THE GREAT DEBATE: WHO IS HE?

TEXT JOHN 7: http://www.biblica.com/bible/verse/?q=John7&niv=yes

PARAPHRASE JOHN 7:14-24

Some of the people at the Feast of the Tabernacles asked if Jesus was the man the religious leaders were trying to kill. They asked what it meant that none of the religious leaders had tried to keep him from publicly teaching and if they had concluded he was the Christ. Knowing where Jesus was from they questioned whether he could be the Christ who was suppose to come out of no where.

Interrupting his teaching, Jesus responded by telling them that while they knew where he came from he was not here on his own but was here from God - the true One who had sent him.

They reacted to what he said by trying to seize Him but were unable to lay a hand on him because his time to lay down his life had not yet come. Others reacted by confessing they believed in Him reasoning that when the Christ came he couldn’t do any more miracles than Jesus had done.

When the religious leaders heard the crowd saying this they sent out temple guards to arrest Jesus.

Jesus responded to this by telling them he would be with them for a little time longer before going to be with God. He told them they would not be able to find where he was and they would not be able to come to where he was.

The Jews asked each other where he could be going if that they would be unable to find him - thinking he may be going to live among the dispersed Jews and the Gentiles. They were perplexed by what he meant when by telling them they wouldn’t be able to find him and they wouldn’t be able to come to where he was.

On the final and greatest day of the Feast Jesus stood up and loudly told the people that anyone who was thirsty should come to him and drink. He told them that the Scripture says, whoever believes in Him will have streams of living water flow up from within them – meaning that they would receive the Holy Spirit once He ascended and became glorified.

After hearing this some said he surely was the Prophet while others said he was the Christ. Others questioned how the Christ could come from Galilee when Scripture says the Christ is to come from David’s family and from Bethlehem. With the people divided about who Jesus was some wanted to seize him but again no one was able to put a hand on him.

PRINCIPLES John 7:25

I. FIRST CENTURY READERS

A. CIT: John told his first century readers the crowd debated if Jesus was the Christ.

B. INTER: John told his first century readers why the crowd debated if Jesus was the Christ.

C. ANS: John told his first century the crowd debated if Jesus was the Christ because the people & leaders misunderstood:

1. His Origin vv 27-29, 33-36, 41b-42
2. His Power. vv 25-26, 30, 32, 43-44
3. His Mission. vv 31, 37-41a

II. US TODAY

A. CIT: John tells us today that people debate if Jesus is the Son of God.

B. INTER: John tells us today why people debate if Jesus is the Son of God.

C. ANS: John tells us today that people debate if Jesus is the Son of God because they misunderstand:

1. His Origin - He is Fully God & Fully Man
2. His Power - He has the Power to Resurrect.
3. His Mission - He has the Spirit of Life.


PRAYER

Our Father, we praise You for sending Your Son, Jesus Christ.
Our Father, we thank You for giving Him the power.
Our Father, we praise You for giving Him the glory.
Our Father, we thank You for sending the Spirit of Life.
Our Father, we ask Your forgiveness for our doubts.
Our Father, we ask Your forgiveness for our unbelief’s.
Our Father, we ask Your forgiveness for nailing Him to the cross.
Our Father, we thank You for His mission so that we can Live.
Our Farther, We ask You to strengthen us to be voices of this Good News!
In the Name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.


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HE AMAZES, CONVICTS & DISRUPTS

TEXT JOHN 7: http://www.biblica.com/bible/verse/?q=John7&niv=yes

PARAPHRASE JOHN 7:14-24

Halfway through the Feast of the Tabernacles Jesus went to the temple courts to teach - stunning the Jews with his knowledge and wisdom despite not having received any formal education.

Responding to their amazement, Jesus tells the Jews that what he taught came from God who had sent him. He said that by doing God’s will they can determine whether he is speaking on his own authority or with the authority of God. He tells them whoever speaks on his own is interested in obtaining honor for himself while a man of truth seeks the honor of God instead. He asks them about Moses giving them the law and how despite this they aren’t keeping it when they are plotting to kill him.
The Jews respond by telling Jesus he is demon possessed for accusing them of trying to kill him.

Jesus points out to the Jews how astonished yet offended they were when he performed a miracle that healed a whole man on the Sabbath despite their having no problems when a circumcision is performed on the Sabbath so the law of Moses won’t be broken. He asks them how they can be so angry with him for healing a man that they want to kill him and he tells them to stop looking at what he did so superficially and instead to start using their heads and become rational in how they apply the Sabbath rule.

PRINCIPLES John 7:14-24

I. FIRST CENTURY READERS

A. CIT: John told his first century readers that the Jews wanted to kill Jesus.

B. INTER: John told his first century readers why the Jews wanted to kill Jesus.

C. ANS: John told his first century readers that the Jews wanted to kill Jesus because He:

1. Stunned them with wisdom. vv 14-15
2. Accused them of rage. vv 16-20
3. Broke their sabbath. vv 21-24

II. US TODAY

A. CIT: John tells us today that non-believers want to kill Jesus.

B. INTER: John tells us today why non-believers want to kill Jesus.

C. ANS: John tells us today that non-believers want to kill Jesus because He:

1. Amazes them with wisdom.
2. Convicts them of rage.
3. Disrupts their organization.


PRAYER

Our Father, we praise You for sending Your Son.
Our Father, we thank Your Son for honoring You.
Our Father, we praise Your Son for His wisdom.
Our Father, we thank You for Your Son’s healing.
Our Father, we ask You for forgiveness for our unbelief.
Our Father, we ask Your for forgiveness for holding on to our rules.
Our Father, we ask You for forgiveness for insisting on our order.
Our Father, we thank You for Your Son who died for us.
In the Name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.


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DISPARAGE, DENY, DISTORT

TEXT JOHN 7: http://www.biblica.com/bible/verse/?q=John7&niv=yes

PARAPHRASE JOHN 7:1-13

After many disciples deserted him for saying he was the bread of life, Jesus sought safety in Galilee because there were many in Judea who wanted him dead. However, with the Feast of Tabernacles being near, Jesus’ brothers, who like those who had left due to their unbelief, tried provoking him into returning to the dangers of Jerusalem by telling him his disciples needed to see him perform more miracles and that anyone who wants to become well known can’t hide out in Galilee but instead needs to publicly appear at the upcoming Feast.

Jesus responds to his brother’s unbelief by telling them how unsafe it is for him to publicly appear in Jerusalem at this time-which was not the case for them-because of how many people there hated him for confronting their need for Him to save them from their sin. However, he also told his brothers he would appear at the Feast when the time was right.

After his brothers had left, Jesus went secretly to the Feast because there were many Jews, who hating him, wanted him dead. Because the people also feared the Jewish leaders the heavy discussion among the crowd about whether Jesus was a good man or trying to deceive the people was done in private.


PRINCIPLES John 7:1-13


I. FIRST CENTURY READERS

A. CIT: John told his first century readers that because of Jesus’ brothers’ unbelief they tried precipitating a crisis between Him and those in Jerusalem who wanted him dead.

B. INTER: How did John tell his first century readers Jesus’ brothers’ tried to precipitate a crisis between Him and those who wanted him dead?

C. ANS: John told his first century readers that Jesus’ brothers’ tried to precipitate a crisis between Him and those who wanted him dead by:

1. Pressuring His timing

2. Pressing His miracles

3. Promoting His fame


II. US TODAY

A. CIT: John tells us that unbelievers today try precipitating a crisis between Jesus Name (Savior) and those who want His Name destroyed.

B. INTER: How does John tell us that unbelievers today try precipitating a crisis between Jesus Name (Savior) and those who want His Name destroyed?

C. ANS: John tells us that unbelievers today try precipitating a crisis between Jesus Name (Savior) and those who want His Name destroyed by:

1. Disparaging His timing

2. Denying His miracles

3. Distorting His fame


PRAYER
Our Father, we praise Your timing!
Our Father, we thank You for Your Son’s Miracles!
Our Father, we praise Your Son’s Name!
Our Father, we thank You for Your Son’s Life!
Our Father, we ask You to forgive our unbelief!
Our Father, we ask You to forgive those in denial!
Our Father, we praise Your Bread!
Our Father, we thank You for Your Feast!
In the Name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.


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CHOSEN, HOLY & LOVED

COLOSSIANS 3:12-17

I. A CHOSEN COMMUNITY: COLOSSIANS 3:12-17

12Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

15Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 16Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. 17And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

II. PARAPHRASE: COLOSSIANS 3:12-17

Because your old self (your sinful nature) has been put to death by Christ in whom you have life, you are now God’s chosen, holy and loved people who must live life according to your new self (who you are in Christ). Your new nature in Christ (not in Sin, not in Adam), changes you into people who are compassionate, kind, humble, gentle and patient; who support each other as you grow in being able to forgive grievances as they arise in the body; who forgive as Christ forgives; and who are bound together in unity through your love for one another.

With the peace of Christ ruling your hearts you are called to live together in the body without conflict. Being transformed by Christ’s word provides you the wisdom necessary to teach and hold one another accountable. Show your gratitude to God by worshipping Him with your voice through psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. Let everything you say or do to one another be based on Jesus Christ through whom you are able to thank God.


III. PRINCIPLES: COLOSSIANS 3:12-17
A. Colossian Church

1. CIT Paul told the Colossians they were God’s chosen, holy & loved people -v12a

2. INT How were the Colossians God’s chosen, holy and loved people?

3. ANS The Colossians were God’s chosen, holy and loved People because

A. Their Sinful nature had died with Christ allowing them to be:

(1) Compassionate, Kind, Humble, Gentle & Patient - v 12b

(2) Supportive & Forgiving - v 13a

(3) Like Christ - v 13b

(4) United in Love - v 14

B. Their Hearts are being transformed by Christ allowing them to:

(1) Live in Peace not in Conflict - v 15

(2) Teach & Admonish with Wisdom - v 16 a

(3) Speak & Act like Jesus Christ - v 17 a

(4) Worship & Thank God for Christ - vv 16 b, 17 b


B. Church Today

1. CIT Paul tells the Church Today they are God’s chosen, holy & loved people. (I Am Your God, Isa41:4-10) & (Deut. 7:7-8 a)

2. INT How is the Church Today God’s chosen, holy & loved people?

3. ANS The Church Today is God’s chosen, holy & loved people because:

A. Our Sinful nature died with Christ allowing us to be: - (Gal. 3:27)

(1) Compassionate, Kind, Humble, Gentle, & Patient - (Fruit of the Spirit, Gal 5:22-26) & (Phil 2:3-4)

(2) Supportive & Forgiving - (You Must Forgive, Luke 17:1-6) & (Gal. 6:2) & (Eph. 4:32)

(3) Like Christ - (Seek the Things Above, Col 3:1-11)

(4) United in Love - (John 17:23)


B. Our Hearts are being transformed by Christ allowing us to:

(1) Live in Peace not in Conflict - (Serve the Lord, Col 3:18-25)

(2) Teach & Admonish with Wisdom - (1 Thess. 5:14-15)

(3) Speak & Act like Jesus Christ - (You Are My Witnesses, Isa 43:110-13)

(4) Worship & Thank God for Christ

ONE BREAD OF LIFE

TEXT JOHN 6: http://www.biblica.com/bible/verse/?q=John5&niv=yes

PARAPHRASE JOHN 6:25-50


THE MESSAGE John 6:15-59

25 When they found him back across the sea, they said, "Rabbi, when did you get here?"

26 Jesus answered, "You've come looking for me not because you saw God in my actions but because I fed you, filled your stomachs—and for free.
The Bread of Life

27 "Don't waste your energy striving for perishable food like that. Work for the food that sticks with you, food that nourishes your lasting life, food the Son of Man provides. He and what he does are guaranteed by God the Father to last."

28 To that they said, "Well, what do we do then to get in on God's works?"

29 Jesus said, "Throw your lot in with the One that God has sent. That kind of a commitment gets you in on God's works."

30-31 They waffled: "Why don't you give us a clue about who you are, just a hint of what's going on? When we see what's up, we'll commit ourselves. Show us what you can do. Moses fed our ancestors with bread in the desert. It says so in the Scriptures: 'He gave them bread from heaven to eat.'"

32-33 Jesus responded, "The real significance of that Scripture is not that Moses gave you bread from heaven but that my Father is right now offering you bread from heaven, the real bread. The Bread of God came down out of heaven and is giving life to the world."

34 They jumped at that: "Master, give us this bread, now and forever!"

35-38 Jesus said, "I am the Bread of Life. The person who aligns with me hungers no more and thirsts no more, ever. I have told you this explicitly because even though you have seen me in action, you don't really believe me. Every person the Father gives me eventually comes running to me. And once that person is with me, I hold on and don't let go. I came down from heaven not to follow my own whim but to accomplish the will of the One who sent me.

39-40 "This, in a nutshell, is that will: that everything handed over to me by the Father be completed—not a single detail missed—and at the wrap-up of time I have everything and everyone put together, upright and whole. This is what my Father wants: that anyone who sees the Son and trusts who he is and what he does and then aligns with him will enter real life, eternal life. My part is to put them on their feet alive and whole at the completion of time."

41-42 At this, because he said, "I am the Bread that came down from heaven," the Jews started arguing over him: "Isn't this the son of Joseph? Don't we know his father? Don't we know his mother? How can he now say, 'I came down out of heaven' and expect anyone to believe him?"

43-46 Jesus said, "Don't bicker among yourselves over me. You're not in charge here. The Father who sent me is in charge. He draws people to me—that's the only way you'll ever come. Only then do I do my work, putting people together, setting them on their feet, ready for the End. This is what the prophets meant when they wrote, 'And then they will all be personally taught by God.' Anyone who has spent any time at all listening to the Father, really listening and therefore learning, comes to me to be taught personally—to see it with his own eyes, hear it with his own ears, from me, since I have it firsthand from the Father. No one has seen the Father except the One who has his Being alongside the Father—and you can see me.

47-51 "I'm telling you the most solemn and sober truth now: Whoever believes in me has real life, eternal life. I am the Bread of Life. Your ancestors ate the manna bread in the desert and died. But now here is Bread that truly comes down out of heaven. Anyone eating this Bread will not die, ever. I am the Bread—living Bread!—who came down out of heaven. Anyone who eats this Bread will live—and forever! The Bread that I present to the world so that it can eat and live is myself, this flesh-and-blood self."

52 At this, the Jews started fighting among themselves: "How can this man serve up his flesh for a meal?"

53-58 But Jesus didn't give an inch. "Only insofar as you eat and drink flesh and blood, the flesh and blood of the Son of Man, do you have life within you. The one who brings a hearty appetite to this eating and drinking has eternal life and will be fit and ready for the Final Day. My flesh is real food and my blood is real drink. By eating my flesh and drinking my blood you enter into me and I into you. In the same way that the fully alive Father sent me here and I live because of him, so the one who makes a meal of me lives because of me. This is the Bread from heaven. Your ancestors ate bread and later died. Whoever eats this Bread will live always."

59 He said these things while teaching in the meeting place in Capernaum.


I. FIRST CENTURY READERS

A. CIT: John told his first century readers that when the crowd asked Jesus who he was, He told them he was the Bread of Life (vv 35, 48).

B. INTER: What did John tell his first century readers the Bread of Life was?

C. ANS: John told his first century readers the Bread of Life was the:

1. One Sent by God vv 29, 32-33, 38, 41, 46, 50-51, 57-58
a. His Seal of Approval v 27
b. His Everything v 37
c. His Taught vv 37, 44-45

2. One Giving Life to the World vv 33, 51
a. His Living Bread vv 35, 40, 47
b. His Flesh & Blood vv 51-54, 56-58
c. His True Bread & Drink vv 55

3. One Doing God’s Will vv 27, 38-40, 47, 50-51, 54, 56-58
a. His Will vv 39-40
(1) His losing no one v 39
(2) His Eternal Life vv 27, 40, 47, 50-51, 54, 56-58
(3) His Raising Up on Last Day vv 39-40

4. One to Believe in vv 28-29, 35-36, 40, 47
a. His Work vv 28-29
b. His Fulfillment of Hunger & Thirst vv 35-36

II. US TODAY

A. CIT: John tells us today that when the crowd asked Jesus who he was, He told them he was the Bread of Life (vv 35, 48).

B. INTER: What does John tell us today the Bread of Life is?

C. ANS: John tells us today the Bread of Life is the:

1. One Sent by God vv 29, 32-33, 38, 41, 46, 50-51, 57-58
a. His Endorsement v 27
b. His Everything v 37
c. His Believers vv 37, 44-45

2. One Giving Life to the World vv 33, 51
a. His Spiritual Food vv 35, 40, 47
b. His Crucifixion vv 51-54, 56-58
c. His True Relationship v 55

3. One Doing God’s Will vv 27, 38-40, 47, 50-51, 54, 56-58
a. His Will vv 39-40
(1) His Completed v 39
(2) His Eternal Life vv 27, 40, 47, 50-51, 54, 56-58
(3) His Resurrection vv 39-40

4. One to Believe in vv 28-29, 35-36, 40, 47
a. His Work vv 28-29
b. His Fulfillment vv 35-36

PRAYER

Our Father, Thank You, for sending Your Son into the world.

Our Father, Praise to You, for Your Son’s life giving Death and Resurrection.

Our Father, Glory to You, for Your Son’s obedience to Your Will.

Our Father, Honor to You, for the eternal relationship we have through Your Son.

We ask this in the Name of Your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.


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THE GREATEST FOCUS, HEART & LIFE

I. The Greatest Commandment: Matthew 22:34-40

22:34 Now when the Pharisees heard that he had silenced the Sadducees, they assembled together.

22:35 And one of them, an expert in religious law, asked him a question to test him:

22:36 “Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?”

22:37 Jesus said to him, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’

22:38 This is the first and greatest commandment.

22:39 The second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’

22:40 All the law and the prophets depend on these two commandments.”

II. Paraphrase: Matthew 22:34-40

“Not Who, But What’s the Greatest”

Despite having been stunned by Jesus after hearing how He had made the Sadducees speechless, the Pharisees had one of their religious law experts try to test His knowledge and comprehension of the entirety of Scripture by asking him which commandment was the greatest. Quoting from Deuteronomy 6:5 and Leviticus 19:18, Jesus responded by saying the first and greatest commandment is, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. And, that the second was like it, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” He told them that these two commandments form the basis for everything else Scripture has to say.

III. Teaching: Matthew 22:34-40

Not willing to say die, despite being stunned by Jesus’ answer about paying taxes to Caesar and despite the Sadducees being left speechless by Jesus’ interpretation of the what God said with respect to the resurrection in Exodus, the Pharisees put their best religious law expert up to testing Jesus’ knowledge and understanding of everything Scripture has to say by asking him what the greatest commandment was. He told them that everything in God’s Word is based on and held together by two commandments which are inseparable. He quoted from the Book of Deuteronomy (6:5) that the first and greatest commandment was to, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.” And then quoted from Leviticus (19:18) that the second was to “Love your neighbor as yourself.”

They were inseparable in that if you aren’t able to love your neighbor as yourself, then your heart hasn’t changed as a result of loving God with all of your self, e.g. the man who was thrown out of the wedding banquet celebration was thrown out because instead of loving God with all of his being, he feared God with all of his being as a result of his selfishness, i.e. thinking only of himself - not the king, the king’s son, or the king’s servants when he rejected the invitation to attend the king’s celebration - something that was clearly visible (in his not being dressed in wedding clothes).

IV. Principles: Matthew 22:34-40

A. First Century Readers

1. CIT Matthew told his first century readers that when the Pharisees tested Jesus’ understanding of Scripture, He told them all of Scripture was based on Love. vv 34-40

2. INT What did Matthew tell his first century readers Jesus told the Pharisees about the basis of Scripture? vv 37, 39

3. ANS Matthew told his first century readers that Jesus told the Pharisees the basis of Scripture was -

A. Loving God (with all of “Them Self”) - v 22:37

B. Loving “Them Self” - v 22:39

C. Loving Everyone (as “Them Self”) - v 22:39


B. Readers Today

1. CIT Matthew tells readers today that when people test the Truth of Scripture, Scripture tells them that everything (in It) is based on Love.

2. INT What does Matthew tell readers today Scripture tells people (who test “It”) about “Its” basis?

3. ANS Matthew tells readers today that Scripture tells people (who test “It”) that “Its” basis is -

A.Loving God (with all of “Our Self”) - Deuteronomy 6:5 - Changed Focus

(1)Exodus 20:3 “You shall have no other gods before me.”

(2)Deuteronomy 11:1 “Love the Lord your God and keep his requirements, his decrees, his laws and his commands always.”

(3)Matthew 5:17 “Do not think I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.”

B.Loving “Our Self” - Romans 5:5 - Changed Heart

(1)1 John 4:10 “This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us…”

(2)John 13:34 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.

(3)Romans 5:5 “And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.”

C.Loving Everyone (as “Our Self”) - Leviticus 19:18 - Change Life

(1) 1 John 4:19 “We love because he first loved us."

(2) Galatians 5:6b, 14 “The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.” “The entire law is summed up in a single command: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ ”

(3) 1 Corinthians 13:13 “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love."

(4) John 13:35 “By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

SEEKING HIS PRESENCE

TEXT JOHN 6: http://www.biblica.com/bible/verse/?q=John5&niv=yes

PARAPHRASE JOHN 6:16-24

Jesus’ disciples went to the lake that evening and boarded a boat. Setting course across the lake for Capernaum it was now dark and Jesus wasn’t with them. Rowing 3-3 ½ miles into strong winds and rough waters, the disciples were terrified when they saw Jesus walking towards them on the water. After Jesus told his disciples not to be afraid they received him into the boat at which time they immediately reached the shore they were heading for.

The next day the crowds Jesus had fed on the opposite side of the lake began to realize that despite there being only one boat and despite having seen the disciples but not Jesus depart for Capernaum, neither remained with them. Getting into boats that had come from Tiberias, the people crossed the lake for Capernaum to look for Jesus.


PRINCIPLES John 6:16-24


I. FIRST CENTURY READERS

A. CIT: John told his first century readers that Jesus tested his disciples’ faith.

B. INTER: How did John tell his first century readers that Jesus tested his disciples’ faith?

C. ANS: John told his first century readers that Jesus tested his disciples’ faith by:

1. His not accompanying them on the boat vv 16-17

2. His disciples facing the wind and waves v 18

3. His walking to his disciples on the water vv 19-20

4. His presence immediately resulting in their arrival on shore v 21

5. His people crossing the lake to search for him vv 22-24


II. US TODAY

A. CIT: John tells us today that Jesus tests our faith.

B. INTER: How does John tell us today that Jesus tests our faith?

C. ANS: John tells us today that Jesus tests our faith by:

1. His not being visibly present to us vv 16-17

2. His having us facing trials in our journey of faith v 18

3. His presence being revealed to us when needed vv 19-20

4. His presence providing us immediate assurance v 21

5. His having us seek Him in our spiritual journey vv 22-24


PRAYER

Our Father, forgive us when we lack faith in Your Son’s presence in our life.

Our Father, forgive us when we lack faith in Your Son during the trials we face.

Our Father, Thank You for revealing Your Son’s presence when we need it the most.

Our Father, Thank You for providing the assurance we need of Your Son’s presence in our life.

Our Father, lead us safely to Your Son as we seek Him.

We ask this in the Name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.



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FOCUS ON & FOCUS OFF

TEXT JOHN 6: http://www.biblica.com/bible/verse/?q=John5&niv=yes

PARAPHRASE JOHN 6:1-15

Some time after reviewing the testimonies to his being the Son of God, Jesus crossed to the other side of the Sea of Galilee near the time of the Passover, followed by many people who had witnessed his miraculous healings.

Seeing how many people were present as he ascended a mountainside with his disciples, Jesus tested Philip’s faith by asking him where they could get enough food for the people to eat. Philip responded by telling Jesus how costly it would be to purchase enough bread for everyone present to get a single bite. Pointing to the only food available, a boy with five small loaves of bread and two fish, Andrew questioned Jesus about the value of such meager resources when there were so many hungry people present.

Telling his disciples to prepare everyone to eat by having them sit down in the grass, Jesus took the boy’s bread and fish, gave thanks to God and gave everyone as much to eat as they wanted. Telling his disciples to collect all the leftovers so nothing would be wasted, they filled twelve baskets with the food that remained after everyone had eaten.

Witnessing Jesus miraculous feeding of everyone, the people confessed him as the prophesized Messiah, but knowing they thought this meant he had come to be their earthly king he left them to be alone on a mountain.

PRINCIPLES John 5:1-15

I. 1st Century Readers

A. (CIT) John told his first century readers that Jesus’ disciples lacked faith in his ability to feed the people.

B. (INT) Why did Jesus’ disciples lack faith in his ability to feed the people?

C. (ANS) Jesus’ disciples lacked faith in his ability to feed the people because they focused:

1. On
A. The People (The Number) vv. 2, 5, 10
B. The Impossible (The Money) vv. 5-7
C. The Improbable (The Resources) vv. 8-9

2. Off
A. His Purpose (Not an Earthy King) vv. 14-15
B. His Identity (The Son of God) vv. 1-3
C. His Father (His Provision) vv. 4, 10-13


II. Readers Today

A. (CIT) John tells us that Jesus’ disciples lack faith today in his ability to feed the people.

B. (INT) Why do Jesus’ disciples lack faith today in his ability to feed the people?

C. (ANS) Jesus’ disciples lack faith today in his ability to feed the people because they focus:

1. On
A. The Numbers (The People) vv. 2, 5, 10
B. The Money (The Impossible) vv. 5-7
C. The Resources (The Improbable) vv. 8-9

2. Off
A. His Kingship (His Purpose) vv. 14-15
B. His Sonship (His Identity) vv. 1-3
C. His Provision (His Father) vv. 4, 10-13


PRAYER

Our Father, forgive us when we focus on the Numbers –Ourselves.

Our Father, forgive us when we don’t focus on Your Kingship -Your Purpose.

Our Father, forgive us when we focus on the Money –The Impossible.

Our Father, forgive us when we don’t focus on Your Sonship - Your Identity.

Our Father, forgive us when we focus on the Resources - The Improbable.

Our Father, forgive us when we don’t focus on Your Provision – You.

We ask all of this in the Name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.



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CONFIRMATION

TEXT JOHN 5:31-47 http://www.biblica.com/bible/verse/?q=John5&niv=yes

PARAPHRASE JOHN 5:31-47

Jesus tells the Jews he understands his self-testimony that he is the Son of God carries no weight with them but that other testimonies to this fact should carry weight with them including that of John the Baptist, the ultimate reason he has been sent, God Himself, and even their favorite prophet Moses.

Jesus tells them that when their religious leaders went out to the wilderness to check out John the Baptist he testified to the truth of who he is. Jesus tells them John’s revelation, prophesized by Malachi, that he is the Son of God was not only true, but something that would save them if they believed it.

Jesus tells them that even as he speaks he is in the midst of completing the decisive act that will make it possible for sinners to be reconciled to God which by itself is proof positive of who he is. Jesus tells them that God Himself has spoken through the Scriptures that as His Son he is the way to eternal life– a testimony they fail to believe because they have outsmarted themselves by thinking they are saved because of their great intellectual understanding of Scripture.

Jesus tells them that unlike him they are concerned with receiving human praise instead of praise from God because of their cold hearts. He tells them by not seeking out God’s praise by believing in His Son they are rejecting God’s Love.

Finally, Jesus tells them that despite the hope they place in Moses, he will charge them before God with failing to believe in His Son because of what he wrote in the Scriptures about him. He tells them their failure to believe what Moses wrote about the Son of God makes it impossible for them to believe what he has told them about who he is.

PRINCIPLES John 5:31-47

I. 1st Century Readers

A. (CIT) John told his first century readers that the Jews failed to believe Jesus was the Son God sent to save them despite the testimonies that confirmed it.

B. (INT) What were the testimonies that confirmed Jesus was the Son God sent to save the Jews?

C. (ANS) The testimonies that confirmed Jesus was the Son God sent to save the Jews were those of:

1. John the Baptist (Mal 4:5; Isa 40:3)

2. His Decisive Act of Salvation (Isa 53:11; Jn 3:17)

3. God’s Word - The Scriptures (Deuteronomy 4:12; Isaiah 26:10)

4. Moses’ Words – The Pentateuch (Gen 3:15, 49:10; Ex 12:21; Lev 16:5; Nu 24:17; Dt 18:15)


II. Readers Today

A. (CIT) John tells us today that people fail to believe Jesus is the Son God sent to save them despite testimonies confirming it.

B. (INT) What are the testimonies confirming Jesus is the Son God sent to save us?

C. (ANS) The testimonies confirming Jesus is the Son God sent to save us are those of:

1. John the Baptist’s Words - Mal 4:5; Isa 40:3

2. His Act - Isa 53:11; Jn 3:17

3. God’s Word (Scripture) - Deuteronomy 4:12; Isaiah 26:10

4. Moses’ Words (Pentateuch) - Gen 3:15, 49:10; Ex 12:21; Lev 16:5; Nu 24:17; Dt 18:15


PRAYER

Our Father, we thank You for Your Word testifying Jesus is Your Son.

Our Father, we praise You for John the Baptist’s preparation for Your Lamb.

Our Father, we lift You on High for Moses Words testifying to Your Son.

Our Father, we give You glory for Your Son’s Sacrificial Act of Salvation.

Our Father, forgive our unbelief and for failing to testify about Your Son.

We ask all of this in the Name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.

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THE SON OF GOD'S AUTHORITY & POWER TO RESURRECT

WORSHIP THRU THE WORD

TEXT JOHN 5:16-30 http://www.biblica.com/bible/verse/?q=John5&niv=yes

PARAPHRASE JOHN 5:16-30

Because the Jews believed that Jesus broke the Fourth Commandment by healing at Bethesda on the Sabbath they persecuted him. And, when he called God his Father and said his relationship with God gave him the authority to preserve the creation by healing whenever necessary, the Jews plotted to kill him because they believed he had blasphemed.

Jesus answered the Jews’ charges by telling them his authority to do whatever God does resides in his relationship to God, who as His beloved Son has full knowledge of God’s purposes and plans which will be revealed through his doing much greater things than healing an invalid on the Sabbath. And, Jesus tells the Jews if they do not honor him as they do his Father when he does even greater things - like raising the dead and judging them at the end of time - they will be dishonoring God as well.

Jesus tells the Jews that the truth about eternal life is that it will come to whoever accepts that he is who he says – the Son of God sent into the world to save those who believe from the damnation of eternal death that otherwise awaits them as sinners. Jesus tells them that when those who are otherwise dead in their sin have accepted him as the Son of God they will receive eternal life because the Son, as God, is life itself and the Son, as Man, has been given the authority to judge whether he has been believed or not. Because of this, Jesus tells them they shouldn’t be surprised when the time comes for the resurrection of the dead that those believing he is the Son of God will arise to eternal life and those not believing he is the Son of God will arise to eternal damnation.

PRINCIPLES John 5:16-30

I. 1st Century Readers

A. (CIT) John told his first century readers that those who believe Jesus is the Son of God will be resurrected to eternal life and those who don’t will be resurrected to eternal damnation.

B. (INT) How did John tell his first century readers that Jesus would resurrect them to eternal life if they believed he was the Son of God?

C. (ANS) John told his first century readers that Jesus would resurrect them to eternal life if they believed he was the Son of God (v 18) because he had been given:

1. God's Authority -
A. to Heal vv 16-17
B. to Know. vv 19-20
C. to Judge vv 22, 27 & 30

2. God's Power -
A. of Life. v 21
B. of Salvation. vv 23-26
C. of Resurrection. vv 28-29


II. Readers Today

A. A. (CIT) John tells us today that those who believe Jesus is the Son of God will be resurrected to eternal life and those who don’t will be resurrected to eternal damnation.

B. (INT) How does John tell us today that Jesus will resurrect us to eternal life if we believe he is the Son of God?

C. (ANS) John tells us today that Jesus will resurrect us to eternal life if we believe he is the Son of God (v 18) because he has:

1. God's Authority -
A. to Heal vv 16-17
B. to Know. vv 19-20
C. to Judge vv 22, 27 & 30

2. God's Power -
A. of Life. v 21
B. of Salvation. vv 23-26
C. of Resurrection. vv 28-29



PRAYER

Our Father, we thank You for Sending Your Son into the world.

Our Father, we thank You for giving Your Son the Authority to Heal, Know & Judge.

Our Father, we praise You for Loving Your Son.

Our Father, we thank You for giving Your Son the Power of Life, Salvation & Resurrection.

Our Father, we praise You for Honoring Your Son.

Our Father, we glorify You for who You are and what You have done!

We ask all of this in the Name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.


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AN INVALID'S HEALING, THE SABBATH & THE LAW'S INTENT

TEXT JOHN 5:1-15 http://www.biblica.com/bible/verse/?q=John5&niv=yes

PARAPHRASE JOHN 5:1-15

Some time after healing the royal official’s son, Jesus went to a feast in Jerusalem where at the pool of Bethesda he came upon a man who had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. Inquiring about his will to get well, Jesus asked him if he wanted to get well, to which the man responded by telling Jesus he had no one to help him into the healing waters of the pool. Jesus then commanded him to get up, pick up his mat and walk and the man was immediately cured – he picked up his mat and began walking.

Because this was the Sabbath day the Jews told the healed man who was carrying his mat that it was unlawful for him to be doing so. When he told them the man who made him well had told him to do this they asked him who this man was but he didn’t know his name.

Later, finding the man at the temple Jesus pointed out that though he was now well if he didn’t stop sinning something worse might happen to him. Leaving Jesus, the man went to the Jews and told them it was Jesus who had healed him.

PRINCIPLES John 5:1-5

I. 1st Century Readers

A. (CIT) John told his first century readers that Jesus healed on the Sabbath.

B. (INT) Why did John tell his first century readers that Jesus healed on the Sabbath?

C. (ANS) John told his first century readers that Jesus healed on the Sabbath because:

1. A man had been an invalid for 38 years. vv 1-7

2. The religious authorities’ Sabbath traditions were more rigid than the Law.vv 9b-13, 15

3. His authority to heal physically & spiritually was not bound by time. vv 8-9 a, 14

II. Readers Today

A. (CIT) John tells us today that Jesus heals on the Sabbath.

B. (INT) Why does John tell us today that Jesus heals on the Sabbath?

C. (ANS) John tells us today that Jesus heals on the Sabbath because:

1. Some people have been suffering for many years.

2. Some people’s religious traditions are more rigid than the intent of the Sabbath day of rest.

3. His authority to heal physically & spiritually is not bound by time.

PRAYER

Our Father, we thank You for coming to us where we are.

Our Father, we give You praise for Your Son who has mercy on our infirmities.

Our Father, we thank You for always being at work, listening to and answering our prayers.

Our Father, we ask You to forgive our sins, those we are aware of and lay before you today and those we are not aware of but yet are responsible for and also lay before you.

Our Father, we ask that in Your Kingdom come that our mind, body and soul will be healed.

Our Father, we ask that in Your Kingdom come that Your healing would always override any traditions we have, that we would not make any of our traditions greater than the healing that Your Son has brought into this world, a healing that is never bound by time, by day of the week.

Our Father, we give glory to You for who You are and what You have done!

And we ask all of this in the Name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.

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FAITH IN THE BREAD, WINE & SAVIOR

TEXT JOHN 4:43-54 http://www.biblica.com/bible/verse/?q=John4&niv=yes

PARAPHRASE JOHN 4:43-54

After spending two days with the Samaritans, Jesus left for his home area of Galilee where previously he had told the people of Nazareth said that a prophet has no honor in his own country when they had turned on him after declaring he was fulfilling Isaiah’s words about the Messiah. Having seen all that Jesus had done at the Passover Feast in Jerusalem, the Galileans had begun to change their minds about him welcoming him home when he arrived.

Visiting Cana in Galilee where previously he had turned water into wine, a royal official from Capernaum came begging Jesus to come and heal his son who was sick and dying. Jesus responded by telling the people that unless they saw miraculous signs and wonders they wouldn’t believe. This didn’t stop the royal official from continuing to beg Jesus to come before his son died to which Jesus responded by testing the official's faith by telling him to return home, that his son would live.

Trusting what Jesus said, the official left for home. While in route he was met by his servants who told him his son was alive and well. Asking them when his son improved they told him his son’s fever left the previous day at 1 pm. Realizing this was the exact hour Jesus had told him his son would live, he and his household believed that Jesus really was the Messiah.

This was the second miracle Jesus performed having come from Judea to Galilee.

PRINCIPLES JOHN 4:43-54

CIT = Central Idea of the Text, INT = Interrogatory, ANS = Answer)


A. First Century Readers

CIT: John tells his first century readers about believing Jesus was the Messiah.

INT: What does John tell his first century readers that believing Jesus was the Messiah involved?

ANS: John told his first century readers that believing Jesus was the Messiah involved believing He was the:

I. Lamb of the Passover Feast vv 43-45

II. Wine of the Wedding Feast v 46

III. Healer of the Infirmities v 47-54


B. Readers Today

CIT: John tells us today about believing Jesus is the Messiah.

INT: What does John tell us today that believing Jesus is the Messiah involves?

ANS: John tells us today that believing Jesus is the Messiah Involves believing He is the:

I. Bread of our Communion Feast

II. Wine of our Communion Feast

III. Savior of our Souls


PRAYER

Our Father, we thank You and give You praise for Your Son, Jesus Christ the Messiah.

Our Father, we give You the glory for the Lamb who takes away the sin of the world through His sacrifice.

Our Father, we honor You and your Son for His body and blood that were shed on the Cross for us.

Our Father, we give Your Son praise, glory and honor for He is the Savior of the world.

Our Father, we give Your Son praise for the Communion Feast we celebrate in remembrance of Him.

Our Father, we thank You for Your Son’s body and blood celebrated in the bread and wine of the meal we have been given.

Our Father, we thank You for these signs that give us faith in who Your Son is that we may have assurance of the eternal life He brings today and for time to come.

We ask all of this in the Name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.

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BREAKING BARRIERS 2 LIVING WATER

TEXT JOHN 4:4-42 http://www.biblica.com/bible/verse/?q=John4&niv=yes

BREAKING BARRIERS 2 LIVING WATER

PARAPHRASE JOHN 4:4-42

In traveling from Judea to Galilee, Jesus went through Samaria an area Jews usually avoided. Coming to the town of Sychar, he walked near a plot of land Jacob had given his son Joseph and had dug a well. Tired from his journey, Jesus sat down by the well while his disciples went into town to buy food. When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus asked her for a drink which shocked her because Jews believe they will become defiled if they come into contact with Samaritans. He tells her that if she knew of God’s gift of grace and who he really was, if instead she were to ask him, she would receive living water - eternal life.

Misunderstanding Jesus, she asks him where living water comes from and how he could be greater than Jacob who dug the well for them. He tells her that drinking from Jacob’s well only temporarily satisfies one’s thirst, while drinking his water satisfies one’s thirst forever - leading to eternal life. She then asks Jesus to give her some of his water so she will never be thirsty again and have to return to Jacob’s well.

Jesus then tells her to go and get her husband because it is improper for him to be talking to her alone, at which point she tells him she has no husband. Knowing this, Jesus tells her that she has had five husbands and that she is telling the truth when she says she is not married to the man she is now with. Recognizing Jesus knowledge of her personal life is a sign that he is a prophet, she diverts the discussion away from herself to a religious conflict between the Samaritans and Jews about where the proper place to worship God is - Mount Gerazim vs the Jerusalem Temple. Jesus tells her that a time is coming when the God will be worshipped in neither place because the Samaritans worship what they don’t know and the Jews worship what they do. He tells her that salvation comes from the Jews and that the time has come when true worshippers won’t worship God in a place but in spirit and truth - something God desires. He tells her that because God is spirit his worshippers must worship Him in spirit and truth. The woman responds that when the Messiah comes he will explain everything to them at which point Jesus reveals to her that he is the Messiah.

When the disciples return from town they are surprised to find Jesus talking to a woman because of the customs of the day. Simultaneously, the woman leaves her water jar and goes back to town and tells everyone to come with her to see a man who could be the Messiah because he knew everything about her. As the town’s people come out to see Jesus, the disciples urged Jesus to eat, but he tells them his food is to do the will of God. He also quotes to them the proverb, “Four months more and then the harvest”, telling them in so many words to open up their eyes so they can participate in harvesting the crop of souls who are coming their way. He reminds them of the truth of another saying, “One sows and another reaps” telling them they have been sent to reap what they have not sowed. Others such as the prophets and him had done the hard work of sowing with the town’s people of Sechar, while they (the disciples) will reap the benefits of their labor as the town’s people come out to see him (the Messiah) for themselves.

Many of the town’s people believed because the Samaritan woman testified that “He told me everything I ever did.” When the Samaritans came out to see Jesus they asked him to stay with them and so he did for two days. As a result of his words many more believed and they told the woman that they no longer believed solely because of her testimony, now that they had heard Jesus for themselves and knew he was the Savior of the world.


PRINCIPLES JOHN 4:4-42

CIT = Central Idea of the Text, INT = Interrogatory, ANS = Answer)

JOHN 4:4-42

A. First Century Readers

CIT: John tells his first century readers that Jesus was God’s gift of living water leading to eternal life.

INT: How does John tell his first century readers that Jesus was God’s gift of living water leading to eternal life.

ANS: John told his first century readers this by Jesus breaking down barriers:

I. He Went through Samaria

II. He Talked to a Woman

a. He Asked Her for a Drink

b. He Offered Her Living Water

c. He Told Her about Her Life

d. He Told Her about True Worship

e. He Told Her He was the Messiah

III. He Stayed with Her People


B. Readers Today

CIT: John tells us today that Jesus is God’s gift of living water leading to eternal life.

INT: How does John tell us today that Jesus is God’s gift of living water leading to eternal life.

ANS: John tells us this today by our breaking down barriers:

I. We Go to Forsaken Places

II. We Talk to Forsaken People

a. We Ask Them for a Drink

b. We Offer Them Living Water

c. We Tell Them about Their Lives

d. We Tell Them about True Worship

e. We Tell Them about the Messiah

III. We Stay with Them


PRAYER

Our Father, we give You praise for Your gift of Living Water, of Eternal Life, in Your Son, Jesus Christ.

Our Father, we thank You that Your Son, the Messiah, broke down the barriers that existed in this world, offering His Living Water to all.

Our Father, we thank You that we also can break down barriers in proclaiming Your Son's Living Water to the world.

Our Father, embolden us to go wherever and to whomever You desire us to go with Your gift.

Our Father, forgive us in the past when we have not responded to Your call.

Our Father, may our worship be as You desire, in spirit and in truth and may we bring this worship with us wherever You might send us to do Your work.

Our Father, humble us to ask others for the drink that we need as we build the relationships necessary to talk with them about their lives and the Salvation the Messiah brings.

We ask all of this in the Name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.

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GREATER & LESSER

TEXT: JOHN 3:22-36 http://www.biblica.com/bible/verse/?q=John3&niv=yes

PARAPHRASE – John 3:22-36

After talking with Nicodemus, Jesus and his disciples went into the Judean countryside where his disciples began baptizing, as John the Baptist was doing. This led to an argument between some of John’s disciples and a certain Jew about ceremonial washing. They went to John asking him why the one whom he had testified about was now baptizing and why everyone was going to him.

John answered by telling them a man can only receive what he is given from heaven, reminding them that he had testified he was not the Christ but had been sent ahead of him. He also told them while the bride belongs to the bridegroom, his role has been like that of the best man to the bridegroom, waiting and listening for him and being filled with joy when he hears his voice. He told them now that the Christ has come his joy is compete and that the Christ must become greater and he must become less important.

John goes on to tell them the one from above, from heaven, is the Christ who is above all, while he is from the earth, belongs to the earth and speaks as one from the earth. He tells them that even though the one from above testifies to what he has seen and heard, no one accepts his testimony, although those who do accept it certify God as truthful – having sent the one from above who speaks His words, He gives him the Spirit without limit. John ends by telling them the Father loves the Son and has placed all authority in his hands so that whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see eternal life because God’s wrath remains on him for his sin.

PRINCIPLES

CIT = Central Idea of the Text, INT = Interrogatory, ANS = Answer)

JOHN 3:22-36

A. First Century Readers

CIT: John told his first century readers that Jesus must become greater and John the Baptist less. vv 22-26

INT: Why did John tell his first century readers that Jesus must become greater and John the Baptist less?

ANS: John told his first century readers that Jesus must become greater and John the Baptist less because of:

I. Who John the Baptist was

A. A man who received only what he was given from heaven. v 27

B. A man who testified he was not the Christ v 28

C. A man who said he was like the friend of the bridegroom v 29

II. Who Jesus was

A. The One who was from above, from heaven v 31

B. The One who was above all v 31

C. The One who testified what he had seen and heard v 32

D. The One who spoke the words of God v 33

E. The One whom the Father loved and gave all authority to v 35

F. The One who brought eternal life v 36

B. Readers Today

CIT: John tells us today that Jesus had to become greater and John the Baptist less. vv 22-26

INT: Why does John tell us today that Jesus had to become greater and John the Baptist less?

ANS: John tells us today that Jesus had to become greater and John the Baptist less because of:

III. Who John the Baptist was

A. A man who received only what he was given from heaven. v 27

B. A man who testified he was not the Christ v 28

C. A man who said he was like the friend of the bridegroom v 29

IV. Who Jesus is

A. The One who is from above, from heaven v 31

B. The One who is above all v 31

C. The One who testifies what he has seen and heard v 32

D. The One who speaks the words of God v 33

E. The One whom the Father loves and has given all authority to v 35

F. The One who brings eternal life v 36

PRAYER

Our Father, we thank You for the friend of the bridegroom who waited for him and prepared his way.

Our Father, we praise You for the man from earth who testified he was not the Christ but was sent ahead of him.

Our Father, we thank You for the One from Heaven who testified about what he had seen and heard.

Our Father, we praise You for the One above all, who speaks Your words with the Spirit unlimited.

Our Father, we thank You for loving the Son and for giving him all authority.

Our Father, we give You praise for the eternal life He brings to all who believe in His Name.

Our Father, forgive us when we falter in our belief and for our failures in telling others the Good News of Your Son and what He has done on the Cross for the sake of all.

In the Name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.

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WATER & SPIRIT

THE WORD

WATER & SPIRIT

TEXT: JOHN 3: http://www.biblica.com/bible/verse/?q=John3&niv=yes


PARAPHRASE – John 3:1-21

Nicodemus, a Pharisee and member of the Jewish ruling counsel, came to Jesus at night and calling him teacher, said that they knew he was from God because of the miraculous signs he was doing.

Jesus responded by saying, “I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again,” which confused Nicodemus who taking Jesus literally, asked him how this was physically possible.

Trying to move Nicodemus away from a literal understanding, Jesus told him that no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and Spirit stating, “Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit.” He went on to tell him that he shouldn’t be surprised at being told “You must be born again.” Speaking of the wind, Jesus tells Nicodemus that it blows wherever it wants to and although he can’t see where it comes from or where it is going he can hear its sound - which is like those who are born of the Spirit.

Still in the dark, Jesus tells Nicodemus that as one of Israel’s teachers he should already know the things he is being told, but the truth is although he and his disciples have been testifying to what they know and have seen – his people haven’t accepted their testimony. Jesus tells Nicodemus that since he has not believed him about earthly things it is unlikely he will believe him about heavenly things. He tells him that as the Son of Man he knows about heavenly things because having come from heaven he has been in heaven. And as Moses lifted up a snake on a pole in the desert so that whoever looked up at it would be saved from sin and death, he too will be lifted up on a cross so that whoever looks to him and believes in him will have eternal life.

He goes on to tell Nicodemus that God loves the world so much that he has given his only Son so that whoever believes in him will not perish apart from God but live eternally with Him. God didn’t send his Son into the world to condemn it but to save it through him, i.e. whoever believes in the Son is not condemned but whoever doesn’t believe is condemned because he doesn’t believe in God’s Son. And the verdict is: the Son is the Light that has come into the world, but men love darkness instead because what they do is evil and therefore they hate the light because they are fearful their evil actions will be exposed. However, those who live by the truth come into the light where it is clearly seen what they do has been done through God.

PRINCIPLES

(CIT = Central Idea of the Text, INT = Interrogatory, ANS = Answer)

JOHN 3:1-21

A. First Century Readers

CIT: John tells his first century readers that God sent His Son into the world to save it.

INT: How did John tell them God was going to save the world through His Son?

ANS: John told them that:

I. They must be born again. v 3,7

II. They must be born of water & the Spirit. v 5,6,8

III. They must believe in the Cross. v 14,15

IV. They must believe in God’s Son. v 10-13,16-18

V. They must come into his Light. v 19-21

B. Readers Today

CIT: John tells us today that God sent His Son into the world to save it.

INT: How does John tell us that God saves the world through His Son?

ANS: John tells us that:

I. We must be born again. v 3,7

II. We must be born of water & the Spirit. v 5,6,8

III. We must believe in the Cross. v 14,15

IV. We must believe in His Son. v 10-13,16-18

V. We must come into his Light. v 19-21

PRAYER

Our Father, we thank You for sending Your Son into the world to save us.

Our Father, we ask you to forgive us when we hide in our darkness.

Our Father, we praise You for bringing us into Your Light.

Our Father, glory to You for the Cross we look up to.

Our Father, we thank You for the water & Spirit.

Our Father, glory to You for the birth it brings.

In the Name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.

AUTHORITY TO CLEANSE

AUTHORITY TO CLEANSE

TEXT: JOHN 2:12-22 http://www.biblica.com/bible/verse/?q=John2&niv=yes

PARAPHRASE – John 2:12-22

After attending the wedding banquet Jesus went to Capernaum with his mother, brothers and disciples where they all stayed for a few days.

Then when it was getting close to the time of the Passover he went to Jerusalem where he found that cattle, sheep and doves were being sold and money was being exchanged in the temple courts. Making a whip out of chords he drove the sheep and cattle from the temple courts, scattered the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables – shouting to those who were selling doves, “Get these out of here! How dare you turn my Father’s house into a market!

As he did this, his disciples remembered that in the Psalms it says “Zeal for your house will consume me.”

In contrast, the Jews were demanding that Jesus perform a miraculous sign to prove he had authority to do what he had done.

Jesus responded to them by saying “Destroy this temple and I will raise it again in three days.”

Taking him literally, the Jews asked Jesus since it had taken 46 years to build the temple, how was he going to rebuilt it in three days – not realizing the temple he spoke of was his body. After the resurrection his disciples remembered what he had said to the Jews and they believed the Scripture and the words he had spoken.

PRINCIPLES – John 2:12-22

I. John told his first century readers that Jesus had authority to cleanse the Temple.

II. How does John tell his first century readers that Jesus had authority to cleanse the Temple?

III. John tells his first century readers that Jesus had authority to cleanse the Temple because:

A. It was His Father’s house v 13-16

B. Scripture foretold it v 17

C. His resurrected body was the new Temple v 18-22


IV. John tells us today that Jesus has authority to cleanse the Church.

V. How does John tell us today that Jesus has authority to cleanse the Church?

VI. John tells us today that Jesus has authority to cleanse the Church because:

A. It’s His Father’s house v 13-16

B. Scripture foretells it v 17

C. His resurrected body is the Church v 17-22

PRAYER

Our Father, we thank You for Your Son’s Resurrection, for His Body the Church.

Our Father, forgive us when we desecrate His Body with materialism and privilege.

Our Father, we praise You for Your Word foretelling of Your Son’s cleansing.

Our Father, we praise You for Your Son’s authority to do what he does.

Our Father, help our faith to grow strong in Your Son for what he has done.

Our Father, we pray all of this in the Name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.

Amen.

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