vs. 1-13 The Eternal Word came bringing light, with two results
v. 1-2 The preexistent Word
In the Beginning was the Word
cf. Gen 1:1
on Logos, cf. Psa 19:1-4; Gen 1:3,9,11,15,24 etc., Psa 33:6; 107:20; 147:15, 18; Isa 55:10-11
The Word was with God
The Word was God - Emphasis
This one was in the beginning
(This one was) with God
v.3 The Creator Word as the source for all
All things exist through Him
Not one thing which is exists without Him
clarification - no exceptions - all things means ALL THINGS
v. 4-5 The Life/Light invades the darkness
In Him was LIfe
The LIfe was the light of men
The light shines in the darkness
cf. Gen. 1:4-5, 7-9, Isa 9:2;42:6-7; 49:6; 60:1-5; Mal 4:2
The darkness has not overcome it
v. 6-8 A Witness to the light
There was a man
Sent from God
His name was John
This one came to witness
So that He may witness concerning the light
So that all may believe concerning Him - Emphasis
This one was not the light
but (he came he came to witness)
So that He may witness concerning the light
v. 9 The Coming of the Light
The True light
which enlightens all humanity
was coming into the world
v. 10-11 The Rejection of the light
He was in the world
The world exists through Him
The world did not know Him
He came to His own
His own did not receive Him
v. 12-13 A possible alternative to Rejection and its result
Receiving Him
Whoever receives Him
to those who believe in His Name
"distinguishes between an illegitimate, presumptuous claim of divine sonship based on physical descent and true divine sonship based on faith, in the name of God's Messiah." Commentary OT/NT p. 422
The Result
He gave to them authority to be children of God
Neg. - children NOT born
from blood
or from the will of flesh
or from the will of man
Pos. - but children born from God
vs. 14-18 The Word became flesh - Incarnate Glory of God Himself
v. 14 The Word became present among us in glory
The Word became flesh
The Word tabernacled among us
cf. OT tabernacle
We have seen His glory
Glory of the one and only from the Father
cf. OT shekinah glory
Full of Grace and truth
cf. Exo. 34:6
v. 15 John's continued witness to the Word
John Witnessed concerning Him
He cried out - saying
This is the one
about Whom I said
The one coming after me
Is greater than me
because He was before me
v. 16-17 The very character of God is present in the Word
From His fullness
We have received grace upon grace
The Law was given through Moses
not negative, but first positive step to becompleted by next positive step
cf. OT giving of Law
Grace and truth came through Jesus Christ
cf. Exo. 34:6
Climax of God's revelation which began in the law
v. 18 The Word is the revealer of God Himself
No one has ever seen God
cf. Exo 33:20
The one and only God
Who is near the heart of the Father
Has made Him known
Public ministry (Book of signs) 1:19-ch.12
From John to Jesus 1:19-51
John's witness to Jesus 1:19-34
His identity 1:19-24
This is the testimony of John
testified, did not deny, testified, I am not the Christ, not Elijah, not the prophet of Dt. 18
Isaiah's preparer for the Lord's coming - cf. Isa 40:3
When Jewish leaders question him
His mission
why do you baptize?
witness to the one
you do not know him
Coming after me
I am not worthy - expression of extreme humility
Historical detail - shows authentic eyewitness
The Lamb of God - taking the sins of the world
ref to passover and sacrificial system
see also Isa. 53:3-6
This is the one I said - after, yet before, but greater
Circle back, reason for baptizing is to testify to Him
so that HE may be revealed to ISRAEL
testified by presence of Spirit remaining
Spirit comes down from HEaven - theme
Spirit remains on Him - theme
Spirit on Him OT theme of Suffering Servant/Coming Messiah
Isa 11:2
Isa 42:1
Isa 61:1
Key verse - "I have seen and I have testified that this One is the Son of God - theme
Jesus gains disciples 1:35-51
through witness of John 1:35-39
Again John testifies to the Lamb of God- 1:35-6
Two Disciples
follow Jesus, -polite way to ask to spend time with Jesus
Come and See Jesus
and remain with Jesus - all themes
through witness of friends/relatives 1:40-51
Andrew to Peter
Andrew and ? - John?
Andrew testitied to Peter - we have found the Messiah
He brought him to Jesus
Got a name change
Phillip to Nathaniel
Philip called by Jesus
Philip testified to Nathaniel - we have found the prophet that Moses wrote about -cf. J the B's denials
Nazareth?!?
Come and See - cf. v. 39
Nathaniel a TRUE Israelite -
contrast Jews?
Wordplay on "Jacob", contrast Jacob
no guile, deceit, treachery in Him
How do you know?
I saw you under the tree - foreknowledge? not told
Nathaniel's confession - Key verse - You are the Son of God, the King of Israel
Jesus - you ain't seen nothing yet - to those who believe He gives/shows more
Theme of believe
Theme of greater things
You will see the angels coming down and going up from heaven on the Son of Man - ref. Jacob's ladder - Gen 28:12
change from singular "you" speaking just to Nathaniel to plural "you" speaking to disciples/readers
Theme of going up and coming down
The Cana cycle of signs 2:1-4:54
Water to wine 2:1-12
First sign at wedding in Cana 2:1-11
Wedding feast with mother there - Disciples and Jesus invited
wine ran out - mother asked Jesus -
why? conjecture - possibly wedding planner
What she expected? conjecture - possibly any help at all.
almost certainly not expecting what she got
Jesus distances himself - hour not yet
Mention of stone jars used for OT cleansing ritual - Jesus superior
Water became wine - some knew, some didn't
Better wine than first - saved the best for last - double meaning
2 Baruch ch. 29:3,5,8 Abundance of wine sign "that the Messiah shall then begin to be revealed" v. 8 talks about then Manna being revealed from heaven cf. ch. 6
This was first of signs
revealed His glory
The disciples believed in Him
Cf. purpose statement
transition statement 2:12
Jesus and the temple 2:13-25
Jesus clears the temple 2:13-17
Almost Time of Passover
Jerusalem
Drove out the sellers etc. with whip
Issue was His Father's house being a market - notice "My Father"
Confirmation of Scripture - Psa 69:9
Controversy and the temple of His body 2:18-22
Jews ask for "sign" regarding "authority"
Jesus answered - Destroy temple and I will rebuild in 3 days
Misunderstanding/ double meaning
John's editorial clarification from hindsight of resurrection
Temple is His Body
Disciples remembered, believed Scripture, Believed Jesus' words
Inadequate belief 2:23-25
Many saw the signs and believed
Jesus did not entrust selves to them
same word as believe - helps define belief
He knew - theme
Did not need man's testimony - theme, has better testimony
He knew what was in man
Hinting that their belief in the miracles was belief, but incomplete, inadequate belief
There must be more to beliving
Jesus and Nicodemus 3:1-21
Conversation with Nicodemus (The "How" of eternal life) 3:1-15
Nicodemus comes to Him
Comes at night - don't press significance
Believes in signs - inadequate faith?
Jesus replies - You must be born again
No one can see the Kingdom of God
Unless He is Born anothen
Double meaning
again, repeat
from above - pointing to heaven
Nicodemus misunderstands
sees first meaning - again
BTW, that is often the only meaning we see, why we so often miss the significance of these verses
why so many people claim to be 'born-again" and live no differently
They think (Because they have been told) That all we have to do is pray a prayer, etc. and we will change our own life and get a fresh start . Just buy my book, donate to my ministry, pray holding my special prayer shammy and follow my 5 easy steps and your life will be totally changed by the end of the week
Obvious objection - cannot go back into Mother's womb - what are you talking about? How can this be?
Jesus clarifies
Born of Water and Spirit - Ezek 36, Isa 32,44
Flesh to flesh - Spirit to spirit
Rant on doing ministry in the flesh
Criticizes Nic for not getting reference to born from above
Spirit is Sovereign in salvation
illustration/double entendre of wind/Spirit
Blows where it wants
Don't see it directly
See the effects
Nicodemus doesn't understand
Nicodemus asks how can this be?
repeat of same language - "how able"
Jesus challenges his unbelief/inability/misunderstanding
you are a teacher OF ISRAEL and you don't get it?
Jesus cuts to the heart of the matter - disconnect between heaven and earth
disconnect with testimony
Jesus knows and speaks, testifies what He has seen
Nicodemus does not receive His testimony
Jesus tells him earthly things and he does not believe
How will he believe if Jesus tells him heavenly things
Nic just not able to hear
Disconnect with ability to reconnect
Nic not able to bridge the Gap
No one goes up to heaven
Jesus is able to bridge the Gap
The one from heaven has come down - the Son of man
Jesus is in process of making a way
Just as Moses lifted up the snake
in shape of what was killing them
all who looked at it were healed
The Son of Man must be lifted up
double meaning - ultimately pointing to the cross
shape of what is killing us - guilt of sin - everything else just a symptom - rant
all who look and believe are healed
***Purpose*** So that everyone who believes will have eternal life in Him
Comment/Application 3:16-21
God Gave His Son (life and death) 3:16-18
God has given His Son to save
God loved the World in this certain way
first use of word "love" in this Gospel
The Result: He gave His Son to save the world
General: He gave His Son that those who believe are saved
He gave His one of a kind Son
Those who believe are saved
Neg.: Those who believe shall not perish
Pos.: Those who believe shall have eternal life
Specific: He sent His Son for the purpose of saving those who believe
Neg.: He did not send to condemn
He did not send His Son into the world
For the purpose of condemning the world
Pos.: He sent His Son to save
[He sent His Son]
For the purpose of saving the world through Him
The Implication: Those who believe in the Son are saved
Pos.: Those who believe in Him are not condemned
Neg.: Those who don’t believe are condemned
Those who don’t believe stand condemned already
Reason: Because they have not believed in the Name of God’s One & Only Son
The Judgment (light and darkness) 3:19-21
The judgement
The light came into the world
cf. prologue
Men loved the darkness instead
Reason: their deeds were evil, wicked, worthless
The underlying principle
Everyone who practices evil
hates the light
He does not come to the light
So that his deeds are not exposed
The one who does the truth
Comes to the light
So that his works might be manifest
- not prideful, but that they are done in/by God
John's witness to Jesus 3:22-36
John witnessed to Jesus 3:22-30
Intro Setting - 3:22-26
historical eyewitness details 3:22-24
Controversy - concerning ceremonial cleansing (same word as 2:6) 3:25
Seemingly unrelated (but related in John's mind) Jesus is becoming more significant than J the B 3:26
John's response - 3:27-30
A man is not able to receive anything except it is given to him from heaven - double meaning, foreshadowing 3:27
You can testify about me that I have already testified: 3:28
I am not the Christ
I was sent for this reason:
Illustration of the bridegroom 3:29
Wedding Metaphor is messianic
I am the bestman, not the groom
The bride belongs to Him
I rejoice in the groom
Therein is my Joy fulfilled
It is necessary for Him to be greater and me to be less 3:30
Comment/Application 3:31-36
One from heaven vs. one from earth
One coming anothen
One from above is above all- superior in status
One being from the earth is from the earth
he speaks from the earth
One coming anothen is above all
The testimony from above
He testifies about what He has seen and heard
No one receives His testimony
The one who accepts it proves that God is true
The One sent from God
Sent one speaks for God -
b/c Spirit without limit
Father loves Son and entrusts Son with everything
Same twofold choice with attending rewards
Jesus and the Samaritan woman 4:1-42
Jesus travels through Samaria 4:1-6
Jesus is superior to John
more disciples and baptisms
Jesus Himself didn't baptize
Left Judea toward Samaria
Not afraid of the Pharisees
Not afraid of conflict
Not yet time for conflict with Pharisees - perfect divine timing
"It was necessary" for Him to go through Samaria
came to Sychar, region which Jacob gave to Joseph, where Jacob's well was
OT Context/connection
Jesus sat by the well, being tired, about noon
Jesus speaks to the woman at the well 4:7-26
Opening dialogue about water to drink 4:7-9
Woman comes to draw water
Jesus asks her for a drink -
breaking social convention - acceptance
Building bridges with people on their own terms
made self vulnerable/let self be served
parenthesis that the disciples were gone for food
Woman responds curious that he would break convention/prejudice and ask for a drink
Dialogue turning to Spiritual water to satisfy 4:10-15
Jesus replies to her (I can give living water) 4:10
if she knew the gift of God
and who it is who is asking her for a drink
she would ask Him
and He would give living water.
On living water see Jer 2:13, Ezek 47:1-23, Isa 49:10; 55:1, Jer 17:13, Joel 3:18, Zech 14:8
The woman misunderstands/inquires (How can you give water?) 4:11-12
Like Nicodemus misses the point
she is only thinking literally,
when Jesus is speaking figuratively/spiritually/metaphorically
Objections to His ability to give water
How can you get water
you don't have a bucket
the well is deep
From where are you going to get this living water?
Are you greater than Jacob? (expects negative answer)
Jacob our father - hint at greater Father
He gave us the well
He drank from it
His sons drank from it
His animals drank from it
Jesus replies (My water satisfies unto eternal life) 4:13-14
This (literal) water does not satisfy
everyone who drinks of this water will thirst again
My (figurative) water does satisfy
whoever drinks from the water that I give
will not thirst forever
My (figurative) water becomes a spring leaping up into eternal life
The water which I give to him
will become in him
a spring of water
bubbling up into eternal life
The woman misunderstands/asks for water 4:15
Give me this water
So I won't thirst
So I won't have to hike to the well to get water
She could only see according to her 'felt needs' and would have missed the better satisfaction
Jesus graciously, gently, but firmly confronted her real needs
Evangelism must steer people away from what they think they want to what they really need or it is not loving and is not true evangelism.
sometimes witness needs to tear down in order to build up
kill earthly dreams to give heavenly dreams
kill self-esteem/self-centered/self to give real life - Christ-centered
kill tyranny/idolatry of slavery to desire/self to give that which truly satisfies.
You are settling too low - set your sights higher
Dialogue about her personal life/husband 4:16-18
Jesus tells her to call her husband and come back there
She replies that she doesn't have a husband
Jesus replies
You have spoken well that you do not have a husband
for you have had five husbands and the one you have now is not your husband
This you have said truly
Dialogue about worship 4:19-24
She dodges with theological/tradition question
I see that you are a prophet
Settle the controversy of where we should worship: on this mountain or in Jerusalem?
Jesus replies about worship
Believe me, woman - double meaning "Believe in me"
Not external ritual
Because of the "hour"
the place/external rituals of worship are no longer important
worship is to the Father
Knowing God/ good theology is important for worship
you worship The One you do not know
we worship The One we know
Double meaning
remember Jesus is to make God known
Jesus is qualified to make God known because He Knows God
Salvation is from the Jews
True worship is Spirit and Truth
because of the "hour"
The true worshippers
will worship the Father
in Spirit and Truth - one prep. one concept in two words
i.e. two parts of the same thing - unseparatable
If not in Spirit, not in Truth
if not in Truth, not in Spirit
If missing either, not true worship
probably means/manner - "by" Spirit and Truth, "with/using" Spirit and Truth
#1 tool for worship is not a guitar or video or drama
#1 tool for worship is Spirit and Truth
Def. of Spirit and Truth?
debated
in immediate context
Spirit = inward reality as opposed to outward place/tradition/ritual
Truth = correct doctrine/understanding of God as opposed to Samaritan false/mistaken/partial understanding/knowing of God
in larger context
Spirit = Spirit of God, Spirit of Truth - the coming helper who will mediate God's presence and empower all future believers
Truth = Jesus is the truth, the "true" one who is the fulfillment of all
Spirit is Sprit of truth who leads us by all truth into all truth
The Father is seeking these kind of worshippers
God is Spirit
Those who worship Him
It is necessary to worship in Spirit and Truth
Dialogue about Messiah 4:25-26
She dodges with feigned agnosticism -
I know Messiah is Coming (called Christ)
When Messiah comes,
He will announce/report/explain all things
Jesus replies about His identity
I Am (the Messiah)
First "I Am" statement
The one speaking to you (announcing/explaining all things)
The woman witnesses to Samaria 4:27-30
The disciples return and wonder at Him conversing, but no one asks Him why
The woman leaves
leaving her water jar - found more important water
went into the city
Told the people
Come, see - cf. Andrew and Philip
A man told me everything I have done
Could this be the Christ? (expecting negative answer)
Jesus teaches the disciples about the harvest 4:31-38
Discourse about food 4:31-34
The disciples ask Him to eat something
He answers, I have bread to eat which you do not know - theme
Disciples misunderstand - theme
Has someone brought Him food?
Jesus explains: My food is:
to do the will of the One Who sent me
and to complete His work
Discourse about harvest 4:35-38
Proverbial saying: there is a wait until the harvest - call for patience
But I say - call for action
lift up your eyes
see that the fields are white for harvest already
The harvester is receiving his reward
He is gathering fruit into eternal life
The planter and harvester rejoice together (Father and Son?)
This saying is true
One is the planter
Another is the harvester
I am sending you
to harvest what you have not worked for
Another has worked and you are entering into His fruit -
poss. pointing to Spirit as the one who brings life
cf. a narrative of surprising conversions -
dropped into lap
No room for boasting
The Samaritans believe 4:39-42
Many from the city believed
because of the woman's word/testimony
That Jesus told her all that she did
They asked Him to stay and He stayed two days
Many more believed because of Jesus' word
Contrast two words
no longer we believe because of the woman's word
We have heard this one
We know that this one is the Savior of the World
Jesus back in Galilee (2nd sign) 4:43-54
Transition back to Galilee 4:43-35
He went back to Galillee after two days
Jesus testified that a prophet is not honored in His own hometown
The Galileans received Him
When He came into Galillee
They received Him
not yet the kind of receiving John is recommending
They had seen the things (signs) which He did in Jerusalem at the feast
setup for next section
For they also had come to the feast
Healing the official's son 4:46-54
He returned to Cana, where He made water into wine
There was a royal, whose son was ill in Capernaum
Probably refered to someone in a royal household (official)
prob. official in Herod Antipas' court
Poss. gentile, but not certainly
He heard that Jesus was in the region
He went to Him
He asked Him to come down and heal his son, because he was about to die.
Jesus responds
seems like a harsh response to a reasonable request
If you do not see signs and wonders
"You" is plural - not just this guy, but people in general
rant on signs for signs sake or for selfish sake
Signs are to see Jesus
You will certainly not believe
not proving necessity of signs and wonders
but criticizing their lack of faith without them
He will later bless those who believe based on testimony - re:Thomas
The man responds
Come before my son dies
Jesus responds
Go, your son will live
puts him in a faith challenge - do I trust His promise?
The man responds
He believes His word- John's purpose
He went home
The result
While he was going, his servant met him
He said, your son is living
He asked the hour when his son got better
He was told the hour when the fever left his son
The man knew that this was the hour when Jesus said, "Your son will live"
He and his whole house believed
The summary: This was the second sign which Jesus did, coming from Judea into Galilee
The Feast cycle of signs 5:1-10:42
Healing of the lame man and Sabbath controversy 5:1-47
Healing of the man at the pool 5:1-9
Setting
Jesus went to Jerusalem at a feast of the Jews - cf. Jewish festival setting of this whole section
Background information about the pool and infirmed people who were there
there was a certain man there 38 years in his sickness
Jesus saw him and KNEW
Jesus initiated - Do you want to be well/whole/healthy - double meaning
Man responded - misunderstanding
I have no one to throw me in
when I get there it is too late
Jesus responded -
"Take up your mat and walk"
Why did Jesus tell him to carry his mat?
Possibly to show that he was healed
more probably because Jesus was purposefully picking a fight
The man immediately became well
healed before he did anything, not waiting on his response before healing
Man responded - "He took up his mat and walked"
Controversy over the Sabbath 5:9-18
foreshadowing of controversy: That day was the Sabbath
the Jews confronted the man who had been healed
It is the Sabbath
It is not allowed for you to "Take up your mat"
Not actually breaking OT Law, but breaking their traditions that had surrounded the law
In the same way, Jesus does not break the Law, but their traditions
The problem with Pharisaism is not that they are zealous to keep the law, as if licence were the cure
Their problem was substituting human traditions and rules for God's standard and right understanding of its purpose and the heart behind it. Jesus said as much in Mk. 7 honor with lips, hearts far away, worship me in vain, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men. Forsaken the commands of God and hold to the tradition of men.
Throwing away God's laws and making up new traditions that better suit our depraved, self-centered culture is not evan an improvement over pharisaic legalism
Best way is the Christian way - Joyously, motivated by gratitude for grace given and faith in future grace and trust in God's holiness, we don't set aside the Law, but rather uphold the law. We demonstrate to a watching world that slavery to God brings more freedom, than the counterfeit freedom of doing whatevery you want, which is not freedom, but slavery to sin.
Man responded
The one who make me whole
Said "Take up your mat and walk"
they responded
Who is this man
Who told you "Take up and walk"?
notice blatant repetition
irony/misunderstanding
They noticed the rule breaking, but missed the obvious - the guy was healed
Augustine "They sought darkness from the Sabbath more than light from the miracle."
the man did not know
irony/misunderstanding - how could he not know?
Jesus had withdrawn and there was a crown in the place
Jesus followed up
found him later in the temple
told him: You are healed, no longer sin so that something worse doesn't happen to you
Stop sinning
You have new physical life
Now get new spiritual life
not a threat to take back the healing
not so much a threat at all
but a promise touching eternity
so therefore, yes, a loving, hopeful, compassionate threat
The man tattled
He went
He reported (testified) that Jesus is the one who make him well
The result
because of this, the Jews persecuted Jesus
because he did these things on the Sabbath
Jesus responded
Not dialogue with His opponents, just monologue
My Father is still working
Jewish tradition agrees that God is constantly working without breaking sabbath Exoc. Rab. 30:9
Similar to Synoptics - God is a merciful healing God, therefore mercy and healings are not only permitted, but manditory
And I am still working
Jesus is doing what is right and compassionate and good
Following in His Father's character and way
The result
because of this, the Jews sought to kill Him
because, not only did He break the Sabbath
but also He said God is His own Father
objected to His terminology, ignored His Godlike character
Thereby making Himself equal with God
One of John's major points/themes
Not just from the mouth of Jesus or disciples, but from opponents
They did not misunderstand His claim, the recognized it, but rejected it.
Jesus and the Father 5:19-30
Share Work
The Son is not able to do anything from Himself if He does not see the Father doing
Because what ever the Father does, the Son likewise does these things
For the Father loves the Son
And reveals to Him what He is doing
And greater works than these He will reveal to Him
This is a model for us
All of these things- dependence, submission, abiding in, receiving revelation, being loved, doing greater works are said of disciples in relationship to Jesus later in the Upper Room discourse
Just as Jesus looks to the Father and the Father works through the Son, so also we look to Jesus and Jesus works through us
so that You may marvel, be astonished, extraordinarily impressed
more than ooh and ah, but life changing/shaking
Share ability to give life
What greater works? Just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life
So also the Son will make alive whomever He wills
For Jews, God alone could give life and raise the dead (rightly so)
For Jesus to claim this for Himself was a big deal
Share judgment
The Father judges no one
The judgment of all, He has given to the Son
Share honor
So that all may honor the Son
Just as they honor the Father
The Father who sent him
Response to the Son is response to the Father
Twofold choice
The one hearing my word
And believing the One who sent me
has eternal life
And will not come into judgment
but he has been permanently transformed from death into life
Now hour coming and is
The dead will hear the voice of the Son of God
Those who hear will live
Delegated life
Just as the Father has life in Himself
So also He gave the Son to have life in Himself
(implied and authority to give life)?
Delegated judgment
He has given authority to the Son to do judgment/justice
because He is the Son of Man
don't marvel at this
Twofold choice
Coming hour
All in the tombs will hear His voice
Those doing good will come out into resurrection of life
Those practicing wickedness into resurrection of judgment
cf. Dan 12, Jn 3:16-21
Summary
I am not able to do anything from myself
Just as I hear, I judge
and my judgment is right/righteous
because I do not seek my own will
but I seek the will of the One who sent me
The witnesses to Jesus 5:31-40
Not Myself (only)
If I witness to myself, my testimony is not true (valid, genuine, acceptable cf. 2 or 3 witnesses)
Another is testifying concerning me
I know His testimony is valid/true
which He testifies concerning me
John
You sent to John
He testified to the truth
I don't rely on human testimony
I say this so you might be saved
This one was the light - burning and shining
You were willing to rejoice in his light for a while
Works from the Father
I have a greater witness than John
The works which my Father gave me so that I would complete them
The works which I do testify concerning me - that the Father sent me
cf. Nicodemus "We know you are from God"
Father
The sent me Father, this one testifies concerning me
You have not heard His voice or seen His form - cf. 1:18
His Word does not remain in you - cf. 1:10-11
because you do not believe the One He sent
Scripture
You search the Scriptures
You think you will have eternal life in them
These are the ones witnessing concerning me
(Like John pointing away from self to Jesus)
And still you do not come to me
so that you may have life
Every witness is good and true
They sort of receive witness from all of these, but make disconnect because they don't follow to the conclusion that they are pointing to
Glory and accusation 5:41-47
Glory
Jesus' glory
I don't receive glory from man
You don't receive my glory
but I know you(pl.)
That you do not have the love of God in yourself
I have come in the Name of My Father
and you have not received me
If someone else comes in his own name, you receive him
Opponents' glory
How are you able to believe?
receiving glory from another
and you do not seek the glory from the Only God
Accusation
don't think that I accuse you before the Father
Moses is the one accusing you
the one in whom you hope
If you believed Moses, you would believe in me
For he wrote about me
If you don't believe these Scriptures
How will you believe my words?
Bread of Life and Words of Life 6:1-71
Jesus feeds the 5000 6:1-15
Setting
Across the sea of Galilee
Crowds followed because they saw signs - incomplete faith
Up the mountain with His disciples
It was near the Passover
Jesus feeds 5000
Saw the crowds
Tested Philip - misunderstood
Fed them with loaves and fish - very similar story to synoptics with completely different wording, cf. independent eyewitness account
Everyone fed and more leftovers than they started with food
People's conclusion
seeing the sign
They said - this is truly the prophet who was coming into the world
Jesus' escape
left because they wanted to make Him King
He was already King and they misunderstood His Kingdom - foreshadow to Pilate
Jesus walks on water 6:16-21
Account similar but different from Synoptics
Nothing much remarkable in the storytelling (except the obvious)
He said to them "I AM - Do not fear"
probably not "I AM" statement, but cannot fail to hear echoes - cf. double meaning
Then they were willing to receive Him into the boat and immediately the boat landed at the destination (2 miracles)
Remarkable for no editorial addition where you would have expected it,
no disciple reaction or confession -
building to bigger conclusion
Actually downplaying the miraculous on its own
Rather pointing to the significance of the miraculous as more important
Bread of Life discourse 6:22-59
The crowds find Jesus 6:22-25
They looked for Him and didn't find Him
Eventually found Him and asked how He got there
Highlight the place was described as the place where they ate the bread blessed by the Lord
hint that there is where their interest really was
The true bread from Heaven 6:26-34
Jesus confronts their motivation for seeking Him
already downplayed seeking signs in favor of seeking the true significance of Jesus
They are not even to the level of seeking signs
They only seek Jesus because they ate bread and were satisfied - don't get it
Like Israelites grumbling in the desert
This whole section parallel to the Israelites in the desert
Jesus encourages them to find better bread
Don't work for bread that is destroyed,
Note, bread is not a side dish, but the staple
No bread = starve to death
but for the bread that remains into eternal life
Theme of remain
eternal life theme
Which the Son of Man will give you
This one the Father - God has verified - cf. 3:33
They misunderstand
What should we do to do the work of God
Jesus recommends faith
The work of God is that you would believe in the One that He sent
They ask for a sign - stupid
What sign will you do so that we will see and believe you? What work?
(how about the many signs you have already seen? How about the testimony?)
They recommend a good sign for Him -
Rabbis taught that when the redeemer appears, he will cause manna to descend like Moses
but their request probably rose no higher than "fill their bellies again!"
Our fathers ate manna in the desert
OT quote - bread from heaven
why this quote? - Jesus will respond highlighting what really came down from heaven - any guesses based on the prologue and ch. 3?
Jesus responds
The true bread isn't the bread from Moses
My Father is giving (present) you the true bread from heaven
The bread of God is the One coming down from heaven and giving life to the world - cf. prologue
They misunderstand
they say give us this bread
Typical in John Jesus is speaking figuratively/metaphorically and people mistakenly take Him literally
The key to understanding this section is to realize He is picking up on their request for bread and following the metaphor consistently to speak of spiritual/eternal things, not literal things
i.e., this coming section is not about communion - at least not primarily
misunderstand this section and communion if you try to connect the two
Jesus is the bread of life 6:35-40
"I AM the bread of Life
Coming to me parallel to believing in me - both lead to satisfaction - cf. ch. 4
"Coming to me" is connected to being given by the Father, (connected with will not perish and not being cast out), being drawn by the Father and hearing and learning from the Father
eating and drinking connected with coming and believing - key to metaphor of this whole section - protect from misunderstanding
Accusation - you don't believe, even though you've seen
Everyone whom the Father gives, comes and is not thrown out
because I came down from heaven - cf. prologue and ch. 3
not to do my will
but the will of the One who sent me
This is the will of the One who sent me
everyone whom He gives me I will not destroy/lose from Him
But I will raised him up at the last day
this is the will of My Father
All who see the Son and believe
cf. snake in ch. 3
will have eternal llfe
And I will raise him up at the last day
The Jews grumble and the reason they can't believe 6:41-47
The Jews grumble because He said "I AM the bread that came down from heaven"
They misunderstand
because they know His earthly origin
They assume they know His origin
irony - they miss His ultimate heavenly origin
You'll see this a few times in the next few chapters
Jesus never responds and addresses His dual origin directly - already told divine origin
Always presses to look with better eyes
The Father brings people to Jesus - cf. flesh and spirit
don't grumble
connection with following is following is reason for their unbelief
They have not been drawn by the Father - flesh profits nothing
No one is able to come to me if not the Father Who sent me draws him
And I will raise him up at the last day
Scripture proof - they will be taught by God
The one who listens to God and learns come to me
Disclaimer, not that anyone has direct access to God,
except the One who came from God
This One has seen the Father
cf. 1:18
Whoever believes has eternal life
Jesus is the (better) bread of life 6:48-51
"I AM the bread of Life"
The fathers ate manna and died
This is the bread coming down from heaven that someone may eat and not die - superiority of Jesus
"I AM the bread of life that came down from heaven"
If someone eats this bread, he will live forever
This bread is my flesh which I give for the life of the world - cf. 3:16, 1:14
Receiving/Feeding on the bread of life 6:52-58
The Jews misunderstand again by taking literally
Jesus responds by affirming must eat and drink His flesh and blood or not have life
already connected with coming to Him and believing in v. 35
not pointing to communion, but the reality to which communion points - crucifixion and faith - don't get hung up on the middle man
but the one who does eat and drink has eternal life and I will raise him up at the last day
My flesh is the true bread and my blood is the true drink
contrast to incomplete and inadequate earthly food (even manna from heaven)
Jesus is superior
Those who eat and drink remain in me and I in him
Just as the living Father sent me, and I live through the Father,
So also the one eating me will live through me
This is the bread that came down from heaven
Not like those who ate manna and died
Historical setting teaching in synagogue in Capernaum 5:59
Separating the true disciples from the crowd 6:60-71
Jesus challenges their unbelief 6:60-65
Many of the disciples hearing said this is a hard saying, who can hear (receive) it?
Jesus knew that the disciples were grumbling
even the disciples struggle with half- faith
he challenges them - presses them to full belief
You will not learn this in church growth conferences
Normal temptation is to coddle people so they don't leave (opposite mistake is just as much a mistake)
Rather, some times (graciously, with love) need to say get in with both feet or quit pretending to be a Christian
God loves us enough to let us keep lying to ourselves and profaning His Name
God regularly lets the church go through trial and persecution to weed out the half-hearted or strengthen them to full hearted
the blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church
Easy believism is the poison of the church
Are you scandalized? what if you see the Son of Man going up where He was before
The Spirit gives life, the flesh profits nothing
cf. ch. 3
The words I spoke are Spirit and Life
But some of you do not believe
Jesus knew from the beginning that some did not believe and who would betray Him
He told them - for this reason I said no one is able to come toward me if it is not granted to him from the Father
God/spirit is sovereign in salvation - no getting around it
Climactic word to many of these sections
Some disciples go, some disciples stay 6:66-71
Many of the disciples left and no longer followed Him
He asked the 12 if they wanted to leave as well
Peter answered for the group
Where would we go?
You have the words of eternal life
We have believed (Pf. tense) and we have known (Pf. tense) that you are the Holy One of God
Model of true belief, confession and witness
Jesus said, I chose you twelve and one of you is a devil (judas who would betray Him)
Jesus at the Feast of Tabernacles 7:1-8:59
Part 1 - Teaching at the feast with some controversy 7:1-52
Will Jesus go to the feast? 7:1-9
Jesus avoiding Judea because the Jews were trying to kill Him
again, not afraid, but prudent, perfect timing
Feast of Tabernacles near
feast of wilderness wandering and God's provision
Also associated with harvest and God's provision
Cf. Jesus' superiority to Moses
Unbelieving brothers try to push Him into the spotlight
Go to Judea and show off your works - miracles
Brother's unbelieving advice parallels satan's temptations in synoptics - do God's work with worldly methods
No one does in secret if he wants to be revealed - irony
Reveal yourself to the world - irony
Jesus is not revealing Himself, but the Father
Not pointing to signs, but signs pointing to Him and the Father's mission to save
His glory is not revealed in spectacular productions seeking to impress sinful sensibilities and gain approval from men
His glory is revealed in the shame, pain and self-giving service of the cross
Let's follow Him in that way of service and avoiding the circus/self promotion model of ministry
For His brothers did not yet believe in Him - danger of pandering to unbelievers who don't even know what they want, let alone what they need
He replies -
My right time is not yet
cf. similar response to His mother in ch. 2
Your time is any time
The world is not able to hate you - introducing a theme
the world hates me
because I testify about it that its works are evil
You go to the feast
I am not going to this feast (right now)
Because my right time is not yet fulfilled
Having said this He remained in Galilee
Jesus goes to the feast 7:10-11
After his brothers went to the feast
He went - not openly, but in secret - same words from His brothers - but opposite
the Jews sought Him in the feast
Questions of Jesus' identity 7:12-13
there was much grumbling about Him in the crowds
Some said that He is good
Other say "No, He deceives the crowd"
No one dared to speak openly about Him because they feared the Jews
good leaders inspire confidence and respect and accountability, but not servile fear and pushing away
Jesus teaches and challenges opponents 7:14-24
In the midst of the feast, Jesus went to the temple and taught
The Jews marveled at His teaching - wondered how He knew the Scriptures, not having been taught
misunderstanding/irony- taught by God
The one and only God/ eternal Word in the bosom of the Father, the only One who has come down from heaven does not need to be taught
Jesus replied, the teaching is not mine, but from the One who sent me
If someone wants to do His (God's) will, he will know that my teaching is from God, not from myself
revelation comes to the obedient
If you want to hear from God, obey what you have already heard and He will give you more
Seeking glory
The one speaking from himself seeks his own glory
the one seeking the glory of the One who sent Him is true and no unrighteousness is in Him
Following Moses
Moses gave the law and you don't do the law
Evidence - you are seeking to Kill me
The crowds answered - He has a demon, who is seeking to kill you
Introduction of an accusation that He was crazy
irony - they didn't know, but He did
they were in fact trying to kill Him
Jesus answered -
I did one work and you marveled
This whole section points back to the healing of ch. 5
Moses gave you circumcision, not from Moses, but from the fathers
And you circumcise a man on the Sabbath - no big deal
If you circumcise a man on the Sabbath to not break the Law of Moses
Why are you angry at me because I made a whole man healthy on the Sabbath
do not judge according to eyes, but judge the right/just/correct judgment
double meaning - controversy because people don't see deeper, John's purpose that readers see deeper significance
Questions of Jesus' identity 7:25-29
Questions about His identity 7:25-26
Some Jerusalemites spoke
Isn't this the one they are trying to kill?
Yet He is speaking freely and no one says anything to Him
Is it possible that the rulers have concluded that this One is the Christ?
they sense the incongruity of the previous two statements and are trying to find an explanation
Question/doubt about His origin 7:27
But we know where this One is from.
When Christ comes - no one will know from where this One is.
Why did they have this assumption?
Jesus answers question about His origin 7:28-29
Important issue regarding origins
Doesn't address the falseness of the tradition
Doesn't address that He was really born in Bethlehem, not Galilee
Not stressing earthly origin, but heavenly
Jesus cried out while teaching in the temple
You know me
You know where I am from
Yet I do not speak from myself
But the One who sent me is true, Whom you do not know
I know Him because I am from Him
This one sent me
two origins -
they knew the intermediate origin, which was not as important
and they didn't even know that correctly
they did not know His ultimate origin, which was most important - cf. prologue
cf. Jn 8, where He contrasts them being from Abraham (earthly origin) with the devil being their father (ultimate origin)
Attempt to arrest Jesus 7:30-32
They tried to arrest Him, but were unsuccessful 7:30
They sought to arrest Him
No one put their hands on Him
because His hour had not yet come
recurring scene - God's perfect timing and sovereign control of the situation
Many believed 7:31
Many from the crowd believed in Him
They said, When the Christ comes - will He do greater signs than this One is doing?
They sent to arrest Him 7:32
The Pharisees heard that the crowds were grumbling these things
They sent soldiers to arrest Him
Seek and not find (foreshadowing) 7:33-36
Jesus replies 7:34-35
I am with you still for a short time
Then I am returning to the One Who sent me
You will seek me and not find me
possible ironic echo of 'seek and you will find' from the synoptics
Where I am, you are not able to come
The Jews react/misunderstand 7:35-36
They said among themselves:
Where is He about to go that we will not find Him?
He is not about to go to the Diaspora among the Greeks to teach the Greeks, is He?
irony, Greeks would come in ch. 12
connected to His death
After His glorification, He would go to Greeks and Romans and to the ends of the earth
What does He mean when He says:
You will seek me and you will not find me
and where I am, you are not able to come
Jesus promises living water 7:37-39
Setting of the last (greatest) day of the feast
see Sukkah 4:9
water pouring ceremony
cf. Zech ch. 14
connected with thankfulness for rain
cf. Bruce p. 181ff.
poured out water on each day of the feast as a sign of thankfulness for God's provision of rain and asking for continued rain
Apparently, this ritual did not take place on the last day of the feast - would point to Jesus' superiority to OT - when their water runs out, come to Him for unending supply
Jesus stood and cried out
If someone thirsts, let him come to me and drink
cf. ch. 4, Isa 55:1
The one who believes in me -
A river of living water will flow out of His innermost being
cf. ch. 4
Just as Scripture said
cf. Ezek 47; Jer 2:13, 17:13; Isa 12:3, esp. Zech 14:8
John's interpretive clarification
He said this concerning the Spirit whom the ones who are believing in Him are about to receive
For the Spirit was not yet sent
Because Jesus was not yet glorified
sending of the Spirit tied to the atonement of the cross
Cross makes presence and fellowship possible
cf. OT temple
Questions of Jesus' identity 7:40-44
Therefore, some from the crowd heard this word and said "This One truly is the Prophet"
Others said, "This One is the Christ"
Others said,
"The Christ will not come from Galilee"
"Don't the Scriptures say that The Christ will come from the seed of David and from Bethlehem the village that David was from"
There became a dispute among the crowd because of Him
those who believed, believed because of His words
those who didn't believe, did so because of their earth bound thinking
But some wanted to arrest Him, but no one put their hands on Him
Rejection by the Jewish leaders 7:45-52
The soldiers' view
The soldiers returned to the chief priests and pharisees
They said to them - Why didn't you bring this One (arrest Jesus)
The soldiers answered - No one ever spoke like this man
The leaders' view
they asked "are you deceived as well?"
No one from the leaders or the pharisees has believed in Him
not true, stay tuned
But only the crowds, who do not know the law - they are cursed
cf. ch. 5 Jesus on the testimony of the law to Him
notice pride of the Pharisees who despised the common people and thought themselves better
Nicodemus' view
Nicodemus described
the one who came toward him earlier
one from among them
Nicodemus defends
Our law does not judge a man
without first hearing from/about him
and knowing what he is doing
basic fairness and wisdom - cf. judge with right judgment v. 24
The leaders were not submitted to the law, though they thought they were
Leaders respond
Are you also from Galilee - intended to be an insult
Search and see that no prophet comes from Galilee
not true - Jonah, possibly others
Part 2 - Controversy at the feast with some teaching 8:12-59
Jesus is the light of the world 8:12
see Sukkah 5:1-3
Huge golden lamps lit at time of tabernacles
There was not a court in Jerusalem that was not illuminated by the lights of the water-drawing (Suk 5:2 ROD)
contrasted that ancestors turned their back on the temple to worship the sun, and they looked toward God Himself for light
I AM the light of the world
"I AM" saying
cf. prologue
The one who follows me will certainly not walk in the darkness
continually follows ( present tense) cf. v. 31, the one who remains in my teaching
Gk. double negative "certainly not"
but will have the light of life
cf. prologue
Testimony about Jesus 8:13-20
The Pharisees challenge Him
You are witnessing about yourself
cf. 5:31 Jesus said "If I testify about myself, testimony not true"
Your witness is not true
misunderstanding Jesus' previous claim not to testify concerning Himself - about having more witnesses than just himself - cf. 2 or 3
Jesus' reply
My testimony is true
Even if I testify concerning myself
substantiating testimony, not only testimony
Source of testimony
because I know where I have come from and where I am going
cf. from above vs. from the earth, cf. prologue
You do not know where I have come from and where I am going
cf. questions about Jesus and misunderstandings in ch. 7
judgment - different senses of judge (discern and legal sentence) interchanged
You judge according to the flesh
cf. from above vs. from the earth
I am judging no one
cf. ch. 5 will judge and does judgment, people judge/condemn themselves by rejecting Jesus
If I judge, my judgment is true
because I am not alone
but the Father who sent me (is with me)
In your law it is written that the testimony of two men is true
I am the One testifying to myself
And the Father who sent me is testifying concerning me.
They asked - Where is Your Father?
Jesus answered
You don't know me or my Father
If you knew me, you would know my Father as well
cf. ch. 5 unity of Son and Father, honor Son and Father
Historical context/details
He said this while teaching in the treasury area of the temple
No one arrested Him
because His hour had not yet come
Jesus challenges His opponents' unbelief 8:21-30
He said to them again cf. 7:33ff.
I am going and you will seek me
And you will die in/by your sins
Where I am going you are not able to come
the Jews respond
He is not going to kill Himself is He?
irony, in one sense, He is going to die by His own planning and doing
he was referring to His death
repeat what He just said as reason for previous -
emphasis by repetition
theme of difference between His ability to go to heaven and their inability - cf. from above and below
He responds
You are from below
I am from above
You are from this world
I am not from this world
note that He will soon tell the disciples that they are not of this world, even though in the world
note that Jesus is giving the opportunity to bridge the gap between this world and His Father's Kingdom by believing in Him who is the one come down from above
You will die in/by your sins
reason
if you do not believe in me
Lit. "unless you believe that I Am..." , I AM statement
cf. Isa 43:10 "You are my witnesses, declares the LORD, and my servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe me and understand that I am He. Before me no god was formed, nor will there be one after me."
you will die in/by your sins
They respond
Who are you?
Theme of identity of Christ
he responds
I have already told you from the beginning - cf. 1:1
I have many things to say and to judge
But the one who sent me is true
only by God's perfect timing
Whatever I hear from Him this I speak to the world
John's explanation
they did not know that He was talking about the Father
lit. he was speaking the Father to them
Jesus continues
When you lift up the Son of Man
double meaning
lift up as exalt
lift up as crucified
which is lifting up as the snake (ch. 3)
which is the means of His greatest glory and exaltation
cf. Isa 52:13-14 - both suffering and exaltation - "See, my servant will act wisely; he will be raised and lifted up and highly exalted. Just as there were many who were appalled at him - his appearance was so disfigured beyond that of any man and his form marred beyond human likeness.
Then you will know that I AM
and from myself I do nothing
but just as the father taught me, these things I speak
And the One Who sent me is with me
He has not left me alone
Because i do the things that are pleasing to Him always
When He said these things, many believed in Him
Question who is whose Father 8:31-47
Slave or free? 8:31-36
If you remain, you will be free disciples
Jesus said to those who believed in Him
cf. v. 30 apparently half, but not complete believe, cf. theme
If you remain in my word
theme of remaining
continual faithful following the ideal for belief, not one time easy believism
you will truly be my disciples
and you will know the truth
notice repetition of 'truth' language - theme
notice in some sense, commitment and faithfulness precedes fullness of knowledge
"I believe, that I may understand" - Augustine
"Earthly things must be known to be loved, heavenly things must be loved to be known" - Pascal
And the truth will set you free
notice that the truth is the source of freedom, not ritual or superstition or experience
understanding, embrace, experiential knowledge and application of the truth (the One who is true) by the power of the Spirit of Truth is the only way to true freedom
Any claimed method to freedom that does not center here will not lead to true lasting freedom, but just a change of masters
Rom. 6, Exodus "Let people go so that they may serve me" - only true freedom is slavery to God
Our culture's view of freedom as freedom to do what I want always leads to bondage
Christian view of freedom as freedom to do what is right is true freedom and leads to eternal life
They resent, react to the suggestion that they are not free
We are descendants of Abraham
lit. seed of Abraham
And no one has ever enslaved us
irony, they were under Roman rule
irony, they were under satan's rule
How can you say that "you will be free"
Jesus clarifies that they are slaves to sin and proves it
Truly I say to you that everyone who is doing sin is a slave to sin
The slave does not remain in the house forever
But the Son, remains forever
double meaning - THE SON, and also the children of God
theme of remaining
If the Son frees you, you are truly free
periphrastic - you are being free
emphasis reality and finality of freedom
Child of God or Child of the devil? 8:37-47
I know that you are Abraham's descendants
But you don't bear Abraham's likeness
you are seeking to kill me
because there is no room for my word in you
same word in 2:6 and 21:25 for capacity to contain in water jars and whole world of books
possibly go forward, make progress - my word makes no headway in you
possibly accept, as in make room for - cf. Mat. 19:11-12, 2 Cor. 7:2
I have spoken what I have seen in the presence of the Father
Therefore you are doing (or imperative, do) what you have heard from the Father
ambiguity - imperative or indicative
ambiguity - which Father is He speaking of
'from the F/father' is two different Gk. constructions in this phrase and previous phrase - significance?
if connected to previous context - referring to God the Father
if connected to following context - referring to their real father the devil
Text critical issue - "your" added in some manuscripts to clarify or take away ambiguity
They react with resentment - "Abraham is our father"
misunderstand His statement
don't really interact with His statement, just restate their position
Jesus says- "You don't resemble Abraham but your real father"
If you were Abraham's children, you would do the works of Abraham
What is the work that Abraham did?
He believed God! - Gen 15:6 - theme of John
But now you are seeking to kill me
a Man Who spoke the truth to you
truth which I heard in the presence of the Father
Abraham did not do this
You are doing the works of YOUR father
They defend themselves offensively
We were not born from fornication
probably stab at His own birth which was probably rumored to be illegitimate
cf. question of origins - they misunderstand His earthy origin as well as His heavenly origin
We have one Father - God Himself
they up the ante and claim God to be their Father
Jesus says - "You don't resemble God either, but your real father"
If God were your Father, you would love me
This is what God does, Father loves the Son
cf. 3:35, 5:20
reason - Jesus from God
Because I went out from God and have now come cf. from above theme
I have not come from myself
But this one sent me - 'sent' theme
Why don't you know/understand my speech/speaking to you?
reason - because you are not able to hear my word - cf. 6:44
reason - you are from the devil
you are from your father the devil
and you want to do the desires of your father
you resemble your father's character
This one was a murderer from the beginning
and he does not stand in the truth
because the truth is not in him
when he speaks a falsehood
he speaks from his own character
because he is a liar and the father of it
because I spoke the truth, you do not believe me
Who can convict me of sin
If I speak the truth, why do you not believe me?
Bottom line - from God or not
The one from God hears the words from God
because of this, you do not hear, because you are not from God
Jesus testifies about Himself 8:48-59
They accuse Him again
Have we not spoken rightly about you
that you are a Samaritan
and you have a demon - i.e. you are crazy
He responds to their accusation
I do not have a demon
But I honor my Father
And you dishonor me - cf. 5:23
I am not seeking my glory
But there is one who is seeking it and judging
He promises eternal life as an alternative
I tell you the truth
If someone keeps my word
theme of obedience
Jesus models obedience throughout the Gospel - What I see/hear, that I do
he will certainly not (double neg.) see death forever
They misunderstand and object
Abraham died
The prophets died
And you say
if someone keeps my word
he will certainly not taste death forever
you are not greater than our father Abraham and the prophets, who died?
expecting negative answer
irony - He is greater
theme - Jesus is greater
Who do you think you are?
at least they are asking the right question
theme question - identity of Jesus
Jesus answers in a true, yet not boastful way
Jesus' glory
If I glorify myself, my glory is nothing
My Father is the one Who glorifies me
Whom you claim that He is our God
And you do not know Him
Jesus' relation to the Father
I know Him
If I said I do not know Him, I would be a liar like you
But I do know Him, and I keep His Word
Jesus' relation to Abraham
Abraham your father rejoiced that he would see my day
He saw
And he was glad
They misunderstand and object
you are not yet 50 years old
and you have seen Abraham?
He clarifies by stating His identity clearly
truly, truly I am saying to you
Before Abraham was
I AM - clear statement of divinity, identity, I AM statement
They did not misunderstand, but objected
they picked up stones
to throw at Him - (kill Him for blasphemy)
Jesus was hidden and leaves the temple
Healing of the man born blind and Sabbath controversy 9:1-10:21
Healing of the blind man 9:1-12
Setting/background
Notice this whole chapter parallels and contrasts with the healing of the lame man in ch. 5
No explicit change of time or scene, closely connected thematically with preceding light/darkness, for/against
Described as blind from birth to show the magnitude of the miracle
Disciples asked reason for blindness and stated common Jewish belief that misfortune direct result of sin
partly right - all suffering in general is the result of sin in general
partly right - some specific suffering is the direct result of specific sin
partly wrong - not all suffering is so directly connected to sin
partly wrong - supposed that we can always know the reasons and God can't do things for His own good purposes in a way that defies our ability to understand
Purpose of revealing the works of God - God uses bad things for the good, includes bad things in His plan, yet is not the direct author of evil
Doing the works of God
It is necessary for US - includes the disciples in His ministry - beginning to pass the baton
do the works of the One who sent me - again God is described as the sending one
while it is day - theme of light/darkness
night is coming, when no one is able to work - foreshadowing of cross - hinting that He will not always be with them
while I am in the world, I am the light of the world - repetition from 8:12
Healing
spit and made mud
put mud on eyes
told to wash in pool of Siloam
What is the point of all this?
could have instantly healed with word
picking fight with Pharisees
healing involved obedience of the blind man
focus on "sent"
No coincidence that is is the pool from which the water is drawn for the water pouting ceremony at the feast of Tabernacles - Jesus is still superior to all that
The man went and washed and came away seeing
Question of identity - cf. earlier questions of Jesus' identity
his neighbors and those who had seen him begging asked:
This is not the one who was sitting and begging, is it?
Others said, this one is the one
Others said, no, it is another who looks like him
The man said,I am the one - cf. I AM language
Question of how
They asked him, "How were your eyes opened?"
He answered - "The man called Jesus made mud and smeared it on my eyes and said go to Siloam and wash. Therefore, when I went and washed, I saw."
They asked - "How is this?"
He answered, "I don't know."
The investigation of the miracle 9:13-34
First round 9:13-17
background
They brought the formerly blind man to the Pharisees
It was the Sabbath
reminded again that Jesus made mud and opened the blind eyes - repetition like "take up and walk"
just as they saw take up and missed the walk
now they see the making mud and miss the opened eyes
The Pharisees ask how he is seeing
He answers - He put mud on my eyes and I washed and I see
The Pharisees make a wrong judgment -
This one is not from God - source cf. 8:38
because He does not keep the Sabbath
Others make a right judgment -
How is a sinful man able to do these kinds of signs
i.e. He is doing the signs, therefore He cannot be a sinner like you suppose
There was a schism/ division of opinion among them
The blind man testifies pt. 1 partial -
They ask the blind man again
What do you say concerning Him?
because He opened your eyes
He said - He is a prophet
The parents testimony 9:18-23
The Jews did not believe that hew was blind and was healed
Until they sent for the parents of the man who now sees
difficult to translate - throughout this section the man is referred to as the man blind from birth or the man seeing (again)
They asked his parents 3 questions
Is this your son?
whom you say he was born blind?
How therefore is he seeing now?
The parents answer the first 2 and dodge the third
we know that He is our son
and he was born blind
we do not know how he sees now
we do not know who opened his eyes
ask him - he is of age - he can speak for himself
John's comment on their answer
His parents said these things because they were afraid of the Jews
For the Jews had already agreed that if anyone confesses Jesus to be the Messiah, they would be put out of the synagogue
For this reason, His parents said He is of age, ask him
All of these answers were true
In a sense they were unqualified to answer the question of how he was healed
But John criticizes them for being unwilling to come to the obvious conclusion and believe because of their fear fo the leaders
John wants his readers to be bold in belief
John wants his readers to realize and confess that Jesus is the Messiah even if they get kicked out of the synagogue
Second round 9:24-34
They called the man a second time - again he is "the one who was blind"
Give glory to God - solemn oath, constrains a person to tell the truth
We know that this man is a sinner
directly contradicting the solid argument of v. 16
They already had made up their mind, would not be bothered with evidence
foreshadowing of the trial theme, where people who think they are judging are thereby being judged because of their miscarriage of justice in their wrong judging
Blind man plays dumb and highlights the fact of the miracle
whether his is a sinner I don't know
I do know that I was blind and now I see
simple testimony effective
stop quibbling over details of tradition and recognize the clear significance of the miracle
They press him to somehow betray Him with his testimony
consistently in John, people are not allowed to be wishy-washy when it comes to Jesus
What did He do to you?
How did he open your eyes?
They admit that He performed a miracle, but trying to nitpick in the way that He did it - irony in their blindness to the obvious
He points out their hypocrisy
I have already told you
And you did not hear - theme
Why do you want to hear again?
You don't want to become His disciples too, do you? - expecting negative answer
They attack the formerly blind man
They reviled/insulted him
They said, "You are His disciple" -
disallowing his testimony as prejudiced -
note, does not make it untrue
in some cases/questions, you cannot be a true witness unless you are passionately committed to what you are convinced of
Try to claim superiority of Moses over Jesus
"We are disciples of Moses"
not true
If they learned from Moses, they would come to Christ
because Moses spoke about Christ - see ch. 5
"We know that God spoke to Moses"
true
But they have been told all along that Jesus is speaking just what the Father is saying
Jesus has closer, superior revelation than Moses
"We don't know where this one is from"
not true
they have already claimed that they know where He is from as an excuse not to believe in Him
trying to play both sides of the fence
"He can't be the Christ because we know where He is from"
"He can't be from God because we don't know where He is from"
He has clearly told them where He was from through all of chs. 7-8
they just refused to listen
He calls them on their faulty logic
This is amazing/a marvel
that you don't know where He is from
and He opened my eyes
His works are testimony
We know that God does not listen to sinners (in this way)
But if someone is godly and does God will, God hears this one
reminding and reinforcing testimony of Jesus' character as the One Who does God's will
from eternity we have not heard of someone opening the eyes of a man who was born blind
If He was not from God, He would not be able to do anything
cf. 5:19 Jesus can do nothing except what He sees the Father doing
cf. 15:4-5 Without abiding in Jesus, we can do nothing
in both cases, with Jesus, with the Father, we can do something!
Formerly blind man has definitely gotten off the fence and is giving testimony to Jesus and is a model for John's readers of coming to the right conclusion and belief in Jesus
they rejected his testimony
couldn't refute his logic, so they resorted to power move and personal abuse
They said - you were born completely in sin - cf. disciples question in v. 1
incorrect assumption as already stated at v. 1
doesn't account for the fact that he was healed - by that logic does this mean that he is no longer a sinner?
You are not qualified to teach us
pride and obstinacy
He was right, they were wrong, yet they refused to listen
God will occasionally rebuke you through the mouth of a nobody, through your children, through an unbeliever - make sure you are humble enough to hear
And they threw him out -
excommunicated him from the Synagogue -
cut off from religious and social benefits
True sight vs. true blindness 9:35-41
True sight 9:35-39
Jesus heard that they excommunicated him and found him
Asked him "Do you believe in the Son of Man?"
He asked, "Who is the Son of Man so that I may believe in Him?"
Jesus said "both you have seen Him and the one speaking with you is He"
sorry for tortuous English, trying to bring out significance of original
First - you can see because of Him
both physical sight
and now coming to spiritual sight as well
Second - The One talking to you now is the Son of Man - the One you should believe in"
his twofold response
tremendous model for John's readers (including us)
"I believe, Lord"
Believe in Him
submit to His Lordship - become a disciple - one learning under His command
And he worshipped Him
Notice the progression of his testimony
I was blind, now I see - v. 15, 25
He is a prophet, v. 17
He is from God v. 31, 33
Lord, I believe and I worship v. 35-38
Jesus' summary
I have come into this world for judgment
not to judge - cf. ch. 3
but for judgment - His presence creates a response for or against
in one sense, people pass judgment upon themselves by their response to Christ
beware passing judgment on (writing off) people by their initial response to Christ, God may be working on them through a long process.
two sided purpose
so that those not seeing may see
and so that those "seeing" (with air quotes) would become blind
cf. Isa 6, Psa 135 "be seeing but never perceiving - reference to judgment for idolatry
cf. Isa.35 et al "opening eyes of blind" as salvation from idolatry and new life
Jesus challenges a response -
get in or get out
You either get more sight or more blindness - no middle ground
No 'Jesus is just a good teacher' nonsense - too often just a dodge that is really a smokescreen hiding increasing blindness to the reality of Who Jesus truly is.
True blindness 9:40-41
some of the Pharisees with him heard these things
They said "Not us! We are not blind also!
Jesus answered -
"If you were blind, you would not have sin" -
literal blindness that is not self inflicted
but now that you say you have no blindness, the sin remains -
self-inflicted blindness by refusing to see
while claiming 20/20 vision
cf. I Jn 1 - if we say we have no sin...
True shepherds vs. false shepherds 10:1-6
bad chapter break -
Continuing the conversation of blindness
Speaking to Pharisees who thought they were leaders, but He is about to call them false leaders
difference in the way they enter
thief and robber
does not enter through the door
climbs in another way
shepherd
enters through the door
the doorkeeper opens to Him
difference in the response of the sheep
shepherd
the sheep hear His voice
cf. ch. 6 contrast those who hear and those who don't
He calls His own sheep to Him and they come to Him - those who don't hear are not His sheep
When all of His own go out, He goes before them
cf. shepherding in those days
did not chase sheep via dogs, etc.
led sheep via voice
thief and robber
They certainly do not hear (double neg.) another
but they flee from him
because they do not know the voice of the other one
Jesus spoke this figure of speech to them, but they did not understand what He was saying to them - misunderstanding
Jesus is the entrance 10:7-10
Jesus said - I am the gate of the sheep
I AM statement
entrance to the sheepfold -cf. 'way' in 14:6
shepherds would often lie across the entrance to the pen to protect the sheep at night
All who came before me were thieves and liars
not referring to Moses and prophets, etc. although these are inadequate, not bad
referring to bad leaders, cf later context
but the sheep did not listen to them
I AM the door/gate
If anyone enters through me, He will be saved
good leaders will lead people to Jesus as the way in, not to themselves - cf. J the B's testimony away from himself
he will go in and go out and find pasture - picture of fullness of blessing
contrast with the thief
thief only comes to kill steal and destroy
probably been taught that the thief is the devil - true, but inaccurate
but here the emphasis is bad, selfish leaders, who are being called to account
But I have come so that they may have eternal life
and they may have it abundantly/fully/completely/way beyond what is normal or necessary
that is not just the life that we have to look forward to in all eternity
that is the kind of life that we can have (in part) in the here and now
but don't think of this as material/physical abundance
we are promised strife and hardship in this world
Jesus is the good shepherd 10:11-18
I AM the Good Shepherd
cf. Psa 23
cf. esp. Ezek ch. 34
I AM statement
The Good Shepherd lays down His life for the sheep
contrast to the Ezekiel shepherds and Pharisees who took from the sheep for their own life and convenience
Good Shepherd gives even to His own death
contrast the hireling
the hireling (who is not the shepherd, the sheep are not his own)
when he sees the wolf coming, he forsakes the sheep and flees
and the wolf snatches the sheep and scatters them
he flees because he is a hireling and does not care for the sheep
I AM the Good Shepherd
I know my sheep
and they know Me
just as the Father knows me and I know the Father
and I lay down my life on behalf of the sheep
I have other sheep which are not from this flock
it is necessary for me to lead them
and they will listen to my voice
And there will be one flock, one shepherd
cf. Ezek 34:23-4 "And I will set over them one shepherd, my servant David, and he shall feed them: he shall feed them and be thier shepherd. And I, the LORD, will be their God, and my servant David shall be prince among them."
other sheep, not from this flock refers to Gentiles, who will come to Jesus after He is glorified by laying down His life for His sheep cf. 11:52
My Father loves me because I lay down my life
so that I can again take it up
No one takes it from me
but I lay it down of my own accord
I have authority to lay it down
and I have authority to pick it up again
I have received this command from my Father
Questions about Jesus' identity 10:19-21
There was again a schism/division among the Jews because of these words
Many said - He has a demon and is crazy, why listen to Him?
Others said - These words are not from a demonic/demonized person
A demon is not able to open the eyes of the blind - conclusion to section started at 9:1
recurring theme of Questioning Jesus' identity
Jesus' identity clearly stated and rejected by the Jews 10:22-42
Jesus identity clarified 10:22-30
setting
It was the feast of rededication feast of lights (Hanukkah) in Jerusalem, it was winter
Possibly seen as greater than this feast as well - cf. I am the light of the world
Jesus was walking in Solomon's portico in the temple
Jesus and the Jews
The Jews ask Jesus' identity
They crowded around Him and asked
How long will you keep our souls suspended (lit.) - keep us in suspense
Are you the Christ?
Tell us plainly/boldly/without hindrance
they have already been told very plainly enough - for some people, no amount of proof is enough proof
Each time they ask for His identity, He points to the Father, and points to the Works
Jesus criticizes their unbelief
I told you and you do not believe
The works which I did in the Name of the Father, they are testifying to me
In the Name of the Father = Jesus' representation of the Father
characterized by obedience, dependence, relationship
clarifies what it means to pray in Jesus' Name
Pray in the context of obedience, dependence and relationship
but you are not believing
The reason for their unbelief
because you are not one of my sheep
conclusion - because you don't hear and follow, you are not my sheep
Jesus and the sheep
my sheep hear my voice
and I know them
and they follow me
I give my sheep eternal life
and they will certainly not (double neg.) be destroyed into forever
and someone will not snatch them from my hand
The Father and the sheep
The one who gave them to me
He is greater than all
No one is able to snatch them from His hand
Jesus and the Father - I and the Father are One
unity of purpose and result with reference to the sheep
Unity of purpose and result with reference to everything - cf. ch. 5
Unity of nature/identity/deity - cf. prologue
Monotheism - cf. Deut 6:4
Not identical, Father different from the Son, not modalism or Oneness
Jesus is the Son of God 10:31-39
the Jews' reaction -
they picked up stones to stone Him (for blasphemy)
Only two choices - He is God or blasphemer
Liar, Lunatic or Lord - get off the fence
not our option to design and pick the Jesus we want - Only one Jesus, take Him or Leave Him
Jesus' response
I have shown you many good works from the Father - testimony of works
For which of these words are you stoning me
Brilliant exposure of their hypocrisy and blindness -cf. "if not from God, could not do works"
Jews' answer
we are ignoring the good works (not denying them, therefore implicitly acknowledging them)
but were stoning you for blasphemy
because you make Yourself God, even though You are a man (they recognized Jesus' claim, but rejected it)
Jesus' response
Somewhat unexpected - defusing, while showing their hypocrisy/blindness and also soliciting deeper consideration/response
Lesser example
In the Scriptures, people who were not God are called 'gods'
If these people, who were judges, giving judgment (presumably by hearing from God and His Word) and standing in God's place of judgment
If these people were called 'gods'
(And the Scripture cannot be broken)
Jesus' testimony to inerrancy
You are not upset that they are called 'gods'
No ammo here for Mormons or others who want to argue the deity of mankind - complete misunderstandin
Arguing to greater
(Why are you getting your shorts in a bunch?) - loose translation
The greater One, whom the Father set apart and sent into the world
You say I blaspheme because I said "I am the Son of God"?
Teeth of the argument
I have proved that you are not upset about the language used (that language can be/has been used completely innocently)
What then are you upset about?
You are rejecting me! because you don't believe me!
Warning/application of the argument
If I have not done the works of my Father, don't believe me
But if I do them, and you don't believe me (which you should)
You still have no excuse, because you should believe the works (which you can't deny)
believe the works (miracles)
so that you may know and understand (be knowing)
that the Father is in me
and I am in the Father
testimony of works, unity of Father and Son
Their rejection
They sought again to arrest Him
And He went out from their hands
The culmination of John's witness 10:40-42
setting - he went to the place where John was first baptizing and he stayed there
comparison to John the Baptist
John did not do signs
All that John said about Him is true
Many believed in Him there
The Climactic Sign and preparation for that to which the signs point 11:1-12:36
The climactic sign - Raising of Lazarus 11:1-54
Lazarus is sick, Jesus lets him die 11:1-16
setting
Lazarus of Bethany was sick, from the village of Mary and Martha his sisters
Mary was the one who anointed Jesus with myrrh and wiped His feet with her hair
foreshadowing in story to a past even known to readers, to be told in ch. 12
Her brother Lazarus was sick
The sisters sent to Jesus
saying Lord, the one you love is sick
Jesus' response
When Jesus heard, He said, this sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God
so that the Son of God may be glorified through it
Jesus loved Mary and Martha and Lazarus
THEREFORE when He heard that he was sick, He stayed where He was for two days
sometimes God lets our dreams die because He loves us
His timing is better than our timing
if left 2 days earlier, would have been 2 days late
if left 2 days earlier, would not have been as glorious a miracle
Jesus prepares the disciples
Then after this time, He said to His disciples - let's go into Judea again
The disciples are cautious
Rabbi, the Jews are seeking to stone you
and You are going there again?
Jesus replies (cf. ch. 9 - God's perfect timing
There are 12 hours in a day
If someone walks in the day, he will not stumble
because he sees the light of this world
If he walks at night, he will stumble, because the light is not in him - cf. prologue - light/darkness
i.e., when you are walking in God's ways, you are invincible (qualified by God's good will, don't be stupid)
Jesus predicts the miracle
Lazarus our friend is sleeping
but I am going so that I can wake him up
The disciples misunderstand
sleeping is a common euphemism for death - they would have understood it
but He said He would wake him up - which threw them off
They said - If he is sleeping, he will get well
John's comment
Jesus was talking about his death
They thought He was talking about natural sleep
Jesus corrects their misunderstanding
he said to them plainly - Lazarus died
and I rejoice because of you
so that you may believe
notice that even the disciples have room to grow in their belief
don't ever think that you have arrived and don't need to grown in faith
because I was not there
but let's go to him
His delay was purposeful - trust God's timing
Thomas - called the twin said, let's go with Him so that we may die with Him
somewhat fatalistic/pessimistic, but very brave as well
Jesus is the resurrection and Martha's confession 11:17-27
setting
Jesus came and found him being four days in the tomb
Bethany was near Jerusalem and may Jews had come to console Mary and Martha
Jesus is the Resurrection
When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went to Him, Mary stayed in the house
Martha said to Jesus
Lord if you would have been here, my brother would not have died - faith
I know that whatever you ask from God now, He will give it to you - faith
Jesus replies
Your brother will rise/resurrect
ambiguous - drawing out
Martha misunderstands
I know that my brother will rise in the final resurrection
everyone will rise at the final resurrection - or possibly a promise that her brother would take part in the resurrection of the righteous
Jesus makes an astounding claim
I AM the Resurrection and the life
I AM statement
The one who believes in me, even if he dies, he will live
and all those living and believing in me will certainly not (double neg.) die into forever
Do you believe this? - challenge/drawing out her faith
Martha's confession
She makes the confession John wants his readers to make
Yes Lord
I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, the One coming into the world
same wording as John's purpose statement
Jesus' comfort and compassion 11:28-37
After she said this she went and called Mary her sister
she secretly told her - The teacher is near and He is calling you
Mary got up quickly and went to Him, because Jesus had not yet come into town
The Jews thought she was going to mourn and followed her - to comfort her
Martha addressed Jesus the exact same first statement as her sister - If you would have been here, my brother would not have died - faith
but does not say the second -?
When Jesus saw her and those with her weeping, he was deeply moved/angered and troubled
possibly at their unbelief - prob. not
possibly with compassion - true, but not whole story
possibly hatred of death - true, but not whole story
possibly foreseeing His own dealing with death
he said - where have you placed him
She said - Come and see%%%
Jesus wept - humanity, compassion
The Jews noted how much He loved Lazarus
Some wondered that One who could open blind eyes could not have kept Lazarus from dying
irony - he could have
they are about to see something better
Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead 11:38-44
Jesus again had an intense strong feeling (anger/compassion/pissed off at sin and death) as he came to the tomb
it was a cave with a stone over the entrance
he said take away the stone
Martha said
described as the sister of the dead man
less common word for dead - stresses the finality of death
it's going to stink
because it has been four days
Jewish tradition - based on occasion resuscitation of person thought to be dead
spirit hovers around the body for a few days, until it smells the rotting and leaves for good
Common belief, if a person is dead for four days - beyond all hope for resurrection - that is why Jesus waited two more days
Jesus said
I told you - If you believe
you will see the glory of God
everyone there would see a miracle, if they believed or not
Jesus invites them (and us) to look beyond the obvious -
to see the miracle as a sign that points to His glory and see His glory
They took away the stone
Jesus prayed
Father, I thank You that You hear me
I know that You always hear me
But I said this because of the crowds, so that they may believe that You sent me - signs as testimony
Jesus cried out with a great voice - Lazarus, come out
Then the dead man came out -
lit. the man who had died and was dead -
irony - He was dead, but was no longer dead
he was still wrapped in his embalming clothes
Jesus said to unwrap him and let him go
My comment - Jesus rocks - how could anyone not believe by this point? - Yet many don't still
The plot to kill Jesus 11:45-54
Many of the Jews believed in Him because they say what He did - hard to miss
some went to the Pharisees and tattled on Him - hard heart
They gathered and plotted what to do because of Him doing many signs
If we permit Him to go on this way, everyone will believe in Him
the Romans will come and take away our place and our nation
cared more about their stuff than truth
cared more about protecting their privilege than God's doing
Caiaphas the high priest said
full of irony and double meaning
you don't know anything
It is better for one man to die on behalf of the nation
than the whole race/people be destroyed
John's comment
he did not say this on his own
but being high priest he prophesied
Jesus was about to die for the race/people
but not for the Jewish race only
but also so that all the scattered children of God could be gathered into one
foreshadowing the Gentile mission
cf. Gentiles big stumbling block to Jews converting to Christ
From this day they plotted to kill Him
therefore, Jesus no longer went about openly in Judea, but went into the countryside near the wilderness, to a village called Ephraim, where He stayed with His disciples
Jesus moving toward the passover 11:55-12:36
Pasover crowds looking for Jesus 11:55-57
Setting
The passover of the Jews was near
Many ment up to Jerusalem to prepare themselves for the passover
They sought Jesus
They said to one another while standing in the temple
What do you think?
He certainly won't come to the feast, will he? - expecting negative answer
the chief priests and Pharisee had given an order
that if anyone knows where He is
They should report it
So that they could arrest Him
Jesus anointed for burial at Bethany 12:1-8
setting
six days before the feast
came into Bethany - town of Lazarus, whom He raised from the dead
we know who Lazarus is, but John highlights Jesus' greatness, like the former blind man is called the former blind man
they made a feast for Him
Martha served
Lazarus was one of the ones reclining at the table with him - close fellowship to share a meal
Mary anointed Him
foreshadowed in ch. 11
Mary took very expensive pure perfume and anointed His feet and dried them with her hair
The house was filled with the smell of perfume
Judas shows his character
Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve
Who was about to betray Him
he said - Why wasn't this perfume sold for a lot of money and it given to the poor?
John's comment
he didn't really care for the poor
but he was a theif an helped himself to the money bag
charity scams deserve a special pit in hell - to be shared with people in ministry who are unethical with funds - beware, guard your heart
Jesus defends her and explains
Leave her alone - permit her
so that she may preserve it for the day of my burial
for the poor you will always have with you
You will not always have me
relativises compassion ministry
doesn't make it unimportant at all
but doesn't make it absolute
The plot to kill Jesus and Lazarus 12:9-11
many crowds knew/found out that He was there
they came to Him
not only because of Him, but also because of Lazarus, whom He raised from the dead
Therefore the cheif priests also plotted to kill Lazarus
because many defected from the Jews and believed in Jesus because of him
hard hearted and wicked - almost childish and spiteful
The Triumphal Entry 12:12-19
The big crowd coming to the feast heard that Jesus was coming into Jerusalem
They took palm branches and went out to meet Him
Palm branches a National Symbol
Like Canadians waving Maple Leafs or beer
For them it was Kingly - Messianic
they shouted
Hosanna
Blessed is the once coming in the Name of the Lord
and the King of Israel - i.e. Messiah
all of these are Messianic
cf. Psa. 118:25-26
Thought of Jesus only in terms of Davidic Kingship - mistake hinted at in ch. 6, but will come out much more in the trials
Jesus rode a young donkey
found a young donkey and sat on it
just like Scripture said - quote from Zech 9:9
Don't fear daughter of Zion
Your King is coming to you
seated upon a colt of a donkey
Again Messianic - clearly seen as such by Judaism of the time
This highlights the rejection and crucifixion of the Jewish Messiah
God's new people would not be = ethnic Israel, but faithful remnant from both Israel and Gentiles
sign of kingship, but humble, peaceful kingship
cf. part of Zech not quoted, "righteous, having salvation, humble
John's comment
The disciples did not understand at first
But when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that these things happened
and they realized that these things were written about Him
The testimony about the Lazarus miracle
The crowd that had been there when He called Lazarus from the tomb and raised him from the dead
they testified
therefore the crowds came to meet Him because they had heard that He had done this SIGN
The Pharisees grumbled
look, this is profiting us nothing (gettin us nowhere)
the world is going after Him
Jesus death = Jesus' glorification 12:20-26
setting
there were Greeks who went up to Jerusalem to worship at the feast
These approached Philip (who was from Bethsaida in Galilee)
They asked him, saying - We want to see Jesus
Philip got Andrew involved
Philip and Andrew told this to Jesus
Jesus anounces His HOUR has come
the Hour has come (pf. tense)
so that the Son of Man may be glorified
Jesus connects His hour with His death with His glory
If a seed of wheat does not fall to the ground and die
it remains alone
if it dies, it bears much fruit - cf. ch. 15
The loving his life destroys it
The one hating his life in this world keeps it for eternal life
Rant on this hard
do not love the world
do not store up your treasure in this world
Think of things above, not things below
Your life is hidden in Christ - only when Christ is revealed will you know yourself
Life is short - eternity is long
He is no fool who gives up what he cannot keep to obtain that which he cannot lose
If someone is my servant, he will follow me
And where I am, he will be - i.e. at the cross/on the cross/washing feet
If someone serves me, the Father will honor him
The testimony of the Father 12:27-33
Jesus' internal wrestling
flowing from previous, still thinking about His impending death
Jesus says, "Now my soul is stirred up/disturbed,
and What will I say?" - rhetorical question
Shall I say "Father, save me from this HOUR"? - rhetorical question
Answer - (NO) I came to this HOUR for this reason
Jesus' prayer
Father, glorify Your NAME
The Father's answer
A voice came from Heaven
I have glorified
And again, I will glorify
The crowd's response
The crowd there heard
Some said "It thundered"
Others said "An angel spoke to Him"
Jesus' explanation
The voice did not come for my sake
but for your sake
Now is the judgment of this world
Now the ruler of this world will be thrown out
And if I am lifted up from the earth
cf. 3:14, 8:28, 12:34
double meaning
I will draw all things to myself
cf. ch 6, esp. v. 44
all kinds of people - including Greeks
Jesus finally answers the question above - only after He is glorified will He go to the Greeks
cf. Spirit waits till after glorified/crucified
John's explanation of Jesus' explanation
He said this indicating (signing) what kind of death He was about to die
cognate word to semeia used
Questions about Jesus' identity 12:34-36
The crowd asks about The Christ remaining forever
They probably connected the "Son of Man" with the "Christ"
When Jesus spoke about the "Son of Man" dying, they were confused and thought that He was disconnecting the two and so they asked
We have heard from the Law that the Christ will remain forever
from the Law, and not tradition
True - the Messiah and the Davidic promises were eternal
cf. esp. 89:4, 36-37, 2 Sam. 7:12-16, Psa. 110:1 et al
Incomplete understanding of how it comes about - through death and resurrection
And how can you say that is necessary for the Son of Man to be lifted up?
Who is this Son of Man?
Jesus answers - Christ is here now! Get Him while you can
The light is in your midst still for a short time
Walk as you have the light
so that the darkness does not overcome you - same wording as 1:5! - cf. I Thes. 5:4
And the one walking in the darkness does not know where his is going
As you have the light - believe in the light
So that you become sons (children) of light
Jesus leaves
having said these things
Jesus was hidden from them, by leaving
Conclusion - rejection by the Jews 12:37-50
Final Rejection by the Jews and its Theological reason 12:37-43
The final rejection, despite many sufficient signs12:37
Having done many great signs before them
They did not believe in Him
cf. wilderness generation, who had seen tremendous miracles at the Exodus, but who still doubted God
From one standpoint - Jesus' public ministry was a failure
Jesus would not be asked to headline a church growth conference
The reason for their unbelief - from Isaiah 12:38-41 - cf. Dt. 29:3-4
so that the word of Isaiah the prophet might be fulfilled (53:1), which he said:
Lord, who has believed our message?
And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?
first instance of 'fulfill' which will come up a lot later - every aspect of Jesus' crucifixion fulfills Scripture
For this reason, they were not able to believe
because Isaiah again says (6:10):
He blinded their eyes - cf. ch. 9
and He hardened their hearts
so that they would not see with their eyes
and (not) understand with their hearts
and (not) turn
and I would heal them
unbelief in ch. 53 caused by hardening in 6:10
both passages also have themes of exaltation and glory - cf. 12:32
The reason:
Isaiah said this because he saw His glory - Isa. 6
and he spoke about Him - referring to Jesus - deity of Christ
The Jewish rejection of Jesus should not be a stumbling block to John's readers
Actually it should be confirmation - God predicted it
Some believed, but not yet enough 12:42-43
Nevertheless, however, many from the leaders believed in Him
but because of the Pharisees, they did not confess - halfway belief
so they would not be excommunicated from the synagogue - cf. 9:22
for they loved the glory of man more than the glory of God - cf. 5:44
Jesus came to reveal the Father (with the resulting consequences of receiving or rejecting) 12:44-50
Jesus is the way to the Father
Jesus cried out and said
The one who believes in me does not believe in me (only)
but (also) in the One Who sent me
And the one who sees me, sees the One Who sent me
Jesus is the way to enlightenment
I am the light that has come into the world - cf. prologue
All who believe in me will not remain in the darkness
Jesus is the way from judgment
If someone hears my words and does not keep them
I do not judge him
for I did not come to judge the world - cf. 3:16-18
but so that I may save the world - cf. 3:16-18
The one who rejects me and does not receive my words has one that judges him
The word which I spoke - this one judges him in the last day
The reason for this
because I did not speak from myself
but the Father who sent me gave to me this command - what I would say and speak
And I know that His command is eternal life
Therefore, that which I am speaking, just as the Father has spoken to me, in this way, I speak
Private Ministry chs. 13-17
introduction 13:1-30
Jesus washes the disciples' feet 13:1-17
Jesus knew His time had arrived and His destiny was secure 13:1-3
General
Setting -
before the feast of the passover
Passover celebration was week long feast of unleavened bread before sacrifice of Passover lamb and 1 day Passover feast
Cause-
knowing that His HOUR had come
so that He would leave this world
toward the Father
loving His own who are in the world
Result -
He loved them to the end/completion/goal
Setting/foreshadowing
dinner was happening
The devil had already put it into the heart of Judas - son of Simon Iscariot
to betray Him
Specific
Cause - Jesus knew
The Father had given all things into His hands
He had come from God
and He was returning to God
Result - foot washing and all that follows, including the crucifixion
Lesson
Our knowledge of who we are, where we came from and our future destiny
is motivation for self giving service here
we don't need to serve ourselves and fight to secure our future destiny and inheritance
No need to grasp for earthy things because we have heavenly things
Jesus washes the disciples' feet 13:4-11
preparation
He got up from the table
He put off His garments
He took a towel and wrapped it around Himself
taking on costume of a slave
washing
then He poured water into a basin
He began to wash the feet of the disciples
and dry them with the towel that was around Him
dialogue with Peter
Peter objects
when He came to Simon Peter
he asked, will YOU wash MY feet?
probably humble and innocent, reacting to the inappropriateness according to the social roles/conventions
the Master does not do menial tasks for His disciples - It ain't right
Jesus says you don't understand, but you will
Doesn't yet address the reason, just asks for trust
You do not yet know what I am doing
You will know after these things
Foreshadowing - pointing to future learning of this profound lesson
Peter rejects
You will never wash my feet
no longer innocent, but lack of trust and obedience
rejecting Jesus teaching, even though still probably has good motives
Lesson - don't say No to God, no matter what the reason
Jesus says you must be washed
If I do not wash you
you do not have a part with me/have a share with me/share with me in what I give/have/do
double meaning
cleansing, both physical and spiritual
being served by Jesus and learning the lesson of servant leadership
Peter asks for a complete washing
Peter changes his mind and asks for the full meal deal
not just my feet, but my hands and head as well
Jesus says that they are mostly clean already
The one who has bathed does not need to wash except his feet
but is completely clean
and you are clean
but not all of you
double meaning/ambiguity
physical - you are clean, just need your feet recleaned
spiritual - you are clean, just need maintenance cleansing -
foreshadowing prayer ch. 17
You are clean because of the Word that I have spoken
spiritual - not all of you are clean - all except Judas
John's explanation/clarification
He knew who would betray Him
that is why He said, not all of you are clean
Jesus teaches about servanthood 13:12-17
Intro
After He washed their feet
He put His clothes on - (outer clothes, His under clothes never came off)
He reclined at the table again
Follow my example
He said, "Do you know what I have done for you?"
His position
you call me teacher and master
you are right to do so
because I am your teacher and master
His example
If I, even though I am your teacher and master
I wash your feet -
example of humble service at the point of need
even involving lowly, inconvenient, dirty service
His charge
you also ought to wash one another's feet
For I have given you an example
just as I have done for you
you also should do
You are not greater than me, but can be like me
A servant is not greater than his master
neither is one who is sent greater than the One who sent him
double meaning
Jesus is the One sent and the Father is the sending One
Very soon, the disciples will be sent by Jesus
If you know these things (about humble servanthood)
you will be blessed if you do them
Blessed is the one who Knows AND Does - both integrated
Jesus predicts His betrayal 13:18-30
Jesus knew all along who is His 13:18-20
Jesus clarifies who He is talking about
I am not saying these things concerning all of you
I know whom I have chosen
Scripture explanation/proof
So that the Scripture might be fulfilled
The one eating my bread - close companion
has lifted up his heel against me - attacked me/betrayal
reason for the prediction
I am telling you now, before it happens
so that when it happens, you may believe that I AM
I am saying
Jesus foreknowledge/supernatural knowledge sign of His deity - seen throughout Gospel
All these things are planned and sovereignly controlled by God - perfect timing and perfect plan
Implication -
double meaning/ambiguity
reiteration of 2-fold choice
application to disciples of humble service and reception/rejection
The one receiving the one I send, receives me
The one receiving me receives the one who sent me
by implication - the disciples should not take it personally if they are received or rejected, because it is not them who is received or rejected
by implication - the readers should receive the testimony of the apostles, because it is not just the apostles that they are receiving
Jesus predicts His betrayal 13:21-26
Jesus predicts
After Jesus said these things
He was troubled/disturbed in spirit
He testified and said
One of you will betray me
ambiguous term - hand over, entrust
He meant the bigtime betrayal which Judas was about to do by handing Him over to His enemies
Disciples ask
themselves
they look at one another
b/c they were perplexed who He was talking about
Jesus
The disciple that Jesus loved was reclining next to Him - very close intimacy with no hint of being weird
Peter motioned to ask who He was talking about
He leaned over and asked - "Who is it?"
Jesus answers
The one to whom I dip the morsel and give the bread -
sign of gift, generosity, loving gesture
somewhat ambiguous/able to be misunderstood,
almost parallel with the Psalms quote
but also very clear - clarified by immediate action
Jesus points out Judas
He dipped the morsel and gave it to Judas, son of Simon Iscariot
Jesus sends Judas away 13:27-30
After the morsel satan entered into Judas
Jesus told him to do what he was going to do quickly
sovereign control
perfect timing
The disciples misunderstood
no one at the meal understood what He was saying
alternate explanations because judas kept the money
thought He told him to buy supplies for the meal
thought He told him to give to the poor - custom at Passover
judas immediately went out, having taken the morsel
IT WAS NIGHT
on one hand, it was night
on the other hand - light/darkness theme
the hour had come when darkness would do its best to overcome the light - how successful do you think it will be?
judas was doing the work of the night
now in hindsight, we can be more open to the possibility of symbolic significance that Nicodemus came to Him at night, but still cautious
Upper room discourse 13:31-16:33
Introductory thoughts
spiraling discourse - typical
weaving and returning to themes
Jesus' continuing mission after His departure
leaving back to the Father
sending the Spirit - His tasks and ministries
their tasks and ministries
their reception
Passing the torch 13:31-38
Glory, leaving, love command, love witness 13:31-35
In one sense, this is almost an outline of the discourse, briefly introducing major themes
Glory
After judas left, Jesus said
Now the Son of man is glorified
and God is glorified in Him
If God is glorified in Him [the Son]
Also God will glorify Him [the Son]
and He will glorify Him immediately
(less than a day before the crucifixion)
leaving
Children - intimate term
I am with you a small time
You will seek me
Just as I told the Jews, I am telling you - same inability to go to heaven
where I am going, you are not able to come
(Unlike the Jews, He will later tell them that they will be able to come where He is, but only through Him)
love command
I am giving you a new command
in one sense, not new - OT command
in another sense, new/fresh because of the new model and standard
love one another
just as I loved you
humble service of washing feet
self sacrifice of laying down lives for one another
so also you should love one another
love witness
in this way (loving one another) all will know that you are my disciples
if you have love for one another
notice, not just a feeling (if even a feeling)
but an action
easy to say I love you
easy to have loving feelings when loved
harder to lay down your life for someone who doesn't deserve it
Misunderstanding and Prediction of Peter's denial 13:36-38
Peter asks - where are you going? - decent question
Jesus answers
where I am going, you are not able to follow me now
cf. 8:14 and 13:33 - same thing said to Jews and disciples earlier
notice qualifier NOW - huge promise
you will follow later
HUGE promise - Disciples can go to the Father, where no one is able to go - cf. what Jesus told Nicodemus
as we will see, only can go through Jesus
bittersweet promise to Peter and disciples and us
because Jesus expects us to follow Him to glory through the pathway of humble service, rejection, laying down our lives and taking up our cross on the way to glory
in ch. 21, Jesus will tell Peter what sort of death he will die in order to follow Him
but it will be totally worth it, no matter what we have to go through to get there!
Peter said, I am ready to follow now, no matter the cost
Why can't I follow you now
I will lay down my life for you - cf. Jesus in 10:15,17
Well meaning, but misguided and somewhat boastful promise, confident in self
Jesus answered, no you are not ready to follow
You will lay down your life?
As a matter of fact, you will certainly deny me three times before the rooster crows (matter of hours)
Jesus is the Way 14:1-14
Jesus is the Way to the Father 14:1-7
Do not let your heart be disturbed/troubled
same word when Jesus was deeply moved at the tomb of Lazarus 11:33
Same word 12:27 Jesus troubled looking forward to the crucifixion
same word 13:37 Jesus troubled when one of His friends was about to betray Him
same word here and in v. 27 - we are not to be troubled, b/c Jesus takes the trouble on Himself
see the connection with ch. 13 - just told Peter he would deny and probably got a negative reaction - reassuring
your is plural, not talking just to Peter but to all the disciples
You believe in God and you also believe in me
could be statement of fact or command or one of each
equation of God and Jesus
believe = trust,
trust God and Jesus, even in the darkest times
It's Friday, but Sunday's coming
I am going to take you to the Father
In my Father's house, there are many rooms/dwelling places,
if there were not, Would I have told you
That I am going to prepare a place for you
cf. coming from God and going to God
now going so that we can go
and if I go and prepare a place for you
I will come again and receive you to myself
so that you can be where I am
Jesus is the way to the Father
Jesus says, you know the way where I am going
Thomas says, we don't even know where you are going, how can we know the way?
Jesus replies
I am the way
the path to the Father
answering Thomas' question about how to get to the Father
Jesus is how to get to the Father, because He is the eternally existing Word, the One and Only Son from the Father's side who has made God known - cf. 1:18
and the truth
God is full of grace and truth
All who love the truth come to Jesus
All who worship God do so in spirit and truth
You will know the truth and the truth will set you free
Jesus testifies to the truth - Himself
more on the truth to follow
and the life
eternal life
life abundant
opposite of death
All of these things are centered in Jesus Himself -
not just hovering around Him,
but He is the embodiment of these things
cannot have life or truth or way to the Father without Jesus
He cannot give you them separate from Himself, because they are Him
If your vision of eternal life is not focused on Him, you are mistaken
If you think you could be happy in heaven even if Jesus were not there, you are probably not going
Explanation/elaboration
NO ONE comes to the Father except through me
yes it says no one
cannot get to the Father through Buddha or Mohamed or Joseph Smith or Dr. Phil- we cannot be ashamed of that fact
If you have known me, you know the Father
and from the now on, you know Him and have seen Him
Jesus is the revealer of the Father 14:8-11
Philip asked
Show us the Father
and that will be sufficient for us
Jesus replied
How can you ask that question?
How long have you been with me and don't know me, Philip?
The one who has seen me has seen the Father!
How can you say, "Show us the Father?"
question makes no sense if you knew who I am
Jesus had already said "I and the Father are one"
Believe that I reveal the Father because we are One
Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me
there are more levels of belief to which Jesus is calling the disciples
don't think that you have arrived
Reasons to believe this
the words which I spoke to you, I did not speak from myself
repeating what He has said many times to the Jews about being from the Father
now the disciples need to get it as well
the Father who REMAINS in me is doing His works
believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me
If not, believe because of His works
cf. 10:37-38 same challenge to Jews
God will be glorified through greater works and answered prayer 14:12-14
Greater works
The one who believes in me
he will do the works that I am doing
he will do greater works than these
testifying to Jesus and the Father
more people have believed in Jesus after His ascension than before
any 'greater works' that draw attention to us and not to Jesus are phony
because I am going to the Father
answered prayer
Whatever you ask in my Name, I will do it
So that the Father may be glorified in the Son
If someone asks me in my Name, I will do it
key to understand is that Jesus comes in the Father's Name
characterized by submission, obedience, doing and saying what the Father is doing and saying
so also, our asking should be characterized by these things or we should not expect answers - not a magic spell
when our prayer is characterized by these things - WE SHOULD EXPECT OUR PRAYERS TO BE ANSWERED BECAUSE GOD PROMISED
Preparing for His departure 14:15-31
Love, the Spirit and the Commands 14:15-24
Keep my commands
If you love me,
you will keep my commands
beware of letting the love of God become a nebulous feeling, love of God is precise and active
and I will ask the Father
and He will give you another Paraclete
another
Jesus' replacement
Just as Jesus was with them, leading, guiding, protecting, revealing the Father, parakleting in general, so also the other Paraclete will do the same kind of things
everything the paraclete will be described as doing later in this discourse, Jesus has already been described as doing earlier in the Gospel, teaching, leading to truth, revealing the Father, etc.
parakletos
helper, one who works on another's behalf
somewhat ambiguous word - helps in whatever needs helping, but without defining
can be comforter when comfort needed
can be advocate, i.e. lawyer, when that is needed - cf. 1 Jn 2:2
can be a strengthener, when strength is needed
can be mediator, when mediation is needed
So that He will be with you forever
great comfort when preparing them for His departure,
they will never be alone
The Paraclete
The Spirit of Truth
cf. 14:6 Jesus is the truth, Spirit characterized by truth
contrast false spirits, which come from the father of untruth
the world is not able to receive Him
because it does not see Him
and does not know Him
you know Him
because He is remaining with you
and He will be in you
cf. Jn 7 living waters from midst - re Spirit which had not yet been given, is about to be given
I will not leave you
I will not forsake you as orphans
I will come to you (via the Spirit)
Soon the world will not see me
but you will see me
because I live and you will live
In that day, you will know that I am in the Father and you are in me and I in you
mind blowing!
Just as Jesus said earlier (14:11) He is in the Father and vice versa
So now, in a smaller way (no delusions of divinity) we are included in that fellowship via the Spirit
Keep my commands
The one who has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me
The one loving me will be loved by my Father
And I will love him
And I will reveal myself to him
Keep my Word
Judas (not Iscariot) asked
Lord, how will it be that you will reveal yourself to us
and not to the world?
Jesus responds
Whoever loves me will keep my Word
and my Father will love him
and we will come to him
and we will make our dwelling with him - same word as v. 2
The one who does not love me does not keep my Words
The Word which you hear is not mine, but from the Father who sent me
Preparing the disciples for His departure 14:25-31
Holy Spirit will speak to you
I have spoken these things to you while REMAINING with you
The Paraclete - the Holy Spirit
whom the Father is sending in my Name
This One will teach you all things
And He will remind you of all the things which I said to you
I am leaving you peace
Peace I am leaving with you
My peace I am giving to you
I am not giving as the world gives
I am going to the Father
Don't let your heart be troubled or afraid - cf. v. 1
You heard that I said to you
I am going and I am coming toward you
If you love me, you would rejoice that I am going to the Father
Because the Father is greater than I
I am telling you in advance
And now, I have told you before it happens
so that when it happens you may believe
I'm almost done here
I no longer have many things to say to you
For the ruler of the world is coming
and he has nothing in me
but so that the world may know that I love the Father
and just as the Father commanded me, this I am doing
get up, let's go from here
Remaining/Abiding 15:1-17
Remaining/Abiding in Christ 15:1-8
Remain in Him to be fruitful 1-7
Metaphor of vine and gardener 1-4
The metaphor 1-3
God's ways are like a gardener with a vine
Jesus is the vine
I am the true vine
cf. Isa 5:1-7, Psa 80:16, Jer 2:21
Father is the gardener
2 possibilities
He takes away every branch that does not bear fruit
He prunes/cleanses every branch that bears fruit so that it is more fruitful
You are already clean because of the Word I have spoken to you - cf. 13:10
The implications 4
Command to remain in me and I in you
Reason: we cannot bear fruit apart from Jesus
Comparison with literal fruit
branch is not able to bear fruit
if it does not abide in the vine
application - in the same way
you cannot bear fruit
if you do not remain in me
Metaphor of vine and branches 5-7
Jesus is the vine, we are the branches
Therefore be connected
general principle
The one remaining in me bears much fruit
Reason - apart from me you are not able to do anything
Specific - 2 possibilities
no abide = thrown out
if someone does not abide in me
He will be discarded like a fruitless branch
thrown out
dried up
gathered
thrown into the fire
burned
abide = answered prayer
If you remain in me and my words remain in you
Ask and it will be given
Reason - My Father is glorified
when we bear much fruit
And prove to be Jesus' disciples
These two go hand in hand
Remaining in the Father via love 15:9-17
like Father/Son, so Master/disciples
just as the Father loved me
also I loved you
remain in my love
If you keep my commands
you will remain in my love
Just as I keep the commands of my Father
and I am remaining in His love
The Purpose
I have spoken these things so that my joy may be in you
And your joy may be full
The Command to love
This is my command
That you love one another
Just as I loved you
No one has greater love than this:
that someone will lay down his life for his friends
No longer servants
you are my friends if you do what I commanded you
I no longer call you servants
because the servant does not know what his master is doing
I have called you friends
perfect tense!!!! I have called with abiding results,
change of tense from same word earlier in the verse
because everything I have heard from my Father, I have made known to you
Chosen to bear fruit
You did not choose me
But I chose you
and I appointed you
so that you would go and bear fruit
and your fruit should last/remain/abide
so that whatever you ask the Father in my Name He will give to you
The Command to love
This is my command to you: that you should love one another
Rejection by the World 15:18-16:4a
Rejection by the world and the reason for it 15:18-25
The world hates you because you are not from the world
If the world hates you
know that it hated me first
If you were from the world
The world would love its own
cf. 7:7
but you are not from the world
But I have chosen you out of the world
For this reason, the world hates you
Expect the same treatment
Remember the words I spoke to you
A servant is not greater that his Master
If they persecuted me, they will persecute you
If they kept my word, they will keep yours
The reason: they hate God
But they will do all these things to you because of My Name
because they do not know the One Who sent me
They have been proven to be of the darkness
If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not have sin
Now they have no excuse for their sin
The one hating me also hates my Father - cf. 5:23 equal honor for Father and Son
If I did not do the works among them, which no one else did
cf, 9:32, 7:31
They would not have sin
Now they have seen and hated both me and my Father
cf. ch. 3 hate the light and go to the darkness because their deeds are evil
Scripture proof
This is to fulfill the word in the Law - they hated me without cause
cf. Rom 3:24 "justified freely" same word "without cause"
The witnesses to Jesus 15:26-27
Testimony of the Spirit
When the Paraclete comes
Whom I will send from the Father
The Spirit of Truth
Who is going out from the Father
This One will testify concerning me
Testimony of the Disciples
And you will testify
Because you are with me from the beginning
Preparing the disciples for their rejection 16:1-4a
Be prepared
I have spoken these things to you so that you will not be scandalized
They will persecute you
They will put you out of the synagogue - what some people feared
An hour is coming when all who kill you will think they are doing a service to God
do not expect rational sane opposition, but satanic blindness
They will do these things because they do not know The Father or me
Remember and believe
But I have spoken these things to you so that when the hour comes, you will remember that I have told you these things
The Spirit 16:4b-15
The Spirit to replace the presence of Jesus 16:4b-11
Jesus has been with them
I did not speak these things to you from the beginning
In context this is the prediction of their rejection and suffering
also leading into next section
because I was with you
Jesus is now leaving them
Now I am going toward the One Who sent me
And no one of you asks me "Where are you going?"
Because I have told your these things, Sorrow has filled your heart
The Paraclete replaces Jesus
But I am speaking the truth to you
It is better for you that I am going
Because If I do not go
The Paraclete will not come to you
If I go
I will send Him toward you
(partial) Job description of the Paraclete
And when this One comes,
He will expose/convict/convince the world concerning sin and concerning righteousness and concerning judgment
concerning sin - that they have not believed in me
concerning righteousness - that I am going to the Father and you will not see me
concerning sin - that the ruler of this world has been judged and stands under judgment
discussion of two meanings of hoti, here not because, but that (content of conviction, not reason for it)
The Spirit to reveal/mediate Jesus to the disciples 16:12-15
My revelation is not yet complete
I have many things to say to you
but you are not able to bear/carry/endure them yet
you can't handle the truth
b/c Spirit not yet sent b/c Jesus not yet glorified
The cross changes everything - never forget it
My revelation will be completed
when this One comes - the Spirit of Truth
He will lead you in/with/by all the truth
The M.O. of the Spirit of Truth
For He will not speak from Himself
But whatever He hears, this He will speak
And He will tell you the coming things
may refer to the future
In this context, refers to immediate future - i.e. crucifixion
This One will glorify me
Because He will take from what is mine
And He will tell it to you
Father>Son>Spirit>Disciples
All which the Father has is mine
Because of this I said that He will take from what is mine and He will tell it to you
Prediction of Victory 16:16-33
Grief will turn to joy 16:16-22
Not see, then see
Jesus announces "Small time"
Small time and your will no longer see me
and again a small time and you will see me
The disciples don't understand what He means
The disciples said toward one another
What is this that He is saying
"small time and you will not see me
and again small time and you will see me"
and "because I am going toward the father"
therefore they said,
what is this that He is saying
"the small time" - asking about that word
we do not know what He is saying
Jesus knew that they wanted to ask - He said to them
You are seeking with one another concerning this
because I said
small time and you will see me
and again small time and you will see me
note near ridiculous amount of repetition - making a point, highlighting
grief to joy
Truly I say that you will weep and mourn
while the world will rejoice
You will be grieved
but your grief will turn to joy
illustration of woman giving birth
The woman has pain/affliction/grief when giving birth
because HER HOUR HAS COME
But when the child is born
she no longer remembers the tribulation
because of the joy that a child has been born into the world
Application to the disciples
therefore, you also will have pain/grief now
but I will see you again
note change of person
and your heart will rejoice
cf. Isa 66:14 - in context of eschatological judgment
"When you see this, your heart will rejoice and you will flourish like grass; the hand of the LORD will be made known to his servants, but his fury will be shown to his foes."
And no one will take your joy from you
Access to the Father 16:23-27
Answered prayer to the Father
And in this day, no one will ask me-
Truly I say, Whatever you ask the Father in my Name
He will give it to you
Until now, you have not asked anything in my Name
Ask and receive, so that your joy may be completely fulfilled (perfect periphrastic)
that is - they are going directly to the Father (Through Jesus and the Spirit), no longer going directly to Jesus - i.e. Jesus has revealed the Father to them
Speaking plainly of the Father
I have said these things to you in figures of speech
There is coming an hour when I will no longer speak to you in figures of speech
But I will plainly speak to you concerning the Father
The disciples will ask the Father
In this day, you will ask in my Name
And I am not saying to you that I will ask the Father concerning you
For this same Father loves you
Because you have loved me
and (because) you have believed that I came from the Father
Jesus is going to the Father 16:28-33
Jesus is leaving
I have come from the Father and I came into the world
again I am leaving the world
And I am going to the Father
Disciples believe
His disciples said
Behold, now you are speaking plainly to us
And you are no longer saying figures of speech
Now we know that you know all things
And you have no need to have someone ask you anything
In this we believe that You have come from God
Jesus challenges their belief
Do you now believe?
An hour is coming, and now is
when you will be scattered each into his own place
cf. Zech 13:17
"Strike the shepherd and the sheep will be scattered
and you will forsake me all alone
And I am not alone
Because the Father is with me
Jesus encourages them
I have spoken these things to you so that in me you may have peace
You will have tribulation in the world
but be courageous - "Firm or resolute in the face of danger or adverse circumstances" BDAG
I have overcome the world
cf. prologue darkness has not overcome the light
darkness never will overcome the light
so be steadfast even in the midst of persecution, be on the side of the light
Prayer ch. 17
Concerning Personal relationship with the Father 17:1-5
Glorify Your Son
Having spoken these things, Jesus lifted up His eyes to Heaven and said
Father, the hour has come
Glorify Your Son
So that Your Son can glorify You
Just as the Son gives Eternal Life
Just as You Gave Him authority over all flesh
So that all who you gave to Him, He may give them eternal life
This is eternal life - that they may know You, the only True God, and Jesus Christ, Whom You have sent
I have glorified You
I have glorified you on the Earth
The works which You gave me to do, I completed
Glorify me
And now, glorify me, Father, with Your own glory
The glory which I had with You before the world existed
Concerning the First Disciples 17:6-19
Only three actual requests in this section
The rest is statement/description about the disciples
The disciples are Yours
I revealed Your Name to the men whom You have given me from the World
They were Yours
And You gave them to me
And they kept Your Word
Now they know that all which You have given to me if from You
Because I gave them the words which You gave to me
And they received them and know truly that I have come from You
And they believed that You sent me
They are Yours in the midst of the World
I ask concerning them
I do not ask concerning the world, but concerning those You have given me
because they are Yours
And all that is mine is Yours
And all that is Yours is mine
and I will be glorified in them
And I am no longer in the world
and these are in the world
and I am coming toward You
First Request - keep them by Your Name
Holy Father, keep them in Your Name which You have given to me
referred to as Holy Father in a context where He will talk about Sanctifying them from the world
Name is shorthand for all that God is and does, not just a title
So that they may be one, just as we are one
when I was with them, I kept them in Your Name, which You have given to me
and I have guarded them
and none of them has been destroyed except the son of destruction
cf. 6:39, 70
"this is the will of God, that I shall lose none that He has given me
I chose you 12, yet one of you is a devil
so that the Scripture may be fulfilled
cf. Psa. 41:9, Jn 13:18
But the Scripture will be fulfilled, He who ate my bread has lifted his heel against me
They are being left in a hostile world
Now I am coming toward you
And these things I am speaking while in the world
so that they may have my joy fulfilled in themselves
I have given them Your Word
And the World has hated them
Because they are not from the World
Just as I am Not from the World
Second request - Keep them from evil
I do not ask that You would take them from the world
But that You would keep them from the evil (one)
They are Not from the World
Just as I am not from the World
Third request - Sanctify them by the truth
Sanctify them by the truth
Your Word is truth
They are being sent into a hostile world
Just as You sent me into the world
So also, I am sending them into the world
I am making a way for them
On their behalf, I am sanctifying myself
referring to the Crucifixion
So that they also may be sanctified in/by truth
Concerning all Future Disciples 17:20-26
I also ask for future disciples
I don't ask only concerning these ones
but also concerning those who will believe in me because of their word/witness
I ask that they may be one
So that they all may be one
What does it mean to be one?
Much more than just unity between people/churches/denominations
May happen without that
In this context defined as the kind of unity of purpose/dependence/that the Son has with the Father and calls us to have with the Godhead
If Christians/churches/denominations will ever find unity, it will begin by getting in line with God's purposes like Jesus has modeled
just as You Father are in me and I in You
So that these also may be in us
So that the world may believe that You sent me
I have shared the glory to be one
And I have given them the glory, which You gave me
So that they may be one, just as we are one
I in them and You in me
So that they may be perfected into one
So that the world may know that
You sent me
and You loved them
Just as You loved me
I want them to see my glory
Father, I will that those You gave me may be where I am with me
So that they may see my glory,
which You gave me
Because You loved me before the creation of the world
I have given them eternal life, which is to know You
Righteous Father, The world does not know You
But I have known You
And these ones know that You sent me
And I have made Your Name known to them and I will make it known
cf. crucifixion
So that the love with which You loved me may be in them, and I may be in them
Passion ministry chs. 18-20
Arrest 18:1-11
Setting - in the garden
Jesus, Having said these things
He went out with His disciples
across the Kidron valley
where there was a garden/orchard/olive grove
Jesus and His disciples went into this garden
judas - the one who betrayed Him - also knew this place
because Jesus often went there with His disciples
Therefore judas, taking soldiers and officers from the chief priests and the pharisees, went there with lamps and torches and weapons
Jesus met them with authority
Therefore, knowing all the things coming to Him (the things about to happen to Him)
Jesus went out and said to them, "Who do you seek?"
They answered, "Jesus of Nazareth"
He said to them, "I AM"
judas- the one who betrayed Him - was standing with them
As Jesus said to them "I AM"
They "went into the behind" -NIV drew back and fell to the ground
significance - fell backward? fear?
fell forward? worship?
in any case, Jesus has more power and authority - they are not able to overpower Him if He did not let them
Again He asked them, "Who are you seeking?"
They said, "Jesus of Nazareth"
Jesus answered, "I told you that I AM"
note repetition
Jesus protects the disciples
If you are seeking me, let these go
so that might be fulfilled the word which He said
Those you gave me I will not lose one of them.
cf. 17:12
Note Jesus words quoted like Scripture.
Peter tries to protect Jesus
Simon Peter, having a sword
drew it and struck the servant of the high priest
and cut off His right ear
and His name was Malchus
- notice eyewitness detail
Jesus rebukes him
Jesus said to Peter
Put your sword into its holder
Shall I not drink the cup which the Father has given me?
double negative strong rhetorical statement
expects a negative answer (positive - "I shall drink")
The Jewish trial and Peter's denial 18:12-27
Taken to Annas 18:12-14
Therefore, the soldiers and the commander and the officers of the Jews arrested Jesus and bound Him
And they led Him toward Annas first
who was the father-in-law of Caiaphas
who was the chief priest that year
High priests were supposed to be for life
Romans would not allow, but made the job pass around regularly
Jews got around by having one functional High Priest - Annas
and many figureheads to please the Romans
Many of Annas' sons and relatives had served under his functional leadership
This Caiaphas was the one who advised the Jesus that it is better for one man to die on behalf of the people
Peter's first denial 18:15-18
Simon Peter and another disciple followed Jesus
This other disciples was known to the high priest and went into the court of the High Priest with Jesus
note a few places in this last section, the disciple that Jesus loved will be in companion with Peter
And this disciple will always look better/superior in very small ways
But Peter stood by the door/gate outside
The other disciple who was known by the High Priest went out and spoke to the doorkeeper and brought Peter in
The maidservant at the door asked Peter, "You are not one of the disciples of this man, are you?" mildly expecting a negative answer
Peter said, "I am not"
The servants and officials were standing by a fire they had made because it was cold, and they warmed themselves
Peter was also standing with them, warming himself
blending in, avoiding persecution = denying
The High priest sits in judgment of Jesus 18:19-24
The High Priest asked Jesus concerning His disciples and concerning His teaching
Jesus answered,
"I spoke publicly/freely to the world.
I always taught in a synagogue and in the temple, where all the Jews were gathered.
And I said nothing in secret.
Why are you asking me?
Ask those who heard what I said to them.
See, these ones know what I said."
When He said these things, one of the officials standing near struck Jesus
He said, "Is this the way you answer the High Priest?"
Jesus answered him
"If I have spoken wrongly, testify concerning the evil"
but If I have spoken good, why did you strike me?
Therefore, Annas sent Him, still bound, to Caiaphas the High Priest
Summary/application
Note no plausible argument against Him, and Jesus openly asserts HIs innocence, with no contradiction, but still punished
already have verdict, not bothering with evidence - hatred and rejection, not justice
By their hatred and rejection, they are not judging Jesus, but judging themselves - cf. running theme
Peter's second and third denials 18:25-27
Simon Peter was standing and warming himself
They said to him, "You are not also one of His disciples are you?"
Peter denied it and said, "I am not"
One of the servants of the High Priest, a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off said, "Didn't I see you in the garden with Him?"
Again Peter denied - not quoting Peter's response, but calling it a denial, cf. 13:38 where Jesus predicts his denial, using the same word
And immediately the rooster crowed - just like Jesus predicted
The Roman Trial 18:28-19:15
Jewish Accusation before Pilate 18:28-32
brought to Pilate
Therefore, they led Jesus from Caiaphas to the Praetorium (headquarters)
It was early in the morning
and the Jews did not go into the Praetorium
so that they would not be defiled but could eat the Passover
huge irony here
rejecting the Lamb of God who fulfills the Passover
Scruples about ritual uncleanness while murdering an innocent man
Pilate went out to them and inquired, "What accusation do you bring against this man?"
They answered (dodged) "If He were not an evildoer, we would not have turned Him over to you."
Pilate answered, "You take Him and judge Him by your own law"
recognized that it was about religious stuff, not Roman stuff
possibly spoken with contempt - doesn't want to get involved
They answered "We don't have authority to put anyone to death"
This is so that Jesus' word would be fulfilled in which He SIGNIFIED what kind of death He was about to die
cf. 3:14, 8:28, 12:32-33
Jewish execution by stoning would not fit predictions of 'being lifted up"
Roman execution by crucifixion fits well with these predictions.
First Private Interview with Pilate 18:33-38a
Pilate went into the Praetorium and summoned Jesus
He asked Him, "Are You the King of the Jews?"
Messianic term
cf. Questions of Jesus' identity
Jesus said, "Do you say this from yourself, or did someone else tell you about me?" - challenge to faith
Pilate answers with contempt,
"I am not a Jew,
Your own nation and Cheif Priests have given you over to me.
What did you do?"
Jesus answered,
"My Kingdom is not from this world"
picking up Messiah identity
but redefining it correctly, what kind of King He is
Not a King to be served and to conquer with sword
But a King who conquers by serving and dying
If my Kingdom was of this world, My officers would fight so that I would not be handed over to the Jews
cf. Peter in the Garden
But Now my Kingdom is not from here
Pilate replied - Therefore, "You are a King?"
Jesus answered,
You have (rightly/correctly) said that I am a King
I was born for this purpose
And I came into the world for this purpose
Purpose: That I may testify to the truth
Everyone who is from the truth hears my voice
cf. sheep, ch. 10
Pilate responds
"What is truth?"
Doesn't wait for answer
Obviously not honestly seeking the answer
But rather rejecting the concept
typical politician cares about expediency over truth
In the long run, truth is always the most profitable, even if not immediately expedient
irony that the One standing before him is the One who could say, "I AM the Truth" cf. 14:6
First Public Rejection by the Jews 18:38b-40
Pilate went out again to the Jews
First pronouncement of innocence -
he said, "I find no reason/accusation/grounds for guilt in Him"
First attempt to free Jesus
It is your custom that I release one prisoner to you in the passover
Do you want me to release the King of the Jews to you
First Public Rejection by the Jews
They cried out, "Not this one, but Barabbas"
Barabbas was a theif - John's editorial note
Irony - Barabbas means "son of the father" they rejected the true Son of God for Barabbas
Irony - they rejected the Messiah and requested a thief - same word as 10:10
irony - they rejected life and life abundantly in favor of steal, kill, and destroy
irony - Judging rejection of Jesus is really judging rejection on self - readers of John's Gospel take note!
Flogging 19:1-3
Then Pilate took Jesus and has Him beaten
doesn't explain the details to people who were familiar
Sometimes us sheltered people need something like Mel Gibson's movie to help us see the reality of some of these things surrounding the physical punishment of crucifixion
But don't overplay the physical suffering, because the Spritiual sufffering of being forsaken is the most horrible part of this by far.
The soldiers mocked Him as a King
And the soldiers twisted together a crown out of thorns and placed it on His head
And they put a purple garment around Him
And they came to Him and said, "Hail, King of the Jews"
And they hit Him in the face
Irony - they mocked Him as a pretend King - the One who actually is the King
Irony - they mocked Him as a conquered King - the One who was conquering by suffering mockery
irony- they mocked Him as a powerless King- the One who has all power and authority
Second Public Rejection by the Jews 19:4-7
Pilate went out again and brought Jesus
Second pronouncement of innocence
I am bringing Him out to you
So that you may know that I find no reason/accusation/grounds for guilt in Him"
Scourging was often meant to bring about a confession - no go there
Possibly done to say - this punishment should suffice, or bring sympathy for one who has suffered so much
Second attempt to free Jesus
brought Him out with the crown of thorns and the purple garment
and he said, "Behold the Man"
Probably preying on sympathy, compassion and even Nationalism
Second Public Rejection by the Jews
When the Chief Priests and officers saw Him
they cried out, "Crucify, Crucify"
Third attempt to free Jesus
Pilate said, "You take Him and You crucify Him"
Third pronouncement of innocence
for I do not find in Him any reason/accusation/grounds for guilt.
Third Public rejection by the Jews
they answered,
We have a Law and according to the Law He ought to die
because He made Himself the Son of God
again they recognize and understand Jesus' claims
They just reject Jesus' claims
Second Private Interview with Pilate 19:8-11
When Pilate heard this, He was even more afraid
Again went into the Praetorium
Asked Jesus, "Where do you come from?"
could be a political question
likely a superstitious/existential question
Jesus gave no answer
Pilate challenged His silence
You won't give me an answer?
Don't You know that I have the authority to free you or to crucify You?
cf. 1:12 on God giving authority to be children of God
Jesus challenged his idea of authority
No one has authority over me if it has not been given from above
cf. 10:18 Jesus has authority to lay down His life and take it up again
cf. 17:2 Jesus has authority to give eternal life
cf. 6:37 No one comes to Jesus unless given to him by the Father
cf. 3:27 A man only has what has been given to him from Heaven
cf. 3:3 on "from above" = anothen, helps us define "born anothen" as from above
Because of this, the one who gave me over to you has greater sin
cf. 15:22-24 "if not seen what I did, would not be as guilty"
Forth Public Rejection by the Jews 19:12
Fourth attempt to free Jesus
From this point Pilate sought to free Him
Fourth Public Rejection by the Jews
but they shouted, saying, "If you free this man, you are not a friend of Ceasar"
Becasue everyone making Himself a King speaks in opposition to Ceasar
irony and hypocricy of those who hated Ceasar and were longing for the Messiah to overthrow Ceasar
Notice that Pilate is put in the position to choose between Jesus Whom he knows is innocent and Ceasar
theme challenge to half belief
Jesus vs. Ceasar
Jesus vs. Synagogue
Jesus vs. adversion to suffering persecution
Jesus vs. world/flesh/devil
The Verdict and Final Rejection by the Jews 19:13-15
Upon hearing these words - they found the key to Pilate
Pilate led Jesus outside and sat on the judgment seat in the place called the stone pavement
It was the preparation day of the passover, the sixth hour
Pilate said, Behold your King - irony/Messiah
Final Public Rejection by the Jews
They cried out, Take Him away, Take Him away, Crucify Him
cf. 1:29 same word for take away the sins of the world
Pilate said, Should I crucify your King
more irony - Jesus is more of a King by being crucified - Foolishness of crucifixion is height of God's wisdom according to Paul in I Cor. 1
ancient saying, "The cross is a throne, He reigns from the tree"
The chief priests answered , "We have no King but Ceasar
irony- denying the Messiah
Digression on Anti-Semitism
Some claim that John made this up as slanderous to Jews
For those of us that believe the Bible, it is not fiction but history
Some take this then as ground for slander and hatred of all Jews
some reject this because some have taken it as ground for slander and hatred of all Jews
clarify that this is speaking of a few specific people who were Jewish, not claiming this reaction applies to all Jews
2 opposite errors
one claim that the stereo types apply to no one
there is usually a reason for stereotype
There are black/white/Chinese/American/Canadian people who do act like the stereotype, no matter what it is
two claim that the steriotypes apply to everyone
cannot be blanketly applied as grounds for rejection
there are some black/white/Chinese/American/Canadien people who are NOT like that
Dream that not be judged by color of skin, but by content of character
Remember that Jesus and all the early disciples were Jewish
Has nothing to do with Jewish ethnicity, but what do you do with Jesus
Death and Burial 19:16-42
The Crucifixion 19:16-22
Then Pilate gave Him over so that He would be crucified
again does not dwell on the realitiy of it because already known, but not spoken of in polite company
They took Jesus
Carrying His own cross, He went out to the place called place of the Skull, Golgotha in Hebrew
They crucified Him there
And with Him two others, on His right and left, Jesus in the middle
Pilate wrote the title and placed it on the Cross
It was written, "Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews"
irony - He really was King of the Jews and the whole world
Many read the title
b/c the place where He was crucified was near the city
And it was written in Hebrew, Latin and Greek - every ethnic group that was there was covered, cf. mission to the Greeks when He was lifted up
The chief preists object
don't write "The King of the Jews"
but write that, "This One said, 'I am the King of the Jews"
irony, I AM statements never claimed that, but claimed much more, they rejected
Pilate rejects them - he said, "What I have written, I have written"
The Fulfilled Scripture 19:23-24
The soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took his clothes and they divided it into four shares
each soldier got a share - typical custom, bonus pay for a lousy detail
but His tunic was seamless from top to bottom
Therefore, they said to one another, "Let's not tear it, but let's decide by chance (lot/gambling) who will get it
So that the Scriptures will be fulfilled, which say
cf. Psa. 22:18
cf. surrounding context - always read surrounding context of OT quotes
amazing that this prediction was fulfilled with so much accuracy, but full context shows even greater meaning
They divided my garments and cast lots for my clothes
Therefore, the soldiers did these things
The Provision for His Mother 19:25-27
There were four women standing near the cross
Jesus' mother
Jesus' aunt (His mother's sister)
Mary the wife of Cleopa
Mary the Magdalene
(apparently Maria/Mariam was a popular name that year)
Jesus saw His mother and the disciple that He loved standing near
He said to His mother, Woman, behold your son
He said to the disciple, Behold your mother
Basically transfering responsibility to take care of His mother to John's household because He was no longer going to be able to do it
From this day, the disciple took her into his own household
The Fulfilled Scripture 19:28-29
After these things, knowing that all things had been fulfilled
so that the Scripture may be fulfilled
He said, "I thirst"
cf. Psa 22:15
Isa 41:17 forsaken people thirst, but God hears and helps
cf. ch. 4 & 7 He promises living water and provides by submitting to deprivation of thirst
promise that we would never thirst because He did
A jar full of sour wine was there
Therefore, they filled a sponge with sour wine and lifted it to His mouth
cf. Psa 69:21 "They gave me vinegar for my thirst
The Death of Christ 19:30
When He had received the sour wine
He said, "It is Finished/completed/fulfilled"
all the work that the Father had sent Him to do, He completed
And lowering His head, He gave up His Spirit
Complete control to the end, no one took it from Him
The Fulfilled Scripture 19:31-37
No broken bones and peirced side
Because it was the day before the Sabbath
so that the bodies would not remain on the crosses on the Sabbath
for this Sabbath was a great day
again irony - scruples about ritual cleanness and social decorum while murdering the Messiah
They asked that the legs may be broken (thus speeding death) and the bodies be taken down
The soldiers broke the legs of the two men crucified with Him
But when they came to Jesus, knowing that He was already dead, did not break His legs
But one of the soldiers pierced His side with his spear
And immediately blood and water came out
John's testimony
And the one who has seen has testified
And his testimony is TRUE
And this one knows that he speaks the TRUTH
So that you also may believe
Fulfilled Scripture
These things happened so that the Scripture may be fulfilled - "Not one of His bones will be broken"
cf. Exo. 12:46 and Num 9:12 speaking of Passover lamb sacrificed
cf. Psa 34:20 speaking of God protecting the righteous man
And again another Scripture says
They will look upon the one they have peirced
cf. Zech 12:10 - in context of Jerusalem repenting and coming back to the Lord, and God pouring out His Spirit and cleansing them from sin.
The Burial of Jesus 19:38-42
After these things Joseph from Aramathea asked Pilate
Joseph was a secret disciple of Jesus because of fear of the Jews - halfway disciple
He asked that he could take the body of Jesus
with PIlate's permission, he came and took His body
Nicodemus also came with him - the one who went to Jesus at night earlier in the story
now it looks like he is a disciple, though still possibly secret, now less secret
Nicodemus brought a lot of spices - an amount appropriate for a royal burial
The two of them took Jesus' body and wrapped it in linen and spices as was the custom of Jewish burials - wrapped up tight
There was a garden/orchard in the place where He was crucified
And in the garden was a new tomb in which no one had ever been placed
They placed Jesus there
because the tomb was near
and because of the preparation day of the Jews - time was running out before the Sabbath
The Resurrection and appearances 20:1-29
Resurrection report - Mary, Peter and John 20:1-10
The first day of the week, Mary Magdalene came very early, while it was still dark
symbolism of darkness - she did not yet know that He was risen
She came to the tomb and saw the stone rolled away from the tomb
She ran and came to Simon Peter and the other disciple whom Jesus loved
She said to them, "They took the Lord from the tomb and I do not know where they have put Him.
Peter and the other disciple went out and went to the tomb
John brags that he ran faster than Peter and got to the tomb first
He bent down and saw the strips of linen lying there, but did not go in
Peter then arrived and went into the tomb and he saw the strips of linen lying there
And the cloth that was on His head, was not lying with the strips of linen, but was folded up in one place separately
significance?
if someone stole the body, they would not have left the linen like this
if somehow He wasn't dead and came back to consciousness and unwrapped Himself, He would not have left the wrapping like this
It seems like the body disappeared and the linen dropped down right where it was - resurrection
Then the other disciple who came to the tomb first saw and BELIEVED
maybe not full significance - (see next verse)
but he knew something was going on
He did not yet know the Scriptures that it was necessary for Him to rise from the dead
The disciples then went again to their place
Resurrection appearance to Mary 20:11-18
But Mary stayed outside the tomb weeping
As she wept, she looked into the tomb
She saw two angels dressed in white, seated one at the head and one at the feet (where His body was laid)
These said to her, "Woman, why are you weeping?"
She said, "They have taken my Lord and I do not know where they have put Him"
notice she is so distraught with mourning that angels do not phase her
When she said this she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not know that it was Jesus
Jesus said to her, "Woman, why are you weeping?" - same question, "Who do you seek?" new question
Thinking that He was the gardener, she said, "Sir, if you have carried Him away, tell me where you put Him and I will take Him."
Jesus said to her, "Mariam" (her name)
cf. 10:3 His sheep know His voice and He calls them by name
She turned to Him and said in her native language "My Rabbi", which means teacher/master
corresponding term to Rabbi is disciple, teacher/learner
confessing herself to be His disciple
Jesus said to her, Stop clinging to me, for I have not yet gone back up to the Father
cf. chs. 14-16 better If I go so that I will send the Paraclete
Go to my brothers and tell them
I am going up to my Father and your Father, my God and your God
for the first time includes them in this designation b/c of the accomplished atonement
cf. the coming from heaven and going back to heaven b/c accomplished all that He came from Heaven to do
Mary Magdalene went and told these things to the disciples
That she had seen the Lord
and that He had said these things
Resurrection appearance to the disciples 20:19-23
It was evening of the first day of the week and the doors were locked where the disciples were because of the fear of the Jews
Jesus came and stood in their midst and greeted them "peace to you"
When He said this, He showed them His hands and His side
Therefore, the disciples rejoiced greatly upon seeing the Lord
understatement!
Jesus again said "Peace to you"
More than just a greeting
Peace means fullness of prosperity
Means a lot coming from a guy who was raised from the dead
He promised that their grief would turn to joy
He promised to give them a peace that the world could not take away
He is delivering on His promises, just like He will deliver on every other promise
Just as the Father sent me, I am sending you
echoing 17:18
As He said this, He breathed on them and said, "Receive the Holy Spirit"
not yet Pentecost, but symbolically pointing forward to Pentecost, just like promised
The Holy Spirit is the Presence of Jesus, the connection from the Father through Jesus, through the Paraclets, through the disciples to the world
If you leave/forgive someone their sins, it will be forgiven to them, but if you hold forgiveness back, it is held back
you is plural, this authority is on the whole church, not individuals
This action is tied to the presence of the Holy Spirit
The verbs are in the perfect tense (already completed) meaning that we are ratifying what God has already done
Any one is plural, therefore refers to groups of people, not just individuals
this authority is given in the context of the mission of the church - the proclamation of Christ weeds out by peoples's response to Christ
These from MOrris, Reflections pp. 710-12
Resurrection appearance to Thomas 20:24-29
Thomas (called the twin), one of the twelve was not with them when Jesus appeared
The other disciples testified to him, "We have seen the Lord"
He said to them
If I do not see the mark of the nails in His hands
and put my finger into the nail marks
and put my hand in His side
I will certainly not believe (double negative)
Why is this story here?
Gospel of John is about beliving via the testimony of the discples to the signs and events
None of the Gospel readers would have the opportunity to do what Thomas insisted on doing
Should the readers have this kind of skepticism?
lets read the rest of the story
After eight days, the disciples were again inside and Thomas was with them
Jesus showed up, even though the door was locked and stood in their midst
He said "peace be with you"
He said to Thomas -
put your finger here
and see my hands
and put out your hand and place it into my side
and don't be unbelieving, but believing
advice not just for Thomas, but for the Gospel readers
Thomas responds
My Lord and My God
goes beyond and confesses Jesus divinity
Jesus said
because you have seen me, you believe
condescended to Thomas' need for proof
blessed are those who do not see, yet believe
cf. sign faith is good, but not good enough
some people need evidence and God is gracious to provide
God calls us to believe on adequate testimony and sends His Spirit to bear witness and give faith
God is gracious to those who genuinely are open and seeking the truth
God will not jump through hoops for the hard hearted who are throwing up roadblocks to belief - Lk. 16 if they don't believe the Law and Prophets, they won't believe even if someone raises from the dead
Purpose of the Book 20:30-31
Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples
Which are not written in this book
These things are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God
and by believing, you will have life in His Name
Epilogue ch. 21
Reveals Himself in the miraclulous catch of fish 21:1-14
The fishing trip
After these things, Jesus revealed Himself to the disciples again by the sea of Tiberias (Galilee)
He revealed Himself in this way:
The disciples were together
Simon said, "let's go fishing"
probably not recreation, but they were going back to old way of life
purposeless even after the resurrection, but that is about to change
The disciples went with him
They got in the boat and caught nothing all night
The miraculous catch
When it was the break of day, Jesus stood on the shore
But they did not know that it was Jesus
He said, do you have any fish? They said "no"
He said, throw your nets on the right side of the boat and you will find some
Similar to Lk. 5 at the very beginning of their ministry - their call
Jesus is bringing them back to square one and reinstating Peter
Reviewing and reinstating the call to be fishers of men
They threw the net and were not able to pull it in because of the fullness of fish
The disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, "It is the Lord"
Peter got dresses and jumped in the water (to swim to Jesus)
The other disciples came with the boat, for they were not far from the shore, dragging the net full of fish
When they came to shore, they saw a fire and fish and bread
same meal in ch. 6 reminder of miracle
Jesus said, bring some of the fish you have just caught
Simon went up and dragged the net onto the shore
There was full of a large amount of fish - 153, yet the net did not break
just like Lk 5
notice the eyewitness detail
The meal
Jesus said, "Come and have breakfast"
None of the disciples dared to examine/scrutinize Him, saying "Who are You?" because they knew that it was the Lord
Jesus took the fish and gave it to them and likewise the bread
This was already the third time Jesus revealed Himself to the disciples after He was risen from the dead
Recommissions Peter 21:15-19
Jesus reverses Peter's threefold denial by drawing out a threefold expression of love, followed by a threefold commision to Jesus' mission
round 1
When they finished breakfast, Jesus said to Peter
Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?
love me more than you love these fish
love me more than you love these disciples
love me more than the disciples love me
all grammatically possible
Peter replied, Yes, Lord, You know that I love you
Jesus said, feed my lambs
cf. ch. 10 good shepherd discourse
round 2
Jesus said to him a second time, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?"
Peter said, Yes Lord, you know that I love you"
Jesus said, shepherd my sheep
round 3
Jesus said to him a third time, Simon, son of John, do you love me?
Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, do you love me?
there is two different words for love being used here
I vascilate each time I read this whether there is significance to the change
Very likely, they are used interchangeably, with no significance in the change - John often interchanges with no significance
possibly, Peter is using a lower sense of love and in this third question Jesus is lowering the question to the level that Peter has been answering
more likely Peter is grieved because He had to ask 3 times to match the 3 times that Peter denied
Peter said, Lord, You know all things, You know that I love You
Jesus said feed by lambs
Jesus predicts Peter's gaining glory for Christ by his death
I tell you the truth, when you were younger, you dressed yourself and went where you wanted
When you are older, you will stretch out your hands, someone else will dress you and bring you where you do not want to go
perfectly normal prediction that would fit many elderly people who need assistance
but in light of what actually happened to Peter - double meaning
Peter was crucified for being an apostle, asked to be crucified upside down because he was not worthy to die in the same way as Christ
Jesus said this to signify by what kind of death he would glorify God
having said this, Jesus told him, "Follow me"
back to original commission - reinstatement
Peter and John 21:20-23
Peter turned and saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following - the one who leaned back on Him and asked, "Who is the one who will betray You?"
Therefore, Peter, seeing him, asked, "Lord, what about this one?"
Jesus answered, "If I want him to remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow me."
in other words, don't worry about John, follow me
John clears up a rumor - possibly because he knew he would soon die
A rumor went out among the brothers that this disciple would not die
a rumor that was probably strengthened as John survived the torture of being boiled in oil
John clarifies what was truly said
Jesus did not say that he will not die, but that If I want him to remain until I come, what is that to you?
Postscript - verifying testimony 21:24
This one (John- the beloved disciple) is the disciple who is testifying concerning these things
And the one writing these things
And we know that his testimony is true
Postscript - unfinished witness 21:25
There are also many other things which Jesus did
Which if every one were written
I suppose the world itself could not contain the books being written