Episodes
Monday Jan 25, 2016
The Gospel of John: The work of the Spirit (John 16: 4b-15
Monday Jan 25, 2016
Monday Jan 25, 2016
The Gospel of John: The Work of the Spirit
John 16:4b-15
The Need to Leave (v. 4b-7)
• Jesus’ comforting statements concerning persecution in 15:17-16:4b were not previously needed because of His presence with the disciples
• But now Jesus is preparing them for His imminent departure
– Over which they are grieved (v. 6)
• His leaving will be to his disciples advantage
– Because the Spirit will not come until after Jesus has left
– See Isa. 11:1–10; 32:14–18; 42:1–4; 44:1–5; Ezk. 11:17–20; 36:24–27; 37:1–14; Joel 2:28–32
The Convicter (v. 8-11)
• The Spirit comes to convict the world of:
– Sin: which is based in unbelief in Jesus
– Righteousness: Exposing the inadequacy of its own actions
– Judgment: Showing God’s truth concerning all things
– In contrast to the lies of the ‘prince of this world’ (Satan)
– All of which Jesus did while on earth and the Spirit will continue in His absence
The Teacher (v. 12-15)
• The Spirit will make clear to the disciples all that Jesus has taught
• He is our ultimate teacher and revealer of Christ
So What?
• With Jesus’ death, resurrection, and ascension the kingdom of God has come
• The Holy Spirit empowers us to live out that kingdom life now
• And continues the ministry of Jesus through us
• Are we letting Him work through us?
Meditation Verse: John 16:7
Wednesday Jan 20, 2016
Hatred & the Helper (John 15:18-16-4a)
Wednesday Jan 20, 2016
Wednesday Jan 20, 2016
The Gospel of John: Hatred & the Helper
John 15:18-16:4a
The World’s Hatred (15:18-25)
• Jesus assures His disciples that the world will treat them like they treat Jesus
– If they are truly reflecting Christ
• The implications of this may not have been obvious to them because it was before His arrest and execution
• The world = people who do not know Jesus’ Father (v. 21)
– Their rejection of Christ is what leaves them guilty
The Helper (15:26-27)
• Jesus promises His disciples that they will not be alone in this struggle
• He will send the Helper = The Holy Spirit
– Who will comes from the Father
– Who bears witness about Jesus
• Along with Jesus’ disciples
The Result of Their Witness (6:1-4a)
• Jesus’ words are meant as encouragement
– In light of the persecution that the disciples will face
• Including being cast out from among their Jewish cohorts
– And even being killed
• Service to God (ex. Saul’s persecution of the Church)
Persecution
• If we are representing Christ correctly to the world
– We should expect for the world to treat us like they treated Jesus
• But, if we are to be persecuted, let it be for doing good and representing Jesus well
– Not for misrepresenting Him
So What?
• Are we representing Jesus well?
– Through the power of His Spirit
Meditation Verse: 1 Peter 3:17
Tuesday Jan 12, 2016
The True Vine (John 15:1-17)
Tuesday Jan 12, 2016
Tuesday Jan 12, 2016
Thursday Jan 07, 2016
Fear & Love (John 11:45-12:11)
Thursday Jan 07, 2016
Thursday Jan 07, 2016
The Gospel of John: Fear and Love
John 11:45-12:11
The Plot & The Prophecy (11:45-57)
• The Pharisees & Jewish leaders react to Jesus’ sign with fear
- Fear of losing their personal status
- Fear of losing their national privileged position with the Romans
• Caiaphas, the High Priest calms them by plotting to have Jesus killed
- He speaks prophetically (v. 50)
- Jesus would die for the nation of Israel (v. 50)
- And for the Gentiles too (v. 51)
• They devise a plot to have Jesus arrested and killed at the upcoming feast of Passover
- Which serves as the background for all the events of the Passion week
• At word of the plot, Jesus withdrew to Ephraim
- But not for long
The Anointing (12:1-8)
• Lazarus’ family throws Jesus a dinner
– During which Mary cleans Jesus feet with expensive lotion and her hair
• A sign of utter love for Jesus(see John 13:1ff)
• Judas is outraged because of the cost of the ointment
– Feigning concern for the poor
– But really because he was stealing from the disciples ministry fund
• Jesus rebukes Judas
– Seeing Mary’s act as both one of love and prophecy
• She has just anointed Him for His upcoming burial
– While still claiming a need to care for the poor (v. 8)
The Plot Thickens (12:9-11)
• When the crowd learns that Jesus is back in Bethany, they report it to the Jewish leaders
• They then plan to kill Lazarus too
– Since he is a living witness to Jesus’ power and authority
– And many are believing in Jesus because of him
So What?
• The leadership’s fear drove them to have Jesus & Lazarus killed
– Fear of losing power and prestige
• Mary’s love for Jesus drove her to anoint and serve Him
• What drives us? Is it fear or love?
Meditation Verse: 1 John 4:18