peter needed to know to become a disciple. 1) But he did bring Peter to the teacher who could tell him what he needed to

know. 2) So we may not be versed enough to instruct people fully and answer all their

questions, but if we just set up Bible studies for other teachers and let them do the teaching, we have accomplished what we can.

3) Jesus said Simon was the son of Jonah (or John); which, of course, means Andrew also was a son of Jonah.

4) Jesus gave Simon the name of Cephas (Hebrew), which is the equivalent of Peter in Greek.

5) Apparently he was called simply Simon before this time, but Jesus gave the additional name of Peter.

7. “And I also say to you that you are Peter (Petros, a rock, stone), and upon this rock (Petra, large, massive rock) I will build My church; and the gates of Hades shall not overpower it.”1) Jesus, the Son of God is the builder of the church – built on His (My) identity.2) He is the foundation of the church (1 Cor 3:10-11; 1 Pet 2:4-7).3) The cornerstone determines the measurements of the rest of structure.4) A foundation is a force sufficient to withstand any pressure or stress placed

upon it.5) Its purpose is to counterbalance the force of gravity so that what goes up

doesn’t come down.

III. TESTIMONY OF PHILIP AND NATHANAEL (1:43-51).

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A. EVENTS ON THE FOURTH SUCCESSIVE DAY (1:43-51).

43: “The next day He purposed to go into Galilee, and He found Philip. And Jesus said to him, ‘Follow Me.’ ”

1. Jesus called Philip to follow Him. Philip becomes a disciple.1) On the next day, Jesus wanted to go back into Galilee (apparently intended to

leave the place where John the Baptist had seen Him). 2) “He found Philip”, who was from Bethsaida, the same city where Andrew and

Peter were from (1:44). 3) This was a way He called people several times to be His disciples. 4) This is the first recorded example of Jesus’ use of this concept. 5) To follow Him is to be His disciple (literally meaning a follower), not just to

physically follow Him to some place.6) We are not told what Jesus further said to Philip to convince him to become a

disciple.

44: “Now Philip was from Bethsaida, of the city of Andrew and Peter.”

1. Bethsaida is located on the Sea of Galilee, somewhere near Capernaum at the northern end of the sea [see MAP]. 1) Peter and Andrew were fishermen there, according to other accounts, in

partnership with James and John.2) Unlike the two disciples in 1:35ff, Philip is not stated to have been a disciple

of John, although context and location of this event may lead us to suspect that he was.

3) In any case, Jesus appears to have taken the initiative in calling Philip.4) Philip later became an apostle, as did Nathanael, whom we read about in the

next verse.

45: “Philip found Nathanael and said to him, ‘We have found Him of whom Moses in the Law and also the Prophets wrote—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.’ ”

1. The new disciple Philip, shared Andrew’s desire to spread the news about Jesus and invites Nathanael to Jesus.1) Philip found Nathanael and told him that they had found the one prophesied

about in the law and prophets. 2) He said he was “Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.”

This does not deny the virgin birth. Philip may not have known about that at this point. But in any case, Jesus was legally the son of Joseph, his heir, etc., just

like an adopted child is treated and spoken of as the “son” of his adoptive father.

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2. The author uses the testimony of Philip to introduce another argument to support Jesus’ claims: He fulfilled the prophecies of the Christ found in the law and prophets. 1) Specific examples will be cited in the gospel accounts as we proceed through

Jesus’ life.2) John here familiarizes us with five of Jesus’ earliest disciples, all of whom

eventually became apostles.3) John gives information not found elsewhere, and helps us learn especially about

three men who are little mentioned in other accounts. 4) John personally knew all these men, especially Andrew and Peter, and could

speak of these matters from close association with them.

3. The only other reference to this man by the name Nathanael is found in John 21:2, where he is said to have come from Cana in Galilee. 1) But that account, like this one in chap. 1, places him in the company of other

apostles. 2) This makes it highly likely that Nathanael was himself an apostle, probably the

one called Bartholomew in the lists of apostles in the other accounts (see McGarvey’s Fourfold Gospel).

4. Men in the Bible often had more than one name –one a given name and another a family name or a second name more commonly used.1) Since name-changing was so common this is evidently what happened.2) Bartholomew is a patronymic meaning literally, “Son of Tholmai.” 3) Nathanael is a Hebrew name meaning “God Has Given, “God Is Giver, “Gift

of God.” In Hebrew names, if you see "el" at the end, as in Nathanael, it means

"God" in every case. (EX: Israel means "strives God" or "God strives."). 4) Nathanael is the Hebrew word, but the Greek word is "Theodore."

"Theodore" is the same word "God is giver" or "gift of God."5) The name Bartholomew identifies him by his family relationship, as was

commonly done in that day (EX: Simon Bar-Jonah, etc.). 6) Hence, it is likely that Bartholomew had another name.

John never uses the name Bartholomew and the Synoptics never uses Nathanael.

The Synoptics never uses Nathanael.7) It is thought by all scholars that Nathanael also had the name "Bartholomew"

and he is so listed, after Philip, in the lists of the twelve given in the gospels (Matt 10:2-4; Mark 3:16-19; Luke 6:14-16).

“Moses in the Law”

1. That part of the O.T. (first five books) known as the law (Deut 18:15-18; Gen 49:10; 3:15).

“and also the prophets”

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1. There are over 300-400 prophecies concerning the Christ (Isa 53; 9:6; Dan 7:13; Jer 23:5 etc.).

46: “Nathanael said to him, ‘Can any good thing come out of Nazareth?’ Philip said to him, ‘Come and see.’ ”

1. Nathanael’s skeptical remark about Jesus hometown shows that Nazareth was held in contempt. 1) How could anything good come out of it? 2) Philip urged him to “Come and see” for himself. 3) Jesus obviously grew up in a town that had a lowly reputation.

2. We also learn that, when we try to lead people to the truth, we should give them evidence on which to believe. 1) Specifically, let them see for themselves what Jesus was like and what are the

evidences for His claims. 2) If they are skeptical at first, do not give up but get them to personally learn

about Jesus, read the Bible accounts for themselves. 3) Don’t expect them to accept just because we do or on the basis of our opinion.

47: “Jesus saw Nathanael coming to Him, and said of him, ‘Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no deceit!’ ”

1. On seeing coming Nathanael Jesus praises him for his honest character, apparently before He had even met him.1) Jesus described him as an Israelite indeed, in who is no guile (deceit). 2) Jesus knew what was in man (2:25), having the ability to know exactly what is

in a man’s heart and character. 3) This is a power only Deity possesses (1 Kings 8:39).

Jesus used this power in choosing His apostles, facing his enemies, and knowing the thoughts of His disciples.

2. Jesus viewed Nathanael as an honest man, who never was deceitful. 1) He was an Israelite indeed — i.e., not just one of God’s people by natural birth,

but by character and conduct he lived the way God wanted His people to live. (Perhaps Jesus statement refers to the fact that Nathanael was outspoken. But we shouldn’t automatically assume that. Lots of people are guileless

or free from deceit, but are not particularly outspoken.)2) Apparently Nathanael made a sincere effort to be free from deceit, so Jesus

statement led to a response from Nathanael as in the following verses.

48: “Nathanael said to Him, ‘How do You know me?’ Jesus answered and said to him, ‘Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.’ ”

1. Nathanael was surprised that Jesus knew anything about him, so he asked how Jesus knew him.

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1) Jesus said He had seen Nathanael under the fig tree before Philip called him.2) We are not told specifically when or where Nathanael had been under a fig tree.3) But Jesus’ statement revealed superhuman knowledge, since Nathanael knew

Jesus had not been present when he was under the fig tree. 4) Perhaps no one else was present and knew about it, but obviously neither Philip

nor anyone else had as yet said anything about the incident. 5) Nathanael knew there was no way Jesus could have known this by human

power, so he accepted Philip’s conclusion about who Jesus was.

49: “Nathanael answered Him, ‘Rabbi, You are the Son of God; You are the King of Israel.’ ”

1. He addressed Jesus as “Rabbi” (cf. 1:38). He called Jesus “the Son of God” and “King of Israel.” 1) These statements constituted Nathanael’s confession that he accepted Jesus as

the Christ and the rightful ruler over Israel (see on the expression “Christ” in 1:20, 41).

2) He had witnessed superhuman power, and is pretty clear he meant to admit Jesus’ Deity in the expression “Son of God.” John the Baptist had already used this term for Jesus (1:34).

50: “Jesus answered and said to him, ‘Because I said to you that I saw you under the fig tree, do you believe? You will see greater things than these.’ ”

1. Jesus assures Nathanael of greater proofs to come.1) Jesus stated that if Nathanael believed on the basis of the evidence he had so far

received, he would see greater things than that. 2) This also seems to imply that Nathanael, along with the other apostles, would

accompany Jesus and witness many of the great miracles He would yet accomplish.

3) His knowledge of Nathanael’s conduct was one of His less significant achievements.

51: “And He said to him, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, you will see the heavens opened and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.’ ”

“Truly, truly (verily, verily; most assuredly, NKJV)”

1. It was a statement of strong affirmation of a great truth. 1) The expression is unique to Jesus’ teaching and is found rarely if ever in any

other man’s teaching.2) In fact, Jesus said people would “see the heavens opened and the angels

ascending and descending on the Son of Man” (Jesus). 3) This seems to refer back to Jacob’s dream of the ladder into heaven, with

angels ascending and descending upon it (Gen 28:10-17).

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It is highly unlikely that an event would literally occur in which angels would ascend and descend upon Jesus.

4) Apparently the meaning is not literal, but like many of Jesus’ descriptions of Himself in John and elsewhere, it was a spiritual expression (like “I am the vine, “I am the sheepfold,” etc.).

5) The most likely meaning is that Jesus would become a means of communion and fellowship between God and man, so that God would give many blessings to man by way of Jesus. He is now our mediator and intercessor as High Priest (1 Tim 2:5; book

of Hebrews).

2. Note some of the titles or descriptions given to Jesus already in the testimony of John and these early disciples:1) Lamb of God (1:29, 35).2) Son of God (1:34, 49).3) Rabbi (1:38, 49).4) Messiah or Christ (1:41).5) One that Moses and the prophets predicted (1:45).6) King of Israel (1:49).7) Son of man (1:51).

CONCLUSION

1. A lost and dying world today gropes in the darkness of materialism, immorality and selfishness. 1) But Jesus, “The light of the world,” (John 8:12) calls us to leave the world behind

and live for Him.

2. Millions have not yet “found the Christ.” 1) But Paul shows our purpose "That ye should seek after God" (Acts 17:27).

3. So, we plead with you today to come to Him in loving obedience.1) Then, you can proclaim the "good news" to your relatives, friends, and neighbors: “I

have found the Christ!...Come and see!”

John One Study QuestionsTHE WORD BECAME FLESH; BEHOLD, THE LAMB OF GOD

I. THE PROLOGUE (1:1-18).

1. Who was responsible for the creation of the heavens and the earth? When did this happen? Why is this important to remember? (Also read Col 1:15-18; Heb 1:2-3).

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2. Who is the “Word”? 1) Why is this term used to describe Him?

3. What is the main point of John 1:1-3? 1) Why is this point crucial to the rest of the book? 2) How does John prove it throughout the book?

4. What “life” did He bring to men (1:4-5)?

5. What is the “light”?

6. Explain “the darkness did not (overcome, ESV; comprehend, NASU) it”

7. What John is John referring to in 1:6-9, 15? 1) Who sent him? 2) What was John's mission?

8. How did the world “receive” the True Light? 1) Why?

9. What was given to those who believed?

10. What major point is asserted in 1:14?

11. Who are the ones referred to by the word “we” in the following phrase: “We have seen his glory” (1:14)?1) Why is this testimony important?

12. What does verse 16 mean?

13. What was the difference between Jesus and Moses?

14. How did grace and truth come through Jesus?

15. How does Jesus “make known” “the only God”?

16. Verse 18 says, “No one has ever seen God.” Since no one has seen God, what does this verse say that God’s only Son did? Why is this important?

II. TESTIMONY OF JOHN THE BAPTIST (1:19-42).

1. Why were questions raised about whether John was:1) The Christ (Luke 3:15)?2) Elijah (Mal 4:5-6)?3) The prophet (Deut 18:15-19; John 6:14; 7:40)?

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2. How may John’s denial that he was Elijah (1:21) be explained consistently with Matthew 11:13-14; 17:10-13; Luke 1:17)?1) Explain how and why John identified himself?

3. Who sent these men to ask Jesus these questions (1:19, 22, 24)?

4. What is meant by the phrase “the Lamb of God” (1:29)?1) What does this phrase tell us about Jesus’ character?2) How did John know that Jesus is “the Lamb of God” and the Messiah (1:32-33)?

5. Note some of the titles or descriptions given to Jesus already in the testimony of John and

these early disciples:1) 6)2) 7)3) 8)4) 9)5) 10)

III. TESTIMONY OF PHILIP AND NATHANAEL (1:43-51).

1. When Andrew heard John the Baptist speak about Jesus, what do he do (1:40-42)?

2. When Jesus called Philip what did he do and who did he find (45)?

3. What caused Nathanael to believe that Jesus is the “Son of God” (1:46-50)?

4. What is the meaning of verse 51 as it alludes to Genesis 28:10-17)?

5. What did Andrew, Peter, Philip, Nathaniel, and the author of the book (John) become (Matt 10:2-4; Mark 3:16-19; Luke 6:14-16)?

6. In what ways can this chapter make you a better Christian tomorrow?

John 2THE FIRST MIRACLE; CLEANSING THE TEMPLE

INTRODUCTION

A. It is commonly claimed that Jesus made intoxicating wine when He performed His first miracle in Cana of Galilee.

1. From this claim, it is inferred that the use of intoxicating beverages are permissible today.

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1) “At the very least, the story of Cana’s wedding feast indirectly approves the use of alcoholic beverages.” (The Bible and the Attitudes of Ministers on Drinking, W.J. Wiltenburg)

2) “Also, the opinion of the ruler of the feast that the wine Jesus made was superior in quality to that they had drunk earlier, supports the conclusion that it was not merely pure grape juice.” (Commentary on John, James Burton Coffman, pp.61-62)

2. Unfortunately the second chapter of John is used and interpreted for all the wrong reasons. 1) This text is frequently used as a battleground over whether Christians are able

to drink alcohol. 2) The apostle John did not include this story about Jesus turning water to wine so

that we could argue over the Christian use of alcohol.3) Rather, the next three chapters of this gospel, beginning in chapter 2, will show

Jesus fulfilling and surpassing Judaism. 4) This is critically important for understanding this section of John’s gospel

properly.

3. As we examine the whole of the story please observe three key points that the apostle John makes about this event. 1) This is the first sign that Jesus performed. John does not call this a miracle, but

a sign. A sign is different from a miracle in that the supernatural event performed

is to be a distinguishing mark or indication for something. Signs represent something. Think about how traffic signs represent

various actions: from no parking, to yielding, to stopping. A green traffic light is a sign telling the driver to proceed through the intersection.

So John is telling us to examine this event. This is an event with a deeper meaning. There is a message to the sign.

2) 2:11: Tells us that this sign revealed Jesus’ glory. This sign unveils Jesus to our eyes so that we may believe that He is the Christ, the Son of God.

3) 2:11: The sign had its intended effect – Jesus’ disciples believed in Him. The disciples saw the sign, the glory of Jesus as the Son of God was revealed, and the disciples believed. With these things in mind, let us proceed with a closer examination of the sign.

I. JESUS’ FIRST MIRACLE: WATER TURNED TO WINE (2:1-11).

A. THE PLACE AND THE PROBLEM (2:1-3).Jesus and His disciples are invited to a wedding in Cana.

1-3: “On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there; 2 and both Jesus and His disciples were invited to the wedding. 3 When the wine ran out, the mother of Jesus said to Him, ‘They have no wine.’”

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“On the third day”

1. 1:29: John the Baptist introduced Jesus as the Lamb of God.1) 1:35: Jesus began His public ministry.2) 1:43: Second day of His ministry.3) 2:1: “On the third day” of Jesus’ ministry.

  2. Mary, “the mother of Jesus,” was also at this wedding.

1) It is believed that Cana of Galilee was about 9 miles north of Nazareth. 2) 3: The problem is clearly stated – the wine ran out.

3. For us, we probably do not see the big deal about this. 1) Today a wedding with reception lasts a few hours at most. 2) Running out of a drink would be embarrassing but not that big of a problem.

4. However, a wedding and reception typically lasted a week. 1) The wedding banquets were prepared for many guests, and the week would be

spent celebrating the new life of the married couple. 2) Often the whole town would be invited and it was considered an insult to refuse

an invitation to a wedding. 3) Further, wine was a primary drink at that time. It was not only an enormous

social disgrace to not provide wine, but wine was an important staple beverage. 4) We should not read the problem as a mild inconvenience. People do not get in

cars and go home early. They are staying for the week and have come from various distances. This is a big problem.

B. THE DISCUSSION (2:4-5).Mary, the mother of Jesus, brings the problem to Jesus.

4-5: “And Jesus said to her, ‘Woman, what does that have to do with us? My hour has not yet come.’ 5 His mother said to the servants, ‘Whatever He says to you, do it.’”

     1. Jesus’ response seems harsh and is very startling to our ears.

1) However, Mary’s response indicates that Jesus is giving a positive response. 2) She tells the servants to do whatever Jesus tells them to do. 3) So it is imperative on our part to take great care in how we understand what

Jesus is teaching.

2. First, calling a person “Woman” is not harsh (Matt 15:28, Luke 13:12; John 4:21; 8:10; 19:26; 20:15). 1) It was a normal, polite way of addressing a woman. 2) It would be something similar to us using the word “madam” or “miss” today. 3) What is unusual, however, is that Jesus said this to His mother. It is not that the

word is harsh, but that Jesus used that word for His mother rather than calling her, “mother.” There must be a reason for this, which needs to be considered.

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4) So the question is, what does this mean? The idiomatic expression asks rhetorically what the two parties in question have in common, and has the effect of distancing them.

5) Some translations see the two parties as Jesus and Mary, giving a meaning that Jesus and Mary do not have anything in common on this issue. This meaning makes the most sense within the context. Mary tells Jesus that they have no wine. Jesus response is, “Woman,” thus distancing Himself from her.

3. Then, literally, “What to Me and to you?”

1) That is, we do not have a joint effort in this matter. 2) Are we working together, you a woman and Me as God? 3) What do we have in common in this situation? 4) This is My concern, not yours.

Such statements appear to contradict Catholic teaching. Their belief in prayer to Mary is based on the view that Mary “commands her Son,” and Jesus must obey His mother’s will. In matters pertaining to His ministry, teaching, and miracles, however, Mary had no authority over Jesus. In any case, it seems clear that Jesus had to act according to higher principles than the wishes of Mary.

4. When My hour has come, then I will act. Jesus is bound to the will of the Father. 1) This phrase, “My hour has not yet come” occurs frequently in John’s gospel. 2) Ten times Jesus speaks about “His hour” in this gospel. 3) Jesus is saying that this is not the time for Him to reveal His full Messianic

glory. Jesus described His death on the cross as His hour when He would be glorified. Therefore, notice in the story that no one knows that Jesus performed this

miracle except His own disciples and the servants who brought the wine. The groom does not know. The wedding party does not know. The town does not know. The invited do not know. Jesus is operating on God’s timetable, and not according to any human schedules.

C. THE SIGN (2:6-11).2:6: A key piece of information. There are six stone water jars that had the purpose of Jewish purification. This water was not for drinking.

2:6-11: “Now there were six stone waterpots set there for the Jewish custom of purification, containing twenty or thirty gallons each. 7 Jesus said to them, ‘Fill the waterpots with water.’ So they filled them up to the brim. 8 And He said to them, ‘Draw some out now and take it to the headwaiter.’ So they took it to him. 9 When the headwaiter tasted the water which had become wine, and did not know where it came from (but the servants who had drawn the water knew), the headwaiter called the bridegroom, 10 and said to him, ‘Every man serves the good wine first, and when the people have drunk freely, then he serves the poorer wine; but you have kept the good wine until now.’

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11 This beginning of His signs Jesus did in Cana of Galilee, and manifested His glory, and His disciples believed in Him.”

1. Each of the six contained 2-3 firkins (ASV) (perhaps some were a little larger and some a little smaller). Zondervan’s Pictorial Bible Dictionary says a firkin is 10.3 U.S. gallons, though some commentators say it was less, maybe only 7 1/2 gallons. The NKJV calculates each jar as 20-30 gallons. If so, the total amount would be 120-180 gallons. They were filled with water to the very brim. 1) These are large jars so that the people could perform ceremonial washings.

According to the Jews’ ceremonial laws, people became ritually unclean by touching objects of everyday life.

2) Before eating, according to their traditions, they would pour water over their hands to cleanse themselves of any defiling. The Jews would also wash their cups, pitchers, and utensils with this water (Mark 7:4).

2. Jesus orders the servants to fill these large stone jars to the brim. 1) Then Jesus tells the servants to draw some water out of the jars and take it to

the master of the feast. 2) The master of the feast tastes the wine and recognizes that the wine is better

than what they had before.3) Note that the ruler is not saying this wine was intoxicating nor was he saying

anyone there was drunk. 4) He was simply commenting on the taste of the wine Jesus made by contrasting

what happened here to the usual practice.

3. The purpose of these details is to emphasize what was important in John’s account. 1) He is showing the greatness of the miracle to give evidence for Jesus’ claims. 2) This is the first of Jesus’ miracles, and John uses it to establish faith in Him. 3) As a result, many details are not mentioned (such as who the bride and groom

were, etc.). 4) Yet the details that are mentioned help show the greatness of the miracle. 5) This event did not involve a handful of liquid that may have been mistaken in

origin. Nor was it possible for someone to have slipped some strong wine into each pot to be diluted by the water. The jars were filled to the brim with water and that is what miraculously became the wine served at the feast. And the quantity was huge to prove the power required.

4. Now think about what has happened so that you can see the sign so that you may believe as the disciples did. 1) First, the wine for the wedding has run out. Wine has a symbolic meaning for

joy and the blessings of God (Ps 104:15; Prov 3:10; Jer 48:33). 2) Listen to how God used the image of wine as a prophetic symbolism of God

dwelling with His people, blessing them and restoring them.

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Isa 25:6: “The Lord of hosts will prepare a lavish banquet for all peoples on this mountain; a banquet of aged wine (shemer), choice pieces with marrow, and refined, aged wine (shemer).”

Joel 3:17-18: “Then you will know that I am the Lord your God, dwelling in Zion, My holy mountain. So Jerusalem will be holy, and strangers will pass through it no more. 18And in that day the mountains will drip with sweet wine (asis), and the hills will flow with milk, and all the brooks of Judah will flow with water; and a spring will go out from the house of the Lord to water the valley of Shittim.”

Amos 9:13-15: “’Behold, days are coming,’ declares the Lord, ‘when the plowman will overtake the reaper and the treader of grapes him who sows seed; when the mountains will drip sweet wine (asis) and all the hills will be dissolved. 14Also I will restore the captivity of My people Israel, and they will rebuild the ruined cities and live in them; they will also plant vineyards and drink their wine (oinos), and make gardens and eat their fruit. 15I will also plant them on their land, and they will not again be rooted out from their land which I have given them,’ says the Lord your God.”

5. The wedding has no wine. 1) First century Judaism is pictured as being separated from God and no longer

receiving God’s blessings and favor. The wine has run out. The Jewish nation is spiritually barren.

2) Second, Jesus eliminated the purification jars. The people could no longer ceremonially wash themselves because the

jars which previously contained water now contain wine. The time for ritual cleansing is over. Jesus brings purification. Cleansing comes through Jesus. Purification is

found in the Lamb of God, not in these washings.3) Third, Jesus has brought the blessings of God.

Jesus restores the blessings to the nation. Jesus is the fountain of wine flowing to the people.

4) Fourth, Jesus brings wine that is better than what the people had before. This is superior wine. The blessings that have come with Jesus are greater and better than the

blessings ever experienced before. 5) Fifth, Jesus brings the wine in abundance.

Everyone points out the staggering amount of wine that was produced, 120-180 gallons, which is far too much for a wedding feast, even one that lasted a week.

Jesus offers abundant, overflowing grace of the kingdom, more than ever was before. John 1:16: “From His fullness we have all received grace upon grace.”

6. 10: says that the guests had already “drunk freely” before this “wine” came out.

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1) If this had all been “wine” as we think of it, Jesus would have helped these people to drink in excess, not in moderation. In short, He would have helped them sin!

2) Surely no Christian would desire to take that position. A little bit of reasoning quickly leads us to understand that we must be

missing something in our terminology as compared with the way the Bible uses the same words.

7. 1 John 2:1-11: We know that Jesus converted water into some product of grapes, but we cannot directly determine its alcohol content. 1) If the drink produced was intoxicating, then we would be claiming that Jesus

supplied more alcoholic beverages to a group who had already drunk all the available supply.

2) A quick calculation shows that Jesus made about 120 to 180 gallons of drink. 3) Consuming this quantity of liquor would have constituted a huge drinking

party. 4) However, drinking parties are condemned, so we must conclude that the drink

must have been unfermented (1 Pet 4:3).

8. Notice that the governor of the feast, the one in charge of making sure no one violates the Law by getting drunk, called Jesus’ drink the best served during the feast. 1) The best wine does not necessarily refer to the beverage with the greatest

alcohol content. 2) In a culture without refrigeration, fresh, pure grape juice was a treasured treat.

The governor was simply complimenting the host on the drink's quality of taste.

3) Also notice from our study of the Hebrew words for grape products that the Old Law did not permit the serving of alcoholic beverages and since Jesus did not violate the Law, the drink He made could not have been alcoholic.

BAD AND GOOD WINE

I. BAD WINE (CONDEMNED). One class of texts refers to wine:

A. AS THE CAUSE OF INTOXICATION – (This is not disputed).

B. AS THE CAUSE OF VIOLENCE AND WOE.

1. Prov 4:17: “For they eat the bread of wickedness and drink the wine (Yayin) of violence.”

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2. Prov 23:29-30: “Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has contentions? Who has complaining? Who has wounds without cause? Who has redness of eyes? 30 Those who linger long over wine (yayin), those who go to taste mixed wine.”

C. AS THE CAUSE OF SELF-SECURITY AND IRRELIGION.

1. Isa 56:12: “‘Come,’ they say, ‘let us get wine (yayin), and let us drink heavily of strong drink (shekar); and tomorrow will be like today, only more so.’”

2. Hab 2:5: “Furthermore, wine (yayin) betrays the haughty man, so that he does not stay at home. He enlarges his appetite like Sheol, and he is like death, never satisfied. He also gathers to himself all nations and collects to himself all peoples.”

3. Isa 28:7: “And these also reel with wine (yayin) and stagger from strong drink (shekar): the priest and the prophet reel with strong drink (shekar), they are confused by wine, they stagger from strong drink (shekar); they reel while having visions, they totter when rendering judgment.”

D. AS POISONOUS AND DESTRUCTIVE.

1. Prov 23:31-32: “Do not look on the wine (yayin) when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup, when it goes down smoothly; 32 At the last it bites like a serpent and stings like a viper.” 1) Chemists find in this passage an admirable description of the process

of vinous fermentation by which alcohol is produced.2) It is this kind of wine that men are exhorted and warned not to look

upon, much less to drink – its effects will be like the poisonous, deadly bite of a serpent and the equally fatal sting of a viper.

2. Deut 32:33: “Their wine (yayin) is the venom of serpents, and the deadly poison of cobras.”1) The Hebrew word khamah, here rendered poison, occurs 8 times and

is 6 times translated poison (Deut 32:24, 33; Ps 108:4; 140:3; Job 6:4; Hos 7:5).

2) Hos 7:5: “On the day of our king, the princes became sick with the heat (bottles) of wine (Yayin); He stretched out his hand with scoffers,” (Khamath), poison; margin: “heat through wine.”

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3) Hab 2:15: “Woe to you who make your neighbors drink, who mix in your venom (khamath) even to make them drunk so as to look on their nakedness!” (NASBU)Hab 2:15: “Woe unto him that giveth his neighbour drink, that puttest thy bottle (khamath) to him, and makest him drunken also, that thou mayest look on their nakedness!” (KJV) The word bottle is rendered khamath, which means poison, and

is so rendered generally; by a figure, the bottle is put for the poison it contained.

E. AS CONDEMNING THOSE WHO ARE DEVOTED TO DRINK.

1. Isa 5:22-24: “Woe to those who are heroes in drinking wine (yayin) and valiant men in mixing strong drink (shekar), 23 Who justify the wicked for a bribe, and take away the rights of the ones who are in the right! 24

Therefore, as a tongue of fire consumes stubble and dry grass collapses into the flame, so their root will become like rot and their blossom blow away as dust; for they have rejected the law of the Lord of hosts and despised the word of the Holy One of Israel.” 1) 1 Cor 6:10: “nor thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards, nor

revilers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God.”

F. AS THE EMBLEM OF PUNISHMENT AND OF ETERNAL RUIN.

1. Ps 60:3: “You have made Your people experience hardship; You have given us wine (yayin) to drink that makes us stagger.”1) Literally, “wine of reeling or trembling.”2) The Latin Vulgate (Jerome, 400 AD) reads, “suffering.”3) Isa 51:17, 22: “Rouse yourself! Rouse yourself! Arise, O Jerusalem,

you who have drunk from the Lord’s hand the cup of His anger (trembling, KJV); the chalice of reeling you have drained to the dregs…. 22 Thus says your Lord, the Lord, even your God who contends for His people, ‘Behold, I have taken out of your hand the cup of reeling, the chalice of My anger; you will never drink it again.’”

II. GOOD WINE (COMMENDED).

A. THIS WINE IS TO BE PRESENTED AT THE ALTAR AS AN OFFERING.

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1. Num 18:12: “All the best of the fresh oil and all the best of the fresh wine (tirosh) and of the grain, the first fruits of those which they give to the Lord, I give them to you.”1) In this passage, all the best of the (tirosh) wine is associated with the

best of the oil and of the grain, etc., denoting the most valuable natural productions – THE DIRECT GIFT OF GOD!

2. Num 18:13: “The first ripe fruits of all that is in their land, which they bring to the Lord, shall be yours; everyone of your household who is clean may eat it.”1) This was a first fruit-offering.2) Neh 10:37: “We will also bring the first of our dough, our

contributions, the fruit of every tree, the new wine (tirosh) and the oil to the priests at the chambers of the house of our God, and the tithe of our ground to the Levites, for the Levites are they who receive the tithes in all the rural towns.”

3) Neh 13:5, 12-15: “had prepared a large room for him, where formerly they put the grain offerings, the frankincense, the utensils and the tithes of grain, wine (tirosh) and oil prescribed for the Levites, the singers and the gatekeepers, and the contributions for the priests… 12 All Judah then brought the tithe of the grain, wine (tirosh) and oil into the storehouses. 13 In charge of the storehouses I appointed Shelemiah the priest, Zadok the scribe, and Pedaiah of the Levites, and in addition to them was Hanan the son of Zaccur, the son of Mattaniah; for they were considered reliable, and it was their task to distribute to their kinsmen. 14 Remember me for this, O my God, and do not blot out my loyal deeds which I have performed for the house of my God and its services. 15 In those days I saw in Judah some who were treading wine (yayin) presses on the sabbath, and bringing in sacks of grain and loading them on donkeys, as well as wine (yayin), grapes, figs and all kinds of loads, and they brought them into Jerusalem on the sabbath day. So I admonished them on the day they sold food. ”

3. Lev 2:11: “No grain offering, which you bring to the Lord, shall be made with leaven, for you shall not offer up in smoke any leaven or any honey as an offering by fire to the Lord.” 1) “It is hardly to be credited, when in the law all leaven was forbidden

as an offering, that God should require a fermented liquor which, of all others, is the most direct cause of wretchedness and woe in this life, and of eternal ruin in the future, as a religious offering.” (Patton, p.60)

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2) Leaven was forbidden with all sacrifices, whether they were meat or peace offerings (Ex 23:18; 34:25; Lev 6:17; 7:12; 10:12).

3) As all the other articles offered in worship were in their nature pure and harmless – were essential to the comfort and well-being of man, it is obviously strange and inconsistent that the wine should be the one exception.

B. THIS WINE IS CLASSED AMONG THE BLESSINGS, THE COMFORTS, AND THE NECESSITIES OF LIFE.

1. Gen 27:28: “Now may God give you of the dew of heaven, and of the fatness of the earth, and an abundance of grain and new wine (tirosh);”1) When the patriarch Isaac blessed his son Jacob, the blessing was on

the actual growth of the field – that which “the dew of heaven, and of the fatness of the earth” produced. THESE WERE THE DIRECT GIFTS OF GOD .

2. Gen 27:37: Of this blessing, Isaac afterwards said to Esau: “But Isaac replied to Esau, ‘Behold, I have made him your master, and all his relatives I have given to him as servants; and with grain and new wine (tirosh)I have sustained him. Now as for you then, what can I do, my son?’”1) Deut 7:13: “He will love you and bless you and multiply you; He

will also bless the fruit of your womb and the fruit of your ground, your grain and your new wine (tirosh) and your oil, the increase of your herd and the young of your flock, in the land which He swore to your forefathers to give you.”

2) The blessing is upon their seed the direct and immediate product of the land.

3) Deut 11:14: To secure this, God promised: “that He will give the rain for your land in its season, the early and late rain, that you may gather in your grain and your new wine (tirosh) and your oil.”

4) Prov 3:10: “So your barns will be filled with plenty and your vats will overflow with new wine (tirosh).”

5) Isa 24:7: “The new wine (tirosh) mourns, the vine decays, all the merry-hearted sigh.” Albert Barnes, on this verse says, “new wine (tirosh) denotes

properly must, or the wine that was newly expressed from the grape and that was not fermented, usually translated new wine or sweet wine.”

3. Isa 65:8: Thus says the Lord, “As the new wine (tirosh) is found in the cluster, and one says, ‘Do not destroy it, for (a blessing is in it) there is

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benefit in it,’ so I will act on behalf of My servants in order not to destroy all of them.”1) It is the new wine that is a blessing.2) Jud 9:13: “But the vine said to them, ‘Shall I leave my new wine

(tirosh), which cheers God and men, and go to wave over the trees?’”

4. Joel 3:18: “And in that day the mountains will drip with sweet wine (tirosh), and the hills will flow with milk, and all the brooks of Judah will flow with water; and a spring will go out from the house of the Lord to water the valley of Shittim.”1) Abundance of blessings – These blessed things are the pure, and

harmless, and direct products of the land, necessary for the comfort and happiness of man.

2) Is intoxicating wine, which is the emblem of God’s wrath and of eternal ruin among the things blessed?

5. Ps 104:14-15: “He causes the grass to grow for the cattle, and vegetation for the labor of man, so that he may bring forth food from the earth, 15

and wine (yayin) which makes man’s heart glad, so that he may make his face glisten with oil, and food which sustains man’s heart.”1) Obviously, God can only be cheered or pleased with the fruit of the

vine as the product of His own power and the gift of His goodness, and man is cheered with it when he sees the ripening clusters, and when he partakes thereof.

2) There is a strange impression, very current in our day that nothing can cheer and exhilarate but alcoholic drinks.

3) Zech 9:7: Is it not written, “For what comeliness and beauty will be theirs! Grain will make the young men flourish (cheerful, KJV), and new wine (tirosh) the virgins” (maids, KJV).

4) Ps 4:7: “You have put gladness in my heart, more than when their grain and new wine (tirosh)abound.” Gladness is the same Hebrew word which is translated cheers

in Jud 9:13.5) We all know that the weary, hungry man is cheered with meat. As

soon as the nerves of the stomach are excited by food, a sensation of refreshment, of warmth, and of cheer is felt, and often expressed. The woman who, all day long, has bent over the wash-tub and exhausted her strength, sits down at the close of the day to her cup of tea – (the cup that cheers – but not intoxicates) – with her frugal meal of bread, and perhaps, of meat, and rises up refreshed, cheerful, and strong. So, also, is cold water:

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Prov 25:25: “As cold water to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country.”

C. THIS WINE IS THE EMBLEM OF SPIRITUAL BLESSINGS.

1. Isa 55:1-2: “Ho! Every one who thirsts, come to the waters; and you who have no money come, buy and eat. Come, buy wine (yayin) and milk without money and without cost. 2 Why do you spend money for what is not bread, and your wages for what does not satisfy? Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, and delight yourself in abundance.”1) All are invited to take this wine freely and abundantly.2) How careless it would be to say to drink abundantly an intoxicating

beverage, which, if you drink habitually and liberally, will beg the drunkard’s appetite, and shut you out of heaven. Would God make the intoxicating drink the emblem of those

spiritual blessings which ensure peace and prosperity in this life, and prepares one for blessedness hereafter?

3) There is harmony between milk and unfermented wine as harmless and nutritious, and they properly stand as the symbols of spiritual mercies (Ps 104:15; Jud 9:13; Prov 9:2). Such is the invitation to drink abundantly, because spiritual

blessings never injure, but always do good to the recipient (John 4:10-15; 10:10).

D. THIS WINE IS THE EMBLEM OF THE BLOOD OF THE ATONEMENT BY WHICH IS THE FORGIVENESS OF SINS AND ETERNAL BLESSEDNESS.1. Institution of the Lord’s Supper.

Matt 26:26-29: “While they were eating, Jesus took some bread, and after a blessing, He broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, ‘Take, eat; this is My body.’ 27 And when He had taken a cup and given thanks, He gave it to them, saying, ‘Drink from it, all of you; 28 for this is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for forgiveness of sins. 29 But I say to you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine (gennema tas ampelou) from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father’s kingdom.’” (see also Mark 14:22-25; Luke 22:18). 1) The bread and the wine (blood of the grape) are united, as in other

scriptures, as blessings, but in this case as emblems of the most wonderful manifestation of the divine love to man.

2. 1 Cor 10:16: “Is not the cup of blessing which we bless a sharing in the blood of Christ? Is not the bread which we break a sharing in the body of Christ?”

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1) 1 Cor 10:21: “You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons; you cannot partake of the table of the Lord and the table of demons.” It is impossible to partake of the cup of blessing

(unintoxicating) and the cup of demons (intoxicating) at the same time!

SUMMARY

A. In all the passages where good wine (unintoxicating) is named, there is no hint of warning, no limitations of, or disapprobation, but always of decided approval.

1. How bold and strongly marked is the contrast:1) The one is the cause of intoxication, of violence, and of woes.

The other is the occasion of comfort and of peace.2) The one is the cause of irreligion and of self-destruction.

The other is the devout offering of piety on the altar of God.3) The one is the symbol of the divine wrath.

The other is the symbol of spiritual blessings.4) The one is the emblem of eternal damnation.

The other is the emblem of eternal salvation.

2. Can it be that these blessings and curses refer to the same beverage, and that an intoxicating liquor?1) Can the same content be good and bad at the same time?2) A symbol of wrath and a symbol of mercy (blessing)?3) A thing to be sought after and a thing to be avoided?4) And is the Bible, then, inconsistent with itself? Certainly not!

B. Conclusion: Whenever the Bible speaks of wine as a comfort, a blessing, or an offering to God, and rank it with grain, oil, milk, etc. they can only mean such wine as contained no alcohol that could have a mischievous tendency; that whenever they denounce it, and connect it with drunkenness and reveling, they can mean only alcoholic or intoxicating wine.

1. But the position of the advocates of only one kind of wine is that “the juice of the grape, when called wine, was always fermented, and, being fermented, was always intoxicating” is clearly false!1) Just one exception will destroy the universality of this sweeping statement.

CONCLUSION

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1. The old ways are challenged by the coming of Jesus. Jesus did not come to tidy up the old system or put a bandage on the Law of Moses.

1. Jesus provides new wine that vastly surpasses anything that contemporary Judaism could afford, and renders obsolete the stone jars of purification. 1) The Messiah, God’s greatest blessing, had arrived. 2) Jesus came with a new way and a new system (Heb 10:22-25). 3) Jesus came to change people, offering radical change, pouring out abundant

grace (Rom 12:1-2-Eph 4:17-24).

2. Remember first that the purpose of this account was, not to teach us about drinking wine, but to substantiate Jesus’ claims by showing His power of doing miracles. 1) Let us not lose sight of this in discussing side issues. 2) Details, that might be interesting in a discussion of wine drinking, are not given

because they are not relevant to the point of the story. 3) To understand Bible teaching about drinking alcoholic beverages, we must go

elsewhere.

2. If Jesus provided alcoholic drinks such as are common in our society, then He provided for or at least tempted people to drunkenness.

1. Some people use this passage to justify modern social drinking “in moderation”: “If Jesus provided wine at a feast, why can’t we today drink alcoholic beverages at social gatherings?” 1) There is certainly no Biblical evidence that the water that Jesus turned into

wine was a “fermented” wine.2) Besides, if this example justified “social drinking” then it would certainly

justify EXCESSIVE social drinking!2. The passage says Jesus provided wine, which would make His influence and

fellowship important. If the “wine” was like today’s alcoholic drinks, then He provided 120-180 gallons of a poisonous, addictive, mind-altering, narcotic drug for people who had already drunk up all the booze in sight! 1) Surely that would encourage some people, not to moderation, but to excess!

This would make Jesus little less than a bartender! 2) Prov 23:29-32: Even the world admits that one of every ten social drinkers

becomes an alcoholic or problem drinker. Knowing this, would Jesus provide people with booze like we have today

(which is much stronger) after repeatedly warning against the dangers of drunkenness and alcoholic drink?

3) 1 Pet 4:1-4: Likewise condemns “banqueting” or “drinking parties,” which is what modern social drinking is. Would Jesus be a good influence and example if He provided 120-180

gallons of alcoholic drinks like we have today? 4) Isaacs (Jewish rabbi) says: “The Jews do not, in their feasts for sacred

purposes, including the marriage feast, ever use any kind of fermented drinks … they employ the fruit of the vine – that is, fresh grapes – unfermented grape-

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juice, and raisins, as the symbol of benediction. Fermentation is to them always a symbol of corruption … rottenness.” (Patton, p70)

3. The meaning of the word “wine.”

1. Many words, like “baptism,” “church,” and others, have different meanings today from used in the Bible. 1) So “wine” in the Bible does not mean what “wine” means today, but was

similar to our use of “cider”: it could be fermented or unfermented, depending on context.

2. Wine was often unfermented (Isa 16:10; 65:8; Jer 48:33; Rev 19:15 — cf. Rev 14:10; Gen 40:9-11). 1) This “wine” was often spoken of as a blessing. 2) Some claim the wine in John 2 had to be fermented because wine could

not be kept unfermented till this time of year. But any good encyclopedia will show clear evidence that people then

knew how to keep wine unfermented.

3. Sometimes grape juice was boiled down to a syrup and kept unfermented. 1) This was later diluted again to make a non-alcoholic grape drink.2) Obviously “wine” was sometimes fermented, but again encyclopedias

show that our wines today are much more intoxicating than even the alcoholic wines of Bible times.

3) Their wines were naturally lower in alcohol due to climate, and they never fortified their wines with distilled alcohol as is often done today. The distilling process was unknown then.

4) Instead, custom demanded that, when fermented wine was used (as at feasts) it must be diluted with water (3 parts water to one part wine, and some say even more dilute) to cut the alcoholic content.

5) And even then care was taken to avoid over-indulgence. 6) Drinking of fermented wine without dilution was always considered

strong drink (wine) or much wine (Rev 14:10). These facts are confirmed both by secular encyclopedias and

religious commentators. Alcoholic wine is never viewed in Scripture as a blessing, but is

often warned against as a danger.

II. FIRST PASSOVER: CLEANSING THE TEMPLE (2:12:25).

A. JESUS GOES TO CAPERNAUM (2:12).

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12: “After this He went down to Capernaum, He and His mother and His brothers and His disciples; and they stayed there a few days.”

1. After the miracle at Cana, Jesus’ family and disciples went to Capernaum. 1) Capernaum was a city on the northern end of the Sea of Galilee (see a MAP). 2) They stayed there not long in terms of days. Capernaum seems after this to be

somewhat a home base for Jesus which seems to be referred to as “His own city” (Matt 4:12; Matt 9:1 with Mark 2:1). He did not apparently live at Nazareth any longer.

2. Note that, contrary to Catholic doctrine, Jesus did have “brothers.” 1) These were His brothers in the same sense that Mary was His mother. 2) It was not a spiritual relationship, nor were they just cousins.

They were brothers in the flesh in His immediate family like Mary was His mother in the flesh in His immediate family.

3) Other passages name the brothers, and still others state that He also had sisters.4) They show conclusively that these people were physical members of His

physical family like Mary was His earthly mother. 5) Hence, Mary was not a perpetual virgin after Jesus’ birth. (See also Matt

12:46; 13:55; Mark 3:32; 6:3; Luke 8:19-20; John 7:3, 5 ,10; 1 Cor 9:5; Gal 1:19). The fact that Joseph is nowhere mentioned is taken by many to imply that

he had died by this time.

B. JESUS WENT TO JERUSALEM FOR THE PASSOVER (2:13-17).

13: “The Passover of the Jews was near, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem.”

“The Passover of the Jews was near”“and they stayed there a few days” (12) Capernaum.

1. This mention of Jesus’ sojourning in Capernaum informs us where Jesus spent His time between His temptation and the first Passover.1) Jesus was about 30 years old at the time of His baptism (Luke 3:23).2) He spent 40 days in the wilderness and then 6 days from His return to Bethany

until He went to Cana (John 1-2).3) From this time He spent a few days in Capernaum until the Passover.4) It is evident that He began His ministry only two or three months before this

Passover at the 30th year of His life.5) The Jewish Passover comes in early spring, which corresponds to our April.

2. This Passover was an annual Jewish feast in memorial of the time God slew all the firstborn of Egypt but spared the Israelites because they had put the blood of lambs on their doorposts (Ex 12 & 13).

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1) It seems significant that this was Jesus’ first recorded public act in His ministry.2) He had been baptized and had made some disciples in Galilee and had done a

miracle. 3) But after a brief period at Capernaum, He went to the temple in Jerusalem, for

His first major acts at the center of Jewish worship. 4) But He did not begin quietly, nor by preaching a message of sweetness and

positive mental attitude. He began by creating a major confrontation against the perversions of the Jews! Alternate view: “It is important to keep in mind that John is not recording

his gospel in chronological sequence. The other gospel accounts place this event toward the end of Jesus’ ministry. There is no reason to assume that there were two temple cleansings, since each gospel only records one temple cleansing event. John has moved this event to the front of his gospel with the purpose of generating belief in Jesus (John 20:31). Therefore John is not merely offering another retelling of this event (I believe the other three gospels were already written and circulated by the time John’s gospel was written). John does not have to write his gospel like a newspaper reporter, recording facts in chronological sequence. His purpose is to proclaim and persuade about Jesus. John is trying to teach us something more about Jesus in this scene. John moves this event toward the front of his gospel to emphasize how this event teaches us about the ministry of Jesus.” (Brent Kercheville)

“and Jesus went up to Jerusalem”

1. Jesus would spend 8 days at this feast.1) The Passover day was followed by one week (7 days) of observing the feast of

Unleavened Bread.2) These two feasts were known by the same name (Luke 22:1; Acts 12:4; Ezek

45:21).3) Every male Jew 20 years old and upward was expected to attend the Passover

at Jerusalem.4) It was also at this time that the annual temple tax was collected (Ex 30:13-14;

Matt 17:24). Every male Jew who was 20 years old and older were obligated to pay a tax for care of the temple of 1/2 shekel each year. Since they were coming into the city for the Passover festival, it was an

appropriate time to also collect this tax. Only Jewish coins were allowed to be deposited into the treasury. The payment of this tax could not be made in foreign currencies like the

Roman denarii, which contained pagan symbols and the images of emperors. Therefore the money had to be exchanged for the appropriate temple currency (apparently Tyrian coinage because of its pure silver content).

Edershiem says this business alone cleared the priest $300,000 yearly.

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14: “And He found in the temple those who were selling oxen and sheep and doves, and the money changers seated at their tables.”

“in the temple”

1. This cannot possibly mean in the physical building itself, which was built as a replacement of the tabernacle. 1) That is, this was not done in the Holy Place or Most Holy Place. 2) Only the priests were allowed there, and anyone else who entered was put to

death. Even these callous Jews would not have allowed that.

2. But the temple area had become a complex of courtyards and porches. 1) After the beginning of the church, the Jerusalem congregation met in a porch of

the temple. Other meetings occurred there. So various areas of the temple compound were open to the public, and the entire area is here and elsewhere referred to as “the temple” (Acts 2:41-47).

3. In order to enter into the center of the temple, one had to pass through the following sections:1) Court of the Gentiles.2) Court of women.3) Court of Israel.4) Court of priests.

It would be in the outer court of the Gentiles where Jesus found the animals and the money changers.

This was the place designated for the Gentiles to come to the temple and worship God. This was to be the place of prayer and thanksgiving.

These merchants had set up business in this area of the temple, yet Jesus still objected.

“those who were selling oxen and sheep and doves, and the money changers seated at their tables.”

1. Each Jewish family had to offer a sacrifice at the Passover. Many came from far countries.1) One can readily see the impractical nature of bringing an animal a long distance

to offer. How were you going to bring a lamb from Asia Minor or Italy and keep it without blemish on the long journey to Jerusalem?

2) The pigeons and doves, which were the sin offering for the poor, were also made available for sale at this time. So this marketplace was set up as a convenience to the Jews who were coming to the city to offer their sacrifices. One historian tells us the money changers would sometimes charge $4.00

for a nickel bird.

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15: “And He made a scourge of cords, and drove them all out of the temple, with the sheep and the oxen; and He poured out the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables;”

“scourge of cords”

Englishman's Concordance Strong's Greek #4979New American Standard Hebrew-Aramaic and Greek Dictionaries: Updated Edition: 4979 σχοινιον (schoinion)4979.     σχοινιον schoinion; dim. of σχοινος schoinos (a rush); a rope (made of rushes):— cords(1), ropes(1).

John 2:15 ... And He made a scourge of cords, and drove them all out ...

Acts 27:32 ...Then the soldiers cut away theropes of the ship’s boat and ...

1. The original word implies these cords were made of twisted rushes or reeds.1) Presumably He used the scourge in driving out the sheep and oxen, although it

is not directly stated exactly who or what, if anything, He struck with the scourge.

2) It is possible that the mere threat of its use was enough to drive them out. Animals and men have often been “driven” by means of a whip without ever being struck – the mere threat of the whip being enough to motivate them.

3) On the other hand, based on Jesus’ own teaching elsewhere (such as Matt 5), if it was wrong to actually beat men with the scourge, then it would have been wrong to threaten to do it.

4) Whether or not He struck men is not stated; but acting as the authorized Son of God, He would have had the right to do so, especially under the Old Testament law with its physical punishments for sin.

2. This is not the only time Jesus cleansed the temple. 1) He did the same thing later on a different occasion when He visited Jerusalem

(Matt 21:12-13; Mark 11:15-18; Luke 19:45-47). 2) Obviously these men returned after He left. 3) Apparently the rulers, who ought to have kept them out, did not oppose the

activity. 4) So Jesus was opposing, not just the men who were making a financial profit,

but probably also the people in charge of the temple. Consider the courage it would require to take the stand Jesus did here.

16: “and to those who were selling the doves He said, “Take these things away; stop making My Father’s house a place of business (house of merchandise).”

1. Jesus here uses as His authority for His actions the fact that this is His “Father’s house”

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1) This is an indirect way of claiming He is the Son of God, yet just as definite as if he had said, “I man the only begotten Son of God, hence I have a right to clean My Father’s house.”

2. How did Jesus accomplish so great a task?1) Could you imagine anyone today entering into a company of several hundred

crooked merchants and attempt to drive them out from their place of business?2) John 18:6: A similar miracle is found.

17: “His disciples remembered that it was written, “Zeal for Your house will consume me.”

1. Jesus’ found justification for His deed in Scripture. 1) The temple should have been a house of prayer (Mark 11:15; Matt. 21:13; cf.

Isa 56:7), but they had made it a den of thieves (Jer 7:11) or a house of merchandise.

2) When Jesus had cleansed the temple, Jesus’ disciples remembered the Scripture that said this was an indication of zeal for God’s house (Ps 69:9).

3) The activities Jesus removed pertained, indirectly to the worship. 4) The animals were offered for sacrifice, and the change was made so people

could pay the temple taxes, sacrifices, etc. God Himself had commanded these sacrifices and taxes to God. What

then was the problem?

2. Probably some of these men were corrupt in overcharging for their products to take advantage of people who needed sacrifices but could not easily obtain them elsewhere. 1) Recall that He did the same thing later on a different occasion when He visited

Jerusalem (Matt 21:12-13; Mark 11:15-18; Luke 19:45-47). The observation of the other gospel accounts was that God’s worship

requirements were being used as a means for personal profit to line the pockets of the merchandisers without regard for God or man (“a den of thieves”).

2) But there was another reason the practice was objectionable, although not mentioned in the Synoptic Gospels, in both accounts of Jesus overturning the tables in the temple. Therefore John doesn’t have as his purpose to repeat everything that is

said in the Synoptics regarding separate occasions of a similar event. 3) John as an eye-witness that Jesus also objected to conducting business on the

premises of the temple was a perversion of the purpose of the temple. It was to be a house of prayer — worship and spiritual service — not a

place of making financial gain (“place of business”), even if they didn’t take advantage by price gouging.

4) Jesus’ zeal for the temple required Him to resist these perversions of its purpose.

3. Lessons for us.96

1) God distinguishes between worship activities and everyday activities (what we call “secular activities”). This is a valid distinction and in Scripture the two are at times separated with regard to time and circumstance. The Old Testament often referred to acts specifically designated for worship to God as “holy” (set apart for a special use). He rebuked Israel for not distinguishing the holy from the common.

2) When God gives a spiritual purpose to an activity or an ordinance, we displease Him greatly when we change that purpose to another purpose, especially one that is materialistic or physical in emphasis, to satisfy human desires instead of giving Him honor and praise. Note, for example, Paul’s rebuke of the Corinthians for turning the Lord's

Supper into a common meal (1 Cor 11:17-32).3) God does not have to expressly say a thing is wrong for it to be wrong. I know

of no Old Testament passage that expressly forbade selling or making change in the temple (though unfair business practices were often condemned). But God said what the temple was for, and these activities were not included. Likewise, we are wrong if we simply do things differently from what He said, in ways that are not authorized or not included in what God commanded. This is the principle that we must have Bible authority for all we do, and

we must not change what God has said and follow human ideas instead (Matt 15:9, 13; Gal 1:8-9; 2 John 9-11; Col 3:17; Jer 10:23; Prov 14:12; 3:5-6; Rev 22:18-19).

4. Specific applications of these principles can be made in numerous areas, because similar conduct is common today in the name of religion.1) Consider, for example, modern-day “faith healers” who claim they can do

miracles by the power of God like Jesus and His apostles did. But they expect and may even require a generous donation first. Many of them get filthy rich, and yet they are not doing true miracles. In all cases they are frauds and know it. Religion has become “a house of merchandise” and in many cases “a den of thieves.”

2) Other groups make merchandise off the people by offering spiritual benefits (indulgences, masses), but the people must pay a fee for the service. Often these services are not Scriptural or not needed by the people, but the religious leaders convince people it is needed and then charge a fee or otherwise get rich off it.

3) Then compare the modern “Social Gospel” movement. The church is God’s temple today — not a building, but the people, and particularly the local congregation (1 Cor 3:16; 6:19-20; 1 Tim 3:15; 1 Pet 2:5-9; Eph 2:19-22). The church was sanctified by God for spiritual purposes, to worship Him and teach His word, just as the Old Testament temple was (1 Tim 3:15; 1 Cor 14; Eph 4:16; etc.). Yet many people today seek to get the church involved in sponsoring or using its facilities for recreation, entertainment, business activities, social gatherings, secular education, common meals, kitchens, camps, gymnasiums, “fellowship halls,” and other physical activities of personal desire and enjoyment.

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4) Often this is justified by seeking a connection of some kind between the activity and the work of the church — just like in these examples in the temple. But the fact is that the activity itself is no part of what God authorized the church to do, nor is it spiritual in its nature and emphasis. There may be no specific passage forbidding such, but it violates God’s purpose and intent for His church just as surely as these moneychangers in the temple. And Jesus, were He to return, would cast them out of His church as surely as He cast these money changers out of the temple (Matt 15:12-14). Those who share His zeal for the church will act as He would. This is not to say that it is wrong to financially support a preacher of

God’s word, if each member is simply expected to give in accord with prosperity. Support of preachers is expressly taught in God’s word (2 Cor 11:8-9; Phil 4:15-18; 1 Cor 9:6-14). But every member should give voluntarily in accord with His ability and prosperity. And every person, member or not, should be offered the teaching in accord with his need. The service a person receives should depend, not on his ability to pay, but on his need.

What is objectionable are activities that are not authorized in God’s word for the church, or spiritual services which people genuinely need, but can’t obtain unless they can pay for it, or the rich people get more spiritual benefit because they have more money to buy the services. Such was never God’s intent.

We today need the same zeal for the purity of God’s spiritual temple, the church that Jesus had for the temple in Jerusalem. Let the church focus on its lofty purposes of preaching the gospel, worshipping God, and saving souls, but not come down from those works to engage in material interests and pleasing the physical desires of the people — “a house of merchandise.”

C. THE JEWS CHALLENGE JESUS’ RIGHT TO CLEANSE THE TEMPLE (2:18).

18: “The Jews then said to Him, “What sign do You show us as your authority for doing these things?”

1. No doubt the Jews were surprised or even angered by Jesus’ action. 1) They asked Him what sign He did, since He had acted so.

Little did they realize they had just seen a sign, never has such an act been performed by mere men.

2) The request was, in effect, a question regarding His authority or right to so act.3) This was the proper purpose of signs — to validate the teaching or action of a

man as being from God. 4) The Jews asked Him a similar question after He cleansed the temple the second

time (Matt 21:23). 5) The fact they asked these questions implies that they were responsible for, or,

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2. Why would they ask such a question?)1) Asking for authority for a man’s action is a good thing to do. 2) As demonstrated here and on other occasions, however, Jesus knew that these

people did not really respect Divine authority (2:24-25). 3) In fact, had the Jews been more concerned about having proper authority, they

would never have allowed these practices in the temple to begin with (see notes above).

4) As His ministry proceeded, Jesus often did numerous signs to prove He was from God. But instead of accepting the evidence and believing in Him, they became

more and more antagonistic.5) But in this case, Jesus had already explained His authority when He quoted

Scripture. 6) The Jews needed to learn that signs are not needed when Scriptural authority

has been cited. 7) The Scriptures constitute authority from God validated by the record of the

signs they contain. Likewise, people today need to learn that signs are not needed at all now

that all truth has been revealed, recorded, and confirmed (2 Tim 3:16-17; John 20:30-31; Luke 16:19-31; 1 Cor 13; Jude 3).

Nevertheless, though a sign was not needed, Jesus gave them one anyway, as shown in the next verse.

D. THE SIGN OF JESUS’ TEMPLE (2:19-23).

19: “Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.”

1. The sign Jesus offered was not one that would happen immediately. Instead He predicted a future sign.1) He was speaking of His body, using the physical temple they were standing in

as a symbol of His bodily temple. 2) They would kill Him, but three days later He would arise.

20: “The Jews then said, “It took forty-six years to build this temple, and will You raise it up in three days?”

1. The Jews, however, assumed He was referring to the temple buildings (which He had just cleansed). 1) So they objected that it had taken 46 years to build them, so how could He

restore them in three days? 2) Solomon had built the original temple and Nebuchadnezzar had destroyed it.3) The Jews rebuilt it after they returned and Herod had been 46 years in the

process of restoring it (McGarvey says that the restoration was still in progress at that time and continued till 64 AD).

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4) This temple was then destroyed by Rome in 70 AD, just shortly after the renovation was completed.

2. Note that the Jews’ confusion over this point continued. 1) In fact, they offered this as an excuse later to kill Him, claiming He had said He

would destroy the temple (Matt 26:61; Mark 14:58). 2) The same charge was raised against Stephen before he was stoned (Acts 6:14).

21: “But He was speaking of the temple of His body.”

1. Though the Jews misunderstood, Jesus was here offering them the greatest sign of all as proof of His authority — the resurrection. 1) This is the fundamental proof of who He was. 2) The apostles repeatedly used it to prove His claims, and we should do the same.3) When people questioned Him, this was the highest evidence He could produce

(John 20:24-31; 1 Cor 15; Rom 1:4; cf. Acts 2:22-32; etc.).

2. It is ironic that, although Jesus here referred to the destruction of the temple of His body, yet He later prophesied the destruction of the physical temple buildings (Matt 24).1) And that temple was destroyed, because of the willful rebellion of the Jews in

general against God’s will. 2) They continued in disobedience, so He allowed the destruction of their national

monument. 3) And the ultimate expression of their rejection of God was that they killed Jesus.

Because they destroyed Jesus’ temple, God destroyed their temple. So indirectly, Jesus statement did predict that they would be responsible for the destruction of the physical temple building!

3. Note that He knew, from the very outset of His ministry that He would have to die.1) Premillennial and other folks are sorely mistaken when they think that Jesus

came expecting to be an earthly king, but had to change His plans when people rejected Him.

2) Nonsense! Jesus knew and stated from the beginning what would happen, as many other passages confirm (see notes on Acts 2 & 3).

3) This was the first of many examples recorded in John (and other gospel accounts) in which the people, especially the Jewish leaders, misunderstood Jesus’ teaching.

4) These misunderstandings were caused by their rebellious resistance to truth.

4. Jesus often deliberately spoke in such a way that their sinful attitudes would cause them to not understand, yet He explained His meaning further for those sincere followers whose hearts were open to truth. 1) Yet even they, as in this case, may have required considerable time before

coming to an understanding.

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2) This example also illustrates how these misunderstandings were often caused by the fact that Jesus was speaking of a spiritual application, but people insisted on making a physical application of the statement.

3) Time and again He speaks spiritually – especially of Himself and His work – but they misunderstand because they fail to see the spiritual application. We will observe this repeatedly as the record proceeds.

22: “So when He was raised from the dead, His disciples remembered that He said this; and they believed the Scripture and the word which Jesus had spoken.”

1. The disciples eventually understand Jesus’ statement.1) The disciples may not have understood Jesus’ statement at the time, but later

they remembered it and saw the significance. 2) The result of this was to produce faith.

This is the purpose of miracles and of the prophecies of Christ. They confirm that He was who He claimed to be.

2. In addition, consider the multiplied power of this miracle in light of the fact that Jesus had predicted it ahead of time. 1) It is amazing enough that He arose. It is far more increasingly evident that He

was who He claimed to be in that He predicted ahead of time He would do this. It is incredible that anyone could arise, but imagine that person actually

being able to predict His own resurrection! If one was a fraud, He would know that three days after His death

everyone would know He had been a fraud. Jesus made the prediction and fulfilled it.

2) And the result was faith. We need to use this evidence to convince unbelievers and strengthen

believers.

3. The passage also says that they believed Scripture. 1) This may refer to the fact that they realized that the resurrection was the

fulfillment of Scripture (1 Cor 15:3-4). 2) Or it may mean simply that they believed the many prophecies that He fulfilled

and that convinced them of who He is.

23: “Now when He was in Jerusalem at the Passover, during the feast, many believed in His name, observing His signs which He was doing.”

1. In the early days of Jesus’ ministry many people appear to have been drawn quickly to a belief in Him by the miracles which they witnessed Him perform. 1) While the Bible makes it clear that much of the purpose of New Testament

miracles was to confirm personal belief (John 4:48; Mark 16:20), the occasion to which verses 24-25 refers makes it evident that at times the faith which was produced from these miracles was not the sort which pleased the Lord.

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2. It is impossible to know how many people believed on Jesus during His brief ministry. 1) Numerous times scripture records that "many believed on Him." 2) On one occasion, the people were so enamored with Jesus, they sought to take

Him by force and make Him a king (John 6:15). 3) There were times of great popularity with Jesus as the people came to see His

miracles and hear His teaching. 4) By the third year of his ministry, the opposition had begun. As Jesus entered

Jerusalem for the final time (Matt 21; Mark 11; Luke 19; John 12) the people "took branches of palm trees and went out to meet Him, and cried out: "Hosanna! `Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!' The King of Israel!" (John 12:13) It was just a few days later, Jesus was crucified on the cross.

24: “But Jesus, on His part, did not commit (KJV) (was not entrusting) Himself to them, for He knew all men,”

“But Jesus, on His part, did not commit (was not entrusting) Himself to them”

1. In the original Greek (from which our English versions have been translated) the word translated “believed” (2:23) is the same as the word translated “commit” (2:24). 1) It is the word pistis meaning – “Faith, trust - 1. That which causes trust and

faith faithfulness, reliability... 2. Trust, confidence, 3. That which is believed, body of faith or belief, doctrine.” (Gingrich Ab. p. 173).

2) We could say then, that this text teaches us that although some “believed” in Jesus, He did not believe in them.

3) Or to put it the other way; even though they had committed themselves to Jesus, He did not “commit” Himself to them.

2. This brings up a number of points from which we can learn related to personal faith: 1) Enthusiasm and saving faith are different things.

It must have been a marvelous thing to witness a miracle performed by the Lord. One can imagine the spirit of excitement that swept over the crowds leading scores of people to believe in this man of such great power.

Yet we could say that it is one thing to “cheer in the stands” (so to speak) and another thing to “play in the game.”

We don’t know exactly what the Lord saw in the hearts of these people that led Him to reject them. But whatever it was it was enough to make their undoubted enthusiasm insufficient.

2) It is possible for our personal faith alone to be displeasing to the Lord. The concept taught in much of the religious world that salvation is by faith

alone is clearly refuted in this account. These people “believed in His name” but they still were unacceptable

believers in the Lord’s sight.

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Jas 2:19: “...Even the demons believe - and tremble!” Obviously the faith of a demon is not acceptable saving faith. Why? Because it has not been perfected by obedience. James 2:22 asks regarding the faith of Abraham - “Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect?” Faith is only acceptable when it is “made perfect” (or complete) by works of obedience.

3) Just because one believes doesn’t mean that they belong to the Lord. The world is filled with churches that claim to belong to the Lord. Undoubtedly most of those who make up their membership are sincere people who to some degree believe in the Lord. Yet the account in the John 2:23-25 shows us that what determines who

(in truth) belongs to the Lord is not a name on a building or a personal experience of faith but the Lord’s examination of the human heart.

In Acts 2:47 we learn that it is the Lord who adds people to His church upon true faith and obedience.

Heb 5:8: identifies Jesus as “...The Author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him.”

2 John 9: shows that the one who has “both the Father and the Son” is “He who abides in the doctrine of Christ.” Let’s make certain in our own lives that we not only believe in the

name of Jesus, but that we are following Him in such a way that He will “commit Himself to” (or believe in) us as well.

“for He knew all men (knew what was in man)”

1. The reason Jesus did not commit himself to man is he knew their hearts. 1) The fickle nature of man would have him praising and honoring the Christ on

one day and rise up to kill him on the next. 2) In the parable of the sower, Jesus describes the heart of men who commit

themselves to the gospel at the first and then in the face of trials, wither away. Matt 13:3-6: "Behold, a sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seed fell by the wayside; and the birds came and devoured them. Some fell on stony places, where they did not have much earth; and they immediately sprang up because they had no depth of earth. But when the sun was up they were scorched, and because they had no root they withered away."

3) Matt 13:20-21: "But he who received the seed on stony places, this is he who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; yet he has no root in himself, but endures only for a while. For when tribulation or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he stumbles."

2. Christ would not commit himself to men whose hearts were not wholly committed to Him. 1) The reason opposition began to increase for Jesus is because of the nature of

His teaching.

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2) He taught that to follow Him a price would have to be paid - and the price was high. Matt 16:24: "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.”Luke 14:26, 33: “If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple ... 33 So likewise, whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple.” Such is the price to be paid for discipleship today.

3. Jesus will not commit to those who put their hand to the plow and begin to look backward. Luke 9:62: "No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God." 1) Our life of service to Christ is one of full dedication and completeness. 2) The life of the Christian is not measured by a 50% effort or even a 75% effort. 3) It demands 100% of our allegiance to the cause of Christ with no turning back.4) In the sermon on the mount, Jesus described the way of truth as hard and

difficult and that few would find it (Matt 7:13-14). Few will be saved for few will endure.

25: “and because He did not need anyone to testify concerning man, for He Himself knew what was in man.”

Jesus needed no evidence from anyone about men, for He Himself knew what was in man.”

1. John 1:47: An example is given in where Jesus confidently and correctly said of Nathaniel, “Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no deceit!” 1) Nathaniel’s reaction is instructive: “How do you know me?” 2) Jesus answered and said to him, “Before Philip called you, when you were

under the fig tree, I saw you.” 3) John 1:48-49: Nathaniel answered and said to him, “Rabbi, You are the Son

of God! You are the King of Israel!” Jesus sees us, too. Knowing this should bring us to our own faith in Him

as the Son of God. Other statements in John (4:29; 6:61, 64; 11:4-14; 13:10-11; 21:17).

2. John 21:15-17: Peter affirmed his faith in the omniscience of Jesus. 1) 15 So when they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son

of John, do you love (agapao) Me more than these?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love (phileo) You.” He said to him, “Tend My lambs.”

2) 16 He *said to him again a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love (agapao) Me?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love (phileo) You.” He said to him, “Shepherd My sheep.”

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3) 17 He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love (phileo) Me?” Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, “Do you love (phileo) Me?” And he said to Him, “Lord, You know all things; You know that I love (phileo) You.” Jesus *said to him, “Tend My sheep.” Peter knew Jesus had firsthand knowledge of his close, endearing

affection for Him. Like Peter, Jesus knows whether or not we love Him with a close and abiding love. Yes, Jesus knows.

Thus, we are given insight and evidence into the divine nature and power of Jesus.

Not only does he know “all things,” he also knows “all men.” He knows you and he knows me. He knows our thoughts, motives,

character and conduct. Jesus knows us and everything about us.

3. That Jesus knows all things impacts our faith in Him as the Son of God, since only God knows and understands all things:

1) Ps 147:5: “Great is our Lord, and mighty in power; His understanding is infinite.”

2) Isa 40:28: “Have you not known? Have you not heard? The everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, neither faints nor is weary. His understanding is unsearchable.”

3) 1 John 3:20: “God is greater than our heart, and knows all things.”4) Ps 139:2: “You know my sitting down and my rising up; You understand my

thought afar off.”5) 1 Sam 2:3: “Talk no more so very proudly; Let no arrogance come from your

mouth, For the LORD is the God of knowledge; and by Him actions are weighed.”

6) Ps 69:5: “O God, You know my foolishness; and my sins are not hidden from You.”

7) 1 Cor 3:20: “The LORD knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are futile.”8) Heb 4:13: “There is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are

naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.” The fact that Jesus knows all men should (must) impact how we choose to

live!

4. The Lord knows all things about us. The question for us is, do we know God? Yes, if we keep His word: 1) 1 John 2:3-5: “Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His

commandments. He who says, ‘I know Him,’ and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him.” Jesus knows if we are obeying Him; He knows it all!

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John Two Study QuestionsTHE FIRST MIRACLE; CLEANSING THE TEMPLE

I. JESUS’ FIRST MIRACLE: WATER TURNED TO WINE (2:1-11).

1. What event occurred (1), and where was it (see MAP)?

2. Who was present (1-2)?

3. What problem occurred, and what request did Jesus’ mother make (3)?

4. What did Jesus tell His mother, but how did she respond (4-5)?

5. How many water pots were present, and how large was each (6)?1) Look up the size of the pots, and calculate the total amount of liquid involved.

(Think: What lessons can we learn from the amount of wine Jesus made?)

6. What were these water pots used for previously?

7. How full did they fill these pots (7)?

8. What did Jesus tell servants to do with the water (8)?1) What happened when the headwaiter tasted the water (9)?

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2) Who knew what had happened to the water?

9. What observation did the ruler of the feast make about the wine (10)?

1) What does this prove?

10. What effect did this event have on his disciples (11)?

11. For each of the following passages, indicate whether the “wine” was alcoholic or not: 1) Deut 32:33:2) Isa 16:10:3) Isa 65:8:4) Jer 48:33:5) Hab 2:15:6) Rev 19:15:

12. List at least 3 Bible passages about drunkenness or the danger of alcoholic wine.1)2)3)

13. Application: Considering the above information, what can you conclude about the alcoholic content of the wine Jesus made? Would He have made this much alcoholic wine (like we have today) for people who had already drunk all the wine available? Would Jesus risk being a stumbling block to others (Prov 23:29-32)? Explain.

II. FIRST PASSOVER: CLEANSING THE TEMPLE (2:12:25).

1. Where did Jesus go next, and who else went there too (12)? (See MAP.)

2. List other passages showing that Jesus had brothers (and/or sisters) in the flesh.

3. Case Study: Catholic teaching says that Mary was a perpetual virgin, even after Jesus was born. Explain the significance of the above information for this doctrine.

4. Where did Jesus go next and for what purpose (13)?

5. List other passages about this feast and explain the purpose of it.

6. What did Jesus find happening in the temple (14)?

7. Describe what He did about this (15).1) Did Jesus actually harm anyone during this event?

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8. List at least 2 other passages describing Jesus doing a similar act. (Think: Do all these passages refer to the same event? What do you make of this?)

9. What reason did Jesus give for His action (16)?

10. What Scripture did Jesus’ act remind His disciples of (17)? 1) Explain the application to Jesus’ act.

11. Application: What lessons can we learn from this event about worship?

1) What can we learn about spiritual vs. material interests?

2) List applications regarding the church and denominational practices today.

12. What question did the Jews ask Jesus regarding the cleansing of the temple (18)? (Think: Why would they ask such a question?)

13. What response did Jesus give (19)?1) What did the Jews think Jesus’ statement meant (20)?

14. How did Jesus’ enemies later use this statement against Him (see cross-references)?

15. What did Jesus’ statement really mean (21)? Explain.

16. Case Study: Premillennial folks say that Jesus did not know, when He began His ministry, that He would have to die. How can you use this passage to help such people?

17. What effect did Jesus’ statement have on the disciples later (22)?

18. Application: What does this show regarding the purpose of prophecy and the resurrection?

19. What else did Jesus do at the feast, and what was the result (23)?

20. What power did Jesus have in this text (24-25)?

21. Who else has such power (see 1 Kings 8:39)? 1) Since Jesus had this power, what does this prove about Jesus?

22. Explain 2:23-25, especially the phrase, “Jesus… did not entrust himself to them.” Does 6:26 shed any light on it?

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John 3THE NEW BIRTH

INTRODUCTION

I. DISCUSSION WITH NICODEMUS REGARDING THE NEW BIRTH (3:1-21).

A. THE NECESSITY OF THE NEW BIRTH (3:1-3).

1: “Now there was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews;”

1. The Pharisees were the sect that prided themselves on strict defense and practice of the law. In reality they often followed their own manmade traditions rather than or in addition to the law (Matt 15:9). 1) And their “obedience” was often an outward ritual, lacking any inward

sincerity or genuine concern about God and their relationship to Him (Matt 6:1-2).

2) Jesus often convicted them of hypocrisy, because their “righteousness” was an outward appearance before men without proper attitude toward God or others (Matt 23).

2. To understand the significance of the subject of the necessity of the new birth, one must remember that the Pharisees, and ruler at that, considered himself to be the

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finest of all Jews and also thought that being born of Abraham’s seed was enough to assure them a position in the kingdom, where the Christ would reign over Israel and restore them to the glory that nation once enjoyed under David. 1) Even the apostles still had this conception of the kingdom three years later

when Jesus ascended into heaven (Acts 1:6).2) The idea of the necessity of a new birth, other than the physical birth from

Abraham’s flesh had never entered the heart of a Jew such as Nicodemus.

3. Nicodemus, however, appears to have been more sincere than most of the others.1) John 7:50-52 later says Nicodemus was a member of the Jewish council

(Sanhedrin) – this was probably the sense in which he was a “ruler.” 2) As such, he tried to get the council to give Jesus a fair hearing. 3) John 19:38-42 says he was one who helped prepare Jesus’ body for burial.

Clearly he became a disciple of Jesus at some point.

2: “this man came to Jesus by night and said to Him, ‘Rabbi, we know that You have come from God as a teacher; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him.’”

1. Nicodemus came to Jesus by night, though we are not told the reason why he chose at this time. 1) Some speculate that his prominent position made him hesitant to be identified

with Jesus, at least until he had more proof.2) The Greek language emphasizes the kind of time, such as saying, “he came

during the night and not day-time.” This fact is repeated again in John 7:50-52 and John 19:39, yet we are

never told the reason for coming at night. Many opinions might be given, yet they would only be opinions. Was it because he didn’t want to be seen? Or he couldn’t find the free

time during the day? Etc.?

2. He called Jesus “Rabbi” and said people knew Jesus was a teacher from God, because no one can do these signs like Jesus did unless God is with Him. 1) Perhaps he was among those in 2:23 who had witnessed Jesus’ miracles at the

feast. 2) In any case, he knew of the miracles and had reached the conclusion that the

miracles proved Jesus was from God. This is a great statement of belief.

3. Nicodemus acknowledges Jesus’ miracles and has the correct understanding of the purpose of miracles (Acts 2:22; Mark 16:17-20; Heb 2:3-4).1) The miracles demonstrated that the man, through whom they were done, was a

man from God. 2) They were an indication of God’s approval or confirmation of the man’s

teachings and claims. 3) Note that Jesus never rebuked Nicodemus for this statement, though He

rebuked him for several other misunderstandings as the discussion proceeded.110

John no doubt includes this statement because it helps confirm the theme of His message regarding who Jesus is. (See notes on 2:1-11).

4) It is not clear how well Nicodemus understood Jesus’ purpose and teachings at this point, yet he did know that Jesus was from God.

5) He calls Him “Rabbi” and a teacher from God, but does not yet appear willing to confess Him as the Christ or the Son of God (John 12:42). Rather than Jesus accept this belief in him, Jesus challenges Nicodemus.

3: “Jesus answered and said to him, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, unless (except) one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.’”

1. John does not record any specific response Jesus gave to the claim that He was a teacher come from God. 1) Instead, if Nicodemus accepted Him as a teacher, then Jesus would proceed to

the next step and give him the teaching that he needed to hear.2) So Jesus said that no one could see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.3) He emphasized the significance of this truth by saying, “Truly, truly, (verily,

verily; most assuredly” (NKJV) subsequent discussion shows this new birth was the spiritual rebirth by which one becomes a child of God, a member of Jesus’ kingdom, the church.

2. Note that this new birth is so essential that one cannot receive eternal life without it.1) The expression implies a new relationship with God by becoming one of His

children. 2) Then it implies a complete remaking of the person so that he puts off the old

man and puts on the new man (Col 3). 3) 1:12-13: Note that John had introduced this concept.

3. Nicodemus has some belief, but that belief is incomplete. 1) What I want us to recognize is that what Jesus says to Nicodemus is a complete

blindside. 2) These are words that are incomprehensible to him. 3) Jesus just told Nicodemus that he is not in the kingdom of God. 4) Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews, a man of the Pharisees, an important religious

teacher was just told that he was not going to see this kingdom or participate in it.

5) How can it be that Nicodemus, with his belief in Jesus, with all of his works, all of his effort, and his lineage to Abraham not be in the kingdom of God? How can all these things not matter?

6) Recall that the Jews believed that this was how they knew they were in the kingdom.

7) They were children of Abraham by blood, circumcised according to the Law, separate from the Gentiles, and striving for obedience to the Law. How could Jesus say that such people were not in God’s kingdom?

4. To begin to understand the answer we need to consider what Jesus said. 111

1) Jesus tells Nicodemus that there is a need to be “born again.” 2) The word that Jesus uses has a double meaning. It means “born again” and

“born from above.” The phrase “born from above” may help our understanding since the

phrase “born again” has been used fairly loosely and may have lost some of the meaning that this gospel intends.

3) In John 3:31 and 19:11 the same Greek word is used and refers to something coming from heaven in those instances.

4) But this does not settle the matter because Nicodemus understands Jesus to be speaking of as being “born again” or experiencing a new birth, and Jesus does not correct that. In fact, the apostles used this same language also (1 Pet 1:22-23; 2 Cor

5:17; Gal 6:15).

B. THE EXPLANATION OF THE NEW BIRTH (3:4-8).

4: “Nicodemus *said to Him, ‘How can a man be born when he is old? He cannot enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born, can he?’”

1. Nicodemus then asked how a person could be born again when he has already been born. Can he go back into his mother’s womb and be born?1) No doubt Jesus’ statement was especially shocking to Nicodemus. 2) Like other Jews, he thought one deserved to be part of God’s kingdom simply

because he was born a descendant of Jacob – an Israelite. Physical birth was what mattered.

3) Nicodemus especially had high position as a ruler, Pharisee, and teacher (3:10). He surely thought that he, of all people, did not need any new kind of

birth. Surely he did not need to go back and start over in his relationship to God

like other people who were not even trying to serve Him.

2. But Jesus shocked him by saying that no one could enter the kingdom without an entirely new birth. Nicodemus needed this as surely as did anyone else.1) Note once again how Jesus’ hearer misunderstood His statements, because he

took Jesus’ spiritual statements in a physical way (2:19-20). It is not always easy, when reading Jesus’ statements, to know which way

He intended the statement to be taken, but we need to take care we do not err as Nicodemus did.

2) Note in particular that it was Nicodemus, not Jesus, who introduced into the discussion the concept of the physical birth, and he did it in error. Jesus made no references to physical birth when He brought up the new

birth.

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5: “Jesus answered, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.’”

1. To help Nicodemus see the point, Jesus explained what the new birth of v.3 involves, so he would realize it was not physical birth Jesus was discussing.

Note the parallel between the two versesVerse 3 Verse 5

Most assuredly Most assuredlyI say to you I say to youunless one unless one

is born again is born of water and the Spirithe cannot see he cannot enter

the kingdom of God the kingdom of God

1) Obviously these verses are exactly parallel. The restatement shows that “born again” means “born of water and the Spirit.”

2) Verse 5 is not describing two different births, as many people claim. It is de-scribing further the new birth, stating that the new birth involves two elements — water and Spirit.

2. What is the “water”? “Born of the water” must refer to water baptism because: 1) Baptism is the only command in the New Testament that requires the use of

water (Acts 8:35-39; 10:47; John 3:23; Heb 10:22; etc.). 2) Further, parallel passages cited in charts below, show specifically that water

baptism is an essential element of the new birth.

PARALLEL PASSAGESJohn 3:5 1 Corinthians 12:13 Ephesians 5:26 Titus 3:5“born ofwater”

“baptized” “washing ofwater”

“washing of regeneration

“born ofSpirit”

“by oneSpirit”

“by theWord”

“renewing of theHoly Spirit”

“enter thekingdom of God

“into onebody”

“sanctify andcleanse it” (church)

“savedus”

John 3:5 Hebrews 10:22 1 Peter 3:21“born of water” “having our body

washed with pure water”“baptism”

“born of Spirit” “having our hearts sprinkled from an evil

conscience”

“an appeal to God for a good conscience”

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“enter the kingdom of God” “saves you”

3) Many other passages show that water baptism is essential to forgiveness (Acts 2:38; 22:16; Gal 3:26-27).

4) We will also notice later several verses that tie baptism to hearing the gospel like John 3:5 does.

3. Christ loved the church so much that He died for it, that is, He purchased it with His own blood (Acts 20:28). 1) In doing so, “He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey

Him” (Heb 5:9). 2) When we obey the gospel, which includes believing, repenting,

confessing, and being baptized, we are added to the Lord's church (Acts 2:47).

3) In other words, when the penitent believer is baptized, he is “baptized into Christ” (Gal 3:27), and into His death (Rom 6:3), where His blood was shed (John 19:34).

4. How does one know this? “By the word,” (Eph 5:26) of course: “Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit...having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever” (1 Pet 1:22-23).1) This is consistent with Mark 16:15-16, which describes the process of

salvation as being (1) a preaching of the gospel (or the word), (2) faith, (3) baptism, and (4) salvation.

2) The “washing of water” (Eph 5:26) clearly refers to baptism (Heb 10:22; Titus 3:5), and the necessary conclusion one must make from this is that all the church (the sanctified and cleansed) had been baptized (Eph 5:26).

5. Some people claim the water of John 3:5 refers to the physical birth (the “water” surrounding the baby in the mother’s womb). 1) However, the parallel to 3:3 (above) shows that 3:5 is not talking about two

separate births or about physical birth at all. It is explaining two elements involved in one birth, the new birth.

2) “Water” is nowhere in the New Testament used to refer to physical birth. 3) Physical birth is mentioned in John 3 but it was brought up, not by Jesus, but

by Nicodemus as a result of his confusion and misunderstanding (3:4). 4) Some take the position that there are two births described in John 3:5. One is

the water of the physical birth, and the other is Holy Spirit baptism. 5) To say that water represents the natural birth is the same mistake Nicodemus

made. Jesus showed that He was speaking of a spiritual birth in 3:6-8.

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Jesus restated the truth about the new birth (3:5), then He contrasted the physical birth to the new (3:6).

But He never included physical birth, along with the new birth, as something essential to enter the kingdom in 3:5. He discussed physical birth only to correct the confusion Nicodemus had introduced.

6. All Bible students, both Greek and Latin, understood this to be baptism until approximately 140 years ago when an anti-baptism group realized that this verse would mean baptism was a necessity.1) Some of these people have attempted to explain baptism away by going so far

as attributing this water to that which comes forth with the baby in a physical birth.

2) It should be noted however that the scholars among these people still maintain that this water refers to baptism.

3) To do otherwise would destroy their scholarship.7. So Jesus here emphatically stated that baptism is essential to enter the kingdom of

God. No one can be born again without it. When people seek to deny that Jesus ever taught the necessity of baptism to

salvation, they need to consider carefully this passage along with Mark 16:16 and the other passages cited above.

“and the Spirit”: The Holy Spirit

1. Many assume (without any evidence whatsoever) that the Spirit operates directly upon the heart and mind, thereby completing the new birth.

1) This is a false assumption which the following two facts will prove.Fact 1: This verse doesn’t tell how the Holy Spirit operates in the new birth.Fact 2: Other scriptures do reveal this secret to us and it is not in the direct and mysterious way.

2. How does the Spirit operate in the new birth?1) John 14:26; 16:12-14 informs us the Holy Spirit will reveal all of God’s truth

or word (17:17) to the apostles. This statement was made to the apostles (not talking to us) before Jesus

ascended.2) Paul assures us that the Spirit had revealed the gospel he preached so

completely that the Spirit even chose the words (1 Cor 2:6-13; Gal 1:11-12). Eph 3:3-5: We can understand the words chosen. Thus we can know the purpose of the Holy Spirit was to deliver the gospel

to the apostles.3) 1 Cor 4:15: Paul said “I became your father (begat) through the gospel.”

Begat: “To procreate as a sire; generate. 2. To produce as an effect; to cause.” (Webster, p.78)

Begetting is the father’s part in a birth.

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4) The Spirit then plants the seed (begats) in the mind of man by the use of the gospel. Luke 8:11: “The seed is the word of God” is necessary to being born again. When the gospel is put into the mind of a man, the seed is planted which

will produce new life if allowed to grow. That person will repent (change his mind) and come out of the waters of

baptism completing the new birth where spiritual life begins (born again).

3. The same seed, the word of God, produces faith (Rom 10:17).1) Jas 1:18: “Of His own will he brought us forth (begat) us with the word of

God.” James credits being begotten of God to the truth and to that alone.

2) 1 Pet 1:22-23: Peter attributes being begotten of God to the word of God and to that alone, as the means by which it is completed.

3) 1 John 5:1: “Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and whoever loves the Father loves the child born of Him.”

4. Just as the individual is not physically born the moment he is conceived, the individual is not born again at the time of the implanted word or belief in Christ.1) However, he is in a position to be born (John 1:11-12).2) Merely believing on His name did not make them sons of God, but “gave the

right (prepared them) to become children of God” (born of water and the Spirit).

3) If they refuse to obey the gospel they will have believed in vain and their faith is dead, not having been perfected by obedience (Jas 2:17-21).

5. The necessity of hearing the gospel and being baptized is explained throughout the N.T.1) Hearing the gospel is a necessity (Rom 10:14, 17).2) In every case of conversion in the N.T. the people first heard the gospel (Acts

2:38; 8:5-13; 8:35-40; 9:6-18; 10:33-47; 14; 16:13-15; 29:34; 18:8; 19:5). In each of the above conversions, and these are all of the N.T.

conversions, you will notice baptism is the thing that completed their obedience.

3) Many statements show the necessity of baptism.

Mark 16:16: “He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved; but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned.” “He who has believed and has NOT been baptized shall be saved”?????

Acts 2:38: “Repent and be baptized…for the remission of your sins.” “Repent and NOT be baptized…for the remission of your sins”?????

1 Pet 3:21: “Baptism now saves you” “Baptism does NOT save you”??????

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6: “That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.”

1. Some take the position that there are two births described in John 3:5. 1) One is the water of the physical birth, and the other is Holy Spirit baptism.2) To say that water represents the natural birth is the same mistake Nicodemus

made.3) Jesus showed that He was speaking of a spiritual birth in 3:6-8.

2. This verse explains the part of man that is born again.1) The fleshly part of man has fleshly parents.2) The part of man that is born of the Spirit is the spiritual part of man, the inward

man (2 Cor 4:16).3) V.6 refers to physical birth as born of the “flesh.”

If Jesus meant physical birth in v.5, why say “water” in v.5 and then say “flesh” in v.6?

Why not use the same term both times if He meant the same thing?

7: “Do not be amazed that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’”

1. Since Jesus was discussing a spiritual birth, not a fleshly one, then it is possible to undergo both. 1) Nicodemus should not be amazed and confused by Jesus’ statement because,

when He spoke of being “born again,” Jesus was not talking about a physical birth.

8: “The wind blows where it wishes and you hear the sound of it, but do not know where it comes from and where it is going; so is everyone who is born of the Spirit.”

1. Jesus explains there are many things one doesn’t understand.1) Even though he doesn’t understand, he doesn’t deny the existence of them.

The wind is one such thing. 2) One cannot find either the beginning or the end of wind, and one cannot see the

wind. Yet we know there is such a thing because we see the evidence of it.3) We hear it when it blows against things.

2. “So is everyone who is born of the Spirit.”1) Those who are born of the Spirit will hear the evidence of the Spirit and accept

it without having to know all about the Spirit just as they do with such physical phenomena as the wind.

2) The inward, unseen spirit (like the unseen wind) is the part that is born.

3. Note: There is some question that this verse ought to have “wind” in it at all. 1) The following quote by Mc Garvey, The Fourfold Gospel, p. 128 is a good

explanation:

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“In this sentence we have the word pneuma translated by the two words ‘wind’ and ‘spirit.” There can be no justification in rendering pneuma ‘wind’ when in the last clause of the same sentence and three times in the immediate context it is rendered ‘spirit.’ There can be no doubt that it means the same in both clauses of this verse, and if we render it wind in the first clause, we must say ‘born of the wind’ in the last clause. Whatever is the meaning of this verse, it must be extracted from the rendering which Revisers have strangely placed in the margin, viz: ‘The Spirit breathes where it will, and thou hearest,’ etc. It teaches that a man is born of the Spirit by hearing the voice of the Spirit, breathing as he wills through inspired men. It is equivalent to Paul’s maxim that faith comes by hearing the word of God.”

4. This is a difficult verse. Calvinists and others say it means that the Spirit comes unnoticed to work on the heart of a sinner and save Him directly apart from the word. 1) This is impossible because it contradicts such passages as the following:

Rom 10:17: Faith comes by hearing the word of Christ. Rom 1:16: The gospel is God’s power to save. 1 Pet 1:23: We are born again by the gospel. John 6:44-45: No one can come to Jesus except by hearing, learning, and

being taught. Jas 1:18: We are brought forth (born again) by the word of truth.

5. The key to the meaning is found in the expression “hear the sound.” 1) People cannot tell where the wind comes from and cannot control where it

goes, yet they hear the sound it makes. 2) So they cannot see or understand how the Spirit worked in revealing God’s

inspired message to men, yet they can hear the message He revealed in the word.

3) This is how people are born again — not by direct action of the Spirit without the word, but by the medium of the word — the “sound” which they hear from the Spirit.

4) When they hear the “sound,” they know what to do to be saved. (Mark 16:15-16; Acts 11:14; 19:5; etc.). So the point is that we do not need to understand how the Spirit does His

work to know that our responsibility is to listen to the message He reveals and obey it.

The same principle applies to the Father and the Son in their work. We do not need to understand all about the infinite God to obey His revealed will for us.

5) So people today are born again when they study and obey the message the Spirit reveals in the gospel. “Wind blows” can be translated “Spirit breathes” — ASV footnote;

compare Johnson, McGarvey.]

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“THE KINGDOM OF GOD”

INTRODUCTION

“The subject of ‘The King of God’ is a thread that runs from cover to cover in God’s book. The Bible reveals certain facts concerning the kingdom from its inception in the mind of God to its eternal resting place in the Father’s heavenly presence. The inspired book speaks of the kingdom, in its earthly state and its heavenly state. It speaks of it in prophecy, parables, in figurative language, and it literal language. When one realizes the magnitude of this subject in the scriptures, he can then realize the importance of acquiring a good knowledge of it.

As one accumulates a knowledge of this huge amount of Bible material on the kingdom, he soon realizes that false teachers also have not failed to propagate a tremendous volume of false doctrines concerning this very import subject. Every false religion has some major doctrines of its teaching based on their idea of the kingdom. Thus, if one knows the Bible truths and is able to compare them with these false theories, he can destroy all false religions by studying this one subject.” (Notes on the Gospel of John, p.20, Lowell Williams)

I. ESTABLISHMENT OF THE KINGDOM (THE CHURCH).

Col 1:13: “For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred (translated) us to the kingdom of His beloved Son”

A. The “kingdom” is a present reality and it was present in the first century.

1. You cannot be translated into something which doesn't exist. 1) What these Christians were delivered from was a real present reality, “the

domain of darkness.” 2) Darkness—confusion, human heads, creeds, doctrines, denominations.3) Therefore, where they were translated to was also a present reality.

B. KINGDOM FACTS:

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1. John, then Jesus announced the approach of the kingdom. 1) Matt 4:17: “From that time Jesus began to preach and say, ‘Repent, for

the kingdom of heaven is at hand.’”2) Matt 12:28: “But if I cast out demons by the Spirit of God, then the

kingdom of God has come upon you.”

2. Jesus preached the gospel of the kingdom.1) Matt 4:23: “Jesus was going throughout all Galilee, teaching in their

synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every kind of disease and every kind of sickness among the people.” (Luke 9:11; 13:10-11, 18-19).

3. Jesus identified His kingdom as His church. 1) Matt 16:16-19: “Simon Peter answered, ‘You are the Christ, the Son of

the living God.’ 17 And Jesus said to him, ‘Blessed are you, Simon Barjona, because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. 18 I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it. 19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; and whatever you bind on earth shall have been bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall have been loosed in heaven.’”

4. Jesus identified its nature as spiritual, superior and eternal. 1) John 18:36: “Jesus answered, ‘My kingdom is not of this world. If My

kingdom were of this world, then My servants would be fighting so that I would not be handed over to the Jews; but as it is, My kingdom is not of this realm.’”

2) Luke 17:20-21: “Now having been questioned by the Pharisees as to when the kingdom of God was coming, He answered them and said, ‘The kingdom of God is not coming with signs to be observed; 21 nor will they say, “Look, here it is!” or, “There it is!” For behold, the kingdom of God is in your midst.’”

3) Dan 2:44: “In the days of those kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom which will never be destroyed, and that kingdom will not be left for another people; it will crush and put an end to all these kingdoms, but it will itself endure forever.”

4) Luke 1:33: “and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and His kingdom will have no end.”

5. Jesus prophesied its establishment. 1) Luke 12:32: “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has chosen

gladly to give you the kingdom.” 2) Mark 9:1: “And Jesus was saying to them, ‘Truly I say to you, there are

some of those who are standing here who will not taste death until they see the kingdom of God after it has come with power.’”

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3) Luke 24:49: “And behold, I am sending forth the promise of My Father upon you; but you are to stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.”

4) Acts 1:6-8: “So when they had come together, they were asking Him, saying, ‘Lord, is it at this time You are restoring the kingdom to Israel?’ 7 He said to them, ‘It is not for you to know times or epochs which the Father has fixed by His own authority; 8 but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth.’”

5) The power will come when the Holy Spirit comes. 6) Acts 2:1-4: “When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together

in one place. 2 And suddenly there came from heaven a noise like a violent rushing wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 And there appeared to them tongues as of fire distributing themselves, and they rested on each one of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit was giving them utterance.”

7) Acts 2:47: “praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved.” Mark 9:1: The kingdom would come in the lifetime of some of the

apostles and it would come with power. Acts 1:8: The apostles will receive power when the Holy Spirit

comes. Acts 2:1-4: The Holy Spirit came on Pentecost.

THEREFORE the kingdom came on Pentecost as recorded. The kingdom and the church are identical entities (used

interchangeably in Matt 16:18-19).

6. Apostles proclaimed its present reality. 1) Acts 20:28: “Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among

which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.”

2) Col 1:13: “For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred (translated) us to the kingdom of His beloved Son”

3) Rev 1:9: “I, John, your brother and fellow partaker in the tribulation and kingdom and perseverance which are in Jesus, was on the island called Patmos because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus.” Col 1:13, 18: Kingdom=church=body (Eph 1:22-23; 1:3)=In Christ

(2 Tim 2:10). Eph 4:4: The body is the church and there is but one body, therefore

there is but one church=kingdom present on earth today. Eph 5:23: Jesus is the builder, head and Savior of the body – must

be in body to be saved!

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7. It is composed of those who have received remission of sins. 1) Acts 20:28: “Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among

which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.”

2) Rev 1:5-6: “and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To Him who loves us and released us from our sins by His blood—6 and He has made us to be a kingdom, priests to His God and Father—to Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.”

3) Rev 5:9-10: “And they sang a new song, saying, ‘Worthy are You to take the book and to break its seals; for You were slain, and purchased for God with Your blood men from every tribe and tongue and people and nation. 10 You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to our God; and they will reign upon the earth.’” The church (kingdom) is made up of blood-bought people.

8. Our salvation depends on entering it to be saved. 1) John 3:3-5: “Jesus answered and said to him, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you,

unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.’ 4 Nicodemus said to Him, ‘How can a man be born when he is old? He cannot enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born, can he?’ 5 Jesus answered, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.’”

2) Luke 16:16: “The Law and the Prophets were proclaimed until John; since that time the gospel of the kingdom of God has been preached, and everyone is forcing his way into it.”

9. Our daily goal must be to put the kingdom first in our lives.1) Matt 6:33: “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all

these things will be added to you.”2) Luke 9:62: “But Jesus said to him, ‘No one, after putting his hand to the

plow and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.’”

C. All the basic elements and essentials are the same.

CHURCH BOTH HAVE THE SAME KINGDOMMatt 16:18 Owner John 18:36Eph 5:23 Ruler 1 Tim 6:15

Acts 2 Place of origin Isa 2:2-4Acts 2 Date of origin Acts 2; Isa 2:2-4

1 Cor 1:1-2 Time of existence Col 1:131 Cor 12:13 Entrance requirements John 3:5

Col 1:2 Members Col 1:131 Cor 11:20-27 Memorial Matt 26:29; Luke 22:30

Eph 5:23 Goal – Reward 1 Cor 15:24

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Acts 20:28 Price Rev 5:9

SUMMARY:

1. The kingdom that the Bible emphasizes isn't a millennial kingdom upon this earth.

1. It is a SPIRITUAL kingdom composed of all Christians (Rev 1:5-6; 5:9-10). 1) It is the same relationship which is also referred to by the descriptive title

“church” (Compare Acts 20:28=Revelation 1:5-6) and (Acts 2:38, 41, 47 “added” with Col 1:13 “translated”).

2. Baptism is an essential part of this translation process, as is faith (John 3:5; Acts 2:38, 41; 1 Cor 12:13; Col 2:12-13). 1) In this kingdom is found forgiveness or those in the kingdom are forgiven (Col

1:14). 2) But God places baptism as the last act prior to the forgiveness of sins (Acts

2:38; 22:16).

2. “of His beloved Son”

1. This kingdom is also a realm of love, for the Son who rules is the supreme object of the Father's affection. 1) Thus if one is in the kingdom, they are definitely in the right place, as far as

God is concerned. 2) What closer relationship could a person have with God while upon this earth,

then be in the kingdom in which His beloved Son rules?

2. This means that those in the Kingdom have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, for it is the kingdom that He rules over (Eph 1:22-23). 1) Thus, Jesus isn't a distant Savior.

We don't need angels, Mary, Joseph or the Righteous Brothers to intercede for us or inform the Lord that we are in need (Heb 4:14-16).

3: Col 3:14: “in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.”

1. “in whom”: (in his beloved Son, v.13). 1) Thus being “in the kingdom” is the same as being “in Christ.” 2) Which means:

Absolutely no redemption or salvation is found outside of Christ (Eph 1:3). Or, in other words, those outside the church aren't saved (Eph 5:23; Acts 2:47; 20:28).

Those outside of Christ have no favorable relationship with God (1 Pet 2:9-10; Eph 2:11).

Again, the significance of baptism is seen. For baptism stands between one and being “in Christ” (Rom 6:3-6; Gal 3:26-27; 1 Pet 3:21).

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2. “we have redemption”

Englishman's Concordance Strong's Greek #629KeyLinks New American Standard Hebrew-Aramaic and Greek Dictionaries : Updated Edition: 629 απολυτρωσις (apolutrosis)629.     απολυτρωσις apolutrosis; from απολυτροω apolutroo (to release on payment of ransom); a release effected by payment of ransom:— redemption(9), release(1).

Luke 21:28 ...lift up your heads, because yourredemption is drawing near.” Then ...Rom 3:24 ...as a gift by His grace through theredemption which is in Christ Jesus; ...Rom 8:23 ...eagerly for our adoption as sons, theredemption of our body. For ...1 Cor 1:30 ...righteousness and sanctification, andredemption, so that, just as ...Eph 1:7 ...Beloved. In Him we haveredemption  through His blood, the ...Eph 1:14 ...our inheritance, with a view to theredemption  of God’s own possession, to ...Eph 4:30 ...whom you were sealed for the day ofredemption. Let all bitterness and ...Col 1:14 ...beloved Son, in whom we haveredemption, the forgiveness of sins. ...Heb 9:15 ...since a death has taken place for theredemption  of the transgressions that were...Heb 11:35 ...others were tortured, not accepting theirrelease, so that they might obtain a better ...

3. The price of our redemption is the blood of Christ (Eph 1:7; 1 Pet 1:18-19). 1) Once again, the importance of not only faith, but baptism is demonstrated.

“When anybody heard the Greek word ‘ransom’ (on which the word “redemption” is based) it was natural for him to think of the purchase-money for manumitting slaves.” (Hendriksen pp. 64-65)

2) For the final act prior to such redemption is baptism (Mark 16:16). Eph 1:8-9; Rom 3:24: Informs us that “grace” has conditions.

3) To redeem is to rescue or deliver from bondage from which one cannot deliver himself. One must be rescued from sin and he cannot escape without the only

rescuer, Jesus Christ.

4. “the forgiveness of sins.”1) Regardless of what other generations may claim, let it be noted, that what our

redemption primarily consists of, isn't the liberation from poor self-esteem or hurtful memories of the past.

2) But, our own sins, selfish and arrogant acts, were what necessitated our redemption!

3) Unfortunately, many modern denominations are preaching a “gospel” which in effect blames everyone else for our “bondage.”

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C. THE MEANS OF THE NEW BIRTH (3:9-15).

9: “Nicodemus said to Him, ‘How can these things be?’”

1. Nicodemus is still blown away by this teaching, and we should not be surprised by this. 1) The Jews were engrained with the idea that their works were the means of their

salvation. 2) Particularly, because they were born into Israel as children of Abraham, been

circumcised, kept the laws pertaining to clean and unclean foods, and separated themselves from defilements they believed they were in God’s kingdom.

3) This is why Jesus repeated through the gospels is teaching the Jews that they were not in the kingdom, but were attempting to seize the kingdom for themselves apart from God (Matt 11:11-12; 23:13; Luke 19).

2. Here is Nicodemus, who like Paul, had achieved every accolade in Judaism that one could obtain. 1) New birth has challenged this Jewish thinking. 2) How can it be that we come to the kingdom through the power of God, not

through your own power? How can these things be?

10: “Jesus answered and said to him, ‘Are you the teacher of Israel and do not understand these things?’”

1. In the Greek, even more than English, this would be a cutting statement.1) The Greek says “Are you the teacher of the Israel of the nation favored above

all other?”2) Such a leader and teacher should have known that some such great change

would take place (Jer 31:31-34).

2. Jesus is surprised that Nicodemus does not understand this because Nicodemus is the teacher of Israel. 1) How can you not know these things if you are the teacher of the Law? 2) This is a clue to us that Jesus is not teaching something new, radical, or

different in terms of the scriptures.

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3) It is radical and different to first century Jewish thinking, but Jesus is teaching something that is in the scriptures that the Jews had overlooked (Matt 5:17-20; Rom 10:4).

11: “Truly, truly, I say to you, we speak of what we know and testify of what we have seen, and you do not accept our testimony.”

1. This is the problem, Jesus says. You (Jews) have not been listening to what I have been teaching. 1) We are speaking about what we know from the scriptures and you are not

listening to our testimony. 2) Throughout the years the “people” had rejected God’s instruction as ministered

through the prophets and the Scriptures. 3) And things were no different now. God’s servants had been trying to teach the

people the way of the Lord and the means into the kingdom and now God’s Son was trying to teach the same thing. But the people continue to reject their testimony.

12: “If I told you earthly things and you do not believe, how will you believe if I tell you heavenly things?”

1. Jesus now applies this to the whole of the nation, perhaps particularly to the Jewish leaders. 1) Notice that the “you” is plural.

Once again Jesus is broadening his teaching to apply to all the Jews. 2) Since Jesus is referring to all the Jews and how they cannot comprehend the

earthly things, the “earthly things” is not only a reference to His previous analogy of being born again. Jesus is referring to the whole of His teachings.

3) Particularly, John 2:23 and John 3:1. People are “believing” because of the signs Jesus is performing.

4) But the belief is incomplete because it is not causing a spiritual reformation and total life transformation.

2. The earthly things include the new birth that will take place on this earth.1) Having failed to believe this simple earthly new birth, how will Jews accept the

great events that are taking place in heaven. Such things as Jesus being a propitiation, High Priest, and King ruling

over a spiritual kingdom from heaven.

13: “No one has ascended into heaven, but He who descended from heaven: the Son of Man” (who [which, KJV] is in heaven, ASB).

1. Jesus had been in heaven and had descended to earth in the form of a man (John 1:1-18; cf. 6:38; 3:31; Phil 2:5-8). 1) It is another way of stating that only Jesus who was divine, but now the Son of

Man can testify concerning these great religious truths.126

2) None of the people He was teaching had ever ascended to heaven. They had no first-hand knowledge of what was there. Yet they presumed to disbelieve what was told them by the only One who

had been there and come to tell them about it.3) Jesus proved by fulfilling over 300 prophecies, living a pure life, working

miracles, etc. that He was from God. Since He was God’s Son we must listen to Him.

2. “Who is in heaven” has a footnote in Bibles state that many authorities omit this phrase.1) The weight of evidence seems to be that it should not be included.2) The statement affirms that Jesus is in the presence of the Father having access

to His powers, His guidance, etc.3) Since Jesus was standing in front of Nicodemus and stating He was in heaven,

we must understand His language in this light.4) Later He stands before His apostles and giving them bread said, “This is my

body.” We must interpret language in the obvious way the speaker uses it.

3. There are different senses in which one (especially One who possesses Deity) can be said to be in a place. 1) In the primary sense, God’s presence is in heaven (Matt 6:9; 5:16). 2) Yet in another sense God is everywhere, seeing and hearing all we do (Ps

139:7-12; etc.). 3) And in another sense He is with His people in the sense of spiritual fellowship

such that He is with them and dwelling in them wherever they are (Matt 28:20; 2 Cor 6:16-18; John 17:20-21; etc.). So Jesus, in personal presence, was on earth. Yet He had a unique

fellowship with Father. This is expressed as being “in” one another (John 17:20-21; 8:29).

In no sense were they the same individual.4) And note that this is clearly a claim that Jesus was more than just a man. He

claimed to have been in heaven with God and to have come down from heaven. No mere man could make such a claim. Those who deny that Jesus believed and taught that He was Deity need to

reckon with such passages as this.

14: “As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up;

15: so that whoever believes will in Him have eternal life.”

1. 1-11: Jesus is somewhat critical of Nicodemus because he has failed to understand Jesus’ explanation of the new birth.1) 12: Jesus claims to have come to earth from heaven, therefore He is

qualified to speak wisely and accurately of what He has firsthand knowledge.

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2) 13: Jesus then declares that it is essential for Him to die, even indicating the kind of death He must die.

3) 14: There is a relationship between the salvation of the Israelites when Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness and the salvation of Christ. We are dead in our sins but through Jesus we have eternal life.

2. The parallel symbolism is great. 1) First, the “sign” or pole on which Moses placed the bronze serpent (Num

21:4-9) served as a symbol of life to the dying, snake-bitten Israelites. Every person should have died in the desert because of their complaining

and rebellion to God. By God’s provision, new life was gracious granted. Now God has granted gracious provision so that there should be new

spiritual life, a new birth, that is, eternal life to us, the rebellious sinners.2) Second, Moses lifted the bronze serpent on the pole so that all who were

afflicted with the venom could look to the pole could find life. In the same way, the Son of Man must be lifted up on the cross so that all

who will look to him will find life from the poison of sin that is within them (John 8:28; 12:32, 34).

Nicodemus is being challenged to turn to Jesus for the new birth just as the people of Israel had to turn to the bronze serpent for new life.

3. Note that, once again, even very early in His public ministry, Jesus was plainly predicting His death (2:19-22). 1) Jesus did not, as some claim, come to earth expecting to establish an earthly

kingdom. 2) He knew all along, even from the beginning of His preaching, that He must be

“lifted up.”

4. And notice further His clear claim that He would be the Savior of all men, just like the serpent was the means of salvation to the Israelites. 1) And further, whoever believes in Him would receive eternal life! 2) Imagine a mere human making such amazing claims, even if he were a prophet.3) Jesus is claiming from the beginning of His preaching that He could save men

from sin so they could receive eternal life. 4) Who but the sinless Son of God would dare make such claims? And who can

read these statements and still believe that Jesus did not know He was, not just a man, but the Divine Savior of the world?

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Note: I preached this sermon by charts. In other words, the charts were my outline. (Source, unknown)

The Brazen Serpent And Christ

John 3:14-15; Num. 21:4-9

Israel Complains

Num. 21:5

Man's

Dissatisfaction

Many Not Content

2 Tim. 4:1-4

The Serpents

Bite

Num. 21:6

Man's Condition Sin

Rom. 3:23; 6:23

"We Have Sinned"

Num. 21:7

Man's

Helplessness

Godly Sorrow

2 Cor. 7:10; James 4:8-9

Lifted Bronze Serpent

Num. 21:8

God's Grace Lifted Christ

John 12:31-33; Heb. 2:9

Believe And

Behold

Num 21:9

Man's Faith Believe And Obey

John 3:16; Heb. 5:9

They Lived

Num. 21:9

Man's Blessings Saved

Mark 16:16; Acts 2:47

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Brazen Serpent And Christ #2

Num. 21:4-9; John 3:14-15

Only One Serpent For All

Only One Savior And Church For All - Acts 4:11-12; 2 Tim. 2:10; 1 John 2:1-2; Eph. 4:4; 1:22-23; 1 Cor. 12:20

No Choice Of Remedies

No Choice Of Plans Or Ways - John 14:6; 2 John 9-11; Gal. 1:6-9; Prov. 16:25; Psalm 119:104; 1 Thess. 5:21

News Had To Be Spread

Gospel Must Be Preached - Rom. 1:16; Mark 16:15-16; Luke 24:46-48; Acts 10:39-43; Rom. 10:13-17

Brazen Serpent And Christ #3

Num. 21:4-9; John 3:14-15

Not Forced To Look

Not Forced To Obey - Joshua 24:15; Deut. 11:26-28; 30:19; Isa. 65:12; Matt. 11:28-30; John 5:40; Rev. 3:20; 22:17

Not Healed By Faith Only

Not Saved By Faith Only - John 12:42-43; James 2:14-26; Gal. 3:26-27; 5:6

Looking Didn't Nullify Grace

Obedience Doesn't Nullify Grace - Titus 2:11-12; Eph. 2:8-10; Heb. 12:28; 1 Pet. 4:10

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Brazen Serpent And Christ #4

Num. 21:4-9; John 3:14-15

Couldn't Substitute Prayer For Obedience

Prayer No Substitute For Obedience - Luke 6:46; Acts 9:11-18; 10:2; Prov. 28:9

If Some Died Without Remedy, No Proof It Was Ineffective

If Many Die Without Obeying Gospel, No Proof Gospel Is Ineffective - Isa. 55:10-11; 2 Cor. 2:14-17

It Only Marked A Beginning

Baptism Only Marks A Beginning - Rom. 6:4; 1 Pet. 2:2; 1 Tim. 6:12; Gal. 6:10; 2 Cor. 6:17; Heb. 12:1-2; Matt. 10:22

The Serpent Was Not To Be An Image - 2 Kings 18:24

Always Keep Things In Their Proper Place - 1 Cor. 10:24; 1 John 5:21; Col. 3:5

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The Brazen Serpent And Christ

John 3:14-15; Num. 21:4-9

Israel Not

Content

Man's Dissatisfaction Many Not Content

The Serpent's

Bite

Man's Condition Sin

"We Have

Sinned"

Man's Helplessness Godly Sorrow

Lifted Bronze Serpent

God's Grace Lifted Christ

Believe And

Behold

Man's Faith Believe And Obey

They Lived

Man's Blessings Saved

Only One Serpent For All Only One Savior And Church For All

No Choice Of Remedies No Choice Of Plans Or Ways

News Had To Be Spread Gospel Must Be Preached

Not Forced To Look Not Forced To Obey

Not Healed By Faith Only Not Saved By Faith Only

Looking (Obedience) Didn't Nullify Grace Obedience Doesn't Nullify Grace

Couldn't Substitute Prayer For Obedience Prayer No Substitute For Obedience

If Some Died Without Remedy, No Proof It Was Ineffective

If Many Die Without Obeying Gospel, No Proof Gospel Is Ineffective

It Only Marked A Beginning Baptism Only Marks The Beginning

The Serpent Was Not To Be An Image Keep Things In Their Proper Place

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THE BRONZE SERPENT Numbers 21:4-9

4: “The people became impatient because of the journey.”

1. Typical of man’s dissatisfaction.

5: “And the people spoke against God and Moses…”

1. God’s ways are not according to man’s logic.1) 2 Tim 4:3-4: Many will not be content with Christ’s ways – “For the time will

come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires; and will turn away their ears from the truth, and will turn aside to myths.”

6: “The Lord sent fiery serpents…bit the people…many…died.”

1. Rebellion against God has terrible consequences.1) Rom 3:23: “All have sinned” – This is man’s condition without Christ.2) Rom 6:23: If die in rebellion–eternal consequences –“perish” – “death”.

7: “We have sinned”

1. Man’s helplessness.1) 2 Cor 7:10: Godly “sorrow…produces a repentance without regret.”

8: “set it on the standard”

1. Lifted up a bronze serpent.1) By God’s grace – God loved them (Deut 7:6-11).2) God gave Moses and the people instructions as to how to be delivered from the

bite of the serpents.3) Christ must be lifted up (John 12:31-33; Heb 2:9).

9: “Looked to the bronze serpent, he lived.”

1. Moses followed God’s instructions.1) When a serpent bit someone – Believe and obey – “Looked…”2) God didn’t remove the serpents but He provided a way of escape.3) Man’s faith – Believe and obey (Heb 5:9).4) Man’s blessings – Saved (eternal life).

2. Sounds simple, right? But think about it.1) Where was the serpent placed? In the center of the camp.

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2) How many people were in the camp?3) Estimates, based upon the statement that there were 600,000 men (Num 2:32-

603,550) run as high as in excess of 2,000,000 people.4) Think of a city with 2,000,000 people.5) How far is it from the edge of town to the center of town? 5 miles?6) Now that size estimate to the camp of the Israelites.7) How far would it have been from the sheep grazing are to the center of the

camp? Surely, it would have been several miles.

3. Visualize yourself as an Israelite on the edge of the camp tending your sheep.1) You are bitten by one of the fiery serpents. The pain is beginning. 2) You believe in the God of the pillar of fire and cloud, the God of the plagues

and the One who parted the sea. 3) After all signs and wonders you have seen, you cannot doubt! 4) Surely He will heal you by His grace and mercy. 5) In your mind you rehearse the facts of the brazen serpent raised up to heal all

who are bitten by the fiery serpents. 6) You believe God and His healing through the brazen serpent which was raised

up. You know that it was raised up to heal those bitten by the fiery serpents. 7) You go back to your tent and lay down intending to rest until you are healed

knowing that God has made provision for your healing.

4. But you don't get well. 1) You continue to worsen and the pain becomes more intense. 2) Why doesn't God heal you? You believe! 3) The brazen serpent has been raised up to heal you. 4) You pray diligently for healing. You cry aloud for healing. 5) But it never comes. You continue to worsen. 6) In just a few short hours, your life comes to an end. 7) You die on the pallet in your tent. Your family asks, "Why?"

5. You believed, yet you died. Why?1) The answer is simple. God said: "Make a fiery serpent, and set it on a

standard; and it shall come about, that everyone who is bitten, when he looks at it, he shall live."

2) You must go to the center of the camp and look upon the serpent. 3) You died because you had been bitten by a fiery serpent and you were not

healed because your faith did not produce the divinely prescribed response. 4) You believed, but you did not appeal to God for healing in the manner God

required.5) Did you really “believe” all that God said? 6) Same as an unbeliever (John 3:36).7) You did not have enough belief or the belief that God required – action!

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6. Application to us today.1) The previous scenario is paralleling the Israelites situation to the theology

of many today who say all you have to do to be saved is to believe in Jesus. 2) Today's popular theology is the equivalent of saying all you have to do is "give

mental assent to the fact that there is the brazen serpent at the center of the camp and it can heal you" and you will be healed.

3) Is that what God said? All will have to answer with a resounding, "No!" 4) God said that one must "look" upon the serpent. 5) It is not enough to "believe" in the healing power of the serpent. 6) One must go to the center of the camp and "look upon" the serpent. 7) For those who were healed, their faith was the driving force behind the divinely

prescribed response of going to the center of the camp and looking upon the brazen serpent.

7. All men have been bitten by the fiery serpent of sin. 1) To be healed each must go look upon the one God raised up on the cross to die

for our healing. 2) For our faith to be the kind of faith that brings us to spiritual healing, our belief

must bring us to respond to "the Son of  Man" being "lifted up" in the divinely prescribed manner.

3) Just as the Israelites had to go to the center of the camp, so we must do as God directs.

THE BRONZE SERPENT AND CHRIST

1. Only one serpent for all – the only divinely appointed means of healing.1) Only one Savior for all (Acts 4:12).2) Only one church for all (Eph 4:4; 1:22-23).

2. No choice of remedies – all understood – simple – never failed.1) No choice of plans or ways (John 14:6; Matt 7:13-14; Prov 14:12).

3. Not forced to look – Obey (Josh 24:15).1) Not forced to obey – “Come” (Matt 11:28-30).

4. Not healed by faith only – faith is useless without action.1) Not saved by faith only (Jas 2:24-26).2) John 12:42-43: Unsaved believers.3) Mark 16:16: Lift up Christ and look to Him for salvation.

5. Looking didn’t nullify grace.1) Obedience doesn’t nullify grace (Tit 2:11-12). 2) Grace instructs and teaches.

6. Israelites couldn’t substitute prayer for obedience.1) Prayer is no substitute for obedience (Luke 6:46).

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7. If some died without remedy – no proof it was ineffective.(Also proof that God means what He says).1) If many die without obeying gospel – no proof gospel is ineffective.2) It just proves what Jesus said – Few will be saved – take remedy – obey.

8. It only marked a beginning – Blessings and Cursings (Deut 28-30).1) Baptism only marks the beginning (Rom 6:4; 1 Pet 2:2; 2 Pet 1:5-10; 2:20-

22).2) Moses and serpent of brass – Christ on the cross.

The GREATEST BLESSING of all – The BLOOD OF CHRIST! Also the greatest curse – if one doesn’t obey! (2 Thes 1:8-9).

9. The serpent was not to be an image of worship (2 Kings 18:1-4) – Curse.1) That which had become a blessing became a god. Burned incense to it.2) Hezekiah called it “Nehushtan” (a piece of bronze) and broke it to pieces.3) That which competes with God must be destroyed.

Notice the principle of God (Ex 20:3-4; 2 Kings 17:35; Ex 32:15-20; Acts 19:18-19).

4) Keep things in their proper place – blessing can become a curse.5) EX: Events, days, people.6) Freedom in Christ – curse – misuse of freedom – time, duties, families, jobs,

wealth. Ability to read – BUT do not read filth. Ability to learn – BUT learn the right things (truth). Ability to teach – BUT use it wisely, teach neighbor.

CONCLUSION

1. We see that God had arranged the lesson of the fiery serpents to provide yet another foreshadow of Christ (real thing-salvation).

1. Just as the bronze serpent was hung up on a pole for all to see, so also was Jesus on the cross.1) Was the bronze serpent just another one of those coincidences?2) How could there be so many stories in the OT, each one very different from the

others, yet all parallel to Jesus?3) There is only one way that could happen, because only God can reveal the

future.4) The snake on the pole provides us one more piece of evidence that scripture is

inspired by God.

2. Some 1500 years later the NT is written providing God’s ultimate solution to man’s fundamental problem – SIN!

1. The cross of Christ is God’s only plan and only means to save man.1) God’s love, grace, mercy is required for anyone to be saved.

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2) His absolute justice demands that evil must be punished (Rom 3:3-4).

2. The blood of Christ is the only cure for sin (evil).1) Don’t go to your tent and wait for the healing.2) No matter how terrible a situation of sin exists in your life, if you want the

salvation of the Lord you can reach it.

3. Won’t you LOOK TO JESUS for the salvation of your soul? All can understand and obey.

1. God’s plan of salvation is simple – obey His simple commands (Mark 16:16).1) The plan never fails – in the case of the bronze serpent, men may fail to follow

the plan and die, but the plan never fails when followed.

2. God won’t take away all your problems or all your temptations.1) Just like God didn’t take away the serpents that bit the people, he provided a

means of healing.

3. And that’s what He provides for us today!1) Why not look at the cross and lift Christ up today in obedience?2) Why not come to Jesus for cleansing – just believing is not enough.3) B + R + C + B = R of S.

UNBORN “HALF-BORN” BORN

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OR

HALF-BORN = “REJECTED OBEDIENT” AND “BLESSED REBELLIOUS” FELLOWSHIPPED BY PENTECOSTALISM CREATED BY FALSE DOCTRINE

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OBEDIENCE IN WATER

BAPTISM AND

BLESSED WITH SPIRIT

ACTS 2:38

REJECT WATER BAPTISM

BUT

BLESSED WITH SPIRIT

____?_____

REJECT WATER BAPTISM

AND

UNBLESSED WITH SPIRIT

JOHN 3:5

OBEY WATER BAPTISM

BUT

UNBLESSED WITH SPIRIT

____?_____

ONE BIRTH

NOT

TWO

JOHN 3:5

D. GOD SAVES BELIEVERS (3:16-21).

16: “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.”

1. This verse may be the most famous verse in the Bible.1) In fact, it may be the only Bible verse that many have ever heard.2) It is a good verse to know as a starting place.3) The general principles of salvation are stated in this verse.4) But it must be remembered that the details must be found elsewhere.5) It also may be the most misunderstood and abused text in the N.T.6) “For” is a conjunction that connects verse 15 to 16 which shows “why” one

might have “eternal life” through Christ.

“For God” – THE GREATEST BEING, POWER, AND AUTHOR OF PLAN.

1. Gen 1:1: Five fundamental facts of science.1) “In the beginning” - TIME 2) “God” - FORCE3) “Created” - ACTION4) “the heaven” - SPACE5) “and the earth.” – MATTER

The greatest power (Rom 1:20; Rev 4:11; Isa 55:8-9). Matt 22:36-40; Eph 4:4-6.

2. “After practically a lifetime of study, Herbert Spencer (1820-1903), the British philosopher, declared that there are basically five fundamentals of science: time, force, action, space and matter. Little did Spencer know that he was but echoing what had been written----more than 3,000 years prior to him. ‘In the beginning

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(time), God (force), created (action), the heavens (space), and the earth (matter)’” (A Study Course in Christian Evidences. Bert Thompson & Wayne Jackson, p. 125).

“so loved” – THE GREATEST ATTRIBUTE, MOTIVE, AND EMOTION.

1. The greatest because of the one who loved (1 John 3:16-17; 4:9; Eph 2:1-7; 5:1-2; 1 John 4:10-19; Rev 1:5).1) The eternal God, immutable, all knowing, omnipresent, and absolutely holy

God who created all that is created – He loved (Deut 33:27; Heb 6: 17-18; Job 34:21; Ps 139; Lev 11:44; Gen 1-2).

2) The greatest motive, the greatest degree, character or attitude which caused God to provide salvation.

2. Imagine a world without love.1) If we don’t have love, we don’t have anything (1 Cor 13:1-3; 8:1).

“the world” – THE GREATEST NEED, MEASURE, NUMBER.

1. The "world" (kosmos) is not the world John said to “love not,” but mankind (I John 2:15, here cosmos is used for the baser elements.1) This number includes atheists, evil doers, Christ’s murderers, Hitler, etc.

(1 Tim 2:4).2) Though God loved the world, the world won’t be saved.3) The greatness of God’s love for man is seen in the fact of the total

unworthiness of man to be a recipient of God’s love (Rom 5: 8). 6: Christ died for the ungodly.

2. Great because of whom He loved.1) He loved all sinners-Christ died for all sinners!

Not just those on the so called “saved list.” Rom 3:23; 2 Cor 5:14, 15; Rom 5:12-17; 1 Tim 2:4-6; Acts 10:34-35;

Gal 3:26-29; Eph 2:11-16, 18-19; 3:6.2) The object of salvation, wants to save all men which shows the impartiality

(fairness) of God’s love.

“that He gave” – THE GREATEST GIFT.

1. God sent His Son to do the Father’s will (John 3:17; Acts 3:26; Heb 1:1-3; 1 John 4:10).1) Christ did the Father’s will (John 4:34; 5:30; 6:38-40; 17:4; 19:30).2) Christ was the gift of God’s love (John 4:10; Acts 2:38; Rom 5:15-18; Eph

2:1-6; 1 John 4:14). God had to act– emphasizes the grace of God.

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“His only begotten Son” – THE GREATEST SACRIFICE.

1. Christ was the “Lamb of God” (John 1:29, 36; Heb 7:24-27; 9:24-28; 10:1-10).1) Every drop of blood, every stripe, every groan on the cross tells of the

magnitude of God’s love for the world.

“that whoever” – THE GREATEST INVITATION AND OPPORTUNITY.

1. This refutes the “saved list” theory!1) “Whoever”: “all, any, every, the whole:--all (manner of, means), alway(-s),

any (one), X daily, + ever, every (one, way), as many as,…whosoever”, Strong.2) Scope of God’s love – even for the worst criminals in history.

(Matt 28:19-20; Acts 10:34-35; Gal 3:26-28; Rev 22:17; Matt 11:28-3).3) God doesn’t want any to perish, not even the ones who crucified Jesus

(2 Pet 3:9).

“believes” – THE GREATEST CONDITION.

1. People must believe to be saved.1) This is why the world will not be saved (John 14:23-24; 15; Jas 2:19).2) The greatest simplicity, but not all will be saved in God’s impartial plan – its

limitations.

2. But there are conditions each individual must meet in order to receive this salvation that God offers. 1) Here these conditions are summarized under the term “believe” on Him. 2) Clearly each person must understand and accept the truth of God’s word about

who Jesus is and what He did to save us (John 8:24; Mark 16:15-16; etc.).3) Some people think believing simply means having a conviction in ones heart

about Jesus, and that is all that is necessary for one to be saved. 4) In particular it is taught that obedience — outward acts of service, and

especially baptism — are not necessary. 5) Sinners are sometimes told that everything they need to know to be saved is

found in this one verse and nothing else is needed.

3. However:1) 1) We must take all of God’s word and follow it all (Acts 3:22,23; Matt 4:7;

28:20; Jas 2:10; John 15:14). Why was the rest of the Bible written if John 3:16 is all we need?

2) The Bible contains express examples of people who had mental conviction about who Jesus was, but they were not saved (Jas 2:19; John 12:41-42).

3) Other passages say there are other things we must do to be saved besides just have a conviction in our hearts. We must repent (Acts 17:30; 2:38; 2 Pet 3:9; Luke 24:49). Confess (Rom 10:9-10; Matt 10:32-32).

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Be baptized (Acts 2:38; 22:16; Mark 16:16; Rom 6:3-4; Gal 3:26-27; 1 Pet 3:21; etc.).

4) If people conclude that baptism is not necessary because it is not mentioned in John 3:16, then what about repentance, confession and baptism, since they also are not mentioned? And what about passages that list conditions for salvation but do not

mention faith as a necessary condition – do they likewise prove that faith is not necessary to salvation?

If it be argued that repentance and confession are included in believing, we ask how one can know that, since John 3:16 does not mention them.

5) It can only be answered that other passages show they are necessary. But that proves other passages are necessary, so John 3:16 alone is not

enough. You must get other details elsewhere, and whatever means you use to

show that repentance and confession are necessary, the same approach will show that baptism is necessary according to other verses.

4. The truth is that the word “faith” or “believing” is used in different ways in the Bible. 1) There are different kinds of faith, some of which save and some of which do

not. 2) The faith that does not include obedience is faith that will not save. 3) The faith that saves is faith that includes obedience (Heb 10:39; 11; Gal 5:6;

Jas 2:14-26; Col 2:12-14). 4) According to the verses already listed, this includes baptism as surely as it does

repentance and confession. 5) “Believe,” as used here, is a summary term including all of man’s response to

the gospel (will of God). John 3:36: Demonstrates this connection. The details regarding what is

required are spelled out elsewhere. A Bible “believer” means someone who is actively trusting God by doing

what He says.

“in Him” – THE GREATEST ATTRACTION, OBJECT OF FAITH.

1. All spiritual blessings are “in Christ!” (Eph. 1:3).

“should not perish” – THE GREATEST TRAGEDY AND PUNISHMENT.

1. Perish and eternal life are antonyms.1) “Perish”: “The idea is not extinction, but ruin, loss not of being, but of well-

being. This is clear from its use, as, e.g., of the marring of wine skins, Luke 5:37; of lost sheep, i.e., lost to the shepherd, metaphorical of spiritual destitution, Luke 15:4, 6, etc; the lost son 15:24; of the perishing of food, John 6:27;…” (Vine, p. 302)

2) The word “perish” means to be lost, ruined or destroyed.143

3) To perish is to suffer: “everlasting fire” (Matt 25:41) “hell fire” (Matt 18:8-9) “eternal damnation” (Mark 3:29) “resurrection of condemnation” (John 5:29) “everlasting destruction” (2 Thes 1:9) “to go to hell, into the fire that shall never be quenched, where their

worm does not die and the fire is not quenched” (Mark 9:43-44).

“but have eternal life” – THE GREATEST REWARD, POSSESSION, PROMISE.

1. The greatest certainly.1) A resurrection (John 5:28-29; 1 Pet 1:3).2) A better “body” (2 Cor 5:1; 1 Cor 15 53; Phil 3:20-21).3) A great reunion (1 Thes 4:13-18), forever with the Lord.

But we must obey (Heb 3:18-19; 4:11; 5:8-9).

SUMMARY

1. John 3:16 certainly states powerful truth in a brief manner.

1. The Lord meant for it to, but He did not mean for anyone to stop there.1) The rest of the NT elaborates on its simple message.2) Someone must be brain dead to hear this verse and not be challenged to find

out more.3) While it contains wonderful truth it does not contain all the truth that can and

must be known and obeyed to reach heaven.4) If it did, then none of the rest of the Bible would have been written.

FALSE TEACHING REFUTED BY JOHN 3:16

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INTRODUCTION

A. All isms are refuted by this verse.

1. Denominationalism, Atheism, Calvinism, Unitarianism, Agnosticism.1) Don’t believe ANY isms! (Col 2:8).

2. What is an “ism”?1) It is a distinctive doctrine, system, or theory: “Formalism, by being an ‘ism,’

kills form by hugging it to death.” (Dictionary.com)2) It is a distinctive doctrine, cause, or theory: an oppressive and especially

discriminatory attitude or belief: “we all have got to come to grips with our isms.” (Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary)

I. DENOMINATIONALISM.

A. Denominationalism is the DIVISION of a religion into SEPARATE religious denominations.

1. The term is particularly used in reference to the various Protestant schools of thought. Such as:1) The Pentecostals2) The Baptists 3) The Lutherans 4) The Methodists 5) The Presbyterians 6) The Seventh Day Adventists7) The Mormons8) The Jehovah’s Witnesses

1 Cor 1:10; Eph 4:4-6: “Christianity” or “Christendom”

2. Denominational creeds allege that Christ died that God might love us. 1) The Bible teaches that Jesus came to the earth and made salvation possible

because God loved us (Rom 5:8-9).

II. JOHN 3:16 DEFEATS ATHEISM.

A. “For God”

1. Atheism: “1. the doctrine or belief that there is no God. 2. disbelief in the existence of a supreme being or beings. [Origin: 1580–90; < Gk áthe(os) godless + -ism]” (Dictionary.com)

2. The scriptures declare that God is: 1) The word “God” is found in 26 of the 31 verses of Genesis 1! (Rom

1:20; Ps 14:1).145

2) The word “God” is found in 7 of the 21 verses of Revelation 22!3) Christ is declared in Revelation 22:21, the last verse of the Bible!4) The “Alpha and Omega” (Rev 1:8, 11; 21:6; 22:13; Isa 44:6; 48:12).

III. JOHN 3:16 DEFEATS CALVINISM.

A. Calvinism: the theological system of (John) Calvin and his followers marked by strong emphasis on the sovereignty of God, the depravity of humankind, and the doctrine of predestination.

1. TULIP Doctrine:1) Total Depravity - All babies are born into the world destined for hell.

Inherit the sin of Adam.2) Unconditional Election - God had a predetermined master list of the saved

before creation. This list cannot be changed.

3) Limited Atonement - Christ did not die for all men but only those on the “saved list.”

4) Irresistible Grace - God sends the Holy Spirit only those on the “saved list.”

5) Perseverance of the Saints - A child of God once saved, cannot be lost.

2. Tulip doctrine defeated by scripture.1) Total Inherited Depravity: (Ezek 18:20; Rom 14:12; 2 Cor 5:10; John

5:28-29).2) Unconditional Election: (Eph 1:3-6; Rom 8:29-30; Acts 10:34-35).3) Limited Atonement: (John 3:16; Heb 2:9; 1 Tim 2:3-6; 2 Pet 3:9).4) Irresistible Grace: Gospel Saves (Rom 1:15-17; 1 Cor 4:15; 15:1-4; Jas

1:18-21; 1 Pet 1:23-25). One may resist (2 Thes 1:7-9; 2:13-14).

5) Perseverance of the Saints: (John 15:1-7; 1 Cor 10:12; Gal 5:4; 2 Pet 1:10; Heb 3:12-14).

“that whoever believes in Him should not perish”

IV. UNITARIANISM.

A. Historic Unitarianism believed in the oneness of God and not the Christian doctrine of the triune nature of the Godhead (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit as Deity.

1. Unitarians are characterized by some as being identified through history as free thinkers and dissenters, evolving their beliefs in the direction of rationalism and humanism.1) Bible: Father, Son & Holy Spirit are separate personalities of Deity

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2) God sent His Son (John 3:16-17; Matt 3:13-17; John 14:16, 26; 15:26; 1 John 5:6-8; Acts 5:1-4).

V. AGNOSTIC.

A. Agnostic: “a person who holds the view that any ultimate reality (as God) is unknown and probably unknowable; broadly: one who is not committed to believing in either the existence or the nonexistence of God or a god.”

(Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary)

1. The scriptures defeat this false idea:1) Rom 1:16-21; Acts 17:23-31; 1 Cor 1:9-16; Ps 33:4-8; 95:1-6; 104:1-5;

Isa 40:28; 42:5; Eccl 12:1; Rev 4:11.

CONCLUSION

1. God saves believers!

1. It is the believer that God saves.1) Those who do not put their trust in Jesus will be lost, not because God does not

love them, but because God’s love will not save those who do not believe and obey (John 3:36).

2) They do not love God enough to believe (trust) and obey Him (John 14:15; 1 John 2:3-6).

17: “For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him.”

1. The Lord’s mission into the world was not to condemn it or bring it to judgment but to save it.1) Judge here is used in the sense of condemn, or to pronounce guilty.2) This statement gets easily taken out of its context and used to suggest that

God does not condemn anyone. 3) But that is not at all the point of what John is saying as verse 18 explains

why God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world. The world was already condemned.

2. Luke 19:10: The first coming was for the express purpose of saving a world which was already guilty of sin and condemned, hence under the sentence of that crime.1) The second coming will be for the purpose of judging (Matt 25:31-46;

Acts 17:31; Heb 9:26-28).

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3. John is moving our thinking away from believing that we are good people who are deserving of eternal life. 1) We are not in the condition of doing nothing means that we are safe with

God. We are condemned. Doing nothing maintains our condemnation.

2) Something has to happen to change the outcome of our condemnation. If nothing else happens, then all of us will remain in the

condemnation of our sins and, according to verse 16, we will perish.3) Jesus did not come to a morally neutral world.

He came to a world of darkness already condemned from their sins. Therefore, God did not send his Son for our condemnation but for

our salvation.

18: “He who believes in Him is not judged; he who does not believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.”

1. Do not forget what we have learned in this chapter about belief.1) This verse demands faith in the divinity of Christ, the Son of God and

humanity of Christ (John 1:1, 14).2) But accepting only the divinity of Christ is not sufficient (2 John 7-11).3) And accepting only the humanity of Christ is not sufficient (Matt 16:13-

14).

2. Belief is not just acknowledgement or confession, but life transformation. 1) Jesus described it as being “born again” and “born from above.” 2) A new birth has occurred, which is also described as being “born of

water and the Spirit.” 3) This is the new heart and new life that seeks to obey and desires the ways

of the Lord. 4) We must experience new birth in Jesus. Jesus is the only way out of our

mess. 5) Jesus is the only way to be set free from our condemnation. 6) To use the imagery of verses 14-15, Jesus is the only way to be healed

from the death sentence of sin.

3. Those who disbelieve Him “has been judged” (condemnation).1) To not believe in the Son is to leave ourselves in our condemnation. 2) There is nothing for the condemned to do. The sentence has been passed.

19: “This is the judgment, that the Light has come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the Light, for their deeds were evil.”

1. Their condemnation is that they love darkness.

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20: “For everyone who does evil hates the Light, and does not come to the Light for fear that his deeds will be exposed.”

1. Everyone who practices (disobeys) evil hates the light.

21: “But he who practices the truth comes to the Light, so that his deeds may be manifested as having been wrought in God.”

1. Those who practices truth (obeys) comes to the light and his deeds “having been wrought in God.” 1) Contextually, whatever this believing is, it is being born of the water

and Spirit, it is accepting Jesus as the Son of God from heaven, it is practicing truth and deeds that are in accordance with the revealed will of God.

2. People who are practicing sin do not want to come to the light (usually) because they don’t like to have their sins exposed or revealed. 1) When people are in sin and are not willing to change and do what is right, they

become uncomfortable when their sinful deeds are exposed. 2) Some commit sins in private, because they don’t want anyone to even know

what they are doing. 3) Others don’t mind having people know what they do, so long as those people

act as though the conduct is acceptable, rather than rebuking it. 4) In any case, people don’t want to have it made clear that they are guilty of sin

and that their sins are as repulsive and evil as the Bible says they are.

3. This is a general statement of truth. 1) Of course, other Scriptures show that there are some sinners who hate their sins

and want to learn the solution to their sins. 2) They are glad to come to the light, so they can be forgiven. 3) And there are sincere people, who are in sin but do not realize it. 4) They are willing to come to the light, not realizing that it will rebuke them. 5) But if they are truly committed to what is right, they will repent when they

learn the truth. 6) Otherwise, they will no longer want to come to the light, as the passage

describes.

4. On the other hand, a person who is doing right does not mind hearing what the Bible says about right and wrong, because he knows he is doing what pleases God (Rom 8:1). 1) He has nothing to fear from examination of God’s word, because the word does

not condemn him. 2) And if he should find that he is wrong on some point, he is still glad to have

heard what the word says because now he can correct himself.

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5. Picture a man desiring to rob a bank.1) You see him being drawn to the dark (hates street lights).2) Thus, it is one’s own sinful nature or disposition that condemns him.3) Isa 59:9-13: This man will find himself in the state of the Israelites.4) A man who tries to devise his own salvation is like this (Jer 10:23).5) He looks for light, but finds darkness and walks in gloom.6) Looks for salvation, but it is far from him.

6. But a man desiring to honestly withdraw his money would never think of entering the bank unless all doors are open and the bank is well lit.1) EX: The bronze serpent (Num 21:6-9).2) Showed belief by looking (action, obedience) at the snake on a stick.3) Notice: God didn’t remove the snakes but He provided a way of escape (1 Cor

10:12-13).4) But truth has nothing to fear from investigation. 5) So an honest person, who has the truth or sincerely wants the truth, will be

willing to participate in fair and honest discussions of God’s word.

7. Some even persecute Christians and try to get them to quit preaching the truth, because the preaching condemns sin and the people don’t want to hear it. 1) This also explains why many members of the church quit attending when they

become involved in sin — they are too embarrassed to come to services and hear their sins rebuked.

2) Likewise, many religious people are willing to talk about religion, until they begin to see that Bible passages are being produced that condemn their own practices. Then they say things like, “I don’t believe in debating,” or “I don’t think

it’s Christ-like to criticize other people’s beliefs.” In many cases they did not mind debating or criticizing until they were

proved to be in error. In any case, the fear that they or their loved ones will be proved wrong is

generally what leads people to be unwilling to discuss religion.

CONCLUSION

A. Will your life endure sunlight?

1. Sunlight does more than just warm us; it also illuminates and in so doing it exposes everything to scrutiny. 1) Not everything stands up well to open scrutiny. 2) What would divine light expose in our lives?

2. Paul’s prayer for the saints at Philippi was that they would be able to “approve (in the sense of "test") the things that are excellent in order to be sincere and blameless until the day of Christ” (Phil 1:10). 1) The Greek word translated "sincere" is a compound word whose derivation is

uncertain. 150

2) The constituent parts of the word seem to indicate that it literally means "tested by or in sunlight."

3) The idea is that Christians need to be pure, genuine and unmixed with evil.

B. The translation "sincere" is especially appropriate since that word means literally "without wax."

1. Albert Barnes suggests that the phrase had reference to honey which was totallypure, i.e., unmixed with wax from the comb (Commentary, 149). 1) It is also possible that the word is derived from ancient commercial practices.

Earthen pottery which was improperly fired or dropped could crack. Sometimes such pottery was fixed with wax so that it could be sold. The seller could push warm wax into the crack, smooth the wax so that it was not readily visible in subdued lighting and paint over it. The buyer, however, could hold the earthenware to the heat and light of the sun and see the crack which was otherwise disguised by the wax. The pure ("sincere") pottery was that which could be viewed in the sunlight and yet no such flaws or cracks be revealed.

2) Like the merchant who covers the flaws in his pottery with wax, we can attempt to hide our flaws from our fellowman. The "insincere" person can sometimes hide for a long time. Use a little wax here, a little there and stay out of the sunlight. Usually, however, others eventually see us for what we really are.

C. It is easier in the short run to cover the flaw with wax than to work to "fix" it, i.e., improve one’s character or change one’s habits.

1. Those who successfully hide the flaw once are encouraged to take the easy route for the long run. 1) It can be extremely stressful to maintain the hypocrisy, however, over the long

run. One always has to be careful of getting in the light!

2) Ultimately, everyone will be examined by the One to whom all things are naked and open (Heb 4:13).

3) The final judgment will shed light on all of us and no amount of wax will conceal our flaws. Will your life endure scrutiny by sunlight?

II. JESUS’ FIRST MINISTRY IN JUDEA; JOHN’S SECOND (LAST) TESTIMONY (3:22-36).

22: “After these things Jesus and His disciples came into the land of Judea, and there He was spending time with them and baptizing.”

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1. Jesus now leaves the city of Jerusalem and goes into the rural districts of Judea.1) “And His disciples”: The 6 He has chosen, or who have chosen Him in John 1.

“spending time with them”

1. Probably about eight months.1) Jesus had just observed the Passover which came in Jewish month

corresponding to April.2) When He left, He said there were “four months until the harvest,” which would

be the month of December.

2. The eight month Judean ministry is not recorded in the Synoptics.1) They proceed from the temptation to the Galilean ministry which follows this

Judean work (Matt 4:12-13).2) This means John 1:29-4:42 should be placed in Matt 4 between the 11th and

12th verses.3) By doing this we get a complete story.

“and baptizing”

1. Sometime after His discussion with Nicodemus, Jesus came into the land of Judea with His disciples. 1) He stayed there a while baptizing people (though we learn later that it was

actually Jesus’ disciples, not Jesus Himself, who personally did the baptizing (John 4:2).

2. We are not told the purpose of Jesus’ baptizing people at this time, except that it had to do with making disciples (4:1). 1) The baptism evidently dedicated them to be His disciples. 2) We do know that people who were baptized into John’s baptism of repentance

(not remission of sins) were re-baptized for forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38; Acts 19:3-5).

3) John’s baptism of repentance was clearly not a baptism into Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection, as is the baptism of the gospel (Rom 6:3-6; Col 2:12-13). It is doubtful that he would have baptized people into His death before His

crucifixion (death). We may not understand or agree on everything about John’s baptism but

we don’t need to worry about that in the least. 4) Other passages tell us what we need to know about the baptism that we need to

receive today – that is what is important to us. But we do not need to understand all about this baptism that Jesus

practiced, so the details are not revealed.

23: “John also was baptizing in Aenon near Salim, because there was much water there; and people were coming and were being baptized—”

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1. John’s baptism required “much water.”1) John was also baptizing at this time in a place called Aenon near Salim. 2) This would be southwest of the Bethany where we last found John (1:28).

The exact location of this place is uncertain (consult a Bible dictionary or Bible atlas).

3) We are given information that helps us understand the physical action involved in baptism. We are told that John chose the place he did “because there was much water there.” If baptism is a sprinkling or pouring, as many believe, why would John

need “much water,” and why deliberately choose the place he did so he would have “much water” available?

Sprinkling and pouring do not require much water at all. But immersion requires “much water.”

4) This helps confirm what we learn from other passages and from the original meaning of the word “baptize.” Baptism is an immersion, not a sprinkling or pouring (Rom 6:3-4; Col

2:12; Acts 8:36-39; Mark 1:9-10).

24: “for John had not yet been thrown into prison.”

1. Later he was imprisoned by Herod and eventually beheaded (Matt 14:1-12).

25: “Therefore there arose a discussion on the part of John’s disciples with a Jew about purification.”

26: “And they came to John and said to him, ‘Rabbi, He who was with you beyond the Jordan, to whom you have testified, behold, He is baptizing and all are coming to Him.’”

1. John’s disciples question him about Jesus’ popularity.1) John’s disciples then had a dispute with some Jews about purification. 2) We are not told exactly what the dispute was about because, again, we do not

need to know the specifics. 3) The writer is telling the story simply to bring out John the Baptist’s further

testimony about Jesus. 4) It is likely that the discussion of purification was related to the purpose of

baptism. 5) Both John and Jesus were baptizing people, so the discussion of purification led

to a question about Jesus’ baptizing people.

2. Chapter 1 contains a lengthy record about John’s testimony regarding Jesus (1:19-36). 1) John’s disciples remembered that discussion and realized that Jesus was the one

about whom John had testified when he was beyond the Jordan. 2) But they now said that Jesus was baptizing people too, and many people (they

exaggerate saying “all”) were coming to Him to be baptized. 153

3) 4:1: adds that Jesus was making more disciples than John was. Apparently, these disciples were concerned for John’s sake, probably even

jealous that John was losing disciples to Jesus.

27: “John answered and said, “A man can receive nothing unless it has been given him from heaven.”

1. John repeats his testimony regarding Jesus.1) John responded by repeating His testimony about Jesus, showing his own

secondary position, and reminding the disciples that this is the way he had described it from the beginning.

2) He had denied being the Christ (1:20), but said he had been sent before Jesus to prepare the way for Him.

3) Why then should he object if Jesus was making disciples? 4) And if they were truly John’s disciples, they should have believed what he told

them, in which case they should not object if Jesus made disciples.

2. John said a man can truly receive nothing unless it is given to Him from heaven. 1) Obviously he is referring to ministry in service to God. 2) A true ministry must come from God in order to be valid.

A person can, of course, claim to have something, even though God never really gave it. But despite the claim, he does not really have it.

28: “You yourselves are my witnesses that I said, ‘I am not the Christ,’ but, ‘I have been sent ahead of Him.’”

1. The application here is to both Jesus and John. 1) John had what God had given him; he received nothing more and should claim

nothing more. 2) He can receive nothing unless God gave it. 3) God gave John a limited ministry: to prepare the way for Jesus. 4) So He should not attempt to take for himself something that God never

intended to give him.

2. On the other hand, Jesus had what was also given by God. 1) So no one should attempt to deny it or take away from it. 2) The application is that, what was happening was exactly what God willed and

what John had said would happen. So his disciples should not have been upset or jealous.

29: “He who has the bride is the bridegroom; but the friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom’s voice. So this joy of mine has been made full.”

1. John used a simple illustration of his point. 1) The one who marries the bride in a wedding ceremony is the bridegroom.

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2) The bride does not belong to the groom’s best man nor to any of his friends. 3) The friends all have positions that are secondary to that of the groom.

Should the friends be jealous because of that? Not if they really care for the groom.

2. A true friend of the groom rejoices because of the joy of his friend. 1) His joy is fulfilled in seeing his friend blessed. 2) To do otherwise would be selfish and self-centered.

It would be an attempt to take what did not rightfully belong to oneself.3) John was saying that, in the same way, he rejoiced in Jesus’ success. 4) This was actually the purpose of his work — to increase Jesus’ acceptance and

to encourage people to follow Him.

30: “He must increase, but I must decrease.”

1. Therefore, John was not sad but happy when people followed Jesus, because this showed that his own mission was being fulfilled. 1) His following would decrease while that of Jesus would increase. 2) This is the way God wanted it to be, so it was the way John wanted it to be.

2. Note that today there are some people who, like these disciples of John, want to cling to the name of John the Baptist, claim to receive the baptism he administered, and/or claim they are members of the church he began. 1) They need to realize that they are seeking a greater preeminence for John than

God intended or than John himself intended.2) Such people may claim they are also disciples of Jesus; but if they understood

John’s purpose, they would instead name themselves after the One John prepared the way for and seek to be members of His church.

3. John sought to honor Jesus, not himself. 1) Why settle for identifying yourself with the forerunner? 2) Why not identify instead with the One who is the Savior and the One who had

the preeminence? 3) Why seek to be part of a group which, by the statement of the leader himself, is

supposed to dwindle? 4) Why not rather identify yourself as a follower and member of the church

belonging to the One whose following John himself tried to increase?

31: “He who comes from above is above all, he who is of the earth is from the earth and speaks of the earth. He who comes from heaven is above all.”

1. More information is given here about Jesus’ work, and especially about His authority and why we should believe in Him. 1) It is unclear who is speaking here. 2) The NKJV translators appear to believe it is still John the Baptist, so they

continue the quotation marks as in the previous verses. 155

3) However, it seems just as likely that these are the author John’s inspired comments on the story. In either case, of course, the message is inspired truth from God.

“He who comes from above”

1. People who are from the earth can only speak about things they have learned on earth - earthly knowledge. 1) We cannot speak with assurance about things in heaven, since we have never

been there. 2) We have seen only the earth, so that is all we can testify about. 3) But One who had been in heaven could testify with authority about what is

there.

2. Only Jesus can do that because He is from heaven, Jesus “is above all.” This coincides with John 1:1, etc. 1) He was God from the beginning, the Creator, etc. He has authority over all —

i.e., over all created things.2) Jesus rules over all by right of ownership. He owns all by right of being

Creator of all (Matt 28:18; Phil 3:20-21; Col 1:16; Rev 17:14; 19:16; John 3:31; Rom 9:5; Acts 10:36; Rom 10:12; Phil 2:9-11; Eph 1:21; John 16:15; 17:10).

32: “What He has seen and heard, of that He testifies; and no one receives His testimony.”

1. Being from heaven, Jesus can testify with authority about heaven and what the will of the Father is (3:13). 1) Yet despite this authority, people in general did not accept His testimony as

true. 2) “No one” else can speak with first-hand experience about heaven, yet people

reject the testimony of the only one who can speak with authority! This is an obvious hyperbole – the very next verse speaks of those who

did receive Him.)

33: “He who has received His testimony has set his seal to this, that God is true.”

1. If however, a person does accept and believe Jesus’ testimony to be true, then that person is putting his seal, certification, or stamp of approval on God’s promises as being true. 1) cf. certify or “seal” in John 6:27; Rom 4:11; 15:28; 1 Cor 9:2; 2 Cor 1:22;

Eph 1:13. 2) To disbelieve is to claim that Jesus’ statements are not true or not from God.

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3) To believe them is to confess or confirm that they are from God. This, of course, requires us to respond by obedience.

34: “For He whom God has sent speaks the words of God; for He gives the Spirit without measure.”

1. Jesus speaks for God by the power of the Spirit.1) Jesus, being from heaven sent from God, being over all, and Himself

possessing Deity, speaks the words of God. 2) That is why men ought to hear His words. 3) Here is another clear affirmation by John that Jesus was from God and spoke

for God (1:17-18).

2. Another reason Jesus had the right to speak God’s words is that He did not have the Spirit by measure — He had it without measure. 1) When He spoke God’s word, He spoke from personal knowledge, He spoke

with authority because He is over all, and He spoke with measureless guidance from the Holy Spirit. Hence, all He said must be true and ought to be accepted.

3. It is not completely clear in what sense Jesus was guided by the Spirit. 1) Apostles and prophets were guided by the Holy Spirit, because they would

have no other way of directly knowing God’s will.2) But their knowledge was limited to whatever the Spirit chose to reveal.3) Jesus had unlimited guidance of the Spirit, but since He was from heaven, why

would He need it? 4) Obviously, the Beings of Deity are always able to communicate with one

another without limitation, so perhaps this was just a way of expressing the fact that Jesus on earth had unlimited communication with the Spirit. But the relationship among unlimited, infinite Beings must also remain to

some extent beyond human ability to understand.

35: “The Father loves the Son and has given all things into His hand.”

1. Further, the Son was able to speak God’s word authoritatively, because the Father has put “all things into His hand” (Matt 28:18). 1) Jesus is not a mere man or on a level with any man. 2) The Father has exalted Him to a position such that everything is in His power.3) So clearly we must believe and respect the authority of all that He says as being

the Word of God.

2. The point is surely that Jesus is so great – so much greater even than John the Baptist – that we must surely not begrudge the honor and following He receives (as some of John’s followers were doing (3:26). 1) But it appears that the author uses this as an opportunity to discuss in general

Jesus’ greatness and His exalted position. He has all authority, is over all, and 157

so must be believed and obeyed. This is the exact application made in the next verse.

36: “He who believes in the Son has eternal life; but he who does not obey the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.”

1. This verse sets one object against another, which goes far in helping us determine the meaning of words.1) Believe----------------------------opposite of----------------------------not obey.2) Eternal life------------------------opposite of----------------------------wrath of God.

2. Faith leads to eternal life, unbelief leads to wrath.1) Since Jesus speaks for God as in (31-35), faith in Jesus is essential to please

God. 2) We must believe He is all that the Bible claims Him to be, and we must believe

His message and accept it as absolute truth.3) If we have this faith, we have everlasting life. 4) But if we do not believe (or do not obey — ASV), we will not see life but will

abide under the wrath of God.

3. Like 3:16, this confirms the absolute necessity of faith to please God (Heb 11:6; John 8:24; Mark 16:16; Rom. 10:9-10; etc.). 1) Again, the faith here is comprehensive, saving faith, and that includes

obedience. Note: the ASV even translates this verse in such a way as to demonstrate

the true faith includes and requires obedience, exactly as we have explained in John 3:16.

2) This is both a great promise and a great warning. There is a great blessing to those who choose to believe and a great

warning to those who do not.

4. Does this teach “once saved, always saved”?1) Some say we “have” eternal life because we believe, but if we already “have”

it, then we cannot be lost. 2) Therefore “once saved, always saved” - one who has believed can never

afterwards become lost.

5. Response: But we “have” everlasting life now in the sense of a conditional promise or hope, not as an immutable possession (1 John 2:25; Jas 1:12; Tit 1:2; 3:7; 1 Pet 1:3-4; etc.). 1) We receive eternal life as an actual possession only after this life is over

(Luke 18:30; Rom 2:5-7; Rev 2:10).2) Furthermore, the verse itself states a condition one must meet to have eternal

life — he must believe. But it is possible for the believer to cease believing and become an

unbeliever (Heb 3:12; 2 Tim 2:16-18; 1 Tim 1:18-20; 5:8). 158

3) If a believer ceases to believe, will he still be saved? The last part of verse 36 itself answers: it says the unbeliever does not

have life but will receive God’s wrath. Hence, the passage itself shows that conditions must be met for one to

receive eternal life in the judgment, and that one will be lost if he ceases meeting the conditions.

6. Further, if the first part of the verse teaches “once saved, always saved,” why doesn’t the last part teach “once lost, always lost”? 1) It says the one who does not believe will not see life but abides under God’s

wrath. 2) If the first part is immutable and unconditional, why not also the last part?

Hence, anyone who ever disbelieves is lost and can never be saved! On the other hand, if the state of the unbeliever in the last part of the verse

can change by becoming a believer, then in the same way the state of the believer in the first part of the verse will change if he ceases to believe. And remember that believing here includes obedience.

7. Finally, there are many other verses that show a saved person can so sin as to become lost. 1) Passages like 3:36 should never be so viewed as to contradict other verses that

plainly teach that a child of God may so sin as to be lost (John 15:1-6; Acts 8:12-24; Rom 6:12-18; 8:12-17; Gal 5:1-4; 6:7-9; 1 Cor 9:25-10:12; 1 Tim 1:18-20; 5:8; 2 Tim 2:16-18; Heb 3:6,11-14; 4:9,11; 6:4-8; 10:26-31; 2 Pet 1:8-11; 2:20-22.

John Three Study QuestionsTHE NEW BIRTH

I. DISCUSSION WITH NICODEMUS REGARDING THE NEW BIRTH (3:1-21).

1. Who came to Jesus by night? What else do you know about him (1)?

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2. What conclusion had he already reached about Jesus (2)?

3. What did Jesus say one must do to enter the kingdom of God (3)?

4. What did Nicodemus say in response that showed he misunderstood (4)?

5. List and explain at least 3 other passages about being born again, becoming a child of God, or receiving a new life.

6. What two aspects of the new birth did Jesus identify in v.5? (Thought question: What role does the “Spirit” play in the new birth?)

7. List 3 other passages showing that water baptism is essential to salvation.

8. Some people say the “water” in v.5 refers to physical birth. How would you respond?

1) How did the subject of physical birth enter this discussion?

2) Does any other command of God require water besides baptism?

9. What two births did Jesus contrast in v.6 (7)?

10. Think: Explain the meaning of v.8.

11. How did Nicodemus show his confusion (v.9), and how did Jesus respond (v.10)?

12. What was the source of Jesus’ information, and how did people respond to it (11-13)?

13. Special Assignment: List other passages showing Jesus came from heaven. Explain the significance of this claim.

14. Describe the Old Testament event mentioned in v.14 and give Old Testament scripture for it.

15. Explain how Jesus was lifted up in a way similar to this Old Testament event (14-15).16. What gift did God give to the world, and what motivated the gift (16)?

(Thought question: What need did man have that made this gift necessary?)

17. As a result, what blessing can we receive, and what must we do to receive it?

18. List 3 other passages showing what Jesus did so we can be forgiven and have eternal life.

19. Suppose someone claims that John 3:16 shows we are saved by faith only; baptism is not mentioned, so it is not necessary to salvation. How would you respond?

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20. What was not the purpose for which Jesus came (17-18)?

21. Why do some men hate light (truth), but other men love it (19-21)?

22. Application: Give some examples that illustrate the principle of verses 19-21.

II. JESUS’ FIRST MINISTRY IN JUDEA; JOHN’S SECOND (LAST) TESTIMONY (3:22-36).

1. Where was John the Baptist baptizing now, and why was he there (22-23? (Note: locate on a map.)

2. What lesson can we learn from v.23 about the action of baptism?

3. What problem did John’s disciples have about Jesus (25-26)?

4. Thought question: What does v.27 mean?

5. What did John remind his disciples in v.28 that he had previously taught? Give scripture)

6. Explain John’s parable in v.29.

7. Some people today say they are members of the church begun by John the Baptist and wearing His name. What application can be made to such people from the teaching of John himself (30)?

8. Who came from heaven? What is His position (31)?

9. What reception did people in general give His testimony (32)?

10. When people did receive His testimony, what did that demonstrate (33)? Explain.

11. What is the relationship between the Father and the Son (34-35)? (Thought question: What is meant by “He gives not the Spirit by measure”?)

12. What is the consequence of believing or not believing (36)?

13. List other passages that show whether or not a child of God can so sin as to fall from grace or be eternally lost.

14. Some people claim that v.36 proves one who believes “has everlasting life.” If we “have” it, then we can never be lost. How would you respond?

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John 4THE SAMARITAN WOMAN

INTRODUCTION

A. The point of the story is the same as all the stories we have seen thus far in this gospel: to show Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God.

John 3:16: “God so loved the world” – Must be born of God (3:3-5) not of flesh.162

1. John records this event for us as another convincing proof for who Jesus is.1) The first six verses set the scene for how this encounter comes about.

2. Note the differences between the subjects of chapters three and four.1) Nicodemus – man, Jew, high moral standard, ruler of the Jews.2) Woman – woman, Samaritan woman, low moral standard, lowly water bearer.

What a leap!

I. LIVING WATER (4:1-26).

1: “Therefore when the Lord knew that the Pharisees had heard that Jesus was making and baptizing more disciples than John”

1. Chapter 3 closes the testimony of John the Baptist.1) He is soon put into prison at Aenon near Salim (Luke 3:19-20). 2) This is one of the reasons that causes Jesus to leave Judea and return to Galilee

(Matt 4:12; Mark 1:14-15).3) Since John was imprisoned, the presence of Jesus was badly needed in that area

which John had prepared so well.4) The Herod who arrested John ruled in Galilee (Luke 3:1; 23:5-12; 13:31;

Matt 14:1-12; Luke 9:7-9). Jesus went to the jurisdiction ruled by the very king who had imprisoned

John.5) Perhaps He went to continue the work the forerunner had prepared.

He intended there to strengthen and encourage those disciples who would have been distressed by John’s arrest.

2. John gives a second reason why Jesus leaves Judea.1) Jesus realized that the Pharisees were aware of His increasing popularity. 2) So he left Judea, where the events in the last part of chapter 3 had occurred

(3:22-23), and went back to Galilee. The exact connection here is not stated. The Pharisees were intensely

jealous of anyone besides themselves who obtained a following (Matt 27:18). Jesus knew that confrontation with them was inevitable, but the time had not yet come for Him to die.

John 4:1-3: His growing popularity in Judea had begun to concern the Pharisees, and rather than bring on a premature clash with these men, Jesus withdrew to Galilee.

In any case, it is clear that Jesus did not leave Judea because of any lack of favorable response to His message.

2: “(although Jesus Himself was not baptizing, but His disciples were),”

1. Jesus was doing the preaching and the disciples were doing the baptizing.1) This illustrates the principle of working through agents.

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2) Jesus authorized the baptism, but others did it by His authority (Luke 10:16; 16:29; John 14:9; Matt. 25:34-45; 26:26-28).

3) If one authorizes someone else to act in his behalf, then the one who authorized the act is responsible for it the same as if he himself had done it.

4) This is also true in law, as when one hires someone else to commit murder, etc. (1 Kings 21:19).

5) Under the gospel, Christians are authorized to baptize in Jesus’ name (or in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Matt 28:19; Acts 2:38; etc.).

6) When we do, it is Jesus’ baptism just the same as if He Himself had done it.

2. Note also that the emphasis in baptism is not on the one who physically performs the act. 1) If it was important who did the act, surely it would have been preferred for

Jesus Himself to do it. 2) This is not to imply that baptism is not important or that the purpose does not

matter. 3) On the contrary, the point is to keep the focus on the purpose of the act and the

commitment of the one being baptized to do the act properly. 4) So Jesus allowed, and perhaps even encouraged, His disciples (and others) to

do the physical act. 5) This shows that it does not matter who does the act, and it prevents people from

seeking prominence on the basis of who performed their baptism. 1 Cor 1:14-17: Paul explains that this same principle applied to his work.

He too emphasized the work of teaching but then allowed others to do the physical act of baptizing the converts. That way no one would become proud or divisive on the basis of what preacher baptized them.

3. This also shows that baptism was a prerequisite to becoming a disciple — a prerequisite or initiation into discipleship. 1) This implies that, even at this early point, one who had not been baptized would

not fully be a disciple.

4. Before we move forward I am compelled to spend a moment noting an outlandish statement based on this verse.“The parenthetical note that Jesus Himself was not baptizing, but His disciples were is impossible to reconcile with the doctrine of baptismal regeneration, the false teaching that baptism is necessary for salvation. Surely the Lord Jesus Christ, who came to ‘seek and to save that which was lost’ (Luke 19:10), would Himself have done whatever was necessary to bring sinners to salvation.” (MacArthur New Testament Commentary)1) What do you suppose would happen if Jesus was the person baptizing along

with His disciples? Put yourself in the first century. 2) If you were standing in line to be baptized, whose line do you think would be

longer: Jesus or Bartholomew?

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3) Do you think there could be a problem if Jesus was actually baptizing people Himself?

4) Further, can you imagine what people would have said? There would have been boasting about being baptized by Jesus himself and not one of the apostles. 1 Cor 1:14-17: Christians were boasting over which apostle baptized

them. Paul is glad he did not baptize any of them because of that very problem.

It happens even today where people want to be baptized by a particular preacher, as if who baptizes you has any meaning or impact at all.

5) Jesus not baptizing does not establish the point that baptism is not necessary. If baptism was not necessary, why are His disciples wasting time doing it? Jesus could use His time better teaching more people, not overseeing

baptism in Judea! And why are people are submitting to it? The answer is obvious: if Jesus

baptized people Himself, numerous problems would occur.

3: “He left Judea and went away again into Galilee.”

1. John 2-3: Jesus had been in Jerusalem for the Passover (occurs fairly early in His ministry).1) John 4:35: We learn it was “four months” until the harvest which came in our

April.2) Counting back would place this departure into Galilee in December.3) We also learn that Jesus came to Judea on the previous passover which comes

in our April.4) This means His work in Judea extended over a period of 8 months, from April

to December.5) Matt 14:1-12: Reveals that Herod beheaded John after his arrest, therefore it is

estimated that John’s lasted from 14 to 18 months.

4: “And He had to pass through Samaria.”

1. During the lifetime of Jesus, the central part of Palestine was called Samaria.1) Judea was located south of Samaria and Galilee was to the north.2) When traveling from Judea to Galilee, many Jews crossed the Jordan and went

around Samaria because of their hatred for Samaritans (4:9). 3) But Jesus “had to pass through Samaria” for a good reason so He takes the

quicker and shorter direct route from Judea to Galilee, “through Samaria.”

5: “So He came to a city of Samaria called Sychar, near the parcel of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph;

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1. He came to the Samaritan city called Sychar, which was located near Mt. Gerizim 1) It was also near Shechem, where Jacob had purchased a plot of land (Gen

33:19). 2) We are told that Jacob had given a plot of land nearby to Joseph (Gen 48:22;

Josh 24:32).

6: “and Jacob’s well was there. So Jesus, being wearied from His journey, was sitting166

thus by the well. It was about the sixth hour.”

1. There was also a well there that was named for Jacob. 1) This same well apparently exists today, since a well in this very area has been

attributed throughout history as being the one that Jacob owned. 2) It is about 8 feet across, but the depth has varied from time to time, as

apparently people have thrown things in (cf. Zondervan’s Pictorial Bible Dictionary).

3) “It is one of the few Biblical sites about which there is no dispute, and probably the only place on earth where one can draw a circle of a few feet, and say confidently that the feet of Christ have stood within the circumference. Maundrell, who visited it in 1697, said that it was 105 feet deep, and had in it fifteen feet of water. But travelers have thrown stones into it to sound its depth, until at present it is only 66 feet deep, and has no water in it except in very wet winters. It is seven and a half feet in diameter and is walled with masonry to a depth of about ten feet, below which it is cut through the solid rock.” (McGarvey, Fourfold Gospel, p. 142).

2. “Being wearied from His journey” Jesus stopped in Sychar to rest at Jacob’s well.1) He was fully human and could be tired just as we.2) Note that fact Jesus was tired shows that He experienced the physical problems

we do. He was truly a man as well as God.3) But He had a lengthy discussion here with a woman even though He was tired.

This shows His zeal for teaching, which we ought to imitate.

7: “There came a woman of Samaria to draw water. Jesus said to her, ‘Give Me a drink.’”

1. It is doubtful the woman expected anything but to draw water on this journey to the well.1) It was probably a daily routine for her.2) Women have always been the water carriers of the east (Gen 24:13; Ex 2:16).3) Like here, we often become so set in our daily lives it becomes not only

common but routine.4) We think we know what each day holds and what each action will bring forth.

2. This may seem a simple request, but under the circumstances it was unusual (4:9), and it led to great events.1) In teaching, we can often use small things if we watch for opportunities.2) Teaching does not require formal classrooms with pre-appointed times.3) Everyday conversations make some of the best times to teach, if we watch for

opportunities to bring spiritual things into the conversation. 4) Jesus was a master at doing this, and we would all do well to learn to imitate

this ability.

8: “For His disciples had gone away into the city to buy food.”

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1. The story which then unfolds is actually three stories in one.1) We are told parenthetically that the disciples were not present because they had

gone into the city to buy food. 2) This explains why Jesus was alone when the woman came to the well and why

the disciples came back later and wondered what had happened (4:27).

9: “Therefore the Samaritan woman said to Him, ‘How is it that You, being a Jew, ask me for a drink since I am a Samaritan woman?’ (For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans.)”

1. To us, Jesus’ action may seem insignificant, but the woman realized that it was very unusual. 1) Jews and Samaritans had business dealings (8) but no social dealings.2) Jews have no dealings with Samaritans, in that they did not talk with them, eat

with them, or visit socially with them. 3) Also men often did not speak to women in public places. 4) Yet Jesus asked for a drink from this Samaritan woman. 5) This led her to comment that his conduct was strange. 6) It is not clear whether she spoke with resentment of Him as a Jew or with

curiosity regarding His action.

2. After the kingdom of Israel divided (1 Kings 12:16-20), one of the kings of Israel built the city of Samaria (1 Kings 16:23-24).1) Eventually, the northern kingdom became known by the name of its capitol city

(1 Kings 13:32; 2 Kings 17:24).2) Because of their sins, God brought the king of Assyria against Samaria and

“removed them from His sight” (2 Kings 17:18).3) In 722 BC the Assyrian ruler Sargon II conquered the 10 northern tribes of

Israel, whose capital was at Samaria.4) He carried thousands of Jews into captivity, dispersing them in various parts of

the Assyrian Empire (2 Kings 17:1-23).5) To repopulate the area, non-Jewish peoples from several regions were brought

into Samaria (2 Kings 17:24-41).6) These Gentiles mixed with the Jews who had been allowed to remain,

intermarrying with them and also mixing elements of their pagan religions with the Jewish religion of the native population. The Samaritan people were a mixed race, partly Jewish and partly Gentile.

3. Years later (606-587 BC), the two southern tribes of Judah and Benjamin were carried into Babylonian captivity. 1) When they were allowed to return to Jerusalem, they began to rebuild the

temple which had been destroyed.2) The Samaritans came down and offered to help in the rebuilding, but their offer

was flatly refused.3) Being offended, they then tried to hinder the rebuilding project – and bad

relations between the Jews in Judea and the Samaritans began (Ezra 4:1-5).168

4) The enmity (became a racial issue) that arose between them never died out.

4. The Samaritans later built a temple of their own on Mt. Gerizim (4:20) and practiced a religion which was partly Jewish.1) They accepted only the first 5 books of the OT.

5. Jesus simply ignored the gulf between the Jews and Samaritans.1) Jesus began the conversation by asking a favor of the woman.2) Two ways of gaining favor with a person is to either do them a favor or ask

them to do you a favor.3) She could tell Jesus was a Jew and was puzzled that He would ask such a thing

of her.

6. Jesus’ attitude toward the Samaritans, however, was the same as His attitude toward all sinners. 1) He did not justify their sins, but He viewed them as souls needing salvation. 2) He wanted to help them become pleasing to God. 3) His salvation would be without respect of persons, regardless of nationality

(Acts 10:34,35; Mark 16:15,16; Matt 28:18-20). Jewish traditions would not be allowed to hinder His efforts, so long as no

law of God was violated.

7. He and His apostles visited Samaria for two days.1) In His short stay among them, the Lord made a great impression (4:40-42).2) His teaching on this occasion had impressive results.3) His influence on them continued to bear fruit after He left this earth (Acts 1:8;

8:4-25).

10: “Jesus answered and said to her, ‘If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, “Give Me a drink,” you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water.’”

1. Jesus is “the gift of God” (3:16; Eph 1:3-11).1) The amazing thing is not that He asked her for a drink, but that she did not ask

Him, for He has “living water.”2) Jesus again uses figurative language which is misunderstood.

2. Jesus responded by ignoring the question the woman asked. 1) As when He taught Nicodemus, Jesus began with a comparison without

explaining it. 2) The woman did not understand the point, but it drew her further into the

discussion.

3. This is an interesting teaching technique. 1) The subject the woman raised was not what she most needed to hear about.

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2) She had asked about racial issues. 3) Jesus knew that what she really needed was to know who He is, so He switched

the topic. 4) But He raised a new topic in a way that brought her interest to where He could

teach her. 5) He got her attention just by talking to her, then He increased it immeasurably

by a challenging statement. 6) These are teaching skills that all Christians need to develop.

4. He illustrated a need she had but was not aware of, by using the one thing they had in common. 1) She came for water, and He had asked for water. 2) So Jesus introduced her to another kind of water. 3) He said that, if she knew who He was, she would have been asking Him for a

drink (instead of the other way around) and He would give her living water.

5. Note that the very fact that Jesus tried to teach this woman shows that women are important to God. 1) It also shows that He was concerned about individuals to the point He would

take time, even when tired, to teach a single individual. 2) Many people are willing to teach if they have large crowds. But some see little

value in taking time to teach an individual. 3) Jesus and His apostles showed us the importance of “personal evangelism”

with Nicodemus, this Samaritan woman, and on other occasions. Living water is also mentioned in John 7:37-38; Rev 21:6; 22:1,17; 7:17.

11: “She said to Him, ‘Sir, You have nothing to draw with and the well is deep; where then do You get that living water?’”

1. The well was about 110 feet deep, and having no rope, how could “this Jew” give her any water?1) This woman does not rise very high in her imagination and can only think of

water that can be obtained with a bucket.2) The woman showed her confusion, much like Nicodemus had. 3) She thought He was talking physically when He was talking spiritually. 4) And as with Nicodemus, her response showed her confusion.

She asked what he had that He could use to draw water from a deep well.

12: “You are not greater than our father Jacob, are You, who gave us the well, and drank of it himself and his sons and his cattle?”

1. It appears to the woman that this strange Jew is making claims that makes Him even greater than the founder of the well, Jacob.1) She claims Jacob as her father.2) If Jacob needed a well and a vessel to get water, how could Jesus get water

having nothing to draw with and no other apparent source? 170

She thought He was not greater, but soon she realized that He was.

2. Note that Jesus and Jacob and Jacob’s sons had all drunk from this very well. 1) What an interesting thought to drink from it today.

Yet even more important would be for us to share in the living water that Jesus offered and have a relationship with God, just as surely as Jesus and Jacob did.

13: “Jesus answered and said to her, ‘Everyone who drinks of this water will thirst again;’14: but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him shall never thirst; but the water that

I will give him will become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life.’”

1. As water is a life giving element to the physical body, so is the Spirit a life giving element to the spiritual life (7:37-39).1) Once we drink of the words of the Spirit we will never need to drink of any

other doctrine to sustain life. 2) Putting a full glass of water into the physical will last for a short time, but when

one puts the full gospel into his mind, he never needs to drink another.3) Jesus claimed to fully satisfy our spiritual needs.

Isa 12:2-4: “Behold, God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid; for the Lord God is my strength and song, and He has become my salvation. 3 Therefore you will joyously draw water from the springs of salvation.4 And in that day you will say, ‘Give thanks to the Lord, call on His name. Make known His deeds among the peoples; make them remember that His name is exalted.’”

Zech 14:8-9: “And in that day living waters will flow out of Jerusalem, half of them toward the eastern sea and the other half toward the western sea; it will be in summer as well as in winter. 9 And the Lord will be king over all the earth; in that day the Lord will be the only one, and His name the only one.”

Ezek 47:7-9: “Now when I had returned, behold, on the bank of the river there were very many trees on the one side and on the other. 8 Then he said to me, ‘These waters go out toward the eastern region and go down into the Arabah; then they go toward the sea, being made to flow into the sea, and the waters of the sea become fresh. 9 It will come about that every living creature which swarms in every place where the river goes, will live. And there will be very many fish, for these waters go there and the others become fresh; so everything will live where the river goes.’”

15: “The woman said to Him, ‘Sir, give me this water, so I will not be thirsty nor come all the way here to draw.’”

1. Yet again, the woman misses the point completely – all she can think of is something temporary and of very little benefit.

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1) There is a lesson here concerning the danger of giving up on people too soon.

2. Only spiritual blessings could lead to eternal life.1) Jesus’ living water is truly satisfying. But the needs it meets are spiritual — it

gives eternal life. 2) The illustration is that physical water is essential to physical life. 3) But Jesus can give living water that provides eternal life.

If He could provide this, then truly He would be greater than Jacob.

3. We are the woman in this story. 1) Jesus has to try to move our hearts from the physical to the spiritual. 2) We lose focus on eternity and live in the now. 3) Jesus just offered eternal life and she doesn’t want to have to come out in the

heat of the day and draw water.

4. The same occurs today. 1) The offer of eternal life is made by our Lord and all we want to do is figure out

how we can relax and take it easy. 2) We want “easy Christianity” and “easy grace” where I can treat Jesus like a

club where I pay some dues occasionally and show up when I want. 3) Jesus is offering eternal life and we are asking if we have to come to church on

Sunday night. 4) Jesus is proclaiming living water and we are asking how Jesus will make my

life more convenient. Jesus has to wake us up.

16: “He said to her, ‘Go, call your husband and come here.’17: The woman answered and said, ‘I have no husband.’ Jesus said to her, ‘You have

correctly said, “I have no husband;” ’ 18: for you have had five husbands, and the one whom you now have is not your husband;

this you have said truly.”

1. Jesus now proceeds to show the woman her condition as it really is.1) His question will lead to her guilt. 2) He exposes her tragic past, her foolish choices and her present sin.3) Jesus may have been testing the woman’s honesty, for concealed sin will keep

us from seeing the truth.

2. Jesus then appeared to change the subject again. 1) He asked her to go and bring her husband back. 2) This might imply that the living water was for other people too. 3) But Jesus’ real intent was to help her understand the spiritual nature of her need

and of the blessing He was offering her. 4) He had offered her a source of eternal life, but she kept thinking in terms of

physical thirst.

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5) So he moved to another subject, yet only to continue toward the same point: she had a spiritual need that only He can meet. She was a sinful woman and needed forgiveness. Furthermore, by bringing up her marriage He proved His ability as a

prophet.

3. It also demonstrated her sinful condition. 1) Under the law, it might have been possible for her to have had five husbands,

since remarriage after death or divorce was allowed. 2) But to have a man not her husband was not justified under either the old or the

new covenants. 3) She was living in adultery - what people today call “living together.”

Many people today think this is justified or think nothing wrong of it.4) Jesus obviously brought the matter up in a way that reminded them both that

she was in sin.

4. This also shows important lessons about teaching. 1) Many preachers are too “nice” or too “positive” to point out to people that they

are in sin. 2) Yet Jesus had not been in conversation with this absolute stranger for more

than five or ten minutes till He had brought up her sinful condition. 3) He did not do it with ridicule, but the fact remains that He did it. 4) And He did it in a way that showed it to be unacceptable.

He did not excuse or overlook it.

5. On the other hand, He also did not bring it up for the sake of gloating over her or simply condemning her. 1) He did it so He could help her overcome the problem. 2) He was offering her a spiritual bonanza, but she refused to appreciate it until

she saw her spiritual poverty. 3) This needs to be the thrust of our preaching.

We too must boldly discuss people’s sins and urge them to see wickedness as God sees it. But then we need to seek their salvation.

19: “The woman said to Him, ‘Sir, I perceive that You are a prophet.’”

1. She seems impressed by His insight, yet does not fall at His feet in worship. 1) Not knowing that Jesus already knew all about her, she said she had no

husband. 2) Jesus confirmed that, in a sense this was true, but it was not the whole story. 3) He said that, in her lifetime, she had 5 husbands, but the man she had then was

not her husband.4) This proved Jesus’ supernatural knowledge, since He had never met her before

(John 2:24-25). 5) This in turn eventually led her to the conclusion that His claims were true.

This is the purpose of such miraculous powers.173

2. The woman begins to recognize Jesus as a prophet.1) This, in effect, admitted that what He had said about her husbands was true

(4:29). 2) It also shows that the purpose of such miraculous powers was to confirm that

the speaker was from God (Heb 2:2-4; Mark 16:17-20).3) The woman was finally beginning to see that Jesus was trying to teach her

about spiritual things. 4) Finally, she has perceived that this is not about physical water or even about

her family relations. 5) It was about who Jesus was and about why she needed the blessings He could

offer.

3. And note how her estimation of Jesus grew in just a short time. 1) 9: He was “a Jew” 2) 11: Then “sir” 3) 19: Then “a prophet” 4) Soon she would learn that He was even more than that (Matt 16:15-18).

10: Jesus had introduced the subject of who He was. Finally, she was beginning to see the point as His real nature rose in her

estimation.5) This, of course, is the ultimate issue that must also be faced by all of us.

We are all sinners who can be saved only through Jesus. We must ultimately face the question of who Jesus is.

4. Jesus used many avenues of the human mind to reach this woman.1) He appealed to her SYMPATHY – “Give me a drink” (7).2) He appealed to her CURIOUSITY – “If you knew the gift of God” (10).3) He appealed to her DESIRE – “shall never thirst” (14).4) He appealed to her CONSCIENCE – “one whom you now have is not your

husband; this you have truly said” (18).

20: “Our fathers worshiped in this mountain, and you people say that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship.”

1. Instead she wants an unanswered (in her mind) academic question answered.1) Now watch the universal reflex of a person trying to avoid conviction.2) She has to admit that He has extraordinary insight, but instead of going the

direction He pointed, she tries to switch over to an academic controversy.3) A trapped animal will chew off its own leg to escape.4) A trapped sinner will mangle her own mind and rip up the rules of logic.

Why yes, as long as we are talking about my adultery, what is your stance on the issue of where people should worship?

This is standard evasive double-talk for trapped sinners.

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2. “This mountain” – Mt. Gerizim.1) So the woman has a spiritual question. 2) Where are we supposed to worship God? 3) The Jews say that God must be worshipped in Jerusalem. Her Samaritan

ancestors worshipped God on this mountain because Moses had commanded an altar be built here (Deut 27). Who is right?

4) After the Jews returned from captivity, they rebuilt the walls of Jerusalem and also the temple.

5) Soon afterwards in the days of Nehemiah, Manasseh, son of the high priest Joiada, and brother of the high priest Jonathan (Neh 12:10-11; 13:28), married the daughter of Sanballat, Persian governor of Samaria.

6) Refusing to dissolve this marriage at the decree of the governor of Jerusalem, Manasseh was chased by Nehemiah from Jerusalem.

7) Manasseh’s father-in-law made him high priest of the Samaritans and undertook to build for him the temple which afterwards crowned the summit of Mt. Gerizim.

8) The temple was destroyed by John Hyrcanus about 129 BC, but the remains continued to mark the sacred spot for the Samaritans. The Samaritans exist until this day; they only accept the first five books of

the Old Testament as authoritative, and believe that Mt. Gerizim, not Jerusalem/Mt. Zion, is the right place to worship God.

They sacrifice animals on Mt. Gerizim to this day.

3. Jesus is the new temple where people worship God, meet God, and find atonement (1:14 notes). 1) Salvation comes from the Jews means that the Messiah would come from the

Jewish people and He will be the source of eternal life and He will be the one who is worshiped.

21: “Jesus said to her, ‘Woman, believe Me, an hour is coming when neither in this mountain nor in Jerusalem will you worship the Father.’”

1. Note that Jesus’ statement also implies a change of the Mosaic Law. 1) The Law clearly required worship in a specific place, and Jesus says that

teaching was true. 2) But by saying that soon would not matter, He was indicating that the law in this

matter would soon change. 3) This change occurred when He died on the cross, removed the Old Testament,

and instituted the New Testament (Heb 10:1-10; 7:11-14; 8:6-13; 9:1-4; 2 Cor 3:6-11; Gal 3:24-25; 5:1-6; Rom 7:1-7; Eph 2:11-16; Col 2:13-17).

2. Under the gospel, there is no particular place of worship (1 Tim 2:8). The law involved a specific building or structure in a specific place where people were required to go to worship God (Deut 12:5, 11-14, 18, 21, 26; 14:23-25; 15:20; 16:2, 6-7, 11, 15).

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1) The Samaritans were wrong, because they had chosen a different place from what the Lord had chosen (and of course, they were wrong in many other ways as well). Other people place special religious emphasis on other places.

2) Moslems seek to worship at or toward Mecca. 3) Some who claim to be Christians think certain buildings or cathedrals are

special shrines where worship is accepted. 4) But the New Testament is unique in that it would have no specific city or

structure where worship was required. 5) We can assemble as a local church in any place or circumstance that we can

arrange in a morally proper manner.

22: “You worship what you do not know; we worship what we know, for salvation is from the Jews.”

1. Jesus told her that, on this issue, the Jews had the truth. 1) The Samaritans worshiped in ignorance. 2) The Jews knew the proper way to worship, for the way to salvation was being

revealed by God through the Jews. 3) They had revelation from God and were worshipping according to knowledge,

whereas the Samaritans were not. 4) However, His emphasis is on the fact that the issue would soon not matter at

all.

2. See here the danger in following human tradition and family religion. 1) The woman said their “fathers” had worshiped on Mt. Gerizim, but Jesus

responded that they worshiped in ignorance. 2) Many people continue to worship according to their family religion or

traditions handed down to them from people. 3) This example shows that such is not a reliable way to know the truth (Matt

15:1-14).

23: “But an hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for such people the Father seeks to be His worshipers.”

1. Jerusalem is irrelevant. Jesus is what matters. 1) The time has come when worshippers are not identified by their attachment to a

shrine but by the worship of the Father. 2) Further, the Father is looking for people who will worship him properly.3) The implication is that the worship in both places is not proper. 4) The Father is seeking people who will properly worship Him. Since God is

spirit, proper worship of God is also a matter of the spirit rather than a physical location, physical posture, or external ritual.

5) God wants worship from the heart because worship from the heart leads to proper worship.

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If I truly love the Lord and understand His grace toward me, then I will worship Him the way that He wants with the heart that He wants.

24: “God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”

1. Jesus’ response is blunt.1) God is absolutely free from all limitations of space and time.2) God is not localized in physical temples (Acts 7:48).

THE RIGHT COMBINATIONINTRODUCTION

A. The right combination is necessary in all walks of life.

1. To open locks.177

2. For the production of water—hydrogen and oxygen.3. In marriage.4. In sports—“They put it all together.”

B. The right combination is also essential in religion.

1. John 4:24: Spirit and truth is a MUST=REQUIREMENT.1) We learned in math that fractions cannot be added until a common denominator

is found.2) Likewise, there can be no unity among people of different religions until they

are all converted to Christ and come into the body of Christ.3) There is no acceptable ground for unity among unbelievers.

2. There are 4 different combinations or choices in worship.1) Wrong attitude plus error.2) Wrong attitude plus truth.3) Right attitude plus error.4) Right attitude plus truth.

3. We are responsible to choose the RIGHT COMBINATION.1) It is our responsibility to SEEK God, to KNOW Him and to WORSHIP Him

in spirit and truth.2) True worship is a chosen activity of the heart.

C. What is worship (proskuneo)—used most often—59 times in the NT.

1. It means “to kiss the hand to (towards) in token of reverence.”1) The best simple definition is the expression of the adoration of the heart.

2. Two things are necessary:1) REVERENCE paid to a divine being—in spirit.2) ACT OF EXPRESSING such reverence—and truth.

3. Therefore, worship is an attitude that is actively reaching out and is not passive or waiting for something to happen first.1) There are no compromises that truth can make for the only substitution for

truth is error.

I. WRONG ATTITUDE PLUS ERROR.

A. Ex 20: Records the giving of the 10 commandments to Moses.

1. It is very interesting that the first 7 verses have to do with the Jews’ actions and attitudes toward God.

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1) God told the people not to have any other gods, not to bow down to any graven images, nor serve them, and not to take God’s name in vain.

2. As these 10 commandments became effective, God let the Israelites know that there was only one way that they could please Him.1) At this time, we see a God that expected His people to follow His

commandments to the letter without variation.2) Why would we ever think that God has changed His mind concerning His

worship?3) Yes, the Law has changed, but the fact that God expects us to obey Him

to the letter has not (John 4:23-24).

B. Mal 1:6-8: This final book of the OT is entirely devoted to the people’s rejection of God’s law.

1. These people rejected and refused to worship God as He commanded.1) God charges these Jews with offering polluted bread, and offering the

blind and lame as a sacrifice.2) Why would God waste His time on this subject if it does not matter how

the people worshiped Him?

2. Mal 1:13-14: Worship was BORING to them—couldn’t wait until it was over.1) 2 Tim 3:5: Going through the motions but it didn’t change them for the

better. Worship is supposed to change our lives—more like Christ.

3. Mal 3:7, 10-12: God continues to plead for the people to come back.1) Obviously, God wanted them to come back and receive that great

blessing.2) However, if it did not matter how they worshiped, why was God pleading

for them to repent?

C. Matt 13:10-16: They turned off the truth=error and falsehood.

1. Rom 10:16: “did not all heed (hearken)”=To put yourself under—OBEY.1) “Lord, who has believed our report?”—If believed—no action--not obey.2) Only a small number believed and obeyed.

2. Rom 10:17: Anything that doesn’t come from God’s word is not of faith.1) It’s not worship as we please but as God has directed (instructed) us.

3. Rom 10:18: “Their voice has gone out into all the earth.”1) They couldn’t say they didn’t believe because they didn’t hear.2) Paul went into many synagogues.

4. Rom 10:19: “Surely Israel did not know, did they?”1) They can’t say they heard but didn’t understand.

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5. “I will make you jealous (provoke) by that which is not a nation.”1) Make them mad—mad enough to try to prove it.2) If I can’t make you glad through your friends then I will make you mad

through your enemies.

6. Rom 10:20: “I was found by those who sought Me not…manifest…”1) When the Gentiles were not looking too hard.2) When I spoke to them they understood.

7. Rom 10:21: “disobedient and obstinate people”-ATTITUDE WAS WRONG!1) Not because they didn’t hear or understand or lacked opportunity.2) Gentiles had the RIGHT ATTITUDE when they heard = understood.

D. Matt 15:7-9: Vain worship—If true worship is possible—so is false worship possible.1. They directed their worship to God, but they taught the doctrines of men.

1) When people worship according to the “commandments of men”, theyshouldn’t expect to offer true, acceptable worship to God.

2) Their worship will be just as vain as that of some Jews.3) Jesus taught that ANY worship, other than that which God commanded,

is vain worship.

II. WRONG ATTITUDE PLUS TRUTH.

A. Matt 19:16-22: This rich young ruler kept the commandments all his life.

1. He was very religious but his attitude changed.1) Acts 18:13: The Jews understood that one’s worship could be wrong.2) However, many of them failed to apply it to themselves.

B. Matt 11:16-19; Luke 7:31-35: Jesus compares these people to “children playing” with an attitude which makes it impossible to be pleased or content.

1. What caused them to be this way?1) What could be done to change their attitude so they would respond

properly to the Lord?2) Is it possible for any of us to become this way?

2. EX: A child saying, “There is nothing to do, I’m bored.”1) Reply: “Why don’t you _________ or _________ or play in the yard.”2) Child: “I don’t want to, that’s boring too.”3) When a child is BORED is there anything that would be exciting and

pleasant?4) It may be exciting for a while—but eventually it will become boring too.

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5) Exciting to do something bad — bored again — do something worse —bored again!

3. An attitude can keep a child from getting over boredom and complaining.1) A lot can be done—but the mind set hinders any solution.2) Do all the changes have to be made “out there” or could we, by looking

on the INSIDE do something to make some changes?

C. 2 Thes 2:9-12: Warning about bad attitudes.

1. “Did not receive the love of the truth.”1) Result: Error—lying wonders, powers, signs=believe a lie=deluded.

2. If our attitude toward error is not right, our attitude toward God, His Word and the authority of Christ is wrong, too.1) Lk.6:46: How can we accept Jesus as Lord but willingly disobey His

word by believing and practicing error?2) Worship God any way we please? NOT GOOD ENOUGH!

III. RIGHT ATTITUDE PLUS ERROR.

A. Col 2:20-22: Will-worship—it is self-chosen.

1. God will be served in his OWN WAY.1) 2:18: If one persists—attitude changes—FALSE HUMILITY.

2. Rom 1:21-25: Worship the creature (creation) more than the Creator.1) There is not a cow, snake, or any creature that can save us!2) Acts 17:23: Ignorant worship—30-31—Ignorance is no longer an excuse.3) An act of worship within itself doesn’t make it right before God.

IV. RIGHT ATTITUDE PLUS TRUTH.

A. Divinely revealed worship is the right attitude plus truth put into action.

1. It is the outpouring of the HEART to God, as it is channeled through TRUTH and expresses itself in JOY WITH THANKSGIVING.1) It is not found by accident, but when found – deeper meaning, conviction

and devotion will be the result.2) Worship expresses not only the JOY but also OBEDIENCE!

B. To worship God “in spirit” involves at least two things.

1. It involves “spiritual worship.” 1) In context (John 4:19-23), Jesus made a contrast between that which is

physical and the coming true worship. 2) This principle is taught elsewhere in the New Testament.

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3) Rom 12:1: “A living sacrifice” – Dead sacrifices were offered in the O.T. (dead

animals). In the N.T. we give our living, breathing bodies.

4) We keep our bodies pure (free from sin) and we give bodies in service (wholly committed to the Lord).

2. “Reasonable service” (“spiritual” ASV) 1) Vine - "...Pertaining to the reasoning facilities; the sacrifice is to be

intelligent in contrast to those offered by ritual and compulsion." 2) Heb 9:1-10: the writer gives a contrast between O.T. and N.T. worship.

The O.T. worship consisted of: A physical structure (the tabernacle), special clothing for priests, lampstands, burning of incense, instruments of music, and animal sacrifices. All of these had to do with the physical.

The New Testament worship, however, has to do with the inward part of man, his spiritual makeup.

3) God's temple is spiritual, made up of individuals.3) All Christians are priests who offer up spiritual sacrifices.

Our prayers are as sweet incense rising up to God. Our music is making melody in the heart.

C. Worshiping God “in spirit” involves worshiping with the right disposition.

1. The worship of God must come from the heart, with genuine love in our hearts for God.

1) We need to think of God as a person. He is not some mysterious force somewhere out there in the universe, but is a real living Being who seeks our love and adoration (John 4:23).

2. The Jews, as well as many today, had no problem with worshiping, but not with true concern for God.

1) Their worship became a tool by which they exalted themselves.

Matt 6:2: “So when you give to the poor, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, so that they may be honored by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full.”

2) Thus, all their works were a means to be noticed and praised by men.

Matt 23:5: “But they do all their deeds to be noticed by men; for they broaden their phylacteries and lengthen the tassels of their garments.”

3) They continued to comply with all the outward ordinances, but not for the right purpose, to glorify and praise God.

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4) The prophets boldly condemned such practices.

Amos 5:21-24: “I hate, I reject your festivals, nor do I delight in your solemn assemblies. 22 Even though you offer up to Me burnt offerings and your grain offerings, I will not accept them; and I will not even look at the peace offerings of your fatlings. 23 Take away from Me the noise of your songs; I will not even listen to the sound of your harps. 24 But let justice roll down like waters and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.”

5) When performed without the heart, even the “savored” festivals and offerings were despised by the Lord.

3. We need to be careful lest we give only an outward worship. 1) As Christians we need to be aware of the danger of just going through the

mere mechanics of worship. 2) This can be well illustrated as we partake of the Lord's Supper.

1 Cor 11:27-29: “Therefore whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner, shall be guilty of the body and the blood of the Lord. 28 But a man must examine himself, and in so doing he is to eat of the bread and drink of the cup. 29 For he who eats and drinks, eats and drinks judgment to himself if he does not judge the body rightly.”

3) We need strong motivation to make our worship to God what it ought to be.

4) A frog was caught in a deep rut on a muddy road, so the fable goes. In spite of the help of his friends, he couldn't get out. They finally left him there in despair. The next day one of his friends saw him hopping about outside the rut as chipper as could be. "What are you doing here? I thought you couldn't get out" said the friend. "I couldn't," the frog replied, "but when I saw a big truck coming down the road, I was powerfully motivated to get out."

4. The reason we often don't act properly is because we lack the will and motivation to do so. Consider these strong motivating forces:

1) Love - The love of Christ constrains us.

2 Cor 5:14: “For the love of Christ controls us, having concluded this, that one died for all, therefore all died;”

Eph 3:19: “and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God.”

2) Fear - The fear of going to hell motivates us. 183

Luke 12:4-5: “I say to you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that have no more that they can do. 5 But I will warn you whom to fear: fear the One who, after He has killed, has authority to cast into hell; yes, I tell you, fear Him!”

D. To worship God “in truth” is equally important.

1. To worship God “in truth” means to worship God “in accord with truth, as the truth directs.”

John 17:17: “Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth.”

1) The truth (God's Word) is the only authority by which we can acceptably worship God.

2. The truth authorized five items of worship in the assemblies. 1) The Lord's Supper is to be observed every first day of the week in

memory of the Lord's death (1 Cor 11:23-26; Acts 20:7). 2) We are to give of our means as we have materially prospered

(1 Cor 16:1-2; 2 Cor 9:7-14). 3) Prayers are to be offered in praise and thanksgiving to God

(1 Cor 14:15). 4) We are to glorify God in singing (1 Cor 14:15; Col 3:16; Heb 2:12). 5) The teaching of God's Word is to be done (Acts 20:7; 1 Cor 14:23-26).

3. All the sincerity in the world will not justify one act in religion unless truth is present.

1) Today many sincere people are worshiping God without truth. 2) ILLUSTRATION:

An architect draws up a set of blueprints for a house and gives them to one hundred building contractors and asks them to build the house according to the blueprints. After the houses are completed, there should be one hundred houses exactly alike because all came from the same blueprints. The only way the houses could be different is because the contractors took liberty with the blueprints. If they took liberty with the blueprints, they did not produce what the architect desired but what they themselves wanted. We pose some simple, but important questions, "Why are there so many denominational churches with varying forms of worship today?" "Is it not because they have taken liberty with God's blueprints?" "Have they not added their own wishes and desires rather than what God Himself wants?"

3) The Bible instructs us repeatedly to beware of men.

Matt 7:15: “Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves.”

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Col 2:8: “See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ.”

4. 1 Kings 13:15-24: This is one of the saddest stories in the Bible.

1) The young prophet perished, not by wickedness or lack of sincerity, but by believing a lie.

2) The young prophet took the word of another man, a fellow prophet.

5. We cannot judge a thing to be true by fellow men. 1) Elders can be wrong (Acts 20:28-30). 2) Preachers can be wrong – Apollos (Acts 18:24-26). 3) There are many of Satan's ministers telling lies today (2 Cor 11:13-14).

6. Believing a lie has terrible consequences. We must make personal application: 1) We, too, can be deceived (Eph 4:14; Rom 16:17). 2) Always test what is said (Acts 17:11; 1 John 4:1; 1 Thes 5:21). 3) Read and study for yourself (2 Tim 2:15; Heb 5:14). 4) Be diligent to not misuse or misapply the word (2 Pet 3:16; 2 Cor 2:17).

CONCLUSION

1. Men have many differing ideas as to what constitutes acceptable worship.

1. However, Jesus summed up true worship in one simple sentence (John 4:24). 1) Our worship to God must be a spiritual worship from the heart (sincere) and in

accord with truth (God’s word, not man’s). 2) Without these, our worship is vain and unacceptable to God (Matt 7:21-23;

15:7-9).

2. Let us strive to be the true worshipers of God.

1. Let us find courage in our great King and Savior who has pardoned us, and let us remain faithful until the last mile of the way.

1) May the Eternal God help us toward that end.

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25: “The woman said to Him, ‘I know that Messiah is coming (He who is called Christ); when that One comes, He will declare all things to us.’”

1. The Samaritans were looking for the Messiah to come as revealed even in the first 5 books of the OT (Deut 18:15-18).1) Though a Samaritan and an immoral woman, she was familiar with the coming

Messiah.

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2) She knows He can settle this problem when He appears.

26: “Jesus said to her, ‘I who speak to you am He.’”

1. This is the first recorded instance of Jesus declaring His Messiahship.1) Jesus affirmed simply and directly that He was the one. 2) Here we have a straightforward affirmation by Jesus that He was the Messiah.

2. This is the basic issue around which every religious discussion ultimately must be resolved: Who is Jesus? 1) Of course, as in this discussion, multitudes of other issues follow from that one.2) But until that issue is resolved, nothing else matters or can be ultimately

resolved. Jesus’ skillful direction of this discussion is a model for us in what is important in teaching.

3) Every person needs to progress, as did this woman, from seeing Jesus as merely an interesting Jew to seeing Him as the Christ, the Son of God.

4) Her estimate of Jesus had grown in stages. First she observed only a weary traveler – Aroused her curiosity. Then she understood Him to be a Jew – then a prophet. Finally she concluded Him to be the Christ.

3. Note that Jesus here openly affirmed that He is the Messiah. 1) Those who doubt He made such claims need to reckon with stories such as this.2) Perhaps in other cases He was not so direct or quick in making such statements,

as He took more time to lead people to such conclusions. 3) But in Samaria He had little time.

The woman directly brought up the Messiah, so Jesus directly confessed who He is.

For other passages where Jesus confessed (or allowed others to confess), directly or indirectly, that He is the Christ or the Son of God, etc., see Matt 3:17; 16:13-18; 17:5; 26:63-66; John 4:25,26; 8:58; 9:35-37; 20:28,29; Rev 1:17; 2:8; 22:13; Mark 2:3-12; Luke 7:48-49; Matt 20:28; 28:18, 20; 26:28; John 8:24; 14:6; 3:13-15; 10:27-29; 5:22; 9:38; Matt 16:27; 25:31-46; 14:33; 28:9, 17; Luke 24:52.

II. THE SAVIOR OF THE WORLD (John 4:27-42).

A. THE STORY OF JESUS AND HIS APOSTLES (4:27-38).

27: “At this point His disciples came, and they were amazed that He had been speaking with a woman, yet no one said, ‘What do You seek?’ or, ‘Why do You speak with her?’”

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1. The apostles were amazed that Jesus spoke with the woman. 1) Jesus was breaking the rabbinical rule of not speaking to a woman in public.2) “Let no one talk with a woman in the street, no not with his own wife.”3) The apostles great respect for Jesus prevented them from asking either of the

two obvious questions.4) But Jesus knew their thoughts and soon used the opportunity to teach them the

importance of saving all lost souls (4:31-38).

28: “So the woman left her waterpot, and went into the city and said to the men,”

1. The woman had come for water. But she was apparently so excited by finding the Christ that she left her waterpot and ran back to the city to tell the people about Him.1) Surely we too need such zeal. We have found Jesus, and people all around us

need Him. 2) We should want to share this good news with others as did this woman and

Andrew and Philip (John 1:40-51).

29: “Come, see a man who told me all the things that I have done; this is not the Christ, is it?”

1. She urged the people of the city to come out and see Jesus, because He had told her all things she ever did. 1) This, of course, would be recognized by all as an exaggeration.

But the point is that He had demonstrated such power that she had no doubt He could tell her all that she had ever done.

2) She asked them to consider if He might be the Christ. As a result, the people came out to see Him.

30: “They went out of the city, and were coming to Him.”

1. The woman sets the stage for them to judge the matter for themselves.1) “Come, see” – Investigate for yourselves – check us out.

2. Jesus did not deny the Bible teaching that women should be subject to the leadership of men in the home and in the church (Gen 2:18; 3:16; Eph 5:22-33; Col 3:18; 1 Cor 11:3; 14:34; 1 Tim 2:12-14; 3:4,12; Tit 2:4,5; 1 Pet 3:1-7). 1) However, neither did He believe that woman should be demeaned to the

position of a slave without value. 2) He did not believe that her soul is of less value to God than man’s soul. 3) In the gospel, Jesus cares for the souls of all people, male and female, of all

races and nationalities. He died for all. 4) His concern for the Samaritan woman shows that we too should seek the

salvation of all.

3. The Samaritan woman demonstrates the proper role of women as teachers.187

1) The Bible says women should not speak in church assemblies, nor may they teach with authority over men (1 Cor 14:34f; 1 Tim 2:11-12).

2) But this does not mean they can never speak about spiritual things to anyone. And note that she even spoke to the “men” of the city, discussing spiritual

issues with them. She spoke to all the people, regardless of gender.3) This woman became the means by which nearly a whole town became

followers of Jesus, yet she never spoke in a church assembly and never took authority over men.

4) She did speak in such a way as to get people’s interest so they came to a man who could teach them.

5) There is a definite role for women in teaching God’s word (Acts 18:24-28; Tit 2:3ff; etc.). Some say this is an example of women teaching under the O.T. law, but

the N.T. teaching on this point is based on the same principle as in the O.T. (1 Cor 14:34-35).

31: “Meanwhile the disciples were urging Him, saying, ‘Rabbi, eat.’32: But He said to them, ‘I have food to eat that you do not know about.’33: So the disciples were saying to one another, ‘No one brought Him anything to eat, did

he?’34: Jesus said to them, ‘My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me and to accomplish

His work.’”

1. Jesus was not interested in the food they had brought.1) Jesus explained that the food He referred to was doing the will of God and

accomplishing His work. 2) This work, Jesus meant, was more important, and in some ways more

satisfying, than food. 3) Everyone knows food is essential to life, but Jesus meant to teach them that

there are things more important even than food.

2. Food has various characteristics.1) It is taken for enjoyment and is refreshing.2) It satisfies physical desires.3) It provides strength and nourishment.

3. Jesus is receiving all of these things in the work He is now doing by leading this lady and many others to God.1) He is not suggesting that He can live on this activity at all times.2) But on this occasion physical food was neither needed nor desired.3) He was doing something much more important than eating.4) At that moment, it was replacing His eating.5) The thrilling satisfaction of saving a soul sustained Jesus.6) He was able to skip lunch that day!

4. Jesus gives them perspective of what drives Him.188

1) Jesus takes His disciples to another level of spiritual development (Matt 4:4; 5:6).

2) Involvement feeds the soul – nourishes when feeding others.3) Giving to others gives yourself purpose and drive to continue.

5. Too many people think it is more important to meet physical needs than spiritual. 1) If they are hungry, tired, feel a little bad, or are in any way physically less-than-

satisfactory, they think that is reason to have no interest in spiritual things.2) Some even argue, “You can’t convert a man who has an empty stomach. You

must minister to the whole man. Feed and clothe him first, then he’ll listen to the gospel.”

3) Others will not attend Bible studies, worship, or teach the lost if they are hungry, tired, etc.

4) Others will miss these spiritual opportunities any time they have a chance to work to make more money.

6. Jesus said it should be the other way around. 1) The greatest need is to do the will of the Father. 2) This does not mean physical food is not important, but it should not take

priority over spiritual things (Matt 6:19-34; 4:4; 16:26-27; Luke 12:15-34; John 6:27).

35: “Do you not say, ‘There are yet four months, and then comes the harvest?’ Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look on the fields, that they are white for harvest.”

1. Jesus prepares His disciples for the job just at hand.1) He wants them to see things as He does.2) Be involved in the purpose of God.

2. Harvest time being a very important day, it was natural to measure time in relation to it. (“It is yet four days until payday.”)1) Jesus is building them up for a shocking statement.2) He points out that men view the harvest as still being 4 months away.3) The disciples may look up and see green, but He sees white and ready for

harvest right now, in the middle of December.4) What does He see that causes Him to say the fields are “white for harvest”? 5) 30: By looking up, the disciples could see the towns-people coming in their

white garments.

3. This account certainly suggests a soul-searching question for modern disciples:1) What do you see when you look upon a great city?2) What should you see?3) What does Jesus see?

4. Jesus gave His disciples at least 3 distinct commands.

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1) “Look”: Opportunities for soul-saving are always available if we will look around. Learn to recognize those that are without Christ and who need Him – There are masses of people that are lost.

2) “Pray” (Matt 9:37-38): Can never have too many laborers.3) “Send out”: “Go” (Matt 28:19-20): Put action into our belief – our world may

be across the street, at the store, school – but we must try.

5. In 1970 the corn-belt was hit by the corn blight, and the crop was far below normal. Even worse was predicted for the following year.1) So, expecting a poor yield, what did the farmers do? They planted more!2) God’s people should do as the farmers did – Plant more.3) Not say – “There is no use. The people won’t hear. So few are baptized.”

36: “Already he who reaps is receiving wages and is gathering fruit for life eternal; so that he who sows and he who reaps may rejoice together.”

1. Harvest was a time (season) of joy (Deut 16:13-15; Ps 126:6; Isa 9:3).1) In order to have a harvest there must first be a sower.2) The one that sows does so that fruit may be gathered, so does one who harvests. 3) Both the sowers and the harvesters rejoice when the fruit is gathered.4) The work of soul-saving is done by many, some “sowing” at the same time (or

many years later) others are “reaping” what was sown.5) Temporal rewards have a limited shelf life – Soul-saving is eternally rewarding.

37: “For in this case the saying is true, ‘One sows and another reaps.’”

1. Winning souls involves both “sowing” and “reaping.” Exactly what is the difference between “sowing and reaping?” 1) Sowing is the work necessary to one day being able to reap! 2) In agriculture, sowing involves preparing the soil and planting the seed. 3) In winning souls to Christ, sowing likewise involves preparation and planting:

In which the hearts are being prepared for the reception of the gospel. In which the hearts are first introduced to the gospel and its principles.

2. Reaping is the actual “harvesting” of what has been sown. 1) In agriculture, reaping is the collection of the fruits which have produced by the

sowing. 2) In winning souls, reaping is that harvesting which occurs when souls who have

had the Word planted in their hearts decide to obey it! 3) Those who sow do not always witness the reaping that may one day occur. 4) And many times those who reap are benefiting from the efforts of those who

did the sowing before them.

3. In evangelism, this means that oftentimes you will be sowing the seed and it may appear that you are not getting any results.

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1) But sometime later those souls you were trying to reach may decide to finally obey the gospel and another Christian may actually do the reaping in your place!

2) Then again, there will be times when people just sort of “fall into your lap,” ready and anxious to obey the gospel with little effort on your part.

3) In this case, you may be reaping what others have sown!

4. The point to keep in mind is that evangelism involves both “sowing” and “reaping,” and there will be times when what you sow will be reaped by someone else. 1) Let this be an encouragement to you when it appears that you are not reaping as

you would hope. 2) You might actually be making it much easier for some brother or sister in the

future! 38: “I sent you to reap that for which you have not labored; others have labored and you

have entered into their labor.”

1. The prophets had labored in this country as well as John the Baptist.1) Now Jesus and His disciples are harvesting the fruit of that labor.2) Jesus is the sender in all cases, and now He is explaining that the disciples

are enjoying what others before them have worked so hard to produce.3) Only people who had been prepared could receive such great truths in so short

a period of time.

2. Stop worrying about baptisms.1) Matt 7:13-14: Jesus was right when He said few will find it.2) Don’t put pressure on yourselves.3) It isn’t enjoyable when we are all tied up in knots.4) You can’t make people obey the gospel.5) Take yourself out of the picture – Let the Word do the talking – Jesus.6) You don’t know who will obey the gospel – full of surprises.

THE PLACE OF THE SOWER

1 Cor 3:[3]4-9: “For when one says, ‘I am of Paul,’ and another, ‘I am of Apollos,’ are you not mere men? 5 What then is Apollos? And what is Paul? Servants through whom you believed, even as the Lord gave opportunity to each one. 6 I planted, Apollos watered, but God was causing the growth. 7 So then neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but God who causes the growth. 8 Now he who plants and he who waters are one; but each will receive his own reward according to his own labor. 9 For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, God’s building.”

1. As illustrated in the parable and elsewhere, we are simply “SEED-THROWERS” and “WATER-BOYS.” 1) One may plant the seed, another may water, but it is GOD (through His Word

in a receptive heart) who gives the increase! 2) Because of this, there is no place for boasting about numbers of people being

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2. But there is another lesson here. 1) God can even use “DEFECTIVE” seed-throwers (Samaritan woman).

Phil 1:15-18: “Some, to be sure, are preaching Christ even from envy and strife, but some also from good will; 16 the latter do it out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel; 17 the former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition rather than from pure motives, thinking to cause me distress in my imprisonment. 18 What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed; and in this I rejoice.” Yes, and I will rejoice,”

2) Not only defective in MOTIVE (as seen in the text), but also in EXPERIENCE! This is because the POWER is in the SEED, not the SOWER! Therefore we should not feel like we have to be an accomplished

salesman to present the Gospel. Even those who tremble and may not be eloquent can be used by the Lord

to reach others.1 Cor 2:1-5: “And when I came to you, brethren, I did not come with superiority of speech or of wisdom, proclaiming to you the testimony of God. 2 For I determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified. 3 I was with you in weakness and in fear and in much trembling, 4 and my message and my preaching were not in persuasive words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, 5 so that your faith would not rest on the wisdom of men, but on the power of God.”

THE PRINCIPLE OF SOWING AND REAPING.

2 Cor 9:6: “Now this I say, he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.”

1. This principle is easily seen in many different areas of life: 1) In SALES, the ratio of success is often 1 sale out of 9 calls. 2) In ACTING, the ratio can be as high as 1 job out of 30 auditions, even for

successful actors. 3) In THE PARABLE OF THE SOWER, only one out of four produced favorable

results (Luke 8:4-15).

2. Successful people in different walks of life understand that the key to success is to increase the number of their efforts. 1) The conclusion for us is obvious: If we desire to REAP more, we must be

willing to SOW more! 2) Many people fail in the area of evangelism because they "sow sparingly" and

get discouraged by the meager results.

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3) If we increase the level of SOWING, the level of REAPING will rise proportionately.

4) But again, to avoid discouragement, we need to set goals on how many are being TAUGHT, not on how many are CONVERTED!

CONCLUSION

1. What we should know about the harvest:1. It is the Lord’s (Matt 9:38).2. It is plenteous (Matt 9:37).3. It is ready (John 4:35).4. It is in need or laborers and reapers (Matt 9:38; John 4:36-38).

2. What we should do about the harvest1. Lift up your eyes (John 4:35).2. Look on the fields (John 4:35)3. Pray for laborers to be sent (Matt 9:38).4. Sow (Teach) (Mark 6:34).5. Reap (water seed-teach, encourage, serve) (John 4:36-38).

3. An important element of success in personal work is perseverance. 1. Those that persist in sowing the seed eventually bear fruit.

1) The problem with many people is wrong perspectives and negative attitudes. 2) That translates into failure, no matter what the task is at hand.

4. I hope that the perspectives shared above can help us maintain the positive attitude necessary to persevere until harvest time is no more!1. WHAT ELSE CAN I DO?? Are you serious about becoming more effective in

teaching others?1) Pray - every day - for the strength of character to be what God would have you

to be as a serious “soul winner” for Jesus. 2) Pray for OPPORTUNITIES. Then LOOK for those opportunities.

5. Begin thinking about, and praying about, one person that you are concerned about.1. Just one person right now....we will add others in later. But get into the habit of

thinking about and praying for that one person. 1) Pray for THAT PERSON daily and for opportunities for teaching that person.

B. THE STORY OF JESUS AND THE SAMARITAN TOWNS PEOPLE (John 4:39-42).

39: “From that city many of the Samaritans believed in Him because of the word of the woman who testified, ‘He told me all the things that I have done.’”

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1. The statement at first appears to be an exaggeration, but really it is not.1) Her five marriages plus her present adultery covers her entire adult life.2) If this man has the power to tell her all things regarding her marital life, then

surely He has the power of everything she has done.3) He told her enough to convince her that He knows all!

40: “So when the Samaritans came to Jesus, they were asking Him to stay with them; and He stayed there two days.”

1. Jesus was breaking down the barriers of racial prejudice, but even more He was saving souls.1) They were so interested they even wanted Jesus to stay awhile, so He stayed

there two days. This gave Him opportunity to teach many people. 2) This was in some ways as amazing as the fact He had spoken to the Samaritan

woman to begin with. 3) Now the people ask a Jew to stay in their midst and teach them, and the Jew

agrees to do it! 41: “Many more believed because of His word;”

1. This additional teaching from Jesus gave the people the final evidence they needed to become believers in Him. 1) The woman played a role in it by telling them what she had observed in Jesus.2) But what really convinced them was when they themselves observed Jesus, His

teaching, and the evidence for His claims.

42: “and they were saying to the woman, ‘It is no longer because of what you said that we believe, for we have heard for ourselves and know that this One is indeed the Savior of the world.’”

1. Many believed in Christ on the testimony of the woman.1) Many more believed when they heard Jesus Himself.2) We today are in the position of those who believed on the basis of the woman’s

testimony (John 20:30-31).

2. They concluded that He truly is “the Savior of the world.” 1) This is an amazing truth that many people today yet need to believe. 2) Many claim to believe He was a great man, even a great prophet. 3) But to believe He is the Savior of the world is to go much further. 4) It recognizes that Jesus can do what no mere man can do: He can save us from

sins. 5) And He can save, not just one nationality or even a select unconditionally

predestined few as in Calvinism, but He can save anyone in the whole world! (Matt 26:28; 20:28; Eph 1:7; 1 Pet 1:18f; 2:24; Heb 2:9; Rev 1:5; 5:9; 1 Tim 2:4-6; Isa 53:5-9; 1 Cor 15:3; John 1:29; Heb 9:24-28; 10:9-13; 13:20f; Rom 5:6-11; 2 Cor 5:14-15).

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CONCLUSION

1. There is a story about a city that was on the brink of extinction because of the lack of water.

1. One day a young man was walking in the parched fields surrounding the city and began to dig his own grave.1) He had become despaired knowing that death was certain for him and all he

knew.2) While digging the grave he found moist soil.3) He dug deeper and found an underground stream freely flowing forth the life

giving thirst quencher he so desperately needed.4) He drank his fill.

2. He began to run back to the city to tell about his magnificent find.1) However, on the way he began to think that maybe he should keep it a secret,

for the water supply may be limited and others may use up the supply to only bring them all back to their current desperate position.

2) So he kept quiet – one by one he watched the city’s citizens die until he was the only one left.

3) He lived a miserable existence as he kept his secret treasure to himself until eventually he himself died of loneliness and guilt.

4) He had the saving water and shared it with no one.

2. Christians have the saving water of life (John 4:13-14).

1. There is an abundant supply for all. Jesus is truly the Savior of the world!1) With whom will we share it?2) If we truly believe Jesus is the Source of the “living water” which can perfectly

satisfy our every spiritual need – we will be moved to share it with others.3) We will refresh and revitalize the weak, weary, and discouraged.

III. THE PROBLEM OF UNBELIEF (4:43-54).HEALING OF THE NOBLEMAN’S SON

THE GALILEAN MINISTRY:

43: “After the two days He went forth from there into Galilee.”

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1. Jesus had originally planned to go to Galilee but had ended up staying two days in Samaria on His way (40). 1) After the two-day stay in Samaria, He went on to Galilee as planned. 2) Jesus now enters the work in Galilee since John the Baptist has been put in

prison.

2. The Synoptics (Matt, Mark, Luke) give much more detailed information on this period of His labor.1) They skip the Judean portion which lasted 8 months (Matt 4:12-15:20; Mark

1:14-7:23; Luke 4:14-9:17).

3. This is evidence that the author of John presupposes his readers are acquainted with.1) John gives us the details they do not cover.2) This explains why in all of this 18 month Galilean Ministry, John only

recorded two events. First, the healing of the nobleman’s son. Second, feeding the multitude in John 6.

44: “For Jesus Himself testified that a prophet has no honor in his own country.”

1. In general, the Galileans were receptive to Jesus. 1) However, Jesus commented that a prophet has no honor in his own country. 2) This may seem strange in the context of the reception He received. 3) However, Matt 13:54-58; Mark 6:1-6; and especially Luke 4:16-31 give

more information on this comment.

2. John does not record the fact that Jesus apparently in the meantime had visited His hometown Nazareth and was there rejected by the people. 1) As a result, He did not do many miracles among them, and they ended up

trying to kill Him. 2) Their reason was, not that they could prove that His teaching or miracles were

false or invalid, but that they knew His family — His mother, brothers, sister, etc.

3. Jesus’ comment here means that often people do not appreciate the greatness of one with whom they grew up. 1) They remember Him when He was little and they know all the evidences of His

humanity. 2) Hence, they cannot believe that He could become so great from such humble

origins Perhaps they are even a little jealous and can’t believe that one from

among them could become so much greater than others of them had become.

45: “So when He came to Galilee, the Galileans received Him, having seen all the things that He did in Jerusalem at the feast; for they themselves also went to the feast.”

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1. He was received by the Galileans, since they had gone to the feast in Jerusalem (8 months before) and had witnessed His miracles (2:23). 1) Jewish males were required to be in Jerusalem for the Passover.

46: “Therefore He came again to Cana of Galilee where He had made the water wine. And there was a royal official (nobleman) whose son was sick at Capernaum.”

1. The word for nobleman (basilikos) literally means “king’s man” designating a soldier, courtier, officer or official in service of a king. 1) Other examples are Chusa (Luke 8:3) and Manaen (Acts 13:1). 2) Perhaps this nobleman was a servant of Herod Antipas, tetrarch of Galilee.

2. This man has been confused with the centurion of Luke 7:1-10.1) They are different men and different incidents.

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

1. Note the details that help us see the greatness of the miracle. 1) The son was not just a little sick with some illness that could easily have cured

itself. 2) He was almost dead. Further, he was in a different city, about 25 miles away

(3500 foot climb) from Jesus.

48: “So Jesus said to him, ‘Unless you people see signs and wonders, you simply will not believe.’”

1. Jesus states the value of miracles.1) Jesus stated that such miracles were necessary in order for people to believe. 2) John recorded this statement to show us the purpose for the miracles and

thereby help us understand why we need to know about them and be convinced by them.

3) They are the stamp of God’s approval on a prophet showing him to be who he claims to be, confirming that he is a teacher from God.

4) This is why John recorded several miraculous events and gave much detail regarding them (Mark 16:20; John 5:36; 20:30-31; Acts 2:22; 14:3; 2 Cor 12:11,12; Heb 2:3,4; 1 Kings 18:36-39.)

2. Some false miracle workers today criticize those who call upon them to do a miracle in order to prove the power they claim to have. 1) But contrary to these claims, Jesus not only did not oppose this use of miracles,

but He knew and agreed this was a valid evidence to prove a man was from God.

2) Jesus worked miracles for people who were honestly seeking for truth.

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3) He refused only when people had seen sufficient evidence and had rejected it, yet called for more proof (Mark 8:11-12; Matt 16:1-4; Luke 11:29; 1 Cor 1:22). “You people” is plural, the nobleman is part of a crowd. Galileans in general needed to be rebuked (Matt 11:20-24).

4) “Unless (except)” is an emphatic way of saying, they simply will not believe by observing the character and words of Jesus, without seeing miracles.

49: “The royal official said to Him, ‘Sir, come down before my child dies.’”

1. The nobleman seemed to think this latter problem was insurmountable if Jesus remained where He was. 1) He thought Jesus had to come and personally have contact with his son to heal

him. 2) Of course, modern miracle-workers would know they could not heal a person

under such circumstances. But it was no problem for Jesus.

2. Some commentators seem to criticize the nobleman for weakness of faith. 1) And it is true that his faith grew as the story proceeded. 2) Nevertheless, he had faith enough to travel about 25 miles from Capernaum to

Galilee (3500 foot climb) to plead with Jesus to come and heal his son.

50: “Jesus said to him, ‘Go; your son lives.’ The man believed the word that Jesus spoke to him and started off.

51: As he was now going down, his slaves met him, saying that his son was living.52: So he inquired of them the hour when he began to get better. Then they said to him,

‘Yesterday at the seventh hour the fever left him.’53: So the father knew that it was at that hour in which Jesus said to him, ‘Your son lives;’

and he himself believed and his whole household.”

1. The man believed this and went on. This required a measure of faith on his part. 1) He had come begging for Jesus’ personal presence to heal the son. 2) But he accepted Jesus’ simple statement that the miracle had occurred.3) Note that Jesus’ manner of handling this increased the force of the miracle. 4) The purpose was to produce faith. 5) Had He personally gone (as the nobleman had requested), a miracle would have

occurred. 6) But by doing the miracle while still miles away, He made it even more obvious.

1) Doctors can sometimes heal by physical means, if they examine the patient, do tests, give medicines and treatments, etc.; and all this takes time to work. But the fact Jesus needed no such methods proved clearly that His healing was done, not by physical means, but by supernatural power.

2. And He further emphasized His power to do miracles by declaring it to have definitely occurred as an accomplished fact.

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1) Though He could not see the sick person to know firsthand whether or not he had been healed, Jesus definitely declared him to be healed.

2) He expressed no doubt or uncertainty in the matter. 3) This also served to demonstrate the man’s faith and then to strengthen it when

he left and later learned the results.

54: “This is again a second sign that Jesus performed when He had come out of Judea into Galilee.”

1. Jesus had done miracles in Judea (2:23). 1) This verse might appear to mean that, on this particular trip, since he left Judea,

Jesus had done some other miracle in Galilee which is not recorded. 2) And this was the second one He did since he left Judea.

2) However, a more reasonable view is that John has in view only the miracles Jesus did in Galilee, the first one being the changing of water to wine (2:1-11). 3) This would then be the second of His miracles in Galilee.

CONCLUSION

1. Some traits of the Nobleman:1. He did not let position, pride, or effort prevent him from coming to seek Jesus.2. He stood the test of his faith.3. He became a witness for the Lord!

1) His whole household believed.

2. Application:1. Christ is the one we should desire.2. Faith grows when we turn to Jesus.3. Know that Jesus can provide.4. A weak faith is rebuked.5. Don’t limit what we think Christ can do.6. A sincere faith is rewarded.7. Nobleman had a growing faith – rewarded by the healing of his son.8. A sincere faith is contagious!9. It spread in the Nobleman’s family – can spread in ours.

1) Gain faith by: study, attendance, participation.

John Four Study QuestionsTHE SAMARITAN WOMAN

I. LIVING WATER (4:1-26).

1. Where did Jesus go and why (4:1-2)? 199

2. Thought question: Why would Jesus act this way under these circumstances?

3. Who did the actual baptizing of Jesus’ followers?

4. Application: What can we learn from this event about the importance of who actually baptizes a person?

5. What area and what city did Jesus pass through (4-5)?

6. What Old Testament event related to this region, and what landmark was there (5-6)?

7. What time was it, how did Jesus feel, and what did He do (6)?

1) Thought question: What lessons can we learn from the way Jesus felt and yet what He did in this story?)

8. Who came, and why did she come (7)?1) What request did Jesus make? 2) Where were His disciples at this time (8)?

9. Why did Jesus’ request seem strange to the woman (9)?1) What does this event show about Jesus’ attitude toward people of other races?2) List other passages showing Jesus wants people of all races and nations to be saved.

10. What offer did Jesus make to the woman (10)?

11. What objections did the woman raise (11-12)?1)2)3)

12. What results would come from drinking this water (13-14)? 1) Think: What was the living water that Jesus offered?)

13. What request did the woman make, and what shows that she was still confused about Jesus’ meaning (15)?

14. What request did Jesus make next, and what did the woman answer (16-17)?15. What did Jesus tell her about her husbands and how did she respond (18-19)?

1) Thought question: What were Jesus’ purposes for bringing up her husbands?

16. What issue did the woman raise next, and how did Jesus answer (20-22)?1) Thought question: Who really had the truth regarding the woman’s original

question?

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17. How does God want us to worship Him, and how does this relate to His own character (23-24)?

1) Application: List several examples of worship that is not in spirit or that is not in truth.

18. Who did the woman suspect that Jesus was, why did she suspect this, and what did Jesus say about it (25-26)?

19. Special Assignment: Trace the progression of the woman’s opinion of Jesus. Who did she think He was at first, then who, etc.1)2)3)4)

20. Application: List some lessons we can learn about teaching methods from this story.

II. THE SAVIOR OF THE WORLD (4:27-42).

1. What did the woman say to the people of the city and what did the people do as a result (28-30)?

2. What did Jesus tell the disciples, and what did they think He was talking about (31-33)?

3. What kind of meat had Jesus referred to, and what did His statement mean (34)?

4. What illustration did Jesus use in 4:35 and what does it mean?

5. What fruit or harvest was He referring to, and why would it cause joy (36)?

6. Who were the sowers and who were the reapers in 4:36-38? 1) Thought question: What does 4:38 mean?)

7. What happened as a result of the Samaritan woman’s words (39)?

8. What did the Samaritans want Jesus to do, and what did He do (40)?

9. Who did they believe Jesus was, and what convinced them (41-42)?

10. Application: What lessons can this story teach Christians, especially Christian women, about saving the lost?

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III. THE PROBLEM OF UNBELIEF (4:43-54).HEALING OF THE NOBLEMAN’S SON

1. Where did Jesus go, and what did the people there know about His miracles (43-45)?

2. Explain 4:44 (study cross-references).

3. To what town did Jesus return, and what miracle had He already done there (46)?

4. What man made request of Jesus, and where was the man from (47)?1) What problem did the man have, and how serious was the problem?

5. What observation did Jesus make in 4:48?

6. Describe what Jesus said and did to bring about the requested healing (50)? 1) Thought question: Why do the miracle this way (51-52)? 2) How did this strengthen the impact of the miracle?

7. How did the nobleman confirm that the healing was the result of what Jesus did (52-53)?1) What effect did this have on the man and his family?

8. List two other passages regarding the purpose of miracles.

John 5THE THIRD SIGN AND CONFLICT WITH THE JEWS

INTRODUCTION

A. The conclusion of chapter four has brought Jesus into Galilee from his eight month ministry in Judea.

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1. This Galilean Ministry He began when John was imprisoned is generally referred to as The Great Galilean Ministry, because it lasted 18 months.1) During this time Jesus did many of the things recorded in the Synoptic Gospels.2) Every student of the Bible should note at this point in their study of John, that

this fourth gospel deals mainly with the Judean part of Jesus’ work, while the Synoptics deal mainly with the Galilean Ministry.

2. John being the last gospel written fills in the part of the life of Christ which the Synoptics do not cover.1) The only part of this Great Galilean Ministry which John covers is found in

4:46–7:12.2) Even in this section some of the events John records take place in Jerusalem

when he goes down for the Feast.3) In fact, the only times John departs from the Judean work, and more

specifically the Jerusalem work is in Galilee in ch. 2; Samaria and Galilee in ch. 4; Galilee in ch. 6; and Galilee in ch. 21.

I. THE HEALING AT THE POOL OF BETHESDA (5:1-18).

1: “After these things there was a feast of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem.”

1. John does not tell us which feast this was, and every feast on the Jewish calendar has someone who will contend for it.1) However, all logical inferences point to the Passover.2) The only importance in determining which feast lies in the fact that it must be

known to determine the length of Jesus’ ministry on earth.

2. The Passover is specifically mentioned in John 2:13 and again in 6:4.1) If the feast of John 5:1 is another Passover there is a 2 year period between

these two events.2) By determining the feast we can tell if His Ministry was a little over 2 years, or

a little over 3 years.3) It should be noted that this question will only answer our curiosity and will not

reveal anything necessary to our salvation.

3. Arguments which favor the Passover.1) All early writers agreed it was the Passover.

Only in modern times have men tried to attribute it to a feast known as Purim.

This feast was of earthly origin, having its beginning at the time of Esther (Est 9:17-28).

It was celebrated on the local level and Jews did not go to Jerusalem for it.2) This was a feast that caused Jesus to go to Jerusalem.

Only three feasts would cause this: 1. Passover; 2. Pentecost; 3. Tabernacles.

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3) If this is the Passover it makes the Great Galilean Ministry 18-20 months in duration. If not, then it would only allow 6–8 months for Jesus to accomplish all the

things of this Great Ministry. Most students do not believe this would allow enough time required for all

those events.4) It fits the time of year, for the next event in the Life of Christ finds His

disciples plucking ears of corn (Matt 12:1-8; Mark 2:23-28; Luke 6:1-5). The Passover was the time for the harvest.

5) If not the Passover then it would have to be either Pentecost or Tabernacles of that same year (see 2) above). Regardless of which one it was, there would of necessity have to be 2

years between 2:13 and 6:4, making the Lord’s Ministry a little over 3 years.

2: “Now there is in Jerusalem by the sheep gate a pool, which is called in Hebrew Bethesda, having five porticoes (porches).”

1. Some claim that the fact John used present tense (“Now there is”) in describing the pool as proof that John wrote before the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD. 1) However, some have pointed out that John could simply be using the present

tense relative to the time of the event he describes (not relative to the time when he wrote).

2) In addition, pools were unlikely to have been destroyed when the city fell. 3) History points out that the pool is referred to as being visited by people even

into the third and fourth centuries.

3: “In these lay a multitude of those who were sick, blind, lame, and withered, [waiting for the moving of the waters;”

4: “for an angel of the Lord went down at certain seasons into the pool and stirred up the water; whoever then first, after the stirring up of the water, stepped in was made well from whatever disease with which he was afflicted.]”

1. The only difficulty with this passage is that v. 4 is omitted in newer versions.1) NASU: Puts brackets beginning in the last part of v. 3 [waiting for the moving

of the waters to the end of v. 4 to show it was added by someone making a copy of the gospel.

2) None of the oldest Greek manuscripts contain this verse. 3) Since John failed to mention that the pool was thought to contain medicinal

qualities (such as our hot springs), it was undoubtedly added to the text later on.

2. It is unclear whether the reference to the angel and the healings describes what really happened or whether it simply describes the belief of the people. (Note that the description of the angel, etc., is omitted in ASV, etc.)

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1) If the account is genuine, John might simply be describing the people’s view without affirming it is true.

2) Compare v. 18: “He broke the Sabbath”; yet this clearly refers to what the people thought, not to the truth of what happened.

3) If this was just a superstition believed by the people, we may wonder why so many people would stay there obviously hoping for a healing? Clearly, they believed the miracles occurred.

4) Maybe the water did possess some natural healing properties. Or maybe the people just received psychosomatic “healings.” Desperate people today flock by the thousands to faith healers, despite the fact they perform no real miracles.

5) The people here were said to be blind, lame, or paralyzed. But obviously none of them could quickly step into the water. The person who was quick enough to jump into the water first must not have been in terrible shape to begin with.

3. Furthermore, the event described is very much unlike real Bible miracles. 1) The account has some characteristics of a superstition like modern belief in

faith healers. 2) Why heal only those who could step in first? 3) Wouldn’t that mean that, almost invariably, the most severely ill people - who

needed the miracle the most - would not be healed, like the man Jesus healed in this account?

4) And why do such miracles repeatedly, but only occasionally? I know of no genuine Bible miracle that fits such a pattern.

4. However, the important point of John’s story is not the question of whether or not these miracles really occurred. 1) The point is that Jesus unquestionably here did a genuine miracle!

5: “A man was there who had been ill for thirty-eight years.”

1. We are not told what it was, but it was evidently quite severe.1) He had been troubled by it for 38 years, and it evidently rendered him so

incapacitated that he needed someone else to put him into the water. 2) Note how these facts demonstrate beyond doubt the reality of the man’s

infirmity. This was no imagined, psychological, or psychosomatic disease.

6: “When Jesus saw him lying there, and knew that he had already been a long time in that condition, He said to him, ‘Do you wish to get well?’”

1. This appears to be, like many other questions asked by Jesus and God, a rhetorical question designed mainly to get the person’s attention and to introduce what Jesus intended to do. 1) It was obvious the man wanted to be healed. 2) Jesus was simply making an opening remark to call attention to the man’s need.

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7: “The sick man answered Him, ‘Sir, I have no man to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up, but while I am coming, another steps down before me.’”

1. Jesus evidently chose this man to concentrate on, because his case was so obviously severe. 1) He did not pick one of the easier cases, but one that was obvious and otherwise

could not be cured.

8: “Jesus said to him, ‘Get up, pick up your pallet (bed) and walk.’”

2895.     κραβαττος krabattos; of Macedonian or.; a camp bed:— bedridden*(1), pallet(8), pallets(2).(New American Standard Hebrew-Greek and Aramaic Dictionaries: Updated Edition)

1. His bed was just a thin pad (mat) which could be rolled up and carried under his arm.

9: “Immediately the man became well, and picked up his pallet and began to walk. Now it was the Sabbath on that day.”

1. Here, as in all Bible miracles for which we are given the details, we see convincing evidence that what happened was impossible by natural law and must, therefore, have happened by the supernatural power of God. 1) There was no doubt about the existence of the ailment. The man had this

infirmity for 38 years. He was so disabled he could not get to the pool without help.

2) He was healed immediately. 3) His healing was so complete and obvious that he was able, not just to walk, but

to carry away the pallet on which he had previously been confined. Even if the cause of his ailment was removed, he would naturally need

time to regain strength and coordination to walk. Yet he could do so immediately, proving the miraculous nature of the healing.

4) Note further that there is absolutely no evidence that this man had faith before he was healed. In fact, even after the healing occurred he was still not sure who had healed him (5:12-15), though no doubt the people following with Jesus would have known who did it.

2. Where are the modern faith healers who can duplicate such healings repeatedly and without a failure, as Jesus did? 1) Yet they claim to have the same power from God that Jesus possessed.

3. This verse closes by telling us when this happened: the Sabbath day. 1) In so saying, John introduces the controversy that followed, as described in

subsequent verses.

10: “So the Jews were saying to the man who was cured, ‘It is the Sabbath, and it is not permissible (lawful) for you to carry your pallet.’”

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1. The Jews are the rulers as John always refers to them (1:19; 7:17; 9:22; 18:12-14).1) Certain Jews found the healed man and told him it was not lawful for him to

carry his bed on the Sabbath. 2) The man explained that he was carrying the bed, because he had been told to do

so by the one who had healed him.

2. The Jews should have been impressed by the fact the man who gave this instruction had done a great miracle. 1) If He could do a miracle, He must have been from God (3:2; Acts 2:22). 2) The purpose of miracles was to confirm a man to be a teacher from God. 3) If Jesus could do such a great miracle and then told the man to carry away his

bed, that of itself should have proved that carrying the bed was in harmony with God’s law. Otherwise, God would not have confirmed Jesus’ teaching by the miracle.

4) Instead of assuming Jesus was wrong because He told someone to do something on the Sabbath, the Jews should have known that He was from God because He did miracles. Why pit their views against His? They surely could not do any such

miracle! They should have been amazed at the miracle, joyful for the healed man,

and grateful to God. No such qualities characterized them. Their selfish, evil motives become

more obvious as their conflict with Jesus continued.

3. Many today think Jesus broke the Sabbath, but such is not the case.1) He was only breaking the traditions the Jews added to the Law (Matt 5:17-20).2) Jesus, the maker of the Law is rightly interpreting the Law, however He was

breaking the human traditions as He did on other occasions (Matt 15:1-10).3) The real problem here was, not that Jesus violated God’s real law, but that He

violated man-made human traditions.4) The simple fact is that Jesus never broke the Sabbath law nor any other Divine

law, nor did He ever teach others to do so. 5) Had he broken the law, He would have been a sinner. 6) But the Bible clearly and repeatedly states that He was without sin (Heb 4:15;

7:26; 1 Pet 2:22; 1 John 3:5; 2 Cor 5:21; etc.). 4. Was this truly a violation of the law? (Ex 20:8-10; 31:13-15; Num 15:32-36; Deut

5:12-14; Jer 17:21-23; Neh 13:9, 15-22). 1) These verses forbid working on the Sabbath, especially carrying burdens. 2) But it is not at all clear from the passages that a case such as this one was

included. 3) Neh 13:9, 15-22: This passage makes clear that men were condemned for

carrying burdens in their business for personal profit, just like they did on other days of the week.

4) Jer 17:21-23: Carrying a burden into the gates of the city or out of the house is condemned. John 5:10: This man did none of those things.

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5. But the issue here is not a mere technicality or loophole in the law; rather, the intent of the activity must be considered in determining whether or not the law was violated. 1) The man was not working for personal gain or profit, nor was he doing

ordinary work such as could be done on a weekday. 2) What he was doing related to a special act of mercy and healing from

sickness.3) It was not an everyday work activity and was not part of his business

activity for personal profit. 4) Jesus had already shown that such acts as these were not condemned by the

Law (Matt 12:1-14).

6. Not all human effort was forbidden on the Sabbath. 1) Men on the Sabbath would chew food and swallow, carry clothes on their

bodies, breathe, pump blood throughout their bodies, digest food, etc., just like on other days.

2) They also did work in the temple offering animal sacrifices. 3) If an emergency arose in which even an animal needed special care to save it

from death or danger, they met the emergency even though work was involved on the Sabbath.

4) John 7:21-23: Jesus pointed out that the Jews would do the work of circumcising a child, even if the day for doing so fell on the Sabbath. The command to circumcise constituted spiritual work which did not

violate the command to do no work on the Sabbath. No one considered these acts to be wrong, though they could technically

fit some definitions of “work.” 5) The conclusion is clear that the Sabbath law never did forbid all kinds of

“work,” just certain kinds for certain purposes. The Jews had great detailed restrictions in their human tradition that

defined what work was and was not acceptable on the Sabbath, so even they knew that not all work was condemned.

7. Some of the traditions are as follows:1) One could only walk approximately 7/8ths of a mile from home.

Home was defined as the place where one kept his food and clothing. When Jews wanted to travel several miles on the Sabbath they would get a

friend to go before them and leave a parcel of food and an item of clothing every Sabbath day’s journey (7/8ths of a mile).

Each time they traveled their limit, they would be home so they could go once more the Sabbath day’s journey.

2) A nailed shoe could not be worn because it would be a burden, however, one could wear an un-nailed shoe.

3) A person could go with two shoes on, but not with one.4) One man could carry a loaf of bread, but two people could not carry it between

them.

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5) Many, many more.

11: “But he answered them, ‘He who made me well was the one who said to me, “Pick up your pallet and walk.”’

12: They asked him, ‘Who is the man who said to you, “Pick up your pallet and walk”’?”

1. Note that the Jews began by questioning the man’s conduct, but they soon switched to questioning Jesus’ conduct. 1) They ended up opposing Him because He healed on the Sabbath (5:16, 18). 2) But the original question concerned the act of the healed man in carrying his

pallet.

13: “But the man who was healed did not know who it was, for Jesus had slipped away while there was a crowd in that place.”

1. Though Jesus had done a great miracle for him, he evidently did not even know Jesus’ name and could not otherwise identify Him to the Jews. 1) Compare this to the modern “faith healers.” 2) Do they leave after doing their “miracles” without making sure everyone

involved knows they were the ones who did the “miracle” (and asking for a financial gift)?

14: “Afterward Jesus found him in the temple and said to him, ‘Behold, you have become well; do not sin anymore, so that nothing worse happens to you.’”

1. This shows how Jesus viewed sin and its consequences. 1) It is a greater problem with more severe consequences even than serious

physical diseases. 2) It leads to eternal punishment, which Jesus warned was worse than death.3) Physical suffering and death are in fact not a major concern compared to the

consequences of sin (Luke 12:4-5). 4) As bad as serious illnesses are (38 years), there is “a fate worse than death,”

and that is sin. Yet many people today are easily moved to compassion about people who

have serious illness, but seem to care little or nothing about the problems caused by sin.

Jesus Walks on the Water — 6:15-21 (Matt. 14:22-33 Mark 6:45-56)

15: “The man went away, and told the Jews that it was Jesus who had made him well.”

1. Jesus’ second encounter with the man He had healed served to identify Jesus to the man. 1) Since the Jews had asked who had healed him, the man then told them it was

Jesus.

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2) There is no evidence that the man did this with any malice or ulterior motive toward Jesus.

3) It is probable that he did not know why the Jews wanted this information.4) Perhaps he even thought they would honor and respect Him when they knew.

16: “For this reason the Jews were persecuting Jesus, because He was doing these things on the Sabbath.”

1377.     διωκω dioko; akin to a prim. vb. διω dio (put to flight); to put to flight, pursue, by impl. to persecute:— persecute(10), persecuted(13), persecuting(7), persecutor(1), practicing(1), press(2), pursue(7), pursuing(2), run after(1), seek after(1).(Thomas, R. L. (1998, 1981). New American Standard Hebrew-Aramaic and Greek dictionaries: Updated edition. Anaheim: Foundation Publications, Inc.)

1. “Persecuting” literally means “to chase, follow after, pursue.” 1) What really happened, however, is that the Jews persecuted Jesus and even

wanted to kill Him, because He had healed on the Sabbath day. 2) Note the evil and sinister attitudes of these Jews. Instead of respecting Jesus as

a prophet from God because He could do such great miracles, they wanted to kill Him!

3) Such was their zeal for their human traditions that they would seek to kill a man for doing a deed that ought to have proved to them that He was from God!

4) As mentioned before, that they no longer seem concerned about the conduct of the man who was carrying his bed on the Sabbath. The issue now is what Jesus had done on the Sabbath in healing the man.

2. Note that the Jews never did pursue the issue of the “work” this man did. 1) This shows that, either they knew that what the man did was not wrong, or else

they did not really care about that. 2) What they were concerned about was proving Jesus’ wrong, so they moved on

to that issue.

17: “But He answered them, ‘My Father is working until now, and I Myself am working.’”

1. Jesus compares His work to that of His Father. 1) Jesus could have defended Himself by arguing the real meaning of “rest” on

the Sabbath, but He defends Himself by showing His relationship to God, thus using this opportunity once more to teach His divinity.

2) Jesus’ attitude toward the Sabbath was one of the main objections the Jews had toward Jesus.

3) On nearly every other point on which they confronted Him, He so completely disproved them that they were forced to drop the issue.

4) But this one came up over and over again. Jesus answered their objections often, using various different arguments - all of them valid, of course.

5) Here Jesus answered by showing that it is just as valid for Him to work on the Sabbath as it was for the Father to work, and the Father had been working

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continually up till that time. The Jews correctly understood that the “Father” referred to God, the Heavenly Father (5:18).

2. Jesus’ statement shows that resting is not equivalent to idleness.1) Jesus’ point is that the Sabbath institution related to the fact that God rested on

the seventh day of creation. 2) If in fact God - whose conduct is the very basis for the Sabbath - actually

continues to work on the Sabbath, then that would prove that not all work on the Sabbath was forbidden.

3) Note that Jesus was the One who did the work of creation and therefore was the One who rested on the seventh day (John 1:1-3), so He ought to know what happened then!

4) If He says that, both He and His Father continue to work, even on the Sabbath, who can successfully dispute it?

3. Gen 2:3: Does not say that God rested from all work on the seventh day, but only from the work of creation. 1) Other passages describe works of God that He has continued to do since

creation, including on the Sabbath. 2) Acts 17:25, 28: He gives to all life and breath and all things, and “in Him we

live and move and have our being.” 3) Acts 14:17: He gives rain and fruitful seasons, and sends the rain and makes

the sunshine on the just and unjust (Matt 5:45). 4) Jas 1:17: He is the giver of every good gift He upholds all things by the word

of His power (Col 1:17; Neh 9:6; Heb 1:3). 5) In all these ways, God is working every day, even on the Sabbath day.

Were He to cease working for even one day – any day - we would cease existing!

Hence, every day that we receive these gifts, that is proof God is working on that day.

4. Hereby Jesus proved by the example of God Himself that not all work was forbidden on the Sabbath – especially works of mercy and provision for the needs of others were not forbidden. 1) But more specifically, the Jews here and elsewhere objected to the fact Jesus

did a miracle on the Sabbath. 2) To them that was a forbidden form of “work.” 3) But from what source came the power to do the miracle? Why all miracles are

by the power of God. 4) In fact, miracles are often called “works” of God.

Hence, the very fact that a miracle occurs, in and of itself proves that God is working.

And if a miracle occurs on the Sabbath, then that proves God is working on the Sabbath.

But the Jews objected to miracles being done on the Sabbath.

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Hence, Jesus here proved that they were objecting to the work of God Himself!

5. The very fact that the miracle in question had occurred on the Sabbath, in and of

itself proved that God believes in doing works of mercy and kindness on the Sabbath. 1) If God did not believe in and approve of it, it could not have happened! 2) The purpose of the gifts was to confirm the word of the one through whom the

miracle was done (John 4:42). 3) If Jesus taught that this kind of work could be done on the Sabbath and then did

miracles, which was God’s confirmation on His teaching.

6. Hence, the work of the Father, specifically in doing the miracle in question, in and of itself served to prove Jesus’ right to so work (5:19). 1) If God provided on the Sabbath day the power to do the work, then Jesus had

the right on the Sabbath day to do the work. 2) The very nature of the work in question ought to have silenced the opponents.3) To condemn Jesus’ work was to condemn the Father. 4) However, to accept the right of the Father to do miracles on the Sabbath, was to

accept the right of Jesus (or any one) to allow that work to be done through Him on the Sabbath.

18: “For this reason therefore the Jews were seeking all the more to kill Him, because He not only was breaking the Sabbath, but also was calling God His own Father, making Himself equal with God.”

1. The Jews then opposed Jesus for claiming equality with God. 1) Jesus’ argument, however, just turned the Jews more fully against Him. 2) This is often true when forceful arguments are given to those who have ulterior

motives and are determined to continue their preferred course of action regardless of the evidence.

3) The more powerful the evidence, the more upset they become when it is presented (3:19-21).

4) Instead of concluding that Jesus was wrong because He healed on the Sabbath, they should have considered the miracle to be evidence that He was right and they were wrong.

2. But instead of admitting the force of Jesus’ evidence, the Jews became all the more determined to kill Jesus. 1) But now they chose this course, not just because they thought He broke the

Sabbath, but also because He called God His Father, making Himself equal with God (blasphemy).

2) Violation of the Sabbath and blasphemy were both capital crimes under the law. Had Jesus been guilty of either, He would have been worthy of death. But

in truth He was guilty of neither.

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3) There is a sense in which God is the spiritual Father to all who obey Him (2 Cor 6:16-18; Matt 12:49-50; 6:9; etc.).

4) But the Jews were right in concluding that Jesus’ language here was claiming a unique relationship with the Father that no one but Him possesses.

5) And it is true that this unique position means that Jesus possessed Deity. This is confirmed by other Scripture (John 20:28; Phil 2:5-8). In fact, remember that John 1:1-3 shows that Jesus’ work in creation

proves that He possesses Deity along with the Father.

3. However, it must be remembered that John 5:18 is stating the conclusion the Jews reached about what Jesus had said. 1) They also concluded that He broke the Sabbath, but in that they were in error. 2) Hence, someone might likewise suspect that their conclusion that Jesus was

claiming Deity, being a human conclusion, might have been in error. 3) Such an approach, however, overlooks the force of Jesus’ argument.

4. While 5:18 states the conclusion of fallible, erring men, the fact remains that the evidence Jesus presented in the context does prove that Jesus was claiming Deity with the Father.1) He was claiming to work like the Father worked. 2) In fact, He claimed that, He Himself did the work of creating (John 1:3) and so

understood the Sabbath from the beginning.3) This is a claim to Deity, and the Jews properly so understood it. 4) But it was not blasphemy, for the simple reason that the claim was true!

And Jesus’ miracles – including the one He had just done - proved the claim to be true.

5. The Jews rightly understood Jesus claimed to be equal with God the Father. 1) It must be admitted that either Jesus was revealing the most glorious truth ever

to fall on the ears of man, or He was guilty of the greatest fraud (blasphemy) ever uttered on earth!

II. JESUS CLAIMED EQUALITY WITH GOD (5:19-30).

A. Jesus is equal to God in His WORKS (5:19-20).(Oneness of action)

19: “Therefore Jesus answered and was saying to them, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, unless it is something He sees the Father doing; for whatever the Father does, these things the Son also does in like manner.’”

1. Jesus here begins a lengthy statement answering the Jews’ objections to His claims (5:18). This becomes a summary of the points John is trying to make about Jesus. 1) 5:19-30: Jesus states His claims.2) 5:31-47: He gives the evidence for those claims.

2. Jesus did nothing of Himself, but did what He saw the Father do. 213

1) This is not said to belittle Jesus’ authority and work, but to exalt it. 2) Jesus can do whatever the Father does!

3. There is apparently a sense in which Jesus is subject to the Father even in the Godhead (1 Cor 11:3). 1) But when He came to earth, Jesus took on the form of a man to learn obedience

and experience what it is like to be fully subject to Deity as a servant, just as men have to be subject (Phil 2:5-8; Heb. 5:8-9; 4:15).

2) While on earth, Jesus could act only by God’s authority. LESSON: Can we as mere men act without God’s authority?

4. However, Jesus’ point here is that He had power to do miracles (and other works) that He learned from the Father, authorized and empowered by the Father. 1) This included healing on the Sabbath (5:17). 2) The Father did a miracle on the Sabbath (through Jesus) and did other work on

the Sabbath. 3) Jesus was just doing as the Father does, hence He was acting by the highest

authority. 4) For the Jews to accuse Him of doing wrong by healing on the Sabbath would

be folly, since He could not have done it except by the authority of Deity (5:17).

5. Jesus is claiming to do any work the Father can do: creation, miracles, and forgiveness of sins. 1) And He will eventually claim power to raise the dead and judge all men. 2) Imagine a mere human or even an angel making such a claim. 3) Such would be blasphemy, but Jesus made the claim and proceeded to provide

the evidence that it was valid.

6. The Father and Son (and the Holy Spirit) are one in their works and power. 1) The Son does not act independently from the others, but they also do not act

independently from Him. 2) They work together in complete unity and agreement. 3) This is the sense in which there is one God, yet three separate individuals. 4) And while Jesus is, in some sense led by the Father and especially on earth was

a servant to the Father even as we are, yet He here claims power to do whatever the Father can do.

7. Verse 19 is a staggering response to these Jewish leaders and to the world. Listen tothe two parts of this amazing answer that Jesus gives. 1) First, the Son does not do things on His own initiative, but only what “He sees

the Father doing.” Please underline the word “sees.” Who can see what the Father is doing?

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Please tell me what you see the Father doing right now at this moment. No one can see the Father.

John 1:18: “No one has ever seen God.” Jesus does not say that He knows what the Father is doing and so he does that too.

He says he can only do what he sees the Father doing. Humans cannot see God. Therefore, Jesus is not human. He is God.

2) Second, not only does the Son see what the Father is doing, He does what the Father does. That is not true of humans. Are you doing all that the Father does? Humans cannot do what the Father does in terms of purity and holiness.

We are sinners and fall short of the glory of God. Humans cannot do what the Father does in power.

The Father creates and humans can only reshape what has already been created. But Jesus does what the Father does. Can you imagine saying that you can do anything that God the Father can do? Anything and everything that He does I do also! No human can say those words and not be lying.

Therefore, Jesus response to the Jews who are trying to kill Him because they saying He is making Himself equal with God is that He is not making Himself equal to God; He is God! He sees what the Father is doing and He does what the Father is doing. Jesus is God. The only one who could ever do whatever the Father does must be as

great as the Father, as divine as the Father.

20: “For the Father loves the Son, and shows Him all things that He Himself is doing; and the Father will show Him greater works than these, so that you will marvel.”

1. God’s love for the world caused Him to give Christ.1) God’s love for the Son causes Him to reveal all things to the Son.2) The Father shows the Son all things He does, and in turn the Son does all these

very things.

2. Again, Jesus is describing the unity or oneness between the Father and Himself. 1) The Father did not condemn Jesus but approved of Him. How else could His

miracles be explained? 2) As a result, Jesus deserved to be exalted, not criticized by the people.

3. The two “greater works” that will be alluded to in the next few verses are…1) Impart spiritual life.2) Judge all mankind.

B. Jesus is equal to God in POWER (5:21).(Both impart life)

21: “For just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, even so the Son also gives life to whom He wishes.”

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1. Both the Father and the Son have life-giving power residing within them.1) 1:3: Revealed that the Son gave life to everything.

2. One particular work done by Jesus, even as the Father does, is to raise the dead, giving life to them. 1) The record does not show that Jesus had yet done this, but He here assured

them He could. 2) Later He did raise people on earth (John 11), and someday He will raise all the

dead (5:28-29). 3) However, He not only raised people physically from the dead, He also can raise

men from sin and give them spiritual life (5:24-25).

3. Again, these are truly amazing claims. That is John’s point in quoting them. 1) But Jesus (and John) will yet give proof for these claims. 2) Specifically, Bible accounts show that He did raise the dead. 3) The Father had this power and had demonstrated it through Old Testament

prophets. 4) Jesus here claims the same power. He and His Father shared the same power to

do miracles. What amazing claims!

C. Jesus is equal to God in JUDGMENT (5:22). (Father turns judgment over to the Son)

22: “For not even the Father judges anyone, but He has given all judgment to the Son,”

1. What is more, another great work Jesus will do is to judge all men. 1) He had not come to earth (the first time) to do this (John 3:17). 2) But the Father had committed to Him the responsibility to judge all men. 3) Someday later He will come and fulfill this duty (Acts 17:31; Matt 25:31-46;

2 Cor 5:10). 2. This is clearly a work of Deity, yet the Father will leave it entirely up to Jesus.

1) Again, Jesus is claiming power that no one but God could rightly claim. 2) It is folly to read this and still try to argue that Jesus claimed to be just a good

man or that He did not claim Deity for Himself.

D. Jesus is equal to God in HONOR (5:23).(Jesus’ relationship to God [19-23] and to man [23-30])

23: “so that all will honor the Son even as they honor the Father. He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent Him.”

1. Only by honoring the Son as divine can we honor the Father, for the Father works, speaks, and reveals Himself only through the Son.1) “If this verse does not teach us to worship Jesus as God, language cannot

teach it, for God gives not His glory to another (Isa 47:2), nor could He by

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reason of His very nature, arbitrarily will such honor to one whose character and nature were unworthy of it” (McGarvey, Fourfold Gospel, p. 202) “Even as”: “in the same manner and in the same degree.”

(cf. Isa 42:8; Matt 4:10;Acts 10:25-26; Rev 22:8-9).

2. If people refuse to give Christ this honor, then they are likewise refusing to honor the Father, since the Father sent the Son. 1) Jesus represented the Father, spoke the will of the Father, and revealed the

Father. 2) This was proved by His miracles and other evidence He would yet provide.3) When He claimed the power and honor of God, therefore, it must be true. 4) To deny, be-little, or refuse to honor Him is to treat the Father in the same way,

since the Father sent Him and confirmed His claims. Such was the state of these Jews who criticized Jesus despite the evidence

of His miracles. And such is also the state of any today who deny Jesus’ Deity and fail to worship Him as Deity.

3. These are truly amazing claims Jesus made in the face of people who were criticizing Him for claiming equality with God (5:18). 1) Just in case anyone had mistaken His intent and thought His critics were

mistaken and He was not claiming Deity, Jesus adds claims that remove all doubt.

2) Had the Jews mistaken His meaning and if He believed He did not possess Deity, by all means Jesus should have made His true views clear at this point.

3) But instead of denying that He was claiming Deity along with the Father, Jesus’ explanation confirmed it (John 1:1-3; 20:28). Again, either Jesus is who He claimed to be (Son of God) or He was the

biggest fraud and liar who ever lived. THERE CAN BE NO MIDDLE GROUND ! The Jews accepted the latter, but faithful Christians should be ready to die

for the former (the truth)!E. FAITH in Jesus leads to ETERNAL LIFE (5:24).

(Executes judgment over men)

24: “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who hears (receives) My word, and believes Him who sent Me, has eternal life, and does not come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life.”

1. Since Jesus possesses Deity and was God in the flesh on earth, He further affirmed that people must hear His message and believe His claims in order to have eternal life. 1) One must accept the message of Christ as the true one from God as He claimed

it to be.

2. “He who hears (receives) My word” AND “believes Him who sent Me” ARE PARALLEL STATEMENTS.

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1) Believing God is the same as receiving Christ’s words, for Christ only speaks what God tells Him. Jesus gets more emphatic on this fact as His ministry progresses.

3. Again, we see the absolute need for faith in order to have “eternal life” (be saved). 1) Those who lack faith have no hope of salvation. 2) John 3:16: Recall in this context, Jesus was speaking to Jews who

demonstrated disbelief in Him, so He assures them they must have faith to have eternal life.

3) Other passages show that the faith here described must be an obedient faith to be saved. Nothing here is intended to deny the need for obedience. It simply affirms

the need for hearing and faith. But other passages show that faith must be a comprehensive faith,

including obedience.

4. John 3:36: Is not teaching once saved, always saved. 1) The passage states a clear condition one must meet to have everlasting life.2) He must hear Jesus’ teaching and believe the message of God with an obedient

faith. 3) But people can cease to hear and believe (with obedience); if they do, then they

cease to be destined for eternal life. Again, what amazing claims! Jesus is saying He is equal with the Father

as Deity, and we must hear and believe this to be saved! Who but God would dare to make such claims?

5. Those who believe and obey the Son will not stand condemned, “but has passed out of death into life.”1) We pass from death to life in a spiritual sense, passing from spiritual death

(Eph 2:1; Col 2:11-13) to spiritual life — being born again as in (John 3:5; Rom 6:3; Gal 3:26-27; 1 Pet 1:23; etc.).

2) This does not mean righteous people will not even be judged, “for we must all appear (stand) before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one…whether good or bad” (2 Cor 5:10; Rom 14:12; John 5:28-29-more in this point). It means we will not stand condemned when we are judged.

F. Imparts SPIRITUAL LIFE to men (5:25-26).(Resurrection #1)

25: “Truly, truly, I say to you, an hour is coming and now is, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live.”

1. 5:24: Jesus had said that those who hear and believe Him will receive eternal life. Here He continued saying about the same thing. 1) He says “an hour is coming “and now is” when the dead would hear His

voice, believe, and “has passed out of death into life.”

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2) “And now is” means it is very near at hand (John 4:23).

2. John 4:23: “The hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and truth” the time was now as Jesus was speaking. 1) But that truth would become more clear after Jesus dies, after Jesus raises from

the dead, and after the arrival of God’s kingdom on Pentecost. 2) God was seeking those worshipers immediately but this truth would be clearer

later. 3) In the same way, Jesus now says that “the hour is coming and now is” here

means that what Jesus is saying is true right now, while Jesus is speaking, but would become clearer later, particularly after His death and resurrection and kingdom arrival on Pentecost. This appears to mean that this would be the effect of the gospel; the hour

had come that the gospel was about to take effect so that men could be saved.

3. This does not refer to the final coming of Jesus and the physical resurrection, as in verses 28-29. 1) There He said that hour “is coming,” but He did not say it “now is,” as in this

verse and in John 4:23. 2) The dead coming to life in 5:25 then must be the same as in 5:24, and is a

further explanation of it. 3) One must hear Jesus’ word and believe it. If so, he has eternal life and will not

be condemned because he has passed from death to life. 4) This occurs in this present life. It is the spiritual rebirth and resurrection to

newness of life (Rom 6:3-6; Col 2:12-13; Eph 2:1). 5) 5:25 repeats the concept of v. 24 saying that those who are dead and hear Jesus

voice will life. 5:26 continues this thought.

26: “For just as the Father has life in Himself, even so He gave to the Son also to have life in Himself;”

1. “For” shows that this verse gives the reason why the statements of the previous verses are true. 1) “The Father has life in Himself.”

Life is such an inherent part of His character that He can give life to others.

2) In the same sense, the Father “gave to the Son also to have life in Himself.” The Son was empowered while on earth, and as a result of His life on

earth, to cause people to spiritually pass from death to life (as described in 5:24-25).

5:21: “The Son also gives life to whom He wills”, just as the Father can.

2. This explains why Jesus can enable people to pass from spiritual death to life.

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1) By Him they can be forgiven and become children of God, born again, having spiritual relationship with Him and hope of eternal life.

2) This does not deny that Jesus inherently had power of life. 3) But on earth He took the status of a servant and did only what the Father

empowered Him to do (5:19).

3. Dead people are hearing the words of God. 1) This is an amazing work that Jesus must do while he is on the earth. 2) He has to go around telling people that they are dead. 3) We do not think we are dead. We think we are alive, vibrant, and full of life.4) John 3: Jesus has described this truth to us. We are the condemned. We are

perishing from our sins. We are dead. 5) It is a term that the apostle Paul repeatedly used as well to open our eyes to our

spiritual condition (Rom 6:13; Eph 2:1; 5:14; Col 2:13).

4. However, the people should have known that they were dead (Ezek 37) and look at the vision the prophet Ezekiel receives seeing a valley full of bones. 1) Ezek 37:11: Tells us that these bones represent the whole house of Israel. 2) The people are dead. They look like a pile of bones lying on the valley floor. 3) Ezek 37:12-13: Listen to what God says would happen.

“And you shall know that I am the Lord, when I open your graves, and raise you from your graves, O my people. And I will put my Spirit within you, and you shall live.” The people are dead. The image is clear. We are dead in our sins. We are

dead bones. 4) But God made a promise that a day would come when he would open the

graves, raise the people from the graves, and give the people life. Jesus reminds the people that they are dead. But he says that “an hour is

coming and now is, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live” (25). T The voice of the Lord is going to go out over the valley of dry bones

and the bones that hear the voice of the Son of God will live! Is it any wonder that Jesus would call those who have ears to hear to let them hear? The life giving voice of the Son of God is speaking. Listen to what he is saying that you may have life.

5. Are we listening to the life-giving voice of the Son of God? 1) His words give life. Nothing else can give life. No one else can give life. 2) How much time, if any, are you devoting to listening to the voice of Jesus and

heeding what he says? 3) It is the voice of Jesus that makes our dead bones live.

It is amazing how quickly we return to become dead bones when we stop listening to the life-giving voice of the Son of God. The moment we stop listening to Jesus and stop pursuing Him, death starts setting in again.

Have you ever asked why we try to have so many bible studies going on, either personally, or through community groups, or at the building? The

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reason is because if we are not hearing the voice of Jesus and encouraging one another to obey that voice, we quickly become dead again.

We fall back to becoming dead, dry bones in the valley with no life at all. Oh how we think we are alive without Jesus when in fact we are as dead as we could be, unable to see our condition. Eph 5:14:“Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” (ESV)

4) This is the voluntary resurrection. The voice of the life-giving Son is speaking. Are you willing to listen so that you can arise from death to life?

G. BODYILY RESURRECTION OF BOTH GOOD AND EVIL MEN (5:27-29).(Resurrection #2)

27: “and He gave Him authority to execute judgment, because He is the Son of Man.”

1. And not only can Jesus give people spiritual life instead of death, He also has authority to judge all men because He is the Son of Man. 1) This is the same point as in 5:22. Note how 5:26-27 parallel 5:21-22.

Heb 9:27: “And inasmuch as it is appointed for men to die once and after this comes the judgment.”

Rom 14:12: “So then each one of us will give an account of himself to God.”

2. As “the Son of Man,” Jesus experienced the temptations of living as people must live. 1) He can understand our problems (Heb 4:14-16), yet without sin. 2) This makes Him uniquely qualified as our Judge. 3) This does not mean He would not have been qualified to judge had He not

come as a man. 4) But He now has personally experienced what we face here, so we can be

assured that He understands and that He cares about us. 5) As the Son of God, He has the infallible wisdom to judge. As the Son of Man,

He has the personal experience to assure us that He will judge with fairness and justice.

28: “Do not marvel at this; for an hour is coming, in which all who are in the tombs will hear His voice,”

1. Apparently some in the audience were amazed at Jesus’ claims, as we ourselves are amazed. 1) But Jesus said that they should not be surprised that He will raise men

spiritually from the dead (5:24-25) when, in fact, He is also going to raise them physically from the dead!

2) These verses are a further explanation of His ability to give life and raise the dead.

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3) However, it is also a contrast in that this refers to a different kind of resurrection.

4) His previous statement was that only those who hear and believe the gospel would thereby pass from death to life (5:24-25).

2. But the resurrection described here (5:28-29) is for all men, good and bad. 1) It refers to all who are in the graves – physically dead. And it will happen

sometime in the future (“an hour “is coming,” in contrast to “and now is”). 2) Note that “all who are in the tombs will hear His voice and will come forth.”

29: “and will come forth; those who did the good deeds to a resurrection of life, those who committed the evil deeds to a resurrection of judgment.”

1. Those who did good will be raised to eternal life. Wicked people will be raised to condemnation. 1) Jesus here directly contradicts the premillennial theory, which teaches there

will be two different resurrections – one for the righteous and another for the wicked – occurring at two different times, separated by 1000 years.

2) Jesus’ teaching instead is that all, both good and bad will come forth at the same “hour.”

John 6:39-40: “This is the will of Him who sent Me, that of all that He has given Me I lose nothing, but raise it up on the last day. For this is the will of My Father, that everyone who beholds the Son and believes in Him will have eternal life, and I Myself will raise him up on the last day.”

Acts 17:31: “because He has fixed a day in which He will judge the world in righteousness through a Man whom He has appointed, having furnished proof to all men by raising Him from the dead.”

Acts 24:15: “having a hope in God, which these men cherish themselves, that there shall certainly be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked.”

2 Cor 5:10: “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may be recompensed for his deeds in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.”

Rev 20:11-14: “Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat upon it, from whose presence earth and heaven fled away, and no place was found for them. 12 And I saw the dead, the great and the small, standing before the throne, and books were opened; and another book was opened, which is the book of life; and the dead were judged from the things which were written in the books, according to their deeds. 13 And the sea gave up the dead which were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead which were in them; and they were judged, every one of them according to their deeds. 14 Then death

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and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire.”

Hades (place of unseen dead) is after death and before judgment. 1st death is physical (Rev 2:10), 2nd death is spiritual (Rev 2:11). Hades has served its purpose and is no longer needed.

3) Good people receive life and evil people receive condemnation. 4) But it is the same resurrection at the same hour. 5) Many other passages describe this resurrection and judgment (Matt 25:31-46;

1 Thes 4:13-5:11; 1 Cor. 15; etc.).

2. Note the plain and undeniable statement of Jesus that all people will be raised from the dead. 1) Death is not the end of man’s existence. 2) He who has the power of life will bring them back to life. 3) There can be no denying that Jesus plainly believed in life after death. 4) Likewise, Jesus plainly taught that men will be rewarded eternally after this

life: life or condemnation. 5) And note that there are only two eternal destinies: no middle ground and no

second chance. This is Jesus teaching. All who teach otherwise need to submit to the will

of Him who has the power of life.

H. All Jesus does is SUSTAINED by the Father (5:30).

30: “I can do nothing on My own initiative. As I hear, I judge; and My judgment is just, because I do not seek My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me.”

1. Jesus judges according to the will of the Father. 1) Jesus then explained the standard by which He was acting. 2) He did not act alone or simply by His own ideas. 3) He was judging according to what He heard. 4) His judgment was just (righteous) because He was seeking the will of His

Father who sent Him, not His own will.

2. Jesus came to live as a man, though He possessed Deity from the beginning (Phil 2:5-8; John 1:1, 14). 1) As a man, He learned obedience (Heb 5:8-9). 2) He knew by experience what it was like to have to obey God’s will as people

do.

3. Jesus is not here denying His Deity, for He has repeatedly affirmed it (1:1-3; 20:28; etc.). 1) It is true that, even today, Jesus is subject to the Father (1 Cor 11:3).

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2) But this seems to refer, here in John 5:30, as in 5:19, to the fact that Jesus was submitting to the Father’s will as a man (Son of Man, 27). Note that the verbs are in the present tense: “I judge,” “I seek,” etc. This

refers, not to the final judgment, but to what He was doing even at the time He spoke.

3) In any case, there is complete harmony between Jesus’ will and that of the Father, hence there is no conflict or disagreement between the them.

III. JESUS PRESENTS HIS WITNESSES TO THE DEITY OF JESUS (5:31-47).

1. As Jesus begins, Jesus teaches that what He is doing is not as some kind of renegade. 1) The Father and the Son are one. There is one God. 2) So Jesus says that what He does and the judgment He gives is the judgment of

the Father because He hears the Father and seeks the will of the Father. 3) But Jesus also recognizes that His audience will not accept His testimony

without witnesses. 4) The Law of Moses called for one’s testimony to be concerning a crime

committed validated by two or three witnesses (Num 35:30; Deut 17:6; 19:15). So Jesus does not need to provide any witnesses. Jesus has not committed

a crime. But Jesus is going to offer witnesses so that His testimony will not be rejected.

31: “If I alone testify about Myself, My testimony is not true.”

1. Having stated His claims, Jesus proceeded to call a series of witnesses that His claims are valid. 1) He admitted, first, that they should not accept His claims as true simply

because He made the claims. 2) At other times He called upon Himself as one of His witnesses.

John 8:13-18: Jesus’ point is explained more fully. 3) He is a witness, but people should not believe just one witness if there were no

other witnesses to confirm the claims. Many people make claims they cannot prove. In particular, many people

have claimed to be Messiahs. Jesus did not expect people to accept His claims without proof.

2. Rom 10:17: Faith must be based on convincing evidence. 1) This is Jesus’ approach, and is the approach emphasized in John’s gospel. 2) It is also the approach we should use to convince doubters. 3) Do not expect people to believe in God, Jesus, the Bible, or in any particular

doctrine without proof. Give them the evidence and let them make their own choice.

32: “There is another who testifies of Me, and I know that the testimony which He gives about Me is true.”

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1. Hence, Jesus was not His only witness, but He had another witness, who told the truth about Him. 1) This probably refers primarily to the Father, whose testimony will be described

more fully soon. 2) But first Jesus refers to John’s testimony.

A. TESTIMONY OF JOHN THE BAPTIST (5:33-35).

33: “You have sent to John, and he has testified to the truth.”

1. The first witness Jesus calls upon is John the Baptist. 1) The Jews had asked John expressly what he said about Jesus, and John had

borne witness. 2) He had said that Jesus was a man from God, a man much greater than himself,

the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world, the Son of God (John 1:6-15, 19-36; 3:22-31).

2. John’s testimony may not fully describe Jesus’ greatness, but it would surely show

that Jesus was from God and was far greater even than John. 1) Since John was a prophet, then we ought to consider him a witness who

confirmed that Jesus’ claims are true.

34: “But the testimony which I receive is not from man, but I say these things so that you may be saved.”

1. Jesus did not rest His claims primarily on the testimony of John or of any human, since He had even greater testimony (5:36). 1) He did not reject John’s testimony, for John was sent by God to testify

regarding Jesus. 2) Yet, He affirmed that there is even greater testimony than John’s.

2. In a sense, Jesus did not need any man’s testimony to prove who He was. 1) He was who He was regardless of what men think about it. 2) Truth is truth, regardless of who does or does not believe it. 3) Yet, in order for people to be convinced of the truth so they could be saved,

they needed evidence. So, Jesus listed John as a witness.

35: “He was the lamp that was burning and was shining and you were willing to rejoice for a while in his light.”

1. John was more than just a man – he was a prophet. 1) As such, he revealed light from God like a lamp burning and shining in the

dark. 2) The word for “lamp (light)” here refers to a lesser light than the word used for

Jesus in John 1:8, etc.)

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3) People rejoiced in that light and benefited from it. So, let them now consider the significance of that light. John was a forerunner to testify of Jesus. These people needed to accept the conclusion of John’s testimony

regarding who Jesus was. If so, they would quit rejecting Jesus and finding fault.

B. TESTIMONY OF JESUS’ WORKS (5:36).

36: “But the testimony which I have is greater than the testimony of John; for the works which the Father has given Me to accomplish—the very works that I do—testify about Me, that the Father has sent Me.”

1. Jesus then went beyond John’s testimony by calling upon a still greater witness. 1) This witness would give even more convincing evidence that Jesus is who He

claimed to be. 2) The “very works” He did proved that He is from God, sent by God and

empowered by God to do what He was doing. 3) How could He do such great miracles as He had done without the power and

approval of God (John 3:2; 4:48)?

2. The purpose of miracles was to confirm the teaching and give people evidence that the one through whom the miracle was worked was really from God (Mark 16:20; John 5:36; 20:30-31; Acts 2:22; 14:3; 2 Cor 12:11-12; Heb 2:3,4; 1 Kings 18:36-39; Exodus 4:1-9; 7:3-5; 14:30-31). 1) This was taught in both the Old Testament and the New Testament. 2) These Jews should have clearly understood this from the case of Moses, Elijah,

and other Old Testament prophets. 3) Since Jesus did miracles, the Jews should not have been finding fault with His

teaching but should have realized it was from God. 4) Specifically, they should not have objected to His healing on the Sabbath, but

should have realized it would not have happened had God not been working through Him.

5) In this way Jesus returned to the claim He had made in 5:17 that He worked as the Father worked.

6) This was the claim that led to their charge that He was making Himself equal with God. He has now shown how His works proved that claim to be true.

3. The works of Jesus was the convincing testimony that He was divine.1) His miracles proved (Acts 2:22).2) Fulfilling over 300 prophecies proved (Matt 5:17).3) His pure and sinless life proved it (John 8:46).4) His resurrection proved it as a sign from heaven (Matt 16:1-4; Rom 1:4; 1 Pet

1:3).

C. TESTIMONY OF THE FATHER (5:37-38).

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37: “And the Father who sent Me, He has testified of Me. You have neither heard His voice at any time nor seen His form.”

1. Jesus affirmed that the Father had sent Him, and the Father Himself had testified that Jesus was from God. 1) He did this through the miracles Jesus did. 2) Perhaps Jesus also referred to the direct testimony, given at Jesus’ baptism, that

Jesus was God’s “beloved Son in whom He was well pleased” (Mat 3:16-17; Luke 3:22).

3) This was direct testimony from the Father in heaven as to who Jesus was, confirmed by the coming of the Holy Spirit upon Jesus.

4) John the Baptist had already told them of this event (John 1:29-34), and said it was the concrete evidence that Jesus was the Son of God, “the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.”

5) No doubt many other people also witnessed the event, since it occurred at the time and place that many were coming to John for baptism.

6) The Father gave similar testimony at the Transfiguration (Matt 17:5).

2. Jesus then pointed out that the Jews were in no position to disprove His claims. 1) They had not seen God, they were not prophets who had received a voice or

revelation from God. 2) So what evidence could they present to disprove His claims?

3. Jesus had cited John the Baptist, who was generally recognized as a prophet. 1) Now He had cited His own miracles, which could only have come from God. 2) He had affirmed that the Father Himself had testified of Jesus. 3) In the light of this evidence, the only way these Jews could still reject His

claims would be if they themselves were prophets and had some revelation telling them that He was not from God.

4) But such was not the case (and if they had claimed it they could not have proved it). Hence, they had no basis to dispute His claims at all.

4. All the testimony was true, but the Father’s was more convincing.1) As the human element in testimony became less, and the divine element

became “greater” (36), naturally the more convincing the testimony will become.

2) EX: If a man had stepped beside Jesus at His baptism and announced, “this is God’s beloved Son in whom He was well-pleased,” that man would have been telling the truth.

3) It would be just as true as when God spoke it with His voice from heaven, however it would not have been as convincing (1 John 5:9).

38: “You do not have His word abiding in you, for you do not believe Him whom He sent.”

1. So Jesus proceeded to explain the real reason they were rejecting His claims: 227

1) They did not have God’s word in them. 2) They were not receptive to God’s truth, but had rejected the evidence from God

Himself. 3) And that is why they were rejecting Jesus. 4) Had they been obedient to God, they would have received Jesus. 5) To reject those who have clear evidence that they come from God is to reject

God and prove we are not following His word. 6) If we are following His word, then we would accept those who can prove they

are from God.

2. The same explanation applies today when people are shown what God’s word says, yet they reject it. 1) They have not rejected just the messenger who shows them the teaching. 2) They have rejected God Himself because they rejected His message. 3) It is a contradiction to claim to follow God and yet reject His words. 4) If God is God and we believe He is God, then we must accept what He reveals,

when we have been given the proof that He has really revealed His will. 5) God cannot be separated from His message; 6) Jesus cannot be separated from His message. 7) To reject God’s message is to prove that we do not really believe in God

Himself (John 12:48). 8) The reason people do not accept truth, when it is clearly proved to be the truth,

is that they do not really love and respect God (2 Thes 2:10-12). It is not the messenger they have a problem with, but God Himself.

3. Note how plainly Jesus here rebuked the Jews. 1) They had seen the proof, yet ignored it and claimed Jesus was in error because

He did not follow their man-made traditions. 2) Such proves they did not have God’s word in them.

Jesus could also read their hearts (2:23-25).

4. We are still relatively early in Jesus’ public ministry and already He has entered into strong conflict with the Jewish leaders, in which He boldly rebuked their error. 1) Jesus clearly did not sympathize with the modern view that preachers should

preach a “positive” message that does not boldly confront sin.

D. TESTIMONY OF THE SCRIPTURES (5:39-47).

39: “You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; it is these that testify about Me;”

1. “More law, more life…He who has gotten himself words of law has gotten himself the life of the world to come.” (Hillel, Talmud)1) “In their zeal for the Scriptures the Jews had counted every letter of them,

expecting to find life in the laws and precepts, but failed to find Him of whom the Scriptures spoke in figure, type and prophecy. In their reverence for the

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Book they failed to see that it was a mere means intended to acquaint them with Him through whom life was to come.” (McGarvey, Fourfold Gospel, p. 207)

2) Jesus was not condemning them for searching the Scriptures, but rather for their misuse of them.

3) The Scriptures bore witness of Christ who could give them life, however they would not accept the Scriptures on this basis.

4) They were looking for life from the Scriptures and at the same time rejecting the life-giver revealed therein.

2. The Jews searched the Scriptures, because they recognized them as the source of life. 1) That is good, and we ought to do the same. 2) The Scriptures give testimony of Jesus, and we can benefit from that testimony

by accepting Jesus’ will for our lives and so be saved (Luke 24:27, 44-46; Acts 2:25-36; 3:18-26; 1 Cor 15:1-4).

3) How did the Scriptures testify of Jesus? By the prophecies, which He fulfilled. Hence, Jesus here makes the argument that they can know He is the Son

of God, because He fulfilled the prophecies of Scripture. The accounts of Jesus’ life are filled with examples of Old Testament prophecies that He fulfilled. Jesus had not cited any of them here, but they are cited in many other places.

3. The scriptures in Jesus’ day are what we call the Old Testament (2 Tim 3:14-15). 1) Everything from Genesis to Malachi bears witness to Jesus. 2) Sometimes people wonder why we study the Old Testament.

People think it is too hard. People think it is too boring. People think it is irrelevant.

3) Not only did God say that those are His words breathed out on a page so will listen to it, but Jesus says that those books speak about Him!

4. If we want to get to know Jesus, we need to read the Old Testament because those books testify about Jesus. 1) Isaiah said He saw the Lord (Isa 6:1). 2) John tells us that Isaiah saw the Son of God and spoke about Him (John

12:41). 3) Isaiah saw the Christ and wrote about Him (Isa 2:2-4; 4:2; 7:14; 9:6-7; 11:1-

9; 52-56; 60-62; 66). 4) So we come along and decide to ignore the Old Testament and wonder why we

can’t figure God’s word out. 5) Jesus says that you can read the scriptures all that you want to, but if you do not

see Jesus in the Scriptures, then you are not going to find life. 6) Jesus says if you read the scriptures and do not see Jesus, you are not reading it

right!

5. The Jews, however, for all their professions of respect for Scripture, had ulterior motives (John 5:41, 44; Matt 6:1-9; 23; 27:18; John 12:41-43).

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1) Though they studied the Scriptures, they rejected the One to whom the Scriptures pointed.

2) As a result, they did not have the life which the Scriptures predicted and which they hoped to have through the Scriptures.

6. Perhaps the Jews thought that they could have eternal life simply by observing the Old Testament law. 1) But life was not in the Old Testament itself. As taught much more fully later,

everyone under the law violated that law, and as a result all stood condemned by the law (Gal 3:10; Rom 3:20-21).

2) The law served to tell people they were sinners, but it could not really forgive the sins committed (Heb 10:3-4; Acts 13:39).

3) So the law could not give life; it gave only condemnation (2 Cor 3:7-11). 4) In fact, life truly came, not by the Old Testament law which the Jews trusted in,

but by means of the One predicted in the Old Testament Scriptures (John 5:21, 24-26; 1:4).

5) But the Jews had rejected the One who was predicted and as a result, they failed to obtain life in the only way their Scriptures could have led them to it.

7. We today ought also to use fulfilled prophecy as a proof of who Jesus is. 1) If we so believe, we too can have life through Him (John 14:6). 2) But if we reject the evidence of the Scriptures about who Jesus is, then like the

Jews, we cannot have life.

40: “and you are unwilling to come to Me so that you may have life.”

1. Some are unwilling to come to Jesus because they have closed their eyes, ears, and hearts (Matt 13:15).1) If they wanted to open their hearts they would see, hear, and understand that He

is the only one who can heal them.

2. Some refuse to come to Jesus because of their pleasure in unrighteousness (2 Thes 2:10-12).1) Man must love, receive, and obey the truth (1 John 2:3).2) If he does not, God will send a strong delusion (2 Thes 2:10).3) Some hate the truth (Ps 119:172).

3. Some have prejudiced hearts.1) “Do you think you are the only ones going to be saved?”2) “What happens when one believes, repents, confesses Christ, and dies with a

heart attack before he is baptized?”3) “What about my parents who lived and died without obeying the gospel as you

preach it?”4) “How can a Christian go to heaven and be happy knowing a companion or

other relative is forever lost?”230

5) “I am perfectly satisfied.”

4. There are many reasons but one attitude underscores them all – a lack of love (42).1) Those who do not obey Christ, do not truly love God (John 14:15, 23-24).2) Those who refuse to come to Christ, even when they know the truth, usually

love something else more than they love God (Matt 16:24).

5. Some things people love which causes them to reject Christ.1) Worldly honor (John 12:42-43).2) Sin (2 Tim 4:9-10).3) Relatives (Matt 10:37-38).4) Wisdom of the world more than the truth of God (1 Cor 1:18-27).

6. Rev 3:20: “Behold I stand at the door…”1) Do with Jesus now as you would want Him to do with you at the judgment

(Matt 7:21-24 or 25:31-46).

41: “I do not receive glory from men;”

1. Jesus does not need human honor. 1) This passage is best understood by comparing it to 5:44. 2) The Jews glorified one another, instead of seeking honor from God. 3) That is why they rejected Jesus.

This is the sense in which Jesus is saying He did not receive honor from men.

2. He does not mean that men should not honor Him or that He would reject the honor if they truly gave it. 1) His point is that, unlike the Jewish leaders, pleasing the people was not the goal

He emphasized. 2) His determination was to do the Father’s will (5:30) regardless of what people

thought, whether it be the Jewish leaders or anyone else. 3) Failure to maintain this motivation is what led to the Jews’ downfall.

42: “but I know you, that you do not have the love of God in yourselves.”

1. The Jews’ conduct showed they did not really love God. 1) Jesus had the ability to read the hearts of men (John 2:25). 2) As a result, He knew that these Jews did not have the love of God in them. 3) He could also tell by their conduct, since those who love God will keep His

commands (John 14:15, 21-24; 1 John 5:3; 2 John 6). 4) Had they loved God as they should have, they would have obeyed Him.

2. Specifically, these were the reasons why these people were rejecting Jesus and opposing His work. 1) They claimed to reject Him on the grounds that He broke the Sabbath and made

Himself equal to God (5:18).

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2) But that was not the root cause of their problems. 3) Their problems were caused by an improper attitude toward God and too great

a desire to please themselves and one another.

3. Note that it is important to establish the truth by evidence, as Jesus had already done.1) It is also important to disprove the arguments of those who disagree, as Jesus

had also already done. 2) But it is also important in teaching to challenge the root causes that keep people

from accepting the truth. 3) Often the real reason people do not accept truth is, not that there is a lack of

evidence nor that the evidence has not been clearly presented, but rather it is because their motives are not right. The problem is not evidence, but attitude. People generally make

arguments to defend their view, but the real problem is they have motives for not wanting the truth (2 Tim 4:2-4). This needs to be challenged.

43: “I have come in My Father’s name, and you do not receive Me; if another comes in his own name, you will receive him.”

1. They rejected Jesus but accepted others with less proof.1) Jesus came in His “Father’s name” — by His authority, acting as He directs,

as His representative, having His stamp of approval and proof of authenticity (John 5:19, 30; cf. Acts 4:7-11).

2) He had given the proof of His authority by His miracles and other evidence He had just cited.

3) Yet despite the evidence, they had rejected Him. This is what proves that they did not love God and their hearts were not

right (5:42). The problem was not lack of evidence, but an improper attitude toward

evidence.

2. Yet the same people, in many cases, will accept men as being from God, even when those men have no such proof as Jesus had. 1) Men might come acting in their own name — i.e., God had not given them their

message, and they could not prove they were from God. 2) Yet, the people would honor such men as being from God and would accept

their teachings! Why was this so? 3) Because the men said what the people wanted to hear (2 Tim 4:2-4)! 4) In the case at hand, if men would honor the Jewish leaders, teach what they

wanted to hear, meet their expectations, and play by their rules, then the Jews would accept them as good teachers despite the lack of evidence.

3. In truth, the Jews leaders themselves were the very kind of people Jesus was here describing: men who claimed to be from God yet had no proof of it. 1) Yet, many people honored and accepted them as men of God.

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2) Meanwhile, the Jews would reject Jesus, despite the fact He had proved Himself to be from God.

4. The principle of Divine authority: Note how this passage demonstrates the principle of Divine vs. human authority. 1) As taught in many Scriptures, we must have God’s authority in order to act in

His service. 2) In order to know we should not participate in an activity in God’s service, we

do not need a passage that specifically forbids the act. 3) If God has not authorized an activity, then that alone is reason enough not to do

that act (Matt 15:9, 13; Gal 1:8-9; 2 John 9-11; Col 3:17; Jer 10:23; Prov 14:12; 3:5-6; Rev 22:18,19; 1 Tim 1:3; 2 Tim 1:13).

5. Jesus here expresses this principle in terms of whose name we may act. 1) He came in the Father’s name – i.e., the Father authorized Him to teach and

practice as He did. 2) The Jews were wrong because they rejected what the Father had authorized.3) But Jesus went further. He said that they would receive one who came in his

own name – i.e., one who acted by human authority without Divine authorization.

4) His point is clearly that these people would be just as wrong to follow someone who acted without Divine authority as they were to reject one who had Divine authority.

5) So, Jesus Himself here proclaims the principle that we must not act by human authority without Divine authority.

6) One who acts on his own authority is wrong, and the rest of us must not follow him. Furthermore, we should not “receive” him – do not encourage him or accept him as having Divine approval (Eph 5:11; 2 John 9-11).

44: “How can you believe, when you receive glory from one another and you do not seek the glory that is from the one and only God?”

1. Jesus was not surprised that the Jews rejected and disbelieved Him. 1) How could they possibly believe, when their motives were not right? 2) They were seeking honor and praises from men and from one another, patting

one another on the back, rather than being primarily concerned about pleasing God.

3) People with such motives will necessarily reject truth on some critical point(s), and that is exactly why these people had rejected Jesus.

2. Other passages show that the desire to please men was a common problem with these Jews (John 5:39-41; Matt 6:1-18; 23:1-12; John 12:42-43; 2 Cor 10:12, 18).1) We need to take warning and make sure our own motives are pure. 2) Jesus was primarily concerned about pleasing His Father, and that likewise

must be our goal. 3) Otherwise, we too will be led astray like the Jews.

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3. Note again that today, as then, there will be people who will argue as if the reason they disagree with a teaching is that they find some fault in it according to God’s word. 1) Yet when evidence is shown to prove the teaching is in harmony with God’s

word, they will continue to reject it. 2) The problem in such cases is not that the evidence is weak or unclear. 3) The problem is the motives and attitudes of the people. 4) Until those change, no amount of evidence will produce obedience.

We need to understand this in our teaching (5:42).

45: “Do not think that I will accuse you before the Father; the one who accuses you is Moses, in whom you have set your hope.”

1. The Jews had argued that Jesus was wrong because He disobeyed the Sabbath command, which had been taught by Moses. 1) They rested their case on the teachings of Moses (or so they pretended). 2) Jesus here responded by himself appealing to Moses and showing that Moses

did not justify their views. 3) On the contrary, it was the teachings of Moses that showed these men were in

error!

2. Jesus said He was not the one (not the only one or even necessarily the main one) accusing them of being in error. 1) The people did not need to take Jesus’ word for it that He was from God and

these Jews were in error. He had other evidence. Moses himself — the very one in whom they all trusted and claimed to follow — was the one who accused them! How so?

3. Moses had predicted the Messiah and prepared the people for His coming. 1) Jesus had fulfilled these predictions; so, in rejecting Jesus, the Jews were also

rejecting Moses (Deut 18:15-19, and compare to Peter’s comments in Acts 3:22-26).

2. Consider also the promise God made to Abraham, recorded by Moses (Gen 12:1-3), and fulfilled by Jesus (Acts 3:25-26).

3) The Book of Hebrews also shows how Jesus thoroughly fulfilled the Old Testament types and shadows (Heb 8:5; 9:9; 10:1). This illustrates what Jesus meant when He said that the writings of Moses

and the Scriptures testified of Him (5:39).

4. To truly accept Moses, therefore, all of us must accept Jesus, since Jesus fulfilled these prophecies about the coming Messiah, prophet, etc. 1) But if, like the Jews, one claims to believe in Moses and yet rejects Christ, then

such an one stands condemned, not just by what Jesus says, but also by the testimony of Moses.

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2) Note how Jesus concludes His defense to these Jews by showing that, not only did His position not contradict the commands of God, but neither was it in conflict with Moses’ teaching.

3) Contrary to the Jews’ ideas, both the Father and Moses approved of Jesus.

5. This also, incidentally, shows that Jesus approved of what Moses wrote. 1) Jesus in fact claimed that Moses’ writings proved Him to be who He claimed to

be. 2) Though Jesus removed the law given by Moses, there was no conflict between

Him and Moses. 3) They worked in harmony according to God’s plan. 4) If someone today denies the inspiration or accuracy of anything Moses wrote,

therefore, he is also contradicting Jesus, just as surely as rejecting Jesus would constitute rejecting Moses.

6. Finally, note the skill of the Teacher in using the evidence accepted by His opponents to show how that very evidence proves the opponents to be wrong and the Teacher to be right. 1) We should use this approach in teaching as well. Often those who oppose what

we teach are themselves in contradiction to the authorities they appeal to. 2) They claim that certain authorities prove their view is correct; but properly

used, those same authorities may often demonstrate that in fact the position taken by those very people is in error.

3) If so, it is effective to point this out, especially since they have already accepted the authority.

7. And once again note how plainly and boldly Jesus rebuked error. 1) When people teach like this today, they are often accused of not having “the

spirit of Christ,” or not being “Christ-like.” 2) Those who make such accusations prove that they do not even understand the

spirit or nature of Christ. 3) He Himself clearly believed in rebuking sin firmly.

46: “For if you believed Moses, you would believe Me, for he wrote about Me.”

1. To truly accept Moses, therefore, all of us must accept Jesus, since Jesus fulfilled these prophecies about the coming Messiah, prophet, etc. 1) But if, like the Jews, one claims to believe in Moses and yet rejects Christ, then

such an one stands condemned, not just by what Jesus says, but also by the testimony of Moses.

2) Note how Jesus concludes His defense to these Jews by showing that, not only did His position not contradict the commands of God, but neither was it in conflict with Moses’ teaching.

3) Contrary to the Jews’ ideas, both the Father and Moses approved of Jesus.

47: “But if you do not believe his writings, how will you believe My words?”

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1. This also, incidentally, shows that Jesus approved of what Moses wrote.1) Jesus in fact claimed that Moses’ writings proved Him to be who He claimed to

be. 2) Though Jesus removed the law given by Moses, there was no conflict between

Him and Moses. 3) They worked in harmony according to God’s plan. 4) If someone today denies the inspiration or accuracy of anything Moses wrote,

therefore, he is also contradicting Jesus, just as surely as rejecting Jesus would constitute rejecting Moses (John 12:48).

John Five Study QuestionsTHE THIRD SIGN AND CONFLICT WITH THE JEWS

I. THE HEALING AT THE POOL OF BETHESDA (5:1-18).

1. Where did the events beginning in 5:1-2 occur (be specific)?

2. Why had people gathered at this pool (3-4)? 3. Describe the difficulty confronting the man Jesus met there (5-7).

4. What did Jesus ask him (6)?

5. Describe what Jesus did for the man (8-9). 6. List 3 characteristics of this miracle that are characteristics of all miraculous healings.

1)2)3)

7. On what day did this healing occur (10)?

1) What objection did some Jews raise as a result (v10)? 236

2) What answer did the healed man give the Jews (11)?

8. Why could the man not identify Jesus to them (12-13)?

9. What did Jesus do that identified Him to the healed man (14)? 10. How did the Jews treat Jesus as a result (15-16)?

11. What should Jesus’ miracle have taught these men? (Think: What does this tell you about their intentions?)

12. Did Jesus ever violate God’s law? Give Scripture for your answer.

13. List other passages where Jews claimed Jesus violated the Sabbath.

14. Special Assignment: Study the passages in which Jesus was accused of violating the Sabbath. Did Jesus violate the Sabbath here? Explain and prove your answer.

15. What answer did Jesus give them (17)?

16. Explain what Jesus’ statement demonstrates about His Deity.

17. Note that open conflict had begun between Jesus and the Jewish leaders. What can we learn from this example about Christians’ involvement in conflict?

18. What did the Jews think of Jesus’ answer (18)?

II. JESUS CLAIMED EQUALITY WITH GOD (5:19-30).

1. Where did Jesus learn and get authority for His works (19)? 1) What would this prove regarding His miracles, including the miracle that began this

discussion with the Jews?

2. What did Jesus promise they would see in the future (20)?

3. Name two specific works the Son has power to do (21-22). 1)2)

4. Study the context and parallel passages and explain how and when Jesus does/will use these powers.

5. How should men honor Jesus, and what happens if they refuse to so honor Him (23)? 1) What does this teach about Jesus’ deity?

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6. What blessings do believers in Jesus have (24)?

7. What power does Jesus have (25-27? 1) How He will use this power?2) When did He begin using this power?

8. Name two different destinies in the resurrection, and tell what determines the destiny each one receives (28-29).1) When will this occur (6:40; 2 Cor 5:10?

9. Whose will did Jesus seek to accomplish (30)? 1) What does this show?

III. JESUS PRESENTS HIS WITNESSES (5:31-47).

1. Should Jesus’ claims be accepted as valid just because He made them (31-32)? 1) Does He have other witnesses?

2. Who gave witness to Jesus, and to what did Jesus compare him (33-35)?

3. What witness did Jesus call in 5:36, and what does it prove? 1) To what works did Jesus refer, and how do they bear witness of Him?

4. Who else bore witness of Jesus (37-38)? 1) How did this Witness give His testimony?2) Why did the people not accept this testimony? 3) What proved this to be true?

5. What witness testified to Jesus (39)? 1) How did this witness bear testimony for Jesus?

6. What consequences follow if we do not come to Jesus (40)?

7. What problem did the Jews have that explained why they rejected Jesus (41-42)?

8. In whose name did Jesus come, and how did the people react (43)? 1) What does it mean to act in the name of God? 2) What lesson can we learn?

9. What other problem kept the Jews from believing in Jesus (44)?

10. Find and list other passages confirming that this was a problem the Jews had.

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11. Thought question: How does 5:44 help explain the sense in which Jesus did not receive glory from men (41)?

12. Who would accuse the Jews of their errors, and what does this mean (45-47)?

13. Explain the connection between believing (or not believing in Moses) and believing (or not believing) in Jesus.

John 6HAVING THE RIGHT MOTIVES IN FOLLOWING JESUS

INTRODUCTION

“The first 21 verses of chapter 6 are easy to understand, but cannot be truly appreciated unless one understands the time when these things happened and also understands the background leading up to this event. In 6.1 the only time element involved is “after these things.” One might conclude that the events of chapter 6 followed soon after those just recorded in chapter 5. Note that if we have correctly concluded that the feast of 5:1 is the Passover then we are just now approaching the next Passover one year later in 6:4. This means one year separates the two chapters, and we must go to the Synoptics to learn of the life of Christ during this year. This is a year in the Great Galilean Ministry which the Snoptics cover. One may read of this Ministry in Matt 4:12-15:20; Mark 1:14-7:23; Luke 9:10-17. It must always be kept in mind that John covers the Judean Ministry and only briefly mentions the Galilean work. In fact, this is the first event that all four gospels cover (Matt 13:13-23; Mark 6:30-46; Luke 9:10-17; John 6:1-15).

John told of the first miracle Jesus performed at the beginning of this Galilean Ministry (John 4:43-54), and he is not giving the last miracle which closes it some 18 months later. Remember, chapter 5 contains events that happened in Jerusalem at the Passover during this Galilean Ministry.

It is interesting to note some of the things that happened in Galilee during the year between chapters 5 and 6. He made Capernaum his home and from there made a circuit of the

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province, teaching and healing. The miracle of the first draught of fishes in the Sea of Galilee happened early in this period, and Jesus called four fishermen to follow Him, namely, James and John, Andrew and Peter. (Note these men were already His disciples as we learn from John 1, but Jesus had not yet asked them to leave their occupations and follow Him. It is often thought that these men rashly, without forethought, gave up their jobs to follow Jesus – which of course is not true). He then healed a man in the Capernaum Synagogue, followed by healing Peter’s mother-in-law, and other miracles follow which are not recorded in detail. A leper was then healed, and the palsied man let down through the roof. Jesus next called Matthew. Jesus then called His 12 apostles into the mountain and delivered the Sermon on the Mount. Soon after, He healed the centurion’s servant and widow’s dead son. John, being in prison, sent word inquiring of Jesus. After this the sinful woman anointed His head with ointment and washed His feet with tears. Jesus then makes another circuit of Galilee preaching and healing and taught many things in parables. He then stilled the tempest and healed the demoniacs of Gadara. He then returns to Capernaum and attends Matthew’s feast and heals the woman with the issue of blood, raises Jairus’ daughter, healed two blind men. He then sent out the 12 on a “limited commission.” They were to go two by two and preach only to the house of Israel. Their message was the coming kingdom. They returned just as John the Baptist was beheaded, and these two events cause Jesu to cross the sea and introduces us to the events in chapter 6 . ” (Lowell Williams, John Notes, p. 44; italics, bold, BH)

“The present chapter also reveals, more clearly perhaps than any other portion of Scripture, the kind of Messiah the people wanted; namely, one who would be able and willing to provide for their physical needs. When it seemed to them that Jesus would actually fulfill this expectation, they were anxious to lead Him in triumph to Jerusalem, if need be by force, in order to crown Him king. But as soon as it was made clear to them that their hero was not at all what they had imagined Him to be, but a spiritual Messiah, who had come to save people from the guilt, pollution, and misery of sin, they turned their backs upon Him and walked no longer with Him. Hence, one and the same chapter pictures Jesus, first of all, at the very zenith of His popularity; then, suddenly, proceeding with rapid strides toward the radar of public scorn. But in the midst of the fickle multitude His glory stands revealed, especially in this respect: that, though He knew these people so thoroughly, He was, nevertheless, willing to lavish His kindness upon them!” (Hendricksen, p. 216; italics, bold, BH)

There is a striking parallel between chapters 5 and 6. In chapter 5 it is shown how Jesus was rejected in Judea and chapter 6 indicates how He was rejected in Galilee. (Compare 5:18 and 6:66).

A. As we return to our study of this gospel we need to keep a few concepts in mind.

1. The purpose of John’s gospel is to cause people to believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God and by believing you will have life (John 20:31). 1) The way that Jesus shows that He is the Son of God is by doing what God does. 2) We were introduced to this concept with the very first words of the book, “In

the beginning was the Word.” 3) This is the same introduction as the book of Genesis, “In the beginning God

created the heavens and the earth.”

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4) John makes the equation that Jesus is God because he was in the beginning just like God the Father.

2. John emphasizes signs. John only records seven miracles, which he calls “signs.” 1) We are not supposed to be not only wowed by the miracle but ask what is the

spiritual meaning of the miracle because it is a sign? 2) A sign points to something or communicates something to us.

I. THE FEEDING OF THE FIVE-THOUSAND (John 6:1-14; (Matt 14:13-21; Mark 6:32-44; Luke 9:10-17).

1: “After these things Jesus went away to the other side of the Sea of Galilee (or Tiberias).”

1. John records many events and details that are not recorded by the other writers, but the feeding of the 5000 is the only miracle (other than those associated with His death and resurrection) that is recorded by all four writers. 1) Events in Ch. 5 had occurred in Jerusalem. 2) Almost one year has passed since then, as the events recorded here happened

later (“after these things”) in Galilee. (See introduction)3) Jesus left with His disciples to cross the “Sea of Galilee,” which is here also

called the “Sea of Tiberias.” This sea was known by several names: Sea of Chinnereth (Num 34:11;

Deut 3:17), Sea of Gennesaret (Luke 5:1).

2: “A large crowd followed Him, because they saw the signs which He was performing on those who were sick.”

1. Luke 9:10: “…And taking them (apostles) with Him, He withdrew by Himself to a city called Bethsaida.”1) Bethsaida was on the eastern side of the lake where they went.2) There were two cities by the same name, one on the eastern and one on the

west side of the lake. This is not unusual when one realizes the name means, “House of Fish.”

3) The eastern city was known as Bethsaida Julias, and was located just southeast of the point where the Jordan coming from the north flows into the sea.

3: “Then Jesus went up on the mountain, and there He sat down with His disciples.”

1. This presumably means they went to the east side of the sea. From there He went up on a mountain. 1) Matt 14:13: Says he went to an uninhabited place, and adds that He did so

because He heard that John had been beheaded. 2) Mark 6:31: Shows another reason He did this was so they could rest.

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3) Luke 9:10: The apostles had just returned from a preaching trip and He thought they could all benefit from a rest, but so many people were around that they could not even meet their own needs.

4) However, they were unable to rest, because the people, having seen the signs or miracles He had accomplished, were determined to follow them. Mark 6:34: adds that Jesus viewed them “like sheep without a

shepherd,” so He taught them.

4: “Now the Passover, the feast of the Jews, was near.”

1. One year after 5:1. 1) “In 6.1 the only time element involved is “after these things.” One might

conclude that the events of chapter 6 followed soon after those just recorded in chapter 5. Note that if we have correctly concluded that the feast of 5:1 is the Passover then we are just now approaching the next Passover one year later in 6:4.” (See introduction events between the 2 Passovers).

2. The events recorded here occurred near the time of the Passover, which would mean it was spring. 1) This also implies that much time had passed in John’s account, indicating that

many events had occurred meanwhile that John did not record. 2) John 2:13: Jesus had gone to Jerusalem for a Passover. 3) John 5:1: He had been there again for an unnamed feast. 4) Now the third Passover of Jesus’ ministry was again drawing close.

5: “Therefore Jesus, lifting up His eyes and seeing that a large crowd was coming to Him, said to Philip, ‘Where are we to buy bread, so that these may eat?’

6: This He was saying to test him, for He Himself knew what He was intending to do.”

1. Jesus questioned Philip as to where they could buy bread to feed so many people. 1) But actually he was just testing Philip. 2) Jesus already had a plan how He intended to feed the people.

2. How was this a test? 1) Perhaps the purpose was simply to challenge them to think about the magnitude

of the task, so that they would be even more impressed by what Jesus was about to do.

2) Jesus often asked questions, not for the purpose of obtaining information, but to make a point.

3. Matt 14:13-14: Adds that this happened after the people had stayed with Jesus for a long time, and when evening came they needed food to eat. 1) It is unclear, by comparing the accounts, who first brought up the matter of

feeding the people, Jesus or the disciples.

7: “Philip answered Him, ‘Two hundred denarii worth of bread is not sufficient for them, for everyone to receive a little.’

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8: One of His disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, said to Him,9: ‘There is a lad here who has five barley loaves and two fish, but what are these for so

many people?’”

1. Philip and Andrew discuss the problem of providing food for the people.1) Philip said that they could not feed that multitude with 200 denarii worth of

bread, if everyone was to have a little. 2) A denarius is thought to be the typical wage for one day’s work. If so, 200

denarii would be 200 days wages), a significant amount to spend. 3) Some have suggested that this was all the money that the apostles had among

them, yet Philip says it would not be enough to provide everyone with even a little to eat.

4) Matthew’s account says the disciples recommended that Jesus send the people to the villages to buy food. Whatever else this tells us, it shows the huge size of the crowd and the

extreme difficulty of feeding so many.

2. Matthew records that Jesus told the disciples to give the people food to eat. 1) Andrew said there was a lad who had five loaves of bread and two fish

(apparently enough for his own lunch). But he was convinced this was nothing considering the size of the crowd. Once again, John makes sure that we have sufficient details about the

miracle to be sure that it could not possibly have occurred by any natural means.

10: “Jesus said, ‘Have the people sit down.’ Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, in number about five thousand.

11: Jesus then took the loaves, and having given thanks, He distributed to those who were seated; likewise also of the fish as much as they wanted.”

1. Jesus had the disciples give Him the food, then He had the people sit on the grass. 1) Other accounts add that they were to sit in groups of 100’s and 50’s.2) He blessed or “having given thanks” for the food before passing it out. 3) This practice is often mentioned before meals in the Bible, especially the

gospels. 4) In fact one would be hard put to find an example of Christians eating when they

did not first give thanks. Prayer and thankfulness should be a regular part of our lives, and before

meals is an especially good time to be thankful.

2. Jesus then distributed to the 12 who in turn gave to the people. 1) Coffman shows there is a symbolic significance in this. 2) What Jesus here did with physical food is what He also did with spiritual food.3) He is the source of the truth, but it is distributed to the people through His

inspired agents. These men dispense nourishment to our souls, even as they did the

physical nourishment on this occasion.243

3. We are here told that there were 5000 men present. Other accounts add that this did not count the women and children.1) In addition, we are told that everyone received as much as they wanted.2) So the miracle did not involve giving each person just a small portion. 3) Their need was met, not minimally, but to the point of complete satisfaction.

Such provision for such a huge crowd could not possibly have come from just the food provided in the boy’s lunch.

12: “When they were filled, He said to His disciples, ‘Gather up the leftover fragments so that nothing will be lost.’

13: So they gathered them up, and filled twelve baskets with fragments from the five barley loaves which were left over by those who had eaten.”

1. To further impress on us the greatness of this event, so we will know it could not be possible by natural means, John adds additional details. 1) All the people were given as much as they wanted (11), and they ate and were

filled (12). It was not the case that some just watched or just ate a little. Everybody ate their fill.

2) Then the remnants were gathered, and twelve baskets were taken up. 3) After all the people had eaten — 5000 men, not counting women and children,

there was far more food left than at the beginning! In fact, the remnants were many times greater than the original amount.

2. John makes sure we have sufficient details that we cannot possibly wonder about what happened. 1) There can be no doubt that Jesus multiplied the food many times. 2) He who made the world at Creation, created the plants and animals with the

ability to multiply and provide our food. 3) But that takes a natural process over considerable time. 4) But here He did the same work in an instant of time, without the benefit of

natural law. There is no way to avoid the conclusion that this is impossible by natural

means and therefore a great miracle.

3. Another unique part of John’s account of this sign is the command of Jesus in 6:12. 1) Think in spiritual terms what John is teaching. 2) The bread that Jesus gives is so that no one will be lost. 3) Jesus has come to “gather up” Israel so that no one may be lost. 4) Notice how much is leftover: 12 baskets.

Why aren’t there four baskets leftover or 10 baskets or 40 baskets?5) Twelve represents the tribes of Israel. Jesus has come so that none of Israel

would be lost. 6) He has come to offer them life, to save them from their sins.

14: “Therefore when the people saw the sign which He had performed, they said, ‘This is truly the Prophet who is to come into the world.’”

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1. John then described the effect of the miracle on the people: they concluded Jesus was “the Prophet” (1:21). 1) This almost surely refers to the prophet predicted by Moses (Deut 18:15-18).2) Jesus had here miraculously provided the multitudes with food, much like

Moses had (by the power of God) fed the people with manna in the wilderness.3) Verse 31 shows without a doubt that the people made this specific comparison.4) Other prophets had also miraculously provided people with food, especially

Elijah and Elisha (1 Kings 17:8-16; 2 Kings 4:1-7, 42-44). 5) The people recognized that Jesus had done a miracle that clearly required

supernatural power, so they concluded He had to be a man sent from God.

2. Once again, we see here the purpose of miracles, and John’s purpose is recording the miracles. 1) Miracles demonstrate Jesus’ great power and confirm the truthfulness of His

claims that God was with Him. 2) This particular miracle gathering up 12 baskets of fish was also a sign of His

power as “the Prophet” to provide for the needs of His people (Israel). 3) It shows He believes in being thankful for our food.

II. JESUS WALKS ON THE WATER (6:15-25).

15: “So Jesus, perceiving that they were intending to come and take Him by force to make Him king, withdrew again to the mountain by Himself alone.”

1. When Jesus had worked this great miracle, His popularity among the people was so great that they wanted to make Him a king by force. 1) This almost surely means they were willing to use violence to rebel against the

Roman rulers and set Jesus as their king instead of the foreign oppressors (not that they intended to use force against Him to compel Him to become king).

2) Throughout their history, the Jews had fought to obtain or keep their independence from foreign powers.

3) In particular, Moses had led them to take the promised land by defeating their enemies in military battle.

4) If Jesus was the Messiah, the prophet like Moses, He could likewise lead them to conquer their enemies.

2. This shows the kind of kingdom the Jews expected and wanted their Messiah to establish: an earthly kingdom like that of David and Solomon. Jesus’ great miracle convinced them that Jesus was the Messiah and would make a great king. 1) They were willing to achieve that end by military means (John 18:36).2) And the expectation these Jews had is exactly the same expectation that

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3) They say Jesus failed to set up His kingdom when He came the first time, so they are expecting Him to do it when He returns.

4) They are as determined that Jesus be an earthly king as the Jews were here.

3. Jesus, however, refused to accept this course of action, and instead He “withdrew again to the mountain by Himself alone.” 1) Contrary to the plans of the Jews and of modern premillennialists, Jesus did not

come to be an earthly king and rule His enemies by physical domination. 2) Had this been His intent, this would have been just the situation He was

looking for. Why did He refuse it?

3) Interestingly, premillennial folks say that the reason Jesus could not set up His kingdom was that the Jews rejected Him and killed Him.

4) In fact, however, the Jews would have gladly accepted Him, had He been willing to set up the kind of kingdom premillennialists expect Him to set up.

5) But one of the main reasons the people rejected was that He refused to be an earthly king when they tried to make Him one!

4. In fact, by the time the chapter is over, Jesus had refused repeatedly to satisfy the physical, earthly, material interests of these followers. 1) As a result, whole multitudes refused to follow Him anymore. 2) Why so, if He came to be an earthly king and satisfy people’s physical desires

like Jews and premillennialists claim.5. The same applies to the claims of many modern faith healers.

1) They say Jesus came to do miracles to satisfy the physical needs of the multitudes.

2) If so, why did He cease to do miracles when the people so obviously wanted Him to continue to do so?

3) He could have had a huge following that would have been any faith healers dream, yet He refused.

4) This whole chapter makes no sense at all, if these people hold the right view of Jesus’ purposes.

6. On the other hand, the Bible says that Jesus’ kingdom is spiritual and is the church. 1) It began on the day of Pentecost, just as God always planned. 2) Its purpose is not physical, earthly dominion, but the eternal salvation of souls.

Jesus’ emphasis throughout His ministry was on man’s spiritual needs, not physical (6:27).

3) This is why He did not satisfy people who emphasize material interests.4) Properly understood, this is the only sensible explanation to the events of this

chapter (John 18:36; Col 1:13-14; Matt 16:18-19; Rom 14:17; Eph 3:10-11; 5:22-26; Acts 2:47; 20:28; etc.)

16: “Now when evening came, His disciples went down to the sea,17: and after getting into a boat, they started to cross the sea to Capernaum. It had already

become dark, and Jesus had not yet come to them.”246

1. Other accounts say that Jesus sent the disciples across the Sea of Galilee in a boat, sent the multitudes away, and Jesus went up into a mountain to pray alone. 1) Note how often Jesus went to His Father in prayer. 2) Prayer was a continual and powerful force in His life, and He often sought

privacy so He could use His time in prayer more effectively.

2. At this point Mark says Jesus sent His disciples to Bethsaida, John says toward Capernaum, and both Mark and Matthew note that they land at Gennesaret (Mark 6:45, 53; John 6:17; Matt 14:34). 1) Several possible explanations show there is no contradiction. 2) Gennesaret is a region or area including both Capernaum and Bethsaida (the

Sea is sometimes called the Sea of Genessaret). 3) It may be that the ship belonged at or was going to Bethsaida, so the 12 landed

there and then planned to go by foot to Capernaum (or vice-versa). Perhaps they had business first at Bethsaida and then went on to

Capernaum, etc.

18: “The sea began to be stirred up because a strong wind was blowing.”

1. The disciples launched out, evidently in the evening or night sometime, but Jesus remained behind. 1) The sea became quite contrary and the disciples were having a difficult time

crossing. A great wind was blowing. 2) The Sea of Galilee lies 682 feet below sea level and it is not unusual for such

storms on the Sea of Galilee and can arise quite suddenly. 3) Many of these men had made their living by fishing on this sea, so they knew

as well as anyone how to deal with such a problem.

19: “Then, when they had rowed about three or four miles (five and twenty or thirty furlongs, ASV, KJV ), they saw Jesus walking on the sea and drawing near to the boat; and they were frightened.”

1. Other accounts say this happened in the fourth watch (3 AM to 6:AM). 1) A furlong (Roman stadia) is one eighth of a mile. 2) This means they were from 3 1/8 to 3 3/4 miles from the eastern shore.3) The lake is about 5 miles wide here so they would be in the midst of the sea as

Mark says (Mark 6:47).

2. When they were about 3 or 4 miles from shore, Jesus came walking on the water. Mark 6:48 adds Jesus would have passed them by. 1) We are not told why. Perhaps it simply means He was going faster than they

were and the result would have been to pass them, had He not slowed down to approach them.

2) In any case it is amazing enough that He could even stand on the water.

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3) That we might know without question the impossibility of this event by natural means, we are told they were 3 or 4 miles toward the middle of a sea.

4) The disciples knew this sea well and were well aware that no one could possibly stand there.

5) And yet Jesus was able, not only to stand without sinking, but even to walk and move faster than the boat did!

20: “But He aid to them, ‘It is I; do not be afraid.’”

1. The disciples saw Him and could think of no explanation other than it was a ghost (Matt 14:26; Mark 6:49). 1) So they were frightened and cried out. Jesus, however, comforted them

assuring them it was simply He, and telling them not to be afraid (Matt 14:27; Mark 6:50).

2) Matthew’s accounts (Matt 14:28-33) tells us that Peter asked to be allowed to duplicate what Jesus was doing. He wanted to walk on the water to Jesus. Jesus granted the wish and Peter

began walking on the water to Jesus. Despite initial success, Peter began to see the wind and the sea and he began to sink. He called out to the Lord to save Him, which Jesus did. However, Jesus rebuked Him for His little faith and His doubting.

We might criticize Peter for his lack of faith. However, the other disciples did not even attempt what he did, and likely most of us would not either.

And often we fail in what we do attempt for the same basic reason that he did — lack of faith.

21: “So they were willing to receive Him into the boat, and immediately the boat was at the land to which they were going.”

1. Jesus enters the boat, and the journey ends.1) Matt 14:32: States that, when Peter and Jesus entered the boat, the wind

stopped. 2) John adds that when the wind stopped, they immediately arrived at their

destination.3) Matt 14:33: Then the apostles worshipped Jesus for His power, saying He was

certainly God’s Son.

2. Once again note how the writers carefully give us sufficient details that we cannot successfully deny that a miracle occurred. 1) Many want to say this event was just a legend. 2) But such a view accuses the witnesses of simply lying. 3) They say they were in the middle of the sea, and in a storm at that.

3. The apostles eye-witness account: Suddenly a storm arose…1) Jesus walked to them and could walk faster than they could row. 2) Peter also walked on the sea briefly, and Jesus saved him when he sank.

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These men were experienced sailors on this sea and would not have been fooled by fakery.

3) Their only other explanation was that they were seeing a ghost. 4) Yet when they realized it was Jesus, they were so amazed that they worshiped

Him. 5) Furthermore, as soon as Jesus entered the boat, the storm ceased and they

immediately arrived at their destination. (This is another miracle).

4. This miracle (s) teaches several things:1) As with all miracles we see the power of Jesus, confirming His claims and His

teaching as being from God.2) We see His power over the elements. He created them, surely He can control

them. He can use them in ways no mere human could ever do.

3) We see His power to save. Just as He could save Peter from the sea, so He can save us from sin. When we sink in sin, as we all do, we must appeal to Him to save us.

4) We see that failure in God’s service is due to a lack of faith. As it was in Peter’s case, so it is whenever we fall into sin. If we had faith

enough we could endure every challenge. We sin when we lack the faith and fail to remain faithful.

22: “The next day the crowd that stood on the other side of the sea saw that there was no other small boat there, except one, and that Jesus had not entered with His disciples into the boat, but that His disciples had gone away alone.

23: There came other small boats from Tiberias near to the place where they ate the bread after the Lord had given thanks.

24: So when the crowd saw that Jesus was not there, nor His disciples, they themselves got into the small boats, and came to Capernaum seeking Jesus.”

1. The next day the multitudes realized that Jesus was gone. 1) They had seen that the disciples left, but Jesus had not entered the boat. Since

there was no other boat, they had apparently assumed He was still there, so they had not left.

2) However, other small boats had come near the place, so they apparently concluded that He had left.

3) So, when they finally realized He was really gone, they also took boats and came to Capernaum looking for Him (perhaps the point is that they left in the boats from Tiberias). This confirms that the leaving of Jesus was miraculous or at least

unexplainable to the people. The rest of the chapter deals with their motives in following Jesus and the

instructions He gave them as a result.

25: “When they found Him on the other side of the sea, they said to Him, ‘Rabbi, when did You get here?’”

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1. Jesus rebukes the people for not valuing the real meaning of His miracle. 1) The multitude found Jesus in the synagogue in Capernaum (John 6:59). 2) There they asked Him when He had come there. This was a natural question. 3) However, Jesus ignored it and went on to the question that was of greater

importance: their motive for seeking Him. 4) These people had seen His miracle of feeding thousands. 5) As we will see, they wanted more such food. 6) Knowing their hearts (John 2:24-25), Jesus knew their motives. 7) The subsequent discussion demonstrated that He was correct about their

motives.

III. WORDS TO THE PEOPLE (6:26-40).Teaching about Proper Priorities and the Bread of Life (6:22-71).

26: “Jesus answered them and said, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, you seek Me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate of the loaves and were filled.’”

1. The fundamental point of the miraculous feeding, as with all of Jesus’ miracles, was that it proved Jesus to be the Son of God in whom they should place their trust that He could save them from their sins. 1) But the people were not interested in the spiritual significance of this sign. 2) They sought a means of material gain, prosperity, and advancement of their

goals for an earthly kingdom. 3) Their view was that, if Jesus could so provide food, He could surely provide

everything needed for a powerful kingdom of great material prosperity.4) But this was not why Jesus had come, so He had refused to let them make Him

king and had left (6:15ff). 5) Now they found Him and immediately wanted physical provisions again.

They had an attitude problem, and Jesus dealt with it in no uncertain terms.

2. Such events ought to teach us not to be surprised when people today still try to make the kingdom of Jesus into a pursuit for physical and material benefits.1) Premillennialists still insist that He came to establish an earthly kingdom and,

having failed to do it because the people rejected Him, He will come again and do it.

2) And they still view that kingdom as an earthly paradise of incredible material, earthly prosperity.

3) But this passage shows that Jesus could have set up an earthly kingdom when He came the first time, had He wanted to.

4) The people wanted it and were willing to follow Him to that goal. They rejected Him because He would not do it! It is just the opposite of

what premillennialists say.

3. And still others follow Jesus for “loaves and fishes” — material benefits. 250

1) Faith healers promise people physical healing and solutions to all kinds of earthly problems if they will just send a donation to the faith healer.

2) So, the faith healer views the message of Christ as a means of material gain for himself.

3) And he succeeds only because the people who follow him also view the gospel as a means of their own material benefits, healing, and prosperity (2 Tim 4:2-4).

4) And all of this occurs because these people, exactly like the people in John 6, see mainly the material benefit to come from miracles. They still fail to recognize the real spiritual purpose of miracles.

4. Again, modern “Social Gospel” advocates, both in denominations and in “churches of Christ,” say the church must minister to people’s physical needs and interests in order to attract them to the gospel and salvation. 1) So, churches offer welfare programs, entertainment, recreation, parties, fun and

games, kitchens, gymnasiums, plays, camps, and, of course, physical meals.2) This, we are told, will draw the crowds, then they can be taught about Jesus.

Yet, in this passage Jesus Himself refused to do the very thing that Social Gospel advocates claim we ought to do today!

3) He could have had huge crowds to teach, had He continued to feed them. But He refused and the crowds left! Once again, He did the opposite of what people today say ought to be

done.4) This context does not primarily relate to the church, but with Jesus as an

individual. Yet, the principle has some relationship to the reign of the king (6:15).

5) Above all, it teaches us what should be important to Jesus’ followers.

5. Why then did Jesus even feed the 5000 to begin with, if He did not want them to become interested in physical food? 1) His point here is that it was a miracle — a sign which showed to them that His

claims were true. 2) They should have seen in it evidence that He was the Son of God who could

tell them how to live for God. 3) When He had given the sign, its purpose was accomplished and did not need to

be continually repeated. 4) When people wanted it repeated just for their material gain, they demonstrated

that they had missed the point of the miracle they had seen. 5) If they saw nothing higher than the physical benefit of the miracle, then there

was no point in giving more miracles. So, Jesus refused to do more for them.

6. NOTE: Miracles were done only when they would achieve the higher purpose of giving people reason to believe in Jesus, in God, and in God’s inspired message.1) When that purpose would not be served, miracles were not done.

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2) This ought to prove once and for all that the physical benefit (or harm) done by a miracle was never the main point of doing miracles.

3) And when people today think that the physical effect was the main purpose of the miracle, they make the same mistake for which Jesus severely rebuked this multitude.

27: “Do not work for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you, for on Him the Father, God, has set His seal.”

1. Spiritual food must take precedence over material food.

1) This is just one of numerous passages showing us that spiritual concerns ought to be far greater to us than material, earthly interests.

2) This issue of priorities is what is really important in life.3) It is an issue repeatedly discussed in Scripture (Rom 8:5-8; 12:1,2; 2 Cor 8:5;

10:3,4; 4:16-18; John 6:63; Luke 12:15-21; Col 3:1,2; Matt 6:19-33; 10:34- 39; 16:24-27; 1 Tim 4:8; 6:6-19).

2. Jesus here used “food” to represent that which we pursue as essential or important in

life. 1) Food is a necessity. These people wanted Him to provide it for them free. 2) But Jesus said that material food is not as important as “food” which provides

eternal life, referring to those things that are essential to achieve spiritual goals.3) Just as “daily bread” in Matt 6:11 stands for all physical needs, so “food”

here stands for whatever we consider to be essential and important goals in life. In many ways, the discussion is similar to the discussion with the

Samaritan woman about living water in John 4. 4) Physical bread is needed. Jesus does not deny that, and other passages show it

is proper to work for it (Eph 4:28; 2 Thes 3:10, etc.). 5) But these people were so interested in it that they missed what was really

important: the spiritual significance of Jesus’ miracle. When material interests become so important that we fail to recognize or

fulfill spiritual concerns, then our priorities are wrong and the principle of this verse rebukes us, just as it did these Jews.

3. Physical interests are relatively unimportant because they perish. 1) No matter what they are, they are temporary and pertain to this life only. 2) Someday they will cease to be of any concern at all. 3) But spiritual interests will affect us for eternity. The pursuit of spiritual goals

will lead to eternal consequences. That is why they are more important. 4) Jesus can provide for these spiritual necessities and blessings, just as He had

provided the food for the 5000. They should have seen that in His miracle, but instead they saw only the

physical gain they could get from Him.

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4. Jesus was “sealed” by the Father in that the Father put His stamp of approval on Jesus. 1) A seal, in that day, was an official validation, like a signature on an official

document today. 2) The Father validated Jesus’ claims and demonstrated that Jesus had power from

God to provide for the people’s spiritual needs. He did this by miracles, such as the feeding of the 5000.

3) Hence, the people should have seen the miracle as a “seal” or proof that Jesus was from God and could provide for their spiritual needs.

4) Instead, they saw it only a means of physical gain and sought more such material benefits. Jesus recognized this, rebuked them, and refused to do as they wanted.

5) People who are too wrapped up in making money, enjoying pleasure, sports and recreation, parties, physical beauty, earthly power and fame, etc. None of these are inherently wrong of themselves. The Bible never

teaches us to have no concern for them. But any or all are wrong when they become the main goal of life or when they hinder our fulfilling the spiritual requirements Jesus wants us to emphasize.

6) Note that Jesus here makes clear that we must “work” to obtain the food that is essential to eternal life (Eph 2:10; 4:28; 2 Thes 3:10). Most people realize that we must work to obtain physical necessities. But

many believe that eternal life can be obtained by “faith only” without obeying Divine commands (John 3:36; 14:15, 23)

Jesus here makes clear that receiving eternal life does indeed require doing work (Jas 2:14-26).

28: “Therefore they said to Him, ‘What shall we do, so that we may work the works of God?’”

1. The Jews had not really understood or been convinced by Jesus’ teaching. 1) But He had told them to work for the food that abides to eternal life, so they

asked Him, in effect, how to do that: what should they do to work for God? 2) We will see that they were still hoping that the answer they received would

result in a way for them to obtain material gain. 3) In effect, they were asking what they could do to get Jesus to continue to give

them physical blessings.

29: “Jesus answered and said to them, ‘This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He has sent.’”

1. Instead of telling them how to obtain physical benefits, Jesus gave a spiritual answer. 1) The work God wanted them to do was to believe in Jesus, whom God sent. 2) This called their attention back to the issue. What God wanted, and what He

had sought to accomplish by the miracle, was to get the people to believe in Jesus.

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That is what they needed to do to receive eternal life (cf. 6: 27; 3:16; etc.).

3) They had ignored the real purpose of the miracle and had sought material advantage.

4) So, when they asked how to work for God, Jesus called them back to the need for faith. This is not the only work God requires. But in many ways it is the most

basic one, and especially here it was the one these Jews needed most.

2. Faith as a “work.” 1) Note that Jesus Himself said that believing in Him is a “work.” 2) 1 John 3:23: Confirms that believing is a command we must obey. 3) It is folly, therefore, for “faith only” advocates to argue that there is nothing to

do to be saved, thus, you don’t have to obey commands or do any works, just believe in Jesus!

4) If you don’t have to do any works or obey commands, then you don’t have to believe, since believing is plainly taught in Scripture to be a work or command we must obey.

5) But if we must work this work to be saved, then works are essential to salvation. How else can one show faith (Jas 2:14-26).

3. The only question that remains is to learn what other works, if any, are essential. 1) Some say the “work of God” means it is a work God does in us — we believe

because He chooses for us to believe. 1 John 3:23: Still says believing is a command we must obey. They had asked what must “we” do that “we” may work the works of

God? Jesus was telling them what man must do, not what God does. Compare the expression “work of God” to 1 Cor 15:58, which tells us to

continue in the “work of the Lord.” It is not the work God does, but the work He has appointed for us to do. If our believing is entirely the work of God, then He would be responsible

for those who do not believe and are therefore lost eternally. But Jesus said many will be lost, so that would make God a respecter of persons who saves some but not others.

4. Hence, Jesus here proves there is something for people to do to please God. 1) Faith here refers to obedient faith, and it requires other acts of obedience in

order to be a true saving faith, as discussed in John 3:16, 36.

30: “So they said to Him, ‘What then do You do for a sign, so that we may see, and believe You? What work do You perform?’”

1. Jesus had said the people should believe in Him, but they were not willing to give up their idea of seeking material benefits. 1) So, they asked Him to do a sign so they can believe in Him.

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2) If God expected them to work for Him (6:26-29), then they wanted Jesus to first do a work for them.

31: “Our fathers ate the manna in the wilderness; as it is written, ‘He gave them bread out of heaven to eat.’”

1. The people seek manna like Moses had given. 1) And they were even willing to volunteer a suggestion for the kind of sign they

would like. They reminded Jesus that Moses gave them manna.

2) They were right back where they had been at the beginning of the discussion: they wanted food to eat!

3) This is exactly where Jesus had said they were, and this is exactly what He had rebuked them for — they wanted miracles to provide physical food! (6:26-27).

2. Note the audacity of the people. 1) First, they were repeating the very error Jesus had just rebuked them for. 2) But just as bad, immediately after Jesus had shown them a great miracle, they

came to Him and called for another miracle so they could believe. If they would not believe when He first miraculously gave them bread,

why would they believe if He gave them more bread? And they not only wanted a miracle, they wanted to be able to decide for

themselves what kind of miracle God should give!

32: “Jesus then said to them, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, it is not Moses who has given you the bread out of heaven, but it is My Father who gives you the true bread out of heaven.’”

1. Jesus first corrected a misunderstanding. The manna Israel had received in the wilderness ultimately was not from Moses but was from the Father in heaven. 1) Like all miracles, God provided it, not primarily to meet their need, but to

cause them to believe in God and in God’s messenger Moses. 2) If they were going to ignore the essential purpose of miracles, there was surely

no reason for Jesus to do another. 3) And further, God is the giver, so God gives what He believes to be best for the

people. It is not up to the people to tell God what gifts to give, when, or why.

33: “For the bread of God is that which comes down out of heaven, and gives life to the world.”

1. Then Jesus explained the blessing that the people really needed and that God had chosen to give. It was “bread” from heaven, but not the physical bread like manna they were pursuing. 1) The “bread” was the One whom God had sent to provide “life” for the world.

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2) This, of course, was Jesus. Jesus is the “bread” throughout this discussion that people must “eat” or partake of.

3) They do this by believing in Him with an obedient faith. 4) If they do so, He provides for them spiritually and gives them eternal life just

like physical food sustains physical life.

2. The people were still thinking physically instead of spiritually, so they missed Jesus’ point completely and the discussion broke down till they finally ended up rejecting Him and leaving Him. 1) But the critical issue throughout the rest of the chapter has been defined here:

spiritual issues and needs vs. material ones.

34: “Then they said to Him, ‘Lord, always give us this bread.’”

1. Jesus had said that the Father gives bread from heaven and gives life to the world, so the people asked to receive this bread always. 1) They were obviously still thinking in terms of physical or material gain. 2) And they were not satisfied with the one time that Jesus fed them. 3) They wanted food all the time (evermore, KJV)!

35: “Jesus said to them, ‘I am the bread of life; he who comes to Me will not hunger, and he who believes in Me will never thirst.’”

1. This verse is a key verse in understanding the whole discussion. 1) Jesus told them what the bread is that they must eat, and He told how they

should partake of it so as to meet their needs. 2) Later in the chapter He spoke again of people eating His flesh and drinking His

blood (6:52-55). 3) Some think that refers to the Lord’s Supper; but when you understand the

context it becomes clear that the reference is not primarily to the Lord's Supper.

2. What is “the bread of life”? Jesus plainly stated, “I am the bread of life” (6:48, 51). 1) And He is not only food, but also drink, for those who partake of Him will

never hunger or thirst. 2) We must both eat His flesh and drink His blood (6:53ff).

There can be no successfully denying it: the bread Jesus here refers to is Jesus Himself.

Note that this is the first of many “I am” passages in John, in which Jesus uses some physical item to teach a spiritual lesson about Himself (“I am the vine,” “I am the good shepherd,” etc.).

Watch for others as the book proceeds (John 8:12; 10:7, 11; 11:25; 14:6; 15:1). None of them were meant to be taken physically. All taught spiritual lessons.

3. In what way is Jesus like bread? (6:27, 32, 33).

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1) The bread of life is that which comes down from God in heaven (like manna, 6:31-32, 49) and gives men what is necessary for them to have eternal life (6:33, 40, 47, 50-51).

2) Physical bread is a gift from God (Jas 1:17; Matt 6:11) that provides what is necessary to physical life.

3) Likewise, the bread of life (Jesus) came from God in heaven to provide what we need for spiritual and eternal life.

4. What does He provide that we need in order to have eternal life? 1) Mainly He provides forgiveness of sins by His death on the cross (6:51). 2) But He also gives instruction regarding how we can receive forgiveness (6:44-

45) and how we should continue to live to remain in God’s favor — the words of eternal life (6:63, 68).

3) Associated with this are hope, joy, peace, and all the blessings that come with being forgiven and having the hope of eternal life (Eph 1:3). Compare this to the discussion in John 4 about Jesus as the water of life.

5. What did He say we must do to partake of this bread? If we believe in Him and

come to Him, we will never hunger or thirst. 1) Hence, we partake of the bread by believing in Him and coming to Him

(obeying Him). 2) We eat the bread by becoming Christians and remaining faithful to Him. This

requires us to first learn about Him (6:44, 45), by the words of life (6:63, 68). 3) When we believe in Jesus and obey His word, our sins are forgiven and we

partake of the life He offers. 4) As we continue to believe and to live in His word, we continue to have the

hope of eternal life. He provides all this, and we partake of it by serving Him according to His

will. The Lord’s Supper is involved only indirectly in that it is a memorial to

Jesus, who is the real bread of life.

36: “But I said to you that you have seen Me, and yet do not believe.

1. These people had said they wanted the bread from God out of heaven; but Jesus knew they did not really want it, because they refused to believe in Him. 1) We cannot have these blessings unless we believe in Him, and they refused to

appreciate Him as the giver of spiritual blessings; instead, they insisting on material benefits. Jesus was again speaking spiritually and they, as they so often did, were

thinking physically. This would lead them eventually to reject Him and desert Him (6:66).

37: “All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will certainly not cast out.”

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1. We must come to Jesus to receive His blessings. 1) This is not teaching unconditional Calvinistic predestination. 2) The Father has not unconditionally chosen certain individuals, regardless of

their character, conduct, or will, and compelled them to accept Jesus regardless of what they want.

3) He has simply declared what kind of person can and cannot come to Jesus (John 6:44-45).

4) Those who come to Jesus are those whom the Father draws to Him, and these are the ones to be raised up.

5) But how does the Father draw them? He draws them when they hear, learn, and are taught from the Father. Then they must believe (6:40).

6) So, it is by the message of the gospel that the Father draws people and gives them to Jesus. God has determined that He wants to give to Jesus the kind of people who

are willing to listen, understand, and have obedient faith. Here Jesus implies that these Jews would not be included, because they

did not believe in Him (6:36).

2. Many other passages say that God wants all men to be saved, so Jesus died for all and the gospel is to be preached to all (2 Pet 3:9; 1 Tim 2:4,6; John 3:16; Heb 2:9; Mark 16:15-16; Matt 28:19). 1) It is this gospel that calls men to Jesus (2 Thes 2:14). 2) The gospel is the word of eternal life (John 6:63, 68). 3) Hence, the Father has chosen to give to Jesus all men who are willing, in

response to the gospel, to demonstrate obedient faith. 4) God wants all men to do this and has offered the gospel to all.

But the only ones who are given to Jesus are the ones who (by their choice) choose to believe and obey, thereby coming to Him.

These are not cast out, but this is not talking about whether or not they can ever be lost.

5) All who will meet the conditions will be received and accepted. Those who will not meet the conditions are the ones who will be rejected.

And this may include some who first become His disciples, but then turn away from Him.

3. Many verses show that it is possible for a child of God to so sin as to be lost (John 3:36). 1) The point is that Jesus will not refuse to accept any who come to Him in

obedient faith, having been thereby given to Him by the Father. 2) These unbelieving Jews would not come. But those who are willing to come

need not fear rejection.

38: “For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me.”

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1. Jesus came to do His Father’s will and give eternal life to those who believe. 1) This does not imply that their wills would otherwise conflict and differ. 2) Jesus possessed Deity, so He and the Father and the Holy Spirit are in complete

agreement in all things. 3) But on earth Jesus was also a man who had come to learn (experience)

obedience (Heb 5:8-9). 4) He had totally submitted Himself to obey His Father like we must (John 5:19,

30).

39: “This is the will of Him who sent Me, that of all that He has given Me I lose nothing, but raise it up on the last day.”

1. What was the Father’s will? Regarding Jesus, the Father’s will was that He not lose any of these ones whom the Father had given Him. 1) All who truly believe (obedient faith) in Him would receive eternal life and be

raised up at the last day (obviously, by implication, the resurrection of life (John 5:28-29).

2) This is why He would not refuse to accept anyone who would come to Him according to the Father’s will (6:37).

3) To refuse such an one would be to condemn him to be lost. 4) Jesus could not do that, because it would not be in harmony with the will of the

Father whom He came to please.

40: “For this is the will of My Father, that everyone who beholds the Son and believes in Him will have eternal life, and I Myself will raise him up on the last day.”

1. The fact the Father does not want any of these to be lost does not mean it is impossible for them to be lost.

1) As in John 3:36, these can so sin as to be lost. 2) But God does not want this, just as He does not want anyone to be lost (2 Pet

3:9; etc.). 3) Yet, He must allow it when people return to sin even after conversion.

The eternal condemnation of any soul is contrary to the desires of the Father, but neither He nor the Son will force salvation on anyone.

2. The expression “beholds (see) the Son” also has a spiritual emphasis and carries the idea of truly seeing the real significance of who He is.

1) It requires a recognition of the truth of His claims and a willingness to accept them as truth.

2) When one believes in Jesus (obedient faith) on the basis of this understanding, then He can have eternal life. (John 12:45). Only then can one really see the Son.

3) And also note how Jesus here plainly states that He has come down from heaven.

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This claim too is often repeated in the book of John and especially in this immediate discussion (6:33, 38, 41, 50, 51, 58).

And how can it be true, unless He is much more than just an ordinary man. Nor is He an angel, so He must be Divine.

4) And note also how He again plainly states that He has the power to raise men from the dead (John 5:28-29). Who could have this power except God? While Jesus does not here

directly state His Deity, properly understood His words can mean nothing less.

3. Jesus’ reference to the “last day” is also common in John.

1) It refers to the day of judgment on which all men will be raised from the dead. 2) This shows that the ultimate reward, for which Jesus’ true disciples work, is not

a physical blessing to be received in this life (like the food the people sought).3) Rather, it is a blessing in eternity after this life and after death.

To receive it requires a resurrection from the dead. 4) Jesus is trying every way He can to get the people to see that His purpose here

is spiritual and pertains to eternal life and man’s relationship to God. They completely miss the point when they emphasize physical food. And

so do all others who fail to understand the spiritual nature of His life, His gospel, and His kingdom.

IV. WORDS TO THE JEWS (6:41-58).

41: “Therefore the Jews were grumbling about Him, because He said, ‘I am the bread that came down out of heaven.’”

1. The Jews doubt Jesus’ heavenly origin. 1) These Jews, just as Jesus had said, began to show their unbelief. 2) They objected to the fact He said He was “bread that came down out of

heaven.” 3) Remember, they wanted physical blessings when they asked for bread from

heaven. 4) When Jesus did not give that but instead offered Himself, they began to lose

interest. He was offering something of infinitely greater value than what they

sought, but they were not interested.

42: “They were saying, ‘Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know?’ How does He now say, ‘I have come down out of heaven’?”

1. In particular, they objected to His claim to have come down from heaven (6:33, 38). 1) This was a claim to Deity or at least to Divine origin. 2) But the Jews claimed He could not have come from heaven, because they knew

His family, His father and mother.

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3) In this they assumed that His father was Joseph, so how could God be His Father and how could He have come from heaven (6:4:44; 5:18)? To them, He was just a physical man with a physical origin.

2. Their error, of course, was that Joseph was not Jesus’ physical father, but only His adopted or earthly father. Jesus’ real Father is the Father in heaven.1) He had been born of Mary by the miracle of the virgin birth so that Joseph was

not really His Father (see Matt. 1 and Luke 1). 2) Jesus is in reality eternal and Divine, having existed from eternity, created all

things, and then come to earth in the form of a man (John 1:1-3, 14, etc.). 3) But the people did not believe, mainly because they were looking for the wrong

thing.

3. They had seen His miracle; had they appreciated the miracle, they should have believed His message. 1) Their skepticism shows they wanted something other than the truth from a

messenger from God. 2) They wanted food and an earthly kingdom – physical, earthly benefits. 3) They saw in Him a physical man, they knew His origin (they thought), He did

not give what they wanted, so they began a course that led them ultimately to reject Him altogether.

43: “Jesus answered and said to them, ‘Do not grumble among yourselves.’44: No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him

up on the last day.”

1. Jesus states the circumstances under which people can follow Him. 1) Jesus responded telling them not to so murmur among themselves. 2) Then He simply returned to further discussion of how people come to Him. 3) He had said they had eternal life and would be raised up at the last day (thereby

partaking of Him as the bread of life) if they would believe (6:34-40).

45: “It is written in the prophets, ‘And they shall all be taught of God.’ Everyone who has heard and learned from the Father, comes to Me.”

1. He here proceeds to show how people believe and thereby come to Him. 1) They cannot come to Him and be raised up unless the Father “draws” them. 2) He draws them, as predicted in the prophets (Isa 54:13), by being “taught by

God.” 3) So, Jesus said that those who come to Him are those who hear and learn.

Note that those who do not hear and learn cannot come. This was the application to these Jews. They did not want Jesus’ spiritual message.

They wanted physical food and an earthly kingdom. The consequence was that they would not listen to the teaching, therefore they could not become true disciples.

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2. Jesus’ statement takes the mystery out of how the Father draws people and how He gives them to Jesus. 1) It is done by the message of the gospel, which message is to be preached to all

in the world (6:37; 12:32). 2) The gospel is the power of God to save those who hear it and believe (John

8:31-32; Matt 13:23; Rom 1:16; 10:13-14, 17; Mark 16:15-16; Acts 8:26, 29, 35; 9:6; 11:14; 18:8; Luke 6:46-49; 11:28; 2 Thes 2:14; Rev 3:20).

3) In so explaining, Jesus was telling these people that the bread and life He was describing were not physical.

4) He was also telling them what they had to do to receive it, which was what they had asked Him to tell them (6:28). But they would not listen, so they rejected Him and His message.

3. Note the implications of these verses for the doctrine of direct operation of the Holy Spirit, separate and apart from the word, in conversion of sinners. 1) Jesus says here that the Spirit does not teach people directly nor come directly

into their hearts apart from the word. 2) Only by hearing and learning can they come to Jesus (see the examples of the

eunuch, Saul, and Cornelius in Acts 8-10). 3) The whole concept of Calvinistic election and direct action of the Holy Spirit in

salvation is disproved here by Jesus’ own direct statements. Note also the consequences for the practice of infant baptism. “No one”

can come unless they first learn and are taught. A baby cannot do this, so a baby cannot come. But then a baby does not

need to come because he has no sins anyway (Matt 18:5).

46: “Not that anyone has seen the Father, except the One who is from God; He has seen the Father.”

1. Jesus added that no one had seen the Father except the One (Jesus) who had come from the Father (1:18; 14:9). 1) Why did Jesus add this? Perhaps to clarify that His statements did not mean

that people needed to personally or directly be taught by the Father. Nobody could personally experience Him in that way.

2) Or perhaps He was simply emphasizing that He was the bread of life because He was the only One who had seen the Father and so could tell them about His will. They could not know the true will of God any other way except though

Him. That is why they needed Him and that is why He is the bread of life.

3) Note again the very direct claim of Jesus to a special relationship with God that no one else has.

4) No one else has seen God as He has, so no one could know the Father’s will as He knew it. All such claims are blasphemous, unless Jesus is the Christ, God in the

flesh. No prophet or apostle ever made such claims. Only Jesus Himself. 262

47: “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes has eternal life.48: I am the bread of life.”

1. These verses summarize and restate the points of 6:35-41. 1) Jesus offers eternal life to all who believe in Him (6:40). 2) He is the One who can give this life because He is the bread of life. 3) Once again, as in 6:41, Jesus directly states that He is the bread to which He

refers (6:35). 4) He is the One that people must believe in to be saved.

Once again, see the extreme character of His claims. Those who believe in Him can have eternal life!

What mere man, even a prophet or apostle, would dare make such claims?

2. Again, the faith required is obedient faith (3:16 notes). 1) And one “has everlasting life” as a promise or hope, not a present possession

in this life (3:36). Nothing here should be misconceived to teach salvation by “faith alone” or “once saved, always saved.”

49: “Your fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, and they died.”

50: “This is the bread which comes down out of heaven, so that one may eat of it and not die.”

51: “I am the living bread that came down out of heaven; if anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever; and the bread also which I will give for the life of the world is My flesh.”

1. Jesus is greater bread than the manna. 1) This discussion had resulted because the Jews requested Jesus to give them

bread from heaven like Moses gave manna (6:30-34). 2) Jesus here showed again that the bread He was offering them is both different

from and better than the bread Moses gave. The point is spiritual bread vs. physical bread.

2. Those who ate the manna still died. 1) It sustained them for a time in the wilderness, but they still died later. 2) Those who ate of Jesus’ bread would not die but have eternal life. 3) He was offering them something far greater than Moses’ manna, and they were

rejecting it because they were thinking physically (6:35-48). 4) Once again, Jesus clearly states that He is the living bread (6:35, 41, 48). 5) And once again He clearly states that He came down from heaven (6:33, 38).

He just continues making bold claims and refusing to back down. 6) Again Jesus clarified that He was not talking about physical bread.

The bread He offered is His flesh which He would give for the life of the world — i.e., His sacrifice on the cross (3:16).

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7) This is what is necessary for men to be forgiven and have eternal life. 8) And this is what men must “eat” (partake of).

We do this by hearing about Him and believing. The meaning is here clearly explained and should not be confused in 6:53ff with the Lord’s Supper.

52: “Then the Jews began to argue with one another, saying, ‘How can this man give us His flesh to eat?’

53: So Jesus said to them, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life in yourselves.’

54: He who eats My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day.

55: For My flesh is true food, and My blood is true drink.”

1. We must eat Jesus’ flesh and drink His blood. 1) Jesus was trying to get the Jews to see the importance of their spiritual needs,

instead of just thinking about their material interests. 2) But they continued to think physically, so they could not understand how they

could eat His flesh. 3) So confused and upset were they that they actually quarreled among themselves

about the meaning of Jesus’ statements. 4) Perhaps this relates to their knowledge that the Law forbade drinking blood or

eating flesh with the blood still in it. But they are still missing the point of Jesus’ spiritual teaching.

2. He responded that, unless they ate His flesh and drank His blood, they don’t have life in them! 1) He insisted that His flesh truly is food and His blood truly is drink, and if they

would partake they could have eternal life and be raised up at the last day. 2) This seems confusing only if we take it out of context or if we try to think

physically like these Jews were doing. Jesus had already explained repeatedly that He is the bread of life who came from heaven to give His life for men, that those who partake can have eternal life, and that they partake by hearing His word, believing in Him, and coming to Him (6:27, 35, 41-51). Hence, Jesus’ statements should not be taken as mysterious, mystical, or

even very confusing. He is simply saying that we must serve Him to receive the spiritual

blessings He offers. 3) We must learn about Him, believe in Him, and obey Him; if we do, we will

have the hope of eternal life and all other blessings that we need to receive that eternal life. This is just what is taught in multitudes of other passages. He speaks this

way to these Jews because they were so insistent on emphasizing physical things, and He is trying to get them to emphasize spiritual things.

56: “He who eats My flesh and drinks My blood abides in Me, and I in him.”264

1. Jesus continued to emphasize the need to feed on Him if people are to live. 1) Again, He said that His food is superior to the manna, because people who ate

manna still died.2) But people who partake of the food He offers will live forever (6:31-34). 3) Note again how this ties this teaching back into the previous discussion. 4) There just can be no doubt that Jesus is continuing to say what He had said

throughout the discussion.

2. He adds that, if we eat His flesh and drink His blood we abide in Him and He in us.1) Again, this is not physical. He is speaking spiritually, and it perverts His whole

point to make this physical as a literal bodily indwelling. 2) What does it mean to abide in Jesus and have Him abide in us?

Such expressions are used repeatedly in the Bible (especially John’s writings) to describe the Father and Son dwelling in one another, them and the Holy Spirit dwelling in us, us dwelling in them, etc.

The clearest passages show that these expressions simply refer to spiritual fellowship or oneness, united spiritually instead of being alienated from one another.

The point is that, in sin we are separated from God. When our sins are forgiven by Jesus (i.e., when we eat of His flesh and drink His blood by believing and obeying Him), then we are united again with God (He abides in us, etc., John 17:20-23; 15:1-6; 2 Cor 6:14-18; 5:17; 1 John 1:3, 6, 7; 2:3-6; 4:14-16; 1 Cor 3:16; 6:19-20; Rom 8:9; Eph 3:17; Gal 3:27; Rom 6:3,4; John 14:10, 11, 20; 10:37, 38; etc).

57: “As the living Father sent Me, and I live because of the Father, so he who eats Me, he also will live because of Me.”

1. Can we have this fellowship just by eating the Lord’s Supper? 1) No. The Lord’s Supper is a memorial that we can partake of, because we have

the fellowship; as such it is an outward expression of our fellowship (1 Cor 10:16-17).

2) But partaking of the Lord’s Supper does not put us in fellowship. 3) Believing and serving Jesus are what gives us access to this fellowship.

Understanding this can make the Lord’s Supper more meaningful. It is a memorial in which we symbolize the fact that we are in Jesus’

fellowship, because we have been eating His flesh and drinking His blood by serving Him. But the memorial itself is not what puts us into His fellowship.

58: “This is the bread which came down out of heaven; not as the fathers ate and died; he who eats this bread will live forever.”

1. Jesus proceeds to say that those who feed on Him, will live because of Him.

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1) Does this mean that He will create them or physically bring them into existence?

2) Does it mean those who don’t feed on Him will not come into existence? Obviously not. They already existed, but He would give them life in a

sense they did not already have. 3) So, Jesus existed eternally, but the Father gave Him life on earth as a man so

He could accomplish His purpose here. We are told again that this teaching was done in Capernaum, in the

synagogue.

V. WORDS TO THE DISCIPLES (6:59-71).

59: “These things He said in the synagogue as He taught in Capernaum.”1. Jesus states again the He has come down from heaven (6:33, 38).

1) His statement that He lives “because of the Father” (6:57) does not mean the Father created Jesus.

2) We have already learned that Jesus is eternal (1:1-3, 14). 3) Rather, the reference is the fact that the Father sent Jesus from heaven to earth

to live as a man (6:57). 4) He came to earth to live as a man, because the Father sent Him (Heb 10:5).

2. Those who feed on Him, will live because of Him (6:57). 1) Does this mean that He will create them or physically bring them into

existence? 2) Does it mean those who don’t feed on Him will not come into existence?3) Obviously not. They already existed, but He would give them life in a sense

they did not already have. 4) So, Jesus existed eternally, but the Father gave Him life on earth as a man so

He could accomplish His purpose here.

60: “Therefore many of His disciples, when they heard this said, ‘This is a difficult statement; who can listen to it?’”

1. The people are offended at Jesus’ teaching. 1) Up to this point, it was the Jews who were confused by Jesus’ teaching. 2) But at this point even some of those who were disciples thought this was a hard

saying that they could not understand. 3) In reality, it is not so hard if you think spiritually and understand what Jesus’

purpose here was all about. 4) But if you think physically, which the disciples were also often guilty of, then,

it surely is confusing. 5) And we have seen that some disciples still today stumble at Jesus because they

are over-emphasizing physical things instead of spiritual.

61: “But Jesus, conscious that His disciples grumbled at this, said to them, ‘Does this cause you to stumble?’”

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1. Jesus could read their hearts (2:24-25), so He knew about their complaints. He asked if they were offended by His teaching. 1) If so, how much more difficulty would they have if they saw Him ascend back

up to heaven. 2) They were stumbling because He said He came from heaven to give His flesh

that the world might have life. 3) This is not what even His disciples expected. They anticipated an earthly ruler

who would provide physical benefits like those the Jews were requesting. They too would find it hard to understand His spiritual emphasis.

62: “What then if you see the Son of Man ascending to where He was before?”

1. What if He were to leave and go back to heaven, as He eventually did without having established an earthly kingdom? 1) Would they not find that even more offensive to their preconceptions? 2) But if we understand His purpose here was primarily spiritual, we have no such

problems.

63: “It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing; the words that I have spoken to you are spirit and are life.”

1. Jesus words give spirit and life. The flesh is unprofitable by comparison. 1) This verse, along with (6:26-27), shows the main emphasis Jesus was trying to

make, and also shows why the Jews had such trouble accepting His points.2) Physical things, in the long run, are of no great importance. 3) What really matters are those things of the Spirit that pertain to eternal life. 4) Physical life is not as important as spiritual life. 5) Spiritual life can be achieved because Jesus eventually died to give forgiveness.6) The Spirit then revealed the meaning of all this in the gospel, which Jesus was

already proclaiming. This was a spiritual message that can give spiritual life. This is what we need to emphasize.

2. It is essential that we appreciate the spiritual nature of Jesus’ work and message. 1) If we do not, then like the Jews we will end up rejecting some or all of His real

value. 2) We will pervert the purpose of the church or the purpose of our own lives.3) The result will be a material emphasis that will keep us from eternal life (6:26-

27). 4) This verse is critical in our understanding of Jesus’ message here.

He draws the message to a conclusion at the same point where He began it: by showing that His message and His purpose here was spiritual in nature, not primarily physical.

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64: “But there are some of you who do not believe. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were who did not believe, and who it was that would betray Him.”

1. Jesus knew that some claimed to follow Him but lacked true faith. 1) Jesus again pointed out that some of them did not really believe. 2) This was the real problem that caused them to reject His teaching. 3) What is more, one of them would betray Him, and He already knew even who

that was (6:70-71). 4) He knew the hearts of all men and knew what would eventually happen (2:24-

25).

65: “And He was saying, ‘For this reason I have said to you, that no one can come to Me unless it has been granted him from the Father.’”

1. The point is that God had predetermined (not unconditional election) that the only people who could come to Jesus were those who heard of Him and believed in Him with obedience (6:44-45). 1) No others will receive His blessings. He would like to have all men believe and

be blessed. 2) He offers the opportunity to all men, but each person must decide for himself

what choice he will make. 3) But Jesus knew some would disbelieve, and God’s will requires that

unbelievers cannot come to Jesus. 4) And He knew what choices Judas would make, but He never compelled him to

make those choices.

PETER’S CONFESSION OF FAITH (6:66-71).

66: “As a result of this many of His disciples withdrew and were not walking with Him anymore.”

1. At the conclusion of the discussion, not only did many Jews reject His words, but even many disciples ceased following Him. 1) This was no doubt sad and difficult, for the Lord has feelings too, and He

grieves over man’s sins. 2) People, who at first seem interested in truth, often end up rejecting it.

Some we try to teach will refuse to obey. But these were disciples! 3) So there will be also disciples who will quit obeying.

If it happened at the teaching of the Master Teacher, why should we think it will not happen when we teach the same truths?

And why do people teach that it is impossible for a disciple to fall away and be lost?

2. In fact, Jesus taught what He did knowing this would happen. 1) He knew that many did not believe (6:65) and that they were following Him

from wrong motives (6:26f). 268

2) He deliberately and persistently confronted their errors, refusing to compromise or back down. The result was the loss of many disciples.

3) Yet many people today repeatedly claim that it is wrong for preachers to preach as Jesus did here. If we continue to emphasize truths that we know are offensive and

objectionable to people, and if as a result some people refuse to be converted or others leave the church, other people blame the preaching and say we “should not preach so hard.”

4) They want the message toned down or even compromised or silenced in order to keep the people.

3. Jesus clearly did not agree with the view of “positive preaching.” 1) He knew His message was offensive (6:61), and the people thought He was

preaching “hard sayings (6:60), but He kept it up. 2) Even after the people left, He did not apologize or try to draw them back,

though He could easily have performed the kind of miracles they wanted. 3) His reason was that people could not be real disciples anyway, except on God’s

terms. 4) People, who will only stay if you compromise or change the truth, are not real

converts anyway and will not really be saved in the end. They are just a hindrance and a bad influence on others. They should be given clear teaching so they have the chance to repent; but

if they persist in error, then it is better for everyone if they leave. Jesus knew this. We need to learn it.

4. Jesus’ teaching was deliberately intended, not just to draw those who have the kind of hearts God is willing to save, but to also drive away those who are not willing to become true disciples. 1) This is a bitter pill for many people to swallow, but passages like this one and

many others show that this is the deliberate purpose of the gospel.

5. People are dead wrong when they say we should use carnal appeals to attract people to the church and then try to convert them. 1) When people primarily pursue material interests, they will never be satisfied

with spiritual emphasis. 2) They will stay only if you continue the physical attractions. 3) They will never become spiritual, but will just leave when you start

emphasizing the spiritual. Jesus knew that, so from the beginning He emphasized the spiritual, and

He let them leave when they showed they did not want spiritual teaching.

67: “So Jesus said to the twelve, ‘You do not want to go away also, do you?’68: Simon Peter answered Him, ‘Lord, to whom shall we go? You have words of eternal

life.’69: We have believed and have come to know that You are the Holy One of God.”

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1. Seeing that so many other disciples had left, Jesus then challenged the twelve whether they too would leave. 1) Impetuous Peter came out a hero this time. He said (by a rhetorical question)

that there was nowhere else to go. 2) Jesus had the words of eternal life (6:63), and they believed that He was the

Christ, the Son of God (Matt 16:13-18).

2. In these simple, yet incredibly profound words, he stated the crux of the issue. 1) The evidence (miracles, etc.) proved who Jesus is. 2) If He is the Christ, why leave?

Even if you don’t understand some things He says, stay and study till you do understand.

But only by what He says do you have hope of eternal life. If you leave, you lose all hope of that reward.

3. This is the point the Jews missed about the feeding of the 5000. 1) It was not primarily about food to relieve hunger. 2) It was proof of who Jesus was.

Peter got that point, even though He may have misunderstood much else. No doubt John records this whole discussion and Peter’s conclusion to

convince us that we too need to believe who Jesus is.

4. Like the Jews, many people get this turned around. 1) They examine Bible teaching and decide they don’t like it or they find it hard to

understand. 2) So they reject it, regardless of the evidence of miracles, fulfilled prophecy, and

the resurrection, proving that it is really the message of God. 3) Instead, like Peter, we should approach it the other way around.

If an honest examination of the evidence proves the message to be from God, then we ought to accept Jesus and His message, regardless of our difficulties in understanding it.

Then we ought to study it till we do understand it.

5. Many other verses show our need to hear and accept Jesus’ teachings in order to have eternal life. 1) Jesus’ message has the power to save from sin and give eternal life. 2) Without that message, we are eternally doomed (6:44, 45, 63; Rom 1:16; Heb

4:12; Mark 16:15-16; Acts 11:14).

6. Not everyone who listened to Jesus believed Him. 1) And, not all who started to follow Him remained a loyal follower – “many of

His disciples withdrew” and no longer walked with Him (6:66).2) Scripture is full of warnings of this danger and of descriptions of those who

turn away from following Christ (Heb 3:12-13; 2 Pet 2:20-22; 1 John 2:18-19, 22-23).

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7. Reasons are the same today as then for why people turn away from Christ and the gospel. 1) The gospel is too stern and intolerable for many.

How to be saved (baptism; Mark 16:16; 1 Pet 3:21; Gal 3:27; Rom 6:3-7).

Attending worship services (Heb 10:25). Giving as prospered (1 Cor 16:2). No instrumental music in worship (Eph 5:19). No women preachers (1 Tim 2:11-12). One true church (Eph 4:4). Moral purity (Rom 12:2).

2) This is unbelief, pure and simple (John 6:63-64). Must love the truth or we will perish (2 Thes 2:10). The unbelieving will be eternally lost (Rev 21:8).

70: “Jesus answered them, ‘Did I Myself not choose you, the twelve, and yet one of you is a devil?’”

1. Here, Jesus refers to one of His disciples (Judas) as a "devil." We tend to think of the devil (Satan) when we see the word. 1) Devil (diabolos) is found 34 times in the Bible, all in the New Testament and

all but once (John 6:70) referring to the devil, Satan. 2) The word means "false accuser, slanderer" (Strong, Vine, Thayer). 3) The same Greek word (diabolos) that is translated "devil" is found in 1 Tim

3:11, where it refers to women who are "malicious gossips/talkers" (NAS, NIV) or "slanderers" (NKJ, ESV).

4) 2 Tim 3:3: This word also refers to men (people) who are "malicious gossips" or "slanderers."

5) Titus 2:3: Older women are not to be "malicious gossips" or "slanderer s." 6) John 6:69: Peter had acknowledged Jesus as the son of God.

By betraying (6:71), Judas was agreeing with Christ's enemies that He was not the son of God, but an imposter. Jesus called those who denied His deity "liars" (John 8:44-49).

Lying about someone's character is slander.

2. Satan (satanas). This word (Satan) is found 53 times in the Bible, 18 of them in the Old Testament (most in Job). 1) It means "opponent, adversary" (Strong, BDB, Thayer). 2) In the New Testament, the only time the Greek word (satanas) doesn't refer to

Satan is when Jesus calls Peter "Satan" (Matt 16:23; Mark 8:33). 3) "Adversary" fits well in this instance.

Jesus had just revealed to the apostles how He would suffer and die. Peter's reply, though well meant, was “a stumbling block (offense;

hindrance)” to the Lord. I In that sense, Peter was an "adversary."

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4) Peter was tempting Jesus to reject His purpose for coming to earth (John 12:27; Matt 26:46; Mark 14:32-42).

71: Now He meant Judas the son of Simon Iscariot, for he, one of the twelve, was going to betray Him.”

1. Despite Peter’s confession, which clearly stated the truth, Jesus knew that even among the twelve one was a devil (accuser, slanderer). 1) He was so like Satan that Jesus identified the two together. 2) One would turn against Him and betray Him. We are plainly told that He

referred to Judas Iscariot.

2. Again, as in 6:64, Jesus knew the end from the beginning. 1) He knew the hearts of all men. 2) He knew what the final result would be, and even who would help bring it

about. 3) In particular, like the other people in this context, Judas was too attracted to

material things, not appreciating spiritual things and eternal life. 4) In the end he betrayed Jesus for money, but he was a thief long before that

(John 12:4-6).

3. The gospel of John repeatedly demonstrates the error of those who think Jesus did not know ahead of time that He would be rejected and killed. 1) He not only knew that He came to die, He knew the details of how it would

happen and who would bring it about!2) Yet this does not prove God compelled Judas against his will to be evil. 3) Judas was a free moral agent with the power to choose, just like Adam and Eve

and all the rest of us. 4) But Jesus knew his heart and knew from the beginning what choice he would

make (John 2:24-25).

CONCLUSION

1. We have listened to the words of Jesus and know that He is “the bread of heaven.”

1. No one else can satisfy like Jesus. Life is not found anywhere else. True disciples understand this. 1) No matter how challenging Jesus can be, there is nowhere else to go. Jesus is

the Holy One of God. Jesus is our only hope.

2. What are some steps that we can take to see Jesus as the bread of life and let God write his law on our hearts? 1) First, pray. Pray to God for a softening of your heart. Prayer is so important to

the Christian walk. Pray to God the words a father declared to Jesus. “I believe; help my unbelief” (Mark 9:24). Tell God your weaknesses and your struggles.

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2) Second, read God’s word with intent. Mindlessly reading the scriptures will not affect the heart. Take small portions of God’s word. Read those words and reflect on what

you have read. Think about how those words affect your life. Pray those words to God.

We have to bring the word of God from our eyes to our hearts. This is the only way to see that Jesus has the words of eternal life. It is the only way that we will come to true, saving faith. It is the

only way that we will appreciate that He is the bread of life. It is the only way to be taught by God.

2. Would we go back to our former way of life? 1. Are we going to reject the challenge of Jesus and go back to our empty way of life?

1) The former way of life is a way that has no meaning, no lasting joy, and no lasting value.

2) It is a life that put a bandage on your deepest needs, but does not resolve or satisfy your life’s needs.

2. Jesus says to drink of Him and He will satisfy your thirst. 1) Feed on Him and He will satisfy your hunger. 2) How could we go back? 3) See Jesus as the answer to your every need.

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John Six Study QuestionsHAVING THE RIGHT MOTIVES IN FOLLOWING JESUS

I. THE FEEDING OF THE FIVE-THOUSAND (John 6:1-14; (Matt. 14:13-21; Mark 6:32-44; Luke 9:10-17).

1. Where did Jesus go (1)? 1) Who followed, and why (2)?

(Note the names used here for the sea.)2) List other passages that record the same event as in 6:1-13.

2. Why did Jesus go there?1) Matt 14:13 – 2) Mark 6:31 –

3. Why do you think John mentions the proximity of the Passover in this event (4-5)?1) What question did Jesus ask Philip (5)? 2) Why did Jesus ask this question (6)?

4. What answer did Philip give (7)? 1) (Think: What does this show?)

5. What food did Andrew say was available (9)?

6. Describe the arrangements for feeding the people (10-11).1) How many people were fed?

7. What was done with the remaining food (12)? 1) How much food was left over (13)?

8. Describe how the details that are given prove this event was impossible by natural law.

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9. What effect did this have on the people (14)? 1) How does this again demonstrate the nature and purpose of Bible miracles?

II. JESUS WALKS ON THE WATER (6:15-25).

1. What were the people planning to do, and how did Jesus respond (15)?

2. Premillennialists teach that Jesus came to earth the first time intending to establish an earthly kingdom but failed because the people rejected Him. What application would 6:15 have to this view?

3. Name two other passages that record the same event as 6:16-21.

4. Where were the disciples going, and how were they going there (16-17)?

5. Describe how Jesus met them (19-20).

6. What details are given here and in the other accounts (Matt 14:22-33; Mark 6:45-52) that demonstrate the miraculous nature of this event (21)?

7. Application: What lessons can we learn from this event?

8. On the next day, what did the multitudes realize had happened (22?1) What did they do and where did they go (23-24?

III. WORDS TO THE PEOPLE (6:26-40).

1. What question did the multitudes ask Jesus and what events occasioned the question (25-26)?

2. What did Jesus say was the people’s motive for seeking Him (26)?

3. What lesson can we learn from this about the purpose of the feeding of the 5000?

4. What did Jesus say they should do instead of seeking physical food (27)? (Explain the meaning).

5. Some churches use carnal appeals - such as meals, entertainment, or recreation – to attract people to attend church activities. What application would Jesus’ statements here have to such a practice (27)?

6. What question did the people ask next, and what answer did Jesus give (28-29)?

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7. Some churches teach that we are saved by “faith alone,” so “works” are not necessary to salvation. What application would these verses have to that doctrine?

8. What Old Testament miracle did the people remind Jesus about? 1) What were they still wanting Jesus to do in order to believe Him (30-31)?

9. How did Jesus correct their mistaken concept concerning the manna in the wilderness (32-36)?

10. What is the “bread of life,” and how do we partake of it?11. What promise did Jesus give in 6:37? (Explain it).

12. Where did Jesus come from, and for what purpose did He come (38)?

13. What was the Father’s will for Jesus, and what was His will for those who believe in Him (39-40)?

IV. WORDS TO THE JEWS (6:41-58).

1. What complaint did the people raise against Jesus (41-42)?

2. Based on what we have learned, what mistake did the people make that led them to make this complaint?

3. What must happen in order for a person to come to Jesus (44-45)?

4. Jesus says no can come to Jesus unless the Father draws him? How does the Father “draw” people (12:32).1) From this study, what can we conclude about the practice of infant baptism?

5. Who has and has not seen the Father (46)? (Explain)

6. What is the “bread of life”? Who can have eternal life (47-48)?

7. How did Jesus’ “bread of life” differ from the manna Moses gave (47-51)?

8. What did Jesus do so we could have life?

9. What problem did the Jews have with Jesus’ statement, and what response did Jesus make (52-53)?

10. Explain how we can eat Jesus’ flesh and drink His blood. Keep it in context! (27, 35, 40-51).

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11. What blessing may we have if we eat and drink of Jesus (54-55)?1) Thought question: Is this talking primarily about partaking of the Lord’s Supper? 2) What problems might we face if we misunderstood this point?)

12. What other blessing do we receive if we eat and drink of Jesus (56)?1) List a few other verses about abiding in Jesus.

13. Explain what it means to abide in Jesus? In what sense are we in Him?

14. In what sense did Jesus live because of the Father (57; Heb 10:5)? 1) Did the Father create Jesus?

15. What did the disciples think at this point (60)?

16. What else did Jesus say might offend them (61-62)?

17. Explain the contrast in 6:63.

18. What did Jesus already know (64)?

V. PETER’S CONFESSION OF FAITH (6:66-71).

1. What finally happened to many of these people (66)?

2. Does this mean that Jesus was not a successful or the Master teacher? Please explain your answer.

3. What reasons did Peter give why the apostles would not leave Jesus (67-69)?

4. Did Judas betray Jesus of his own free will or did God force him (70-71)? Please give scriptures for your answer.

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John 7THE FEAST OF TABERNACLES IN JERUSALEM

(ALSO CALLED THE FEAST OF BOOTHS)

INTRODUCTION

A. The events of chapter 6 happened about the time of the Passover which would be in April.

1. The events of chapter 7 occur during the Feast of Tabernacles which would take place in October.1) This means there is a 6 month period between chapter 6 and 7.

2. John covers this period in 7:1 by merely saying, “After these things Jesus was walking in Galilee.”1) The Synoptics do cover this period which is usually called His Retirement

Ministry.2) It is so termed because He goes throughout the country-side of Galilee instead

of preaching in population centers such as Capernaum.3) Jesus has been rejected by the people of Galilee (6:66), as well as the Judeans

(7:1).4) Therefore, He goes to the outskirts of the country.

Mark 7-9: Covers this period.5) Pay close attention to both the teaching Jesus does with regard to His identity

and mission, and the reason for His rejection by the Jews.

I. SEEKING THE GLORY OF THE FATHER (John 7:1-18).

A. EVIDENCE OF UNBELIEF: SELF-GLORIFICATION (7:1-6).

1: “After these things Jesus was walking in Galilee, for He was unwilling to walk in Judea because the Jews were seeking to kill Him.”

1. See introduction above.

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2: “Now the feast of the Jews, the Feast of Booths, was near.”

1. This verse sets the stage for our study over the next three chapters. 1) It is the Feast of Booths, which is also called the Feast of Tabernacles. 2) This is an important scene that John is placing on the text. 3) John 6:4: the Passover feast was the window through which we saw the

miracle of the feeding of the 5000 and the subsequent teaching concerning the bread of life. Now it is the Feast of Booths.

2. This is an eight day feast when each family built a temporary structure/tent to live in.1) This reminded the people how they lived in tents while wandering in the desert

for 40 years after Mount Sinai. 2) The feast was also associated with the ingathering of the harvest. 3) The feast was a time when the people reflected on Israel’s history and its hopes

for Israel’s future. 4) When Israel was in the wilderness living in tents, they were awaiting with hope

the time to enter the promised land. This then was a joyous feast lasting 8 days.

5) We will note the important symbolic aspects concerning the Feast of Booths in relation to the text as we come upon them. For now it is enough to recognize that the feast was a time of messianic

expectation.

3. Jewish writing informs us there was an outpouring of water drawn from the pool of Siloam in commemoration of the water that miraculously came from the rock at Meribah (Ex 17:1-7).1) There is a proverb that says, “He who has not seen the rejoicing at the pouring

out of the water of Siloam at the Feast of Tabernacles has never seen rejoicing in his life.” For this feast see Lev 23:33-44; Num 29.

3: “Therefore His brothers said to Him, ‘Leave here and go into Judea, so that Your disciples also may see Your works which You are doing.

4: For no one does anything in secret when he himself seeks to be known publicly. If You do these things, show Yourself to the world.’”

1. His unbelieving brothers are mocking Jesus (5).1) They know He is attempting to get people to follow Him, yet He has withdrawn

Himself for the past 6 months and is now failing to make preparation to go to Jerusalem.

2) They are really saying, “If you are really as great as you claim, them go up where the people are and persuade them.”

3) If you are the Messiah, you cannot stay up here in Galilee. This is a great time for publicity. They are urging Him to act the part of a politician.

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4) The people are thinking about and hoping for the Messiah right now as the Feast of Booths approaches.

5) Further, all the males of Israel had to come to Jerusalem to keep this feast. Go to Jerusalem and put on a display for all to see. To the brothers’ minds, now is the appropriate time to reveal himself as

the Messiah. If you are doing the works of the Messiah, go show Yourself to the world!

5: “For not even His brothers were believing in Him.”

1. James, Joseph, Simon, Judas (Matt 13:55). This is a staggering statement. 1) You know that Mary told her children that Jesus was a miracle baby and the

one to save the world. 2) But this gospel shows us a continuing trend. The world does not believe.

The Jews, His own people, do not believe. Many of His disciples do not believe. Not even His brothers believe.

2. John draws a picture of two types of unbelief. 1) There is aggressive unbelief, which we see with the Jewish authorities who are

looking to kill Jesus. 2) But there is also passive unbelief.

The brothers are not trying to get Jesus killed, but they certainly are not followers of Him.

If we are not passionately for Jesus then we are unbelief. Unbelief is not only being aggressive against Jesus. Unbelief is also being

neutral toward Jesus.

3. They may not have been openly antagonistic, but they at least harbored doubts. 1) They were not confident He was who the crowds were saying He was. 2) Perhaps they hoped He would convince them too. 3) Or maybe they felt the family reputation was suffering because He made these

claims but did not (in their eyes) convincingly prove them. Maybe the public exposure of the feast who settle the matter one way or

the other. 4) Consider that this request is similar to the direct temptation Satan gave to Jesus.

Satan told Jesus to throw Himself off the top of the temple and let the angels take you up to show yourself to the whole world.

4. These brothers did later become believers after the resurrection and were influential in the early church (Acts 1:14).1) Some have claimed that Jesus’ brothers were numbered among His apostles,

but these verses indicate that is not so. The apostles had been chosen long before this, and even at this point His

brothers were unbelieving.2) Later James and Jude write their epistles.

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5. Note that Jesus did have brothers. 1) They must have been physical brothers, for they were surely not spiritual

brothers, since they did not believe on Him. 2) This proves Mary was not a perpetual virgin after Jesus was born.

See notes and references on John 2:12.

6: “So Jesus said to them, ‘My time is not yet here, but your time is always opportune.’”

1. Jesus explained that it was not yet time for Him to publicly manifest Himself in Jerusalem. 1) He knew the world hated Him because of His teachings (they wanted to kill

Him, (7:1). 2) Eventually He would have to face them and be killed, but it was not yet time

for that (Luke 9:51).

B. EVIDENCE OF UNBELIEF: THE WORLD DOES NOT HATE US (7:7-13).

7: “The world cannot hate you, but it hates Me because I testify of it, that its deeds are evil.”

1. Jesus was hated, because of His opposition to the sins of the “world.” 1) But the brothers did not have this problem, because they were not yet

convinced to follow Jesus’ example of opposing the world. 2) Probably the brothers did not understand the significance of Jesus’ statement.

2. Note that Jesus did not compromise with sin. 1) He plainly rebuked it, even if that meant people wanted to kill Him. 2) Some people believe that Christian love requires us to keep quiet about sin and

not tell people they are wrong. 3) They say it is not “Christ-like” to condemn other religious people. 4) Had Jesus held this belief, He could have avoided the kind of opposition He

faced. 5) He faced hatred and opposition because He did rebuke sin (Rev 3:19; Gal 6:1-

2; Jas 5:19-20; 1 Thes 5:14; Eph 5:11; 2 Tim 4:2-4). See notes on 6:66. Is it “un-Christ-like” for us to do as Christ did?!

3. Jesus says that the world does not hate them because they are not taking a stand for God and declaring the world’s works to be evil. 1) There is something wrong when the world does not hate us. 2) The scriptures teach this truth in many places Luke 6:22-26).3) 1 John 3:13: “Do not marvel (be surprised), brethren, if the world hates you.” 4) 2 Tim 3:12: “And indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be

persecuted.”

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4. It is not that we seek out persecution. Nor do we seek to be inflammatory. 1) We want people to listen to us and that will not happen by throwing Bible

grenades at people. 2) We are not to be caustic but we will live a life that teaches the truth of God’s

will. 3) We will be hated because we will stand on the teachings of God. 4) The world cannot hate you when you belong to the world. 5) We can consider that if we fit in with the world that there is something wrong.6) If our actions, our views, and our standards are the same as the world’s

standards, then we belong to the world. 7) If the world does not think that our actions, views, and standards are strange,

then we are not with Jesus. 1 Pet 4:4: The world is supposed to be surprised at how we live. Representing the Father will bring hostility!

8: “Go up to the feast yourselves; I do not go up to this feast because My time has not yet fully come.”

1. This reasoning did not apply to His brothers, however. 1) They could go to the feast with no opposition or hatred, so He encouraged them

to do so. 2) There was no danger to them, because the world did not hate them. 3) The world opposes, not its own, but those who dare to be different.

9: “Having said these things to them, He stayed in Galilee.”

10: “But when His brothers had gone up to the feast, then He Himself also went up, not publicly, but as if, in secret.”

1. Jesus remained in Galilee awhile. But after the brothers had gone to the feast, He also went up. 1) Some translations have Jesus saying that He was not going up to the feast. 2) NKJV and other translations add the word “yet” (see ASV foot-note).

Hendriksen argues that there is as much evidence for this translation as for excluding the “yet.”

2. How could He go after saying He would not go? Did Jesus deceive His brothers?1) ANS: But He went up secretly, not publicly. 2) He did not take a large multitude of followers, openly declaring who He was. 3)

He went up quietly with no fanfare or other means of attracting attention. In short, He went, but not the way His brothers wanted Him to go.

4) He did not go and make a major spectacle to invite the crowds to examine the proofs of His claims. Or perhaps His comment meant that He would not go for the whole feast (which lasted seven days). 7:14: Implies He went up in the middle of the feast.

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3. The idea that Jesus would not go “yet” is implied, even if there is no word for “yet” in the original. 1) Jesus is discussing the time of when He would (or would not) go. 2) He had said, “I am not going” – i.e., at the present time I am not going – that is

the significance of the Greek. 3) This did not deny that He would go later.

So the time element is involved in any case, implying He would not go at the present time.

4) To go later would not contradict His statement. In any case, there was no intent to deceive. Instead of joining the caravans that usually went the Persian route, Jesus

went alone with His disciples directly through Samaria. We read of this trip (now His time has fully come) (Luke 9:51-56).

11: “So the Jews were seeking Him at the feast and were saying, ‘Where is He?’”

1. So Jesus goes to the feast, but he does not go with the fanfare that his brothers were telling him to go. 1) 7:10: Jesus went to the feast privately. He did not make himself known. 2) 7:11: Shows why. 3) The whole city is looking for Jesus. 4) Apparently the whole discussion in the city was about Jesus. 5) People are looking for Jesus and they are talking about Jesus.

12: “There was much grumbling among the crowds concerning Him; some were saying, ‘He is a good man’; others were saying, ‘No, on the contrary, He leads the people astray.’”

1. The discussion that we read about in this verse is very similar to the discussions about Jesus today. 1) Some think He is a good man. Some think He is leading the people astray. 2) Few see Jesus for who He truly is.

13: “Yet no one was speaking openly of Him for fear of the Jews.”

1. No discussions were conducted openly, because people feared the Jews.1) No one is running around proclaiming Jesus because they fear the Jewish

authorities. 2) Few are willing to be vocal about Jesus today for fear of what people will say

and think. 3) But notice what happens now that Jesus is in Jerusalem.

C. EVIDENCE OF TRUE BELIEF (7:14-18).

14: “But when it was now the midst of the feast Jesus went up into the temple, and began to teach.”

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1. In the middle of the 8 day feast Jesus suddenly appeared and began to teach publicly.1) This sudden appearance with only 3 days left would not give the rulers

adequate time for the necessary preparations for His arrest.2) Their last minute efforts led to nothing (7:32, 45-52).3) This shows the timing of Jesus was perfect.

2. It seems that, at first, He did not identify openly who He was nor announce His presence to His disciples (7:25-28). 1) So people did not seem to recognize Him at first. 2) Even so, it was a bold thing to do, knowing the rulers wanted to kill Him.

15: “The Jews then were astonished, saying, ‘How has this man become learned, having never been educated?’”

1. Jesus had never received instruction in the rabbinical schools.1) Since He had not graduated from an accredited institution they assume His

teaching is from His own unlearned mind. 7:49: See the rulers view of such men.

2. People today also tend to think that every preacher must have seminary training (Acts 4:13). 1) If a religious teacher lacks formal training, some people will automatically

reject his teaching as lacking in authority or credentials. 2) However, what guarantee is there that the seminary teaches the truth? 3) Neither Jesus nor most of His apostles had formal training.

Why then should people insist that preachers today have formal training?

16: “So Jesus answered them and said, ‘My teaching is not Mine, but His who sent Me.17: If anyone is willing to do His will, he will know of the teaching, whether it is of God or

whether I speak from Myself.’”

1. Here is the picture of a true disciple: your will is to do the Father’s will. 1) Discipleship is not about merely embracing certain ideas. 2) Discipleship is the converting of our will to be the will of the Father. 3) Anyone whose will is to do the Father’s will knows that Jesus’ teaching is from

Father.

2. The teachings of Jesus articulate the will of the Father. 1) That is why Jesus’ teachings are so precious. 2) No one has seen God except the Son and the Son reveals the will of the Father

to us. 3) The true disciple wants to do the will of the Father which has been taught to us

by Jesus. Notice how verse 18 helps us understand the impact of this.

18: “He who speaks from himself seeks his own glory; but He who is seeking the glory of the One who sent Him, He is true, and there is no unrighteousness in Him.”

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1. To speak on our own authority is to seek our own glory. 1) The one who seeks the Father’s glory is true. 2) The person who seeks the Father’s glory is a true disciple, truly belongs to

God, and is truly a child of God. 3) How do you know if you are a true disciple? You seek the Father’s glory alone,

not your own. 4) Sin is doing things for your own glory rather than God’s glory. 5) We have a heart problem when we want people to glorify us and give attention

to us rather than God. This is the crux of our problem. We want things to be about us.

6) We want people to serve us. We want people to respect us and pay attention to us. Disciples love the glory of God. Disciples seek the glory of God. Disciples point to the glory of God, not ourselves.

II. OUT OF YOUR HEART WILL FLOW RIVERS OF LIVING WATER (John 7:19-39).

A. REJECTING THE TRUTH (7:19-24).

19: “Did not Moses give you the Law, and yet none of you carries out the Law? Why do you seek to kill Me?”

1. Jesus introduces the issue of their attitude toward the law and their desire to kill Him.1) Having defending His doctrine and motives, Jesus proceeded to point out the

real reasons people were rejecting His teaching. 2) It was not, as they pretended, because of any lack of qualifications in Him. 3) As always when people reject truth, the problem was in the hearers. 4) Some teachers, even when they teach the truth, may demonstrate attitudes that

turn people away from the message. 5) But if the message is true, the people should be honest enough to accept it

despite the faults of the messenger.

2. However, when Jesus was the teacher, the people had no grounds whatever to find fault in Him or His message. 1) The fault was entirely in them. The same is true when people reject Jesus’

teaching today.2) Jesus had already proved that Moses testified about Him, so if they truly were

following Moses’ law they would have accepted Jesus (5:46-47). 3) But they were not keeping the law given through Moses. 4) This was their real problem and reason for rejecting Jesus. 5) Even the law that they admitted was from God, still they did not obey that law.6) What are the chances they would obey further revelation when it came?

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In citing Moses’ law, Jesus was laying the groundwork to return to a discussion of their earlier criticisms of Him, claiming that He had broken the Sabbath (7:23).

20: “The crowd answered, ‘You have a demon! Who seeks to kill You?’”

1. He then asked why they wanted to kill Him. The people responded by denying any intent to kill Jesus. 1) So, they dismissed Him as being demon-possessed to even think such a thing. 2) Perhaps they answered so because they did not remember the rulers’ plan to kill

Jesus. In any case, it has already been clearly stated that they did intend to kill

Him (5:18).3) Or, perhaps this was a cover-up. If so, by verse 25 of this chapter they had it

figured out.

2. Note how, when people are in sin and refuse to repent, they will often attack the one who reveals their error. 1) In this case, Jesus had pointed out the failure of the people to keep the Law of

Moses. 2) Rather than acknowledge His criticism to be valid, they attacked Him as having

a demon. 3) This is the same treatment sinful people gave to Old Testament prophets and to

New Testament apostles and prophets. 4) It is the attitude that often leads to persecution of faithful teachers. 5) And we may as well expect it to occur today, for it surely will come if we stand

for the truth (Matt 5:10-12; 13:21; John 15:20; 16:33; Acts 14:22; Rom 5:3; 8:17-39; 2 Cor 1:4-10; 4:17; 7:4; 2 Tim 3:12; Heb 10:32-36; 1 Pet 2:19-23; 3:14-18; 4:1,15-19; 5:10).

3. Note further that it is proper, at times, not only to defend our own teaching and conduct, but then to point out the sins of those who are opposing the truth and show the reasons why they oppose it. 1) This chapter begins a series of confrontations between Jesus and these Jews. 2) Many object to such debating and confrontation, especially when a teacher

begins to pointedly demonstrate that his opponents are in error. 3) Yet, Jesus did it and so should we.

21: “Jesus answered them, ‘I did one deed, and you all marvel.’”

1. Jesus had asked why they wanted to kill Him, and they had implied that they sought to do no such thing (7:19-20). 1) However, the last time He had been in Jerusalem, the Jews had sought to kill

Him for healing a man on the Sabbath (5:10-18). 2) Jesus here returned to that event and again defended His conduct.

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3) In so doing, He showed they were in error, while simultaneously reminding them that they did seek to kill Him.

2. First, He pointed out the miraculous nature of the healing. 1) It caused them to marvel, and they ought to have believed in Him as a result. 2) The very act for which they had condemned Him was a miracle – a miracle of

healing. 3) The purpose of miracles was to prove that a man spoke a message from God. 4) If Jesus said it was right to heal on the Sabbath while doing a miracle, the

miracle proved that God confirmed His message. 5) So the very act that the people criticized had proved, of itself, that healing on

the Sabbath was not wrong. 6) Yet, the people completely overlooked the significance of the miracle and

sought instead to kill Jesus.

22: “For this reason Moses has given you circumcision (not because it is from Moses, but from the fathers), and on the Sabbath you circumcise a man.”

1. Jesus then appealed again to their supposed respect for Moses’ law (7:19). 1) They claimed to follow Moses, especially in his command about the Sabbath. 2) But Moses also gave a command about circumcision (though it was actually

given first to the fathers such as Abraham (Gen 17). 3) The Jews gave great respect to the circumcision ritual, just as they did for the

Sabbath. 4) Circumcision was the sign a man was a Jew and one of God’s chosen people.

No one dared oppose this practice among the Jews.

23: “If a man receives circumcision on the Sabbath so that the Law of Moses will not be broken, are you angry with Me because I made an entire man well on the Sabbath?”

1. The circumcision command required a male child to be circumcised on the eighth day. 1) This was a medical procedure. If that day fell on a Sabbath, they circumcised

the child to obey the law. 2) They did not refuse on the grounds that it was a medical procedure and

involved “work,” nor did they condemn people for doing this work on the Sabbath.

2. Jesus’ point was that the Sabbath law did not forbid circumcision on the Sabbath, and they all knew that. 1) In the same way, it did not forbid other forms of medical treatment and care for

the sick. 2) What Jesus had done in healing on the Sabbath was no more a violation of the

Sabbath than circumcision would be (Matt 5:17-20; Heb 9:16-18).3) Yet, the people accepted the circumcision on the Sabbath, while condemning

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24: “Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment.”

1. In condemning Jesus for healing on the Sabbath, the Jews had judged Him unrighteously. 1) They were judging according to external appearance, not according to truth. 2) It may have appeared on the surface that He had violated the Sabbath, but a

righteous view of the event would have shown that he had not sinned. 3) This statement shows again that what Jesus had done, when viewed properly

(righteously), was not a sin.

2. Note that Jesus did not say that all judging was wrong. 1) Many people today, whenever sin is condemned (especially their own sins),

will say that Jesus said, “Judge not!” 2) But Jesus never condemned all rebuking of sin. 3) On the contrary, He and His apostles rebuked people frequently, and He

commands us to do the same (Rev 3:19; Gal 6:1-2; Jas 5:19-20; 1 Thes 5:14; Eph 5:11; 2 Tim 4:2-4; Prov 10:17; 15:31-33).

4) Those who use the principle of “judge not” to condemn everyone who rebukes their sins, need to reckon with Jesus’ statement here in John 7:24.

He here commands us to “judge with righteous judgment.”5) Nevertheless, there are principles we should follow when “judging.”

3. It must be “righteous,” not according to appearance. This includes at least the following principles:1) Judging must be based on the real facts of the case, not on outward appearance. 2) We must be sure we know what really happened and why, not just what may

seem to have happened.3) Judgment must be based on the standard of God’s word, not human doctrines,

man’s wisdom, or personal opinions (Matt 15:1-14; 2 Tim 3:16-17; Gal 1:8-9; Prov 17:15; Rom 14:1-4, 10-13).

4) When people have sinned according to God’s word, they need to be told they have done wrong. But people are not guilty of sin simply because they violate human

tradition, man-made laws, or our own personal opinions. What Scriptural teaching is involved?

4. Our own lives must be consistent with our judgments. 1) If we condemn others for practices that we ourselves commit, then we condemn

ourselves in condemning them (Matt 7:1-6, 12). 2) This does not mean we should not rebuke the sin, but it means we need to clean

up our own sins first (Rom 2:1-3, 17-24).3) We must speak from proper motives, sincerely seeking the well-being of

everyone involved, not just to exalt oneself or win an argument or get vengeance on one we think has hurt us (2 Tim 2:24-26; Gal 6:1; 1 Tim 6:3-5; Jas 3:14-18; 1:19-20; Rom 12:17-21).

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5. In their criticism of Jesus, the Jews violated these principles of righteous judgment. 1) They were condemning Him on the basis of their own human traditions, not on

the basis of what God’s law really said. 2) In addition, they did things on the Sabbath that were just as much “work” as

what Jesus did, yet they realized their acts were not wrong. To condemn Jesus, when they did similar things, was unrighteous

judgment. We today must take care that we properly apply the principle that Jesus

states here, whenever we rebuke other people for sin.

B. REASONS FOR UNBELIEF (7:25-36).

25: “So some of the people of Jerusalem were saying, “Is this not the man whom they are seeking to kill?”

1. Some of the people now remembered that this is the one the Jews the rulers were wanting to kill! 1) When Jesus had first mentioned this idea, they had, in effect, denied it (19-20). 2) But after He challenged their judgment of Him and showed that not all work on

the Sabbath was sinful, they remembered that some had sought to kill Him.3) Note that those who remembered this were from Jerusalem, where the miracle

of healing on the Sabbath had occurred. 4) Perhaps the previous denial had been initiated by visitors from out of town who

came for the feast. 5) But as the discussion proceeded, people from Jerusalem recognized Jesus based

on His actions at previous feasts.

26: “Look, He is speaking publicly, and they are saying nothing to Him. The rulers do not really know that this is the Christ, do they?”

1. Then the people observed that He was speaking openly and boldly and nothing was being done to stop Him. 1) So they (sarcastically) wondered if even the rulers knew He was the Christ. 2) The implication is that, if they could prove He was not the Christ, they would

stop Him, probably by killing Him as they intended. Since the rulers did nothing, could that mean they thought He might be the

Christ?

2. Actually the rulers were about to take action (7:32). 1) Perhaps He had been gone from their territory so long, and had just recently

returned, so they were not fully aware of Him yet. 2) But other passages also show that they were hesitant to act because they feared

the people. 3) Furthermore, they feared causing turmoil, especially during a feast that might

cause the Romans to intervene in their affairs.289

3. Note that, when religious leaders allow people to teach and do not actively oppose them, others will likely assume that we endorse them. 1) This may not be correct, as in this case, but people will still think it. 2) That is why the church, for the sake of influence and reputation, must take care

who we allow to preach and teach in our assemblies and classes. 3) If people, who are known to hold erroneous views, are allowed to teach

unopposed, people will assume the church accepts their view (2 John 9-11).

27: “However, we know where this man is from; but whenever the Christ may come, no one knows where He is from.”

1. Jesus’ origin seemed to create serious problems for some people (John 6:42; 7:41-42). 1) They knew He was from Nazareth, and they knew His family. 2) This caused some of them to stumble, because they did not see how such a

great leader could come from such humble origins. 3) Others knew the Christ would be a descendant of David from Bethlehem, so

they rejected Jesus because He was from Galilee (7:41-42, 52). 4) Still others seemed to think the Christ would just appear to take leadership with

no known origin at all (Isa 53:8; Dan 7:13?). These Jews probably misapplied scripture claiming no one knew when or

from where the Christ would come from. They had a proverb stating: “Three things come unexpectedly: 1. A thing

found by chance; 2. The sting of a scorpion; and 3. The Messiah.”

2. Actually, Jesus fulfilled all prophecies regarding His origin, but the people were just ignorant either of what the prophecies meant or else of the facts of Jesus’ origin. 1) Specifically, He did, in a sense, appear from unknown origins, for He was from

heaven and was eternal. 2) He came to earth as a man miraculously, but had existed from eternity before

that (John 1:1-3, 14). But the people were ignorant of all this.

3. It is interesting that the people were still making judgments based on appearance! 1) They had no knowledge of Jesus’ real origin or of the prophecies, but they were still jumping to conclusions, even after Jesus warned them not to.

28: “Then Jesus cried out in the temple, teaching and saying, ‘You both know Me and know where I am from; and I have not come of Myself, but He who sent Me is true, whom you do not know.’”

1. Jesus dealt briefly with the issue of His origin, though He had told them about this before. 1) He said, in a sense, they did know where He came from. They knew His

physical family, and He had also told them before of His ultimate heavenly origin.

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2. But the real problem was they did not believe in His heavenly origin. 1) They did not realize that He had not come from Himself — i.e., by His own

authority. 2) He had come from the Father, but they rejected Him because they did not know

the Father. 3) They had not been faithful in serving God, so they did not recognize one who

came from Him.

29: “I know Him, because I am from Him, and He sent Me.”

1. Jesus knew the Father, because He had been with Him from the beginning (John 1:1) and had come from Him. 1) He had given the evidence for this the last time He had been in Jerusalem

(5:16-47), but the Jews had rejected it. Jesus did not repeat it in detail here (or we are not given the detail), but He did repeat the claim of His origin.

30: “So they were seeking to seize Him; and no man laid his hand on Him, because His hour had not yet come.”

1. Jesus’ sayings stirred some people up to oppose Him, as had happened the last time He had been in Jerusalem (Ch. 5). 1) But they could not capture Him, “because His hour had not come.” 2) This must surely refer to His time to die. That would come soon, but not yet. 3) In the meantime, it appears that God was protecting Him, so He could complete

His earthly work before dying. Of course, Jesus had miraculous power to avoid them taking Him, if it was

necessary for Him to use it. Perhaps this is what He did in this case; or the proceedings may have

appeared to occur by natural means, though God was actually in control (providence).

31: “But many of the crowd believed in Him; and they were saying, ‘When the Christ comes, He will not perform more signs than those which this man has, will He?’”

1. Some people in the crowd did believe in Jesus. And on what basis? His miracles!1) They expected the Christ to perform miracles when He did come (Isa 35:5-6;

Matt 11:2-6).2) The miracles of Jesus would be especially striking to the people, since there

had been a period of 300-400 years prior to His coming in which there had been no prophets (Mal 4:4-6).

3) John the Baptist had preceded Jesus, but even he did no miracles. This would make the miracles of Jesus all the more striking.

4) No one before or since did as many great miracles as Jesus. How could anyone doubt that He was the Messiah?

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5) They were impressed by His signs and did not believe that even the Christ could do more or greater miracles than Jesus had. John here again gives us testimony of Jesus’ miracles based on the

admission of the people. Note that the people here testify that Jesus had done great miracles.

2. Notice again how the conclusion that people reached was determined by how they

approached the evidence. 1) When people would begin with an honest examination of the evidence of

miracles and fulfilled prophecy — the evidence Jesus had appealed to — they were convinced His claims were true.

2) But other people started by comparing His teachings and actions to what they expected according to their preconceived ideas, meanwhile ignoring the evidence of miracles, etc. These people were the ones who rejected Him. We today must likewise take the right course. Start with the evidence, not

with our preconceptions of what teachings or works we think ought to characterize God.

32: “The Pharisees heard the crowd muttering these things about Him, and the chief priests and the Pharisees sent officers to seize Him.”

1. The chief priests and the Pharisees referred to the Sanhedrin council. 1) They had not acted before, leading some people to wonder how they viewed

Jesus (7:26). 2) However, they had finally heard enough that they decided to act.

2. No doubt, they were especially upset by the fact some people were coming to accept Him. 1) Nothing upset them more than when they feared they would lose influence and

honor in the eyes of the people. 2) This was the main reason they viewed Jesus as a threat (Matt 27:18).

33: “Therefore Jesus said, ‘For a little while longer I am with you, then I go to Him who sent Me.’”

1. Jesus then gave the people still more to consider. 1) They had doubted Him, because of their view of His origin. 2) He had said He had been sent by Someone else (obviously the Father, 7:28-29).3) He then proceeded to say that, in a little while, He would go back where He came

from (to the One who sent Him). 4) To understand that He came from the Father, of course, is to realize that He

was saying He would go back to the Father in heaven.

2. He would be among the people yet a little while. 1) But His death and the end of His earthly life and work was drawing close.

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2) Then He would leave them in death. 3) Though He would come back in the resurrection, He would ultimately ascend

to the Father miraculously (Acts 1:11). We understand this in light of what eventually happened.

34: “You will seek Me, and will not find Me; and where I am, you cannot come.”

1. The people could not go there because they were not dead yet. 1) Furthermore, if they were not faithful, they could not go there when they died

unless they repented. Perhaps this refers also to the fact that, even when we die, we do not go to

heaven but to the place of waiting till the judgment (Luke 16:19-31).

35: “The Jews then said to one another, ‘Where does this man intend to go that we will not find Him? He is not intending to go to the Dispersion among the Greeks, and teach the Greeks, is He?’”

1. Jesus’ statements had really confused the Jews. 1) They had thought they knew where He came from, though they did not

understand where He ultimately came from. 2) Then they were really confused when He said He would go back and they could

not go there.

2. They wondered if He intended to go teach “to the Dispersion among the Greeks.”1) The Jews were dispersed throughout the Greek lands at this time rather than

remaining within the bounds of Canaan (Acts 2:5-11).2) The word for Greeks here refers to Greek-speaking Gentiles Rom 1:16).

It is not the same as the word for Hellenistic or Greek-speaking Jews in Acts 6:1, etc.

Because Greek was the universal language of the day, Jews often described Gentiles (nations) as anyone other than Jews.

36: “What is this statement that He said, ‘You will seek Me, and will not find Me; and where I am, you cannot come’?’”

1. These Jews seems to be implying that, if Jesus was going where they could not come, He must be going among the dispersed Jews and there teach Gentiles. 1) Of course, Jesus did eventually save Gentiles, but not at all as these Jews had in

mind.

2. Since then, men of every generation have been looking for Jesus, the Son of God.1) The thought is also emphasized by Jesus Himself (John 8:21; 13:33).2) Acts 17:22-31: No one will find Jesus here on earth because He went home!3) His crucifixion, burial, and ascension were now eminent and the only ones who

could now find Jesus would be those who sought Him spiritually.

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3. Many are looking for Jesus in the wrong places (Ps 127:1; Matt 15:9; Matt 7:21).1) So they are grumbling and disputing again over Jesus rather than listening to

Him.2) Why would Jesus leave at such a crucial time as this?

Human reasoning alone can provide the answer. This is what’s wrong with too many – a home-made remedy religion

(Jer 10:23; Prov 16:25; 2 John 9).

4. The Bible reveals some of the places Jesus is found.1) Luke 2:46: At the right hand of God.2) John 1:14; 20:30-31: In the word of God.3) In the church (Matt 26:26-29: In the Lord’s Supper.4) Rev 3:20: In the heart.

5. John is painting a powerful picture that is intended to ask a question to our hearts. 1) What keeps us from believing in and seeing Jesus as the bread of life? 2) What is keeping us from having our will become doing His will and seeking

His glory? 3) Why are you deflecting God’s word? 4) What is stopping you from coming to a life-changing relationship with Jesus?5) Do you think you have something more valuable than Jesus? 6) Do you treasure something else in your life over the all-satisfying Jesus?

What is holding us back?

C. IF ANYONE THIRSTS AND DRINKS (7:37-39).LOVING THE WILL OF GOD LEADS TO OBEDIENCE.

37: “Now on the last day, the great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, ‘If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink.’”

1. The text points out to us that it is the last day (8th day) of the feast. 1) On each of the seven days prior to the final day, priests drew water from the

Pool of Siloam and carried a golden pitcher full of water to the temple and then around the altar. As the priests neared the water gate, the shofar was blown, and then the psalms of praise and thanksgiving were sung to God for the harvest (Borchert, New American Commentary).

2) This water pouring was a reminder of the Lord’s provision of water in the desert and the Lord’s pouring out the Spirit in the last days. The pouring of water at the Feast of Tabernacles referred symbolically to the messianic age in which a stream from the sacred rock would flow over the whole earth (Carson, Pillar New Testament Commentary).

3) Since the feast came in the fall, after a dry summer, the feast also included prayers to God for rain on the land.

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2. With these things in mind, consider the power of Jesus’ words on the last day of the feast, standing up and crying out, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink.” 1) Jesus is claiming to be the fulfillment of all the symbolism and hope found in

the Feast of Booths (Tabernacles).2) This is an important truth – When you go without God, your soul gets thirsty.3) You were made to be with God. 4) We often do not recognize that this is what we are thirsting.

We think it is for a better job, or a better spouse, or better parents, or something else that could be better in your life.

5) You are thirsting for God and you have to recognize this truth so that you will come to Him.

6) Just as your body was made for water so your soul was made for God. We spend so much time trying to satisfy our thirst in the wrong ways (Jer

2:13). JESUS IS WHAT SATISFIES THE SOUL .

3. This is similar to John 6:53-58. 1) There Jesus had told the Jews that He was the bread of life and could give them

eternal life if they would come to Him. 2) However, He also said they could drink of Him (see also 4:10ff).3) The point, explained in that context, is that Jesus gives us what we need

spiritually so we may receive eternal life, just like physical food and drink provide what we need for physical life.

4) Coming to Jesus is explained as simply meaning to learn of Him, believe on Him, and serve Him.

38: “He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, ‘From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.’”

1. Scriptures abound in this metaphor (Isa 44:3; 55:1; 58:11; Ps 36:8-9; 65:8; Prov 10:11; 11:25; 18:4; Ezek 47:1-12; Joel 2:23; 3:18; Zech 14:8).1) “From his innermost being”: Literally, out of his belly.

The word “belly” is often put for the center of a thing, the midst of a thing, the heart of a thing (Matt 12:40).

2. “Rivers” is plural, indicating the supply is over abundant.1) “Living water (s)”: Fresh spring water in contrast to the cistern water that soon

becomes stale and polluted. 2) Water is a life giving substance which is necessary.3) Those believing in Jesus will have an unending supply of this life giving

substance.4) It will be in them and “will flow” out from them.

3. There is constant satisfaction in Jesus.

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1) It is not a single drink, only to be let back out into the desert of this world with an ever increasing thirst.

2) The water will flow from your own heart when you believe in Jesus. 3) Jesus is a perpetual fountain for your soul. 4) Notice where the basis of the rivers of living water flows. What is the source?5) The source is your heart. Has this not been the entire message of this gospel?

God wants your heart.

4. You cannot come to Christ for salvation until your heart has been radically transformed. 1) The transformation of the heart is what true belief looks like.2) If the heart has not been changed, then that person does not believe and does

not have life. 3) The changed heart will drive our lives toward righteous living. 4) Ezek 36:26: Ezekiel prophesied that God would put in His people a new heart

that was not a heart of stone but a heart of flesh. 5) Jer 31:31-34: Jeremiah prophesied that God would write His law on the

people’s hearts, thus making them His people and He will be their God.6) Coming to Jesus is not merely changing some external habits.

It is not that now you come to church and stop swearing. 7) Coming to Jesus and drinking is to see Jesus as the satisfaction of your thirst.8) Coming to Jesus is opening your heart to His teaching, letting His words

change your mind, your heart, your values, your attitude, your personality, your thinking, and your way of life.

9) Coming to Jesus is to make our will to do the will of God. 10) Coming to Jesus is to seek God’s glory, not our own.

5. But look at what Jesus is offering. 1) Jesus will perpetually and continually quench your thirst. 2) Jesus is the answer for your life. 3) Open your heart to Him and let Him be your everything!

39: “But this He spoke of the Spirit, whom those who believed in Him were to receive; for the Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.”

1. This verse is teaching the same as that in John 6:63.1) The life-giving substance is really the Spirit and not physical water.2) How does one assimilate this life-giving substance?3) By eating and digesting the words of Jesus which are really the words of the

Spirit (John 16:12-14; 1 Cor 2:10-13).

2. He explained this as referring to the Holy Spirit, who would be received by those who believed in Jesus (Isa 32:15; 44:3; Ezek 39:29; Joel 2:28-32). 1) This would not occur till after Jesus had been glorified and the Holy Spirit had

been given, apparently meaning the coming of the Spirit (John 16:7; Acts 2:1-4, 17).

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3. In Jesus’ farewell prayer we learn that His death brought on the hour for Him to be glorified (John 17:1-4).1) However, it was not just His death that glorified Him, but His resurrection and

ascension back to the Father (John 17:5).2) Thus, this statement is the same as saying that Jesus had not yet died, rose, and

ascended to the Father (John 11:4; 12:16, 23; 13:31).

4. The feast lasted for 8 days while the people lived in tabernacles (7:2).1) The feast was about to end. Jesus had taught the people and stirred up their

thinking since He had come to the feast, as the context shows. 2) But the discussions were about to end when the feast ended.

III. SAME DEAD HEARTS (7:40-52).

40: “Some of the people therefore, when they heard these words, were saying, ‘This certainly is the Prophet.’”

41: “Others were saying, ‘This is the Christ.’ Still others were saying, ‘Surely the Christ is not going to come from Galilee, is He?’”

42: “Has not the Scripture said that the Christ comes from the descendants of David, and from Bethlehem, the village where David was?”

1. Jesus’ teaching caused considerable stir and difference of viewpoint among the people. 1) Different people expressed different views of Jesus, just as the disciples had

described to Jesus (Matt. 16:15ff.). 2) Some people said He was the prophet, probably the one predicted by Moses in

(Deut18:15; John 1:15; Acts 3:22-26). 3) Others said He was the Christ. Actually, He was both, since the prophecies all

referred to the same person.

2. However, some people could not believe He was the Christ, because Jesus came out of Galilee and the prophecies said the Christ would be of the seed of David from Bethlehem. 1) They were correct in their understanding of Scripture (Mic 5:2; cf. 2 Sam

7:11-14; Isa 11:1; Jer 23:5; Ps 18:50; 89:4f, 36), but wrong in their knowledge of the facts of Jesus’ case.

2) He was born in Bethlehem of the seed of David (Matt 1; 2:1). 3) He grew up in Galilee after Joseph moved the family there to be safe from

Herod (Matt 2).

3. Here is another example of the Jews’ making unrighteous judgments (7:24). 1) They did not have the facts of the case, but they could easily have learned them

had they put forth the effort to do so. 2) Instead, they just made a judgment which satisfied their desires and rejected

Jesus (7:27, 31).

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43: “So a division occurred in the crowd because of Him.”

1. The crowds become further divided with each teaching of Jesus.1) Although many seem to miss it, the Bible makes one thing very clear: Jesus

Christ expects to be taken seriously! 2) If one does not kiss (worship) the Son, then He will be angry with him (Ps

2:12). 3) Those who think Jesus will be tolerant concerning their religious beliefs are

sadly mistaken. 4) Jesus made it quite clear that He is not a way to the Father, but He is “the way”

(John 14:6). 5) Peter taught the same thing when he said, “Nor is there salvation in any other,

for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).

6) Consequently, in order to spend an eternity with God in heaven, one is going to have to make the right decision about Jesus of Nazareth (John 8:24; 1 John 4:3; 2 John 7).

2. In Isaiah 9:6, the prophet referred to Jesus as the “Prince of Peace.” 1) In the New Testament, He is called the “Lord of peace” (2 Thes 3:16). 2) And at His birth, the angels and the heavenly host said: “Glory to God in the

highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” (Luke 2:14). 3) Contrary to what many people think, these passages are not addressing Jesus'

connection to peace between nations. 4) Neither are they saying that His primary mission was to bring peace between

men. 5) Jesus did not come to bring peace in the way we normally think of the word.

Matt 10:34-36 Jesus said: “Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword. For I have come to set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; and a man's foes shall be they of his own household.”

3. So, as shocking as it may sound, Jesus said that He came into this world to bring division. 1) But, before we pursue this subject any further, it is absolutely essential that we

understand the statements made in Isa 9:6; 2 Thes 3:16; Luke 2:14. 2) First of all, one can be sure that these statements do not contradict what Jesus

said in Matt 10:34-36. The Bible, the inspired word of God, does not contradict itself! In Luke 2:14, the angels and host of heaven are speaking of the peace that

would, as a result of this child's work, be able to exist between God and man.

As Rom 5:1 says, “having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” This peace was being bestowed

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upon all of mankind “through Jesus Christ” (Acts 10:36), and the “glory” for all of this belongs to “God in the highest.”

Eph 2:4-9: “But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.”

4. Rom 5:8-9: In other words, all of mankind became the enemies of God through sin, and the only way they could be at peace with Him was through His goodwill or grace. 1) This and this alone, is that of which Luke 2:14 speaks. Yes, it would be true

that men who were at peace with God through Jesus Christ would also learn how to be at peace with each other (Rom 12:18; Heb 12:14; 1 Pet 3:11), but this was clearly secondary to, and dependent upon, the peace that could, through Christ, exist between God and man.

5. Jesus of Nazareth has always been a lightning rod for controversy. 1) When Jesus walked this earth the crowds disputed over what He said, what He

did and who He was (read John 7): Was He was prophet? Was he just a man?2) Is He the Christ, the Son of God? Is He the Savior or a sinner? Things have

not changed today as evidenced by the commotion surrounding the release of the film version of The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown.

6. Time has not changed the effect Jesus has on people. 1) Just about every view of Jesus imaginable has been offered, from “a good

man” to a “lunatic” to a “prophet” to “the Christ.” 2) Some even blasphemously tell us that Jesus was a homosexual. Others contend

Jesus was married to Mary Magdalene and had children; some say he was a polygamist.

3) The world has never seen anyone like Jesus. 4) At least one thing is certain: somebody is wrong. 5) The Bible is plain and certain in presenting the evidence:

Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God. Jesus is Immanuel (God with us) Jesus is God in flesh (Matt 16:16-18; 1:23; John 1:1-3, 14; Col 2:9).

7. An important and intriguing truth gleaned from John 7:43 is Jesus provokes division: You cannot remain neutral. 1) Inevitably, division occurs between the person who puts Jesus first in his life

and those who do not. 2) If you choose to be a Christian you must be prepared for the dividing effect

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3) Some continue to stumble in disobedience because they will not accept this trait of Christ and His gospel (1 Pet 2:8).

4) Division is not a new thing among Christians. It ought not to be (John 17:20-21). God’s people should banish division (1 Cor 1:10; Eph 4:1-6).

5) When division does occur it identifies those approved by God (1 Cor 11:19; 1 John 2:19). A careful comparison what one teaches and practices to the New

Testament shows who is with God and who is not with Him (1 John 4:1, 6).

Work tirelessly to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 6) If division comes let it be because we stand for Christ on His truth (Phil 1:12-

18). The Prince of Peace brought PEACE and DIVISION to the world. That is the nature of truth (John 3:19-21). Who is on the Lord’s side? (Ex 32:26)

8. This sharp division over Christ will one day culminate in the great judgment scene where the wise and the foolish, the sheep and the goats, those on the right hand and on the left, and the doers of the word and the hearers only, shall be divided for an eternity (Matt 7:21-27; 25:31-46). 1) In the final judgment at the end of time, all things will be set right. 2) In the meantime, the tares and the wheat grow together in the same field (Matt

13:24-30). 3) Let us determine to spend our time here in this world proving ourselves to be

the “good seed” sown by our Lord, Jesus Christ. 4) Remember, the churches at Pergamum and Thyatira, who basked in the twilight

of the 1st-century, were condemned by the Lord for tolerating false teaching. Reflecting in the twilight of the 20th-century, let us make sure that we are

not guilty of the same misdeed.

44: “Some of them wanted to seize Him, but no one laid hands on Him.”

1. These verses describe the end result of the interaction between Jesus and the people: they were divided because of Him. 1) As described in the previous verses, some believed that He was the Christ, but

others denied it.

2. “Because of Him”…1) Sinners can have pardon – freed from sin (Rom 6;17-18).2) Sheep can have a Shepherd (Isa 53:4-12; John 10:11).3) The church has a Head with authority (Matt 16:17-18; Eph 1:22-23; Col

1:18).4) Some people are offended – will be rooted up (Matt 15:12-14).5) We can know what love means (1 Cor 13:4-7; 1 John 3:16).6) We can live by the highest standard (1 John 1:6-7).

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7) We can go to heaven (Matt 25:21).

45: “The officers then came to the chief priests and Pharisees, and they said to them, ‘Why did you not bring Him?’

46: The officers answered, ‘Never has a man spoken the way this man speaks.’”

1. The rulers, being upset by what they heard about the effects of Jesus’ teachings, had earlier sent officers to capture Jesus (7:32). 1) Here the officers returned having failed to arrest Him. 2) When asked their reason, they said that no one had ever spoken like Jesus!3) Note that they had not failed because they feared Jesus or His disciples would

overpower them, or even because they feared the people might get upset.4) Rather, it was Jesus’ own teaching that hindered them.

2. They were obviously so impressed by His teachings that they did not fulfill their mission to arrest Him. 1) This shows the amazing power of His words, if even the enemies sent to

capture Him could not bring themselves to do so. 2) These men were presumably soldiers or police officers.

They would be hardened to the treachery and deceit of those who would seek to maintain their freedom or try to talk their way out of being arrested.

3) Yet, experienced and hardened as they were, they still could not bring themselves, after hearing Jesus, to believe that He deserved to be arrested.

4) This becomes indirect testimony, even from Jesus’ enemies, of the great power of His teaching.

3. Doubtless, these officers did not understand the degree of truth of their statement. 1) But no man in history ever did speak as Jesus did. 2) He is the greatest character in history, never equaled before or since. 3) No one spoke as He did, because no one else was as great as He nor had as

important a message as He. 4) Do we appreciate the greatness of His words?

Far too many do not appreciate His words, because they will not listen. Those who will honestly listen, even if they have been enemies, may well

be converted or at least much more sympathetic.

47: “The Pharisees then answered them, ‘You have not also been led astray, have you?’48: No one of the rulers or Pharisees has believed in Him, has he?49: But this crowd which does not know the Law is accursed.”

1. The Jewish rulers asked the officers if they were being deceived by Jesus like other people were. 1) This response demonstrated their arrogance and false standard for determining

right from wrong.2. On what basis did they conclude Jesus was a false deceiver?

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1) On the basis that none of them believed in Him! 2) The rulers and Pharisees did not accept Him, so how could He be right? 3) They viewed themselves as the educated, informed, spiritual leaders. 4) They were the authorities to determine right from wrong for everybody else!5) Other people should just accept their word that their conclusions were right. 6) If they believed a thing to be untrue, then everyone else should believe the

same.

50: “Nicodemus (he who came to Him before, being one of them) said to them,”

1. Their statement, besides constituting a false basis for faith, was even factually untrue. 1) Nicodemus was one of their number.2) Though he may not have openly declared his faith in Jesus, he was yet

obviously sympathetic and eventually became a disciple. 3) Likewise, Joseph of Arimathea was a council member who became a disciple

(Mark 15:43). 4) The Jewish rulers may not have known these things, but the fact remains that

even their argument was factually in error.

2. Of course, this raised the issue of why many people disagreed with the rulers and believed in Jesus. 1) The rulers responded to that by saying the people were ignorant of the law and

were therefore accursed. 2) Hence, all who believed in Him were ignorant and accursed, and all who did

not believe were right and should be followed. 3) This approach ignored all the factual evidence such as Jesus’ miracles, fulfilled

prophecies, and the myriads of times He had proved by the law that He was right and these rulers were wrong.

3. The effect of this reasoning, of course, is to make the religious leaders the standard of right and wrong for everything. 1) Yet, they themselves, and all honest people, knew that throughout the history of

the Jewish nation the religious leaders had often been wrong (Acts 7). 2) Jesus often warned the people of the danger of just accepting the convictions of

the leaders (Matt 23).3) In particular, this approach involves men following human guides in religion, a

practice that the Bible often rebukes (2 Cor 10:12, 18; 1 Cor 1:18-31; Matt 15:9, 13; Gal 1:8-9; 2 John 9-11; Col 3:17; Jer 10:23; Prov 14:12; 3:5-6; Rev 22:18-19).

4) This practice also ignores the multitude of warnings about the dangers of false teaching (Matt 7:15-23; 15:14; 2 Cor 11:13-15; 1 Tim 4:1-3; Acts 20:28-30; 1 John 4:1; 2 Tim 4:2-4; Tit 1:9-14; 2 John 9-11; Rom 16:17,18; Gal 1:6-9; 2 Pet 2).

4. Yet, many people today still advocate this approach. 302

1) Official Roman Catholic doctrine states that, if members just do what the Pope or the priest say, they will be acceptable to God.

2) Others believe that preachers are trained at special schools, so you can trust them. “Good old bro. so-&-so always taught it this way.” “The elders decided it, so how can we object?” “Scientists think it happened this way.” “This is the way it is taught by college professors or textbooks”

3) Even members of Jesus’ church sometimes make such fallacious “arguments” to defend their point.

5. All who reason this way are as wrong today as were these Jewish leaders. 1) Truth is determined by facts, evidence, proof, not by who accepts or rejects a

viewpoint. 2) Yet, people still continue to determine what they believe, not by investigating

facts, but by considering who is lined up on the various sides of the issue. 3) This is especially offensive when it comes from the mouths of those who want

other people to take their word for it!

51: “Our Law does not judge a man unless it first hears from him and knows what he is doing, does it?”

1. Nicodemus responds to Jesus’ critics.1) Now we are told that Nicodemus was among the number of this council (very

likely this was the Sanhedrin council). 2) He had earlier had a private meeting with Jesus in which he had stated faith in

Him (3:1-21). 3) The statements here made by the other leaders constituted a direct challenge to

such as him. 4) They had just said that no rulers or Pharisees believed in Jesus. 5) Yet, Nicodemus did believe in Him.

As noted already, Joseph was or soon would be a believer. Probably others also believed or at least suspected Jesus’ claims were true.

But they were very careful how they spoke out, because the rulers opposed all who openly stated their faith (7:13; 12:42-43).

2. Nicodemus, however, did make an attempt to reason with these men by asking whether it was right, according to the law, to condemn a man before he even had a chance to speak for himself and defend his beliefs. 1) The answer, of course, was that the law required that a man be given a chance

to speak on his own behalf. 2) And these rulers knew such to be the case, or as rulers ought to have known.3) By condemning Jesus without a proper trial, they demonstrated that they, not

Jesus, were the ones disobeying and disrespecting Divine law.

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Rather than maintaining proper objectivity till the evidence had been considered, they proved themselves unfit to rule (Lev 19:15; Deut 1:16-17; 17:4-6; 19:15-21; Ex 23:1).

3. Note that Nicodemus here advocated the proper approach. 1) Not just in courts of law, but also in matters of personal faith, issues must be

decided on the basis of evidence and facts. 2) That means that we must be willing to hear both sides and must give an honest

consideration to the evidence. 3) It is not fair to just reject a man’s view without ever considering the evidence

for it. 4) Yet how often today are people, even in the Lord’s church, guilty of doing this

very thing! 7:24: Note again Jesus’ challenge.

52: “They answered him, ‘You are not also from Galilee, are you? Search, and see that no prophet arises out of Galilee.’”

1. The rulers oppose Nicodemus. Here again is another example, a classic example, of refusing to judge righteous judgment (7:24). This was wrong in many ways:

1) Prophets had arisen from Galilee. Jonah was from Gathhepher, a town in lower Galilee not far from

Nazareth (2 Kings 14:25; cf. Josh 19:13). Elijah was from the inhabitants of Gilead, which was east of the Jordan

from Galilee (1 Kings 17:1). Nahum and Malachi may also have been from Galilee (Nah 1:1).

So once again these rulers and supposed experts in the law demonstrated that their conclusions did not even have the facts straight!

2) Even if no prophet had ever arisen from Galilee, would that prove none ever could? What kind of evidence is this to say God could never do such a thing,

even if He never had? The “argument” amounts to regional bigotry. It is like saying no black

man can ever be a faithful preacher. What does the region of a man’s origin prove about whether or not God can use him as a teacher or prophet? 7:27, 41-42).

3) The fact is that Jesus Himself was born, not in Galilee, but in Bethlehem verses 41-42 where the issue was already dealt with. So the whole discussion is irrelevant and is based on misconception and

ignorance. It is the rulers who are ignorant, though they had accused the multitudes

of being ignorant!

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And again, simple research would have shown them the truth, but they were too bigoted to search for truth.

4) The argument ignores the proof repeatedly presented and well known to all these people that Jesus had done miracles and had fulfilled prophecy. The rulers ignored facts of major relevance and based their case on what

amounts to regional bigotry!

5) Finally, their response does not answer Nicodemus’ point but rather ignores it. He had pointed out that they were refusing to let Jesus present His own

evidence and were reaching a conclusion without considering what facts He might be able to produce.

So how did they respond? They proceeded to do exactly what he had accused them of!

They refused to consider anything Jesus had to say and proceeded to reach a conclusion based on ignorance and prejudice. Had they called Jesus and asked a few simple questions (such as

where He was born), they could have eliminated their whole objection.

2. The fact is, of course, these men did not want to be convinced to believe in Jesus. 1) They had their minds made up to oppose Him, not because of evidence, but

because of envy.2) Jesus was a threat to their popularity in the eyes of the people, and the facts of

the case did not matter. 3) We must beware lest we allow our own personal preferences to lead us to

ignore evidence and judge people and truth unfairly.

53: [“Everyone went to his home.”]

1. Everyone then went to his own house, perhaps not just in the sense of the end of the day, but also in the sense of the end of the feast. 1) These events had occurred on the last day of the feast (7:37). 2) The officers had failed to arrest Jesus, so everyone would disperse to his own

city across the nation. Their opportunity to capture Jesus had ended.

John Seven Study QuestionsTHE FEAST OF THE TABERNACLES IN JERUSALEM

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(ALSO CALLED THE FEAST OF BOOTHS)

I. SEEKING THE GLORY OF THE FATHER (John 7:1-18).

1. What feast was approaching, and where was Jesus at this time (1-2)?

2. Explain what this feast was about (check Old Testament references).

3. What did Jesus’ brothers want Him to do (3-5)?

1) Thought question: Where else have we studied about Jesus’ brothers?

4. What did Jesus’ brothers think about His claims (5)?

5. What was the “time” Jesus was referring to in verses 6 and 8?

6. What reason did Jesus give why the world hated Him (7)?1) What reaction may we expect when we do this?

7. In what way did Jesus go to the feast (9-10)?

8. How could He go after saying He would not go? Did Jesus deceive His brothers?

9. What did the Jews at the feast wonder about Jesus (11)?

10. What different views were expressed about Jesus by the people at the feast (12)?

11. Why were the people afraid to speak openly of Jesus (13)?

12. What amazed the people about Jesus’ teaching, and why did this amaze them (14-16)?

13. What must we do to know whether Jesus’ teaching was from God (17)?

14. If one wants to be true to God, what must he do and what must he avoid (18)?

II. OUT OF YOUR HEART WILL FLOW RIVERS OF LIVING WATER (John 7:19-39).

1. What questions did Jesus ask, and how did people respond (19-20)?

2. What work had Jesus done that caused them to marvel (21)? 1) How had this led them to seek to kill Him?

3. Explain in your own words Jesus’ argument (22-23).

4. What kind of judging is forbidden in verse 24, and what kind is commanded?306

5. Explain and give examples to show the difference between these two kinds of judging.1) List other passages that talk about proper or improper judging.

6. Whenever anyone uses the Bible to prove someone else is wrong spiritually, some people object saying Jesus said, “Judge not.” How should we respond (7:7.)

7. What did the people wonder about in verses 25 and 26?

8. Why did some think Jesus could not be the Christ (27)?

9. How did Jesus respond to the people’s objection (28-29)?

10. What did some want to do (30)? 1) Why did they fail?

11. What had convinced many people to believe in Jesus (31)?

12. What did the rulers do about this (32)?

13. Where did Jesus say He was going, and what did He mean by this (33-34)?

14. How did the Jews react to this, and what did they think Jesus meant (35-36)?

15. What did Jesus say on the last day of the feast (37)?

16. Where else in John did He make similar statements?

17. To what was Jesus referring with this statement (39?)

III. SAME DEAD HEARTS (7:40-52).

1. Who did some people think Jesus was (40-41)?

2. Why did some people reject Jesus as Christ, and what facts were they missing (42)?

3. What condition existed among the crowd because of Jesus and what lessons can we learn (43)?

4. What did some want to do to Him, and what was the result (44)?

5. What reasons did the officers give why they did not capture Jesus (45-46)? 1) What does this tell us about Jesus’ teaching?)

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6. What reason did the rulers give why others should not believe in Jesus (47)?

7. What did they say about those who did believe in Him (48)?1) Name some examples in which people today use similar “reasoning” in religion.

8. What else did they say (49)?

9. Who tried to get Jesus a fair hearing, and what argument did he make (50)? 1) Where else have we discussed this man?

10. What does the Law demand before judging (51)?

11. How did the Pharisees respond to him, and what was wrong with their “argument” (52-53)?

12. What other prophets do we know for sure came from Galilee and give Scripture?1)2)

John 8JESUS AS THE SOURCE OF LIGHT AND TRUTH

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INTRODUCTION

A. John 8:1-11 is missing from some of the oldest Bible manuscripts.

1. Most Bibles will mark either in the footnotes or directly in the text that this story is not in some of the earlier manuscripts. 1) This does not mean that this story is not historical or accurate. 2) There is no reason to doubt the authenticity of this story.

2. The only question is whether or not John included it in his account or whether someone else added it later. 1) In any case, the teaching of the passage is in complete harmony with Jesus’

teaching and with other Scripture. We will treat is as truth.

2) This event is fairly well known and certainly descriptive of the compassion of Jesus shown in the Gospels.

3. What is being noted is that this story is not in this location in early manuscripts. 1) Some think the story was taken out by people because it seems to condone

adultery. 2) Some think the story was never in John’s gospel but tradition attached it at this

point. 3) Either way, the historicity of this text is not in question. 4) It is simply a question of whether this story belong right here, somewhere else

in John’s gospel, or in a location in one of the other gospels.

I. THE WOMAN TAKEN IN ADULTERY (8:1-11).

1: [“But Jesus went to the Mount of Olives.”

1. The people had gone home (7:53), but Jesus went to the Mount of Olives on the east side of Jerusalem (see MAP). 1) This is where He often went in the evenings and then returned in the day. 2) It was here He went to pray on the night before His crucifixion.

2: “Early in the morning He came again into the temple, and all the people were coming to Him; and He sat down and began to teach them.”

1. Early the next morning He returned to the temple and taught the people. 1) It was an obvious purpose for the temple and an obvious place to do teaching,

since many people came there for religious purposes. 2) It seems that the feast had already ended, so many people who had come for the

feast would have by this time gone home. 3) However, many no doubt remained some time afterward, and of course many

people lived in Jerusalem.

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4) It is likely that other religious teachers would also come to the temple grounds to teach, so people who wanted to hear religious discussions would go there expecting to learn from those who taught.

5) But it also was an obvious place for Jesus’ enemies to find Him, as they did here.

3: “The scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman caught in adultery, and having set her in the center of the court,

4: they said to Him, ‘Teacher, this woman has been caught in adultery, in the very act.’5: Now in the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women; what then do You say?”

1. The teaching of the law is found in Lev 20:10; Deut 22:22-24. 1) Note that these passages teach both the adulterer and the adulteress should be

put to death. 2) While the Law did not speak of stoning, stoning was the most common way in

which Israel carried out the death penalty. 3) In the time of Ezekiel the method was stoning and death by sword (Ezek

26:38-40).

2. If the woman was taken in the very act, then the man should have been caught too. 1) Where was he? 2) If the Jews were really so concerned about following Moses’ law as they

pretended to be, they would have brought the man too. 3) What they really wanted to do was to trap Jesus.

As usual, they are being hypocrites.

6: “They were saying this, testing Him, so that they might have grounds for accusing Him. But Jesus stooped down and with His finger wrote on the ground.”

1. The scribes and Pharisees, as they often did, found a way to try to test or trap Jesus.What was the trap? 1) Probably their idea related to their belief that He came to be an earthly king.

If so, He should judge such matters as this. If He judged to kill her, they could accuse Him to the Romans of having

usurped their authority, since no one could be put to death without their authority (John 18:31).

2) If He said not to kill her, then they could accuse Him of breaking Moses’ law. This was an accusation they had already raised against Him regarding the

Sabbath.

2. The fact that they had ulterior motives should be obvious in several ways. 1) First, they had brought only the woman. But the law required both the adulterer

and the adulteress to be had they not brought the man?

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2) Second, why bring her to Jesus for judgment? He held no earthly position whatever that gave Him the authority to judge the case. Such cases were to be judged by the priests or others in positions of such

responsibility. 3) Third, they had already stated what the law said: it said to stone her.

If they knew what the law said, why ask Him about it? Why not just do what they acknowledged was taught in the law? The

whole case smelled from the beginning of a contrived effort to trap Jesus.

3. Jesus stooped and wrote on the ground with His finger as if He had not heard them. 1) Why do this? He was in no hurry to judge the matter. 2) It surely had the effect of building suspense. 3) At the least, this made it clear that He had no desire to usurp Roman rule and

judge such matters.4) It was the Jews who were forcing the issue and compelling Him to make a

decision. Sometimes it is important to make clear to the bystanders who the

aggressors are in a situation. Let them see that you do not seek an occasion of argument, but the issue is being forced by others.

7: “But when they persisted in asking Him, He straightened up, and said to them, ‘He who is without sin among you, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.’”

1. This turned the tables on them in more than one way. 1) First, it gave them the duty to kill her, if it was to be done.

He was not the one who would violate Roman law by killing her, and in fact He would not even be her judge.

They would have to judge both her and themselves, and they would have to execute her if it was to be done. In that case, they, not He, would be answerable to the Romans for

having usurped their authority.

2) But even more important, this approach was in harmony with the Law of Moses, which they claimed to be following. The law expressly stated that, in a capital crime, the witnesses must be the

first ones to initiate the execution of the guilty (Deut 17:6-7; cf. Deut 13:9).

This law required the witnesses to demonstrate their conviction that their testimony was true to the point that they would actually begin the execution of the criminal.

Deut 19:16-19: The Law also required that two witnesses to testify and they must be honest and trustworthy. In reminding them of these principles, Jesus avoided their trap while

at the same upholding the Law. He appealed to the very source of authority they had cited: the Old Testament Law.

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He then called upon them to demonstrate their commitment to the law and to the guilt of the woman by being the ones to cast the stones.

2. Further, He appealed to their own consciences in the presence of all the people.1) He was forcing them to claim, if they stoned her, that they themselves were

innocent of guilt. 2) If they were guilty of sins themselves, however, what right did they have to

condemn her to death? 3) They had come to Him with hypocritical intentions, not to uphold the law, but

to trap Him. His approach called attention to their own wickedness and hypocritical

motives in the very act of bringing the woman to Jesus.

3. Note that this does not say, as some claim, that we should never criticize the sins of others, and if we do we are hypocrites claiming we ourselves never sin. 1) 7:7, 24: Recall that Jesus’ disciples often pointed out people’s errors. 2) However, condemning someone to death is not the same as just telling them

they have sinned.

8: “Again He stooped down and wrote on the ground.”

1. This was an act to show that He is not concerned with this case.1) He is not the judge in civil matters and indicating this by his disinterest.

This act also gave them time to consider the matter while not having to face Him as they thought about it.

2) They keep asking Him until He raises and answers them.

9: “When they heard it, they began to go out one by one, beginning with the older ones, and He was left alone, and the woman, where she was, in the center of the court.”

1. This indicates the extent that the Jews were steeped in adultery.1) Matt 16:4: Jesus called them an “adulterous and wicked generation.”2) However, the consciences of these men would not allow them to be the first to

throw a stone at her. 3) They left, from the oldest to the last, leaving the woman standing alone with

Jesus in the middle of the multitude.4) Clearly something was amiss. Something was fishy because they did not persist

in this matter. The accusers have been “caught” in their own sins.

10: “Straightening up, Jesus said to her, ‘Woman, where are they? Did no one condemn you?’

11: She said, ‘No one, Lord.’ And Jesus said, ‘I do not condemn you, either. Go. From now on sin no more.’”]

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1. Another reason why this whole section (8:1-11) is omitted is that at an early date a copyist misunderstood the teaching of the passage and omitted it. The copyist mistook “I do not condemn you” as an approval for adultery.1) Then “Later copyists, seeing that one of the manuscripts did not have this

passage, became troubled over it and omitted it, or put it doubtfully at the close of the book” (Foster, p. 798).

2. “Condemn” in verses 10 and 11 means to pass a death sentence and determine to stone her to death. 1) Her accusers had not been willing to do that (10), and neither would Jesus

condemn her to be stoned (11). 2) He was not denying her guilt, nor was He unwilling to rebuke her for sin – in

fact, He immediately proceeded to affirm and rebuke her guilt. 3) He condemned her of sin, but did not condemn her to death. We are not doing

that to anyone!4) Jesus is saying, I’m not going to pass a final judgment and a condemnation to

death now – go out, and prove you can do better.

3. Jesus comes to her rescue and is her advocate in the face of her condemnation of death. 1) In both verses this is a legal condemnation, not just a moral condemnation.2) 10: The Jews held her guilty morally, but no one would appear as a witness and

condemn her legally so the sentence could be carried out. 3) 11: This is the same kind of condemnation as above. Jesus was one man and

not a witness to the event, therefore he was not condemning her legally in order to stone her.

4) However He does hold her guilty of sin, and demands that she cease from it. This in no way condones adultery.

5) She is guilty but she has an advocate who tells her that she is not condemned. 6) 1 John 1:8-2:2: This is the hope of every human.

4. It is also true that Jesus had power on earth to directly forgive sins. 1) He had exercised this power several times. 2) It is possible that He did so in this case.

However, personally, I doubt that is the point here. 3) The point is that the witnesses did not condemn her to death, so neither did

Jesus. 4) However, as a prophet and teacher, He could rebuke her and urge her to turn

from sin.

II. JESUS’ CLAIM TO BE LIGHT AND TRUTH (8:12-59).

A. “I AM THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD” (8:12-20).(This is the second “I am.” The first - “I am the bread of life”, 6:35).

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12: “Then Jesus again spoke to them, saying, ‘I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life.’”

1. The timing of this statement is very important. 1) Remember that the feast under which these chapters are recorded is the Feast of

Tabernacles. 2) We noted in John 7 that there was a water ceremony that was tied to the Feast

of Tabernacles, which is why Jesus on the last day cried out “If anyone thirst, let him come to me and drink” (John 7:37).

2. The Feast of Tabernacles also had a nightly counterpart to the water ceremony and that was a lamp lighting ceremony. 1) In the temple court four huge candelabras were lit. 2) There was not a courtyard in Jerusalem that did not reflect their light. 3) This had the reminder of their wandering in the wilderness on the way to the

Promised Land as God led the people by night with a pillar of fire. 4) Imagine these blazing torches whose flames burned each night through the time

of the feast (20). 5) These blazing torches would have been extinguished now that the feast was

over (7:52-53). 6) Yet, the light from the celebration would be fresh on the people’s mind, giving

Jesus a good opportunity to illustrate that He could provide spiritual light.

3. Note that Jesus claimed to be the light of the world, not just of any one portion of people. 1) This would conflict with Jewish expectations. 2) They thought the Messiah would give light to the Jewish nation, but would lead

them to victory over their enemies in the world. 3) Jesus’ claim to be the light of the world foreshadowed the great truth that all

people of all nations can benefit from the gospel.

4. Continuing to teach the people, Jesus claimed to be the light of the world, so that people who follow Him are not in darkness but have the light of life. 1) Jesus is often referred to as the “light” (John 1:4; 12:35-36, 46; 9:5).2) Light illuminates, giving understanding and making things clear (Eph 5:13;

John 3:19-21; Ps 119:105).3) As such, it often symbolizes righteousness and truth.

Darkness is the opposite. It often symbolizes ignorance, confusion, and evil.

4) Jesus is the source of true revelation from God (John 1:14, 18; Heb 1:1-2). 5) To learn from Him is to truly understand God’s will and purpose for our lives. 6) He shows us how to please God and have eternal life. 7) Hence, we walk in light, not darkness, and have hope of eternal life (1 John

1:5-7).

5. First, Jesus calling himself “the light of the world” was a claim to be God Himself.

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Ps 27:1: “The LORD is my light and my salvation…” Isa 60:19: “No longer will you have the sun for light by day, nor for brightness will

the moon give you light; but you will have the LORD for an everlasting light and your God for your glory.”

1) David said that the Lord was his light and the Lord was his salvation. 2) Isaiah prophesied that the Lord would be the light for the people. 3) Jesus comes along and declares that He is that light. He is God.

This is a point we will see a few times in this gospel. 4) Only God gives light to the world. Only God can give light to the eyes. Only

God can bring light to the heart. Only God can speak light into existence.

6. Second, Jesus calling himself “the light of the world” was a claim to the prophesied Messiah. 1) The prophets pictured the world and Israel in darkness. 2) God is separate from the world and cannot be in relationship with evil. 3) Therefore, the world is in darkness and even Israel was in darkness because of

their sins. 4) But Malachi spoke of a hopeful day.

Mal 4:2: “But for you who fear My name the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings; and you will go forth and skip about like calves from the stall.”

5) Luke 1:78-79: Simeon said similar words when he took the baby Jesus in his arms in the temple.

7. Third, Jesus calling himself “the light of the world” means that He is the head of the true Israel, the people of God, and people must attach themselves to him to belong to the Father. 1) Isaiah spoke of a hopeful day when the people who were in covenant

relationship with God would be the light of the world.

Isa 42:6-7: “I am the LORD, I have called you in righteousness. I will also hold you by the hand and watch over you, and I will appoint you as a covenant to the people, as a light to the nations, to open blind eyes, to bring out prisoners from the dungeon, and those who dwell in darkness from the prison.”

Isa 49:6: He says, “It is too small a thing that you should be My Servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved ones of Israel; I will also make you a light of the nations so that My salvation may reach to the end of the earth.”

B. WHAT JESUS SAYS TO THOSE WHO DO NOT FOLLOW HIM (8:13-20).

13: “So the Pharisees said to Him, “You are testifying about Yourself; Your testimony is not true.”

1. Jesus’ statement gave occasion for a running debate with the Jewish leaders.

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1) They had already determined that they wanted to kill Jesus (7:25, 45-52). 2) They had tried repeatedly to trap Him in His teaching. 3) From this point on, the confrontation leads to ongoing conflict.

2. The Pharisees took up the debate by denying that Jesus could prove such claims as He had just made. 1) They said that He was just making the claim and had no evidence, except just

the fact that He Himself claimed it. 2) No other proof could substantiate His claim. They are appealing to the principle

that more than one witness is needed to confirm a truth (8:18). 3) In particular, one person alone could not stand justified on the basis of his own

claims. By Himself, He would obviously be a biased witness.

3. But in this case, such argumentation was nonsense on the surface.1) 5:30-47: Jesus had already given them His witnesses.

John the Baptist. Jesus’ works (miracles). God the Father. The Scriptures.

2) As He had repeatedly stated, the reason they were unconvinced was, not that the evidence did not exist, but that they were simply not willing to accept God’s will and do it.

14: “Jesus answered and said to them, ‘Even if I testify about Myself, My testimony is true, for I know where I came from and where I am going; but you do not know where I come from or where I am going.’”

1. Jesus responded by saying that, even if He was the only witness, He knew more about His origin than they did. 1) He knew He had come from heaven and would return there. 2) But they had never been in heaven, so how could they give evidence either way

about His origin. 3) He may have been just one witness, but He was one witness against none.

2. The Jews were judging Him by fleshly standards. 1) Such judging would not always be a wrong way to judge. 2) These men had roles in civil government (many of them) and made judgments

regarding physical guilt based on physical evidence (such as whether or not a man committed a robbery).

3) These were historical facts that could be determined by considering the physical evidence. That is not necessarily bad, and is even needed in some cases.

3. But here the issue was where Jesus came from, what His origin was, and therefore what authority He had.

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1) This could not be weighed simply by physical means. 2) If His claim was true, He had been in heaven before He came. 3) That could not be examined by physical means but only by spiritual means. 4) He had been in heaven and knew His origin. 5) They had not been there and so could not use their methods to judge the matter

like He could (8:14).

15: “You judge according to the flesh; I am not judging anyone.”

1. Jesus said that He judged no one. 1) This could mean that He did not make fleshly judgments like they were

making. 2) They had a role in making judgments regarding the guilt of criminals, etc., and

in determining the punishment they should receive. 3) But that was not His purpose here. He came to save, not to judge. 4) They had tried to make Him a judge to pass sentence on the woman taken in

adultery (8:1-11).5) He had refused, partly because that was not His role here.

2. This did not mean He would keep quiet about sin and not rebuke it. 1) He did that many times (7:7, 24). 2) He meant He was not here to pass sentences and state eternal destinies (8:11).

He would come later and do that, but not this time.3) Nevertheless, there was a sense in which He could make judgments in

determining whether or not a teaching was truly from God, etc. This leads to the next verse.

16: “But even if I do judge, My judgment is true; for I am not alone in it, but I and the Father who sent Me.”

1. Although Jesus had not come to judge in the sense of determining final destinies, however, in a sense He could make judgments and those judgments would be true. 1) For one thing, He could provide and examine evidence regarding the truth of

spiritual claims.2) He could do that because the Father gave Him power to do so.

The Father who sent Him was yet with Him (spiritually, not physically).

2. He could also use the principle of witnesses to determine the truth of historical claims. 1) This was a law they knew and understood. In fact they had alluded to it (8:13).2) The principle was that, in determining the facts of a historical case, and hence

in determining the guilt or innocence of one who was claimed to be guilty, two or more witnesses were needed to convict a man (Deut 19:15; Matt 18:16; 2 Cor 13:1; 1 Tim 5:19; Heb 10:28).

3) They could not judge His origin, since it was spiritual and they had not been there to observe it.

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4) Yet He could judge historical matters to determine the truth of an event, though He would not pass sentence, etc.

17: “Even in your law it has been written that the testimony of two men is true.”

1. In this case, He had more than one witness and had in fact already presented more than one witness for His claims. 1) He had both His own testimony and that of His Father.

That makes two witnesses.2) How had the Father testified for Jesus? (John 5:30-47). 3) The Father had testified to Jesus through the Old Testament prophecies and

through the miracles Jesus did. 4) He also directly spoke from heaven to claim Jesus as His Son and to affirm His

confidence in Him at Jesus’ baptism and at the Transfiguration (Matt 3:17; 17:5). Other evidence could be given, but the point is that Jesus had already cited

this evidence to these people in chap. 5. He did have other witnesses besides Himself, yet they simply refused to

accept the evidence.

18: “I am He who testifies about Myself, and the Father who sent Me testifies about Me.”

1. Some people today claim that Jesus and the Father are just different terms to refer to the same person or individual. 1) They claim there is only one individual in the Godhead, and this is Jesus.

Hence, “Jesus only.” 2) However, if that were true, Jesus would not have two witnesses but only one. 3) Contrary to His claim, He would be “alone.” 4) But He said that He and His Father made two witnesses.

19: “So they were saying to Him, ‘Where is Your Father?’ Jesus answered, ‘You know neither Me nor My Father; if you knew Me, you would know My Father also.’”

1. Jesus accuses the Jews of not knowing the Father.1) Since Jesus claimed the Father as His witness, the Jews naturally asked Him

where His Father was. 2) They could not see Him, nor did they know how to contact him, so how could

He testify for Jesus? 3) Jesus said they did not know Him or His Father, but if they knew Him, they

would know His Father.

2. 5:37-47: Jesus had already explained in how the Father bore witness to Him: 1) By the miracles He empowered Jesus to do and by the Scriptures He inspired

and which Jesus fulfilled. 2) Yet, they did not recognize what this meant about Jesus.

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The reason was their attitude.

3. It was not that they knew nothing about God. 1) You can know about somebody without knowing the person. 2) They knew about Jesus’ Father, but did not really know Him in the sense of

personally being acquainted with Him as His true servants should be. 3) Their attitude kept them from having a good relationship with Jesus and with

His Father.4) If they had the right attitude, they would have served God properly. 5) This would, in turn, have led them to recognize Jesus when He came.

Likewise, a proper relationship with Jesus will lead one to a proper relationship with the father.

4. Probably, the Jews did not understand what He meant but assumed He was speaking physically, that they just did not know His earthly father. 1) But in fact, His statement was a major criticism of these men who considered

themselves so religious and even religious leaders. 2) To say they did not know God would be to state a major insult.3) These teachings were given in the treasury of the temple. 4) No one captured Him to kill Him yet because it was still not the proper time

(7:30, 6, 44).

20: “These words He spoke in the treasury, as He taught in the temple; and no one seized Him, because His hour had not yet come.

1. “Against the wall in the Court of Women stood thirteen trumpet-shaped chests in which the people deposited their gifts for various causes. Hence, taking the part for the whole, this court was sometimes called the Treasury.” (Hendriksen, p. 44)

C. SEPARATION TIME (8:21-30).

21: Then He said again to them, ‘I go away, and you will seek Me, and will die in your sin; where I am going, you cannot come.’”

1. Jesus states His plan to leave them.1) Jesus then repeated that He was going away, and the people could not go where

He was going (7:33-36). 2) They would seek for Him, but would die in their sins (8:24). 3) The Jews could not understand His statement that they could not go where He

was going. 4) They wondered if He intended to kill Himself.

2. Jesus was soon to die and go back to His Father in heaven. They could not go there in several senses. 1) They were not dead, and no one could go where He was going while still alive

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2) He was going to heaven, and no humans can go there till after the judgment, even if they die (Luke 16:19-31).

3) These particular people could not go to heaven at all (in their present condition), because of their sins. They were going to die in sin. This point seems to be implied and emphasized in the context.

22: “So the Jews were saying, “Surely He will not kill Himself, will He, since He says, ‘Where I am going, you cannot come?’

23: And He was saying to them, ‘You are from below, I am from above; you are of this world, I am not of this world.’”

1. Jesus again warns them they are judging Him, a heavenly being, by earthly standards.1) They being of the earth can only use this standard.

2. Jesus said He and the Jews were from different places.1) Jesus explained where He was going in terms of where He had come from. 2) He was going back to where He came from. He had come from the Father in

heaven and would return there after His death. 3) But they did not understand either where He had come from or where He would

go.

3. They were of the earth beneath, in contrast to heaven above. 1) Their concerns and interests were physical, material. 2) This was why they misunderstood and opposed so much of His teaching. 3) In particular, this was why they took so many of His statements physically,

when He meant them spiritually. 4) His thoughts were spiritual in emphasis, relating to eternal life.

But they continually emphasized physical things.

24: “Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins; for unless you believe that I am He, you will die in your sins.”

1. Jesus then stated quite directly one of the great truths of the gospel: Without faith in Jesus, men will die in their sins.1) These Jews did not believe in Him, and that is why they were rejecting His

teachings. 2) Dying in sin was an expression used in the Old Testament to describe people in

whose lives sin is so ingrained that they are destined to death apart from God (Deut 24:16; Ezek 3:19; 18:24, 26).

2. This was an enormous claim for Him to make. 1) He was teaching that all people had to accept Him for who He claimed to be, or

they would be eternally lost. 2) The only way to receive eternal life, then, is by believing in Him.

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3) The nature of this claim is such that, if He were an impostor, this claim would be blasphemous.

4) However, if He is who He claimed to be, this truth is essential to our salvation (3:15-18; Heb 10:39; 11:1 ,4-8, 17, 30; Rom 1:16; 4:19-21; 5:1-2; 10:9-17; Gal 5:6; Mark 16:15-16; 2 Cor 5:7; Jas 2:14-26; John 1:12; 3:15-18; 20:30-31; Mark 16:15-16).

3. Consider the consequences of such statements to people who clearly reject Jesus or who even fail to accept Him as the true Son of God, God in the flesh, and Savior of the world. 1) Some say He was an imposter. 2) Others claim to believe He was a great teacher, but they do not accept Him as

the Savior of the world, God in the flesh. Such people cannot be saved, so long as they continue in unbelief. They may be Jews, Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists. Or they may even claim to be Christians.

But the fact is that they do not really believe, so they cannot be saved till they do believe. In fact, as shown in other verses, true saving faith must also include obedience; so even those who do not obey are not true believers.

4. Note also the language “I am (He).” 1) “He” is added by the translators. The original says simply “I am.” 2) In the parallel to Ex 3:14 Jesus is here using for Himself the name of God

which is equivalent to Jehovah — the “I am.” 3) Such a claim would surely harmonize with other Scripture in John (1:1-3;

20:28) and elsewhere. 4) 8:58: Is even more obvious that such a statement is made as a claim to Deity.

In any case, it is clear that men must believe Jesus to be all that He claimed to be, and other passages surely show that means He possessed Deity.

25: “So they were saying to Him, ‘Who are You?’ Jesus said to them, ‘What have I been saying to you from the beginning?’”

1. Jesus speaks what He has heard from the Father.1) The Jews showed they did not believe by asking who Jesus was. 2) This was probably said in derision, almost surely in skepticism. 3) He had just made an amazing claim. 4) Who was He to make such claims that people had to believe in Him or die in

sin? 5) Jesus had just warned them of the consequences of not believing in Him, and

they immediately responded by showing that they truly did not believe in Him. So long as that continued, they could not be saved.

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2. Jesus does not answer them this time, but merely asserts the same thing He has always told them. 1) There was enough proof in all He had told them, that they should have known

who He was. 2) If they did not know by this time, further statements from Him would not

convince them; so He did not try. 3) There comes a time when people have enough evidence, and there is nothing

we can explain that will help them. 4) Their problem is an attitude problem, not a lack of facts. 5) When that point comes, as with Jesus in this case, we are no longer required to

give further facts.

26: “I have many things to speak and to judge concerning you, but He who sent Me is true; and the things which I heard from Him, these I speak to the world.”

1. So, Jesus went on, saying that He had other things to say, but there was no point in saying them. 1) He had spoken, not on His own authority, but things given Him by the One

who sent Him. They were true, because of the One from whom they came.

2. Up to this point Jesus had sought to reveal Himself.1) From this point on He would reveal His enemies also, and though the

revelation would be displeasing it was from the Father, and hence would be spoken.

27: “They did not realize that He had been speaking to them about the Father.”

1. But the people did not accept them, and did not even understand that He was talking about the Father.1) See His similar statements (5:19, 30; 12:49; 14:10; 15:15).

28: “So Jesus said, ‘When you lift up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am He, and I do nothing on My own initiative, but I speak these things as the Father taught Me.’”

1. He claimed people would see the evidence that these things were true (i.e., they would have even more convincing evidence to believe them), after He had been lifted up. 1) This clearly refers to His death (3:14). 2) In 12:32 He claimed that, when He had been lifted up, He would “draw all

men” to Himself. 3) His death would be followed by His resurrection, and this would cause even

many of these skeptics to believe. 4) Many did so beginning on Pentecost and the following weeks (Acts 2-3, etc.).5) Note again the expression “I am (He),” and compare to notes on 8:24.

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2. They will know from the miracles that will happen on that occasion and mainly from the resurrection which would prove beyond any doubt that He was true (Rom 1:4; 1 Pet 1:3; Acts 17:31).

29: “And He who sent Me is with Me; He has not left Me alone, for I always do the things that are pleasing to Him.”

1. Jesus claims the Father has sent Him and remains with Him.1) The One who sent Jesus was “with” Him. 2) This is a clear statement that Jesus and His Father were two separate

individuals (8:16-18).3) Jesus repeated that what He did and taught was of the Father (26).4) The Father was continuing with Him and had not left Him alone, because He

was pleasing the Father. 5) People might oppose His teachings, but Jesus knew He was being true to the

Father.6) He could not change the teaching to please the people, because it was not His to

change. 7) It was the Father’s message, and He had to present it as God gave it to Him.

This is the true responsibility of every prophet. Of course, being Divine, Jesus completely concurred with the Father’s will and had in fact consented to it before He came to earth.

2. The point was that, as He continued to give the Father’s message, the Father was on His side, standing with Him, supporting Him. 1) It might appear that He was standing alone, and had no witnesses to defend

Him, but He knew the Father was there and had testified by miracles, etc. (8:13-18).

2) Note again the claim that the Father had not left Jesus alone.

3. Jesus claimed that He “always” did what pleased the Father. 1) Such a statement amounts to a claim of sinless perfection. 2) Jesus was indeed sinless, as stated elsewhere in Scripture (Heb 4:15; 7:26; 1

Pet 2:22; 1 John 3:5; 2 Cor 5:21). 3) But here we see the claim being made directly from His own mouth. 4) Such a claim would be incredible coming from anyone else.

4. Jesus set the example for us. 1) Like Him, we must be true to God’s will for us. 2) We must speak the message God has given us. 3) We must not change it, but preach it as given. 4) And we must seek the goal of always doing what pleases Him. 5) If we do so, God will be with us to strengthen and bless us.

We will not stand alone.

30: “As He spoke these things, many came to believe in Him.”

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1. In contrast to the many who are arguing in a mocking way, others believe on Him because of the things He spoke.1) The result of Jesus’ teaching was that many people believed on Him. 2) This faith was immature, so Jesus immediately challenged them to consider

what it would take to truly be His disciples (see next verses).

D. SET FREE (8:31-36).

31: “So Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, ‘If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine;

1. Obedience is essential to true discipleship.1) Jesus emphasizes to His believers that it takes more than mental acceptance of

His word, but “if you abide in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine.”2) Jesus informed those Jews, who did believe in Him, that there were necessary

conditions to be His disciples indeed. 3) The reaction to His teaching shows that many of them did not have the true

devotion to Him that was needed (33ff). 4) Among other things, this passage shows that people can believe in Jesus yet not

really be His disciples. 5) Knowledge and obedience, in addition to faith, are necessary.

2. A disciple is a follower or learner. 1) The teacher or master gives the instructions, and the disciples learn from the

teacher and strive to imitate the principles he lived by and taught (Matt 10:24-25; Luke 14:26-35).

2) Jesus shows here that true discipleship involves more than just professing or claiming to adhere to a teacher.

3) Faith is essential; but unless the teachings are obeyed, one is not really a disciple. Many passages show that obedience is required in order to please Jesus

Matt 7:21-27; 22:36-39; John 14:15, 21-24; Acts 10:34-35; Rom 2:6-10; 6:17-18; Heb 5:9; 10:39; 11:8, 30; Gal 5:6; 2 Thes 1:8,9; Jas 2:14-26; 1 Pet 1:22-23; 1 John 5:3; 2:3-6).

32: and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.’”

1. True freedom requires knowing the truth.1) Besides faith and obedience, one must also know the truth in order to be made

free. 2) This freedom refers to freedom from sin (34). 3) One who sins is a slave of sin. 4) He is held under condemnation of God’s wrath and eternal punishment. 5) But the gospel gives true freedom by offering forgiveness so we can avoid the

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2. Many people today seek the kind of “freedom” where they can do as they please without having to submit to anyone else’s rules. 1) Such an idea is totally contradictory to discipleship. 2) By definition, a disciple must submit to the Master’s rules (Luke 6:46). 3) The person who seeks freedom from restraint actually makes himself a slave to

sin and death (Rom 6:12-23; 2 Pet 2:18-19). 4) True freedom is freedom from sin and its consequences, which freedom is

found only in Christ Jesus (36).

3. To receive this freedom, one must know and abide in the truth. 1) John 17:17: God’s word is truth. 2) John 14:6; 1:14-18: Jesus came to reveal the truth. 3) John 16:13: In religion, all truth is found in the message He gave to His

inspired apostles through the Holy Spirit. 4) Gal 1:8-9: Only this truth can free us from sin. No other source can guide us to

this complete, infallible truth. 5) Other passages about the importance of truth (Ps 19:7-11; 25:4-5; 119:47-48,

97, 140-143, 151; Prov 23:23; John 1:14, 17; Rom 2:6-11; Eph 1:13; 4:14-16; 2 Thes 2:10-12; 1 Tim 3:15; 4:1-3; 2 Tim 2:15, 25-26; 4:2-4; 1 Pet 1:22-23).

33: “They answered Him, ‘We are Abraham’s descendants and have never yet been enslaved to anyone; how is it that You say, ‘You will become free?’”

1. The Jews claim freedom as Abraham’s descendants.1) The Jews reacted by implying they did not need to be made free. 2) This claim may have come, not from the “many” who were beginning to

believe (30), but from the opponents who were also in the audience and had been disputing with Jesus all along.

2. If Jesus was offering freedom, they thought they did not need it. 1) Proud and conceited in their national heritage, they said they were descendants

of Abraham and had never been slaves to anyone. 2) Jews thought the mere fact they were descendants of Abraham guaranteed them

a special status with God and man.

3. Their statement was untrue on the surface. 1) At the very time they spoke, they were slaves to Rome. 2) It was well-known in their history that they had been in bondage in Egypt and

later in Babylon. 3) And the reason for this physical bondage was because of the greater bondage to

which Jesus here referred. 4) They had gone into captivity as punishment for sin.

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4. Their statement was inaccurate; but more important, it completely missed the point of what Jesus meant. 1) He was again speaking spiritually, while they were thinking physically. 2) He was referring to bondage to sin. Here 3) He spoke directly about what their real problem was. 4) He had used illustrations and implications, but they continued to miss the point. 5) Finally, He came out with a direct accusation of sin.

This, of course, provoked further disputation from the hearers.

34: “Jesus answered them, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who commits sin is the slave of sin.’”

1. Spiritually, anyone who commits sin is in bondage to it (Rom 6:12-23; 2 Pet 2:19; 2 Tim 2:25-26). 1) These people, like all of us, had committed sin. 2) Worse yet, in their case, they were refusing to come to Jesus to be forgiven. 3) So, they were slaves and would remain such till they were willing to submit to

Him. 4) The same is true of all today who commit sin and do not repent and turn to

Jesus for salvation. So long as a person is convinced He has no problem, He will seek no

solution.

35: “The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son does remain forever.”

1. A slave to sin can be freed by the Son.1) Jesus then extended the illustration of slavery. 2) They were slaves because of sin, despite their claim to the contrary. 3) One who is truly a son in a family is in the family forever.

His ancestral lineage cannot be changed. 4) This seemed to be their concept of their favor with Abraham and therefore with

God. 5) They thought they were descendants of Abraham and therefore needed no one

to make them free.

2. But Jesus’ response shows that they were really slaves and not children. 1) Their sins had made them slaves to sin. 2) Slaves were in bondage and could be transferred from own household to an-

other, if the master chose. 3) In particular, these Jews could, despite their physical descent from Abraham, be

transferred from the household of God to the household of Satan. 4) In fact, Jesus would soon accuse them of having already become members of

Satan’s family, because they were acting according to Satan’s will instead of God’s (Rom 6:12-23).

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5) Once again, Jesus’ illustration referred to spiritual bondage and spiritual families, but the people missed this point because they thought only of material bondage and earthly families.

3. However, being a free man is different from being a slave. 1) Slaves can transfer ownership, but a free man is no longer a slave. 2) Such freedom can be granted only by a member of the household where one is

enslaved — a son in this case. 3) As the Son in the Father’s house, Jesus could purchase them from their slavery

to sin and set them free. 4) They could not achieve this for themselves, nor could anyone outside the

family (Deity) grant it.

4. Note that, if one becomes a free man, this does not guarantee he will remain free. 1) He can so conduct himself as to once again become enslaved. 2) The same is true spiritually. The fact Jesus offered freedom to them and to us,

does not of itself guarantee we will remain free. 3) We remain free so long as we continue in the truth and in abiding in Jesus’

word (31-32).

36: “So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed.”

1. Hence, despite their claims, the Jews did need to become Jesus’ disciples so they could be made free. 1) In fact, as the only Son who always has and always will abide in the Father’s

spiritual house, only the Son could make them free.

2. Gal 4:19-21: For more clarity of this passage.1) Slaves have no permanent relationship to a house, and may be changed at will.

God was about to dismiss the Jews as unfaithful slaves (Luke 2:16-19). 2) Sons, on the contrary, have a permanent relationship to the house, and if a son

take one into fraternal adoption, he communicates to such a one his own perpetuity (Rom 8:2).

3) Jesus is here revealing to the Jews for the first time that their Jewish birth and Jewish bloodline is not the thing that assures them of sonship.

4) The true children of Abraham are the ones who live by faith.

E. WHO IS YOUR FATHER (8:37-47).

37: “I know that you are Abraham’s descendants; yet you seek to kill Me, because My word has no place in you.”1. Jesus is letting them know He is not ignorant of the fact that they are the physical

descendants of Abraham, therefore when He denounces their sonship to Abraham He is not ignorant of this physical relationship.

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1) Jesus realizes that this physical relationship only increased their responsibility, even making them more guilty when they rejected Him (Rom 3:1-2; 9:4; Amos 3:2).

2) The children of Abraham was seeking to kill the very one whom Abraham was looking forward to (8:56).

2. Jesus distinguishes spiritual families from earthly families.1) Jesus points out that their nature did not partake of that of true children of

Abraham. 2) He acknowledged that they were Abraham’s descendants in the flesh, but not in

spirit. 3) The immediate proof that they were not Abraham’s spiritual descendants was

that they sought to kill Jesus because they had rejected His word. 4) Such was sinful and demonstrated their bondage to sin (34).

This was the bondage Jesus had warned them about and for which He had offered the solution.

38: “I speak the things which I have seen with My Father; therefore you also do the things which you heard from your father.”

1. One’s spiritual family membership is demonstrated by the Father one obeys (Matt 12:46-50). 1) Jesus was obeying God the heavenly Father and was speaking His word. 2) This demonstrated His true Sonship to His Father in heaven. 3) The Jews were also following what they had learned from their father. 4) But they were rejecting Jesus, so they did not have the same Father He had.

He would later identify their spiritual father (8:44).

39: “They answered and said to Him, ‘Abraham is our father.’ Jesus said to them, ‘If you are Abraham’s children, do the deeds of Abraham.’”

1. Jesus again disputed their claim to be Abraham’s descendants by calling attention to their works or conduct. 1) He had already acknowledged that they were Abrahams’ physical descendants. 2) But if they were true children of Abraham (spiritually), they would act like

Abraham. 3) Jesus had accused the Jews of having a different father from his father. 4) This led the Jews to repeat their claim that Abraham was their father.

They continued to think physically while Jesus spoke spiritually.

2. The Jews had often emphasized the physical, when they should have emphasized the spiritual. 1) Here they were confusing physical family with spiritual family. 2) They thought physical lineage from Abraham made them pleasing to God.3) Jesus said that physical descent does not guarantee membership in God’s

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40: “But as it is, you are seeking to kill Me, a man who has told you the truth, which I heard from God; this Abraham did not do.”

1. Instead, they were trying to kill one who told them the truth from God. 1) Abraham would never do such a thing. 2) Therefore, they could not really be Abraham’s descendants, again meaning

spiritually.

41: “You are doing the deeds of your father.” They said to Him, “We were not born of fornication; we have one Father: God.”

1. The Jews then claim God as their father.1) Jesus continued to emphasize that conduct indicates whom one has for a

spiritual father. 2) In particular, He said that the deeds of the Jews proved who their father was.

2. The Jews then caught on that He was not talking about physical descent, so they claimed their Father was God. 1) They knew that, if they were following some other spiritual father (such as an

idol), they would be born of fornication spiritually — they would be illegitimate.

2) They were supposed to be children of God. If they had another father, they would be illegitimate.

3. But their claim did not help their case, because Jesus’ argument was based on their works. 1) If they were true children of God, they would have recognized Jesus as having

come from God and would have loved and served Him. 2) He had given them abundant proof that He was from God, yet they still rejected

Him. 3) This proved they were not obeying God, and therefore God was not their

spiritual Father. Their deeds belied their claims.

4. A person born of fornication is often not sure of his real father, for it could be one of many.1) The Jews are here demanding that such is not the case with them.2) They are still arguing for physical lineage, while Jesus is working them in

position to reveal their true spiritual lineage.

42: “Jesus said to them, ‘If God were your Father, you would love Me, for I proceeded forth and have come from God, for I have not even come on My own initiative, but He sent Me.’”

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1. What an important test for us to consider! Do you love Jesus? Do you love Jesus above all else? 1) There are lots of things we love in life. I love chocolate chip cookies. I love

pizza. I love to watch football. I love my children. I love my wife. 2) With each of these statements, it invokes a degree of emotions, feelings,

urgency, and desire. 3) The fact that I love pizza and football and my children means that they hold a

place in my heart to some degree and I want to spend time in those things.4) So do we love Jesus? Does Jesus hold the most important place in your life?

Does Jesus mean a great deal to you? Do you want to spend time with Jesus? Is Jesus someone you enjoy in life?

5) If God is your Father, you will love Jesus.

43: “Why do you not understand what I am saying? It is because you cannot hear My word.”

1. Again, as He had done repeatedly, Jesus explained that the problem that kept them from understanding and accepting His message lay within them. 1) It was not any inadequacy in His message. It was because they were not really

listening. 2) The same reason explains why many people today do not respond to the gospel

message of Jesus. 3) It is not because there is any inadequacy in the message, nor necessarily

because we have failed to present it clearly. The problem is in the hearts of the listeners.

44: “You are of your father the devil, and you want to do the desires of your father. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth because there is no truth in him. Whenever he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own nature, for he is a liar and the father of lies.”

1. Jesus identifies Satan as the father of the Jews.1) He had said that God was not their father. Here He stated who their father was:

the devil. 2) They were following the desires of their spiritual father. 3) They were doing what the devil wanted them to do, so he was their father. 4) The devil wants nothing to do with the truth and neither do these people.5) The desire to do things other than what God says is what keeps many people

from obeying God, and in many cases it keeps them from even understanding what God wants them to do.

2. Jesus then described the devil whom they were serving. 1) He is a murderer (i.e., an instigator of murder) and has been from the

beginning.

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2) Cain, the son of the first man and woman, murdered his own brother (1 John 3:11-15).

3) Clearly, Jesus is saying that Satan tempted Cain to that sin. And Satan is the father of lies because there is no truth in him.

4) The devil lied to Eve in the garden, and from then on has used lies and deceit to lead people to reject God’s will (Gen 3:1-6; 1 Tim 3:14; 2 Thes 2:9-12).

5) The result of His original lie was that death came into the world, and all men die ultimately because of him (Rom 5:12).

3. In particular, Jesus is here explaining why they believed the lie that Jesus was a sinner and why they wanted to kill Him. 1) He was speaking the truth, but they were listening to the devil instead. 2) The devil, who was a liar and murderer, was deceiving them to accept a lie

about Jesus and to want to murder Him (Job 1:9-11; Acts 5:3).3) Other times Satan will even quote scripture or speak a truth, but will twist it to

prove a lie (Gen 3:1-4; Matt 4:6-9; Acts 16:16-17).

4. Note how plainly Jesus here rebuked the sins of these Jews. 1) To claim on the basis of John 8:1-11 that Jesus did not believe in rebuking

people for their sin is to contradict the whole context. 2) Throughout these chapters Jesus was thoroughly rebuking people for sin, very

plainly and publicly.

45: “But because I speak the truth, you do not believe Me.”

1. Jesus anticipates their reaction to His statement.1) They will claim that he is a sinner and does not speak the truth.

2. The Jews did not believe, because they were not of God (47).1) The devil was the source of lies, and the people were following his lies. 2) It follows that they would reject what Jesus was saying, because it was the

truth. They preferred the devil’s lies.

3) When Jesus told the truth, they rejected it. This is a perfect example of the teaching of John 3:19-21.

46: “Which one of you convicts Me of sin? If I speak truth, why do you not believe Me?”

1. However, He further challenged them, if they had determined He was worthy of death, on what grounds would they convict Him? 1) What sin could they convict Him of? 2) They needed evidence of guilt if they were to kill Him, and they had none. 3) They could not convict Him of any sin whatsoever, let alone anything worthy

of death. Yet they sought to kill Him.

2. Note the boldness of Jesus’ claim here.

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1) He openly challenged the worst of His enemies to demonstrate proof that He had committed sin.

2) It is amazing that anyone would make such a claim. None besides Him would (should) attempt it.

3) But more amazing still is the fact that the people had no response. 4) Jesus would not have made the claim had He been a sinner like others, for He

would have known they could convict Him of sin. 5) But He made the claim; and sure enough, the people could not convict Him!

(Heb 4:15; 7:26; 1 Pet 2:22; 1 John 3:5; 2 Cor 5:21).

3. On the other hand, He argued that if they could not convict Him of sin, then they should consider the evidence for His claims. 1) He had given much evidence in miracles, etc. 2) If they could not prove Him to be in error, then they should accept His message

as truth and believe it.

47: “He who is of God hears the words of God; for this reason you do not hear them, because you are not of God.”

1. But the bottom line, as He had so often stated, was that they were rejecting His words because they were not of God. 1) If they were really determined to please God and really concerned about God’s

will, they would have recognized the truth of His claims and would have accepted Him.

2) The reason they did not do so was simply that they were not of God.

F. WHOEVER KEEPS MY WORD WILL NEVER SEE DEATH (8:48-59).

48: “The Jews answered and said to Him, “Do we not say rightly that You are a Samaritan and have a demon?”

1. The Jews accuse Jesus of having a demon.1) The Jews had reached the point that they had no sensible answers to the factual

evidence Jesus had presented. 2) He had called on them, if they could, to convict Him of sin. 3) They responded by saying He was a Samaritan and had a demon. 4) This constituted nothing but unfounded name calling.

Calling a Jew a Samaritan would be considered a great insult (4:9). They are placing Jesus as low on the human level as possible.

2. They had on other occasions accused Him of having a demon (7:20. 8:52; 10:20; Matt 9:34: 12:24ff; Mark 3:22ff). 1) But they made no effort whatever to answer His evidence or to prove their

claims. Saying his teaching was from a demon was an additional slur.

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3. Similar things often happen today. 1) When we show people the evidence they are wrong, but they cannot answer the

evidence, they will often make unfounded personal attacks in an effort to discredit the teachers.

2) They will call names implying wild accusations, but anyone can sling insulting epithets.

3) It is entirely another matter to prove someone is in sin.

49: “Jesus answered, “I do not have a demon; but I honor My Father, and you dishonor Me.

50: But I do not seek My glory; there is One who seeks and judges.’”

1. Jesus flatly denied their charge. 1) He was speaking, not for any such reasons as they attributed to Him, but to

honor His Father and seek His Father’s glory (7:18). 2) He then affirmed there would be a judgment, implying that at that judgment He

would be vindicated and the people would be proved wrong.

51: “Truly, truly, I say to you, if anyone keeps My word he will never see death.”

1. Jesus claims that those who serve Him will not die spiritually (5:24-26; 6:27-63).1) This is referring, of course, to eternal life in contrast to the second death. 2) And note again that eternal life does not come simply by believing; Jesus said

we must “keep” His word. 3) Here is another verse that plainly teaches that obedience is necessary in order to

avoid eternal death. 4) And it is surely a claim that Jesus is Deity. What mere human, even a prophet,

would make such a claim?

2. The Jews, for the millionth time, take a spiritual statement and think it is physical. 1) They think of physical death and say this statement proved Jesus had a demon.2) They pointed out that Abraham and the prophets all died. 3) So how could Jesus keep people from death? Such a claim, they reasoned, was

a claim to be greater than Abraham and the prophets. So who did Jesus think He was?

52: “The Jews said to Him, “Now we know that You have a demon. Abraham died, and the prophets also; and You say, ‘If anyone keeps My word, he will never taste of death.’”

1. Their answer ignored the fact that Jesus was speaking of spiritual life and death, not physical. 1) Abraham and the prophets could receive that even though they died

physically.

53: “Surely You are not greater than our father Abraham, who died? The prophets died too; whom do You make Yourself out to be?”

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1. Nevertheless, they had hit upon the real issue. 1) The major question to be resolved, and the question for which they were giving

all the wrong answers, is the question of who Jesus is. 2) Jesus really was claiming to be greater than Abraham and the prophets. 3) To these Jews, such a claim would automatically prove Him to be wrong —

how could anyone be greater than Abraham? But again, they overlooked the evidence.

4) Why should it be thought impossible that anyone could be greater than Abraham? Consider the evidence. Don’t appeal to prejudice.

54: “Jesus answered, ‘If I glorify Myself, My glory is nothing; it is My Father who glorifies Me, of whom you say, ‘He is our God’;”

1. Jesus sought to honor His true Father, whom the Jews did not know.1) Jesus responded that He had not said what He did for the sake of honoring

Himself. 2) He came to earth to offer people a way to eternal life. He did not need to do

that to be worthy of honor. He did it to save men. If He had honored Himself, it would have done no real good. What mattered was the honor His Father gave Him.

2. Jesus then identified His Father, whom He had frequently referred to throughout the discussion. 1) He plainly said that His Father is the One they called their God. 2) God is His Father, and He was the One who gave Jesus glory. 3) If God gave Him glory, how could the Jews refuse to do likewise? 4) But Jesus again explained that the reason they did not accept any of His claims

was that they did not have a right relationship with God. Their wrong attitude toward God is what kept them from accepting Him.

55: “and you have not come to know Him, but I know Him; and if I say that I do not know Him, I will be a liar like you, but I do know Him and keep His word.”

1. Jesus, however, did have a right relationship with God. If He had admitted (as they thought He should) that He did not have a right relationship with God, that would be telling a lie. 1) By charging Him with being a demon and speaking false testimony, they were

trying to get Him to agree to a lie. He could not do that.

2. Then He went to the heart of His rebuke of them. 1) He had said they were doing the will of their father the devil, who is the father

of lies (44). 2) Here He plainly called these Jews liars like their father!

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3) He said, further, that He would be a liar like them, if He denied His relationship with God.

3. The nature of the conflict made it clear that someone was lying. 1) They had claimed that God was their Father and that Jesus was making claims

He could not prove. 2) Jesus had denied their position and said God was His Father and they were in

error. Someone was lying about it. Jesus and they could not both be right.

3) Since Jesus affirmed He was right, He stated the conclusion that followed — the Jews were the ones who were lying.

4. Note once again the plain and severe rebuke of error here. 1) How can anyone believe that 8:1-11 or “judge not” passages mean that Jesus

objected to plain rebukes of sin? 2) Jesus had said these men were children of the devil and liars. 3) How much more plain and forceful can rebukes be?

How can it be unChristlike for us to rebuke sin in light of Jesus’ own example?

5. And note further that Jesus recognized that two such conflicting and contradictory views cannot both be right. 1) Today people want to claim that folks in all the denominations are acceptable

to God, despite the fact their doctrines directly contradict one another. 2) Jesus knew this cannot be so. When people so completely contradict one

another, someone has to be in error!

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

1. Jesus claims eternal existence from before the time of Abraham.1) Though Jesus had not originally made any statements with the intent of

comparing Himself to Abraham, yet they had introduced Abraham into the discussion and had implied that Jesus could not possibly be as great as Abraham (53).

2) Jesus therefore affirmed that Abraham had seen His day and was glad or rejoiced in it.

2. How did this happen? Probably this refers to the promise in which God had told Abraham that all nations would be blessed in His seed (Gen 12:3 and parallels).1) This was fulfilled by Jesus (Acts 3:25-26; Gal 3:16).

The point is that Abraham honored Jesus. 2) He knew prophetically that one would come who would be a blessing to all

nations (though he did not fully understand it). 3) He rejoiced in the promise and in the knowledge that it would be fulfilled

through his ancestors.

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57: “So the Jews said to Him, ‘You are not yet fifty years old, and have You seen Abraham?’”

1. The Jews, thinking physically as always, argued that Jesus was less than fifty years old, so He could not possibly have seen Abraham who had been dead for years.1) Again they missed the point, but rather than explain it, Jesus used it to press

another truth about Himself.

58: “Jesus said to them, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was born, I am.’”

1. The fact was that Jesus was not just fifty years old. He assured them, “Before Abraham was, I am.”1) What an amazing statement!

Jesus affirmed that He had in fact existed before Abraham (contrary to their idea).

2) Saying, “I am.” affirmed a continuing state of existence before Abraham came into existence. Jesus was claiming eternal existence (John 1:1-3).

2. Indeed, still more, Jesus used for Himself the unique name of Deity (Ex 3:13-15; Deut 32:39; Isa 41:4; 43:10, 14; 46:4; 48:12). 1) In some passages where Jesus used a similar expression, it may be less obvious

that He was using a name of Deity for Himself. Here there can be no doubt. He was calling Himself Deity.

2) The Jews had continually tried to belittle Jesus and His claims. 3) He responded by making His claims greater and more obvious. 4) He would not back down and accept the diminished position they sought to

give. 5) He would not even accept equality with Abraham, great as he had been.

Jesus claimed eternal existence and the position of Deity!

59: “Therefore they picked up stones to throw at Him, but Jesus hid Himself and went out of the temple.”

1. The context and manner of usage can lead to no other honest conclusion. 1) The response of the Jews in this verse demonstrates that they understood the

significance of His claim (8:24).

2. The Jew seeks to stone Jesus for His claims.1) The Jews recognized the significance of Jesus’ statement. He was claiming

Deity. They began the punishment of death before a court trial had been

conducted (Lev 24:16).2) Of course, His works confirmed His claims, so they should have recognized

Him for who He was.

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3) But their preconceived ideas would not allow them to accept that He was so great.

4) And since His claims were blasphemous, if they were not true, they determined to stone Him.

5) However, it was still not time for Him to die, so He hid Himself, passed through the midst, and left. This whole encounter is an amazing statement from Jesus, as plain as any

in Scripture, in which He plainly rebuked the people and plainly affirmed His Deity.

John Eight Study QuestionsJESUS AS THE SOURCE OF LIGHT AND TRUTH

I. THE WOMAN TAKEN IN ADULTERY (8:1-11).337

1. From our previous lesson in chapter 7, when was the first time Jesus had taught in the temple? 1) Why do you think Jesus choose to teach in the temple?

2. Who is missing when the scribes and the Pharisees bring the woman caught in adultery to Jesus? 1) Why do you think it is important to note this?

3. What did Moses’ law say should be done in such a case (Deut 19:15-19)?

4. Explain why this question would be challenging or difficult for Jesus (6).

5. What answer did Jesus give (7)?1) What Old Testament passages did Jesus’ answer harmonize with (Deut 17:7)?

6. How did the woman’s accusers respond (9)?

7. What are some reasons why the men would have left when Jesus said, "He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first"?

8. Did Jesus deny or acknowledge the woman’s guilt (10)?

9. What conclusion did Jesus reach (11)?

10. Many people use this example to argue that we should not rebuke people for sin, including even serious moral sins like adultery. How should we respond? Explain.

II. JESUS’ CLAIM TO BE LIGHT AND TRUTH (8:12-59).

1. What did Jesus claim He is and what blessing would we have if we follow Him (12)?

2. What argument did the Pharisees make in v13, and what did they mean by it (14-15)?

3. What witness did Jesus call in verse 16?

4. What two witnesses did Jesus say He had, and where else has He made similar claims (17-18)?

5. Some people claim that Jesus and God the Father are the same individual. What can we prove regarding this from verses 17-18?

6. What did the Pharisees ask Jesus about His Father, and what answer did He give (19-20)?

7. What did Jesus say in verse 21, and what problem did people have as a result (22)?338

8. Explain verse 23 in your own words.

9. What did Jesus say would happen to the Jews, and what must they do to avoid that fate (24)?1) What does this prove about people who follow religious that do not trust in Jesus?

10. Some people claim that Jesus never claimed Deity. What can we prove about Jesus’ claims in verse 24?

11. What did Jesus say was the source of His teaching (26-27)? 1) How did people react?

12. Where else have we read about Jesus being “lifted up” (8:28; 3:14; 12:32)? 1) What does the expression mean?

13. What does Jesus teach about His relationship with the Father (28-29)?

14. Define “disciple.” 1) Explain what one must do to be a true disciple (31).

15. What must one do to have true freedom (32)?1) In what sense does truth make us free?

16. Does freedom mean we may do as we please? Explain.

17. Application: Name some other ways people mistakenly pursue freedom.

18. What arguments did the Jews make to try to prove they did not need to be made free (33)?

19. What kind of bondage was Jesus talking about (34)?

20. Who can free a slave (35-36)? 1) Who can free us from spiritual slavery?

21. In what sense were the Jews Abraham’s descendants, and in what sense were they not His descendants (37-40?

1) What proof did Jesus offer that they were not Abraham’s descendants?22. Whom did the Jews claim as their Father, and how did Jesus prove they were mistaken

(41-42)?

23. Who did Jesus say their father was (43-44)? 1) How did He say they showed who their father was?

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24. Name two characteristics Jesus said their father has.1)2)

25. List examples that demonstrate that their “father” possesses these characteristics.

26. What challenge did Jesus give the Jews in verse 46? 1) How does this challenge show Jesus’ confidence in His position?

27. What reason did Jesus offer why the Jews rejected Him (47)?

28. How did the Jews try to explain away Jesus’ teaching (48)?

29. Instead of the Jews’ explanation, how did Jesus explain His conduct (49)?

30. To whom did Jesus appeal for final judgment (50)?

31. What claim did Jesus make in verse 51?

32. In what sense was Jesus’ statement true (52)?

33. How did the Jews say Abraham and the prophets disproved Jesus’ claim (53)?

34. Who did Jesus say honored Him (54)?

35. What accusation did He make against them (55)?

36. What did Jesus say about Abraham that confirmed Jesus’ claims (56)?

37. What reason did the Jews give for claiming Jesus’ statement was impossible (57)?

38. How did Jesus respond to their claim (58)? 1) What did this mean regarding His relationship to Abraham?

39. Note the expression “I AM.” List an Old Testament passage where God used this expression for Himself. Explain its significance (58).

40. Explain the consequences of Jesus’ statement — i.e., what really was He claiming? 1) Why did the Jews want to stone Him for saying this?

John 9LESSONS FROM THE BLIND MAN

INTRODUCTION

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A. When Jesus’ performed miracles, we see Him at His most compassionate moments.

1. Why did Jesus perform miracles? Jesus performed miracles for a number of reasons:1) To express His love.2) To provide a springboard to teach spiritual truth.3) To give evidence of His Messiahship.

John 20:30-31: Written so “that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ.”

B. Jesus met a man who had been blind from birth.

1. This chapter records another of Jesus’ great miracles. 1) It is especially amazing, because it describes great efforts by Jesus’ enemies to

explain it away. 2) The result is to provide us with even more convincing evidence for the validity

of His miracles, which in turn confirms His claims to be the Son of God.

C. From this miracle, we learn several lessons.

1. We see our stubborn resistance to God’s work in our lives.1) This true story presents for us an example we should follow.

2. When the blind man was healed he possessed a certain kind of attitude, not because of who he was but in what he did.1) We should have the same kind of attitude today.

I. THAT THE WORKS OF GOD BE DISPLAYED (9:1-7).

1: “As He passed by, He saw a man blind from birth.”

1. There is seemingly nothing light or momentary about a disability. 1) Verse 8 reveals that he is a beggar, indicating that his parents cannot afford to

take care of him. 2) When in this condition, the disabled person would sit at the various gates of the

temple complex, hoping for people to be compassionate toward him. 3) There was no social security or disability help from the government. There was

no Medicaid. 4) His only hope was the compassion and generosity of those who passed by.

2: “And His disciples asked Him, ‘Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he would be born blind?’”

1. Some scholars inform us that the Jews in those days attributed ALL sickness to sin.1) Luke 13:1-3: Jesus refers to such beliefs.

2. We are informed that some Jews believed in “transmigration of souls.”

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1) This doctrine says that some sinners are punished by being made to live in another body.

3. We are also believed that babies in the womb could sin before birth. It makes little difference which of the above ideas Jesus’ disciples held that

provoked this question.

4. The disciples apparently held the view that suffering was the direct consequence of sin committed by the person suffering or by his immediate ancestors. 1) So, they asked whether the man’s blindness was the result of his sin or of his

parents’ sin. 2) It was a popular Jewish doctrine which asserted that physical suffering was the

direct result of sin. This idea probably came from Ex 34:6-7.

5. Job’s friends also held the theory that all suffering occurs because of sin committed by the one who is suffering. 1) The book of Job extensively discusses and disproves that view. 2) The Bible actually gives several different reasons why people suffer. 3) Some do suffer for their own sins, as when a criminal is punished or a drunkard

dies in an accident, etc. 4) Other people suffer because those around them sin, as when a drunken father

beats his family or Christians are persecuted for their faith.

6. But Job 1-2 shows that sometimes people who have not sinned suffer for reasons that are not obvious. 1) It may be no one has sinned yet, but the devil is causing problems for the

purpose of tempting people to sin. 2) Gen 3 shows that much suffering is simply the common lot of mankind since

sin entered the world. 3) When sin came, death (and the suffering that leads to it) came upon all people.

3: “Jesus answered, ‘It was neither that this man sinned, nor his parents; but it was so that the works of God might be displayed in him.’”

1. Jesus responded that it was neither. Rather, the man was an opportunity for Jesus to demonstrate the works of God.1) I doubt that Jesus is here saying that God caused this man to be blind simply

that Jesus might heal Him and show His power. 2) Such would bring a lifetime of suffering on the man, when there would always

be plenty of people to be healed who were suffering for other reasons. 3) It seems more likely that He was denying that anyone’s immediate sin had

caused the problem, thereby answering their immediate question. 4) Then He explained that one benefit that could come from the suffering is that it

gave Jesus the opportunity to heal him.

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2. Jesus offers the real reason. It was because of God’s plan (Deut 29:29).1) God has many secrets He has not revealed to man (Isa 55:8-9).2) Philosophers have tried to unlock the whys and wherefores to such problems of

life, but always have failed and always will fail.3) God’s reasons as well as His works that are not revealed will remain a mystery

to man in this life.

4: “We must work the works of Him who sent Me as long as it is day; night is coming when no one can work.”

1. Jesus in effect said, “I must do WHAT I can do WHEN I can do it.”1) He understood that He was only here for a short while.2) This should be our motto.

2. We also need to learn that we have only limited opportunities to do what God wants us to do. Now “it is day.” 1) While we are in the world we can be forgiven of sins, grow in God’s service,

teach our families and spread the gospel to the lost, worship God, etc. 2) But there will come a time when the opportunities are taken from us. 3) Someday our children will be grown and may be beyond our reach with the

gospel. 4) Or friends may die or leave and we can no longer teach them. 5) Or our own lives may end with us unsaved. 6) The night will have come when it is too late to do the work God gave.

We must do the work now while we can. Are we doing so?

3. Note Jesus’ use of the word “work.” 1) Jesus was about to heal this man on the Sabbath. 2) Note that He did not deny this activity was “work.” 3) Rather, He Himself called it work. 4) What He denied was that such work was a violation of the Sabbath law.

5: “While I am in the world, I am the Light of the world.”

1. “Light” provides the ability to perceive and see things as they really are.1) Darkness—The blind man was literally in that condition.2) He had never seen a sunset, a rainbow, his mother’s face or his own reflection

in a mirror.3) Without Christ he had no idea of what the world was like around him. 4) Without Christ we can’t see the whole picture—dark, shadows, trip, lost.5) To believe or not to believe in God depends on how we perceive the world and

ourselves.

3. Two people:1) “A” does NOT believe in God, Bible, eternal soul, responsibility to Creator.

Does he understand any moral responsibility? Consequences?343

Certain limitations—Things must do and things must never do? He can’t look back at history and see the hand of God in nations, people. He can’t look forward in time and see God is still in control. All he knows is that he is here now—live for the present.

2) “B” believes in all those things. Follow the light—Jesus has turned on the light. Know what to do and what not to do—see things as they really are. Not deceived by other lights. All teaching must be exposed to the light (John 3:19-21)—not afraid.

6: “When He had said this, He spat on the ground, and made clay of the spittle, and applied the clay to his eyes,”

1. Albert Barnes NT Commentary: “The Jews believed that there was some virtue in spittle to cure the diseases of the eye; but then they always accompanied this with some charm. Our Lord might make clay with the spittle to show that no charms or spells were used, and to draw their attention more particularly to the miracle which he was about to work. Perhaps the best lesson we can learn from this is: That God will do his own work in his own way; and, to hide pride from man, will often accomplish the most beneficial ends by means not only simple or despicable in themselves, but by such also as appear entirely contrary, in their nature and operation, to the end proposed to be effected by them.”

7: “and said to him, ‘Go, wash in the pool of Siloam’ (which is translated, Sent). So he went away and washed, and came back seeing.”

1. Jesus deliberately told the blind man to do something difficult and inconvenient.1) Why clay? Why wash? Why the pool of Siloam?2) Why not just speak as Jesus had done before?3) This was not an easy task for the blind man (EX: go to city pool).4) This was a BIG DEAL to the blind man.5) He didn’t offer excuses—seeing-eye dog, ride, glasses, closer place.6) Didn’t say—you make everything possible for me to get there first.7) No problems—cars run me over, chariot.8) Didn’t say—remove all obstacles then I’ll think about it.9) Some—how rude to command him to do that.

2. The blind man obeyed this command.1) Some commands are positive commands which Jesus sets forth as a condition

necessary to obtain the reward He is offering.2) Wasn’t this still a “gift” being offered by Jesus?3) Did the blind man think he earned the miracle?4) A giver always has the right to attach any condition he desires to the gift!5) Baptism is such a condition.

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3. For the first time he had perspective—everything is put in its place.1) He can see what everyone talked about.2) He can see what he tripped over.3) He can see the ones who talked about him and laughed at him.4) Jesus gave him the light—the ability to see—where he has been, where he

is now, and where he is going.5) The light was here all the time—never gone—just his eyes didn’t work.6) Suppose that was you—blind all your life—now can see for the first time.

4. Why then go through this procedure, if the manner of healing was not necessary? 1) Perhaps it served to prove to others that the manner did not matter! Anyone can

see that spittle and dirt cannot heal blind men. Let others try it, and they will see it is irrelevant.

2) Perhaps by doing various different things, all of them impossible by their own nature to heal, He was just making it more obvious that there was no magic or power in any ritualistic format. The power was in Him, and He could heal anyway He chose.

3) Perhaps also the action is symbolic of our spiritual healing. Jesus had said that He would demonstrate that He is the light of the world, meaning spiritually. To be healed spiritually, there is something we must do. We must obey Jesus’ command and wash in water (Mark 16:15-16; Acts

2:38; 22:16; Rom 6:3-4; Gal 3:27; 1 Pet 3:21). The man washed his eyes because that is what needed to be healed. We wash our bodies because we are completely sinful.

5. Yet, when we obey and are forgiven, who can say our own power healed us? The spittle, clay, and water had no real power of themselves, but the man still had to obey Jesus to be healed. 1) So washing in water has no real power of itself to remove sin, but it is

necessary as a condition to receive Jesus’ forgiveness. 2) Whether or not Jesus intentionally set up this parallel, still it is a valid parallel

and illustrates clearly that meeting conditions to receive God’s grace does not in any way nullify His grace. The blind man was cured by Jesus’ grace, but he still had to do something

to receive the cure. This same parallel is illustrated by the healing of Naaman the leper (2 Kings 5).

6. Also, this healing again demonstrates the characteristics of true Bible miracles. 1) The man was unquestionably blind (9:1, 8, 18-23). 2) He was unquestionably cured (9:7, 11, 15). 3) The method used to heal him could not possibly have any natural explanation.

It had to be impossible by natural law. The healing was instantaneous in that it happened at the very instant Jesus

implied it would (9:7, 11, 15). It was complete and perfect in that the man was definitely able to see.

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Modern so-called faith healers cannot possibly duplicate such true miracles.

7. God gives us the light all the time—what we need to see and understand.1) “I don’t see that—don’t understand what God has to say about that.”2) Open your eyes—it’s all here—WORD—Son is the “light of the world.”3) Spiritually blind all your life—but now can see!

The neighbors and leaders of this man’s community were suspicious of the healing. They thought something fishy was going on. They thought he was a fake. Look at what they did to escape the reality of what happened.

II. REACTION OF NEIGHBORS (9:8-12).

8: “Therefore the neighbors, and those who previously saw him as a beggar, were saying, ‘Is not this the one who used to sit and beg?’”

1. The blind man still hasn’t seen Jesus—all he did was obey.1) Just like us—we have never seen Jesus, never even seen a miracle, never have

been able to speak face to face with Him.2) But we still have His light—what He wants us to do.3) When we obey—same blessing!

2. Following the miracle, came a very interesting interrogation procedure. 1) People were naturally skeptical that so amazing a healing had really occurred. 2) The investigation that followed simply strengthens the conviction of the

miracle. 3) What modern faith healer is willing to allow his healings to be investigated like

this one was; and who could successfully withstand the investigation if it happened?

9: “Others were saying, ‘This is he,’ still others were saying, ‘No, but he is like him.’ He kept saying, ‘I am the one.’”

1. First, the people investigated whether the man who now could see was the same man who had been blind and begging by the road. 1) Note that the man was a local man who was known to the people in the area.2) People had seen him and knew his condition.

Some confirmed that he was the one. Others, perhaps not yet so sure, nevertheless confirmed that he looked like

the man. 3) Then the man himself confirmed that he was the one.

Later, his own parents confirmed it.4) Hence, there was no substitution of a man with sight for the blind man.

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Such a possible natural explanation will not work. The various possible natural explanations are considered and excluded, leaving us with the only conclusion that it was a miracle as claimed.

10: “So they were saying to him, ‘How then were your eyes opened?’11: He answered, ‘The man who is called Jesus made clay, and anointed my eyes, and said

to me, “Go to Siloam and wash”; so I went away and washed, and I received sight.’”12: They said to him, ‘Where is He?’ He said, ‘I do not know.’”

1. In response to questions, the man described what had happened and said that it was done by a “man who is called Jesus.” 1) Note at this point he had never seen Jesus, but only knew His name. 2) The man’s story exactly confirmed the event as previously described (6-7).3) Here we have the exact testimony of the man, which confirms John’s original

description.4) The people then asked where this Jesus was, and the formerly blind man said

he did not know.

III. REACTION OF THE PHARISEES (9:13-17).

13: “They brought to the Pharisees the man who was formerly blind.”

1. Instead of his neighbors and friends celebrating this miracle and sharing in his joy—they thought there must be a problem here—take him to the Pharisees.1) His own friends betray him.

2. We are not told why the people brought the story to the Pharisees. 1) Perhaps some wanted to convince the Pharisees to believe.2) Perhaps others thought the Pharisees could disprove the miracle. 3) In any case, the Pharisees were the alleged experts in the law, and were

generally Jesus’ enemies. 4) They would no doubt be interested in the case. 5) And if there was any way to disprove it, they would have done so.

If they could not disprove it, how then could anyone today disprove it 2000 years later when the witnesses cannot be interrogated?

14: “Now it was a Sabbath on the day when Jesus made the clay and opened his eyes.”

1. Annotated Bible Notes: “Our Lord occasionally employed outward means in working a miracle. In this case He employed more than in others. The reason for this we are not told; but it certainly served to test the man’s faith, and to make the miracle more public. There was express tradition against the application of spittle to the eyes on the Sabbath day.”

2. Barnes Notes: “Two reasons may be assigned for making this clay, and anointing the eyes with it. One is, that the Jews regarded spittle as medicinal to the eyes when

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diseased, and that they forbade the use of medicines on the Sabbath. They regarded the Sabbath so strictly that they considered the preparation and use of medicines as contrary to the law. Especially it was particularly forbidden among them to use spittle on that day to heal diseased eyes. See instances in Lightfoot. Jesus, therefore, by making this spittle, showed them that their manner of keeping the day was superstitious, and that he dared to do a thing which they esteemed unlawful. He showed that their interpretation of the law of the Sabbath was contrary to the intention of God, and that his disciples were not bound by their notions of the sacredness of that day. Another reason may have been that it was common for prophets to use some symbolical or expressive action in working miracles. Thus Elisha commanded his staff to be laid on the face of the child that he was about to restore to life, 2Ki 4:29. See Barnes for Isa 8:18. In such instances the prophet showed that the miracle was wrought by power communicated through him; so, in this case, Jesus by this act showed to the blind man that the power of healing came from him who anointed his eyes. He could not see him, and the act of anointing convinced him of what might have been known without such an act, could he have seen him-- that Jesus had power to give sight to the blind.”

1) Jesus can take a hopeless situation and turn it into hope.

15: “Then the Pharisees also were asking him again how he received his sight. And he said to them, ‘He applied clay to my eyes, and I washed, and I see.’

16: Therefore some of the Pharisees were saying, ‘This man is not from God, because He does not keep the Sabbath.’ But others were saying, ‘How can a man who is a sinner perform such signs?’ And there was a division among them.”

1. They accused Jesus of being a law breaker (of Jewish traditions, not of the Law of Moses).1) Therefore, the man who healed you is not from God.2) Your still blind—fake, illusion, mistake.3) Others—a sinner can’t do miracles.

2. Notice the “division” that arises among the Pharisees.1) John 12:42: Some accepting the evidence and some rejecting it blindly.2) This repeats issues already discussed through John’s account. 3) 5:9-18; 7:21-24: The issue of healing on the Sabbath had been discussed. 4) 3:2; 5:36; 7:31; etc.: The purpose of Jesus’ miracles being a sign to validate

His claims and prove He is from God has been discussed repeatedly. 5) 7:43: The division caused by Jesus, with some people believing and others

disbelieving is discussed. Again the proper approach is to begin with the confirming proof of the

miracles and then reason to the conclusions that follow. Do not begin with preconceived ideas and reject the evidence.

3. They should not have been concerned with the “how” as much as the “who.”1) You may be wondering how you are going to overcome your problems.

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2) Instead of wondering how, you ought to be seeking the Who!

17: “So they said to the blind man again, ‘What do you say about Him, since He opened your eyes?’ And he said, ‘He is a prophet.’”

1. Many Old Testament prophets, such as Moses, Elijah, Elisha, etc., had done miracles to confirm they were prophets sent by God. 1) The blind man, having personally witnessed the miracle Jesus did on him,

concluded Jesus must likewise be a prophet.2) Note the progression of faith in those who are converted (cf. the woman of

Samaria in Ch. 4). 3) 9:11: The blind man called Jesus simply “a man called Jesus.” 4) Here he calls Him, not just a man, but a prophet.

We will see how his faith grows as the story proceeds. This demonstrates the purpose of miracles: to give evidence as the basis of

faith.

IV. INTERROGATION OF THE PARENTS (9:18-23).

18: “The Jews then did not believe it of him, that he had been blind and had received sight, until they called the parents of the very one who had received his sight,”

1. The Jews reply: He must be a false prophet—fake—not a messenger from God.1) Let’s call his parents in.

19: “and questioned them, saying, ‘Is this your son, who you say was born blind? Then how does he now see?’”

1. They sought to intimidate his parents.1) And note especially that there was no doubt that the man could now see. 2) Everyone agreed to that. Even the enemies said, “How does he now see?”3) They made no effort to deny that the man could now see. That was undeniable.

2. They have also now eliminated the possibility of mistake regarding whether the man had been born blind. 1) So, the proceedings at this point have established that the man was born blind

and could now see, as a result of something Jesus did. 2) The only remaining question is how it happened and what that meant about

Jesus’ identity. 3) Hence, the miracle was substantiated by the efforts to disprove it!

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

21: but how he now sees, we do not know; or who opened his eyes, we do not know. Ask him; he is of age, he will speak for himself.’”

1. All we know is that this is our son, was born blind but he now he can see.

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1) We don’t know how or who—we don’t need to know.

22: “His parents said this because they were afraid of the Jews; for the Jews had already agreed that if anyone confessed Him to be Christ, he was to be put out of the synagogue.

23: For this reason his parents said, He is of age; ask him.’”

1. We rather not get involved in this—fear of being put out of the synagogue.1) It is like being disfellowshipped.2) Ask our son—he is old enough to answer for himself—(Sorry sonny).

2. The parents in this story illustrate many people today who are compromisers and middle-of-the-roaders. 1) The evidence was plain before them. If anyone was convinced by the miracle, it

should have been they. 2) But they were afraid to accept the consequences, so they refused to take a

stand. 3) Being cast out of the synagogue was a serious consequence. It would have

made them outcasts among the Jewish people, including their closest friends and relatives.

4) But that society was predominantly Jewish, which would leave them with severe personal and even financial consequences.

5) Being a disciple in those early days carried heavy consequences for many people. Many people today do likewise when confronted with the evidence of

what God’s word requires of them. They see the proof and cannot deny it. Yet they know that major sacrifices will be required, if they embrace the teaching and commit themselves to it. So, instead, they make excuses to postpone a decision or put the responsibility on others.

3. When he was a blind beggar—make fun, OK guy—give him money.1) HE TOOK A STAND! Now his friends don’t like him anymore.2) His neighbors turned him in to the Pharisees—he is a fake.3) His parents don’t want to have anything to do with him at this point.4) He instantly loses his friends and family—now he is in trouble—MESS!

V. INTERROGATION OF THE HEALED MAN (9:24-34).

24: “So a second time they called the man who had been blind, and said to him, ‘Give glory to God; we know that this man is a sinner.’”

1. The expression “give glory to God” is used similarly in Josh 7:19; 1 Sam 6:5; Ezra 10:11.1) It appears to be a form of charge to one who was testifying in a trial, that he

was to glorify God by confessing the truth.

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2) This makes clear that these rulers, though they were investigating the healing, they were not doing so with an open mind.

3) Their minds were made up that Jesus was a sinner. 4) They were just looking for ways to justify their pre-existing conclusion despite

the evidence. 5) If they could break down the blind man’s testimony, they would feel justified in

their views and could discredit Jesus before the people. Ex: “Do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, so help you God?”

Give glory to God—Same as saying tell the truth under oath.

2. “We know that this man is a sinner.”—He is a no good liar and a fake.1) Who is really blind? Who can really see?2) The blind man knows that he was blind and now he can see.3) The Pharisees—power and authority—accused Jesus of different things.

3. Today—I know there is no God.1) Scientists—don’t believe in God—silly, dumb, fundamentalists, ignorant.2) Smart people don’t believe in God, Jesus, Bible to tell you what to do.3) Who can believe in creation—that’s nonsense.4) They try to make you feel foolish. Dumb people need to be told what to do.

We can think for ourselves—whatever you think is right—do it.This is what they are doing to the blind man.

25: “He then answered, ‘Whether He is a sinner, I do not know; one thing I do know, that though I was blind, now I see.’

26: So they said to him, ‘What did He do to you? How did He open your eyes?’27: He answered them, ‘I told you already and you did not listen; why do you want to hear

it again? You do not want to become His disciples too, do you?’”

1. I already told you all I know. Why do you want to hear it again?1) Notice his bravery—“I know” something too—contradicts—“we know.”2) “Do you want to become His disciples too?”3) His bravery is becoming stronger—Pharisees had authority to kill this beggar.

2. In saying this, he raised, indirectly (and probably somewhat sarcastically), the issue of their motives. 1) If they did not want to be Jesus’ disciples, then why keep going over and over

the story? The facts were clear. 2) Their only possible motive was to discredit the evidence.

3. Note that, when people have been given a straightforward, honest answer to a question, but then they repeatedly ask the same question again, it is proper to call into question their motives for asking.

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1) If they have been given the proof, but they don’t accept it yet ask for more proof, then what is the point in continuing to repeat what they have already heard?

2) It is proper to question them and throw the responsibility back in their laps to give answer.

3) Challenge them to show what was wrong with the answer or why they don’t accept it.

28: “They reviled him and said, ‘You are His disciple, but we are disciples of Moses.’”

1. They reviled him”—They attack the integrity of the witness.1) You stupid idiot, how could you ask that question?2) They don’t realize that if they were really Moses’ disciples they would follow

Jesus.

2. 5:45-47: Jesus had already told them that, if they believed in Moses they also had to believe in Him since Moses testified of Him. 1) There was no conflict between Jesus and Moses. 2) It was not an either/or situation. One who was a true disciple of Moses should

also accept Jesus, because Jesus’ teaching fulfilled Moses’ prophecies.

29: “We know that God has spoken to Moses, but as for this man, we do not know where He is from.”

1. “We know” that Moses did miracles.1) What did Jesus do?2) Who is really acting ignorant?

2. The Jews said they did not know where Jesus had come from, yet the evidence was clear. 1) They were just denying the evidence. 2) The blind man proceeded to show them so in the following verses.

30: “The man answered and said to them, ‘Well, here is an amazing thing, that you do not know where He is from, and yet He opened my eyes.’”

1. The fact that Jesus healed me is nothing—that’s understandable.1) What is really “amazing” is that you claim to “know” everything but you do

not know this one fact—and I know it.2) How could you be so ignorant?

2. The Jews had said they believed in Moses but did not know where Jesus was from.1) Yet the evidence for Jesus was of the same nature as the evidence for Moses

and even stronger. 2) What proof did these people have that Moses was from God?

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3) The major proof was in the miracles Moses did in Egypt, at the Red Sea, and in the wilderness.

4) The healed man likewise said it was amazing that they did not know where Jesus was from, yet He had done a miracle that even Moses had never done.

5) Jesus had healed the man of blindness he had suffered since birth! This was unknown from the beginning of the world (32).

6) Jesus could not possibly have done this had His teachings not been from God.

31: “We know that God does not hear sinners; but if anyone is God-fearing and does His will, He hears him.”

1. The blind man stated a principle elsewhere confirmed in Scripture: “God does not hear sinners,” but He will hear one who “is God-fearing and does His will,” and worships Him. 1) Though this statement is here made by an uninspired man, yet it is confirmed in

Scripture (Jas 5:16; 1 John 3:22; Prov 28:9; 15:8, 29; Ps 66:18; Isa 1:15-17; 59:1-2; Mic 3:4).

2) This does not mean God is not aware of the prayers of any other people (Acts 10:31).

3) But people in sin do not have the promise and assurance God will hear, as do those who are faithful.

4) A sincere lost person who wants to serve God may, in response to prayer, receive an opportunity to learn the truth.

5) But a lost person is never told to pray for forgiveness (as some people teach), and he has no assurance God will give him anything in answer to his prayer, except an opportunity to know the truth.

2. In this context, calling on God refers to a prophet who asks God to do a miracle, and God hearing refers to God doing the miracle as in 1 Kings 18:25-37. 1) How can the healed man’s statement be harmonized with the fact that people

who were not faithful to God had, at times, done miracles, such as Baalam, Cornelius’ household, etc.?

2) The answer is in the purpose of miracles. The miracles confirmed the word — the message being preached, including the claims of the teachers (Mark 16:20; John 5:36; 20:30-31; Acts 2:22; 14:3; 2 Cor 12:11,12; Heb 2:3,4; 1 Kings 18:36-39).

3) They did not confirm that everything the man did in his personal life was right, but only that his religious teachings and claims were valid.

4) But Jesus’ teachings and claims were that He was the Son of God, the Savior of the world, the Christ, Lord of all, none could prove Him guilty of sin, etc.

5) These other people, who did miracles despite not being faithful to God, never made such claims. Those miracles simply proved that the message they spoke was true.

32: “Since the beginning of time it has never been heard that anyone opened the eyes of a person born blind.”

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1. No one has ever healed a blind man. Ever! 1) So how can it be that Jesus is not from God. 2) Further, how can Jesus not be the greatest individual ever because no prophet

has ever healed the blind. 3) To put it another way, only God can give sight to the blind. 4) Only God can give light to the eyes and light to the world. 5) The former blind man is coming to recognize who he has encountered and is

standing for Jesus and confessing Jesus fiercely.

33: “If this man were not from God, He could do nothing.”

1. Note how the blind man’s conviction and courage grew stronger as he saw that the Jews could not overthrow the evidence. 1) 9:17: He had stated Jesus was a prophet. 2) 9:30-33: Here he stated plainly that Jesus was from God. 3) He even had the courage to rebuke these Jewish legal experts for not seeing

this.

2. 31-33: The blind man stood up for truth in the face of punishment.1) He doesn’t worry about what He can’t answer. Just tells what he knows.2) What Christ has done in our lives will impact those around us.3) The blind man did WHAT he could WHEN he could do it.4) No excuses—courage to stand.

34: “They answered him, ‘You were born entirely in sins, and are you teaching us?’ So they put him out.”

1. This is probably is not just casting him out of the room where they were questioning him, but rather casting him out of the synagogue (9:22).

1) It was of some significance because Jesus heard about it.2) It meant severing his relationship with the Jews in all religious ways.3) It left one on the level of a heathen in their eyes.4) So he suffers the punishment of confessing Jesus and is cast out of the Jewish

community, out of the synagogue, and out of their society. He willingly suffers the consequences of confessing Jesus.

VI. JESUS RETURNS (9:35-41).

35: “Jesus heard that they had put him out, and finding him, He said, ‘Do you believe in the Son of Man?’”

1. The blind man still hasn’t seen Jesus yet!1) I would like to find that guy who caused me all these problems.2) Yesterday, I was sitting on the side of the road minding my own business.

Man put mud in my eyes—go wash—Now I can see. I tell my friends—turned me over to the Pharisees.

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Parents don’t want to have anything to do with me. Ask me who He is—I don’t know—must be a prophet. They get mad at me—and throw me out. I can’t beg anymore—I’m broke—don’t have a job. I didn’t do anything wrong—just did what the man said to do. I’d like to find that guy—I want to tell him off.

2. He never made one statement like that.1) Thankful for what he had.2) He gained the most important thing—see and know—THANKFUL.3) Thankful whether we have good things or not.4) Wrong attitude—if not have good things—no reason to be thankful.5) Instead of being bitter for what we don’t have—thankful for what we do have.6) IN CHRIST—have more than any amount of money could buy.

3. This account implies that, though he had not seen Jesus, the blind man recognized Him when He spoke to Him again, perhaps by His voice, etc.1) When Jesus asked if the man believed in the Son of God, the man asked who

He was so he could believe in Him.

36: “He answered, ‘Who is He, Lord, that I may believe in Him?’”

1. He responds by wanting to know who He is so that he may believe in him. 1) I want to believe if I only knew who He is—show me—I want to know.2) Remember, this former blind man has never seen Jesus. 3) Please notice that belief was not merely an acknowledgment of Jesus. 4) Jesus is asking if he will place his trust in the Son of Man and make an active

commitment to be His disciple. 5) That is why the former blind man says that he needs to know who He is so that

he can. I need to find this Jesus so that I can believe in Him. 6) Belief is trusting Him, following Him, seeking Him, and obeying Him. 7) Who is He so that I can be his disciple? Who is He so I can believe?

37: “Jesus said to him, ‘You have both seen Him, and He is the one who is talking with you.’”

1. You are looking at Him.1) Jesus responds that you have seen Him and it is Me, the one you are talking to.2) Imagine the scene and emotion of the blind man.

38: “And he said, ‘Lord, I believe.’ And he worshiped Him.”

1. Listen to this man now. 1) The former blind man has moved from Jesus being a man, to being a prophet,

to being the Lord who must be worshiped. 2) This is true, saving faith.

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True belief leads a person to confess and worship Jesus.

2. 9:35: Jesus’ question was obviously asked to get this response. 1) Jesus then stated that He Himself was the One. The man confessed Jesus,

saying that he believed and he then worshiped Jesus. 2) Note the power of the man’s conviction. As a result of witnessing this great

miracle, the man was ready to accept as Divine whoever was indicated by the One who healed him.

3) He was certain the One who had healed him was a prophet from God, so the healed man could be sure that He would speak the truth.

3. This is a further major claim of Jesus recorded by John. 1) In this case, Jesus did the miracle that confirmed His claim before He even

made the claim. 2) The statement of who He is followed the giving of the evidence that the claim

was true. 3) The claim was that He is the Son of God.

Here then is an instance in which Jesus directly stated this claim. And note that the man received the ability to see physically in order that

he might be able to see spiritually something even more important. He could now see that Jesus was the Son of God.

4. All he needed to know—only motivation.1) He didn’t argue, complain—“Do you know what you put me through?2) He didn’t say “You owe me—pay it back—fix it!”3) “He worshiped”—dare to do even if lose everything.

5. The word “worship” can, in some contexts, be used for bowing as honor in a secular sense to a civil ruler. 1) But when offered as an act of religious honor, it was not to be offered to

anyone but to God. 2) Peter refused to allow Cornelius to bow in religious honor to him (Acts 10:25-

26). 3) Angels likewise refused to accept worship (Rev 19:10; 22:8-9). 4) We are forbidden to worship any created thing (Rom 1:25-26). 5) Jesus refused to worship the devil, and said worship should be given only to

God (Matt 4:10; Ex 20:3-6; 34:14; Rev 9:20).

6. Yet, here Jesus allowed the blind man to worship Him, and the significance is clearly religious honor. 1) He worshiped Jesus as the “Son of God,” not as some mere earthly ruler. 2) Many similar examples exist in which Jesus accepted worship. 3) Before His resurrection, Jesus accepted worship in Matt 8:2; 9:18; 14:33;

15:25; Mark 5:6, as well as here in John 9:38. 4) After His resurrection, He accepted worship in Matt 28:9, 17; Luke 24:52;

and John 20:28-29. 356

5) In fact, Heb 1:6 says angels are commanded to worship Him. Jesus’ acceptance of worship, in light of His teaching, means that He was

claiming Deity. The only alternative is that He was a total hypocrite, and not even a good

man. 6) He receives honor just as the Father does (5:23).

Once again, John is demonstrating the magnitude of who Jesus really is.

7. And then note the progression in the healed man’s understanding of who Jesus is. 1) As with the Samaritan woman in John 4, his faith grew as the story progressed.2) First, he stated Jesus was “a man” (9:11), then “a prophet” (9:17), sent “from

God” (9:33). 3) Finally, he recognized Jesus as “the Son of God” (9:35-38).

39: “And Jesus said, ‘For judgment I came into this world, so that those who do not see may see, and that those who see may become blind.’”

1. This does not mean He came to judge and condemn the world (3:17).1) It does mean the same kind of judgment discussed two verses later (3:19).2) Jesus’ life and teaching brought to light the honest and dishonest.3) They were made known by their reaction to Him and the truth He taught.4) Thus, they were judged by their very actions rather than in a formal way.

2. Jesus had not come into the world to condemn man, as He had said earlier (3:17), (though when He comes again He will condemn men for sin). 1) However, judgment will result in the sense that people who do not accept His

teaching will stand condemned because they remain in their sins. 2) Men must believe in Him and obey His teachings to be forgiven (John 8:32). 3) If they do not believe, they will die in their sins (John 8:24). 4) Hence, acceptance of Him becomes the criteria which separates people who are

pleasing to God from those who are not. 5) This results in judgment on those who do not accept Him.

3. The light of the world was going to accomplish two things. 1) First, Jesus as the light would bring sight to the blind. 2) Second, Jesus as the light would bring blindness to those who see.

Is this surprising to you? The coming of Jesus was the moment of truth. His coming as the light was going to distinguish those who are blind from those who can see.

40: “Those of the Pharisees who were with Him heard these things and said to Him, ‘We are not blind too, are we?’”

1. Now, one would assume that being blind is a bad thing. 1) This is why the Pharisees heard Jesus say this and ask, “We are not blind too,

are we?”357

2) The Pharisees (who had rejected the blind man) responded by asking if He was including them among the blind.

3) They ask the question in a way that assumes a negative answer. 4) You are not saying that we are blind, right? We are not the ones who are blind!5) Now, wouldn’t you expect Jesus to say, “Yes, you are blind and that is your

very problem?” But that is not how Jesus responds. Listen to what Jesus says.

41: “Jesus said to them, ‘If you were blind, you would have no sin;’ but since you say, ‘We see,’ your sin remains.”

1. Physical blindness is compared to spiritual blindness.1) Jesus says that your problem is that you think you see. 2) The Pharisees thought they could see without the light of the world. 3) They do not think they need the light and therefore they do not have the light. 4) When you are in the dark, you have to know that you are in the dark to turn on

the light and to want the light. 5) You cannot know that you need light until you recognize you are in the dark.

2. This is the problem Jesus is identifying. Those that know that they need the light will see the light of the world. 1) But many think they can see when actually they are sitting in the dark. 2) If these people would acknowledge their blindness, they would have been made

to see, that is, forgiven of their sins. 3) But because they do not recognize their blindness, they remain in their sins.

This pictures what the work of the Savior would be when He came.

3. The point is that, if they would admit that they had been wrong and spiritually blind — if they would repent of their sins and of their rejection of Him — then they could be forgiven. 1) But as long as they continued to claim that they had sight, they would remain in

sin. 2) As long as they continued to claim that they had the truth and other people, like

the blind man, were in error, they would refuse to recognize their own sins. So, they would continue in the sins.

3) The only way to remove sin is to admit that you have been in darkness and error.

4) Then there is hope that you will search for the light and be saved. These Pharisees would not admit they were in darkness, so they remained

in darkness.

Isa 42:5–7 (NAS95):5 Thus says God the LORD, “Who created the heavens and stretched them out, who spread out the earth and its offspring, who gives breath to the people on it and spirit to those who walk in it, 6 I am the LORD, I have called you in righteousness, I will also hold

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you by the hand and watch over you, and I will appoint you as a covenant to the people, as a light to the nations, 7 To open blind eyes, to bring out prisoners from the dungeon and those who dwell in darkness from the prison.”

1. The Pharisees were missing the messianic message. 1) The Savior was coming to open the eyes of the blind and bring out prisoners

from the dungeon. 2) The blind are the ones that will see the light. 3) The prisoners are the ones who will be set free from their sins. 4) For these religious leaders to not know they were blind reveals that they had

not read the scriptures. 5) The scriptures are clear that we are blind and imprisoned to sin. 6) We need the Savior to set us free and forgive us! But they did not see this. They

were blind because they thought they saw.

2. The concept Jesus is teaching them is very simple. You cannot be made healthy until you admit you have a sickness. 1) If you think you are well, you can never be healed.

I have a toe that has been hurting me for a few months now. But because there are days that it feels pretty good, I think I am getting better. I am never going to the doctor as long as I think I am going to be okay and that it will heal itself. I am only going to go to the doctor when I finally admit that it will not heal itself.

2) Jesus is going about trying to shed light on the fact that we are all sick and blind. We are dying in our sins. We will never be healed by Jesus if we think we are okay. We will never

receive the help we need from the Great Physician if we think we are well. When we do not see our condition, then our sin remains. We must have a total dependence on Jesus.

This was the very condemnation of the Christians in the city of Laodicea.

Rev 3:17-18 (NAS95): 17 Because you say, “I am rich, and have become wealthy, and have need of nothing," and you do not know that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked, 18 I advise you to buy from Me gold refined by fire so that you may become rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself, and that the shame of your nakedness will not be revealed; and eye salve to anoint your eyes so that you may see.”

1. These Christians thought they were rich and could see. 1) Jesus says that they were wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked. They did

not see their true spiritual condition. 2) They needed to see their condition so they would be clothed and see again.3) Jesus will heal as soon as we will recognize that what we are doing in life is not

working and we need him.

2. Now consider that Jesus is speaking to Christians in Revelation 3.

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1) Also consider that Jesus is speaking to the religious leaders who know the Law of Moses in John 9.

2) He is not saying that the world is foolishly believing that they see (which is certainly true).

3) Jesus is saying that we are the ones who might be foolishly believing that we see.

4) So we must stop and reflect if this could be said of us. 5) How can we know if we think we are seeing the light of Christ, but are actually

blind?

3. I want to give three areas to consider from the scriptures that can show if we have been healed by Jesus to see or whether we think we see but are still blind.

1) When we do not love one another, then we think we see when we are actually blind (1 John 2:10-11). These were people who thought they were Christians but did not show love for one another. They thought they saw but the darkness had actually blinded them. If we are not loving one another, then we think we see when we are truly

blind.

2) When we lack the fruit of the Spirit then we think we see though we are blind. (2 Pet 1:5–9). First, we are blind if these qualities are not ours and increasing. Otherwise

we are ineffective and unfruitful. Please notice that Peter says that these qualities are to be increasing. A lack of spiritual growth in our lives indicates a serious problem. We must examine the characteristics that Peter gives and evaluate our growth. If we are not able see growth, then we think we are Christians who see, rather than the truth of the matter that we are lost in the darkness. Verse 5 commands us to make every effort to add these qualities to our faith. We must continue to supplement our faith with these qualities that God wants us to adopt.

Second, we must see our condition. We must never forget our condition. This is the problem Jesus is facing in John 9. They think they are spiritually well and have no need to rely upon Jesus. They do not see Jesus as the one who saves and heals. We must never believe that our current condition of salvation and being children of God are by our own works. Without Jesus we are dead. Without Jesus we are lost. Without Jesus we are doomed. Without Jesus we are condemned. We must never fail to see this truth.

3) When we lack a desire for worship, we show that we think we see even though we are blind. Worship is the last action we see concerning this formerly blind man. What was his first impulse when he was healed of his blindness? His first impulse and desire was to worship Jesus. If we are not desirous to worship Jesus, then it shows we are still in the dark. It shows that we think we see even though we remain blind. People who have come to the light and truly see

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because they have seen the light of Christ worship Jesus. They live a life full of worship to Jesus. If we do not desire worship, then we are still walking in the darkness, not aware that we do not have the light of Christ transforming our lives.

4. If you are not seeing this transformation in your life, please get in the Word of God.1) If you believe that you thought you saw but are beginning to realize that this is

not the case, get in the Word of God. 2) Pray to God for your sins and ask his help to strengthen you to seek Him. 3) The scriptures are the tool that will strengthen you and change your life to be

increasing all the more in the ways that God has called you to live your life.

CONCLUSION

1. When we come face to face with the gospel—you will never look at world in the same way again.

1. Understand right and wrong—conviction.1) King—Laws—Kingdom—Not a democracy, not by popular vote.

2. Do you believe Jesus has the power to forgive sins?1) Has anyone else made that offer to you?2) We don’t need a miracle—Forgiveness is greatest gift.

2. Do WHAT we can do WHEN we can do it.

1. To a Christian—Responsibility to worship God in spirit and in truth.1) Look for opportunities to stand up for God.2) Don’t let anyone stand in your way of serving God in the way He wants.

2. Let’s not complain but be thankful for what we gained through Christ.1) For Jesus putting all things in perspective—opened our eyes.2) Be messengers of the gospel—help people to get right with God.3) We can’t if we are not right with God ourselves.

John Nine Study QuestionsLESSONS FROM THE BLIND MAN

I. THAT THE WORKS OF GOD BE DISPLAYED (1-7).361

1. What ailment did a man have whom Jesus met?

2. How long had the man suffered from it?

3. What did the disciples think had caused the problem?

4. Explain the illustration Jesus used in verse 4. What applications can we make of it?

5. What illustration did Jesus use again in verse 5, and what did it have to do with the situation?

6. What did Jesus do to heal the man? (Think: Why would Jesus do it this way?)

7. What similarities exist between this healing and our own salvation from sin?

8. What characteristics of miracles are demonstrated in this case?

II. REACTION OF NEIGHBORS (8-12).

1. What question did the people have about the man, and how was it settled (8-9)?

2. What further questions did the people have (10-12)?

3. How did the man answer their questions?

III. REACTION OF THE PHARISEES (13-17).

1. To whom was the formerly blind man sent next? (Think: Why send him to these people?)

2. What purpose or advantage is achieved by the fact John tells us all these details? Why didn’t he just tell the miracle and stop the story there?

3. When had Jesus healed the man, and what issue was this certain to raise?

4. Where else in John has the issue of healing on the Sabbath Day been discussed?

5. What did the Pharisees want to know first from the blind man? 362

1) How did he answer?

6. What objection did some Pharisees raise to Jesus, and what response did others give (16)?

7. What effect resulted within the group?

8. When they asked the blind man what conclusion he had reached about Jesus, what did he answer (17)? 1) What does this show about the purpose and effect of miracles?

IV. INTERROGATION OF THE PARENTS (18-23).

1. Whom did the Pharisees question next, and what question did they ask?

2. Did the Pharisees at any point express doubt whether or not the man could now see? 1) Why is this important?

3. What information did the parents give (20)?1) How does this confirm the miracle?

4. What had been the Pharisees’ intent in asking these questions?1) What resulted instead?

5. What part of the Pharisees’ questions did the parents refuse to answer?1) Who did they say should answer it?

6. Why did the parents refuse to answer?

V. INTERROGATION OF THE HEALED MAN (24-34).

1. What accusation did the Pharisees next make against Jesus?

2. What response did the blind man give? 1) Why was this a good response?

3. What question did the Pharisees ask the man again (26)?1) How did he answer?

4. Is it ever right to refuse to answer religious questions? 1) If so, when?

5. What did the Jews claim regarding Moses in contrast to Jesus?

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6. In your own words, state the blind man’s argument in verses 30-33.

7. List other passages that show whether or not God answer prayers for sinners.

8. How did the Jews react to the blind man’s argument?

9. What evidence did the Pharisees find to disprove the miracle?

10. What did they demonstrate about their own attitudes? (Think: Who today agrees that people are born in sin?)

11. If modern “miracles” were examined in this way, what would happen?

VI. JESUS RETURNS (35-41).

1. Who found the blind man and what question did He ask (35)?

2. What question did the man ask? 1) How did Jesus reply, and how did the man respond?

3. How can this verse 38 be harmonized with such verses as Matt 4:10; Acts 10:25-26?

4. Trace the progress of the blind man’s concept of who Jesus was.

5. Why had Jesus come into the world, and what did this demonstrate about the Jews’ character (39-41)? (Think: Explain this illustration.)

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