The Book of John chapters 1-8

The Gospel of John (the disciple whom Jesus loved), was
written in Ephesus about 90-100 AD, apparently by the same author or authors who
wrote the three epistles of John and the book of Revelation. The Gospel of John
was obviously addressed primarily to Christians, not to the heathen. It gives
the inner life and teachings of Christ as revealed to his disciples. Nearly
two-thirds of the whole book belong to the last six months of our Lord's life,
and one-third is the record of the last week. Just to keep the record straight,
John the apostle was the son of Zebedee, a fisherman on the lake of Galilee,
and of Salome, and brother of James, also an apostle. John (son of Zebedee), is not to be confused with
John the Baptist who was of the priestly race by both parents. His father,
Zacharias, was himself a priest of the course of Abia or Abijah, (1 Chronicles
24:10), and Elisabeth was of the daughters of Aaron the priest. (Luke 1:5). Remember that
John the Baptist was beheaded. After the Lord had risen, John the Apostle was
the first to recognize the presence of his risen Lord; and Peter being the first
to plunge into the water and swim toward the shore where He stood calling them.
(John 21:7). The last words of John's Gospel reveal to us the deep affection
which united the two friends. The history of Acts shows the same union. The
purpose of the "Holy Spirit" by John, in his presentation of the Messiah, is to
say to us and to all, "Behold your God," and His Deity is observed
throughout this Gospel.
John 1
Joh 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the
Word was God. In the beginning (of the ages), was the Word
(already pre-existent), and the Word (Christ), was with God, and the Word was
God. Here "ages" refers to "eons," millions of years ago before anything existed.
The Word (Logos), as well as the worlds were prepared by Him. (Hebrews 1:2,
11:3). However, the Word had no beginning. (1 John 1:1). We have seen and
touched the Word of Life, Jesus Christ who was from the beginning. (Christ was
the Word in the beginning). Just as God's elect were chosen in the beginning.
(Psalm 90:2, Proverbs 8:23, Ephesians 1:4). Chosen before this world age. Who
were the ones chosen at this time? Those who fought and stood against Satan in the first world age.
(Again, God's elect). They were justified in the first earth age. (Romans
8:27-33). If you did not know that there was a earth age before this one, read
our study topic titled "Three
Earth Ages," and appendix 146, The foundation of the world, of the King James
Companion Bible. As the spoken word reveals the invisible thought, so the "Living Word" reveals the invisible God. (Implying personal presence and
relation). "The Word was God." (Denotes the conception of God as Infinite,
Eternal, Perfect, Almighty).
Joh 1:2 The same was in the beginning with God. This
Word was the beginning with God. i.e. He (Christ), existed in the beginning with
God.
Joh 1:3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made
that was made. God created everything through Him, and
nothing was created except through Him. (Hebrews 1:2, Colossians 1:16). Christ
Himself is the creator of all things in heaven and earth. Even in the spirit
world that are invisible to us, were all made by Christ. All was made for His
use and glory. (Romans 11:36).
Joh 1:4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men.
The Word gave life to everything that was created. (Psalm 36:9, 1 John 5:11-12).
Through the Word of God, (His record). God has given us eternal life through
Christ. Your choice! Eternal life through Christ, or death through Satan. Yes,
the devil holds the power of death! (Hebrews 2:14). But, Satan's power was broken
by the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Stay in Christ and you never need to fear
death.
Joh 1:5 And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it
not. This "light" (Christ is light), shines in darkness
(Satan is darkness), and "darkness" can never extinguish it.
(Overpowered Him not). (1 Thessalonians 5:5). We are children of the light,
because Christ is the light. He has no darkness in Him. Satan is a child of the
night and darkness.
Joh 1:6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.
Now we are speaking of John the Baptist, who was sent by God. (Malachi 3:1). I will send you a
messenger and he will prepare the way for the Lord. (Mark 1:2-3). Again, speaking of
John the Baptist. He would prepare the way of the Lord. (Matthew 11:10-11, Luke
1:76, 7:26-28, John 1:6-7, Isaiah 40:3-5). His message was to repent and be
baptized. (Matthew 3:1-3, Luke 1:16-17).
Joh 1:7 The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all
men through him might believe. John the Baptist was
sent with a view to bearing witness; not merely to be a witness. "Sent to tell
about the light so everyone might believe because of his testimony." (Acts
19:4). Paul explained that those receiving John's baptism must go on to believe
in Jesus. John told them that Jesus would be the one to come later as the
Messiah.
Joh 1:8 He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that
Light. John the Baptist was not the light; he was simply a
witness to tell about the light, Jesus Christ.
Joh 1:9 That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh
into the world. The "One" who is the true
"Light," to
everyone, was coming into the world. (1 John 5:20). "The one and only
true God."
Joh 1:10 He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world
knew him not. He came into the very world He created, but
the world didn't recognize Him. (1 John 3:1). Our Heavenly Father loves us so
much that He calls us His children. Since most people of the world do not truly
know God, they do not understand that we are His children. (They don't recognize
Him).
Joh 1:11 He came unto his own, and his own received him not.
Christ came to His own people (Israel), and even they rejected Him. (Matthew
21:33-46). Read the parable of "The Wicked Husbandmen."
Joh 1:12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the
sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
However, those who believed Him and accepted Him, He gave the
right to become children of God. (Hosea 1:10, Galatians 3:26, Galatians 4:6, 1
John 3:1). Our Heavenly Father loves us so much that He calls us His children.
Again, since most people of the world do not truly know God, they do not understand
that we are His children. We are all Children of God (both Jew and
Gentile), through faith in Jesus Christ.
Joh 1:13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of
the will of man, but of God. Lets break this down a
little. "Not of blood," (It is not because your parents were God's children).
"Will of the flesh," or the "will of man," (You don't earn your way to become a
child of God). "But of God," (We receive Him and believe in Him, and it is God
who accepts you as His child). (1 John 5:1). If you believe that Christ is the
Son of God (born from above, of the spirit), then you are a child of God.
"When you love Christ
you love the Father."
Joh 1:14 And the Word 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. The Word (Jesus Christ), became human and made His
home among us. "Emmanuel, God with us." (Isaiah 7:14, Matthew 1:20-23). He was
full of unfailing love and faithfulness. (1 Timothy 1:14-16). We beheld His
Glory. "The Shekinah Glory." (Luke 9:32, 2 Peter 1:17). "This is my beloved
Son," who brings me great joy.
Joh 1:15 John bare witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom I
spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me.
John the Baptist testified about Him when he shouted to the crowds. "This is
the One I was talking about when I said; Someone is coming after me who is far
greater than I am, for He existed long before me." (Matthew 3:11, Mark 1:7, Luke
3:16). Yes, John was speaking of Jesus Christ.
Joh 1:16 And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.
From His abundance we receive all our blessings. "Blessings to further the
His ministry." (Ephesians 4:7-12). Christ has given each of us special abilities.
(Special gift He gives us to further His cause). The sent forth ones;
some are teachers, some are seed planters, some for winning people to Christ,
and some for caring for God's people.
Joh 1:17 For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by
Jesus Christ. Moses being the law
giver to the people, but God's unfailing love and faithfulness came through
Jesus Christ. (Hebrews 11:39-40). All these people had a good reputation because of their faith, but none of them
received all that God had promised. (Hebrews 11:13, Luke 10:23-24).
God had
something better in mind for us. Jesus Christ, whom God has sent forth to be a propitiation through faith in
His blood for the remission of sins. A better hope that the law could not
accomplish. (Hebrews 5:9, 7:19, 7:22, 8:6, 9:23, 12:23-24). White robes will be
given to every one who had the faith. (Revelation 6:11).
Joh 1:18 No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in
the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.
No one has ever seen God. But, Jesus Christ the only begotten Son, is near
to the Father's heart, and has revealed God to us. (1 John 5:20). Again, the one
and only true God. (Not the fake antichrist that comes first to deceive
the world).
Joh 1:19 And this is the record of John, when the Jews sent priests and
Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, Who art thou?
This was
the testimony of John when the Jewish leaders sent the priests and temple
assistants from Jerusalem to ask John, "Who are you?" (Luke 3:15-18, Acts
13:25). John was not the Messiah like they thought, but told them of the coming
Messiah (Jesus), whose shoes on His feet, he was not worthy to wear.
Joh 1:20 And he confessed, and denied not; but confessed, I am not the
Christ. John came right out and said,
"I am not the
Messiah."
Joh 1:21 And they asked him, What then? Art thou Elias? And he saith, I am
not. Art thou that prophet? And he answered, No. Who are
you then? They asked. "Are you Elijah?" Referring to (Malachi 4:5). "No," he
replied. "Are you the prophet we are expecting?" Referring to (Deuteronomy
18:18). "No," he replied.
Joh 1:22 Then said they unto him, Who art thou? that we may give an answer to
them that sent us. What sayest thou of thyself?
They
wanted an answer about who he was for those who sent them.
Joh 1:23 He said, I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make
straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Esaias.
John replied with the words of the prophet Isaiah: "Prepare ye the way of the
Lord." (Isaiah 40:3-5).
Joh 1:24 And they which were sent were of the Pharisees.
Trouble from those religious leaders who think
they know it all.
Joh 1:25 And they asked him, and said unto him, Why baptizest thou then, if
thou be not that Christ, nor Elias, neither that prophet?
"If you aren't the Messiah, or Elijah, or a Prophet, what gives you the right to
baptize?"
Joh 1:26 John answered them, saying, I baptize with water: but there standeth
one among you, whom ye know not; John the Baptist told
them, "I baptize with water, but right in front of you in the crowd is someone
you do not recognize."
Joh 1:27 He it is, who coming after me is preferred before me, whose shoe's
latchet I am not worthy to unloose. Though His ministry
follows mine, "I am not even worthy to be His slave and untie His sandals." (Luke
3:16).
Joh 1:28 These things were done in Bethabara beyond Jordan, where John was
baptizing. This encounter took place where John was baptizing
the people.
Joh 1:29 The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the
Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. The
next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, "Look." "It
is the Lamb of God who
takes away the sins of the world." (Isaiah 53:7, Acts 8:32, 1 Peter 1:19).
Joh 1:30 This is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man which is preferred
before me: for he was before me. This is the man I have
spoken of before, who is far greater than I am. He existed long before me. (Even
though John the Baptist was physically born before Christ, Jesus being the Word
existed long before John).
Joh 1:31 And I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel,
therefore am I come baptizing with water. "I did not even
recognize Him as the Messiah, but I have been baptizing with water so that He
might be revealed to Israel."
Joh 1:32 And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from
heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him. John
testified, "I saw the Holy Spirit descending like a dove from heaven and resting
upon Him." (Matthew 3:16, Mark 1:10, Luke 3:22).
Joh 1:33 And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the
same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining
on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost.
I didn't know He was the One. But, when God sent me to baptize with water, He
told me that the One that the Holy Spirit descend and rest upon, is
the One who will baptize with the Holy Spirit. (Acts 1:5).
Joh 1:34 And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God.
"I saw it happen to Jesus, so I testify that He is the Chosen One of God."
Joh 1:35 Again the next day after John stood, and two of his disciples;
The following day John was standing with two of his disciples.
Joh 1:36 And looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of
God! Jesus walked by, and John looked at Him
(with a fixed
gaze), and said. "Look." "There is the Lamb of God."
Joh 1:37 And the two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus.
When the two disciples heard this, they followed Jesus.
Joh 1:38 Then Jesus turned, and
saw them following, and saith unto them,
What seek ye?
They said unto him, Rabbi, (which is to say, being
interpreted, Master,) where dwellest thou? Jesus noticed that the two
disciples were following Him and asked them. What do you want? They replied,
"Rabbi" (meaning teacher), where are you staying?"
Joh 1:39 He saith unto them, Come and see.
They came and saw where he dwelt, and abode with him that
day: for it was about the tenth hour. "Come and see Jesus replied." It
was around 4:00 in the afternoon when they went with Him to the place where He
was staying, and they spent the rest of the day with Him. (What an awesome
invitation these two disciples had to spend the day personally with Jesus). "We
have that same personal invitation from Jesus, and He will abide and sup with
us." (Revelation 3:20). "Just knock at the door and He will answer."
Joh 1:40 One of the two which heard John speak, and followed him, was
Andrew, Simon Peter's brother. Andrew, brother of Simon
Peter was one of the disciples who had followed Jesus.
Joh 1:41 He first findeth his own
brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being
interpreted, the Christ. "Andrew went to his brother Simon and told him
that they have found the Messiah," (meaning Christ, the anointed One).
Joh 1:42 And he brought him to
Jesus. And when Jesus beheld him, he said,
Thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be
called Cephas, which is by
interpretation, A stone. Andrew brought Simon to meet Jesus. Jesus looked
at Him and said; "Your name is Simon, son of John, but you will be called Cephas,"
meaning Peter. (Mark 3:16).
Joh 1:43 The day following Jesus
would go forth into Galilee, and findeth Philip, and saith unto him,
Follow me. When
Jesus decided to go to Galilee the next day, He came upon Philip and said to
him, "Come follow Me."
Joh 1:44 Now Philip was of Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter.
Philip was from the same home town (Bethsaida), as Andrew and Peter.
Joh 1:45 Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him, of
whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son
of Joseph. Philip went to look for Nathanael
(meaning gift
of God, and generally identified with Bartholomew), and told him about the Jesus
the Messiah. "He told him that they have found the very person that Moses and
the prophets wrote about." (Luke 24:44).
Joh 1:46 And Nathanael said unto him, Can there any good thing come out of
Nazareth? Philip saith unto him, Come and see. Nathanael
says to Phillip, "Nazareth?" "Can anything good come from Nazareth?" Come and see
for yourself Phillip replied.
Joh 1:47 Jesus saw Nathanael
coming to him, and saith of him,
Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile! As they
were approaching, Jesus said, "Here is a genuine son of Israel, a man of
complete integrity."
Joh 1:48 Nathanael saith unto
him, Whence knowest thou me? Jesus answered and said unto him,
Before that Philip called thee, when thou wast
under the fig tree, I saw thee. How do you know about me
Nathanael asked Jesus? He replied, "I could see you under the fig tree before
Philip found you." God knows everything. (Psalm 139:1-2). He knows all about
you even before you were born.
Joh 1:49 Nathanael answered and saith unto him, Rabbi, thou art the Son of
God; thou art the King of Israel. Then Nathanael
exclaimed, "Rabbi, You are the Son of God, the King of Israel." (Proclaiming the
Person of the Lord, in connection with the Kingdom).
Joh 1:50 Jesus answered and said
unto him, Because I said unto thee,
I saw thee under the fig tree, believest thou? thou shalt see greater things
than these. Jesus asked Nathanael, "Do you believe this
because I told you that I had seen you under the fig tree?" Then Jesus told him
that he would see greater things than this. (It didn't take much for Nathanael
to become a believer). What about you?
Joh 1:51 And he saith unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Hereafter
ye shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon
the Son of man. Then Jesus said to him, "I tell you the
truth, you will all see heaven open and the angels of God going up and down on
the Son of Man; the One who is the stairway between heaven and earth." (Matthew
6:9-10). This would be part of the Lord's prayer. (These guys would
witness the baptism of Jesus and the Holy Spirit descending upon
Him as the Son of Man as well as the Son of God).
John 2
Joh 2:1 And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the
mother of Jesus was there: Most scholars agree that this
would be the third day after the last event. (i.e. the seventh day of the week,
or the Sabbath day). The celebration was in the village of Cana in Galilee and
the mother of Jesus was present. (A typical Jewish wedding feast lasted seven
days).
Joh 2:2 And both Jesus was
called, and his disciples, to the marriage. Jesus and His disciples were
invited to the wedding celebration. (It's always good to invite Jesus to your
wedding if you are a Christian). Spiritually speaking... The presence of the
Holy Spirit at such a celebration always makes for a wonderful time.
Joh 2:3 And when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, They
have no wine. The wine supply had run out early in the
festivities, so the mother of Jesus told Him about the lack of drink.
Joh 2:4 Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine
hour is not yet come. That's not our problem Jesus
replied. "My time has not come." In other words Jesus is saying,
"what would you
like Me to do?"
Joh 2:5 His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do
it. Do what ever Jesus tells you.
"Always
listen to what Jesus has to say and follow His instruction." (Acts 9:6, Hebrews
5:9).
Joh 2:6 And there were set there six waterpots of stone, after the manner of
the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three firkins apiece.
Nearby were six stone water jars, used for Jewish ceremonial washing. Each could
hold twenty to thirty gallons. The Jews regarded themselves ceremonially unclean
if they did not wash both before and after eating. These pots were not drinking
water pots, but many scholars believe that Jesus only picked these pots because
they would hold a large supply of water. I believe there is a deeper meaning
here. Jesus could have had any of the empty wine jugs filled with water and
used them. However, I believe that He used these ceremonial washing pots
symbolically to show that they would no longer be needed for washing after His
crucifixion. It would be His shed blood that would do the spiritual cleansing of
the soul for all that come to repentance of their sins. "Cleansing for the sins
of the world." (Hebrews 10:22).
We can go into the
very presence of God with sincere hearts as believers. Fully trusting Him,
because our guilty consciences have been sprinkled clean with the blood of
Christ, and washed (baptized), with pure water. (Matthew 3:11, Ephesians 5:26,
1
Peter 3:21).
Joh 2:7 Jesus saith unto them, Fill the waterpots with water.
And they filled them up to the brim. Jesus told the
servants to fill the water pots. (Were talking of over 120 gallons of water
here).
Joh 2:8 And he saith unto them, Draw out now, and bear unto the governor
of the feast. And they bare
it.
Now Jesus commanded the servants to take some of the water from
the pots, and take it to the master of ceremonies. (The governor). The servants
of course
followed His instructions.
Joh 2:9 When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine,
and knew not whence it was: (but the servants which drew the water knew;) the
governor of the feast called the bridegroom,
The
master of ceremonies called the bridegroom over to his table after he tasted the
wine.
Joh 2:10 And saith unto him, Every man at the beginning doth set forth good
wine; and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse: but thou
hast kept the good wine until now. When the bridegroom
came over, the master of ceremonies said to him; a host always serves the best
wine first, and then he brings out the less expensive wine later. But, you have
saved this wonderful wine until now. (Man always tries to trick you; God is
always straight up in His actions).
Joh 2:11 This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and
manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him.
This would be the first time that Jesus revealed His glory with this miraculous
sign. And His disciples believed in Him. (This is the key to the signification
of the eight miracles of this Gospel, and John has laid them out for us as
signs). It has been 450 years since the Jews had seen a miracle. (The last was
in Daniel 6).
Joh 2:12 After this he went down to Capernaum, he, and his mother, and his
brethren, and his disciples: and they continued there not many days.
A little visit to Capernaum (village of comfort), for a few days.
Joh 2:13 And the Jews' passover was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem,
It was nearly time for the Jewish Passover celebration so Jesus went to
Jerusalem.
Joh 2:14 And found in the temple those that sold oxen and sheep and doves,
and the changers of money sitting: Here we see the Temple
merchants selling their goods (cattle, sheep, and doves for sacrifice), along
with exchanging money. (The problem is that they were a bunch of rip offs,
selling mite infested doves and blemished animals for sacrifice). Right in the
"house of God." (The law required that all sacrificial animals should be without
blemish). The priests were a part of this racket also, and they got a cut from
the animal sales. (According to a Jewish historian and culture expert, the
priests were netting the equivalent of $300,000 a year in money exchange alone
because the rates were so high).
Joh 2:15 And when he had made a
scourge of small cords, he drove them all out of the temple, and the sheep, and
the oxen; and poured out the changers' money, and overthrew the tables;
Jesus made a whip from some ropes and chased them all out of the Temple. He
turned over the money changers tables and drove out all the animals. Needless to
say, "Jesus was a little upset." (Matthew 21:12, Mark 11:15).
Joh 2:16 And said unto them that
sold doves, Take these things
hence; make not my Father's house an house of merchandise.
Going over to the merchants that sold doves, He told them to get these might
infested doves out of here. Stop turning "My Father's House" into a marketplace.
"My Father's House." (This was the beginning of His ministry). At the end He
called it "Your House." (Matthew 23:38).
Joh 2:17 And his disciples remembered that it was written, The zeal of thine
house hath eaten me up. The
disciples remembered this prophecy from the scriptures." Passion for God's
house will consume Me." (Psalm 69:9, Psalm 119:139).
Christ didn't live to please
Himself, He came as a servant towards others. They criticized Christ and they
will do the same to you. (1 Timothy 3:7, Matthew 5:11).
When you teach the truth of God's Word, you will be
talked about and falsely accused. People will look for every fault they can
against you.
Joh 2:18 Then answered the Jews
and said unto him, What sign shewest thou unto us, seeing that thou doest these
things? The Jewish leaders were really upset that Jesus ruined their
little party, and wanted to know by what authority He had to do this.
"They wanted a sign to prove His authority." (What a mistake people make when
they question Jesus).
Joh 2:19 Jesus answered and said
unto them, Destroy this temple, and
in three days I will raise it up. Jesus replied; You want
a sign? "Destroy this Temple and in three days I will raise it up." (The Lord's
enemies remembered what He had said, and changed the wording to "I will
destroy"). (Matthew 26:60-61, Mark 14:58). Was this written? Yes... But they
twisted the scripture. Jesus never said "I would destroy the temple," but rather
"you would destroy the temple," speaking of His body as the temple of God. (John
2:18-21). This was the temple that He would raise up in three days; and He did.
"Beware of false witnesses."
Joh 2:20 Then said the Jews, Forty and six years was this temple in building,
and wilt thou rear it up in three days? "What!" they
exclaimed. "It took 46 years to build this Temple, and you say you can rebuild
it in three days?" (Bunch of ignorant hypocrites).
Joh 2:21 But he spake of the temple of his body. We all
know that Jesus meant His own body as the Temple He was talking about. (They did
not get it). "Jesus Himself is the chief cornerstone of the living Temple of
God." (Ephesians 2:20-22, 1 Peter 2:4-5). Christ is that Living Chief
Cornerstone of God's temple that was rejected by men, but chosen by God with
great honor. "We are also part of that temple of God as believing Christians."
(1 Corinthians 3:16, 1 Corinthians 6:19).
The Holy Spirit dwells
within you. (The many member body is the temple of God).
Joh 2:22 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. It would be after Jesus was raised
from the dead; then His disciples remembered He had said this, and they believed
both the Scriptures and what Jesus had said.
Joh 2:23 Now when he was in Jerusalem at the passover, in the feast day,
many believed in his name, when they saw the miracles which he did.
Because of the miraculous signs Jesus did in Jerusalem at the Passover
celebration, many began to believe in Him.
Joh 2:24 But Jesus did not commit himself unto them, because he knew all
men, But Jesus didn't trust them, because He
knew human nature. I have a saying I use occasionally: "I don't even trust
myself at times in this flesh body, so why should I trust you."
Joh 2:25 And needed not that any should testify of man: for he knew what was
in man. No one needed to tell Jesus what mankind is really
like. God knows your heart! "He knows who He can trust and who He cannot trust
with certain things." Where do you fit in? Can He really trust you?
John 3
Joh 3:1 There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the
Jews: According to Rabbinical tradition, Nicodemus was one
of the three richest men in Jerusalem. A member of the Sanhedrin, or National
Council.
Joh 3:2 The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know
that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that
thou doest, except God be with him. Nicodemus came to
Jesus one evening to speak with Him. He believed that Jesus was sent by God to
teach the people because of the miracles that Jesus had performed. It appears
that Nicodemus didn't want the public knowing what he was doing when he visited
Jesus. However, Jesus was always open to people coming to ask Him questions.
Joh 3:3 Jesus answered and said
unto him, Verily, verily, I say
unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
Jesus replied, "Here is a truth, unless you are born again (born from above,
i.e. Divine power), you cannot see the Kingdom of God." (John 1:51, James 1:17).
All good and perfect things come from God.
Joh 3:4 Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can
he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born?
Nicodemus didn't understand what Jesus was saying.
Joh 3:5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a
man be born of water and
of
the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of
God. One cannot enter the Kingdom of God without being
born of water and the Spirit. Born of the water through women at birth, and born
of the Spirit (i.e. Holy Spirit), through the Word. Lets go a little deeper here
and go to the two basic theories of being born again. The first theory
taught by many churches is that a person has to be baptized (water baptism),
to be saved. They will tell you that as soon as you accept Christ, you need to
be baptized to be saved. However, Jesus promised the thief on the cross would be
with Him in Paradise without physically baptizing him. (Luke 23:43, 2
Corinthians 5:8).
When we leave these bodies, we are with the Father. (1
Corinthians15:46-48). The natural body comes first the spiritual comes later.
Adam was made of dust, but Christ came from heaven. The second theory is
that there are two births, one physical and one spiritual.
Born of the water through your natural birth, and (born of the Spirit), through
the washing of the Word. (Ephesians 5:26). Being born again (born from above),
requires two births. For example: The fallen angels did not want to be born of
woman, but rather came down to earth to seduce the daughters of Adam. (Read our
newsletter "the fallen angels" for a better understanding).
Joh 3:6
That which is born of the flesh
is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Humans can reproduce only human life, but the
Holy Spirit gives birth to
spiritual life. (The fundamental law, both in nature and grace). The spiritual
birth has nothing to do with the outside flesh, but rather to the inside of you.
It's what the "Holy Spirit" does for you. (It changes you from the inside out).
Joh 3:7 Marvel
not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.
Nicodemus must have been in awe here, as Jesus said; don't be surprised when I
say, "You must be born again."
Joh 3:8 The wind
bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell
whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the
Spirit. The wind blows wherever it wants. You can't tell
where it comes from or where it is going. The same is with people who are born
of the Spirit. This word "wind" here is "pneuma" Strong's #G4151
"the Holy
Spirit." When a person becomes a believer and follows Christ, they are moved by
the Holy Spirit, you can feel when the spirit is present
Joh 3:9 Nicodemus answered and said unto him, How can these things be?
How can this be? Nicodemus still didn't understand. But, he should have.
Joh 3:10 Jesus answered and said
unto him, Art thou a master of
Israel, and knowest not these things? Jesus replies, "You
are a respected Jewish teacher, and you don't understand these things? It was
written in the old testament, this new Spirit "the Holy Spirit" will fill the
hearts of many. (Jeremiah 31:33, 32:39, Ezekiel 11:19, 18:31, 36:25-27, Psalm
51:10). Just like many priests, preachers, and teachers today; it's like the
blind leading the blind. (Matthew 15:14). Don't be misled by false preachers.
Joh 3:11 Verily,
verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have
seen; and ye receive not our witness. Speaking of the
teachers of Israel. It was right in front of them as a testimony. (i.e. Christ
knows what He is talking about). What greater authority could you have about
Heaven than Christ? "He lived there."
Joh 3:12 If I
have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I
tell you of heavenly things? You
won't even believe Me about earthly things, so how can you possibly believe Me
when I speak of Heavenly things. Earthly things: (1 Corinthians 15:40,
Colossians 3:2, 2 Corinthians 5:1). Heavenly things: (Ephesians 1:3, 20,
Ephesians 2:6, 3:10, Ephesians 6:12, Philippians 2:10). Heavenly things being of
the unseen world. In this end times, we are not fighting against people made of
flesh and blood, but against the evil rulers of the unseen world. Mighty satanic
beings and great evil princes of darkness who rule this world. We fight against huge
numbers of wicked spirits in the spirit world.
Joh 3:13 And no
man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven,
even
the Son of man which is in heaven.
No one has ever gone up to heaven and returned. But, the Son of Man (who lives
in heaven), has come down from heaven. In other words, Christ was not "taken up
by God," as Enoch and Elijah, but Christ has "gone up," on His own when the
Evangelist wrote these words. He ascended to heaven as written in: (Romans 10:6,
Ephesians 4:10).
Joh 3:14 And as
Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be
lifted up: As Moses lifted up the bronze snake on the pole
in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up. (Numbers 21:7-9, Luke
24:26, 46, Acts 3:18, 17:3, Hebrews 2:9-10).
Joh 3:15 That
whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.
Everyone who believes in Him will have eternal life. (1 John 5:1, 1 John
5:11-13). If you believe that Christ is the Son of God (born from above), then
you are a child of God. When you love Christ you love the Father. "Its your choice."
Eternal life through Christ, or death through Satan. Yes, the devil holds the
power of death. (Hebrews 2:14). But, Satan's power was broken by the crucifixion
of Jesus Christ. Stay in Christ and you never need to fear death.
Joh 3:16 For God
so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth
in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. This
verse needs no interpretation. No doubt, one of the most important scriptures
written in the bible. However, the key here is "believe in Him." To Me, you must
get to know someone before you can believe in them. You get to know Christ
through the Word. "His written personality if you will."
Joh 3:17 For God
sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through
him might be saved. Jesus was sent into the world by the
Heavenly Father to save the world, not to judge the world. (Matthew 1:23,
Matthew 18:11, Luke 19:10, 1 Timothy 2:5-6, 1 John 2:2). Christ is the atoning
sacrifice that paid the price on the cross for our sins. All our sins and for
the sins of the world. But, this is only for our sins of the past, not our
future sins. Again, we will always mess up at times and we must repent for
our sins on a regular basis. (Your Heavenly Father is always there to forgive
you).
Joh 3:18 He that
believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned
already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of
God. No judgment against one who believes in Him. But
anyone who does not believe in Him has already been judged for not believing in
God's only begotten Son. (1 John 5:10, 1 John 5:12). You either believe Jesus
Christ is the Son of God, or you don't. If you don't, you are calling God a liar.
Jesus Christ is written of in the Old Testament and spoken of by the prophets.
The crucifixion written by the prophets 1,000 years before it took place. Again,
it's your choice. Life through Christ, or death through Satan.
Joh 3:19 And this
is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness
rather than light, because their deeds were evil. Here's
the facts about judgment: God's light (Jesus), came into the world, but people
loved the darkness more than the light, because their actions were evil. It's so
easy in this world today to follow the majority and the ways of the world.
(Romans 2:8, 1 Peter 2:8).
God will pour out His wrath on those who live for themselves and
refuse to obey the truth in the Word. Those who choose to live lives of
wickedness and follow evil ways of the world. (2 Thessalonians 2:10-12).
If you want to be ignorant of God's Word and follow lies,
deception, and traditions of men; God will send you strong delusion to believe
those lies. He will close your eyes to the truth. (Isaiah 29:10). Look at how
people are so comfortable with their teachings. Comfortable with their spirit of
slumber. (The Word can
even become their stumbling block). When they play church and follow traditions of
men they will not understand the truth of God's Word. (Christ can become a
stumbling block to them). How can Christ become a stumbling block? Remember that
the antichrist comes first and will deceive many into believing he is the real
Christ. (He will be the stumbling block to those who follow him). God will also
let you be deceived and believe a lie if you do not follow the truth of the
Word. (2 Thessalonians 2:5-11).
Joh 3:20 For
every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest
his deeds should be reproved. All who do evil hate the
light and refuse to go near it because they fear that their sins will be
exposed. (Ephesians 5:12-13). To speak of the pleasures of darkness which the
ungodly do. However, when exposed, the light shines in upon their sin and shows
up. (i.e. they will see how wrong they really are).
Joh 3:21 But he
that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that
they are wrought in God. Those who do right always come to the light, so
others can see that they are doing what God wants them to do. (3 John
1:11). Don't let the bad examples influence you. If you are doing what is right,
it is of God. (If they are doing evil they are not of God). That's just the way it
is. False teachings are evil, traditions of men are evil. God's Word is good.
Joh 3:22 After these things came Jesus and his disciples into the land of
Judaea; and there he tarried with them, and baptized.
Jesus and His disciples left Jerusalem and went into the Judean countryside
baptizing people.
Joh 3:23 And John also was baptizing in Aenon near to Salim, because there
was much water there: and they came, and were baptized. At
the same time, John the Baptist was baptizing at Aenon (place of springs),
because there was plenty of water there.
Joh 3:24 For John was not yet cast into prison. This
was before John was thrown into prison.
Joh 3:25 Then there arose a question between some of John's disciples
and the Jews about purifying. A debate between John's
disciples and a certain Jew over ceremonial cleansing. (Probably over the
meaning of baptism). The Jews had their own rituals for cleaning hands and for
immersion when a Gentile became a Jew. John was baptizing Jews and they probably
did not like that.
Joh 3:26 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. John's disciples asked him
about the one he had identified as the Messiah who was baptizing on the other
side of the Jordan river. They were concerned about everyone going to Him
instead of coming to them to be baptized.
Joh 3:27 John answered and said, A man can receive nothing, except it be
given him from heaven. John replied, "No one can receive
anything unless God gives it to them from heaven." John realized that what he was
doing was a gift from God. (James 1:17, 1 Peter 4:10-11). God gives everyone
certain spiritual gifts, and we should use them to serve others. If you have
the gift of speaking, speak as if God were speaking through you. If you have the
gift of helping others, do it with the strength and energy that God supplies.
Then everything you do will bring Glory to God through Jesus Christ; all the
Glory and power to Him forever and ever. (Jesus had the crowds of people because
that is what the Heavenly Father had given Him).
Joh 3:28 Ye yourselves bear me witness, that I said, I am not the Christ, but
that I am sent before him. You know that I have told you
that I am not the Messiah, but I am only here to prepare the way before Him. It
was written in the old testament: (Isaiah 40:3, Malachi 3:1).
Joh 3:29 He 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.
John gives the example of the wedding ceremony. It is the bridegroom who marries
the bride, and the best man has a very important part of the ceremony, glad to stand with him and hear his vows.
Just like the best man, John was
filled with joy at the success of Jesus because he was part of the equation.
Joh 3:30 He must increase, but I must decrease.
He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less. John
realized that he was loosing some of the attention to the Messiah, but it did
not bother Him. He knew it was for the benefit of others and part of the
plan of God. (We need to realize that there will be times when people move up to
our teachings, but also may move up to another's teachings because that is where
God has led them). In other words: we can't always be the center of attention
when teaching God's Word. Others may have good things to say and teach about the
Word. (This is a problem for many priests and pastors).
Joh 3:31 He that cometh from above is above all: he that is of the earth is
earthly, and speaketh of the earth: he that cometh from heaven is above all.
We are only earthly and speak of earthly things. He (the Messiah), has come form
above and is greater than anyone else. (John the Baptist knew that Jesus was in
a whole different class than he was, being from above).
Joh 3:32 And what he hath seen and heard, that he testifieth; and no man
receiveth his testimony. He testifies about what He has
seen and heard, but how few believe what He has to say. (John 1:11).
Joh 3:33 He that hath received his testimony hath set to his seal that God is
true. Anyone who accepts His testimony can confirm that
God is true.
Joh 3:34 For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth
not the Spirit by measure unto him. He
(the
Messiah), is sent by God and He speaks God's Words. God has given Him the Spirit
(Holy Spirit), without limit. (i.e. the greatest power of the Spirit). "If we
were talking star wars here, He would have the ultimate power of the force." He
spoke God's Words and had the power of God, because He was God. (Emmanuel, God
with us).
Joh 3:35 The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand.
The Heavenly Father loves His Son and has put everything in His hands. (1
Corinthians 15:27, Ephesians 1:22, Philippians 2:9-11, Hebrews 1:2, Hebrews
2:8-9, 1 Peter 3:22).
Joh 3:36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that
believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.
Anyone who believes in God's Son has eternal life. Anyone who doesn't believe
and obey the Son, will never experience eternal life. (They remain under God's
judgment). (Matthew 3:7, Luke 3:7, 1 Thessalonians 2:15-16). Speaking of a
generation of vipers. (Those always trying to kill Jesus and disrupt God's
plan). More specifically, "the Kenites." The wrath will come upon them in the end.
If you are not familiar
with the kenites, read our newsletter titled: Sons of Cain.
John 4
Joh 4:1 When therefore the Lord knew how the Pharisees had heard that Jesus
made and baptized more disciples than John, Jesus knew
that the Pharisees had heard that He was baptizing and making more disciples
than John and they did not like it. (John never refers to the Sadducees by name,
but they were included here).
Joh 4:2 (Though Jesus himself baptized not, but his disciples,)
It was His disciples who were doing the baptizing, not Jesus. (It was not the
practice of Jesus to baptize).
Joh 4:3 He left Judaea, and departed again into Galilee.
Jesus returned to Galilee.
Joh 4:4 And he must needs go through Samaria. He had to
go to Samaria on the way. (Luke 17:11). There was a divine purpose for Jesus to
go through Samaria. Judea was in the south, Galilee in the north, and Samaria
was right in the middle. Samaria was populated by a race of "half-breeds." They
were half Jewish, or heretical Jews. They didn't practice "orthodox
Judaism," as they did in Judea and Galilee. The normal route for a Jewish person
traveling from Judea to Galilee would be around Samaria, but Jesus needed to go
through Samaria. Not the natural route to take, but Jesus had another reason. He
had to meet a woman by a well.
Joh 4:5 Then cometh he to a city of Samaria, which is called Sychar, near to
the parcel of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph. In
His journey Jesus came to the Samaritan village of Sychar, near the field that
Jacob gave to his son Joseph. (Joshua 24:32).
Joh 4:6 Now Jacob's well was there. Jesus therefore, being wearied with
his journey, sat thus on the well: and it was about the sixth hour.
Jacob's well was where Jesus was passing by and He was tired from walking, so He
sat weary beside the well about noon time.
Joh 4:7 There cometh a woman of
Samaria to draw water: Jesus saith unto her,
Give me to drink. A
Samaritan woman came to draw water from the well and Jesus asked her for a drink
of water.
Joh 4:8 (For his disciples were gone away unto the city to buy meat.)
Jesus was alone at the time because the disciples were out getting food.
Joh 4:9 Then saith the woman of Samaria unto him, How is it that thou, being
a Jew, askest drink of me, which am a woman of Samaria? for the Jews have no
dealings with the Samaritans. The woman asked Jesus why He
was asking her for a drink? She was surprised, because usually Jews refuse to
have anything to do with Samaritans. "And of course, Jesus was a Jew."
(There
was a long history of racial prejudice between the Jews and Samaritans at the
time). It appears that even today people still have a lot of racial prejudice to
deal with. When are we ever going to accept all peoples nationality as
equal? I guess it will never happen in this world age.
Joh 4:10 Jesus answered and said
unto her, If thou knewest the gift
of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have
asked of him, and he would have given thee living water.
Jesus said to the woman; if you only knew the gift of God (The Holy Spirit),
that He has for you and who you are speaking to, you would ask Me, and I would
give you living water. "Christ is that living water." It is written how Israel
rejected the "Living Water." (Jeremiah 2:13, Jeremiah 17:13).
In the future sense it is written about the Lord's Day: (Zechariah 14:8).
Again, what day?
The Lords Day! Life giving waters will flow out from Jerusalem, half toward the
Dead Sea, and half toward the Mediterranean Sea, flowing year round. (Ezekiel
47:1-12, Revelation 22:1-2). Jesus spoke of these living waters. (John 4:14,
7:38).
Joh 4:11 The woman saith unto him, Sir, thou hast nothing to draw with, and
the well is deep: from whence then hast thou that living water?
The woman knew that the well was very deep (more than 100 ft. at times), and Jesus
had no bucket or rope. She asked where He was going to get this living water?
She didn't understand what Jesus was talking about, and that He was the living
water. "Many don't get it today." (1 Corinthians 2:14).
The flesh man can’t
receive these truths. It all sounds foolish and confusing to them. Only those
who are spiritual can understand.
That is why it is so important to exercise the spirit. How? Study and believe
God's Word!
Joh 4:12 Art thou greater than our father Jacob, which gave us the well, and
drank thereof himself, and his children, and his cattle?
Here the woman gets a little testy towards Jesus asking; "Do you think you are
greater than our ancestor Jacob, who gave us this well?"
Joh 4:13 Jesus answered and said
unto her, Whosoever drinketh of
this water shall thirst again: Drink this water and you
will become thirsty again.
Joh 4:14 But
whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but
the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up
into everlasting life. But those who drink the water I
give will never thirst again. It becomes a bubbling spring within them, giving
them eternal life. "Speaking of the Holy Spirit." Did you ever get that joyful
bubbling feeling inside when the "Spirit" brings you a new truth, or
understanding of the Word? (That's the Holy Spirit at work).
Joh 4:15 The woman saith unto him, Sir, give me this water, that I thirst
not, neither come hither to draw.
Please sir, the woman said, give me this water! "Then I will never be thirsty
again, and won't need to come to the well to get water." (She still didn't get
it).
Joh 4:16 Jesus saith unto her, Go, call thy husband, and come hither.
Go and get your husband, Jesus replied.
Joh 4:17 The woman answered and
said, I have no husband. Jesus said unto her,
Thou hast well said, I have no husband:
I don't have a husband she replied, Your right! Jesus answered, you don't have a
husband. (The woman told part of the truth, but not the whole truth).
Joh 4:18 For thou
hast had five husbands; and he whom thou now hast is not thy husband: in that
saidst thou truly. You have five husbands, and you aren't
even married to the man you are living with now. "You certainly spoke the
truth." (Jesus respected her for being partially truthful).
Joh 4:19 The woman saith unto him, Sir, I perceive that thou art a prophet.
The woman was a little shocked when she realized that this man could see right
through her, and thought that He must have been a prophet.
Joh 4:20 Our fathers worshipped in this mountain; and ye say, that in
Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship. Now
that the woman thinks Jesus is a prophet, she is going to ask Him some
questions. "Why is it that you Jews insist that Jerusalem is the only place of
worship, while us Samaritans claim it is here at Mount Gerizim that our
ancestors worshiped?" Jacob's well is at the bottom of Mount Gerizim.
(Deuteronomy 27:12). It appears that the Samaritan way of worship was an example
of; "We will do it our way." Like today when priests, pastors, and teachers of
denominational churches twist the scripture a little to please the people,
instead of doing it God's way. (They wouldn't want to lose any of the
congregation). They need to make everything so entertaining to keep the
people interested, instead of teaching the truth of the Word. Believe me,
when you teach the truth as it is written, it will keep peoples attention.
Joh 4:21 Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when
ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father.
Jesus replied to the woman, "Believe Me, the time is coming when it will make no
difference where you worship the Father. (Matthew 18:20). It makes no difference
where you worship, as long as Christ is the center of that worship. "Wherever
you have two or more gathered together in "Jesus name," He will be there.
Joh 4:22 Ye
worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews.
The Samaritans knew very little about the One they worshipped The
Samaritans feared God but worshipped their own gods. (2 Kings
17:24-41). The Jews knew all about Him, and salvation comes through the
Jews. Through One main Jew, "Jesus Christ." (Zechariah 9:9).
Joh 4:23 But the
hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in
spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.
The time is coming and is here now when the true worshippers will worship the
Father in Spirit and in truth. This is what the "Heavenly Father" is looking for
in a Christian. (1 Peter 2:9-10). A chosen generation (Generation of the fig
tree), or the last generation. Those who know the truth and had His calling
because they love God. "It's all coming depended on the repentance of the
nation, when all the prophecies would have been fulfilled." (Acts 3:18-26).
Joh 4:24 God is
a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship
him
in spirit and in truth. God
is a "Spirit," so those who worship Him must worship in Spirit and in truth. How
do we worship the Heavenly Father? You talk to Him humbly as your Father with
sincerity, truth, and meditation in the Word. (You make His day when you study
the Word and thank Him for what you have learned). The Samaritan woman still
didn't realize who she was talking to, but when she puts it all together, I
think she will realize that He was the truth of all things she was waiting for.
Joh 4:25 The woman saith unto him, I know that Messias cometh, which is
called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things.
The woman said, "I know the Messiah is coming who is called Christ. When He
comes, He will explain all things to us." Even though the religion of the
Samaritans had been twisted over the years, they believed and knew from the Old
Testament scripture that the Messiah would come. (Deuteronomy 18:15-18).
However, the woman did not realize that she was talking to Him.
Joh 4:26 Jesus saith unto her, I that speak unto thee am
he.
Jesus told the woman, "I Am the Messiah!" Not only the Messiah,
but letting her know that He was "I AM WHO I AM," (Exodus 3:14). Jesus was
letting the woman know that He is the "I AM," Yahveh, God in the flesh.
Joh 4:27 And upon this came his disciples, and marvelled that he talked with
the woman: yet no man said, What seekest thou? or, Why talkest thou with her?
The disciples came back and seen Jesus talking to the woman and were a little
shocked, but they did not question Him. Remember, it was uncommon for the Jews
to have dealings with the Samaritans. (Never question the intentions of the
Heavenly Father). How does the old saying go? "God works in mysterious ways."
Joh 4:28 The woman then left her waterpot, and went her way into the city,
and saith to the men. The woman left her water jar beside
the well and ran to the village to tell everyone what had happened. (This woman
had an experience like never before and wanted to tell everyone what had
happened).
Joh 4:29 Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not
this the Christ? This is the man who knew everything about
me and what I did! "Could He be the Messiah?"
Joh 4:30 Then they went out of the city, and came unto him.
So the people came streaming from the village to see Him. (Do you think it will
be like that when Christ returns again in the end times)? Hmmm, I wonder if
people will even get off the couch? (Matthew 20:16).
Joh 4:31 In the mean while his disciples prayed him, saying, Master, eat.
They were urging Jesus to eat something. They just
returned from getting food and were probably satisfied themselves, but were
concerned for Jesus.
Joh 4:32 But he said unto them, I have meat to eat that ye know not of.
Jesus replied, "I have a kind of food you know nothing about." (Revelation
2:17). Speaking of the hidden Manna, "the truth of God's Word."
Joh 4:33 Therefore said the disciples one to another, Hath any man brought
him ought to eat? The disciples said to one
another, did someone bring Jesus something to eat? (They didn't understand
what He was saying).
Joh 4:34 Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent
me, and to finish his work. Jesus explained to them: "My
nourishment comes form doing the will of God, who sent Me, and from finishing
His work. (Luke 2:49, Luke 4:4). Christ was that "Living Word" of God, more
important than food for the body, "it is food for the inner soul and spirit."
(Deuteronomy 8:3).
Joh 4:35 Say not
ye, There are yet four months, and
then
cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up
your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.
The saying is, "four months between planting and harvest." But I say, wake up
and look around; the fields are already ripe for harvest. In other words, it may
take natures harvest that long, but God's harvest doesn't necessarily take any
time at all. "The Holy Spirit can make you a believer instantly." Bringing our
attention to the end time prophecy of (Matthew 9:37-38). Jesus told His
disciples that the harvest is so great, and the workers are so few. (There was so
much work for those people to be taught, but few laborers to do it).
Joh 4:36 And he
that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both
he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together.
The harvesters of the end times are paid good wages, and the fruit they harvest
is people who are brought to eternal life. Joy awaits both the planter (seed
planter), and the harvest alike. (Proverbs 11:30, Daniel 12:3). Example: (James
5:19-20). If one slips away from the faith and no longer trusts God, and one
helps him understand the truth again. The person who brought him back to the
Lord has saved a wondering soul. God will bless you for it and redeem you from
your sins. Always share the truth of the Word with others as the Lord gives it
to you, and He will always bless you for it.
Joh 4:37 And
herein is that saying true, One soweth, and another reapeth.
Here is a true saying; "One plants and another harvests."
Joh 4:38 I sent
you to reap that whereon ye bestowed no labour: other men laboured, and ye are
entered into their labours. I sent you to harvest where
you didn't plant; others already done the work, and you will get to gather the
harvest. "Their labors." Who was He talking about? "He was
talking about John the Baptist, the prophets, as well as Himself." (Matthew 11:8-13).
Joh 4:39 And many of the Samaritans of that city believed on him for the
saying of the woman, which testified, He told me all that ever I did.
Because what the woman had told the people of Samaria, many of the Samaritans
believed in Jesus. (A good testimony from a new believer can go a long way).
Joh 4:40 So when the Samaritans were come unto him, they besought him that he
would tarry with them: and he abode there two days.
They came out to see Jesus and wanted Him to stay in the village to hear more
about what He had to say. So Jesus remained for a couple of days. This brings me
to (Revelation 3:20). Christ will not beg people to be saved and we can't
either. When you hear Him calling, you need to answer. Then He will come and
fellowship with you. (Conversion comes from within).
Joh 4:41 And many more believed because of his own word;
The Samaritans invited Him in long enough to hear His message and become a
believer. (Matthew 7:28-29). The crowds were amazed at the teachings of Jesus. A
good teacher teaches with authority and truth of God's Word. (Not someone who
follows church systems, doctrines and traditions of men).
Joh 4:42 And said unto the woman, Now we believe, not because of thy saying:
for we have heard him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ,
the Saviour of the world. The new believers said to the
woman, "Now we believe, not just because of what you have told us, but because
we have heard Him ourselves." We know that He is indeed the Savior of the world.
(Matthew 1:21, 1 John 4:14). They have seen and realized that God has sent a
Savior to the world. Spoken of in the Old Testament Psalms 22, and Zechariah
9:9-10.
Joh 4:43 Now after two days he departed thence, and went into Galilee.
Now it was time for Jesus to move on to Galilee. (You see, there is always
work to be done for God along the way in our daily travels).
Joh 4:44 For Jesus himself testified, that a prophet hath no honour in his
own country. Jesus would say that a prophet is not honored
in his own hometown. (Matthew 13:57, Mark 6:4, Luke 4:24). No one accepts a
prophet, or teacher in his own town. (Matthew 13:57, John 4:44). And so it is;
you know how hard it is to get people in your home town, or family to listen to
you when it comes to preaching the Word. Why? Because they know you to well.
Unless you have an impeccable reputation, or superior title, chances are they are
not going to listen to you. They didn't accept Jesus, why should they accept
you. (Plant your seeds before those who are willing to listen). That is why
we teach via the internet. If we can reach a few with the truth among the
millions of viewers, we have accomplished our goal. The angels in heaven
rejoice when a new believer comes aboard.
Joh 4:45 Then when he was come into Galilee, the Galilaeans received him,
having seen all the things that he did at Jerusalem at the feast: for they also
went unto the feast. The Galileans welcomed Him, because
they were in Jerusalem at the Passover celebration and seen everything He did
there. (Seeing is believing; but believing without seeing, is a true mark of
faith).
Joh 4:46 So Jesus came again into Cana of Galilee, where he made the water
wine. And there was a certain nobleman, whose son was sick at Capernaum.
Jesus came to Cana, where He turned the water into wine. There was a nobleman (a
royal officer), in nearby Capernaum whose son was very sick. (The officer
probably belonging to the court of Herod Antipas, the man who would execute John
the Baptist).
Joh 4:47 When he heard that Jesus was come out of Judaea into Galilee, he
went unto him, and besought him that he would come down, and heal his son: for
he was at the point of death. When
the officer heard that Jesus came down from Galilee, he went and begged Jesus to
come to Capernaum to heal his son, who was about to die. (This is not the same miracle as that of the
centurion's servant recorded in Matthew 8:5-12 and Luke 7:1-10). The two miracles
differ as to the time, place, person, pleading, plea, disease, the Lord's
answer, and the man's faith. They may be easily seen by comparing the two as to
these details.
Joh 4:48 Then said Jesus unto
him, Except ye see signs and
wonders, ye will not believe. Jesus replied, "Will you
never believe in Me unless you see miraculous signs and wonders." (John 20:39).
How much more pleasing it is to the Heavenly Father when we believe in Jesus
without seeing Him, or the many miracles He had performed.
Joh 4:49 The nobleman saith unto him, Sir, come down ere my child die.
The officer pleaded again, "Lord please come now before my little boy dies."
Joh 4:50 Jesus saith unto him, Go thy way; thy son liveth.
And the man believed the word that Jesus had spoken unto
him, and he went his way. Jesus told the man, "Go home, your son will
live!" The man believed what Jesus said and started home. (The key here is that
the man believed and had faith in what Jesus said). If you do not believe
and have the faith, you will receive no healing.
Joh 4:51 And as he was now going down, his servants met him, and told him,
saying, Thy son liveth. As the man was on his way home,
some of his servants (bond-servants), met him with the news that his son was
alive and well.
Joh 4:52 Then enquired he of them the hour when he began to amend. And they
said unto him, Yesterday at the seventh hour the fever left him.
The man asked when the boy had begun to get better. They replied, "yesterday at
one o'clock in the afternoon his fever suddenly disappeared." (Was the father of
the child questioning his faith, or seeing if what Jesus had said had anything
to do with the healing, or was he just concerned about the boy)? Sometimes we
have the faith and believe, but their is always a little doubt in the results of
our request. That is why we need to strengthen our faith by studying the Word.
"That way their will be no doubt." (For the true Christian; if
you ask for a healing from the Heavenly Father, and you become well, you can be
sure it was the Father who gave you the healing).
Joh 4:53 So the father knew that it was
at the same hour, in the which Jesus said unto him,
Thy son liveth:
and himself believed, and his whole house. The
father of the boy realized that was the very time Jesus had told him, "Your son
will live." Now the man was convinced and his faith was strengthened, and his
entire household believed in Jesus.
Joh 4:54 This is again the second miracle that Jesus did, when
he was come out of Judaea into Galilee. The second miracle
(a second sign). Having begun to number the signs in this Gospel, we may
continue to do so, and complete the whole (eight).
John 5
Joh 5:1 After this there was a feast of the Jews; and Jesus went up to
Jerusalem. Jesus returned to Jerusalem for one of the
Jewish holy days. The feast, Perhaps Purim, a celebration of the Jews for
victory over their enemies. (Keep in mind this was also on the Sabbath day
as stated in John 5:9).
Joh 5:2 Now there is at Jerusalem by the sheep market a pool, which is
called in the Hebrew tongue Bethesda, having five porches.
Inside the sheep gate (Nehemiah 3:1, 12:39), was the pool of
Bethesda with five covered porches. (Acts 3:11, 5:12). This was called Solomon's porch. The
supposed remains of the pool of Bethesda are situated on the east of Jerusalem,
contiguous on one side to St. Stephen's gate, and on the other to the area of
the temple. (It is about 120 paces long, and forty broad, and
at least eight deep, but void of water). At its west end it discovers some old
arches, that are now damned up.
Joh 5:3 In these lay a great multitude of impotent folk, of blind, halt,
withered, waiting for the moving of the water. Crowds of
sick people (blind, lame, or paralyzed), would lay on the porches waiting for a
certain movement of the water. (The water was intermitted from the upper springs
of the waters of Gihon).
Joh 5:4 For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and
troubled the water: whosoever then first after the troubling of the water
stepped in was made whole of whatsoever disease he had. It
was said that from time to time an angel of the Lord came and stirred up the
water. The first person to step in the water after it was stirred up was healed
of whatever disease he or she had. (Many have referred it to the mineral
properties of the water).
Joh 5:5 And a certain man was there, which had an infirmity thirty and eight
years. One of the men lying there had been sick for
thirty-eight years. (Probably sick most of his life).
Joh 5:6 When Jesus saw him lie, and knew that he had been now a long time
in that case, he saith unto him, Wilt thou be made whole?
Jesus knew the man was sick for a long time and asked him, "would you like to get
well?"
Joh 5:7 The impotent man answered him, Sir, I have no man, when the water is
troubled, to put me into the pool: but while I am coming, another steppeth down
before me. The man answered Jesus
and said, "I can't sir, I have no one to put me in the water when it bubbles up.
Someone always gets in ahead of me." (The man was willing, but it seems that
everyone was only worried about themselves, with no consideration for the man).
Kind of like the self-centered generations today.
Joh 5:8 Jesus saith unto him, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk.
Jesus told the man, "Stand up, pick up your mat and walk!" (The third sign).
Joh 5:9 And immediately the man was made whole, and took up his bed, and
walked: and on the same day was the sabbath.
Instantly the
man was healed! He took up his mat and began walking. Now we are going to see
that this miracle will cause some problems for Jesus, because this happened on
the Sabbath. (This does not appear to be the weekly Sabbath, but rather a high
Sabbath as in John 19:31).
Joh 5:10 The Jews therefore said unto him that was cured, It is the sabbath
day: it is not lawful for thee to carry thy bed. Of
course the Jewish leaders objected to what Jesus had just done. Not only did
they object to Jesus working (healing), on the Sabbath, but these Jewish
leaders though that this man carrying his bedroll was breaking the Sabbath law.
(Exodus 20:8-11). A bunch of nit-picking hypocrites.
Joh 5:11 He answered them, He that made me whole, the same said unto me, Take
up thy bed, and walk. The man replied to the Jewish
leaders, "The man who healed me told me, pick up your mat and walk."
Joh 5:12 Then asked they him, What man is that which said unto thee, Take up
thy bed, and walk? They wanted to
know who said such a thing? There about to start some trouble! "Never fails when you upset the
so called higher authorities." Even if it is the truth, or a good thing that you
did, you can bet that they will come down on you. (We all know the saying; no
good deed goes unpunished).
Joh 5:13 And he that was healed wist not who it was: for Jesus had conveyed
himself away, a multitude being in that place. The
man didn't know who it was that healed him, because Jesus disappeared into the
crowd.
Joh 5:14 Afterward Jesus findeth
him in the temple, and said unto him,
Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a
worse thing come unto thee. Later on Jesus found the man
He had healed in the Temple and told him. "Now you are well; so stop sinning, or
something even worse may happen to you." (Jesus was pointing to a specific sin that this man had been guilty
of).
Joh 5:15 The man departed, and told the Jews that it was Jesus, which had
made him whole. Then the man went and told the Jewish
leaders who it was that healed him. He ratted Jesus out! (Now we know the
mans sin; he was not to be trusted). Did the man just want to get off the hook
with the Jewish leaders for breaking the Sabbath law, or
maybe he didn't appreciate what Jesus told him about not sinning.
Joh 5:16 And therefore did the Jews persecute Jesus, and sought to slay him,
because he had done these things on the sabbath day. Of
course the Jewish leaders began harassing Jesus for breaking the Sabbath rules.
(Luke 6:11). Now they are planning to kill Him for it.
Joh 5:17 But Jesus answered them, My Father worketh hitherto, and I work.
Jesus told them that, My Father was always working until now (referring to the
old testament dispensation), and so am I working. (Hebrews 1:2-3). In these
final days, God has spoken to us through His Son. God promised everything to Hid
Son as an inheritance, and through the Son He created the universe. (Isaiah
45:18, John 1:3, 1 Corinthians 8:6, Ephesians 3:9, Colossians 1:16-17). Christ
radiates God's own glory. "The Shekinah Glory," the very presence and character
of God. He sustains everything by the mighty power of His command. When Christ
cleansed us from our sins at the crucifixion, He sat down in the place of honor
at the right hand of God in heaven. (1 Peter 3:22, Revelation 3:21).
Joh 5:18 Therefore the Jews sought the more to kill him, because he not only
had broken the sabbath, but said also that God was his Father, making himself
equal with God. The Jewish leaders just wanted Him dead
and would find any way they could to kill Him. It wasn't enough that they
accused Him of breaking the Sabbath, now they were accusing Him of saying that
He was equal to God. Jesus never said that He
was God. (Philippians 2:6). Thought He was God; He did not think of equality
with God, even though it would not have been robbery to equal Himself to God. He
was Emanuel; God with us.
Joh 5:19 Then answered Jesus and
said unto them, Verily, verily, I
say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father
do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise.
Jesus explained to them, "I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by
Himself." He does only what He sees the Father doing. Whatever the Father does,
the Son also does. (1 Colossians 1:15-17). Christ being in the exact likeness of
God. Christ was before any other creature. Again, "Emmanuel" God with us! Christ
Himself is the creator of all things in heaven and earth. Even in the spirit
world that are invisible to us, were all made by Christ. All was made for His
use and glory. (Romans 11:36).
Joh 5:20 For the
Father loveth the Son, and sheweth him all things that himself doeth: and he
will shew him greater works than these, that ye may marvel.
The Father loves the Son and shows Him everything He is doing. The Father will
show Him how to do greater things than healing this man. Then you will truly be
astonished. (i.e. You haven't seen anything yet).
Joh 5:21 For as
the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth
them;
even so the Son quickeneth whom he will.
Just as the Heavenly Father gives life to those He raises from the dead, so the
Son gives life (eternal life), to anyone He wants. (John 6:63, John 11:25-26).
Joh 5:22 For the
Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son:
The Heavenly Father judges no one. He has given the Son absolute authority to
judge. (Acts 10:42, 2 Corinthians 5:10, 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10, 2 Timothy
4:1).
Joh 5:23 That all men
should honour the Son, even as they honour the
Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent
him. Everyone should honor the Son, just as they honor the
Father. If you don't honor the Son, then you do not honor the Father who sent
Him. (1 John 2:23, 2 John 1:9). Anyone who denies Christ cannot have the Father
either. But, he who has Christ, also has the Father. One doctrine; one God! If
you wander from the teachings of Christ, you will leave God behind; but if you
are loyal to Christ and His teachings, you will have both the Father and the
Son.
Joh 5:24 Verily,
verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent
me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed
from death unto life. I tell you another truth, those who
listen to My message and believe in the Heavenly Father who sent Me have eternal
life. They will never be condemned for their sins, but they have already passed
from death into life. (1 John 5:11-13). Through the Word of God, (His record).
God has given us eternal life through Christ. Your choice! Eternal life through
Christ, or death through Satan. Yes, as we have said before, the devil holds the power of death!
(Hebrews 2:14). But, Satan's power was broken by the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
Satan has no hold on you if you stay in Christ.
Joh 5:25 Verily,
verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear
the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live.
Assurance by Christ Himself that the time is coming, it is here now, when the
dead (spiritual dead), those who are separated form God, will hear My voice; The
voice of the Son of God. "Those who listen will live." (Ephesians 2:1,
Ephesians 2:5). We have been made alive through Christ, who were once living
under the very curse of death. Even though we were spiritually dead, the
Heavenly Father gave us back our
lives again when He raised Christ from the dead. Only by His undeserved favor
have we ever been saved.
Joh 5:26 For as
the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in
himself; The Father has life and He has granted that same
life giving power to His Son. This is the awesome quality of God, that He is the
absolute fullness of life. Know throughout the old testament as the "Living
God." (Deuteronomy 5:26, 1 Samuel 17:26), the same life (light of the world), as
Jesus has. (John 1:4).
Joh 5:27 And hath
given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man.
The Heavenly Father has given Him all authority to judge everyone because He is
the Son of Man. (Daniel 7:13-14).
Joh 5:28 Marvel
not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves
shall hear his voice, The time is coming when all the
those who are dead (spiritually and physically), will hear the voice of the
Lord. (Isaiah 26:19).
Joh 5:29 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.
Those who have done good will rise to experience eternal life, and those who
have continued to do evil will rise to experience judgment. (Matthew 16:27,
Romans 8:13, Colossians 3:9).
If you live as your
flesh body dictates, you will die. However, if you live through the power of the
Holy Spirit, you break that bondage of your sinful nature and you will live.
Joh 5:30 I can of
mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I
seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.
Jesus is saying that He does nothing on His own. Therefore His judgment is just,
because He carries out the will of the One who sent Him. "Not His own will."
Christ always did the will of the Father, just as we should do. When praying to
the Father, or asking Him for something, always ask that "His will be done."
Joh 5:31 If I
bear witness of myself, my witness is not true. If I were
to testify on My own behalf, My testimony would not be valid.
Joh 5:32 There is
another that beareth witness of me; and I know that the witness which he
witnesseth of me is true. There is another who is
testifying about Me, and I assure you that everything he says about Me is true.
Joh 5:33 Ye sent
unto John, and he bare witness unto the truth. You sent
investigators to listen to John the Baptist, and his testimony about Me was
true.
Joh 5:34 But I
receive not testimony from man: but these things I say, that ye might be saved.
But, I don't need any human witnesses, I say these things so you might be saved.
(Giving them a chance to rethink who He was).
Joh 5:35 He was a
burning and a shining light: and ye were willing for a season to rejoice in his
light. John the Baptist was like a burning light, and you
were excited about his message. (Matthew 11:7-9).
Joh 5:36 But I
have greater witness than
that
of John: for the works which the Father hath
given me to finish, the same works that I do, bear witness of me, that the
Father hath sent me. I have a greater witness than John
the Baptist. My teachings and miracles which My Father has given Me to
accomplish His works. "They prove that He sent Me." (Acts 2:22).
Joh 5:37 And the
Father himself, which hath sent me, hath borne witness of me. Ye have neither
heard his voice at any time, nor seen his shape. The
Heavenly Father who has sent Me has testified about Me Himself. "You have never
heard His voice, or seen Him face to face." (Matthew 3:17, Luke 3:22). It happened
at the baptism of Jesus.
Joh 5:38 And ye
have not his word abiding in you: for whom he hath sent, him ye believe not.
His message is not in your hearts, because you do not believe in Me, the One who
was sent by the Heavenly Father.
Joh 5:39 Search
the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they
which testify of me. You search the scriptures because you
think they give you eternal life, but the scriptures point to Me. (Romans 1:2, 1
Peter 1:10-11). Foretold in prophecy about both advents of Christ. (Zechariah
9:9-10, Psalms 22). I think that even Jesus was amazed that these people had
such pride in the scriptures, yet they still missed the main message right in
front of them. (Still going on today).
Joh 5:40 And ye
will not come to me, that ye might have life. You still
refuse to come to Me to receive this eternal life.
Joh 5:41 I
receive not honour from men. "Your approval means nothing
to Me." (1 Thessalonians 2:6). The apostles needed no approval or praise from
men, so Christ certainly didn't.
Joh 5:42 But I
know you, that ye have not the love of God in you. Christ
knew that they did not have God's love within them. (Luke 11:39-44, Luke 16:15).
They appear so righteous and holy in public, but God knows their hearts. The
things the world honors, is detestable to God.
Joh 5:43 I am
come in my Father's name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his
own name, him ye will receive. I come in the Heavenly
Father's name, and you do not receive Me. However, if another comes in their own
name, you gladly welcome them. Jesus was referring to a person yet to come. Was
it the antichrist? (2 Thessalonians 2:4). He will defy God and will try to
take the place of God, sitting in the temple of God in Mount Zion. (Isaiah
14:12-16).
Joh 5:44 How can
ye believe, which receive honour one of another, and seek not the honour that
cometh
from God only? No wonder you can't believe! Jesus
told them that they gladly honor each other, but they don't care about the honor
that comes from the One who alone is God. (1 Timothy 1:17). The King of the
ages, the one and only from the beginning. (They were more concerned about
peoples opinions than they were about God's opinion). "Pew potatoes
just playing church." Do you
care what people think about what you believe, or what God thinks? Always try to
please the Heavenly Father, not man.
Joh 5:45 Do not
think that I will accuse you to the Father: there is
one
that accuseth you,
even
Moses, in whom ye trust.
"It's not I who will accuse you before the Father." It will be Moses who will
accuse you. The one who you put your trust in. The Jews prided themselves for
being followers of Moses, yet Moses spoke of the coming Messiah. (Deuteronomy
18:18-19).
Joh 5:46 For had
ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me: for he wrote of me.
If you have believed Moses, you would have believed Me, because he wrote about
Me. (Luke 24:27). Jesus took them through the writings of Moses and all the
prophets explaining the things concerning Him. (Genesis 3:15, 26:4, 49:10,
Deuteronomy 18:15, Isaiah 7:14, 9:6).
Joh 5:47 But if
ye believe not his writings, how shall ye believe my words?
But, since you do not believe what Moses wrote, how will you believe what I say?
(Luke 16:29, Luke 16:31). Moses and the prophets have warned them if they read
it. It's all there for those with eyes to see and ears to hear. "Christ came
back from the dead and they did not listen to Him." They wouldn't listen to
Moses and the prophets, and they won't listen to someone who rises from the dead.
"So it is."
John 6
Joh 6:1 After these things Jesus went over the sea of Galilee, which is
the sea of Tiberias. Jesus went to the sea of Galilee
to continue His ministry. (Also know as the sea of Tiberias, the name of a town
on the southwest part of the lake). Tiberias was built by Herod Antipas in 22
AD, in honor of Tiberias Ceasar. The city of Tiberias is still in existence. It
was not visited by the Lord, and therefore not guilty of rejecting Him. All the
cities which did reject Him have perished.
Joh 6:2 And a great multitude followed him, because they saw his miracles
which he did on them that were diseased. Huge crowds
followed Jesus because they saw all the miracles that He had did. (Matthew
12:15). Again, Christ new what the Jewish leaders were thinking (wanting to kill
Him), so He left the area and the people followed Him. (They were really mad now
because people were leaving their churches to follow Jesus). When you teach
truth, chapter by chapter and verse by verse, people will follow you. (Those who
have eyes to see and ears to hear).
Joh 6:3 And Jesus went up into a mountain, and there he sat with his
disciples. Sitting with the disciples for a little rest
and conversation. (A hill that was overlooking the lake). (Matthew 15:29). He returned
back to the city of Galilee where He started from. Christ walked 100 miles total
for that lesson. (Jesus saw that the crowds were approaching).
Joh 6:4 And the passover, a feast of the Jews, was nigh.
Time for the Jewish Passover celebration. (Celebrated the deliverance of the
children of Israel from their slavery in Egypt). The blood of the lamb painted
on the doorposts of a house that allowed the angel of death to "pass over" the
Jewish households, while all the firstborn of Egypt were killed. (Exodus
12:6-14). However, in the Christian belief, Paul would explain that Christ became our Passover at the crucifixion.
(1 Corinthians 5:7-8).
Joh 6:5 When Jesus then lifted up his
eyes, and saw a great company come unto him, he saith unto Philip,
Whence shall we buy bread, that these may eat?
Jesus saw the crowds and knew that they were hungry, and asked Philip where they
could buy bread to feed the people.
Joh 6:6 And this he said to prove him: for he himself knew what he would do.
This word "prove" is "peirazo" Strong's G3985, meaning to test, entice, assay,
prove. "Jesus was just testing Philip, He already knew what He was going to do
about the food."
Joh 6:7 Philip answered him, Two hundred pennyworth of bread is not
sufficient for them, that every one of them may take a little.
A "Pennyworth" is equivalent to "denarion" (denarii) Strong's G1220, let's say a
days labor. (About $100). Two hundred "denarii" is roughly $20,000. Philip is
saying that even if we worked for months, we wouldn't have enough money to feed
them.
Joh 6:8 One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, saith unto him,
One of the disciples Andrew spoke up.
Joh 6:9 There is a lad here, which hath five barley loaves, and two small
fishes: but what are they among so many? The
young boy had five loaves of bread and two small fish (probably Tilapia).
But Andrew said; what good would they be to feed such a multitude?
Joh 6:10 And Jesus said, Make the men sit down.
Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat
down, in number about five thousand. Jesus instructed the disciple to
tell everyone to sit down in the grass. There were about five thousand men,
besides the women and children. (Matthew 14:21). Which brings us to around
10,000 to 12,000 people in the crowd. The book of Mark tells us that the groups
of people were instructed to sit in groups of fifty and a hundred. (Mark 6:40).
Hundreds and by
fifty’s in perfect order. (God like thing's done in order).
Joh 6:11 And Jesus took the loaves; and when he had given thanks, he
distributed to the disciples, and the disciples to them that were set down; and
likewise of the fishes as much as they would. Jesus took
the Loaves of bread and gave thanks to God, then gave the bread to the disciples
to distribute to the people. (Just as it would be His disciples, or sent ones to
teach the Word, "the living bread of life," to the people in the world).
Afterword He did the same with the fish. The people ate as much as they wanted.
(The same applies to the Word of God, as a believer, you can absorb as much as
you would like). The fish as we know today represents Christianity.
Joh 6:12 When they were filled,
he said unto his disciples, Gather
up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost. After
everyone had eaten and was full, Jesus told the disciples to gather up the
leftovers, so nothing was wasted.
Joh 6:13 Therefore they gathered them together, and filled twelve
baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves, which remained over and
above unto them that had eaten.
The disciples gathered the
pieces and filled twelve baskets with scraps that were left over from the people
who had eaten. (One for each of the disciples representing the twelve tribes).
In the future sense, the fragments of people from the twelve tribes will be
gathered together in the end times. (It is taking place as we speak).
Joh 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.
After the people seen what had just happened with this miracle,
they finally realized that Jesus was the Prophet that they were expecting. I
think they finally figured out that this was the Prophet that Moses was talking
about. (Deuteronomy 18:15-18, Acts 3:22-24, Acts 7:37).
Joh 6:15 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.
Jesus knew that the people wanted to make them their king, so He slipped away
into the hills by himself to pray.
Joh 6:16 And when even was now come, his disciples went down unto the
sea, Meanwhile His disciples went down to the shore to
wait for Him. (It was late in the day). The book of Matthew records that it was
Jesus who made the disciples leave while He took care of sending the crowds
away. Then He slipped away to pray. (Matthew 14:22). Perhaps because the crowds were getting a little out of
hand because they wanted to make Jesus their king. (The disciples were about to
face a storm of their own shortly).
Joh 6:17 And entered into a ship, and went over the sea toward Capernaum. And
it was now dark, and Jesus was not come to them. It
started to get dark out and Jesus had not returned yet, so the disciples got
into the boat and headed across the lake toward Capernaum.
Joh 6:18 And the sea arose by reason of a great wind that blew.
A gale wind swept down upon them, and the sea grew very rough. (Matthew 14:24).
The disciples were now in trouble of their own.
Joh 6:19 So 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. They rowed out about three or four miles (around
half way to Capernaum), when suddenly they saw Jesus walking on the water
towards them. And of course, they were afraid. (They thought they had seen some
kind of ghost).
Joh 6:20 But he saith unto them, It is I; be not afraid.
Jesus called out to them and said, "Don't be afraid; I am here."
"Wow, what a
relief."
Joh 6:21 Then they willingly received him into the ship: and immediately the
ship was at the land whither they went. Then the disciples
were eager to let Jesus in the boat (Mark 6:51). As soon as Jesus came aboard, the
storm stopped and they arrived at their destination.
Joh 6:22 The day following, when the people which stood on the other side of
the sea saw that there was none other boat there, save that one whereinto his
disciples were entered, and that Jesus went not with his disciples into the
boat, but that his disciples were gone away alone;
The next day, the crowd that had stayed on the far shore realized that the
disciples had taken the only boat and that Jesus had not gone with them.
Joh 6:23 (Howbeit there came other boats from Tiberias nigh unto the place
where they did eat bread, after that the Lord had given thanks:)
Several other boats from Tiberias had landed where the people had eaten.
Joh 6:24 When the people therefore saw that Jesus was not there, neither his
disciples, they also took shipping, and came to Capernaum, seeking for Jesus.
When the crowds realized that Jesus or the disciples were not there, they got
into the boats and went across to Capernaum to look for Jesus.
Joh 6:25 And when they had found
him on the other side of the sea, they said unto him, Rabbi, when camest thou
hither? They found Him on the other side of the lake and asked Jesus how
He got there. "Remember they knew that Jesus didn't enter the boat that the
disciples were in when they left the night before." (Jesus never mentioned to to
the people that He had walked on water).
Joh 6:26 Jesus answered them and
said, Verily, verily, I say unto
you, Ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the
loaves, and were filled. Here comes another truth from
Jesus about the people. They didn't understand the miraculous signs He
performed, but they understood a free meal. (Philippians 2:21, James 4:3).
People always worried about the flesh and not the spirit.
Joh 6:27 Labour
not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto
everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the
Father sealed. Don't always be concerned about perishable
things such as food. Spend your energy seeking eternal life that the Son of Man
can give you. "God the Father has given Christ His seal of approval." (Isaiah
55:2, Matthew 6:31-33, Colossians 3:2). Put your mind on the things of God, and
forget worrying about things down here on earth. The world has nothing to offer
you when it comes to salvation and eternal life. (You need to feed the Spirit
within you the Word of God).
Joh 6:28 Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the
works of God? How can we do the works of God?
But, what
kind of works are they thinking about? They are thinking they have to do
something for God.
Joh 6:29 Jesus answered and said
unto them, This is the work of God,
that ye believe on him whom he hath sent. Jesus tells them
that the only work that God wants from them, is that they believe in the One who
He has sent. (1 John 3:23, 1 John 5:1, Romans 4:4-5).
Spiritually
speaking, people are not counted righteous because of their works, but because
of their faith in Jesus who forgives sinners. (Good works are part of being a
Christian, but salvation comes form faith in Jesus Christ).
Joh 6:30 They said therefore unto him, What sign shewest thou then, that we
may see, and believe thee? what dost thou work? They
wanted another sign from Jesus before they would believe in Him. Wow! Jesus gave them
plenty of signs! "He turned water to wine, healed the officials son, healed a
paralyzed man, fed five thousand people with a few loaves of bread and couple of
fish." How dumb are these people? People have not changed much
today; some will just never get it.
Joh 6:31 Our fathers did eat manna in the desert; as it is written, He gave
them bread from heaven to eat. Our ancestors ate manna
while they were in the wilderness. "The Scriptures say, Moses gave them bread
from heaven to eat." (Nehemiah 9:15, Psalm 78:24-25).
Joh 6:32 Then Jesus said unto
them, Verily, verily, I say unto
you, Moses gave you not that bread from heaven; but my Father giveth you the
true bread from heaven. Jesus told them, "It wasn't Moses
who gave the food, it was God." Now He is offering you the true bread from
heaven. (Christ is that true bread of life). (1 John 5:20). We are talking of
the one true God; not the fake antichrist that comes first to deceive the
world. (This is where most of the people in today's world will mess up).
"They have never been taught the truth."
Joh 6:33 For the
bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the
world. "It is Jesus Christ, the true bread of life, the
One who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world." (1 John 1:1-2).
Christ is that eternal life that was made known to us.
Joh 6:34 Then said they unto him, Lord, evermore give us this bread.
The people asked Christ, "Give us that bread every day."
Joh 6:35 And Jesus said unto
them, I am the bread of life: he
that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never
thirst. Jesus replied, "I am the bread of life. Whoever
comes to Me will never be hungry again. Whoever believes in Me will never be
thirsty." (i.e. one represents the other). When you are in Christ, you will
never hunger, or thirst for truth. "It will all be open to you."
Joh 6:36 But I
said unto you, That ye also have seen me, and believe not.
You have seen Me Jesus is saying, but you still haven't believed in Me. They had
it all right in front of them, but could not see Him as savior, and would not
believe Him. Just think how much your Heavenly Father will love you as a
believing Christian today. (1 Peter 1:8-9). Even though you cannot see Him, you
still believe. God loves that kind of faith and you can feel His presence
through the Holy Spirit.
Joh 6:37 All that
the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no
wise cast out. Those that the Heavenly Father has given to
Christ, will come to Him, and He will never reject them. "The same applies to us
as teachers of the Word." (Revelation 22:17). Never hold back the truth of God's
Word when someone thirsts for it. But, don't waste your time on those who will
not listen, and do not accept the Word.
Joh 6:38 For I
came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent
me. I came to do the will of God, not to do My own will.
Again, the same applies to us as teachers of the Word. (Always do the will of
the Heavenly Father). This becomes a problem in many denominational
ministries because they are under church doctrine and certain rules they must
follow. "Jesus had a nondenominational free ministry that was open to all who
wanted to receive the truth."
Joh 6:39 And this
is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I
should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day.
It is the Heavenly Father's will that Jesus should not lose even one of all
those He has given Him. But, that He should raise them up in the last day.
Future sense: "The Lord's Day!" (1 Peter 1:5). Through your faith, God will
protect you by His power until salvation is revealed in the last days. This
should bring our attention to: (Acts 2:17). When the "Holy Spirit" will speak
through men and women in the last days. What did Joel say? (Joel 2:28-32).
Christ would speak of this same thing Himself when many will be delivered up before the
antichrist. (Luke 12:10-12).
Joh 6:40 And this
is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and
believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last
day. It is the Heavenly Father's will that all who see His
Son and believe in Him should have eternal life. "Jesus Christ will raise them
up in the last day." The key words here are "see" and "believe." Do you have the
eyes to "see" the truth? Do you "believe" in the one true Christ?
Joh 6:41 The Jews then murmured at him, because he said, I am the bread which
came down from heaven. They just could not get it!
The truth is: "They did not
want to believe that He came down from heaven as the Son of God."
Joh 6:42 And they said, Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father
and mother we know? how is it then that he saith, I came down from heaven?
They just knew Him as the Son of Joseph. They knew His earthly father and
mother. So they could not understand how He could possibly come down from heaven. (1
Corinthians 15:47).
Joh 6:43 Jesus therefore answered
and said unto them, Murmur not
among yourselves. "Jesus finally told them to stop
complaining about what He had said." (Set it aside and maybe you will
understand it later). Sometimes it takes man a little time for things to
sink in.
Joh 6:44 No man
can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise
him up at the last day. In other words, no one can come to
Christ unless they are drawn to Him by the Heavenly Father. (God is in control).
All that are drawn to Christ by the Heavenly Father will be raised up in the
last day.
Joh 6:45 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.
It is written! "They will all be taught by God." Everyone who "listens" to the
Heavenly Father and "learns" from Him comes to Christ. Where is it written?
(Isaiah 2:3, Isaiah 54:13, Jeremiah 31:33-34, Micah 4:2).
Joh 6:46 Not that
any man hath seen the Father, save he which is of God, he hath seen the Father.
No man has seen the Father; only Jesus, who was sent from God has seen Him.
(Matthew 11:27).
Joh 6:47 Verily,
verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life.
This is made very clear here. "You must believe in Jesus Christ to have eternal life."
(1 John 5:12-13). Again, your choice! Eternal life through Christ, or death
through Satan.
Joh 6:48 I am
that bread of life. Again, Christ is that true bread of life.
Joh 6:49 Your
fathers did eat manna in the wilderness, and are dead.
Your ancestors ate manna in the wilderness Christ is saying, but they all died.
(Numbers 26:65, Zechariah 1:5).
Joh 6:50 This is
the bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not
die. Jesus is the spiritual bread. "He won't just sustain
you for a day, but forever." (Romans 8:10).
When this physical
body dies because of sin; the Holy Spirit gives you life, because you have been
made right with God as a believer. (Romans 5:21).
Joh 6:51 I am the
living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall
live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for
the life of the world. We are speaking spiritually here.
The bread represents the body of Christ. The wine represents the blood of
Christ. This was a one time event at the crucifixion where Christ gave His body
and shed His blood for the sins of the world. However, there are churches out
there that attempt to offer Jesus again and again as a sacrifice during
communion.
However, Jesus said, "It is finished." (John 19:30). In the book of Hebrews it
says:
And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering
oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. (Hebrews 10:11). Under the old covenant, the priests ministered before
the alter day after day, offering the same sacrifices over and over, but could
never take away sins. "The same goes for today; no priest, pastor, or minister
can take away, or give penance for your sins." Only God can forgive your sins
upon repentance to Him, and Him only. (Never confess your sins to any so called
man or woman of God).
But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins
for ever, sat down on the right hand of God. (Hebrews 10:12), Our High
Priest, Jesus Christ offered Himself to God as a single sacrifice for the sins
of the world. "Good for all time." Then He sat in the place of honor at the
right hand of God. (Acts 2:33-34, Romans 8:34, Colossians 3:1).
From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his
footstool. (Hebrews 12:13). There He waits until
His enemies are humbled and made a footstool under His feet. (Psalm 110:1,
Matthew 22:44, Mark 12:36).
For by one
offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified. (Hebrews 12:14).
By that one offering He made perfect those who are being made holy.
(Romans 15:16).
Whereof the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us: for after
that he had said before. (Hebrews 12:15). The Holy Spirit
is a witness to this. (John 15:26, 1 Peter 1:11-12, 2 Peter 1:21).
The purpose of communion is in the remembrance of how Christ died for us, and
what took place at the "Last Supper," which was on the celebration of Passover.
(Luke 22:19). The true "Bread of Life." (Jesus instructed the
disciples to do this in remembrance of Him on the
Passover).
Joh 6:52 The Jews therefore strove among themselves, saying, How can this man
give us his flesh to eat? They didn't get it, just
as many still don't get it today. (Communion is a symbolic event).
Joh 6:53 Then Jesus said unto
them, Verily, verily, I say unto
you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no
life in you. Jesus said it again, but they still did not
understand that He was speaking spiritually. (Again, it is a symbolic event).
No one is eating flesh or drinking blood like some denominations want you to
believe.
Joh 6:54 Whoso
eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him
up at the last day. Eat and drink the wisdom of Jesus
Christ through the Word. We must seek and believe in Him first. (Psalm 22:26,
Proverbs 9:4-6, Isaiah 55:1-3).
Joh 6:55 For my
flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. The
true food for the spirit. "The one and only true God!" (1 John 5:20).
Joh 6:56 He that
eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him.
Know Him, except Him, and you will remain in Him, and He remains in you.
(Ephesians 3:17, 1 John 3:24, 1 John 4:12, 1 John 4:15-16, Revelation 3:20).
Christ will not beg people to be saved and we can't either. When you hear Him
calling you need to answer, and then He will come and fellowship with you.
Conversion comes from within.
Joh 6:57 As the
living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father: so he that eateth me, even
he shall live by me. Christ lives because of the Heavenly
Father who sent Him. In the same way, anyone who feeds on Christ (believes in
Him), will live because of Him. (1 John 4:9). God showed how much He love us by
sending His only begotten Son into this wicked world to bring us eternal life
through His death.
Joh 6:58 This is
that bread which came down from heaven: not as your fathers did eat manna, and
are dead: he that eateth of this bread shall live for ever.
This is the true "bread of life" which came down from heaven, and when you
partake (believe) in Him (Jesus Christ), you will live forever. (John 6:47-51).
Joh 6:59 These things said he in the synagogue, as he taught in Capernaum.
Jesus was teaching this in the synagogue in Capernaum. (Luke 4:31).
Joh 6:60 Many therefore of his disciples, when they had heard this,
said, This is an hard saying; who can hear it? Many of His
followers were still confused and said; this was very hard to understand. "How can
anyone accept it?"
Joh 6:61 When Jesus knew in
himself that his disciples murmured at it, he said unto them,
Doth this offend you? Jesus
knew that the disciples were complaining about what He had just said, so He asked them;
"does this offend you?"
Joh 6:62 What
and if ye shall see the Son of man ascend
up where he was before? Jesus asked them; "what will you
think if you see the Son of Man ascend to heaven again?" In other words, Jesus
is saying that if you have trouble understanding the symbology of communion; then you are never going to understand how Jesus will be
raised from the dead, and ascend into heaven where He originally came from. They
still didn't understand who He was, or where He came from. (John 3:13, John
16:28).
Joh 6:63 It is
the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak
unto you, they are spirit, and
they
are life. It is the Spirit
alone that gives eternal life. Human effort accomplishes nothing. These words
that I have spoken to you are spiritual and give life. (1 Peter 1:23). "Born from
above." Not of corruptible seed or body that shall parish; but born of a new
spirit from within, that will last forever because it comes from the eternal
living Word of God.
Joh 6:64 But
there are some of you that believe not.
For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that
believed not, and who should betray him. Some still would not believe
Him. Jesus knew from the beginning which ones would believe, and He also knew
who would betray Him. (Speaking of Judas Iscariot).
Joh 6:65 And he said, Therefore said I unto you, that no man can
come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father. Jesus would explain to them again;
"This is why I said that people can't come to Me
unless the Father gives them to Me." (2 Timothy 2:25). Only God can change
those who do not believe. The Heavenly Father is the one who changes hearts. You
plant the seed, He will make it grow, "if it is His will."
Joh 6:66 From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no
more with him. Many of His
followers turned away and deserted Him because of what He was saying. (Hebrews
10:38).
God's righteous
ones (True Christians), will live by faith. However, He will take no pleasure in
those who turn away. (Psalm 5:4).
Joh 6:67 Then said Jesus unto the
twelve, Will ye also go away?
Are you going to leave also, Jesus asked the twelve disciples?
Joh 6:68 Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast
the words of eternal life. Simon Peter replied, You have
the words that give eternal life, we will follow no other.
Joh 6:69 And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of
the living God. We believe and know,
"You are the Holy One
of God."
Joh 6:70 Jesus answered them, Have not I chosen you twelve, and one of
you is a devil? Then Jesus said, "I chose the twelve of
you, but one is a devil."
Joh 6:71 He spake of Judas Iscariot the son
of Simon: for he it was that should betray him, being one of the twelve.
He was speaking of Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve disciples that would betray
Him. What a shock to the disciples when they heard this. I believe they all had
that little sick feeling in their stomach's when they heard that one of them
would betray Jesus. Can Jesus count on you till the end?
John 7
Joh 7:1 After these things Jesus walked in Galilee: for he would not walk in
Jewry, because the Jews sought to kill him. Jesus traveled
around Galilee as He avoided Judea, where the Jewish leaders were plotting His
death.
Joh 7:2 Now the Jews' feast of tabernacles was at hand.
Also know as "the festival of shelters," one of the three main
"feasts" that God
commanded all Israelite men to appear before the Lord and worship. The other two
were Passover and Pentecost. (Deuteronomy 16:16).
Joh 7:3 His brethren therefore said unto him, Depart hence, and go into
Judaea, that thy disciples also may see the works that thou doest.
Jesus "kinsfolk" wanted Him to go to Judea so that the disciples there would be
spectators of His works.
Joh 7:4 For 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. Jesus kinsfolk were saying to Him that if
you want to become famous, you can't hide like this. If you can do such
wonderful things, show Yourself to the world. Remember in the book of Matthew
when Jesus was led into the wilderness to be tempted. (Matthew 4:1-10). Do you
think that Jesus might have been tempted a little by His kinsfolk here?
Joh 7:5 For neither did his brethren believe in him.
Even His brothers didn't believe in Him. (How many of your friends and family
members believe in you)? (Micah 7:5-6). You see, your biggest enemies can
be within your own family and friends.
Joh 7:6 Then Jesus said unto
them, My time is not yet come: but
your time is alway ready. Jesus was telling them that "now
is not the right time for Me to go, but you can go anytime." The Lord's death
was accomplished by Himself. (Luke 9:31, John 10:17-18). Until that hour (the
proper hour to come), He was immune. (John 8:20).
Joh 7:7 The world
cannot hate you; but me it hateth, because I testify of it, that the works
thereof are evil. The world does not hate you, but it does
Me, because I speak the truth and accuse it of doing evil. (Galatians 4:16).
Jesus was hated for telling the truth. You see, these brothers are not yet
believers and the world loves non-believers. (You are not going to be very
popular with people in the world if you teach truth). Especially with
priests, pastors, and teachers who are caught up in denominational church
doctrine and
traditions of men.
Joh 7:8 Go ye up
unto this feast: I go not up yet unto this feast; for my time is not yet full
come. You go on Jesus told them. I am not going to this festival yet; My time has not come.
Joh 7:9 When he had said these words unto them, he abode still in
Galilee. Jesus remained in Galilee while the brethren went
ahead.
Joh 7:10 But when his brethren were gone up, then went he also up unto the
feast, not openly, but as it were in secret. After His
brothers left for the festival, then Jesus also went. However, He went secretly,
staying out of the public view. (Just the opposite of what His brethren wanted
Him to do). Don't listen to man, listen to your Heavenly Fathers
instructions.
Joh 7:11 Then the Jews sought him at the feast, and said, Where is he?
The Jewish leaders were looking for Him at the festival.
Joh 7:12 And there was much murmuring among the people concerning him: for
some said, He is a good man: others said, Nay; but he deceiveth the people.
There was a lot of gossip going on about Jesus among the crowds. Some said He
was a good man, while others said He was a fraud who deceives people. Do you
remember what the chief priests and Pharisees called Jesus when they came
together unto Pilate after His crucifixion? (Matthew 27:63). They called Him a
deceiver.
Joh 7:13 Howbeit no man spake openly of him for fear of the Jews.
The people that were present didn't have the courage to speak good about Jesus
in public, because they feared the Jewish leaders. (Proverbs 29:25). Never fear
man who can only kill the flesh, but rather fear the Lord who can destroy your
soul. (Matthew 10:28).
Joh 7:14 Now about the midst of the feast Jesus went up into the temple, and
taught. About midway through the
festival, Jesus went up to the Temple and began to teach. (Luke 19:47). Jesus
taught daily in the temple and He taught the truth; but the leading priests and
teachers did not like it. (Mark 11:18). They wanted to kill Him.
Joh 7:15 And the Jews marvelled, saying, How knoweth this man letters, having
never learned? The people in the Temple were amazed at His
teachings and how much He knew. (In there eyes He was not a professional prophet
who was trained). There were over thirty seminaries in Jerusalem at this
time, and Jesus had never attended one of them. Jesus knew that what was taught
in most seminaries was limited and controlled, just like seminaries today. Very
little truth comes from them, but they sure know how to teach you to please the
people. (2 Timothy 4:3-4). What they learn in seminaries today about
Christianity is equivalent to a fifth grade education if their lucky.
Joh 7:16 Jesus answered them, and
said, My doctrine is not mine, but
his that sent me. Jesus told them, "My message is not of
My own; it comes from the Heavenly Father who sent Me." After all, He was
Emmanuel, "God with us." They had the best teacher they could ever have right in
front of them, but could not see it.
Joh 7:17 If any
man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or
whether I speak of myself.
If you want to do the will of God, you will know that the teachings of Christ
are true and in your heart. (Always look to God for answers and true wisdom, not
some man or woman).
Joh 7:18 He that
speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory: but he that seeketh his glory that
sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him.
Those who speak of themselves, only want glory for themselves. But, a person who
seeks to honor the one who sent him speaks truth, not lies. (Jesus always tried
to point people's attention to God, the One who sent Him). We should always try
to point people to Christ and give Him all the glory.
Joh 7:19 Did not
Moses give you the law, and
yet
none of you keepeth the law? Why go ye about to
kill me? Mosses gave you the law, but none of you obey the
law! Now, you are trying to kill Me Jesus tells them.
Joh 7:20 The people answered and said, Thou hast a devil: who goeth about to
kill thee? The crowds though Jesus was crazy and had a
devil in Him. Who's trying to kill you they asked?
Joh 7:21 Jesus answered and said
unto them, I have done one work,
and ye all marvel. Jesus replied; "I did one miracle on
the Sabbath, and you were amazed." Talking about when He had healed the cripple
man at Bethesda on the Sabbath. (John 5:9-11). The Jewish leaders objected to
what Jesus had just done.
Joh 7:22 Moses
therefore gave unto you circumcision; (not because it is of Moses, but of the
fathers;) and ye on the sabbath day circumcise a man.
Jesus explained to them that if He was breaking the Sabbath law, so were they.
You see, they were performing circumcisions on the Sabbath. Actually this tradition started with
the patriarchs, long before the law of Moses. (Leviticus 12:3).
Joh 7:23 If a man
on the sabbath day receive circumcision, that the law of Moses should not be
broken; are ye angry at me, because I have made a man every whit whole on the
sabbath day? If the correct time for circumcising your son
falls on the Sabbath day, you go ahead and do it, so you don't break the law of
Moses. So, why should you be angry at Me for healing a man on the Sabbath Jesus
was asking?
Joh 7:24 Judge
not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.
Look beneath the surface before you judge someone, so you can judge correctly
Jesus is saying. (Proverbs 24:23).
Joh 7:25 Then said some of them of Jerusalem, Is not this he, whom they seek
to kill? The people were asking each other,
"Isn't this
the man they are trying to kill?"
Joh 7:26 But, lo, he speaketh boldly, and they say nothing unto him. Do the
rulers know indeed that this is the very Christ? Here is
Jesus speaking in public right in front of them. (Those seeking to kill Him).
Now the people are thinking that the leaders are possibly believing that He is
the Messiah. Hmmm, could it be that the religious leaders just didn't
find the right opening to confront Jesus yet? (We are speaking of both the
Pharisees and Sadducees here).
Joh 7:27 Howbeit we know this man whence he is: but when Christ cometh, no
man knoweth whence he is. The people were a little
confused here. Most of the people knew this man (Jesus), came from Nazareth, and
that He was a carpenter. (The Rabbis thought that He would come from Bethlehem
and then be hid, but no one knew where). However, there were some that thought
that no one would know where the Messiah was form, but rather that He would just
appear. (Malachi 3:1).
Joh 7:28 Then cried Jesus in the
temple as he taught, saying, Ye
both know me, and ye know whence I am: and I am not come of myself, but he that
sent me is true, whom ye know not. When Jesus was teaching
in the Temple, He called out, "You know Me and you know where I come from." But,
I'm not here on My own. "The One who sent Me is true, and you don't know Him." They never knew God, they were just
hypocrites playing church. If they truly knew God, they
would have known that Jesus was the Messiah. "It was written." (Matthew 11:27,
Luke 10:22, 1 John 5:19).
Joh 7:29 But I
know him: for I am from him, and he hath sent me. "I know
Him Jesus is saying; because I come from Him, and He sent Me to you."
Joh 7:30 Then they sought to take him: but no man laid hands on him, because
his hour was not yet come. Now the leaders were really
upset with Jesus because He said that He knew God and they didn't. They wanted
to arrest Him; but no one laid a hand on Him, because His time had not yet come.
(Divine intervention). "They could not touch Him, till the time was right." Put
your trust in God and no one can touch you. (1 Chronicles 16:22, Psalm 105:15).
Joh 7:31 And many of the people believed on him, and said, When Christ
cometh, will he do more miracles than these which this man hath done?
Many of the people at the Temple began to believe in Jesus. They realized that
not even the Messiah could do more miracles than Jesus had done. (He was the
Messiah they were looking for).
Joh 7:32 The Pharisees heard that the people murmured such things concerning
him; and the Pharisees and the chief priests sent officers to take him.
When the Pharisees (conservatives), and chief priests (the Sadducees, a more
liberal sect of Judaism), heard that the crowds were leaving there church to
follow Jesus, they sent Temple guards to arrest Jesus. Here we have the
leadership of the entire Jewish nation (the Sanhedrin), coming together in
agreement to go after Jesus.
Joh 7:33 Then said Jesus unto
them, Yet a little while am I with
you, and then I go unto him that sent me.
Jesus was telling them that He would be crucified within six months, raised from
the dead, and return back to the Father who sent Him.
Joh 7:34 Ye shall
seek me, and shall not find
me:
and where I am,
thither
ye cannot come. You will
look for Me but won't find Me, and you cannot go where I am going. (Jesus, at
the crucifixion and resurrection would open the doors to heaven).
Joh 7:35 Then said the Jews among themselves, Whither will he go, that we
shall not find him? will he go unto the dispersed among the Gentiles, and teach
the Gentiles? The Jewish leaders were puzzled by this
statement. "They thought He was just leaving town." Maybe to teach the Gentiles.
Joh 7:36 What manner of saying is this that he said, Ye shall seek me,
and shall not find me: and where I am, thither ye cannot come?
(These are supposed to be Jewish leaders and teachers and they still did not get
it). "Still going on today."
Joh 7:37 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. On the last day of the festival Jesus shouted to
the crowds; "Anyone who is thirsty may come to Me." Thirsty for what?
"To hear
the Words of the Lord." It will happen in the end times on the "Day of the
Lord." (Revelation 21:6, Revelation 22:1). It is finished! Draw from the deep
waters; The wells of salvation. "The Truth of His Word." This is a spiritual
water of life that is pouring fourth in front of the throne. The book of Ezekiel
speaks of "Living Waters," as Ezekiel was shown the vision of
the temple. (Ezekiel 47:1-12). Chapter 40 till the end of Ezekiel speaks of the end times
millennium and the eternity.
Joh 7:38 He that
believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers
of living water. Anyone who believes in Jesus may come and
drink. "The scriptures say it; rivers of living water will flow from His heart."
He is, and will be, the Source of all spiritual blessings. (Isaiah 12:3, Isaiah
44:3, Isaiah 55:1, Isaiah 58:11, Ezekiel 47:1).
Joh 7:39 (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.) When Jesus said
"Living Waters,"
He was speaking of the "Holy Spirit," who would be given to everyone believing
in Him. However, the "Holy Spirit," had not been given yet, because Jesus had not
entered into His glory. (Isaiah 32:15, Acts 1:5, Acts 2:17, Acts 2:33).
Joh 7:40 Many of the people therefore, when they heard this saying, said, Of
a truth this is the Prophet. After the crowds heard what
Jesus had just said, some of them declared that this was the Prophet they were
expecting.
Joh 7:41 Others said, This is the Christ. But some said, Shall Christ come
out of Galilee? Some believed that He was the Messiah,
and others said He could not be the Messiah coming from Galilee. (Matthew
16:14-16). (The Galileans were what we would call hillbillies today). "There was
a distinct difference between those living in the south over those living in the
north, in Galilee."
Joh 7:42 Hath not the scripture said, That Christ cometh of the seed of
David, and out of the town of Bethlehem, where David was?
The Scriptures clearly state that the Messiah will be born of the royal line of
David, in Bethlehem, where king David was born. (Isaiah 11:1, Jeremiah 23:5,
Luke 2:4, Luke 2:11).
Joh 7:43 So there was a division among the people because of him.
The crowd was divided over Him.
Joh 7:44 And some of them would have taken him; but no man laid hands on him.
Some wanted Him arrested, but no one laid a hand n Him. (Again, divine intervention),
It was not His time yet.
Joh 7:45 Then came the officers to the chief priests and Pharisees; and they
said unto them, Why have ye not brought him? The Temple
guards returned without having arrested Jesus, and the leading priests and
Pharisees wanted to know why they didn't bring Him in.
Joh 7:46 The officers answered, Never man spake like this man.
The Temple guards never heard anyone speak like this. You see, the leading
priests and Pharisees never spent any real time with Jesus. They heard
everything second hand. The guards heard Jesus face to face and they were amazed
at what He was saying.
Joh 7:47 Then answered them the Pharisees, Are ye also deceived?
The priests and Pharisees mocked the guards and asked them if they had been led
astray also?
Joh 7:48 Have any of the rulers or of the Pharisees believed on him?
The question was asked of the priests and Pharisees by the head priest. Do any
of us believe in Him?
Joh 7:49 But this people who knoweth not the law are cursed.
The foolish crowds follow Him they said. "They are ignorant of the law, and
God's curse is on them." (The only ignorant ones here are the priests and
Pharisees). Wouldn't want to be in their shoes. (Isaiah 5:21, Isaiah 28:14,
Isaiah 65:5, 1 Corinthians 1:20-21, 1 Corinthians 3:18-20).
Joh 7:50 Nicodemus saith unto them, (he that came to Jesus by night, being
one of them,) Then Nicodemus (the leader who had met Jesus
earlier), spoke up. (John 3:1-2). At some point, Nicodemus becomes a believer.
Joh 7:51 Doth our law judge any man, before it hear him, and know what
he doeth? Nicodemus is saying; "Is it legal to convict a
man before he is given a hearing?" (Remember that Nicodemus had spent some time
with Jesus and found out the truth for himself).
Joh 7:52 They answered and said unto him, Art thou also of Galilee? Search,
and look: for out of Galilee ariseth no prophet. They
asked Nicodemus, "are you from Galilee too?" Search the scriptures and you will
see that no prophet ever comes form Galilee. If they had looked, they would
have found that Jonah and Hosea arose out of Galilee, and perhaps Elijah,
Elisha, Nahum and Amos. (1 Kings 17:1, 2 Kings 14:25, Nahum 1:1). Jesus grew
up in Galilee, but was born in Bethlehem.
Joh 7:53 And every man went unto his own house. Then
the meeting broke up and everyone went home. (Job 5:12-13, Psalm 33:10). Again,
it was divine intervention that frustrated them all and ended the discussion.
(God is always in control).
John 8
Joh 8:1 Jesus went unto the mount of Olives.
Jesus returns to His favorite place. (Probably for prayer).
Joh 8:2 And early in the morning he came again
into the temple, and all the people came unto him; and he sat down, and taught
them. Back to the
Temple in the morning to teach the people.
Joh 8:3 And the scribes and Pharisees brought
unto him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst.
The Scribes (teachers
of the religious law), and the Pharisees, brought a woman to the temple where
Jesus was teaching and interrupted Him saying; this woman has been caught in the
act of adultery, right in front of the crowd.
Joh 8:4 They say unto him, Master, this woman
was taken in adultery, in the very act.
Caught in the very act of adultery according to them. (Wonder how they knew)?
They got the woman, but where is the man? (Takes two to tango).
Joh 8:5 Now Moses in the law commanded us, that
such should be stoned: but what sayest thou?
The law of Moses says to stone her to death. They asked Jesus; What do you say?
Joh 8:6 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.
They were trying to trap Jesus into saying something they could use against
Him. Here is the trap: If Jesus says she should be forgiven, then He is going
against the law of Moses. If Jesus says she should be stoned, then He is going
to look like a hypocrite. (Jesus knew what they were doing). So, Jesus stooped
down and started to write in the ground with His finger. (Perhaps refreshing
them on the law). Note: The temptation was in the word "such," and of the two
cases they mentioned the punishment without defining what it was; for the one in
(Deuteronomy 22:23-24) a virgin, the death was stoning. But in the case of a
"wife," the punishment was not stoning, but required a special procedure (Numbers
5:11-31), which left the punishment with God.
Joh 8:7
So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them,
He that is without sin among you, let him
first cast a stone at her.
They kept demanding an answer from Jesus so Jesus stood up and said; "Let the
one who has never sinned throw the first stone." (No stones being
thrown here, they were all sinners).
Joh 8:8 And again he stooped down, and wrote on
the ground. Then Jesus stooped down
again and wrote in the dust again. (This time I believe that Jesus wrote some of
their own sins in the ground to convict them). You know, something like what
about when you slept with this man's wife, or maybe another man. (Again, they
were all sinners).
Joh 8:9 And they which heard it, being
convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the
eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman
standing in the midst.
One by one the accusers were convicted by their own conscience and left, till
the only ones remaining were Jesus and the accused woman in the middle of the
crowd.
Joh 8:10
When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her,
Woman, where are those thine accusers?
hath no man condemned thee?
Jesus stood up and asked the woman, "where are your accusers now?" Didn't even
one of them condemn you?
Joh 8:11
She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her,
Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.
No, Lord, the woman said, and Jesus said to her; "Neither do I. Go and sin no
more."
Joh 8:12
Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying,
I am the light of the world: he that followeth me
shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. Jesus speaking to the people.
"I AM
the light of the world. If you follow Me, you will not walk in darkness, because
you will have the "Light" that leads to eternal life." We know that Christ is
that "Light" just as He said, and we are to be a "light" to the world for others
to see. (As examples of true Christianity). (Isaiah 60:1-3, Acts 13:47). Notice
that Jesus uses the Greek equivalent of God's name, "I AM." (Yahveh).
This is what God told Moses at the burning bush when Moses asked God's name.
(Exodus 3:13-14). "I AM WHO I AM."
Joh 8:13 The Pharisees therefore said unto him,
Thou bearest record of thyself; thy record is not true.
The Pharisees did not like what Jesus had just said. They think the claims about
Himself are not valid.
Joh 8:14
Jesus answered and said unto them,
Though I bear record of myself,
yet
my record is true: for I know whence I came, and
whither I go; but ye cannot tell whence I come, and whither I go.
Jesus replies, "These claims are valid even though I make them about Myself. I
know where I came from and where I am going, but you know nothing about Me."
Joh 8:15
Ye judge after the flesh; I judge no man.
You judge Me by human standards, but I judge no man. (The Pharisees were living
examples of man's flawed judgment). If we are not careful, we too can fall into
the trap of classifying people (sizing them up), according to human fleshly
standards. (Psalm 94:20-21, Amos 5:7, Habakkuk 1:4, Romans 2:1, James 2:4).
Joh 8:16
And yet if I judge, my judgment is true:
for I am not alone, but I and the Father that sent me.
Christ is saying; If I judge, My judgment would be correct in every respect,
because I am not alone. The Heavenly Father who sent Me is with Me. (Acts 17:31,
Revelation 19:11).
Joh 8:17
It is also written in your law, that the
testimony of two men is true.
By your own law, two people must agree about something as witnesses before it is
accepted as fact. (Deuteronomy 17:6, Deuteronomy 19:15).
Joh 8:18
I am one that bear witness of myself, and
the Father that sent me beareth witness of me.
Jesus has His witness, and it is the Heavenly Father who sent Him. (John
5:31-40, 1 John 5:6-12). God said with a voice from heaven that Jesus Christ was
His only begotten Son, when Jesus was baptized and again when He was facing
death as the Holy Spirit bear witness. Unity that bear witness in heaven.
"The
full God head." Remember that Christ is the Word. The Holy Spirit, the
voice of God at the baptism of Christ, and the voice of God before He died bear
witness on earth.
Joh 8:19
Then said they unto him, Where is thy Father? Jesus answered,
Ye neither know me, nor my Father: if ye had
known me, ye should have known my Father also.
They wanted to know where His Father was. (What a bunch of dummies). They were
in the presence of the "Only Begotten Son" and they did not get it. Jesus told
them; "Since you don't know who I am, you don't know who My Father is. If you
knew Me, you would also know My Father." It is written that if it was in their
hearts, they would have known Him. (Jeremiah 24:7). "If Christ is not in your
heart, you have nothing."
Joh 8:20 These words spake Jesus in the
treasury, as he taught in the temple: and no man laid hands on him; for his hour
was not yet come.
Jesus made this statement while He was teaching in the treasury located in the
court of woman. (Both men and woman were allowed in this court, but not the
Gentiles). "Only the holier than thou." We see a lot of this in churches today.
Don't think that churches today do not cater to the wealthy and people with
status. (If you are just a poor person off the street, you may be sitting in the
back of the church).
Joh 8:21
Then said Jesus again unto them, I
go my way, and ye shall seek me, and shall die in your sins: whither I go, ye
cannot come. Jesus
said to them; "I am going away. You will search for Me but will die in your sin.
You cannot come where I am going." (Matthew 25:41, Matthew 25:46). Christ was
referring to those who were not believers. Where was Christ going? To heaven.
Where are the non-believers going? To hell!
Joh 8:22 Then said the Jews, Will he kill
himself? because he saith, Whither I go, ye cannot come.
They think He is going to commit suicide because of His statement. They didn't
get it.
Joh 8:23
And he said unto them, Ye are from
beneath; I am from above: ye are of this world; I am not of this world.
"You are from below; I am from above. You belong to this world; I do not." i.e.
of the earth. (1 Corinthians 15:47-48).
Joh 8:24
I said therefore unto you, that ye shall
die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am
he,
ye shall die in your sins.
What Christ is saying here is that unless you believe that I am the "Messiah,"
and the "I AM" (Yahveh), you will die in your sins.
Joh 8:25
Then said they unto him, Who art thou? And Jesus saith unto them,
Even
the same
that I said unto you from the beginning.
They demanded to know who He was. Jesus replies, "The One I have always claimed
to be." He was the Messiah they were looking for, but they could not see it.
(Like the blind leading the blind).
Joh 8:26
I have many things to say and to judge of
you: but he that sent me is true; and I speak to the world those things which I
have heard of him.
Christ knew all about them and had much to condemn but He didn't. "He said only
what He knew from the One who sent Him, and it would be completely truthful."
Joh 8:27 They understood not that he spake to
them of the Father.
They still didn't understand that He was talking about His Father. (They were
totally clueless because of no spiritual understanding). Look at all the people
that are spiritually clueless today. People are hungry for the truth, but are so
set in their old ways (traditions of men), that they can't see it.
Joh 8:28
Then said Jesus unto them, When ye
have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am
he,
and
that
I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath
taught me, I speak these things.
Jesus said, When you have "lifted up" the Son of Man (on the cross), then you
will understand that "I AM" (referring to God with us). I do nothing on My own,
but only say what the Father has taught Me. These words "lifted up" is
"hupsoo"
Strong's #G5312 meaning to "exalt" as well as elevate. (Speaking of praising
Him). He would use these words in: (John 3:14, John 12:32). i.e. at the
crucifixion and after the resurrection, many will finally realize who He really
is: (Matthew 27:50-54, Romans 1:4).
Joh 8:29
And he that sent me is with me: the Father
hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him.
The Father never deserts the Son, when the Son pleases Him. (Isaiah 42:1, Isaiah
42:21, John 8:16, Matthew 3:17).
Joh 8:30 As he spake these words, many believed
on him. Many believed
on Him as He spoke these Words. However, the reality of salvation involves more
than just saying some words. In order to believe and trust in someone, you must
first get to know them. We must get to know Jesus through the Word and become
followers of Jesus. Becoming His disciples and bringing others to the truth of
the Word.
Joh 8:31 Then said Jesus to those Jews which
believed on him,
If ye continue in my word, then
are ye my disciples indeed;
"There it is." You are a true disciple of Christ if you remain faithful to His
teachings. (1 John 2:24). Let the Word dwell in you and you will be walking in
the light and close fellowship with the Father and His Son.
Joh 8:32
And ye shall know the truth, and the truth
shall make you free.
The truth in the Word will always set you free. Free from what? Free from the
old law, traditions of men, false teachings, and ways of the world. Most
important, "Free from being a slave to Satan."
Joh 8:33 They answered him, We be Abraham's
seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest thou, Ye shall be made
free? "We are
descendants of Abraham," they said. We have never been slaves to anyone. (They
are thinking that Jesus is talking about being in bondage to a person). They
must have forgotten about when they were slaves to Egypt, the Assyrian Empire,
the Babylonian Empire, and at this point in Israel's history, they are currently
under the rule of Rome. But, Jesus is talking about a different kind of
slavery.
Joh 8:34
Jesus answered them, Verily,
verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.
Jesus lets them in on the real deal here. "I tell you the truth, everyone who
sins is a slave of sin." So, if you keep on sinning, who are you a slave to?
Satan! (Ephesians 2:2, 1 John 3:8-10). If you keep sinning in this manner, it
shows that you belong to the devil. Satan is the head sinner right from the
beginning, when he rebelled and went bad. But, the only begotten Son came to
destroy the works of the devil and "death" who is the devil. (Hebrews 2:14).
Joh 8:35
And the servant abideth not in the house
for ever: but the Son abideth ever.
The Son (never used of believers in this Gospel), this word is reserved
for Christ only. However, the meaning to us is that, as a slave, you are not a
permanent member of the family, but the Son is part of the family forever.
(Romans 8:15-17).
When receiving the Holy Spirit, it is not a Spirit that makes you
a fearful slave. Instead, you have received God's Spirit that has adopted you as
His own child. "Now we can call Him our Spiritual Father." (John 3:6, 20:17).
God's
Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are His children. (1 John 4:13).
God gave us the gift of the "Holy Spirit" to dwell in our hearts to show
us that He will live in us, and us in Him.
As God's children
together with Christ we are heirs of God's glory. However, if we share
in the glory, we must also share in the suffering. (Philippians 1:29, 2 Timothy
2:10-14).
Joh 8:36
If the Son therefore shall make you free,
ye shall be free indeed. If the Son sets you free, then you are truly
free. (Romans 8:2).
Because we believe in Christ and
walk after the Spirit we belong to Christ. Because we belong to Christ, the
Spiritual law of life has freed us from the power of sin that leads to death. (2
Corinthians 3:17, Galatians 5:1). Christ has made us free. (John 8:32).
Make sure you stay free and don't get all tied up in the chains of slavery to
the Jewish laws and ceremonies. (Acts 15:10). Don't get tied up under bondage to
any religion, organization, or traditions of men.
Joh 8:37
I know that ye are Abraham's seed; but ye
seek to kill me, because my word hath no place in you.
Jesus knew that they were descendants of Abraham, but they were trying to kill
Him. Jesus also knew that their was no room in their heart for His message. i.e.
there hearts were hardened. (Matthew 13:15). "Waxed over." Their eyes are closed
because they did not care. Just as many do not care today. They have time for
everything the world has to offer, but little time to study and search for truth
in God's Word.
Joh 8:38
I speak that which I have seen with my
Father: and ye do that which ye have seen with your father.
Jesus was speaking of what He had seen from His Father. They were following the
advice of their father. But, who was their father that Jesus was talking about?
Was it Abraham? Hmmm. Lets read on and find out.
Joh 8:39
They answered and said unto him, Abraham is our father. Jesus saith unto them,
If ye were Abraham's children, ye would do
the works of Abraham.
Our father is Abraham they declared. But, Jesus says "No," if you were really
children of Abraham, you would follow his example. (Galatians 3:7, Galatians
3:29, James 2:22-24).
Joh 8:40
But now ye seek to kill me, a man that
hath told you the truth, which I have heard of God: this did not Abraham.
You are trying to kill Me because I tell you the truth, which I heard from God.
Abraham would have never tried to kill someone who told the truth.
Joh 8:41
Ye do the deeds of your father.
Then said they to him, We be not born of fornication; we
have one Father, even
God. Jesus is telling them another truth. "You are like your real
father." They said that God is their real Father, but it wasn't true.
Joh 8:42
Jesus said unto them,
If God were your Father, ye would love me: for I
proceeded forth and came from God; neither came I of myself, but he sent me.
Jesus tells them, If God were your Father, you would love Me, because I am from
God. "The One who sent Me."
Joh 8:43
Why do ye not understand my speech?
even
because ye cannot hear my word.
Why can't you understand what I am saying Jesus asked? It's because you can't
hear Me! (1 Corinthians 2:14).
The flesh man can’t
receive these truths. It all sounds foolish and confusing to them. Only those
who are spiritual can understand.
Joh 8:44
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. Now
Christ tells them another truth. "You are the children of your father the devil,
and you love to do the evil things he does. He was a murderer from the
beginning. He always hated the truth, because there is no truth in him. He is
the father of lies." Wow, what a statement. Lets analyze this for a minute. Who
was the first murderer? It was Cain. He was from the seed of Satan all the way
back to the garden and Adam and Eve. For a better understanding, read our
newsletter study topic titled "Son of Cain." You will find that there are
children of the devil. The Kenites! This is who Christ was addressing when He
made this statement. They were with us from the beginning and they are still
with us today. (Genesis 3:15, Matthew 13:38, Acts 13:10, 1 John 3:12). Again, we
are not to be as Cain, who was of the wicked one. Cain was the first murderer
and was of the seed of Satan from which the kenites came. Christ taught this in
the book of Matthew, after the parable of the sower. That
it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, I will open my
mouth in parables; I will utter things which have been kept secret from the
foundation of the world. Then Jesus sent the multitude away, and went into the
house: and his disciples came unto him, saying, Declare unto us the parable of
the tares of the field. He answered and said unto them, He that soweth the good
seed is the Son of man; The field is the world; the good seed are the children
of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one; The enemy that
sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers
are the angels. (Matthew 13:35-39). Paul also taught that Eve was
beguiled "wholly seduced." (2 Corinthians 11:1-3). Just as in (Genesis 3:15-16).
Joh 8:45
And because I tell you
the truth, ye believe me not.
Christ is saying here that when He tells them a truth, it is their nature not to
believe Him because they are children of the devil, and that is the devils
nature. (The father of lies). The great deceiver of today. (2
Thessalonians 2:10, 2 Timothy 4:3-4). He will completely fool those who refused the truth of
the Word that they might be saved. Those who follow Satan will perish. "Once
saved always saved? I don't think so." The time is here now when people won't
listen to sound doctrine. (They follow teachers that teach traditions on men and
feed them whatever they want to hear to make them feel comfortable).
Joh 8:46
Which of you convinceth me of sin? And if
I say the truth, why do ye not believe me?
Christ is asking, which of you can truthfully accuse Me of sin? None of them
could. Christ was telling them the truth, but ask them, why don't you believe
Me? Christ knew why, but I think He wanted them to admit it. Of course they are
liars, so they would not admit it even if they did understand what Jesus was
saying. So, He is going to give it to them straight in the next verse.
Joh 8:47
He that is of God heareth God's words: ye
therefore hear
them not,
because ye are not of God.
"Anyone who belongs to God listens gladly to the words of God. But you don't
listen because you do not belong to God." (1 John 3:10, 1 John 5:1, 2
John 1:9, 3 John 1:11). They did not belong to God; they belonged to their father the
devil.
Joh 8:48 Then answered the Jews, and said unto
him, Say we not well that thou art a Samaritan, and hast a devil?
These particular Jews (probably some who were kenites), called Jesus a Samaritan devil.
(Remember that the Samaritans were "half-breeds," not pure Jews, and the Jews
hated the Samaritans). They even asked Jesus if He was possessed by a demon?
(Thinking He was out of His mind). They were the ones possessed and led by the
worst demon of all. Satan!
Joh 8:49
Jesus answered, I have not a devil;
but I honour my Father, and ye do dishonour me.
Jesus answered them and said; "I have no demon in Me. I honor My Father and you
dishonor Me."
Joh 8:50
And I seek not mine own glory: there is
one that seeketh and judgeth.
Jesus is saying here, "I have no wish to glorify Myself, God is going to glorify
Me. He is the true judge." (Always remember that before you judge others,
God is the one to do the judging).
Joh 8:51
Verily, verily, I say unto you, If a man
keep my saying, he shall never see death. i.e. Anyone who
obeys the teachings of Christ will never die, but have eternal life. Remember
what Christ said in (John 3:16). For God so
loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in
him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
This verse needs no interpretation. No doubt, one of the most important
scriptures written in the bible. However, the key here is "believe in Him." To
Me, you must get to know someone before you can believe in them. You get to know
Christ through the Word. "His written personality if you will." Again, declared
by the Lord in (John 11:25).
Joh 8:52 Then said the Jews unto him, Now we
know that thou hast a devil. Abraham is dead, and the prophets; and thou sayest,
If a man keep my saying, he shall never taste of death.
Now the people said, "We know You are possessed by a demon. Abraham and the
prophets died, but you say anyone who obeys My teachings will never die."
Joh 8:53 Art thou greater than our father
Abraham, which is dead? and the prophets are dead: whom makest thou thyself?
Are you greater than our father Abraham they asked Jesus? He died and so did the
prophets. "Who do you think you are?"
Joh 8:54
Jesus answered, If I honour myself,
my honour is nothing: it is my Father that honoureth me; of whom ye say, that he
is your God: Jesus
answered them saying; "If I want glory for Myself, it doesn't count. But, it is
My Father who will glorify Me, and you say He is your God."
Joh 8:55
Yet ye have not known him; but I know him:
and if I should say, I know him not, I shall be a liar like unto you: but I know
him, and keep his saying.
But you don't even know Him Jesus is saying. I know Him. If I said otherwise, I
would be a bigger liar than you are. But I know Him and obey Him. (Matthew
11:27, Luke 10:22). Jesus was telling us that the Heavenly Father has entrusted
everything to Him. No one truly knows the Son except the Father, and no one
truly knows the Father except the Son, and those to whom the Son chooses to
reveal Him. (It could have been that they were not chosen to know Him)?
Joh 8:56
Your father Abraham
rejoiced to see my day: and he saw
it,
and was glad.
Abraham knew that one day God would send the Messiah. How? In the promise:
(Genesis 12:3, Galatians 3:7-9). The blessing for the world would be fulfilled
in Jesus.
Abraham even met Jesus (as Melchisedec), when Abraham was returning from the
slaughter of the kings. (Hebrews 7:1-3).
Jesus Christ
is our "King of Justice" and "King of Peace." (Isaiah 9:7-7, Jeremiah 23:5-6).
All who trust in Christ receive the same blessing that Abraham did.
Joh 8:57 Then said the Jews unto him, Thou art
not yet fifty years old, and hast thou seen Abraham?
The people said to Jesus, "You aren't even fifty years old. How can You say You
have seen Abraham?" (Wow, were these peoples minds clouded). But that's not all,
Jesus was only around thirty years old at this time, so why did they pick out
the number fifty? To the Jews, the age "50" was when a man was fit to give
advice and counsel. What they are saying here is that Jesus was not old enough
to be "wise."
Joh 8:58 Jesus said unto them,
Verily, verily, I say unto
you, Before Abraham was, I am.
Jesus answered them saying, "I tell you a truth, before Abraham was even born, I
AM!" (Colossians 1:17). He was before anything else; and by Him all things are
held together. "I AM WHO I AM." (Exodus 3:14, Isaiah 44:6, Isaiah 46:9, Isaiah
48:12, Revelation 1:8). From A-Z, the Alpha and Omega; the beginning and the
end. (Jesus Christ becomes the full God Head).
Joh 8:59 Then took they up stones to cast at
him: but Jesus hid himself, and went out of the temple, going through the midst
of them, and so passed by.
At this point they picked up stones to throw at Him, but Jesus hid Himself and
left the temple. Devine intervention! (Luke 4:30). Jesus just walked away and
left them. A good lesson for us as disciples and teachers. You see, many times
you will not be accepted in your own town. They didn't accept Jesus for telling
them the truth, so why should they accept you?
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Keep The Faith,
Bart
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