Jim Gallagher

John 15:8
“By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.”

God desires that we live fruit-filled lives. When we do, He is glorified and we are blessed. A fruit-filled life is marked by the characteristics of Christ. In Galatians 5, Paul listed many of the “fruits” that God desires us to bear. These are inward qualities that are a result of being transformed by Jesus.

 

Galatians 5:22-23 “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness,   self -control. Against such there is no law.”

When our lives are filled with these qualities, God is glorified, others are drawn to Him, and we are blessed. Think about it. Don’t you want to be filled with love, joy and peace? Isn’t life better when you are patient and kind? Jeremiah contrasted two lives. He spoke of the one who departs from the Lord, being like a shrub in the desert; while the one who trusts in the Lord is like a tree by the waters bringing forth fruit (Jeremiah 17:5-8). I don’t speak “tree”, but if I did, I think I would hear the trees longing to be by the water’s edge where life is better, and fruit is abundant.

The key to living a fruit-filled life is abiding in Christ. The word ‘abide’ speaks more of a condition, than an action. We abide in Christ when we believe Him and receive Him. At that moment, a miracle happens. Our sins are forgiven, we come alive to God, and we are placed in Christ; where the life of Christ begins to flow into our lives. Jesus contrasts the branches that are in Him, with the branches that do not abide. He tells us the branches that are not abiding, or not connected, are cast out, withered and burned; while the branches that are in Him, are lifted up and pruned, in order to bear more and more fruit (John 15:4-6).

As a disciple of Jesus Christ, you are attached to the life-giving vine. The more time you spend with Him, the more His life will be produced in you. Take some time today allowing the vinedresser to lift you up, that you may become more fruitful.

Pastor Jim

Questions for John 15

1. Jesus gives the analogy of the vine and the branches to describe our relationship with Him.  Fruit can only come when the branches are attached to the vine or tree.  How many times is fruit mentioned in this chapter?
2. List all of the things that this chapter teaches us about spiritual fruit?
3. What will clean us from the inside out? (verse 3)  Look up Psalm 119:9
4. How did Jesus love His disciples? (verse 9)
5. Although the warning about branches that do not bear fruit can be frightening, what was Jesus’ purpose in telling us these things? (verse 11)
6. Read verses 12-15. How is Jesus relationship with the disciples changing?  How do you think they felt about this change?  Read 2 Chronicles 20:7 and Isaiah 41:8.
7. Read verse 18-20.  Why would Jesus be telling this to His disciples?  What advantage might it be to know these things?  Read 1 Peter 4:12-13, and compare with these verses.
8. When the Holy Spirit comes what will He do? (verse 26)
9. Consider verse 16.  What are some of the things that God does for us?

Old Testament:
Deuteronomy 11- What Did You See?
Deuteronomy 12- Right In His Own Eyes

John 14:1
“Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me.”

We live in troublesome times. Many face the fear of cancer or some other illness. The economy has shattered the comforts we once thought we had, or would enjoy. And after thousands of years of written history, the heart of man has not improved. We read of nations on the brink of war, violent crime haunting even the most peaceful communities, and global acts of terrorism on the rise. All this, and sadly much more, cause us to fear for our own safety, and for the future for our children and grandchildren.

In the midst of this, Jesus gives us His great and precious promises. This chapter begins with a simple exhortation that is followed up with promise after promise, which makes the exhortation possible. Jesus says,

“Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me.”

A troubled heart is one of the most common ailments men face. When our hearts fail, it is next to impossible to press on. We find ourselves weakened and filled with fear. The promises of Jesus are the cure for the troubled heart.

“I go to prepare a place for you.”

“I will come again and receive you to Myself”

“Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father”

“If you ask anything in My name, I will do it.”

“I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever— the Spirit of truth”

“I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you.”

“Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”

Cling to the promises of God and watch Him replace fear and worry with confident obedience. John said:

“Greater is He that is in you than He who is in the world”

Pastor Jim

Questions for John 14 

1. This is Jesus’ last night before the Crucifixion. He has spent the last few years with these guys, and just told them in chapter 13 that He is leaving.  They are understandably upset, and so Jesus begins to comfort them.  Jesus promises to prepare a place for them, and makes another promise concerning that place. What is that promise?
2. What makes heaven so special?  (end of verse 3)
3. Read verses 4-6.  Jesus has made Himself the subject of His teaching.  What three things does He claim to be?  Can anyone else be these things?
4. Read John 1:18, 1Tim 6:16, and consider verses 14:7-11.  God is Spirit, He is infinite, and He lives in heaven.  In contrast we are flesh and blood, finite, and live on earth.  It would seem impossible that we could ever know God.  How did Jesus tell us that we could know the Father?
5. In verses 12 -14, Jesus says that we as His church will do greater works than He did in his brief ministry.  How will these works be accomplished?  What is the goal of these works?
6. Look at verses 15, and 21-24.  If we claim to love Jesus, what should we do?
7. One of the greatest comforts that Jesus leaves His disciples is that He is sending someone just like Him to take up the role of Teacher, Helper, and Comforter that He had in their life.  Who is this Person?
8. Read verses 16, 17 and 26.  What are some of the things these verses tell us that the Holy Spirit will do?
9. Jesus promises a different type of peace than can ever be experienced by someone in the world who does not know Him.  What are some ways that this peace is different?
10. Read verse 31.  Why did Jesus obey His Father’s commandments in everything?

Old Testament:
Deuteronomy 9- Game Day
Deuteronomy 10- Timeless

John 13:10
“He who is bathed needs only to wash his feet, but is completely clean;…”

Living in Israel at the time of Christ, it was impossible to walk the streets of Jerusalem without getting dirty. Open-toed sandals in a desert climate made for dirty streets and dirty feet. One solution was the custom of foot washing. Whenever a guest entered a home, the host was responsible for ensuring that the feet of the guest were washed. When Jesus gathered with the disciples for the Passover meal, he took on the role of the host, and began to wash their feet. As expected, Peter had something to say about the actions of Jesus. First he resisted, to which Jesus explained,

“If I do not wash you, you have no part with Me.”

In response, Peter replied,

“Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head!”

To which Jesus said,

“He who is bathed needs only to wash his feet, but is completely clean;…”

The washing of the disciples’ feet serves as a great example of serving one another, but it also illustrates something about the Christian walk. Just as it was impossible to walk the streets of Jerusalem and not get dirty feet, so it is impossible to live in our world and not get a little dirty. Even when we determine to live committed to Christ, we come into contact with things that defile us, and even trigger the desires of the flesh. It might happen sitting in a waiting room, glancing down at a magazine with a seductive photo on the cover; or in the break room at work, when someone decides to share a crude or off-color joke. One way or another, we get the mud of the world on us.

The solution is not to isolate ourselves completely from the world. After all, Jesus sent us into the world as witnesses of the resurrection. No, the solution is foot washing. I am not speaking of reinstating the custom of washing feet, but of what I believe it represents in our walk with God. Paul spoke to the Ephesians about “The washing of water by the Word of God” (Ephesians 5:26). God’s Word has a cleansing effect in our lives. When we get the muck of the world splattered on us, the solution is to sit down and let God’s Word wash it away. How refreshing it is to sit with our Bibles, and allow him to give our minds a cleansing.

Just as there is no better way to start the day than with God’s Word, there is also no better way to end the day.

Pastor Jim

Questions for John 13

1. This is the last night of Jesus life before He is murdered. How committed has He been to the apostles? Did what He was about to face cause Him to waver in His commitment to them?
2. Consider verses 3-5. What was Jesus past? What was His future? Knowing these two things what was He able to do in the present?
3. How did Peter respond to his Master taking the position of a servant? At this point would Peter have been a good servant-leader?
4. Do you have a hard time taking the “low place”? Is putting others needs before your own something you have embraced?
5. Read verse 13-17. Why was Jesus doing this? How are we to respond to it? What is the result if we respond rightly to this lesson?
6. In the invisible, spiritual realm, what happened to Judas at the dinner table?
7. What is the new commandment that Jesus has given? Who is our example on how we are to do this command? (Verse 34)
8. What will the result of obeying this command be? (Verse 35)
9. Remember the earlier parts of this chapter and read verses how is Peter handling his graduation course from the school of ministry? Consider how gracious Jesus is with Peter, and how much He loves him. Take time to thank God for His love for you, in spite of your failures.

Old Testament:
Deuteronomy 7- Winning Daily Battles
Deuteronomy 8- Testophobia

John 12:11
“On account of him many of the Jews went away and believed in Jesus.”

The word “account” means “by reason of”. It means, Lazarus was the reason many put their trust in Christ. His life and his experiences with Christ were having a magnetic effect; drawing others to consider Christ for themselves.

We use the word account in another way. We refer to our bank account. At the end of every month we receive a statement reminding us of both deposits and withdrawals. Those statements reveal a lot to us about the way we live, and the things that are most important to us. In some ways, our life is like a financial statement. At the end of the month we can look back and see how we have spent our time.

Lazarus was a man who spent his time following Jesus. As a result, his life became a testimony of the goodness of God. We know Him to have been a follower and friend of Jesus. We know His home was a place where the disciples often gathered, and where Jesus was welcomed, worshipped, and served. We also know his life was a walking miracle. The result of his living for Christ, was a spiritual bank account filled with many who believed in Christ.

The miracle of Lazarus’ life was the work of God in him. He did not raise himself from the dead, but he did determine that he would be a follower of Christ; putting himself in a place where Christ could work in him. God desires to give life. We read in John 10:10, Jesus promised abundant life; and in John 1:4, His life was the light that drew men to Himself. The more of our life we allow Jesus to have, the more of His life we will experience, and the greater impact we will have on others for the kingdom of Heaven.

What is on your spiritual spreadsheet? If we were given a glimpse into your spiritual bank account, what would we find? What treasures are you storing up? Have you determined to live your life in a way that affects others for the Kingdom of God? Very few things are more valuable than living to have an impact upon others for eternity. It strikes me, that without ever preaching a sermon, going on a mission trip, or leading a praise band, Lazarus was able to impact the lives of so many for the kingdom of God.

Wouldn’t it be great to read that many believed in Jesus on account of you?

Pastor Jim

Questions for John 12

1. Jesus sits down to have a meal with a family He loves very much and one of the guys at the table has been raised from the dead! What do you think this meal was like? What might they have talked about? How do you think this family felt about Jesus?
2. How did Mary demonstrate her love for Jesus? How can you show your love for Him with more than just words?
3. Why was Judas upset about Mary pouring out the oil on Jesus? What was his excuse for being upset?
4. When Jesus rode into Jerusalem on the donkey, He was fulfilling prophecy from Zechariah. According to verse 16, were the disciples completely aware of what was happening? Do you sometimes not see what the Lord is doing until afterward?
5. Where will the servant of Jesus be (verse 26)? What will the Father do for the one who serves His Son?
6. In this chapter Jesus is just a few days away from the cross. Read verses 31-33. What are some of the results of the work of the cross going to be?
7. Ultimately it is faith (trust, believing) that pleases God (see Hebrews 11:6). Note verse 37. What did not produce faith in these people? Look up Romans 10:17 to see what does produce faith.
8. Read verse 42-43. Among the Pharisees, some actually believed in Jesus, but what stopped them from going all out for Him? Read the parable of the sower in Luke 8:5-18 and take particular note of verse 14. Is there anything choking out your fruitfulness?
9. Read verse 47-50. Why did Jesus come?
10. According to Jesus, He came with His Father’s agenda, and spoke only what the Father commanded. What was that command?

Old Testament:
Deuteronomy 5- 10 Commandments
Deuteronomy 6- Teach Them Diligently

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