Jim Gallagher

John 11:3
“Lord, behold, he whom You love is sick.”

One of the great struggles of life is how to reconcile a loving God with the difficulties of life. Every day, all over the world, people are confronted with tragedies. Difficulties hit like a storm and wreak havoc on their lives. It is not until we find ourself facing one of these trying times, that we are undone by it. It is at that point, we begin to ask, “How could a loving God allow my brother to suffer like that?” or “If God loved me, He would not have taken him from me.”

There is no question we face difficulties, and the illness or loss of a loved one is one of the greatest trials we will ever face. However, these trials are not without purpose. Notice the response of Jesus to the situation His loved ones were facing,

John 11:4
“This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified through it.”

Death is not the ultimate purpose of life. We are not here to simply live, work, pay taxes and die. The trials of life have a purpose, and that purpose is the glory of God. One of the most freeing thoughts is realizing that our lives belong to God. He created us, redeemed us, and did so with a distinct purpose in mind. The things we face that are beyond our control, have been designed by God to bring Him glory. If we will stop in the midst of the tragedy, and seek the Lord for His purpose, we will find that our life, like that of Lazarus and his sisters, will be used for the glory of God. Later we read concerning him,

John 12:9-11
“Now a great many of the Jews knew that He was there; and they came, not for Jesus’ sake only, but that they might also see Lazarus, whom He had raised from the dead. But the chief priests plotted to put Lazarus to death also, because on account of him many of the Jews went away and believed in Jesus.“

How cool is that! The hardship they faced led many to  believe in Christ. We know the result of a person believing in Christ is that their sins are forever forgiven, God takes up residence in their lives, begins to transform them from the inside out, and gives them eternal life. There is no greater reward in life than to be used by God to positively effect someone’s eternity.

Together, let’s live for the glory of God, even in the midst of our difficulties. Life is short, eternity is forever.

Pastor Jim

Question for John 11

1. Who is Lazarus related to?  Read Luke 10:38-42, and Luke 7:36-50 to learn a little more about Lazarus’s sisters.
2. How did Jesus feel about this family?
3. Did Jesus immediately respond to the need?  How long did Jesus wait until He left where he was?  Once he arrives, how long has Lazarus been in the tomb?
4. Read verse 21, 32, and 37.  What was people’s reaction concerning Jesus timing?
5. When Jesus tells Martha that Lazarus will rise again, does she understand what He means?  Recall John 10:10. Now read Romans 6:4.  Are there dead areas in your life that you have given up on?  Present these to the Lord and ask Him to be the Resurrection to you in those areas.
6. Even though Jesus was about to resurrect Lazarus (which would be joyful), He still felt very deeply about Lazarus’ death.  What are some indications of how He felt?  Is it wrong to be sad sometimes?
7. Jesus prays out loud to His Father about Lazarus.  But He did not do this to draw attention to Himself in a carnal way (Read Matt 6:5-6); He did it to model His relationship with the Father.  Do you pray out loud when the situation calls for it (it will bring honor to God, and help people in their walk with Him)?
8. Read verses 45-48.  How did people respond to Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead?
9. Read verses 49-54.  Caiaphas the High Priest says that it would be better if one man died for the people than if the whole nation died.  What did he mean by that?  God, honoring the office of high priest, was speaking prophetically through Caiaphas, and had a different meaning.  What was that?

 

Old Testament:
Deuteronomy 3- Attack
Deuteronomy 4- This Is Wisdom

John 10:21
“Others said, ‘These are not the words of one who has a demon. Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?’”

Those struggling to determine if Jesus is truly the Son of God and Savior of man, are influenced by both His words, and the lives of those who believe in Him. Certainly, the Gospel is the power of God unto salvation, but the believer is the light of the world, casting light upon the Gospel of God. Jesus exhorts us to let our light shine before men, that they may see our good works and glorify God (Matthew 5:16).

It has been my experience that people are most often drawn to the Lord by the lives of others. One family member, co-worker, or friend influences another, and that influence creates a willingness to listen to the Word of God. The more we allow Jesus to impact our life, the greater influence we will have on lives around us. Many of the great works Jesus did in the lives of individuals, were the result of their exercising extreme faith. They believed God to do the impossible in their lives, and the result was impossible things were accomplished. Maybe today it is time to trust that God will do in you what cannot be done any other way. Perhaps you have been struggling with drinking, smoking, pornography, gossip, or some other sin that is holding you back. If that is the case, why not exercise extreme faith; trust God to help you overcome. Not only will you find victory in your personal life, but you will have a testimony that will draw others to the Words of Christ, the very Words that are capable of saving the soul.

Let’s live out loud!

Pastor Jim

Question for John 10

1. Jesus talks extensively about shepherding and sheep in this chapter. What terms does He use to describe those who are not the shepherd? (verses 1, 5, 12)
2. What things does the shepherd do for the sheep?
3. How do sheep respond to their shepherd?
4. Jesus refers to Himself as the door of the sheep in verses 7 and 9. Compare this with John 14:6.
5. According to verse 10, why did Jesus come? What is the difference between receiving life and receiving it abundantly?
6. In verse 11, Jesus calls Himself the Good Shepherd. Read Psalm 23. Who is Jesus claiming to be?
7. What are some differences between a shepherd and a hireling?
8. Note every time in the passage that the Father is mentioned. What is the relationship between the Father and the Son like?
9. What things has the Father done? What things does the Son do?

Old Testament:
Deuteronomy 1- Walking In Circles
Deuteronomy 2- Victory In Battles

John 9:25
“One thing I know: that though I was blind, now I see.”

John 9 records an event that changed a man’s life forever. That event was an encounter with the Son of God. John tells his readers that Jesus sought out a man who had lived his whole life in darkness, and with the power of God, removed his blindness and provided him with sight. We would expect the rest of this chapter to be filled with rejoicing. Instead, we read of an environment where the work of God in a person’s life put him under scrutiny. Even this man’s parents are afraid to celebrate the work of God, because of the way they will be treated by their culture. How sad, that a nation birthed by God, would become a place where those most impacted by God, would be the most persecuted.

Our world is not unlike that today. It seems the moment a person makes a decision to receive and follow Christ, they become the object of harassment. For some, our families try to talk us out of the decision we have made. For others, our friends make it their aim to get us to return to the lifestyle we were involved in before coming to Christ; even if that lifestyle may have been destructive or deadly. For all, we find ourselves on the receiving end of mockery, prejudice and verbal persecution from the media and popular opinion.

I am encouraged by the response of this young man to the hostility he faced. As he sat before the religious and political rulers of his community, they attempted to convince him that Jesus was not the Christ, the Son of God. This young man did not get into an argument, he did not attempt to answer all the theological questions they threw at him; instead he simply shared what he knew.

“One thing I know: that though I was blind, now I see.”

One of the most effective witnessing tools in a Christian’s arsenal is your own personal testimony. How did you come to Christ? What has Jesus done in your life since you received Him? What is He doing in your life today? Take some time today to reflect upon the work of God in your own life, then open your eyes to see someone with whom you can share your testimony. More powerful than all the theological arguments of the Pharisees, was the sight of a man born blind.

Pastor Jim

Questions for John 9

1. How long had this man been blind?  How do you think that had impacted his life?
2. Read verses 2 and 3, and also note what the Pharisees said in verse 34.  Why do people think that the man was born blind?  Did they have enough information to make that judgment?  What reason did Jesus say that he was born blind?
3. When did Jesus heal the blind man? (verse 14)
4. What were the Pharisee’s reactions to this?  Were they in complete agreement with one another?
5. The Pharisees did not believe that the man had been born blind and so called the parents to confirm the story.  The parents confirmed, but would not mention Jesus.  Why not?
6. The man born blind as he is questioned begins to reason with the Pharisees.  Do the things he is saying make good sense to you?  How did the Pharisees respond?
7. Consistently, we see the Pharisees “majoring in the minors”.  The little thing was to keep the Sabbath, whereas the great thing was to heal a man born blind.  This is what legalism does:  it focuses on outward rules and ignores the heart and other important matters.  Are there any “rules” or religious habits in your life that take priority over your relationship with God and the real work that He is doing in you?
8. At the beginning of this chapter Jesus calls Himself the Light of the World.  Sight is impossible without light.  Where had Jesus shone light in this chapter?  Where did darkness remain?  Is physical sight the only kind of sight?

Old Testament:
Numbers 35- Refuge
Numbers 36- Looking To The Future

John 8:34
“ Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin.”

James explains the process of sin,

James 1:14-16
“But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death. Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren.”

The gist of what he is saying is, while sin promises to bring pleasure, it can only produce death. We have all found that to be true. We all face temptations, and those temptations make promises, but when sin gets its hooks in us, we find that it really destroys. We find that instead of serving us, we are the slaves of sin. One of the worst elements of slavery is the hopelessness  it produces. When a person is bound up in sin, they see no way out. They may have resolved over and over to quit, but the grip of sin is too great, and they find themselves bound to it once again.

Into this hopeless scene, Jesus enters with a message to liberate captives. Earlier, He declared He came to set the captives free.

John 8:31-32
“Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, ‘If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.’”

Jesus promises, what resolve, counseling, even incarceration have been unable to do, He will accomplish through His Word. The process is in two parts. First, believe in Him. When you do, He will come into your life and wash the guilt, and penalty of your sins, away from you. Second, abide in His Word. The same Word that spoke the world into existence, healed the lame and the blind, and even raised the dead, is the same Word that can transform your life. It can unloose the grip sin has on you, giving you true freedom and a fresh start.

Today, if you find yourself enslaved by sin, I am sure you have lost a great deal in life because of it. You have given up personal freedom, and both negatively and drastically, impacted those who you love. I am sure you have also tried everything to be set free. You may even feel like the Pharisees who said;

“How can You say, ‘You will be made free’?” John 8:33

Rather than question the promises of Jesus, how about obeying them? Let’s determine together that we will receive Him and daily dive into His Word, trusting that He will transform our lives.

Pastor Jim

Questions for John 8

1. What was the Pharisees purpose for bringing the woman caught in adultery to Jesus?
2. Interestingly, there is no mention of the man that she was committing adultery with. Why do you think he was not also brought to Jesus?
3. What qualification did Jesus say a person had to meet to be the first to throw a stone at the woman? Was there anyone present who met that qualification? If so what did they do?
4. What is the singular remedy that is provided for removal of sin? (verse 24)
5. In verse 29, what guiding principle do we see that governs Jesus’ life and actions? Are you also governed by this principle?
6. Read verses 31-37. Freedom and slavery are discussed. What must a person do to be free? What will cause a person to be a slave of sin?
7. Although all people are God’s children in the sense that He is their maker and Creator, not all people are God’s children in the sense that they are born again, forgiven of sin, and adopted into his family. Read verses 38-47. According to the text, what are some evidences that God is your Father?
8. Notice that this chapter begins and ends with an attempt to stone someone. What similarities are there between these two instances? What differences are there?

Old Testament:
Numbers 33- Abundant Life
Numbers 34- Innumerable Promises

John 7:13
“However, no one spoke openly of Him for fear of the Jews.”

2000 years have passed and this still remains a problem; we withhold the message of Christ out of fear. What are we afraid of? It seems to me Jesus has always been misunderstood. Popular opinion is often based on these misunderstandings. During His life, some were afraid to associate with Him because He was thought to have been a “wine bibber,” a glutton, and even one who condoned sin by hanging out with sinners. Many respectable people were afraid to associate with Christ because of their reputations.

Things have really not changed all that much. Today, many make their decision about Christ based upon popular opinion. They determine who Jesus is, or what Christians are, based upon what they see on television or the big screen. As a result, they think of Jesus as a far right-wing, narrow-minded, conservative politician; a money hungry evangelist; or an extreme legalist. It is not hard to understand why many reject Christ, if that is the only Jesus they have ever known.

Years ago, when I was a young Christian in college, one of my professors made the statement that all Christians had their hand on the button (a figurative devise that would send nukes to the Soviet Union). He said Christians, were anxious to bring on the end of the world. This statement was based on the Christ and Christianity that had been displayed before him. I remember my heart pounding through my chest as I raised my hand and stated, “Mr. Neil, you know me, you know that I am a Christian, and you know that I do not think that way.” He quickly amended his statement.

I believe we can live our lives in such a way as to reveal the real Christ and true Christianity. I believe we can undo the misunderstandings about Christ that have been seared into the minds of those around us. I believe we can do this as we seek to live lives committed to Jesus Christ. We never know what road block stands in someone’s way, keeping them from faith in Christ; or what fears they may have of committing to Jesus. Let’s determine that we will be those who represent true Biblical Christianity.

Take time today to get to know Jesus in His Word.

Pastor Jim

Questions for John 7

1. According to verse 7, why do people hate Jesus?
2. Jesus’ brothers attempted to get Him to go to the feast in Jerusalem, but Jesus told them in verses 6 and 8 that it was not His time to do so. Later in verse 30 we read that the Jews sought to lay hands on Him, but we read that it was not their hour to do so. Was Jesus operating according to other’s timetables? Which timetable was he on?
3. Jesus was a major subject of interest at the Feast of Tabernacles. What were some of the attitudes and reactions toward Him? (verses 10-15)
4. According to verse 17, how will a person know if what Jesus is teaching is true?
5. Jesus spoke of living water in chapter 4 of John with the Samaritan woman at the well. Read verses 37-39 of chapter 7. When He speaks of “living water”, what does He actually mean?

 

6. Jesus said that rivers of living water would flow from the heart of the person who comes to Jesus to drink. What are some of the qualities of rivers?   What does that mean for your life? Where do you think God might cause these rivers to flow to?
7. Why did the officers sent by the Pharisees not arrest Jesus? (verse 46)
8. In verse 49, the Pharisees disdain the crowd saying they have no knowledge and calling them accursed. How does their attitude toward the crowds of people compare with Jesus? Read Matt 9:36.
9. The Pharisees said that Jesus could not be the Messiah, because He was a Galilean, and the Messiah must come from Bethlehem according to the prophecies concerning Him. Read Luke 2:1-7. Although Jesus grew up in Galilee, where was He actually born, and why was He born there?
10. We saw Jesus speaking with Nicodemus back in chapter 3. There he came to Jesus secretly by night, probably for fear of the other Pharisees. Look at verse 50 and 51. How has his relationship with Jesus progressed since then?

 

Old Testament:
Numbers 31- God Is Just
Numbers 32- That’s Far Enough

John 6:20
“It is I; do not be afraid.”

Galilee was known for sudden and unpredictable storms. The wind increases rapidly, causing the Sea of Galilee to become a turbulent and dangerous sea. We read, on a few occasions, the lives of the disciples were at risk because of these great storms. In a very practical way, their experience illustrates for us the trials of life.

Jesus went up the mountain to pray and sent the disciples across the sea toward Capernaum. As they traveled, they faced a great storm. John tells us they had been rowing for close to four miles against the wind and the rising sea. Matthew explains they had been rowing all night and adds, they were “Being tossed by the sea because the wind was contrary.” At the rate they were going, it may have seemed this storm would never end and their final resting place would be the bottom of the sea.

Sometimes, life is like that. No matter how hard we work, how faithful we are to the Lord, there are times when life is like rowing against a the storm. We have all faced trials of that kind. We fight and fight just to stay afloat, but it seems like the difficulty will never end. As the story continues, there are two things that encourage me greatly. First, Jesus was aware of what they were going through. While they were rowing, He was praying. The writer of Hebrews explains that one of Jesus’ key roles is to pray for us. No matter what you are facing, you have an advocate with the Father. Jesus, Himself, is watching and praying. Second, I notice that Jesus came to them. In the middle of the sea and the storm, Jesus appeared in a miraculous way. I am struck by their response,

John 6:21 “Then they willingly received Him into the boat”

In the midst of what you are facing, Jesus watches and wants in. Take time today to let Him in.

Pastor Jim

Questions for John 6

1. According to verse 2, 5, how many people were following after Jesus?  How many men are numbered in verse 10?  Do you think that there were women and children there in addition to the men?
2. As Jesus asks the apostles how to feed the multitude, notice the apostles’ response to Jesus in verses 7 and 9.  What are the attempted solutions?  What resources do they think to draw upon?  Do you find yourself doing the same thing when faced with an overwhelming difficulty?
3. Jesus reaches into the resources of heaven and miraculously provides.  How much food did he start with?  Did the people eat enough food? How much food did they finish with?
4. Consider verse 11.  Although we are not told exactly how Jesus multiplied the food, we are given a clue as to one method Jesus uses to bring the resources of heaven to earth.  What is that way?
5. The disciples are freaked out when they see Jesus walking on the water.  What is His response to their fear?
6. Note verse 15 and 26.  What was the people’s reaction to Jesus’ miraculous provision?  How does He correct their perspective in verse 27?
7. What did Jesus say is the work of God, the thing that God is looking for from people?
8. Read Exodus 16, the children of Israel receive the miraculous provision of manna when they lived in the desert.  What was the shortcoming of this bread (verse 49)?  What did Jesus say the true bread was?
9. In verses 50-58, Jesus explains how we must be nourished by Him and lives in Him.  What are some of the disciples’ reactions to this teaching (verses 60-66)?
10. What was Peter’s reaction to the same teaching?  How do you react when Jesus is saying something difficult for you to understand?

Old Testament:
Numbers 29- Once For All
Numbers 30- To Be Honest

John 5:21
“For as the Father raises the dead and gives life to them, even so the Son gives life to whom He will.”

This is amazing! Jesus promises to give life. It is always tragic to watch people killing themselves, in an attempt to find life. Our country, our world, our communities, even many of our homes, are plagued with substance abuse, as people search for life. We seem to have an epidemic of extreme sports, with people risking life in order to experience life. All the while, Jesus is promising to give it away freely to any who will come to Him.

John 5:24 “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from            death into life.”

The life Jesus offers not only gives meaning to living, but is the only way to prepare for death. All of us are on a journey, and that journey will take us through the gateway of death, face to face with the one true God.

John 5:29 “Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice and come forth—those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation.”

No matter what road you choose to walk in life, the end of that road will take you to the throne of God. If you choose to reject God for a certain lifestyle, or even denounce the existence of God, you will still find yourself standing before the throne of God, awaiting the sentence of eternity. There is only one way to prepare for that day, that is by receiving Jesus Christ. The Bible teaches that as many as believe in Him, will have the privilege of becoming the children of God, and as children, become heirs of eternal life (John1:12). Sadly, even at the time of Christ we read,

John 5:40 “But you are not willing to come to Me that you may have life.”

I pray that is not true of you! I pray you will come to Him and receive purpose, meaning, value in living, and the free gift of eternal life.

Pastor Jim

Questions for John 5

1. How many sick people were at the Pool of Bethesda?  Why were they there?
2. What were some of the diseases that they were dealing with?  How do you think this affected their lives?  Did Jesus heal all of them?
3. How long was the man with infirmity afflicted with his disease?
4. How did he respond when Jesus asked him if He wanted to be made well?  Would you say that he was hopeful or had given up hope?
5. The Jews told the man that it was unlawful for him to carry his bed on the Sabbath, but no such law exists in the Scripture.  They were elevating their laws to the level of God’s, and making God’s real laws of no consequence.  This is called legalism.  What was some of the fruit of legalism in the Pharisees life?
6. Compare verses 16 and 18.  Why were the Jews seeking to kill Jesus?
7. From verse 17 through the end of the chapter Jesus gives insight into the nature of His relationship with the Father, and truly “He was making Himself equal with God.”  What are some of the attributes of God that Jesus possesses?
8. Read verses 38-40.  What is the end purpose of all Bible study?

Old Testament:
Numbers 27- Supernatural Selection
Numbers 28- Morning And Evenings

John 4:9
“For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans.”

A few years ago, I was in Serbia speaking at a conference for some of the local churches. On the last day of our trip, we were invited by one of the pastors to visit a Gypsy village, where he had been ministering to the families for some time. Upon arriving, we broke up into groups, and began visiting some of the homes of the sick, and gathering with many of the children. After about an hour, a woman from a nearby town approached us. She stood out to us because she was wearing a beautiful purple dress with a purple overcoat. One of the other pastors approached her; she asked him who we were and what we were doing here. He responded that we were from America, and had come to Serbia to teach the Bible and share Christ. Her response was quite shocking. She said, “I meant what are you doing in the Gypsy’s village. No one cares about the Gypsies.” We were a little shocked by her statement, but began to share with her that Jesus loved all people, even those who were despised by the world. She made a decision to receive Christ that day because of His love for those whom no one else cared.

The world has always been filled with “Samaritans”. Even today, there is no shortage of people about whom no one seems to care. People, whose lifestyle has isolated them from society. It is important to keep in mind that Jesus was always drawn to those who the world rejected. Two thousand years later, and Jesus still “must go through Samaria.” He wants to use us, His church, to reach them with His love.

Keep your eyes open; there is a world out there in need of Christ. A world filled with neglected, even rejected people, who Jesus loves and died for.

Pastor Jim

Questions for John 4

1. Where was Jesus travelling from, and where was He travelling to?  Where did he need to pass through on His journey?
2. Sometimes we get the impression that things were always easy for Jesus because He was God.  How did Jesus feel after His journey? (verse 6)
3. What time was it?  What was it probably like outside?
4. According to verse 9 what was the relationship between Jewish people and Samaritans?  Do such relationships exist today?  Was Jesus subject to these cultural patterns?
5. In talking with the Samaritan woman, Jesus used the natural (the water from the well) to transition to the spiritual (living water).  What are some of the natural qualities and uses of water?  How would these natural qualities translate to the spiritual?
6. Is location a primary consideration in worshiping God?  What are the most important parts of worship?  (verse 20-24)
7. What did the woman do when she left Jesus?
8. Jesus continues the natural to spiritual comparisons with food, this time while talking to His disciples.  What are some of the qualities of food?  What was Jesus’ food?
9. Consider verses 39, 41, and 42.  What are the different ways that people came to believe in Jesus?
10. Jesus is capable of doing miracles at any time, but does not always.  Sometimes people are pursuing signs and wonders and not pursuing a relationship with the Lord.  What was the ultimate effect of Jesus healing the nobleman’s son? (Note verse 48, 50 and 53)

Old Testament:
Numbers 25- Friendship
Numbers 26- Inheritance

John 3:13
“No one has ascended to heaven but He who came down from heaven, that is, the Son of Man who is in heaven.”

I remember as a sixteen year old asking myself, “What happens when we die?” Then just as quickly I answered, “We go to Heaven.” Then I asked, “What is Heaven?” Again I answered, “Heaven is doing whatever you like to do forever.” Then I asked “Who gets to go to Heaven?” And again I had an answer. “Those who are good.” Finally, I had to ask, “Who was good?” My answer was that I was good, and anyone who did not kill, or rape, but lived a life like mine, was also good. This answer satisfied me. If anyone had asked what would happen if I died I was convinced that I had an answer. The problem was, it was completely made up. It was the product of my imagination.

There is only one person who knows what awaits man on the other side of the grave. That man is Jesus; the one who came down from Heaven. All others are like me, using my imagination to guess what death holds. No matter how deliberate a religious system may become, no matter how many followers it may have, all others have this in common, they have never been to the other side and back. They are only guessing about eternal life based on the experiences of this life. Then there is Jesus. The one who came from heaven and declares to man:

“And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.” John3:14-15

What great joy! To prepare for eternity, all we must do is believe on Jesus Christ and receive His free gift of eternal life.

Pastor Jim

Questions for John 3

1. According to verse 1 and 10, what was Nicodemus’ job?
2. Why do you think Nicodemus came to visit Jesus at night?
3. As Nicodemus speaks with Jesus (verse 2, 4, 9), how would you describe his reactions and understanding of what Jesus is saying?
4. Jesus speaks of a need to be born again.  How is a person born again?  Look up John 1:12.
5. There are four “action” words in John 3:16:  loved, gave, believe, have life.  Which of those are God’s part?  Which are ours?
6. John 3:16 is a very famous verse, but verse 17 is an important one as well.  According to this verse what did Jesus notcome to do?  What did He come to do?
7. People claim many reasons for not believing in Jesus.  But behind these excuses there is one ultimate reason why people will not come to Him.  According to verse 19 and 20, what is this reason?
8. In verse 30, John the Baptist declares a truth concerning our relationship with God:  He must increase, we must decrease.  Do you pursue those ends in your relationship with God?
9. Eyewitness testimony is valuable in a court of law, because it gives us access to information we could not gain otherwise (because the events are past).  Consider verse 31 and 32 in light of this.  Why does what Jesus say about God, salvation, and eternal life carry more weight than what anyone else says?
10. According to verse 36, what is essential to “having life”?  Can anyone have life who does not have this essential?

 

Old Testament:
Numbers 23- Different Point Of View
Numbers 24- Victory

John 2:11
“This beginning of signs Jesus did in Cana of Galilee, and manifested His glory; and His disciples believed in Him.”

John tells us, the miracle of turning the water into wine was the first of Jesus’ miracles, and its purpose was to make His glory known. The word “glory” is used synonymously in the Bible with the word “name” and speaks of a person’s character. When Moses longed to know God more, he asked God to “Please, show me Your glory.” (Exodus 33:18) God responded, saying, “I will cause My goodness to pass before you and declare My name.” It is in that passage we learn much of the merciful and gracious character of God. Here, at this wedding feast, John tells us that we are to learn something about the character of Christ.

John also tells us, this was the first miracle Jesus accomplished. Think about it. The Son of God, who came to save the world, is going to accomplish His first miracle, and He chose to provide refreshments at a wedding reception. Why? I think it is because He wants us to learn that He did not come for the masses, but the individual. He wants us to understand, He loves and cares about each of us. In the grand scheme of things, a family being embarrassed by running out of refreshments at the reception does not mean much, but it would mean a lot to them, and so it meant a lot to Jesus.

What a blessing to know that Jesus never loses sight of the individual. He knows and cares deeply about each of us and the struggles we are facing. I think it would be wise of us to take the advice of Mary and “Whatever He says to you; do it.”

Pastor Jim

Questions for John 2

1. Who was invited to the wedding?  Who else that Jesus knew was there?
2. What did they run out of at the wedding?  Who asked Jesus to do something about it?
3. What did Jesus do?  Did he do it well?  Was it better before or after Jesus worked? (Verse 10)?
4. According to verse 11 how many miracles did Jesus do before this one?
5. What is the significance that Jesus’ first miracle was at a wedding?  Consider your marriage or the marriages of people you love.  Take time to pray that they would regularly invite Jesus into their marriage and that the end would be better than the beginning.
6. Jesus has a strong reaction to those doing business in His Father’s house.  Why?
7. Jesus’ anger was not Him losing control.  He did not immediately react. Consider:  How long did it take Jesus to make a whip of cords?  When you are rightly angry about some injustice or wrong, do you still demonstrate self-control (a fruit of the Spirit)?
8. In verse 18 and 23 the Jews and the people were focused on the same thing. What was it? Compare this with Matthew 16:4.
9. When Jesus spoke of a temple being destroyed and rebuilt, what was He really talking about?

Old Testament:
Numbers 21- Look At That
Numbers 22- Distorted View