2004 12 December

This is the most remarkable prayer in the Bible. The veil is pushed back and we see into the Holiest of all Holies. We are ushered into a Father, Son relationship that has existed throughout all eternity. We are permitted to glimpse the picture, and given a little understanding of the Holiest, as much as the natural mind and heart can comprehend of what the Son was about to suffer. Jesus says, "The hour has come." The Greek word for "hour" is an unusual word in that it can mean; a moment, an hour, a day, a month, a year, even a season; it is like many English words that can only be understood in its context. Our Lord knew that within the next 24 hours he would die on the cross.

In verse 2 we read where the Son's mission to earth was about to be accomplished. What was that mission? It was to open the door of salvation to all who would come in and be saved. Psalms 89:26-27 He shall cry unto me, Thou art my father, my God, and the rock of my salvation. Also I will make him my firstborn, higher than the kings of the earth. And Daniel 1:14 I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him. And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed. The Lord's mission also was to train His disciples and prepare them for the day of His ignominious death and glorious resurrection. A literal interpretation of the first phrase in vs. 3, "This is the eternal life, that they know Thee." Christ came to reveal the Father to us as no other personality in the Scriptures could reveal Him. Christ has glorified the Father in person, in His miracles, in His words and action. Above all, Christ glorified the Father in His praise and giving the Father all the glory for everything said and done. What a lesson for us, that we should glorify the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in all our activities. Take a good look at your life, does it glorify the Godhead? Editor's Note: The author of this Epistle was none other than John, the beloved disciple, who was banished to the Island of Patmos, in the Aegean Sea. John wrote this book about 90 A. D. Where did this old man get the actual words of this prayer? We can only come to one conclusion. The Holy Spirit dictated them to him, and he wrote exactly what the Holy Spirit wanted us to know. Here is another great proof of Biblical inspiration. All the words of the Father and the Son were dictated by the Holy Spirit for our edification. RJS

Verse 5, Jesus was his name, Christ "the anointed One" was his office in this world. Now he is praying to be glorified as he was with His Father, as he was in eternity past. Christ's prayer is looking to the future, and directed to His office of "Mediator" as he sits at the Father's right hand. For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, I Timothy 2:5. And, Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high, Hebrews 1:3.

Next, Christ's attention is toward the disciples who were given to Him by the Father. Those faithful few had followed Him throughout the past three and a half years. He had given them the words of the Father. They would soon to be scattered. Christ is concerned about their fate in the immediate future. He knows that when He's arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane, they will be frustrated. He knows that Peter is going to deny him three times before the rooster crows. He also knows that they will be under persecution by the Jewish leaders after Pentecost, the birthday of the church. Notice how He is praying for these followers and not for the world. They had been his personal companions in the ministry of healing, teaching, soul wining; everywhere in the hills and on the water. They are soon to be left alone and Jesus does not want one of them to fall by the wayside as Judas had. He even states that He has been glorified in them.

Lastly, Jesus speaks of Judas and calls him the "Son of Perdition." Judas had been with them, but was not one of them. Poor Judas, he was not in those given to Jesus by the Father, but inserted in the circle by Satan. We do not know who the Antichrist is or will be, but there are those that teach it will be Judas, reincarnated by Satan. They use (2 Thess. 2:3 and 9, 10) to substantiate their teaching. Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the "son of perdition" . . . Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders . . .because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. It's an interesting thought; is it not? RJS

A short postscript to yesterday's devotion; Judas was not destined to be lost, but Old Testament prophecy warned us in advance that Judas would be lost because of his own willful unrepentant and stubborn heart. Read the following: Psalms 41:9; 69:22-28; 109:8 and Acts 1:20-25.

In verse 13, our Lord speaks of the word "JOY" a word that is not known in the world. Using JOY as an acrostic, "Jesus - Others - and You." Our first love is to Jesus and none other. The Church at Ephesus was in trouble, "They had left their first love," Rev. 2:4. Do you remember how much you were in love with Jesus when you were saved? He was the apple of your eye and you would defend Him before anyone. You talked with Him in prayer and praised Him for your salvation. Now, it's "old hat." If this has happened to you, shame on you! You need to be revived. Revival is not for the lost, but for the saved that they might be drawn closer to Christ. Joy is not something you work up or pray up, it comes from heaven and it changes your attitude and life style.

Verse 14, His disciples were no longer of this world; "they were in it but not of it" they had been given the WORD of God. It had been so deeply implanted in their hearts and minds that they were now hated by the world. When the "word of God" is in possession of our hearts and minds we no longer think or act as the world does. Our actions change, our vocabulary changes, our dress code changes, everything about us is different. Vs. 14 also gives us seven things that Christ did: 1) He glorified the Father on earth. 2) He finished the work that was His to do. 3) He had manifested the Father's name to His followers. 4) He had given them the Father's word. 5) He kept them as a shepherd keeps his sheep. 6) He was now sending them forth into the world to carry on His work. 7) He gave to his followers the glory the Father gave Him.

Jesus was about to leave the earth and return to his Father, and now he has given to all believers instructions to His heavenly ministry of intercession. We too, should be intercessors. The greatest ministry we can have here on the earth is to be praying for others and their needs. Don't let your prayers degenerate into "gimmy prayers", but rather be a student of intercessory prayer for your church and world around. RJS

"Thy Word is Truth," it does not contain the truth, it is THE TRUTH! Because God's Word is truth; it sanctifies the one who reads and practices it. That is, it sets them apart from the evil world. It separates the student of the Word into a holy manner of life and guarantees him or her the hope of eternal life. Nothing takes the place of reading the Bible! It's good to read these devotions and read good books that tell us all about the Scriptures, but its the Word of God that is sharper than any two edged sword. Hebrews 4:12. A literal translation from the Greek; "For the word of God is living and operative and sharper beyond any two mouthed (edged) sword and passing through as far as division of soul and spirit, both of joints and of marrows, and able to judge of thoughts and intents of a heart." Christ was about to go to the cross, and now we have access to the throne in His name, and are witnesses to the world around us that we are Children of the King. We are not just sinners saved by grace, but we are children of the King of Heaven. We are ambassadors and reconcilers of sinners out of a lost world. 2 Cor. 5:19-20a, To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ.

John 17:17-19 may be difficult verses to understand for most people, but it is our duty to open your understanding and help you to know what a great thing Jesus did when He speaks of sanctification. In vs. 17, Jesus is separating these profane disciples in order to consecrate them into a new life of spiritual service. Vs.18, The Father sent Jesus to the earth. Now Jesus is sending his disciples into a profane world to win souls and build churches. Vs. 19, may we use a paraphrase of this verse. "I separate myself unto God, to do His will even to the death, so that my disciples may benefit by my purchasing salvation for them and be sanctified continually as they spread the Word." Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate, Hebrews 13:12. The Bible is a commentary on itself. What a wonderful Book! Men write what they think it says, but the Bible says what it wants to say and that is sufficient. The whole message of the Bible can be condensed into 3 words, "Generation, Degeneration, Regeneration." RJS

Our text will be in bold italics and other references in light face italics.
Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word. Jesus knowing that He was going to the cross the next day, took time to pray for you and me. Herein is love! Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends, John 15;13. Our service people, scattered around the world, have volunteered to lay down their lives for their beloved America and every person in this great land. Jesus volunteered to leave heaven and come to this wicked earth to save the bodies, spirits and souls of all that would call upon Him. Don't you think it is time to be thankful to our Lord and our service people? Let's take time to stop reading and spend some time in prayer in thankfulness to both mentioned above.

That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. There has never been a time when America was so polarized as it is today. Joshua knew there was only one way to take the Promised Land and that was to divide and conquer. Hitler tried to divide the armies on his western front, with his "Battle of the Bulge" fought 60 years ago this month. Hitler failed to understand that we had God on our side, and the sacrificial dedication of our troupes. This writer knows; he was there!

And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: Another thing Christians do not understand is that we are to be one in fellowship and spirit. Do you go about telling others the faults of your spouse? If you do, you don't know what love is, because love covers a multitude of sins. None of us are perfect, but to broadcast others failures is satanic and we should be on our knees asking forgiveness.

I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me. Christ has given us the perfect example; there is a oneness in the Godhead. We are admonished that there be a oneness in the church family and the family in the home. Anything less than that is sin and we shall be judged for it. Examine your life; do you measure up? RJS

We have arrived at the last three verses of this chapter, and we want to concentrate on verse 26. Before we do, we want to note that there are over 160 pronouns used of God and Christ, and used in the same sense as used of the disciples in chapter 17. These pronouns are there for proving the plurality of the persons of the Godhead. 65 singular pronouns are used of Christ, 53 of the Father, and 43 pronouns used of God and the disciples. Also, we see ten different "I Haves" which prove that Christ finished the work He was sent to do. Two in verse 4, and one in the following: verses 6; 8; 12; 14; 18; 22; 25; 26. Please take the time to read them.

Verse 26, I have declared unto them your name, and I will declare it. Jesus took, for the most part, a group of unlettered men from menial jobs and in three short years taught them enough to become the greatest leaders the church has ever known. This sums up what He had done and would do for His disciples - "make know the Father unto them." Jesus came to reveal the Father unto the Jewish nation, but because of their rejection, the disciples would be the first preachers and teachers in a new outreach of the Father, the Church. That the love wherewith you have loved me may be in them and I in them. How interesting to note, neither eternal life, or faith, or glory, is the last word of this prayer, but love. And now abideth faith, hope, charity (love), these three; but the greatest of these is charity (love). 1 Cor. 13:13. Let us notice that the love of the Father dwells in us only through Christ's mediatorial ministry. For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, I Tim. 2:5. Looking at the final words on the chapter; I in them, Christ is in us, the Love of the Father is in us, by the power of the Holy Spirit, cf. (Romans 5:5). Our Lord's final dissertation began with John 13:1 and finishes with 17:26. "Having loved His own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end. Tomorrow's devotion begins a new day, "A day of Infamy." I am deeply thankful for books that I have drawn illustrations, quotations and thoughts from for these past six days. Arthur Pink, "Exposition of the Gospel of John" three volumes. The Pulpit Commentary on the Book of John, Vol. 17, and my Dake's Annotated Reference Bible. These three sources have helped illuminate me, so that I am able to share this information with you. RJS

John is more condensed in his recording of the arrest than Matthew, Mark and Luke. They go into more detail as to the actions of Judas and the kiss of death. Remember, John portrays Jesus as the Son of God, Matthew as the son of Abraham, and therefore written to the Jews. Mark gives us a picture of Jesus as the Suffering Servant to the Romans. Luke reveals Jesus as the Son of Man to the Greeks. These four Gospels open to us a complete revelation of the Master, Teacher. The Anointed One, sent from God to purchase our salvation, to deliver us from the slave-markets of sin and defeat the powers of Satan, of death and the grave.

The Garden of Gethsemane was no doubt owned by a rich man, possibly a follower of the Master, and was open to Jesus as a place where He went on many occasions to be alone in prayer to his Father. The Garden was about 200 yards directly east from the Golden Gate in the eastern wall of Jerusalem. In the Kidron Valley flows a small spring fed stream and was between the Easter Gate and Gethsemane. On the South was the Valley of Fire, also called the Hinnom Valley. In ages past the Hebrews set up an idol to the god Moloch and there burned their babies on the red hot out stretched iron hands in worship to this pagan god of the Ammonites.

Verse 6 is interesting, As soon then as he had said unto them, I am he, they went backward, and fell to the ground. Then asked he them again, Whom seek ye? And they said, Jesus of Nazareth. On several occasions in the Old Testament, the prophets met with God in a theophany and fell to the ground in a trance. Then the heavenly messenger lifted them up or commanded them to stand and receive the message from heaven. When Christ spoke to them, it was God speaking and they could not stand before him. This was a message to the rebels that they had no power over Him. He could have killed them and been justified; after all, He was God. However, if He had done that, He would have not finished His work and we would not be saved. In verse 8, He asks that His disciples may go their way and submits Himself to the arresting officers. Poor Peter, again his impetuous action in cutting off the ear of the servant of the High Priest had to be corrected by the Master as recorded in Luke 22:57. RJS

Jesus was considered by the Sanhedrin to be the world's greatest criminal, because he had blasphemed God. What they did not know was that this same Jesus was the world's only man who did not sin, and was about to take upon Himself the sins of the world. Why did they bind him with ropes in verse 12? Because Jesus was an escape artist! There were three different occasions they planned to stone Him and He escaped without harm, (John 8:59; 10:31-33; 11:8). Until it was Jesus time to die, nothing could detour God's plan from eternity past. The time had come, and He was now submissive, but before that He was very evasive and not about to allow anyone (including Satan) to defeat his heaven sent mission. According to Matthew 28:48, Judas had told them to hold Jesus fast. Judas remembered in the early ministry what was later recorded by Dr. Luke. And all they in the synagogue, when they heard these things, were filled with wrath, And rose up, and thrust him out of the city, and led him unto the brow of the hill whereon their city was built, that they might cast him down headlong, but he passing through the midst of them went his way, Luke 4:28-30. Jesus' binding was that we might be set free. Our sins were the cause of His binding. Lets compare a part of Psalms 40:12, "Innumerable evils have taken hold on me," and our sins made Christ's, "have compassed me about." We said in an earlier devotion that to go to the Garden they went through the Eastern Gate. After the trial at the house of Annas, the father-in-law of the High Priest, Jesus was led into the city through the Sheep Gate, where the sheep were taken into the Temple area to be slaughtered. That very day Jesus died for the sins of the world. The next trial was before Caiaphas, the High Priest and false witnesses accused Jesus: This fellow said, I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to build it in three days. And the high priest arose, and said unto him, Answerest thou nothing? what is it which these witness against thee? But Jesus held his peace. And the high priest answered and said unto him, I adjure thee by the living God, that thou tell us whether thou be the Christ, the Son of God. Jesus saith unto him, Thou hast said: nevertheless I say unto you, Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven. Then the high priest rent his clothes, saying, He hath spoken blasphemy; what further need have we of witnesses? behold, now ye have heard his blasphemy. RJS

The Sanhedrin wanted Pilate to Ratify the Sentence of
Death they had already Pronounced on Christ
John 18:28

Then led they Jesus from Caiaphas unto the hall of judgment: and it was early; and they themselves went not into the judgment hall, lest they should be defiled; but that they might eat the Passover. The Sanhedrin did not actually go into the judgment hall, but stood at the entrance lest they be defiled and could not take part in the Passover Feast. They feared the defilement of approaching a Gentile tribunal, but did not shrink from a greater defilement of shedding innocent blood. What hypocrites they were! Truly the letter of the law killeth. They were so careful to keep the letter of the law, but not careful to read the Scriptures that prophesied of the Messiah. In their eagerness to destroy Christ, they disobeyed the Law regarding sentence and execution. These two were not to take place on the same day or at night. The Talmed says, "Criminal processes can neither commence not terminate, but during the course of the day. If a person was condemned the sentence could not be until the next day. No judgment could be executed on the eve of the Sabbath, or on the eve of any festival." All these laws were broken in the trial of Christ that was in the night on the eve of the Passover. It had been predicted that justice and judgment would be taken away during Christ's trial.

Matthew 26:59-60 Now the chief priests, and elders, and all the council, sought false witness against Jesus, to put him to death; But found none: yea, though many false witnesses came, yet found they none. (vvs. 63-66) But Jesus held his peace. And the high priest answered and said unto him, I adjure thee by the living God, that thou tell us whether thou be the Christ, the Son of God. Jesus saith unto him, Thou hast said: nevertheless I say unto you, Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven. Then the high priest rent his clothes, saying, He hath spoken blasphemy; what further need have we of witnesses? behold, now ye have heard his blasphemy. What think ye? They answered and said, He is guilty of death. False witnesses were not enough to condemn Jesus, so other tactics were used by the High Priest. When spiritual or political leaders are filled with hatred, they incessantly seek any means by which they may destroy their enemies. Truly, the tongue is on fire from hell. RJS

Pilate then went out unto them, and said, What accusation bring ye against this man? Vs. 29. This was in accord with Roman law that required three things; 1) Making a specific indictment, 2) Bringing the accused before the accusers, 3) Liberty granted to the accused to answer for himself. Compare Acts 25:16 It is not the manner of the Romans to deliver any man to die, before that he which is accused have the accusers face to face, and have license to answer for himself concerning the crime laid against him; (The Apostle Paul before Agrippa and Festus.)

These Jewish leaders did not want Pilate to question Christ, just to pass sentence so they could crucify their Messiah. This is the epitome of hatred. Pilate tried to turn it back on them by saying, "Judge him according to your law." The Jews could excommunicate and flog, but not inflict capital punishment on the Christ. They would only accept the death of the condemned, nothing less. (Later they stoned Stephen without the Roman Government giving consent, Acts 7:54-60). The unregenerate are inconsistent and vacillating according to their desires at any given time. If he were not a malefactor, we would not have delivered him up unto thee John 18:30. They were not anxious to give any direct charge; they only wanted a sentence so they could get on with the execution. Pilate's question put them on their defense and they took on a air of being injured by it. They posed as righteous men and would never bring an innocent person for him to judge. We are none other than the Sacred Sanhedrin; we would not do anything or bring anyone unjustly condemned before you. What hypocrites!

Then Pilate … called Jesus, and said unto him, Art thou the King of the Jews? Jesus answered him, Do you say this thing of yourself, or did others tell it you of me? Pilate answered, Am I a Jew? … the chief priests have delivered thee unto me: what hast thou done? Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world … John 18:33-35. At that time Jesus was not standing as the King of this world, but in the near future He will return the second time and come as The King of Kings and Lord of Lords. With John in the Revelation we say, "Even so, come, Lord Jesus." RJS

The word "Truth" is found in John's Gospel 28 times and in 1st, 2nd and 3rd John 23 times, so John mentions truth 51 times in his four books. The whole Bible refers to truth 235 times. Our interest today in truth is that Christ is truth. And the Word (Christ) was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth, John 1:14. Again in verse 17, For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ. Poor Pilate, he had never known truth. He lived in a culture that was famous for unlimited sin and debauchery. He was a politician and knew only that to gain popularity in the Roman world, he had to rise to the occasion with the right words, whether they were true or not.

Have you ever thought about the times you have not actually told a lie but you sure have stretched the point or misrepresented the facts? Let's make it clear that the above words or actions were a lie, even though you did not think of them as being lies at the time. The old nature is still with us and we often do not want to accept the fact that we do or say things that are not true. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free, John 8:32. Jesus is the truth and to know Him is to be set free. Christ died to set men free; this is the secret of freedom from sin, sickness and all the curses of this life, (Romans 10:17; Hebrews 11:6 and James 1:5-8).

Now back to Pilate! If Pilate's words were in the form of a question, he would have waited for an answer. We believe they were an exclamation. If he had really wanted to know what truth is he would not have turned away and sent Jesus to Herod as recorded in Luke 23:6-12. Truth is light and both Pilate and Herod were walking in darkness. We note in verse 12 that these men were at odds in the past, but these appearances of Christ in their courts welded them into a friendship of darkness. Darkness cannot dispel light, but light dispels darkness. When you walk into a dark room and turn on the light, the darkness dissipates and the room is filled with light. So, it is with us! If we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin, I John 1:7. RJS

In 1976, this writer was on the Isle of Capri off the western shore of southern Italy and there he saw a plant called the "Crown of Thorns." It was a type of cactus with thorns from 1 to 3 inches long and from five to ten thorns per inch. Its green stems were about 1 inch in diameter and very flexible. If this were the type of crown they crowned our Lord with, we can see it was a horrible fate for anyone to wear.

No where in Scripture do we find a more striking and vivid demonstration of the Sovereignty of God than in Pilate's treatment of our Lord. Eight times Pilate acknowledged that Christ was innocent of all charges: 1) I find no fault in Him, John 18:38. 2) Pilate therefore willing to release Him, Luke 23:20. 3) Pilate sought to release Him, John 19:12. 4) Pilate determined to let Him go, Acts 3:13. 5) Pilate's wife said, Have nothing to do with that just man, for I have suffered many things this day in a dream because of him, Matthew 27:19. 6) Pilate said to the Jews, Take him and judge him according to your law, John 18:31. 7) Pilate sent Christ to Herod because Herod was the governor of Galilee, Luke 23:7. 8) Pilate sought to give Barabbas to the Jews instead of Christ, John 19:38.

"Crucify him! Crucify him!" Pilate saith unto them, Take ye him, and crucify him: for I find no fault in him. 7The Jews answered him, We have a law, and by our law he ought to die, because he made himself the Son of God, 19:6-7. Nothing would satisfy the Sanhedrin short of our Lord's death. Pilate again tried to free the Lord, but in desperation gave Him over to the Roman soldiers to taunt and crown Jesus with the "Crown of Thorns." Our Lord was never more magnificent than at this time. His patience, meekness and dignity were never more conspicuous than when the Man of Sorrows was standing at His greatest hour here on earth. He was about to gain the victory over suffering, death and the grave. That day Christ married hate and love together. What a contrast! They hated Him, but He loved them. When Pilate said, "Behold the Man" in Greek, he was also saying, "Ecco Homo" in Latin. Pilate, he was torn between two fears, because of the hatred of the Jews. If he did not give Jesus to them there would be a riot and he would have to answer to Rome. On the other hand, Pilate feared "The Man," vs. 8. What would you have done, if you had been in his shoes? It's an interesting question is it not? RJS

Humanly speaking, Pilate had all the power of Rome behind him, but Jesus proceeds to tell him that, "You have no power except it is given from above." While the word was in the king's mouth, there fell a voice from heaven, saying, O king Nebuchadnezzar, to thee it is spoken; The kingdom is departed from thee, Daniel 4:31. Daniel had interpreted the king's dream and At the end of the seven years of exile King Nebuchadnezzer's mind returned to him and he said the following: And at the end of the days I Nebuchadnezzar lifted up mine eyes unto heaven, and mine understanding returned unto me, and I blessed the most High, and I praised and honored him that lives forever, whose dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom is from generation to generation, 4:34. Now the king humbles himself and gives praise to the God of Heaven. Now I Nebuchadnezzar praise and extol and honors the King of heaven, all whose works are truth, and his ways judgment: and those that walk in pride he is able to abase, 4:37.

We do not know, and nothing is recorded of Pilate ever making a confession such as this, but we do know that Jesus told Him the only power he had was from heaven. Everything we have and everything we are has come from the God of the heavens. Or to paraphrase the above, You could not do one thing unless God willed it. It is a sin for you to condemn me, for you are convinced by your conscience that I am innocent. The Jewish leaders have a greater sin, because they have willfully sinned against me.

In verse 12, it seems that Pilate was really conscious stricken and sought to release Jesus, but the Jewish leaders were even more adamant that if Pilate released Jesus he was no longer a friend of Caesar. Pilate was then torn betwixt two decisions. Put to death an innocent person or satisfy the evil men who sought Jesus' death without a valid reason. The Jews put forth another argument for Pilate to make a difficult decision. If Jesus were a king then Pilate was being obedient to another king rather than Caesar. This was high treason according to Roman government, after all, the Roman rulers considered themselves to be gods, and to whom worship and obedience was to be given. In all this politicking, the Jews held the upper hand and anything less than what they wanted was reason for rebellion and demanding Pilate's removal from Rome. RJS

Wednesday, December 15

An Earthly Ruler Judges Jesus -
In the Future Jesus will Judge Earthly Rulers
John 19:13-15

When Pilate therefore heard that saying, he brought Jesus forth, and sat down in the judgment seat (Bema) in a place that is called the Pavement, but in the Hebrew, Gabbatha. And it was the preparation of the Passover, and about the sixth hour: and he saith unto the Jews, Behold your King! But they cried out, Away with him, away with him, crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Shall I crucify your King? The chief priests answered, We have no king but Caesar. The Judgment seat here and in several other references is the same word, (Bema). In Acts 18:12, 16, 17, these refer to Paul's arrest and trial before Gallio, and the charges were dismissed. In Acts 25:6-10, Paul had been arrested and in verse 6 he was brought before the judgment seat of Festus at Caesarea by the Sea. In Romans 14:10, Paul admonished us not to judge our Christian brothers, because we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. That last reference where the same word (Bema) is used in 2 Corinthians 5:10 For we must all appear before the judgment (Bema) seat of Christ; that everyone may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good of bad.

Our Lord was standing before the Roman Governor and in Pilate's mind was innocent of all charges. Pilate searched every way at his disposal to free Jesus and dismiss the charges. However, the Jewish leaders would have nothing short of the death of this righteous man who had done nothing amiss. In a previous devotion we referred to the words, "Behold the man," now in vs. 14 Pilate refers to Christ with another title, "Behold your King." This title brought real anger and wrath when Pilate said, "Shall I crucify your king?" These Jewish leaders revealed their true hypocrisy in that they retorted, "We have no king but Caesar!" They hated the Roman leaders as much or more than they hated Jesus, but to gain the verdict of death and determine the fate of Jesus; they actually pledged allegiance to Rome. "Jesus is standing in Pilate's hall - Friendless, forsaken by all: Harken! what meaneth the sudden call! What will you do with Jesus? What will you do with Jesus? Neutral you cannot be; some day your heart will be asking, 'What will He do with me?'" RJS

Thursday, December 16

Pilate's Resolve to get in the Last Word
John 19:16-24

Vs.16 Then delivered he (Pilate) him (Jesus) unto them to be crucified. And they took Jesus, and led him away. Vs. 17 And he bearing his cross went forth into a place called the place of a skull, which is called in the Hebrew Golgotha. It was part of the Roman law that the accused had to carry his instrument of his death, or punishment. There are two areas that are supposed to be the place of the crucifixion. The Catholics have one that is the least possible place and the Protestants another that is probably the actual place. One of the reasons we believe it to be the place is that there was a garden in the close proximity and the hillside that looks like a skull, we call this garden the "Garden of the Tomb."

John19:19 And Pilate wrote a title, and put it on the cross. And the writing was, JESUS the NAZARENE, THE KING OF THE JEWS. This inscription was in three languages; Greek is recorded above in John. The inscription in Mark is in Latin "Rex Judaeorum." Luke says, "This is the King of the Jews," and Matthew in the Hebrew form says, "This is Jesus the King of the Jews." It is believed by most commentators that Pilate purposefully wrote this in anger, and to insult the Jewish leaders, thereby getting the last word and putting the responsibility back on the Sanhedrin. Hebrew was the national language of the Jews. Greek was the common language of the common people and Latin was the language of the Romans. Therefore all could read and know who it was and why he was crucified. John 19:21 Then said the chief priests of the Jews to Pilate, Write not, The King of the Jews; but that he said, I am King of the Jews. The Jewish leaders tried to get this title removed, because it offended them and identified their deception. They wanted to do away with Jesus, but they did not want the responsibility. John 19:22 Pilate answered, What I have written I have written. Pilate was adamant in his determination not to change the inscription. The inflexibility of Pilate, "What I have written I have written," is very resolute in his purpose now that all danger is past. Well had it been for him, if his firmness had been manifested earlier in that day. He was, after all, by his inscription, only representing the true fact unconsciously. Pilate, a Gentile, is the herald to proclaim the Kingship of Jesus. Have you made Him your Lord, Master and King? RJS

Friday, December 17

The Mother of Jesus at the Cross
And Jesus Suffering Agony and Death
John 19:25-30

A group of Galilaean women were standing at a distance from the cross. It seems there were several standing in the shadow of the cross. We think it included Mary, the Lord's mother, Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene. These women had more courage than His disciples. Jesus' mother was now experiencing the words of Simeon as he spoke at the circumcision of the baby Jesus. "A sword shall pierce through thine own heart." Luke 2:35. The words "shall pierce" are better understood in the following: extreme anguish shall pierce Mary's soul when her Son would suffer and die. A little sidelight; there are many references in the Bible where women were an important part in great spiritual events; Sarah, Rachel, Jochebed, Rahab. Bathsheba, Ruth, Esther (Hebrew, "Hadassah" the name of the largest hospital in Jerusalem) and the Marys in today's study. Then there is Lydia, the first convert to Christianity in Europe, and many more. Jesus takes time out from dying to make a will and in so doing he wills his mother into the care of John, the beloved disciple, who was also standing nearby.

The death of Jesus is better explained in Matthew, Mark and Luke, but for today we'll look at the simplicity recorded here in John. "I thirst," these words were brought on because of the burning fever caused by the wounds from the beating about the face, the cat of nine tails on his back, the wounds from the crown of thorns and the nails in his hands and feet. Only God could suffer what he was suffering and still be thinking about others. This was not the first vinegar that was offered. The first one was laced with a narcotic that would suppress the suffering. Jesus refused that one because he wanted to have all his faculties and clearness of mind. The next cry was the last one, "It is finished." 1) The consummation of His suffering. 2) the final accomplishment of his Father's will that he should give himself as a sacrifice for the sins of the world. 3) The complete fulfillment of all the Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah and the types of the Old Covenant. 4) The perfecting by one offering the sanctification of the chosen ones. This death was a predetermined act in ages past that He would lay down His life for His friends. Not just his disciples, but that means for you and me and all other believers. RJS

Saturday, December 18

The Burial of Jesus in a Borrowed Tomb
John 19:38-42

Through the grave Jesus passed from his humiliation to His throne in Glory. The precious death and burial of Jesus were the means and introduction to His majesty and dominion, which are His possession both now and forever. Joseph of Arimathaea and Nicodemus were Christ's official pallbearers, bringing the body from Golgotha to Joseph's tomb. The body had to be in the tomb before sunset, because the next day was the High Sabbath, Passover. This was not the regular weekly Sabbath, but was an annual High Holy Day to be observed unto perpetuity. Exodus 12:21-28. Joseph provided the tomb and the linen cloth with which to wrap the body; Nicodemus brought the spices to wrap in the folds of the cloth. These two men, like the disciples did not as yet, understand the resurrection. This burial was not the embalming as was used in Egypt, but rather only temporary preparation, because the women came to the tomb on the day after the weekly Sabbath to complete the preparation for burial. It is this writer's conviction that the crucifixion took place on Wednesday, according to our calendar. Christ's body was placed in the tomb that evening and according to the sign of Jonah and was to be in the grave for three days and three nights. They did not understand that Christ's glorious body would not see corruption. Remember, Jesus said, "I lay down my life and I will take it up again." That body came forth from the tomb on the third day and was now a glorified, heavenly body that would never die again. The spices brought by Nicodemus would be worth in today's dollar about $5000.00. This was no small offering to bring to One who led Nicodemus into eternal life.

It seems from what we have read, that John, the Beloved, was the only disciple that was at the cross. The others had forsaken Christ and were in hiding. When it comes time for the burial it was two secret believers who took it upon themselves to seek the release of the body. One loaned his unused tomb to bury the Lord in. How do we know it was unused? First the Scripture tells us that is was a new tomb, and second, there were no bones that had to be pushed back to place Christ's body on the burial shelf. The second silent follower brought the large amount of spices to wrap in the cloth that was used by the Jews for burial. Both these men gave of their best to the Master, have you given your best to Him? RJS

Sunday, December 19

The Triumph of the Resurrection
John 20:1-10

Christianity is based on two great events; Calvary and the Resurrection. Your faith and hope of eternal life hinges on these two truths, without them Christianity is just another of the world's religions. In His death he became sin for us, that is, He took our sins upon himself. In the resurrection of His body, He guarantees the resurrection of our bodies. The nature of our new bodies cannot be described. In our humanit,y we cannot conceive the reality of what a glorified body really is. The Scripture pulls back the curtain and gives us several illustrations, but as Paul said, "Now we look through a glass darkly." It is said that to watch an eclipse of the sun you can use a double smoked glass, that is a piece of glass the has been covered with black smoke on both sides and not hurt your eyes. Don't try it, because you might injure your eyes! What Paul was saying is that the human eye is not able to behold the brightness of the Lord or the glory, which shall be ours in eternity. The body of dust is a soulish body. The glorified body is a spiritual body. In the soulish body the soul dominates, in the spiritual body the spirit dominates. The body of humiliation is limited and restrained, the glorious body is entirely serviceable and will be ruled by the Spirit. The body we wear today is dependent upon food and water to sustain life, the spiritual body will be able to both eat and drink, but will not need these earthly resources to sustain life. Remember the Lord told his disciples the night before he was arrested that they would eat and drink with him at His table in the Kingdom, Luke 22:30. We came into this world by the natural birth as a result of conception. We enter into His presence in the future because the new birth was brought about by the Holy Spirit brooding in our hearts and accepting the finished work of Christ on the cross. The present body knows sickness and death, but the glorified body will not suffer, nor see death. Neither mourning no crying nor pain shall be any more: the first things are passed away, Rev. 21:4. Our present body is a very poor tent; our glorified bodies will be as a radiant palace. According to Daniel 12:3 our glorified bodies are as the brightness of the firmament. The most glorious is saved for the last; we will be conformed to His image our bodies will be like His glorified body, We know that when He shall appear, we shall be like Him, for we shall see him as He is. I John 3:2 RJS

Monday, December 20

Mary, Peter and John at the Empty Tomb
John 20:11-18

We are going to edit these passages of Scripture so that you will get the full story from all four Gospels. Each writer sees the events from a different prospective, but together they give us a full account of Resurrection morning.

As it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to the sepulcher, and, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it. His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow: And the angel said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. And go tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, he goes before you into Galilee, Matt. 28:1-7.

Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, had bought sweet spices, that they might come and anoint him. And when they looked, they saw that the stone was rolled away: for it was very great. And entering into the Sepulchre, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, clothed in a long white garment; and they were affrighted. And he said unto them, Be not afraid: Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified: he is risen; he is not here: behold the place where they laid him, Mark 16:1-6.

Outside the tomb - And it came to pass, as they were much perplexed thereabout, behold, two men stood by them in shining garments: And as they were afraid, and bowed down their faces to the earth, they said unto them, Why seek ye the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen. Saying, The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again, Luke 24:4-5, 7. Peter therefore went forth, and that other disciple, and came to the sepulcher. So they ran both together: and the other disciple did outrun Peter, and came first to the sepulcher. And he stooping down, and looking in, saw the linen clothes lying; yet went he not in. Then came Simon Peter following him, and went into the sepulcher, and saw the linen clothes lie, And the napkin, that was about his head, not lying with the linen clothes, but wrapped together in a place by itself. Then went in also that other disciple, which came first to the sepulcher, and he saw, and believed. John 20: 2-8 There is no contradiction in these four accounts; rather each one enlarges the picture so that we can see the events of that glorious morning. RJS

Tuesday, December 21

Jesus Presents His Glorified Appearance to Mary Magdalene
John 20:19-23

So far as our present light reveals, the Savior made eleven appearances between His resurrection and ascension.
First, to Mary Magdalene alone (John 20:14).
Second, to certain women returning from the sepulcher (Matt. 28:9, 10).
Third, to Simon Peter (Luke 24:34).
Fourth, to the two disciples going to Emmaus ( Luke 24:13).
Fifth, to the ten apostles in the upper room (John 20:19).
Sixth, to the eleven apostles in the upper room (John 20:26-29).
Seventh, to seven disciples fishing at the sea of Tiberias (John 21). Eighth, to the eleven apostles and possibly other disciples with them, (Matthew 28:16).
Ninth, to above five hundred brethren at once (1 Cor. 15:7).
Tenth, to James (1 Corinthians 15:7).
Eleventh, to the eleven apostles, and possibly other disciples on the Mount of Olives at His ascension (Acts 1).
His Twelfth appearance, after His ascension, was to Stephen (Acts 7).
His Thirteenth, to Saul on the way to Damascus (Acts 9).
His Fourteenth, to John on Patmos (Revelation 1).
And this was the last - how profoundly significant. The final appearing was His fourteenth! The factors of fourteen are seven and two, seven being the number of perfection, and two of witness. Thus we have His own perfect witness to His triumph over the tomb!! His next appearing will be unto His blood-bought saints all together, when He shall descend into the air with a shout, and catch us up to be with Himself for evermore (1 Thessalonians 4:16).
This will be His fifteenth appearance. The factors of fifteen are three and five, three being the number of full manifestation, and five of grace. Thus, at His coming for us, His grace, His wondrous grace, will be fully manifested!!

Thanks to Arthur Pink for the above outline of the appearances of Christ, not only to Mary at the Tomb, but these other appearances help us to understand that many became believers and were even martyred for their faith. RJS

Wednesday, December 22

Thomas was just Expressing what the Jews had Practiced for Centuries
John 20:24-28

Thomas was seeking a sign. Gideon wanted signs and God obliged him. The angel of the Lord called Gideon "a mighty man of valor" in Judges 6:12, even though he was threshing wheat down in the valley by the wine press rather than on the hill where the wind would separate the wheat from the chaff. In Judges 6:36, Gideon asked God for two signs, the first was that he would spread out a fleece and there would be no dew on the fleece would be wet. The second was just the opposite; a dry fleece and wet ground. God did as Gideon asked and Gideon then knew that God wanted him to lead an army against the Midianites. Thomas was only expressing until he touched the Lord's side and placed his fingers in the nail prints he would not believe in the resurrection. In other words, Thomas wanted a sign in order to believe. When Christ appeared the second (eight days after the first appearance) time to the eleven, Thomas was in the room and the Lord appeared even though the door was closed. Our Lord fully reveals His omniscience. Jesus knew the words of Thomas between several of the other disciples as to his unbelief. Jesus is so kind to Thomas; He does not remonstrate him, but rather softly says, Thomas come and put your fingers in the nail prints and your hand into my side.

Thomas, did neither, but fell to his knees and said, "My Lord and my God." It is believed at this point Thomas had been anointed by the Holy Spirit, because 1 Cor. 12:3 says, "No man can say that Jesus is Lord but by the Holy Spirit." Thomas had acknowledged at this point something that none of the other disciples had uttered. Thomas said that the Jesus of Nazareth was Lord and God, but also that He was "My Lord and God." Not only had Jesus risen from the dead, but He was none other than the Lord God. Jesus than said to "Thomas, because you have seen me, you have believed: blessed are they that have not seen me, and yet have believed." (My loose translation)

This is the category of all believers of this day we have not seen Jesus bodily, but we believe that He is the Lord Christ and the Saviour of the all who confess Him as Lord. Remember, we can only confess Him as Lord by the indwelling ministry of the Holy Spirit. Have you made that confession? If not, today is the day of salvation. RJS

Thursday, December 23

Many other Signs did Jesus in His
Post Resurrection Ministry to Them
John 20: 29-31

The 20th chapter of John is taken up with the risen appearances of Christ. However, John does not tell of all of them in this short chapter, therefore we must go to the other Synoptic Gospels for an inclusive view of these important appearances. He appeared to the two disciples on the road to Emmaus, walking with them and talking of the Old Testament references to the Messiah's first coming, Luke 24:15; later that day eating the evening meal with the eleven, Luke 24:43; talking with the eleven again opening their understanding that they might understand the Scriptures Luke 24 25; appearing to the eleven in Galilee, Matt. 28:16; Christ's declaration that all power was given to Him in heaven and earth, Matt. 28:18; the Great Commission to make disciples and baptize the believers in all nations in the name of the triune God, Matt. 28:19-20.

When John speaks of other signs, he is referring to the Book of the Acts and I Corinthians 15. John implies that there are other books written by other disciples that would give more light to the believers.

In verse 31, John tells us these were written not with mere historical information, but that we might believe on Him, and have everlasting life. It is so interesting how the Holy Spirit leads each of the writers to give information the others did not, so that we have a montage of the complete life, death and resurrection of our Lord. From Christ we all are made to feel the excellency of everlasting life is indeed in earthly vessels. A sudden accident, a few days of illness, and all is gone. Without Jesus we know not where we are going in eternity, but in Him we have the assurance of everlasting life. By believing in Christ, we are assured of a new life free from all the perils of the present life. It is sad to say, but if we do not believe in the Christ presented in John's Gospel we would not be persuaded if He were to came back and speak to us in His glorified body. These words are a take off from the rich man in hell asking father Abraham that Lazarus go back to earth and warn his five brothers of the torment he was in. Abraham said, "If they believe not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded though one rose from the dead," Luke 16:31. Jesus rose from the dead and they still do not believe. RJS

Friday, December 24

"If Christ Had Not Come"

"A minister fell asleep in his study on December 25th and dreaming of a world in which Christ had never come. In his dream he found himself looking through his home, but there were no stockings, no wreaths of holly, no Christmas tree. He walked out to the street. No church with spire pointing heavenward could be seen. No bells sounding the praise of God could be heard. Back in his library every book about Christ had disappeared from the shelves. He opened his Bible to look for a familiar verse but it ended with Malachi. There was no Gospel, no promise of life beyond the grave. He could only bow his head and weep in hopeless desperation. There would be no New Testament, no Gospel, no Church, no forgiveness of sin, and no hope beyond the grave. Had Christ not come, the clock would be turned back on so many advances in human learning and human betterment. Institutions of mercy would be missing: no hospitals or universities or charities. Everywhere tyrants would have destroyed the last vestige of human freedom. Life would be meaningless, empty and a ghoulish nightmare. What would it be like to live in a world without the coming of Christ? What would our faith be like without the good news of a Savior? What would the world be like if we didn't believe in the Scriptures, or if they weren't true?
"First, I think we would be a world without as much love as there is now. He came to show us how to live. Jesus was born in Bethlehem just as we are born, in order to show us how to love. We can live a life of love, and sacrifice, and service to others. There are millions of people in America and around the world today who are living lives of love. Now I am not saying there would not be any love without Christ; just that there would not be as much as there is now.
"Christmas affirms the fact that God loves this world and everything and everyone in it. God loves you. God created you for a purpose. You will be unhappy in this life until you fulfill your purpose. That purpose is to glorify God. When you are discouraged, keep in mind that God has created you for a purpose. You belong here. God wants you here. God has a plan for your life. God loves you so much that he gave you his most precious gift, God's one and only Son. Enjoy! You are meant to have an everlasting life." The above is condensed from a Sermon by Dr. Gary Nicholsi, and copied from a story found on the internet.
If Christ had not been born, there would be no America as we know it. There would be no Liberty, no Declaration of Independence, no Emancipation Proclamation, and no Bill of Rights. There would be no Joy, no Freedom. RJS

Saturday, December 25

Merry Christmas

The brand new pastor and his wife, newly assigned to their first ministry, to reopen a church in suburban Brooklyn. When they saw their church, it was very run down and needed much work. They set a goal to have everything done in time to have their first service on Christmas Eve. They worked hard and on Dec 18 were ahead of schedule and just about finished. On Dec 19 a driving rainstorm - hit the area and lasted for two days. On the 21st, the pastor went over to the church. His heart sank when he saw that the roof had leaked, causing a large area of plaster about 20 feet by 8 feet to fall off the front wall of the sanctuary just behind the pulpit. The pastor cleaned up the mess on the floor, and not knowing what else to do but postpone the Christmas Eve service, headed home. On the way he noticed that a local business was having a flea market type sale so he stopped in. One of the items was a beautiful, handmade, ivory colored, crocheted tablecloth with exquisite work, and a Cross embroidered right in the center. It was just the right size to cover up the hole in the front wall. He bought it and headed back to the church. By this time it had started to snow. An older woman running from the opposite direction was trying to catch the bus. She missed it. The pastor invited her to wait in the warm church for the next bus 45 minutes later. She sat in a pew and paid no attention to the pastor while he got a ladder, hangers, etc., to put up the tablecloth as a wall tapestry. The pastor could hardly believe how beautiful it looked and it covered up the entire problem area. Then he noticed the woman walking down the center aisle. Her face was like a sheet. "Pastor," she asked, "where did you get that tablecloth?" The pastor explained. The woman asked him to check the lower right corner to see if the initials, EBG were crocheted into it there. They were. These were the initials of the woman, and she had made this tablecloth 35 years before, in Austria. The woman could hardly believe it as the pastor told how he had just gotten the tablecloth. The woman explained that before the war she and her husband were well-to-do people in Austria. When the Nazis came, she was forced to leave. Her husband was going to follow her the next week. She was captured, sent to prison and never saw her husband or her home again. The pastor wanted to give her the tablecloth; but she made the pastor keep it for the church. The pastor insisted on driving her home; that was the least he could do. She lived on the other side of Staten Island and was only in Brooklyn for the day for a housecleaning job. What a wonderful service they had on Christmas Eve. The church was almost full. The music and the spirit were great. At the end of the service, the pastor and his wife greeted everyone at the door and many said that they would return. One older man, whom the pastor recognized from the neighborhood, continued to sit in one of the pews and stare, and the pastor wondered why he wasn't leaving. The man asked him where he got the tablecloth on the front wall because it was identical to one that his wife had made years ago when they lived in Austria before the war and how could there be two tablecloths so much alike? He told the pastor how the Nazis came, how he forced his wife to flee for her safety, and he was supposed to follow her, but he was arrested and put in a prison. He never saw his wife or his home again all the 35 years in between. The pastor asked him if he would allow him to take him for a little ride. They drove to Staten Island and to the same house where the pastor had taken the woman three days earlier. He helped the man climb the three flights of stairs to the woman's apartment, knocked on the door and he saw the greatest Christmas reunion he could ever imagine. (Copied from Internet) RJS

Sunday, December 26

The Fishermen are about to trade in their old Profession for a new one, Preaching and Soul Winning
John 21:1-6

The miracle in these verses is comparable to the one recorded in Luke 5:1-11; in this first recorded miracle they toiled all night and had caught nothing. Jesus told them to cast their nets on the other side and both boats were filled with fish so that they were about to sink. In this miracle recorded in our text they again are instructed to cast on the right side and again they caught such a large net full that they were not able to draw the net into the boat. The author of the Comparison Bible shares with us some interesting statistics:
The first miracle was on the third day and the wedding feast in Cana was in full session, John 2:3. The last one was the third appearance of Christ to his disciples, John 21:14.
The second comparison, they had no wine in John 2:3; they had no fish, in John 21:14. In both of these there was a command, "Fill the water pots," and "Cast the net." In both cases the pots were full and the net was full.
The third set of circumstances,
In the first miracle there were six water pots. In the second there were one hundred fifty three fish.
In both, Christ manifested His deity 2:11 and 21:12,14. How much we lose by not comparing Scripture with Scripture! Remember and never forget the Scriptures are a commentary upon themselves.
It always seems that Peter was leader, in verse 3 Peter said, "I go a fishing." It may be that he was just anxious or tired of waiting for the Lord in Galilee; either way he was the one that suggested they go fishing. The rest agreed that they needed something to do, so why not do what they were best at doing. This was hard work and it took their mind off the current problems. Unfortunately, in all the labor they caught nothing. This must have been of the Lord, because when we are fishing for men, if we are doing it in the flesh, we will fail. If we are waiting on the Lord and He leads us to an individual that is ready to be saved, we will have success. Again, we must remember that God does the saving, if we save them, they are still lost. Salvation is all of the Holy Spirit; we are only to be the witnesses because the Lord has appointed us to do that. RJS

Monday, December 27

Did You Ever Go Fishing and Not Catch Any Fish?
John 21:7-14

The men had returned to their trade or vocation and as fishermen, were badly disappointed at the night spent on the water with nothing to show for it. Little did they know, during the night that at sunrise their Lord and Master would be standing on the shore. It is believed it was John who told Peter that the Lord was standing there and had told them where to throw the net that was not overflowing with fish. When they all arrived at the shore they were surprised to see a small fire and fish being cooked along with fresh baked bread. Are there times when you wake up from a good night's sleep and feel famished? Yes, we all do every now and then. These men had worked hard all night without food and they were ready to eat. It's very interesting that the Lord knows just what we need and when we need it. The fire and the fish being broiled on it were ready for their needs. They needed warmth from the cold of the night, and the fish and bread to meet their hunger. This leads to another thought. The Lord is always ready to supply the needs of His children be they large of small. The prepared fish were not from their catch, but the Lord had provided them in a miraculous way.

When Peter drew the net to land with so many fish, I wonder if he in later days, such as, Pentecost and other sermons remembered what the Lord had said, "I will make you fishers of men." It was Peter that saw the harvest from a simple sermon and so many saved in Jerusalem less than 50 days later. The Host for this breakfast made a delightful statement, "Come and dine." C. C. Widmeyer took these words and penned a beautiful song that we shall quote to close today's devotion:
1st Verse Jesus has a table spread Where the saints of God are fed,
He invites His chosen people, 'Come and dine;'
With His manna He doth feed and supplies every need:
O 'tis sweet to sup with Jesus all the time,
Chorus "Come and dine the Master calleth, "Come and dine;"
O come and dine; You may feast at Jesus any time;
He who fed the multitude, Turned the water into wine,
To the hungry calleth now, "Come and Dine."

Yes, Mr. Widmeyer has extended the invitation and it is as open the door as it was in days of old. RJS

Tuesday, December 28

Peter's Triple Commission
John 21:15-17

In these verses we have the Lord talking, one on one, to Peter and a triple commission to now go out and catch people. This takes us back to Luke 22:31-32, And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: 32But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren. Notice how caring the Lord is; He had prayed for Peter that he might not fall or fail in the great work Peter was going to do after the Lord left them in the Ascension. Yes, the Lord's presence was no longer with them as it had been in these 3 plus years, but the Ministry of the Holy Spirit was about to take over, as recorded in Acts; and the Lord not only would be with Peter, but to this day He is with us.

In this passage, the Lord directs a threefold question to Peter. We believe this is posed three times to remind Peter of his three denials the night before Christ was crucified. The questions make an appeal to the future of Peter's faith and love. Peter's faith had weakened several weeks earlier, now the Lord is asking Peter if He really loves him, or just likes Him. The Lord uses the Greek word "agapa" for love and Peter responds with the word Greek "phileo." The first word is used in John 3:16, "God so "loved" the world, again we see this word in John 15: 9, 10 As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love. 10If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love. Four times in these two verses, Jesus uses the word "agapa." Poor Peter, he used the lesser word, "phileo" which means "to be fond of another person." Finally, the last time the question was put to Peter the Lord uses Peter's word. I'm sure the Lord must have been saddened by Peter's response. However, we must ask the question of each and every reader. Do you really love the Lord or do you just like Him. If it is real love, it means sacrifice, service and visible action on your part. If it's the other, then you don't feel the need to sacrifice or give yourself to glorify the Lord. We read this missionary story many years ago that happened in Africa. A little lad was attending the service and they were about to take up an offering. The small boy had nothing to give, but taking a scrap of paper and a piece of charcoal wrote, "I give myself, that's all I have to give." RJS

Wednesday, December 29

The Prophecy of Peter's Death
John 21:18-19

There is no record of Peter ever being in Rome. Paul never mentions Peter as being in Rome. Some believe that he went east to Babylon or that area and ministered there. However, the Lord did tell Peter in our text that he was to die a martyr's death. We don't know for sure what kind of death he died, but catholic tradition has it that he died in Rome on or about 64 A.D. This writer has been in St. Peter's Cathedral in Rome and it is taught that his bones are buried under the main alter in the church. There is a grotto under the alter and supposedly, the alter covers the tomb. John Foxe's Book of Martyrs has a dissertation about Peter's death. This supports the Roman Catholic tradition and it is difficult to agree with his "historical narrative." I quote a condensed version of what Foxe said: "Among many other saints, the blessed apostle Peter was condemned to death, and crucified, as some do write, at Rome; albeit some others, and not without cause, do doubt thereof. Hegesippus saith that Nero sought matter against Peter to put him to death which, when the people perceived, they entreated Peter with much ado that he would flee the city. Peter, through their importunity at length persuaded, prepared himself to avoid. But, coming to the gate, he saw the Lord Christ come to meet him, to whom he, worshipping, said "Lord, whither dost Thou go?" To whom He answered and said, "I am come again to be crucified." By this, Peter, perceiving his suffering to be understood, returned into the city. Jerome said that he was crucified his head being down and his feet upward, himself so requiring, because he was (he said) unworthy to be crucified after the same form and manner as the Lord was."
It is not recorded in Scripture that Peter had any headship over the church. He was given the keys according to Matthew 16:17-19 Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. … That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever you shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever tuou shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Most think these keys were used at Pentecost and when Cornelius was saved and an opened door to the Gentiles. RJS

Thursday, December 30

Peter said, What Shall this Man Do?
John 21:20-23

Peter had just learned his destiny and now he asked about John's future. The Lord responded with, if I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to you? It sounds like the Lord's answer is in the form of a mild rebuke. It may have been somewhat of a jealous remark on the part of Peter. Peter suffered from a disease that most of us have and that is putting your foot into your mouth.

The Lord's answer implies that He exercises a Divine sovereignty over the lives of His servants. This answer also implies that the Lord's servants should not seek an early death, but rather occupy until I come. This rules out suicide. Some times His chosen ones seek death because of suffering or circumstances over which they have no control. We ought rather to be as the Apostle Paul, to work until the Lord comes, do our best for the good of the church and our fellow believers.

The Lord's answer also implies that each disciple had a distinct position or work to do in the place of the Lord's choosing and would not leave this world until he had finished his duties.

Our Lord's answer implies that we are bound to follow Him through all the mystery that surrounds the path. "Follow thou Me." Sometimes we do not want to follow because of intellectual, moral or personal difficulties; these are no excuse. Our duty is to follow; He will help us surmount the difficulties.

Tradition has it that in the 3rd and 4th centuries there were believers that thought John was still living on the earth because of what Jesus said. There is a phrase that still lingers on to this day, "There is a wondering Jew." We know differently, but John did live on and was exiled to Patmos about 96 A.D. and there gave us the blessed book, revealing the future of the church and the world. Daniel also received some of this, but was told to seal up the book till the time of the end, Daniel 12:9. The Revelation of Jesus Christ by John is one of the greatest prophetic books ever written. We now believe we are in the early days of the Laodicean Church; we can faintly hear the hoof prints of the four horseman riding to introduce Jacob's trouble and the end of time, as we know it. RJS

Friday, December 31

The World could not Contain the Books if every thing was Written of the works and Sayings of the Lord.
John 21:24-25

"The Apostle closes his Gospel with another reminder of the inadequacy of all human words to tell of Jesus' glory, of whom he has been speaking. If it were attempted to tell out all, the world would be unable to contain the books that would be written. It would be an impracticable load to lift, rather than a help to clearer apprehension. How thankful we may be for the moderation that has compressed what would be really blessing to us into such a moderate compass! Which yet, as we all must know, develops into whatever largeness we may have capacity for. Our Bibles are thus the same, and quite manageable by many. On the other hand, are we burning to know more? We may go on without any limit, except that which our little faith or heart may impose. May God awaken our hearts to test for themselves the expansive power of Scripture, and whether we can find a limit anywhere! Like the inconceivable immensity of the heavens, ever increasing as the power of vision is lengthened, we go on to find that the further we go only the more does the thought of infinity rise upon us; but this infinity is filled with an Infinite Presence; in every leaf-blade, in every atom, yet transcending all His works; and 'to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we for Him; and one Lord, Jesus Christ by whom are all things, and we by Him,'" 1Corinthians 8:6.

"These verses call for little comment. The Gospel closes with the personal seal and attestation of its writer. John, without mentioning his name, vouches for the veracity of what he had recorded, and then adds an hyperbole cf. Matthew 11:23; And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted unto heaven, shalt be brought down to hell: for if the mighty works, which have been done in thee, had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this da,. and Hebrews 11:12; Therefore sprang there even of one, and him as good as dead, so many as the stars of the sky in multitude, and as the sand which is by the sea shore innumerable. To emphasize the fact that it was not possible for him to fully report the infinite glories of that One who is the central figure of his Gospel. The final "Amen" found at the end of each Gospel is of the Holy Spirit's seal." Arthur Pink on John, Vol. 3, p.333 RJS

Please click on the current date # above or scroll down to read the devotional for the day!

It is our desire to make these devotionals readily available to anyone who can use them. We pray that as you daily read and meditate on God's Word, you will be able to use these to help you spiritually grow in your daily walk with the Lord

Please Email us to share a testimony of how this ministry has been a blessing to you, Or to request these devotions be sent to you daily via email!

Please Email us to share a testimony of how this ministry has been a blessing to you, Or to request these devotions be sent to you daily via email!

Read Past Devotionals in the Devotional Archive!

Read Past Devotionals in the Devotional Archive!