2004 10 Oct

John the Baptist gave a continuing testimony to Jesus. The present tense of the Greek verbs testifies and cries out stresses this. Jesus was younger and began His ministry later than John. But John said that because of His preexistence (and thus His true nature) He . . . has surpassed me. The statement No one has ever seen God (cf. 1 John 4:12) may seem to raise a problem. Did not Isaiah say, “My eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty”? (Isa. 6:5) God in His essence is invisible (1 Tim. 1:17). He is One “whom no one has seen or can see” (1 Tim. 6:16). But John 1:18 means, “no one has ever seen God’s essential nature.” God may be seen in a theophany or anthropomorphism but His inner essence or nature is disclosed only in Jesus. (1)

Because John’s ministry was so powerful, it attracted a lot of attention and even official questions. To these, John replied that he was not any of the expected prophetic figures. He explained, however, that his ministry was described in the Old Testament. He was the voice (phoµneµ), while Jesus is the Word (Logos). John’s function was one of preparation and it was carried on in the desert. (2) John was a great example of humility in ministry. Some musicians have noted that second violin is the hardest instrument in the orchestra to play. For John this was not the case. He was honored to take a secondary position to Jesus.

Later on in John’s ministry, we read how Jesus was making more disciples than John the Baptist. John did not feel any envy. He spoke from his heart when he responded, (John 3:30) He must increase, but I must decrease. A good pastor friend of mine who is now with the Lord told me that he found it impossible to have other pastors on staff with him. He said that his experience was they could not play a secondary role. This was not true of John the Baptist, nor do I believe that it will be true of any man God is able to use in a powerful way. For it is necessary for us, like John, to ever decrease if Jesus is to be seen in us, and anything else will not be able to produce lasting fruit. Our job is not to make disciples to ourselves, but for Jesus Christ. DW

We have here the turning over of two disciples from John the Baptist to Jesus, and one of them bringing a third, and these are the first fruits of Christ's disciples. Andrew and another with him were the two that John the Baptist had directed to Christ, v. 37. Who the other was, we are not told; it may be John the penman of this gospel, who humbly conceals his name, chapters 13:23, and 20:3. They heard the Baptist speak of Christ as the Lamb of God, that takes away the sin of the world, and this led them to follow him. v. 38. They were following and Jesus turned, and saw them following. He said unto them, What seek ye? Jesus came to seek us (Luke 19:10). Their inquiry concerning his abode: Rabbi, where dwellest thou? Calling him Rabbi, their desire was to be taught, rabbi signifies master-teacher. Never was there such a rabbi as our Lord Jesus, in whom were hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Then Christ invites them to his lodgings: Come, and see.

The information that Andrew gave to Peter, was an invitation to come to Christ. He found him: He first finds his own brother Simon. Christ called him by his name: When Jesus beheld him, he said, Thou art Simon, the son of Jona. Jesus gave him a new name: Thou shalt be called Cephas (that is Hebrew for a stone), which is by interpretation Peter, which in the Greek is Petros or large rock.

Next was the call of Philip and Nathanael. Philip was called immediately by Christ himself, not as Andrew, who was directed to Christ by John, or Peter. God has various methods of bringing his chosen ones to himself. However, whatever means he uses, he is not tied to any. In the words, "Follow me." We see the nature of Christianity; it is following Christ, attending his movements, and treading in his steps. See the efficacy of the grace of it is the rod of his strength. Philip invited Nathanael to Christ, and much is said concerning him. Philip was enjoying his new relationship with Christ; Him of whom Moses and the prophets did write. The prophets called Christ the Son of David, Isaiah named Christ "Emanuel," which is God with us. Others called Him the "Man," the "Branch," "Messiah the Prince." Philip had studied the Old Testament and he readily welcomed the Christ. RJS

Verse 4, some have thought that Jesus' response to His mother's request was extreme, not so! He was only expressing to her that she was no longer in charge and that He had a ministry to perform and He was only responsible to His heavenly Father. However, she seemed to know that he would do something about the situation and spoke to the servants, saying, "What ever He tells you to do, do it."

The water pots, referred to in verse 6, were for the purification of the water in Bible times. The sediments in the water settled to the bottom of the first pot and the water dipped to the next pot in line after all the impurities had settled in each previous pot. The last pot was as pure as it could be with their primitive resources. These pots may have been cut from sand stone or if the family were wealthy, they could have been cut from alabaster.

Jesus told the servants to fill the pots to the brim and then draw forth. Much to their amazement, what came from the pots was new sweet wine (grape juice) without fermentation. When the ruler (caterer) tasted the wine, he was so amazed he had to question the source of this good wine. What is so interesting about this miracle is that the Creator never made anything that was bad. (We know from chapter 1 that Christ was the Creator of the universes and world). All creation was perfect until Satan became the ruler of this world by Adam's abduction. Adam sold out for a mouth full of the forbidden fruit. In taking that bite, he not only lost everything, but also brought sin upon all creation and Paul tells us that all creation is suffering, awaiting its redemption. Peter tells us that when the world is baptized with fire and the elements are burned up, a new earth will come forth from the conflagration and it will again be a perfect earth, where sin no longer abounds. It is interesting to note that every element discovered by man is combustible. Elijah showed us on Mt. Carmel several centuries before Christ that water can be consumed by fire. This first miracle has many ramifications, which we are unable to discuss at length. However, this text would make a marvelous text for a sermon or two. Remember that Christ did nothing just for the doing of it; there was always a spiritual teaching along with it. RJS

This was the First Passover after Jesus' Baptism by John the Baptist, and Jesus began His public ministry in the Temple. Jesus was zealous about His Father's House. The Temple was a sacred place, but it had become a house of merchandising and profiteering for the religious leaders. The leaders were selling cattle and sheep to the worshippers, and it was even questioned whether these animals were being checked for imperfections. According to Josephus, a Jewish historian of the second century, over 256,000 animals were sold for sacrifice on each Passover, so you can see it was a lucrative business for the religious leaders. The vendors had to purchase licenses from the temple leaders in order to sell these animals and exchange the money. The money exchangers were making a huge profit in the exchange of Roman coins for Jewish coins (Roman coins were not acceptable). Christ had every reason to drive the cattle and sheep from the Temple and overthrow the tables of money. Jesus also did this with righteous indignation. I am become a stranger unto my brethren, and an alien unto my mother's children. 9For the zeal of thine house hath eaten me up; and the reproaches of them that reproached thee are fallen upon me. Psalm 69:8-9

Then comes the question (paraphrased): "By what signs do you show to prove that you have the authority to do these things?" Our Lord's answer to their question identifies who He is and what He can do. His answer: Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up, vs. 19. Their response: Then said the Jews, Forty and six years was this temple in building, and wilt thou rear it up in three days? But he spake of the temple of his body, vvs. 20-21. When therefore he was risen from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this unto them; and they believed the scripture, and the word which Jesus had said, vs. 22. It is not unusual to think of the body as a temple; let's compare what Paul said about the body-temple. What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's. 1 Cor. 6:19-20. As Christ's body was holy, we are to be holy as He is holy. RJS

Nicodemus was not cut from the same cloth as most of the Pharisees; he wanted to find the truth. Not many men of today are seeking truth. Ye shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free, John 8:32. Here's a proud man, though fearful of contacting Jesus because of his position, must satisfy the longing hunger in his heart. Nicodemus was a student of the Scriptures and knew that Jesus was from God and the miracles Jesus did, identified Him as the Messiah. (Nicodemus brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about a hundred pound weight, to the tomb to prepare Jesus' body for burial, John 19:38-42.) In the conversation, Jesus told Nicodemus that he must be born again. Poor Nicodemus, he was looking back to the natural birth and did not understand there needed to be a spiritual birth. We should not be too disappointed with Nicodemus, because well educated people of our day can't understand the new birth either. Another thing Nicodemus did not understand was that life is not in the mother, but in the father. Without a seed being planted, there can be no birth. The following verses all speak of seed: 2 Corinthians 11:22; Galatians 3:16, 19, 20; 2 Timothy 2:8; Hebrews 2:16; 11:11, 18; and I John 3:9, and the Greek word is "sperma" and in English it is "sperm." Luke 1:35, tells us that Mary would conceive of the Holy Spirit and bring forth a Son. Even so all that are born of God, that is, the Holy Spirit broods in our hearts and we are born again (new life). That is what happened to Nicodemus that night as he talked with Christ. Yes, he was a secret believer from that night on. John 7:50-52 Nicodemus saith unto them, (he that came to Jesus by night, being one of them,) Doth our law judge any man, before it hear him, and know what he doeth? They answered and said unto him, Art thou also of Galilee? Search, and look: for out of Galilee ariseth no prophet. And let us look at another verse, I John 3:9 Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed (sperma) remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. Yes, Nicodemus was born again that night (John 3) and all who trust in Christ, as Nicodemus did, are also born into the family of God. Without the New Birth, we are still in the family of Adam and Satan because of the sinful nature we inherited from our father. Are you a child of God or of Adam? The choice is yours! RJS

Wednesday, October 6
John the Baptist's Testimony,
"He must Increase, but I must Decrease"
John 3:22-36

And they came unto John, and said unto him, Rabbi, he that was with thee beyond Jordan, to whom thou barest witness, behold, the same baptizeth, and all men come to him. 27John answered and said, A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven. 28Ye yourselves bear me witness, that I said, I am not the Christ, but that I am sent before him. 29He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom's voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled. 30He must increase, but I must decrease, John 3:26-30. Note the humility of John the Baptist.

This writer was in the Church of the Open Door in Los Angeles in 1957. While sitting in the preacher's choir, he was able to read a bronze plaque on the preachers side of the pulpit which read: "Sir, we would see Jesus," John 12:21b. This made a life lasting impression on this writer and from that day to this it has been his desire to show Jesus to all the people he meets and to whom he preaches.

John's testimony in verses 30-36 came from a very humble man, a man who understood that Jesus was to receive all the glory and that he was just a forerunner as was prophesied in Isaiah 40:3. The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. and Malachi 3:1. Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the LORD of hosts (Jehovah of the Heavenly Armies). It is always important to remember that a witness against is only acceptable by the mouth of two or three witnesses, and John the Baptist knew he was the witness spoken of in these passages. John's disciples seemed disturbed that Jesus' disciples were baptizing. That did not bother John, because he knew that his mission as forerunner was completed. It is so sad that many preachers are jealous of another preacher's prospering church, when they should be happy for the other church and pastor. RJS

The Jews avoided Samaria with a passion, because they considered the Samaritans as a halfbreed race, part Jew and part Gentile. Jesus went through Samaria for two reasons: 1. It saved three days journey between Judaea and Galilee. If Jesus had gone down to Jericho and followed the Jordan River trail it would have been a wasted three days. 2. He knew there would be harvest of souls in Sychar. Jesus spoke to the woman 7 times in the conversation before he told her He was the Messiah. It did not take her long to realize that this man was no average Jew, but rather he was a Prophet. The woman saith unto him, I know that Messias cometh, which is called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things. Jesus saith unto her, I that speak unto thee am he. 4:25-26.

An interesting sidelight about the Hebrew language of today, there was found a small group of Samaritans living in Israel in the early 20th century that spoke pure Hebrew. Also in Yeman were some Jews that spoke a pure Hebrew tongue. (When the Jews returned to Israel in 1948, they wanted to teach all immigrants to speak Hebrew. However, those immigrating from Europe and other countries spoke a form of Hebrew known as Yiddish. This was a mixture of the languages where they had lived over the centuries). The linguists of Israel studied both dialects and decided that both were good Hebrew and these became the Hebrew taught and spoken in Israel today.

Jesus' experience at Jacob's well near Sychar not only led the woman living with a man in an unmarried state, but many others of the city to salvation. The people of the city were saved, not only because of the woman's testimony but because they heard the words of Jesus. He stayed there two days and ministered to them in the same manner as he ministered to other Jews. This teaches us a lesson! We need to go where people are in order to lead them to Christ. We do not need to become involved in their sins, but we need to reach out to them with Christian love and change their way of living. The Holy Spirit will lead us to witness, if we are walking in the Spirit, and listening to His bidding. Every Christian should be praying daily that he or she will have an opportunity to speak for the Lord when and where He leads us to speak. RJS

Friday, October 8
Say not ye, There are four Months
and then Cometh the Harvest?
John 4:35-42

Out Lord was speaking to his disciples about the harvest. This was not the harvest of golden grain, but of souls. In Israel the harvest of grain comes in the Spring. The harvest of souls comes all year round and everyone who says he or she loves Christ should be out witnessing or harvesting souls for the Lord. Psalms 126:5, 6 They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him. The Psalmist knew that the seed needed to be watered, and the tears of the sower waters the seed that it may bring forth fruit. The reaper gathers in the harvest, both working in the field at different times and the harvest is of the Lord, (John 4:35-38).

I (Paul) have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. 7So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase. 8Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour. 9For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building. Some years ago we had a deacon who wanted to be a soul winner, but somehow with his witnessing he never led a soul to Christ. He came to me with tears and asked why he could not win a single soul. He was praying for his preacher every Wednesday with fasting and prayer that the pastor would be winning souls. I told him that because of his fasting and prayer for me, he would receive rewards in heaven and many souls would come to him and thank him for praying for his pastor. I was sowing the seed, and he was watering the seed with his tears. The result of my ministry was a soul-winning ministry in that church. God was giving the increase! If we do things God's way there are results. I would challenge everyone who reads this devotion to pray fervently for our Pastor and the church family in your daily devotions, or when you read these devotions each day. Don't just pray a ten or fifteen word prayer, but spend some time praying for every family in the directory. If we are all praying for each other, we will see miracles in our church family and ministry. RJS

Why did Jesus go to the Pool at Bethesda? Because there was much misery and need! He is always where He is most wanted and where He can do the most good. When He came into this world, misery was most great. When He comes into our hearts, we realize that we have a great need. He never goes where He is not wanted! At the Pool of Bethesda there were many who had a need and Jesus went to the one who had the greatest need. This man had been brought to the pool daily for 38 years, or he had been at the pool for 38 years and others brought food, water and clothing to him. When Jesus saw this man He asked a question, "Will you be made whole?" Sometimes people who have had a malady or illness for a long time don't want to be healed. They enjoy the attention they have been receiving and continue to want that attention. Sometime people of our age don't want to be saved, because they enjoy the things of this world too much and don't want to give them up. Notice the answer, Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool, Vs. 7. This was what Jesus wanted to hear. Millions of lost souls have no one to tell them of their need for salvation and how to obtain it. We sing songs about missions like "O Zion Haste; Fling Out the Banner; The Regions Beyond; Till the Whole World Knows; Send the Light; Go Ye Into all the World." However, we don't remember to pray for those that are out there working among the lost. We don't even pray for our Missionaries or the lost out there or here at home.

Jesus selected the one to heal, and we need to remember the saved ones were selected before the foundation of the world. It blows my mind when I think of this great fact as found in Ephesians 1: 4, 5 According as he hath chosen us (me) in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: 5Having predestinated (me) us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will. Jesus chose the man at the pool and He chose me. If you are saved it is not because of anything you have done, but because He chose you and wooed you by the ministry of the Holy Spirit and won you. We, who are saved, are part of the Bride of Christ and will spend eternity with Him. Hallelujah! RJS

Please read the whole text as listed above. This text is one of the greatest if not the greatest passage showing the equality of the Father and Son. Two different personalities, two different offices, but One in essence! Co-Equal! Co-Existent! Co-Eternal! The only time they were separated was when Christ lived on earth with humanity for 33 years, and died on a cruel cross. Christ was separated from His Father for lost humanity.

We Baptists are not a creedal people, that is, we do not quote a creed as part of the ritual of worship as liturgical churches do, but here we quote the Nicene Creed of 325 A. D. "We believe in one God, the Father Almighty, maker of all things visible and invisible; and in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the only-begotten of his Father, of the substance of the Father, God of God, Light of Light, very God of very God, begotten not made, being of one substance with the Father. By whom all things were made, both which be in heaven and in earth. Who for us men and for our salvation came down [from heaven] and was incarnate and was made man. He suffered and the third day he rose again, and ascended into heaven. And he shall come again to judge both the quick and the dead. And [we believe] in the Holy Ghost. And whosoever shall say that there was a time when the Son of God was not or that before he was begotten he was not, or that he was made of things that were not, or that he is of a different substance or essence [from the Father] or that he is a creature, or subject to change or conversion - all that so say, the Catholic (Universal) and Apostolic Church anathematizes them." These are strong words and we agree with them without question. In our age of apostasy and all the new movements of the modern church, it is mandatory that we know what we believe and why. Without strong Biblical doctrine ingrained into our hearts, we are subject to the wiles of Satan, false doctrines and religious charlatans that are, themselves, spiritually blind. They, being blind, would lead the poor, spiritually blind into apostasy and unbelief. These cardinal doctrines of the church have stood for centuries. The only way we can be victorious is by reading our Bibles on a daily basis and praying for spiritual guidance every moment of every day. Please read the Scripture text at the beginning of this devotion. RJS

Tuesday, October 12
There are 2 Resurrections! Which One will You be In?
John 5:28-47

Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation. The good die, as well as the bad. They lie down together; their graves are often side by side, their dust may even mingle together. They are under the same physical condition, of all mortality and complete dissolution. The saved one is raised in the first resurrection, which is the resurrection unto eternal life and in the presence of God for all eternity. The evil one is raised in the second resurrection unto judgment, and eternal death and total separation from God. What a contrast! Jesus said it, not me! The process is the same for both, the voice of the Lord Jesus shall call them both forth, the first into His eternal presence, the second to the Great White Throne judgment.

The last four verses of this chapter are real food for thought: 44How can ye believe, which receive honour one of another, and seek not the honour that cometh from God only? 45Do not think that I will accuse you to the Father: there is one that accuseth you, even Moses, in whom ye trust. 46For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me: for he wrote of me. 47But if ye believe not his writings, how shall ye believe my words? The words were to the unbelieving Jews, but they also have an application to today's unbelievers. If we are always looking for others to honor us, instead of God, we are looking in the wrong direction. Many youth in the today's churches go out into the world, and have had good background in the great teachings of the Bible, both at home and in church. However, they chose to reject these teachings in high school, or college as they sit under the instructions of godless professors and teachers. When we make our bed, we must sleep in it and it is the written Word, the Bible that condemns us. The Jews of Christ's time had only the Old Testament, but we have the completed written Word. Many who have a good knowledge of the Scriptures reject them and accept humanism. This is what we call being spiritually incorrect. Let us be spiritually correct and a student of great Bible teachings. Together let us read and heed the Scriptures daily. It will improve your life! RJS

Wednesday, October 13
The Location and Occasion
of the Feeding of the Multitude
John 6:1-15

We often think, in our modern understanding of Israel, that everything that happened in Bible times was within the borders of modern Israel; that is not the case. LOCATION: This Miracle was in the area northeast of the Sea of Galilee in an area called Bethsaida Julias, in Gaulontitis (also referred to by Josephus in his book, Antiquities of the Jews 1XIII:15:3; XVII:8:1). Today we would think of it as the lower slope of the Golan Heights, which belonged to Syria until the six-day war of 1967. Moses assigned that portion of land to the tribe of Manasseh as recorded in Deut. 4:41-43 and Joshua 20:8. OCCASION: It occurred near the time of Passover. This was the only Passover that we know that Jesus did not attend because of the hostility of the Jews at Jerusalem. It was also near the time that John the Baptist was beheaded and Jesus went into the hill country because His time was not yet. Had He died in some other way than the Cross we would have not known salvation. There were many villages in this area and Jesus chose to spend time in the hills rather than in populated villages. This is why they gathered to him for healing and other miracles in the hill country. Jesus spoke to Philip about feeding the multitude. An interesting sidelight; Andrew was always bringing people to Jesus. Andrew brought Peter to Christ, and the lad in our story with his own personal lunch, and the Greeks as recorded in John 12:20-22. COMPASSION: The area where this took place was near the Sea of Galilee, but it was desert country and the people had been there all day without food. Jesus was about to teach his disciples a lesson in compassion regarding the bodies and souls of all people; not only His compassion for the lost, but compassion for their physical needs, as well. All too often, we pass by the injured or hurting with no word of understanding or compassion for their needs. Let us not be as the Priest and Levite who passed by the wounded man, but as the Samaritan who took pity on the wounded man and took him to an inn and paid for the man's recovery. Luke 10:30-37 and the last words, Go, and do thou likewise. RJS

When Jesus therefore perceived that they would come and take him by force, to make him a king, he departed again into a mountain himself alone. 16And when even was now come, his disciples went down unto the sea, 17And entered into a ship, and went over the sea toward Capernaum. And it was now dark, and Jesus was not come to them. 18And the sea arose by reason of a great wind that blew. 19So when they had rowed about five and twenty or thirty furlongs, they see Jesus walking on the sea, and drawing nigh unto the ship: and they were afraid. 20But he saith unto them It is I; be not afraid. 21Then they willingly received him into the ship: and immediately the ship was at the land whither they went. After having fed the five thousand men, plus women and children, Jesus was aware that the people would now make him king. Why? Because He could feed them and they would not have to work. The dole system makes people lazy and was not to be practiced from the beginning, In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return, Gen. 3:19. God said man was to earn his bread by the sweat of his brow.

A storm had built up on the Sea of Galilee and this is not unusual. The surrounding hills are situated so that wind storms are to be expected at most any time. Mark 6:45-52 enlarges on the storm and the quieting of the waters with the following: And when even was come, the ship was in the midst of the sea, and he alone on the land. 48And he saw them toiling in rowing; for the wind was contrary unto them: and about the fourth watch of the night he cometh unto them, walking upon the sea, and would have passed by them. 49But when they saw him walking upon the sea, they supposed it had been a spirit, and cried out: 50For they all saw him, and were troubled. And immediately he talked with them, and saith unto them, Be of good cheer: it is I; be not afraid. 51And he went up unto them into the ship; and the wind ceased: and they were sore amazed in themselves beyond measure, and wondered. 52For they considered not the miracle of the loaves: for their heart was hardened. Jesus and Peter were the only ones to walk on water. The only time I walked on water was when I was ice fishing. What a wonderful Saviour we have? RJS

15th

Friday, October 15
I Am the Bread of Life and our Faith in Christ
John 6:22-42

In the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve knew about the tree of life, but it is not until Christ came that we hear of the Bread of Life; none other than the Saviour Himself. Moses spoke of bread from heaven. Manna fed the people for 40 years in the wilderness, Ex. 16:4 and Ps. 78:25. This was only to sustain life here and now, but in our text, Jesus is speaking of eternal life so different from the short span of life here on the earth. The brevity of life on earth is referred to in the Bible as the days of a hireling. 1. A shadow in the evening, 2. Swifter than the weaver's shuttle 3. As a vapor. 4. As a cloud consumed and vanished away. 5. Like yesterday. 6. As a passing shadow. 7. As swift ships passing in the sea. 8. As an eagle haste's to his prey. 9. Like a flower that is cut down. 10. As a dream, a vision in the night.

Jesus says, I am the Bread of Life. The "I AM" as was first revealed in Exodus 3:14 is now speaking to the Jews and saying He is the bread of life. This was pure blasphemy as far as they were concerned. He was identifying himself as Jehovah the self-existing one.

In verses 22-29, we have a dialogue between Jesus and the Jews in the synagogue at Capernaum. The Jews asked what works of God should they do as conditions to their receiving faith? The Jews were seeking life, not faith. Jesus points to faith as the only work they needed. This is the work of God that ye believe in Him whom He hath sent. Why? (1) because God has sent Him. (2) because it is God that gives faith. (3) because God approves it - Without faith it is impossible to please God. (4) No works are acceptable to God if they are without faith - faith is a life of works and works are the necessity of faith. Lastly, He is the Messiah sent from God as a Mediator between God and men. Jesus is not the object of intellectual belief, but of the heart's strongest trust. Faith is not a mere single act, but a continuous action. This continuous action of faith is a lifetime commitment from which there is no backing away. Are there times when your faith wavers and it seems that only tangible facts will satisfy? If so, it's time to get on your knees and recharge your faith with prayer and the open Bible. The Bible is a book that is filled with people who lived by faith. RJS

16th

Saturday, October 16
Our Salvation is in Totality the Work of the Trinity
John 6:43-59

Our souls and hearts must be drawn to Christ by the ministry of the Holy Spirit. The Father sent the Son to the earth to go to the Cross for our sins. The whole process is the work of the Godhead we have nothing to do with it but to accept their work for us. We have heard people say, "I'll get saved when I am good and ready." Or, "I'll get saved on my death bed." We cannot choose when we will be saved. The Word of God says, I will not always strive with man, Gen. 6:3. If we reject the ministry of the Holy Spirit in leading us to Christ, the time will come when the Spirit will no longer work to bring us to salvation. I met a man years ago who said he had rejected God and the ministry of the Holy Spirit, and now there was no feeling towards God and no hope of salvation. That man had rejected until God said, "You've had it!" I witnessed to a man in my early ministry who stated, "I've gotten along without God for 70 years and I don't need him now!" Two weeks later I had that man's funeral.

John 6:45 says, It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me. As it is the soul which the Father draws, so it is the soul being drawn finds itself near the Saviour and in fellow-ship with Christ. There is a conscious need for the Redeemer. It hopes to find in Him the satisfaction for which it sought elsewhere and there was no satisfaction to be found without Christ. The hungry can eat, and the thirsty drink the water of life, the weary finds rest, and the person who longs to serve the Lord has revealed to him the need of consecration. There is an immediate, abiding presence of the Lord in the life and an assurance in the soul that all is well. Our only obligation is to come by faith and the results are His abiding presence and the knowledge of the forgiveness of sins. God no longer looks at our sins, because they are forgiven and forgotten. They are removed as far as the east is from the west. Our sins are buried in the depths of the sea, never to be dug up or seen again. So often Satan reminds us of the sinful life we formerly lived, but we can say to him, "Get thee behind me!" Satan wants to destroy our faith with doubts, but He cannot take away our salvation. Don't let Satan defeat the joy of your faith; turn to Christ. RJS

17th

Sunday, October 17
Apostasy from Jesus - and Faithful Few
John 6:60-71

In order to understand today's text we must remember what was written yesterday and John 6:43-59. We do not know how many followers left Jesus, but we would think they left one by one or two by two. Some left immediately; others waited until it was night and then slipped off in the darkness. Apostasy is sheer unbelief and we never hear of an apostate returning to our Lord. Many there are who follow Jesus because they think they will receive something here and now that satisfies the flesh. In the text, Jesus reminds us that it is the Holy Spirit that quickens or enlightens us in spiritual teachings. Jesus words were spirit and life. Every time we read the Bible, we see new things that we had not seen before and are aware that the Holy Spirit has opened our minds to new understanding. Remember, Jesus was the living Word and the Bible is His written Word. God the Father, the Holy Spirit, and Jesus never contradict one another. Our Lord was speaking figuratively when He spoke of eating and drinking His flesh and blood, but in that figure we see the elements of the communion service which are also figurative of His body and blood.

Let us now consider those who stayed. Their spokesman was Simon Peter, Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life. And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God, John 6:68-69. However, the last two verses of our text tells us that of those who stayed, one was possessed of the devil, Judas Iscariot. Judas might as well have gone with the apostates, but he did not, in order that the Scriptures might be fulfilled. It is a sad commentary, but oh so true, that today when the preacher brings out some of the great truths of the Bible there are those who say these are hard words and turn away from the faith. The words of the Bible are as a mirror that shows us what we are and sometimes what we see in that Mirror is offensive to us and we turn away. If we are truly born again, the words may be offensive at first, but when we consider that they are for our understanding and spiritual growth, then we hide them in our hearts and heed them to our good. Be slow to take offense and quick to forgive, and you will be blessed. God loves the repentant sinner! RJS

18th

Monday, October 18
Jesus Taunted by His Brethren
John 7: 1-13

Hyman Appleman was a Jew born in Kansas City, MO around the turn of the 20th century. In his twenties he accepted Christ as his Messiah and went to Bible College. His parents purchased a coffin and had a burial service in the synagogue. Then they took it out and buried it. As far as they were concerned, Hyman died. Many who have converted from Catholicism to fundamental Christianity are also persecuted by their families. Christ said the world will hate us and He also had internal trouble from his family. After these things Jesus walked in Galilee: for he would not walk in Jewry, because the Jews sought to kill him. 2Now the Jews' feast of tabernacles was at hand. 3His brethren therefore said unto him, Depart hence, and go into Judaea, that thy disciples also may see the works that thou doest. 4For there is no man that doeth any thing in secret, and he himself seeketh to be known openly. If thou do these things, shew thyself to the world. 5For neither did his brethren believe in him, John 7:1-5. Most of Jesus' disciples were persecuted unto death. Remember, Jesus said those who are His, are not of this world. Every Christian should purchase and read Foxe's "Christian Martyrs of the World," commonly called "Book of Martyrs" It's available in paperback or hardback. It is good to know that two of Jesus' 'half-brothers' were later converted and they both wrote a Book of the New Testament. James and Jude were half-brothers of Jesus.

In verse 7, Christ was witnessing against sin, and when we witness and talk about sin, we too, are going to be on the hot seat. People don't want to be told that the Bible says we are all sinners and all have come short of the glory of God, Romans 3:23. Most people in church today, want pabulum and pious platitudes; no doctrine, nothing that condemns, only sweet words that tickle their ears. Don't preach against my sins, because I don't want to give them up. I enjoy them too much to part with them. Preach the word, ... reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long-suffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. 2 Tim. 4:2-4 RJS

19th

Tuesday, October 19
Jesus Goes into the Temple and Speaks with Authority
John 7:14-25

He had spoken with authority on other occasions and the people marveled. Now the leaders of the Jews marveled and said; How knoweth this man letters, having never learned? One of the attributes of God is to be omniscient, having all knowledge. Our Lord was also omniscient knowing all things, even their hearts. The Jews could not understand this. They had to go to school to learn and considered themselves to be lettered, but this man had not gone to their schools and therefore had to be illiterate. It's a shame, but even today, we want to know what schools a person has attended and with their degrees they are considered educated. My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me, Vs. 16. I have not learned in your schools, but my Teacher is infinitely greater. Remember, He was the Creator of the world and all that is therein. He has all knowledge, even to reading the hearts and minds of his enemies of that day and ours today. We should be glad that Satan does not have that power, nor do any of the angels; only God can read our hearts and minds. Next, Jesus refers to his Father and to Moses. Moses gave the law (spiritual, moral, and civil) and the Jewish leaders did not follow it. The Jewish leaders did not have a leg to stand on, because they did not keep the Law of Moses, or the teachings of the prophets. We like to say that we are New Testament Christians, but most of us do not know the teachings of the New Testament. Jesus turns their very words against them. They practiced circumcision on the Sabbath if it was the eighth day after birth, which was according to the law. Why could not Jesus heal a person on the Sabbath? Both were practical medical procedures. One was no different from the other. Circumcision was for cleansing, and Jesus miracles were for cleansing the body of some physical or mental malady. Many Christians are using their salvation as a fire escape. Wanting to be saved, but not living the separated life! If you are still living as the world lives, then what has changed in your life after your profession of faith? Soul searching is no longer in vogue, just trust in a little prayer of faith, that may not be faith at all, but just words to please the pastor or deacons before your baptism. We once knew a man who said in public, "The water they used on me for baptism was wasted!" I'm afraid he was not the only one; think about it! RJS

20th

Wednesday, October 20
Jesus' Origin and the Effects of His Teaching
John 7:26-39

One author says: "The rabbis taught from Isaiah 53:8 that when the Messiah would be born, He would hide himself and that when he appeared no man would know from whence He had come." They also had a proverb, "three things come unexpectedly: a thing found by chance, the sting of a scorpion, and the Messiah." Jesus took up their argument in v. 27 "Since you know me and know where I came from, you should add this to your knowledge, that I am not come of myself and am not a self-appointed prophet. I came from God whom I know, but you do not know," verses 28-29. It is a sad commentary, but the teachers and leaders of the Jews in Jesus day were not students of the Old Testament, rather they were students of the rabbi's writings or what they thought about the Old Testament. It is often true of many ministers today, after they have learned all the philosophical approaches to the Scriptures they, themselves, are ignorant of the actual teachings found therein. Sometimes we refer to seminaries as "spiritual cemeteries." Head knowledge without heart knowledge is a terrible thing.

In verses 37-39, we have the identification of the Feast of Tabernacles and the Lord's prophetic foretelling of the great declaration of the ministry of the Holy Spirit. In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. 38He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. 39(But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified). The Spirit's dwelling in believers is a fountain of living water out of which flows cooling and cleansing water that makes the believers fruitful, and filled with joy. Luke spoke of the Spirit giving them utterance in Acts 2:4 and as Peter preached on the Day of Pentecost, a divine flood of three thousand souls were saved. Then was this prophecy fulfilled, out of Peter's innermost being flowed rivers of living water. We, too, can see miracles in the lives of others who are living a transparent life before God and our fellow men. A little self-examination for Christians is to see if we are really living transparent lives. I know I need to be transparent before God and others that they might see Christ in me. RJS

21st

Thursday, October 21
Christ "The Anointed One" or "The Messiah"
John 7:40-53

IT WAS KNOWN BY THE JEWS THAT THE COMING OF THE CHRIST WAS FORETOLD IN THE OLD TESTAMENT SCRIPTURES. Although the word Messiah only appears in the Book of Daniel, there were also passages in the Psalms and Prophets that referred to the Messiah. Upon closer examination, it was predicted that He would be Divine and human, of the royal lineage and a descendent to King David.

THE COMING OF THE CHRIST WAS EXPECTED BY THE JEWS AND THEIR NEIGHBOURS. Simeon knew that the baby Jesus was the coming Messiah, and would be a light unto the Gentiles; please read Luke 2:28-32. The Samaritan woman spoke to Jesus and said, "We know that Messiah cometh," John 4:25. The Jews knew that Messiah was to be born in Bethlehem, however, because He spent most of His youth in Nazareth, they refused to believe that He was the Messiah.

JESUS' DISCIPLES BELIEVED HE WAS THE MESSIAH. Andrew acknowledged Jesus as the Messiah when Jesus called him to follow Him. Peter said, "Thou art the Christ, to who shall we turn." Martha recognized Jesus as the Messiah even before He raised Lazarus. Likewise, the demons called Him the Christ on several occasions. We are to accept the testimony of two or three witnesses and in this paragraph, we have given four or more witnesses.

JESUS' CLAIM TO BE THE CHRIST WAS ONE CHIEF GROUND FOR THE HOSTILITY OF THE JEWISH RULERS, AND WAS THE OCCASION OF HIS CONDEMNATION UNTO DEATH. The night of Jesus' trial, before the high priest, He made the claim that He was the Messiah, and affirmed that He was the Son of God. A rabbi, a prophet, a lowly peasant teacher, but to claim Messiahship was to seal His death on the cross. He was all of these and more; we know as proved by the resurrection.

AS CHRIST, JESUS WAS RAISED FROM THE DEAD; AND AS CHRIST HE WAS PREACHED TO THE WORLD. After His ascension and Pentecost, Jesus is set forth as the Christ of God. John tells us in Chapter 21:25 And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen. Finally, we know that the Christ is the Saviour and that includes all that are born again! Are you? RJS

22nd

Friday, October 22
A Woman Taken in Adultery
Read John 8:1-11

Our setting is the Temple complex and the context of their accusation shows this attempt to destroy Jesus was both malicious and crafty. The people knew that this law from Leviticus 22:23 was not being practiced by the Jewish leaders in Jesus' day. Remember the law required that both participants were to be stoned. This was all a cunning way to destroy the integrity of our Saviour. They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act. Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou? This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not, John 8:4-6. We don't know what Jesus wrote in the sand, and that does not make any difference. What does make a difference is that Jesus gave a soft answer. A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger. The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness, Proverbs 15:1-2. Then Jesus gave a wise answer. He knew the Jewish leaders were trying to trap Him in order that they might bring accusation against Him, and the people would turn from Him. Christ refused to act the part of a civil magistrate or pass judgment on the woman. He stood when the appearance of indifference could not be maintained, and arrested their righteous indignation by putting the shoe on the other foot. His statement does not condemn the accusers of the same immoral sin, but He justly stated that those who were without sin should cast the first stone. It is so easy to condemn others for their sins, but so difficult to see our own sins. Jesus said in Matthew 5:27-28 Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart. Our Lord was so kind to the woman after her accusers left in that He said, Where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee? She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more. What a beautiful figure for us to remember that we were sinners, but having been born again, we need not sin any more, but live a godly life before God and men. RJS

23rd

Saturday, October 23
Jesus said, "I am The Light of the World."
John 8:12-24

We turn back to the Old Testament and the prophecies of the Messiah to substantiate Jesus' claim. The beautiful thing about the Bible is that it is a commentary upon itself. I the LORD (Jehovah) have called thee in righteousness, and will hold thine hand, and will keep thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles. And he said, It is a light thing that thou shouldest be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel: I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth, Isa. 42:6 and 49:6. But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings, Malachi 4:2. Also read Luke 2:32 and what Simeon said to Mary and Joseph. "The rabbis speak of the original light in which God wrapped Himself as in a garment, which was so brilliant that it could not shine by day because it would have dimmed the light of the sun. From that light, the light the sun, moon and stars had been kindled. That Light was now under the throne of God reserved for the Messiah in whose days it would shine once more." What the Jewish leaders did not know was that Light was seen on the Mount of Transfiguration by Peter, James, and John. This "Light" was also known as the "Shekinah" glory in the Old Testament. This "LIGHT" or "GLORY" that was seen on the Mount of Transfiguration was supernatural in brightness and splender even as it was in the pillar of cloud in the Holy of Holies, e.g. Ex. 16:10; 25:22; Luke 2:9; Acts 22: 11, Romans 9:4; 2 Corinthians 3:7; and in Titus 2:13-14 it is used of Christ's return, Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. This is the type of radiance that should be seen in every Christian. God is light and He enlightens every believer. God created the sun and moon. The sun produces the light by day and the moon reflects the light of the sun by night. The moon does not produce light; it only reflects it. The Son of God is the light for all believers and the church reflects that light to the world. That's why we refer to the church as a lighthouse. Every true believer is to reflect this inner light given to us by Jesus. RJS

24th

Sunday, October 24
The Bondage of the Jews and the
The Source of True Liberty
John 8: 25-43

What a great question, "Who art Thou?" The Jewish leaders had many, many prophecies from the Old Testament, but were blind spiritually and refused to acknowledge who Jesus was. There is an interesting statement by a writer of yesteryear. "Who He was determined what He could do." Jesus was very God and very Man. He was as Paul describes Him, "The Second Adam." As the Second Adam, Christ was able to start a new race. Those who are only in the first Adam are children of this world. Those who are in the Second Adam are children of the heavenly world or the new world of the future after this old world is consumed by fire and the new heavens and earth spring forth. In verse 28, Jesus turns to them and calls special attention to the main reason for their rejection. Not only is He the Son of God, but also the Son of Man.

In verses 30-32, we find that many of the Jews accepted his statements intellectually, but not spiritually. To be set free from the bondage of Satan and our sins, the individual must accept Christ into their heart by faith; only then will they find the truth and freedom spoken of in these verses. Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. Only then, will they be free from the wiles of Satan and able to overcome his temptations and no longer under the judgment and condemnation of God. Satan was defeated at the cross and we can claim that defeat for ourselves. My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world, I John 2:1-2.

What an awful condemnation Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it. Let's not be too critical of the Jews in that day, because all nonbelievers today are still in the same condition. RJS

25th

Monday, October 25
You are of Your Father the Devil
John 8:44-59

Today's writing is a continuation of yesterday's devotional. Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it, John 8:44. When Jesus identifies the Jewish leaders as children of the devil, it was an act of courage as well as an act of faithfulness to make such an assertion. His words assert that the devil is not just an evil spirit, but a personification of evil. He is a murderer by nature:

1. Satan brought death into the world by his subtlety and falsehood with
Eve.
2. He has a long history of murder that began in the second generation
of the human race.
3. He prompted the act of Judas Iscariot to secure the death of Christ.
4. He still tempts both sinner and saint.
5. He is the enemy of truth. There is no truth in him.
6. He is the embodiment of evil and falseness. He speaks lies from
within his own being, for he is a liar and the father of lies.
7. He is the opposite of the Holy Spirit - the Holy Spirit speaks for both
the Father and the Son, but the devil speaks for himself, for he is the
total embodiment of evil.

We are living in an evil age of Devil worship. Satanic churches have sprung up in larger cities all around the world. However, there are smaller unidentified groups all across our land that practice Satanic worship in both town and country. Our schools are teaching humanism and secularism and both originate in Satanism, because they imply that there is no God, no truth (all is relevant), no sin, no restrictions on lust and that life is not sacred. With all these negatives, it's no wonder that so many of our teens commit suicide. Life is meaningless and they have no hope for the future. Here again, we see that Satan is a murderer, for suicide is self-murder. Let us thank our Father and Son and Holy Spirit that we know there is life after death, and we know it's a better place than any utopian dream here on earth. The Lord's words imply that both Jew and Gentile are personally responsible for their own unbelief. RJS

26th

Tuesday, October 26
The Man Born Blind #1
John 9:1-17

The question of verse 2 is the rationalism of Jesus' disciples as well as many people today. We often think that because of some physical deficiency or birth problem it is the fault of the person involved or the parents. Many blind people rejoice in that they are blind, because they have other senses and abilities that a sighted person does not have. This man in our text was blind that the works of God might be made manifest in him. Here is a quotation that illustrates our point: "Although blind from birth, Fanny Crosby was unusually alert mentally and composed during her lifetime more than 5000 hymns, sometimes writing as many as seven a day. Yet she never entered upon the task of composition without a prayer that her efforts might be used to the glory of God and the uplift of humanity."

The blind man in our text had to use a long stick to feel the surface of the ground or locate any obstacle as he walked along. He had no source of income so was a beggar. He did not see Jesus when He mixed the spittle and clay to make the mud packs. After the mud packs were applied, the blind man tapped his way to the Pool of Siloam which was some distance away and knelt and washed his face. The first thing he saw, was his reflection in the water. He had not seen Jesus! I wonder what went through his mind at that moment. He probably shouted for joy and threw away his walking stick

The scene changes; the former blind man is questioned by the Pharisees (vs. 13 - ff). These religious leaders had again turned their backs on the light and, therefore, their darkness was even darker. Light can be explained in terms of rays of color, brightness and wave lengths. Darkness cannot be explained because we cannot plumb the depths of it. The darkness of our hearts is spiritual darkness and we were born with it. Several years ago, we were in the Wind Cave at Custer National Park in South Dakota. The guide turned off the lights for a minute or two so as to accustom our eyes to "black light," which he turned on, and the walls and ceiling became brilliant with a rainbow of colors. In the interim of darkness it was so black that you could see absolutely nothing. The blinded heart also sees nothing in the spiritual world. RJS

27th

Wednesday, October 27
The Man Born Blind # 2
John 9:17-41

The Pharisees questioned the former blind man as to how he gained his sight. His answer was "I was touched by a prophet," (Vs. 17). The word "Prophet is interesting in John's Gospel. (4:19) The woman at the well in Samaria said I perceive that thou art a Prophet. In (6:14). Then those men, when they had seen the miracle that Jesus did, said, This is of a truth that prophet that should come into the world. (7:40) Many of the people therefore, when they heard this saying, said, Of a truth this is the Prophet. This last reference is a striking account, and totally within the character of John's writings. Because a prophet was the mouthpiece for God and the primary purpose of John from the opening verse is to present the Lord Jesus as the WORD. Tradition has it that the scribes in copying the Old Testament would wash their hands both before and after writing the word "Jehovah". The following outline is quoted from Arthur Pink's 3 volumes of the Gospel of John, Vol. 2, page 86:

1. The beggar challenged and his reply: vv. 24, 25
2. The beggar cross-examined and his response: vv. 26, 27
3. The beggar reviled: vv. 28, 29
4. The beggar defeats his judges: vv. 30-33
5. The beggar cast out by the Pharisees and sought by Christ: vv. 34, 35
6. The beggar worships Christ as the Son of God: vv. 36-38
7. Christ's condemnation of the Pharisees: vv. 39-41
I always appreciate a well-alliterated outline.

The Jewish leaders had agreed that any one who acknowledged that Christ was the Messiah would be excommunicated from the Temple or synagogue. That's why this young man's parents refused to answer their questions lest they be put out of the temple. When this young man finally meets Christ and the Lord identifies himself, the ex-blind man worships the Lord. We also might add that when our Lord starts a good work, nothing stops Him from getting the job done. What a beautiful picture we can draw from this miracle! The Lord takes us in our blindness and opens our eyes to the truth and light that leads to everlasting life. What a great God we have! RJS

28th

Thursday, October 28
Parable of the Good Shepherd
John 10:1-21

1. To whom is our Lord speaking? The answer is found in the previous chapter; it was the Pharisees. Our Lord sees the Pharisees as hirelings and as unfaithful shepherds who taught untruths and were only there for the money and position. He even refers to them as thieves and robbers and that would be true when we think of the sales which were even worse than usury.
2. What was the immediate occasion of His address? The occasion was the excommunication of the former blind man. These religious leaders were determined to destroy Jesus and anyone who followed Him.
3. Why does Jesus make reference to a sheepfold? Because the common folk were without shepherds to lead them to God, the Father of the Messiah. The simple people had no one to care for them or to feed them, therefore, Jesus uses the "sheepfold" to illustrate their needs.
4. What is meant by "climbing up some other way" into it? The door was through the Word of God, and the Pharisees were only teaching traditions and rabbi's writings. These false teachers were misleading the flock and not teaching them the truth.
5. What "sheepfold" is here in view? In the text, and I trust you will read it, the Lord tells of two different sheep that are in the fold. The Jews as God's chosen people and v. 16 And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring. The other sheep are you and me. Yes, we are safe in the fold of His arms and no man shall pluck them out of His hands or His Father's hands.
6. Which shepherd led his sheep? The answer is in the light of today's theology. Is the pastor feeding his flock from the Word of God or is he feeding them with pabulum and pious platitudes? Is the pastor liberal or fundamental? Most of today's churches are liberal and the sheep that attend are starving for the truth of God's Word.
7. Who does "the porter" bring before us? The porter of that day was none other than John the Baptist who came preaching the Kingdom of God is at hand and now is the time to repent and put away your sins. The porter today is the one that leads us to Christ and shows us the way of salvation by faith and God's grace. RJS
The outline in italics is from Arthur Pink's study on John's Gospel

29th

Friday, October 29
Jesus Claims Deity the Third Time
John 10:22-26

(22) And it was at Jerusalem the feast of the dedication, and it was winter. And Jesus walked in the temple in Solomon's porch. This was the Feast of Lights (8 days) when the Jews commemorated the cleansing of the Temple after Antiochus Epiphanes sacrificed a sow on the altar and sprinkled the sow's blood all over the Temple and polluted it. This pollution was shortly before the uprising of the Jews in 164 B.C. Today it is celebrated close to the Christian Christmas. This year it begins on the 8th of December. (23) And Jesus walked in the temple in Solomon's porch. The Temple grounds covered several acres and one of the areas that was accessible to the common folk was Solomon's porch. It was in this area that these people came and requested an answer, "Are you the Anointed One, the Christ? We want to know the truth as to your preaching and teaching along with your miracles." (24)Then came the Jews round about him, and said unto him, How long dost thou make us to doubt? (25) If thou be the Christ, tell us plainly. "Why do you question my authority? You have seen my miracles, you have heard my words, and these were all spoken by the Prophets in the Old Testament. What more do you want?" (25) Jesus answered them, I told you, and ye believed not: the works that I do in my Father's name, they bear witness of me. (26) But ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep, as I said unto you, (27) My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: (28) And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. "You do not believe me because you are following the traditions of the false teachers who seek to kill me." (29) My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand. Lastly in verse 29, "My followers were given to me by my Father and they are my sheep. No man comes to me except the Fathers gives them to me. Once they are mine, no man can pluck them out of my hand, nor my Father's' hand." This is just one of many places where we see the teaching of eternal security. There are those who do not believe in eternal security, and say that that gives us a license to sin. Our response should be, we do not want to continue in sin, because we are saved eternally and know it. RJS

30th

Saturday, October 30
The Sixth Attempt to Kill Jesus
John 10:27-42

Verses 25-30 form a paragraph that tells us of the 6th time the Jews set out to kill Jesus. They were of their father the devil, because it was the devil's design to destroy Jesus. We could give several illustrations from the Old Testament, but we will only refer to three today. 1. Pharaoh's order to the midwives to kill all the male Jewish babies. 2. Haman's plot to kill all the Jews as recorded in Esther. 3. Herod's slaughter of the baby boys (2years and under) in and near the city of Bethlehem. If Satan could have destroyed the Jews, we would not have a Saviour. The Jews in our text took up stones to stone Christ, and if that had happened we would not have a Saviour. He had to hang on the cross to be our Saviour.

Verses 34-38 refer us back to Psalms 82:1 & 6 Here "Gods" refers to human judges. In this sense, God said to the Jews, You are gods. In no way does this speak of a divine nature in man. The Pharisees were judging Christ, and in today's context were doing this because of their enmity and hatred of the Miracle Worker and Sabbath Breaker.

"The word "gods" in the eighty-second Psalm, quoted here by Christ, has occasioned difficulty to some. The magistrates of Israel were so called because of their authority and power, and as representing the Divine majesty in government."
Arthur Pink, EXPOSITION OF THE GOSPEL OF JOHN Vol. 2 page 149

Therefore they sought again to take him: but he escaped out of their hand, And went away again beyond Jordan into the place where John at first baptized; and there he abode. And many resorted unto him, and said, John did no miracle: but all things that John spake of this man were true. And many believed on him there. John 10:39-42 There was no way the Jewish leaders could take Him before His time. Jesus reminded them on several occasions that it was not His time and until the eternally designed time, they could do nothing. There is no record of John the Baptist performing any miracles, but Our Lord put his approval on John's ministry and confirmed that John's words were true. Lastly, in verse 42, we see that many people believed on Him. There is no record in the Bible as to how many were converted in the short three and one half years of His ministry, but there may have been thousands. RJS

31st

Sunday, October 31
Jesus' Friend Lazarus is Dead
John 11:1-16

There are 8 temporary resurrections or resuscitations in the Scriptures:

1.1 Kings 17:21, Elijah raises the widow's son.

2. 2 Kings 4:34, Elisha restores life to the son of the Shunammite woman.

3.2 Kings 13:20, 21, they were burying a man and dropped his body and as it touched the bones of Elisha, the dead man returned to life, and stood up.

4. Matt. 9:18-26, Jairus, daughter was raised by the dead by Jesus.

5. John 11:38-44, the raising of Lazarus.

6. Acts 9:39-43, Peter raises Tabitha.

7. Acts 20:7-12, Paul preached late into the night and this sleeping young man fell from the window of the building and was taken up dead, but Paul embraced the youth and he was alive.

8. Luke 7:11-16, the son of the widow of Nain was being carried out to burial, and Jesus touched him and he was resuscitated. Three of these miracles were in the Old Testament. Three were by Jesus, two by His apostles.

We return to our text and that Lazarus was sick unto death. Tradition had it that the Jews believed in that day, that the spirit lingered close to the body for three days hoping to return to the body. Because of that tradition, Jesus purposefully stayed away until the fourth day in order to dispel any rationalism that the spirit returned without Jesus help. We also want to note that in the New Testament, the believer's death is referred to as sleep. This is not soul sleep as the Adventists teach, but the body is sleeping in the grave until the first resurrection. The soul and the spirit go immediately into the presence of the Lord. 2 Cor. 5:8 We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. Paul said it and I believe it! The home of Lazarus, Martha and Mary was Jesus' home when He was in Jerusalem. On several occasions the Scripture refers to Jesus going to Bethany, in the evening, and to the house of Lazarus. Mary and Martha were concerned that Jesus come immediately, but Jesus waited four days because the death of Lazarus was for the glory of the Lord. If Jesus had spoken the word, Lazarus could have been instantaneously healed of the sickness or raised from the dead, but this was to be a miracle that would lead to Jesus' death in Jerusalem in the near future. Jesus knew that Jewish leaders were looking for an excuse to bring Him to trial and that it was close to the time for Him to die for the world. RJS

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