John
Four Types of Resurrections
Jesus defended His actions pointing out that He was only imitating His Father (v. 19). God’s sustaining work on the world has never ceased nor will it (vv. 20-23). Lack of understanding was not the problem. The Jews understood perfectly that Jesus was claiming equality with God. They …
Happiness Comes by Serving Others
The key to this passage is found in verse 17 – “If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.†The sequence is important, which is humbleness, holiness and then happiness. Happiness is the by- product of a life that is lived in humbleness and holiness (vv. 12-17). The world thinks that …
Pilate’s Compromise
In this passage, Pilate declares Jesus innocent three times, yet subjects Him to a terrible beating (18:38-19:1). His actions speak louder than his words. He was a weak-willed man who hoped to find a happy compromise. Pilate asks the question, “What is truth†(v. …
Jesus Predicts His Death
During the Feast of Tabernacles, the women’s court in the temple was lighted by giant lamps with burning wicks made from the priests’ worn-out garments. This reminded the people of how God was with them in the wilderness, guiding them by a pillar of fire by night. In this setting we find …
The True Shepherd
Jesus opens this passage with an illustration, one that every listener would have understood. Thieves and robbers attempt to enter the sheepfold by climbing over the wall. A sheepfold normally consisted of four walls of stone, with one door and no roof. The fold is Israel (v. 16), and …
Trial Before Annas
It is evident that two of Jesus’ disciples had followed the Lord and His enemies across the Kidron Valley into the city of Jerusalem and into the courtyard of the High Priest. One of these disciples was Simon Peter and the other one is unknown. Many think it was John (v. 15). It has been …
Divided Opinions About Jesus
In yesterday’s passage, Jesus gave an invitation, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.†(John 7:37b-38 NKJV). This invitation divided the people. Some thought He might be the prophet …
Jesus’ Prayer For His Glorification
John 17 is often referred to as the “Holy of Holies” of the New Testament. This has been referred to as the greatest prayer on earth and the greatest prayer recorded anywhere in Scripture. This wonderful prayer of our Lord closes the Upper Room Discourse and precedes His agony in the …
Confusion About The New Birth
In these verses we find both Jesus and John ministering and baptizing (vv. 22- 23); Jesus in Judea and John farther north along the Jordan River near Salim. This was before John was thrown into prison (v. 24). We know it was not Jesus Himself who administered the rite of baptism b …
Jesus Claims to be God
In the previous passage, Jesus healed the lame man on the Sabbath (vv. 8-9). Later Jesus found the man in the temple and told him to stop sinning or something worse would happen to him (v. 14). Jesus was interested not only in the healing of a person’s body, but far more importantly he was …