Daily Bible Devotionals

“But Stephen, filled by the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven.  He saw God’s glory with Jesus standing at the right hand of God, and he said, ‘Look!  I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!’  Then they screamed at the top of their voices, stopped their ears, and rushed together against him.  They threw him out of the city and began to stone him.  And the witnesses laid their robes at the feet of a young man named Saul.  They were stoning Stephen as he cried out with a loud voice, ‘Lord, do not charge them with this sin!’  And saying this, he fell asleep.  Saul agreed with putting him to death.”  Acts 7:55-60, 8:1a (HCSB)

In that early era, following Jesus’ resurrection, followers of Jesus were considered by the more significant Jewish communities to be exclusively Jewish, much the way they view the Lubavitch sect of Orthodox Judaism today.  The Romans officially considered “Messianics” a sect of Judaism, and the first dispute within the early Church concerned Jewish believers influenced by Gentile culture.

In chapter 6, a dispute broke out between Hebrew and Greek-speaking Jews.  A prejudice that existed in mainstream Jewish culture had made its way into the young Christian community.  Greek-speaking widows were not getting a fair share of the community charity.  In Israel today, there are disputes between various ethnic Jewish communities.

Stephen was chosen (along with six others) to ensure things ran smoothly.  Important to note is how all seven of those chosen had Greek names.  The Apostles wanted to send a message that there should be no prejudice among Messiah’s followers, so they chose men of Greek Jewish background to distribute the charity.

By most scholars’ accounts, Stephen was a Samaritan.  It is evidenced by the Biblical references and interpretations he cites in his defense.  Samaritans were half-breeds:  half Jewish, half Gentile.  At home, with neither the Romans nor religious Jews of Jesus’ day, Samaritans were too Jewish to be Gentile and too Gentile for the Jewish community.  

Not being a Hebrew-speaking Jew and most likely known to be a Samaritan, Stephen’s words would have been particularly offensive to non-Messianic religious Jews.  Perhaps, they tolerated Peter because he was a Hebrew-speaking Jew, speaking boldly in the temple.  But they would not stand to be rebuked by a gospel-preaching Samaritan.  

This perspective helps us understand why Saul, a highly trained Pharisee, would be so zealous against Christians.  Perhaps, he felt half-breed “apostates” were corrupting Judaism.  Ironically, Paul became the “Apostle to the Gentiles.”

According to Jewish custom, two lookouts were posted about a hundred yards away in opposite directions whenever someone was sentenced to stoning.  Each lookout was given a “cloak” to signal, in case someone was running from afar, with evidence that could acquit the condemned.  Saul’s job at the stoning of Stephen, “watching the cloaks,” was most likely to be one of those lookouts.

“In those days, as the number of disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint by the Hellenistic (Greek) Jews against the Hebraic Jews that their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution.  Then the Twelve summoned the whole company of the disciples and said, ‘It would not be right for us to give up preaching about God to handle financial matters (or to serve tables).” Acts 6:1-2 (HSCB)

Hidden in today’s passage is a controversial little statement.  Most people just skip past it.  The statement is at the beginning of verse 2; “Then the Twelve summoned the whole company…”

The controversy in the statement concerns who is missing: The apostle Paul.  Today’s passage points to decisions that were made during the time after Judas had hung himself, yet before Paul’s “Damascus Road” faith-changing experience.  Most believers consider Paul to be the 12th apostle, replacing Judas.  I don’t believe Scripture strongly supports that idea.  It definitely never states it plainly.  

Matthias was the 12th apostle. “Then they cast lots for them, and the lot fell to Matthias.  So he was numbered with the 11 apostles.” Acts 1:26 (HCSB)  

It is commonly held by theologians that Matthias was chosen because of Peter’s lack of patience, yet God makes no negative comment about Matthias’ selection.  God chose not to comment at all.

So was Paul an apostle?  Of course, he was!  Paul describes himself as such.

“Now I am speaking to you Gentiles.  In view of the fact that I am the apostle to the Gentiles, I magnify my ministry, if I can somehow make my own people jealous and save some of them.”  Romans 11:13 (HCSB)

Theologians’ issue with the concept of 13 apostles lies partly in their ignorance of Jewish culture and symbols.  People assume that because there were 12 disciples, the same number as the 12 tribes of Israel, there can only be 12 apostles.

Jesus having twelve apostles works if He only came to redeem Israel.  Indeed, Jesus came initially to the Jewish people, but with the outpouring of His Spirit, the Gentiles were given access to His salvation and Spirit. “For I am not ashamed of the Gospel, because it is God’s power for salvation to everyone who believes, first to the Jew, and now also to the Greek (Gentiles).  For in it God’s righteousness is revealed from faith to faith, just as it is written: The righteous will live by faith.” Romans 1:16-17 (HCSB)

In Jewish understanding, the number 13 is the number of completion.  “13” is not unlucky in the Jewish culture.  It is blessed.  Consider the Shema: “Hear oh Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is One.” (Deuteronomy 6:4)  The Hebrew word for “One” is “Echad.”  In the Hebrew language, there is no separate number system; each letter has a numerical value.   In Hebrew, every letter is also a number; hence, every word has a numeric value.  Together, the numerical value of the word “Echad” is “Thirteen.”

The idea of 12 apostles leading Israel and a 13th bringing the Gospel to the Gentiles is thoroughly Biblical, for it brings “Echad” (oneness) to the World.  It completes the body of the Messiah, bringing unity to Jewish and Gentile believers.

“I pray not only for these, but also for those who believe in Me through their message.  May they all be ONE, as You, Father, are in Me and I am in You.  May they also be ONE in Us, so the World may believe You sent Me.  I have given them the glory You have given Me.  May they be ONE as We are ONE.  I am in them and You are in Me.  May they be completely ONE, so the World may know that You sent Me and have loved them as You have loved Me.” John 17:20-23  (HCSB - emphasis mine)

“Many signs and wonders were being done among the people through the hands of the apostles.  By common consent they would all meet in Solomon’s Colonnade.  None of the rest dared to join them, but the people praised them highly.  Believers were added to the Lord in increasing numbers – crowds of both men and women.” Acts 5:12-14 (HCSB)

There is a growing movement in the Church called the “home church” movement.  People seeking a more intimate worship experience are meeting in homes.  One of the arguments of “home church” leaders to support their ministry model is that the early believers always met in homes.  Today’s passage addresses that assumption.

I don’t have a strong opinion of whether the “home church” movement is good or bad.   On the one hand, it seems odd and somewhat cultish whenever people depart from the norm and isolate themselves.  Who holds these groups accountable to the Word?  “How are we going to accommodate for growth and still feel small?” is always the looming question.  On the other hand, I developed a growing grassroots ministry that started in my home!  

My rule is:  I have nothing against “small” ministry, as long as it doesn’t intend to stay that way.  When God is working amid something, it grows to His glory.  What healthy Christian community growth should look like is a topic for another day.  In today’s chapter, two myths of the early Church are debunked.  

The first myth debunked concerns how the early Church had “all possessions in common.”  While that was true very early on, it wasn’t sustained for a significant amount of time.  As soon as everyone jumped on board with that idea, a couple named Ananias and Saphira sought to exploit it, then others.  The apostle Paul also rebuked some congregations for giving nothing while praising others who contributed to the ministry.

The second myth centers on how the early Church always met in homes.  While it is true that many believers met in homes in the beginning, the Apostles, along with the faithful and bolder believers, met daily at the Temple Complex.  Initially, those who met in homes were those whose fear overrode their boldness to testify and identify with Jesus and other believers.  Later, with intense persecution and the eventual destruction of the Temple in 70 AD, all believers had to meet in homes, eventually building their own synagogues, or “churches,” as they came to be known.

Still, the bold proclamation of the Gospel, accompanied by the Spirit’s powerful displays, was the growth engine of the early Church.  Let today’s passage challenge us to move beyond our holy huddles and unashamedly proclaim Jesus!  For the same reason that we cannot return to Eden, we cannot return to those days immediately following Pentecost.  Today is a NEW era, and it demands boldness.  Battles are not won by retreating.  They are won by boldly yet gracefully and faithfully advancing the Gospel!  The Lord goes BEFORE His people, so let’s get moving forward!!

“Then Peter was filled with the Holy Spirit and said to them, ‘Rulers of the people and elders: If we are being examined today about a good deed done to a disabled man – by what means he was healed – let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel, that by the Name of (Messiah) Jesus, the Nazarene – whom you crucified and whom God raised from the dead – by Him this man is standing before you healthy.  This Jesus is: The Stone despised by you builders, who has become the cornerstone.  There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under Heaven given to people by which they must be saved.’”  Acts 4:8-12 (HCSB)

Every time I read the book of Acts, I am amazed at the transformation that occurred in Simon Peter.  The man who cowardly denied Jesus to servants in the darkness of the courtyard of Caiaphas’ home is now boldly proclaiming Him in broad daylight at the Temple Complex to the very men who condemned Jesus.

There is no way such a transformation could have taken place had Peter not wholeheartedly believed that Jesus had been resurrected.  It makes no sense otherwise.

I like to use moments like these to ask myself: Has there been such an evident transformation in my own life?  Can people, who knew me before I became a follower of Jesus, notice a distinguishing transformation?  

Not only was Peter convinced that Jesus was the Messiah, but he also put his faith into action.  He followed the Lord’s leading, even though he knew there was a strong possibility of physical harm or even death.  God confirmed His leading by displaying His Spirit in power.

Have you ever experienced the Lord moving and working through you in power?  You probably won’t until you start stepping out in faith.  God’s Spirit is given to all who believe.  But you may never experience the power of His presence unless you boldly move forth, proclaiming His Gospel.

And what would that Gospel be?  The same one Peter proclaimed:  Salvation is in Jesus, alone, for there is no other name under Heaven given to people through who they MUST be saved!  All mankind is in need of salvation, and that salvation comes exclusively through Jesus.  If you want to be saved, you MUST come through Him.  Acts 4:12    

That being said, while the grace of Messiah comes exclusively through Jesus, it is offered to anyone who would, by faith, believe.  John 3:16-21

“When the day of Pentecost had arrived, they were all together in one place.  Suddenly a sound like that of a violent rushing wind came from heaven, and it filled the whole house where they were staying.  And tongues, like flames of fire that were divided, appeared to them and rested on each one of them.  Then they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in different languages, as the Spirit gave them ability for speech.  There were Jews living in Jerusalem, devout men from every nation under heaven.  When this sound occurred, the multitude came together and was confused because each one heard them speaking in his own language.”  Acts 2:1-6 (HCSB)

What is known in the Christian world as “Pentecost” is actually a Jewish festival called Shavuot.  (Exodus 34:22, Deuteronomy 16:9-10)   The Lord commanded this harvest festival's “first fruits” to be 50 days after Passover.  (Leviticus 23:16) When the Bible was translated into Greek, the translators named the festival “pentekostes,” which means “fifty.”  

Shavuot was one of the Shalosh Regalim, the three times each Jewish man was to make a pilgrimage on foot to Jerusalem each year.  This is why Jews from every nation were gathered in Jerusalem when the Holy Spirit was given.  It is a command of God.

While it was initially a harvest festival, Shavuot has become synonymous with the giving of the Torah (Heb: Teaching/first five books of the Old Testament) in Moses’ day.  This is because the Torah was given 50 days after the Passover in Egypt.

The similarities/contrasts between the giving of the Torah and the giving of the Holy Spirit are definitely worth noting.

Here are a few:  Moses ascended Mt Sinai to meet with God, and Jesus ascended to the Father.  The children of Israel were commanded to wait until the Torah (Teaching) was given.  The disciples were commanded to wait until the Holy Spirit (the Teacher) was given.

On the day the Torah was given, 3000 men died.  (Exodus 32:28-29) On the day the Spirit was given, 3000 men were saved and baptized.  (Acts 2:41-42) The Torah was written on tablets of stone, whereas the Spirit writes God’s Word on our hearts of flesh.  (Jeremiah 31:33-34)

At the Tower of Babel, God sent languages to confuse evil mankind, keeping them from working together.  At Shavuot (Pentecost), God used languages to unite devout men for His purposes.    

Also worth mentioning: King David is said to have died on Shavuot, whereas Jesus, the “Son of David,” is alive!  (Acts 2:25-32)

It makes me wonder why the Church-at-large doesn’t acknowledge Shavuot every year.

“When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he tied his outer garment around him (for he was stripped) and plunged into the sea.  But since they were not far from land, (about 100 yards away), the other disciples came in the boat dragging the net full of fish.  When they got on land, they saw a charcoal fire there with fish lying on it, and bread.  ‘Bring some of the fish you’ve just caught,’ Jesus told them.  So Simon Peter got up and hauled the net ashore, full of large fish – 153 of them.  Even though there were so many of them, the net was not torn.” John 21:7b-11 (HCSB)

The theme of the last chapter of the Gospel of John seems to be restoration for Simon Peter and shoring up loose ends for six other disciples.  (John 21:2) Today, I want to focus on two less-obvious aspects of this chapter.

The Bible tells us they were fishing in the “Sea of Tiberius,” another term for the southern part of the Sea of Galilee.  Tiberius was a Roman town.  Since religious Jews would never choose to live around Romans, Tiberius would have been safe enough for the disciples to lay low and still fish in familiar waters.

While Pilate defended Jesus three times, then he recanted; Peter denied Jesus three times, and, in John 21, he repented.

We know Peter’s heart desired reconciliation with Jesus.  The moment he perceived Jesus was on the shore, Peter jumped into the water.  This scene is reminiscent of an earlier time when Peter’s lack of faith prohibited him from walking on water.

“‘Lord, if it’s You,’ Peter answered Him. “Command me to come to You on the water.  ‘Come!’ He said.  And climbing out of the boat, Peter started walking on the water and came toward Jesus.  But when he saw the strength of the wind, he was afraid.  And beginning to sink he cried out, ‘Lord, save me!’” Matthew 14:28-30 (HCSB)

We can assume Peter possibly believed he would walk on water because, not wearing proper swimming attire, he tied his garment around himself.  I think Peter was trying to communicate to Jesus that he was willing to be faithful and given another chance.

The second observation in Chapter 21, concerns the number of fish the disciples caught.  To this day, 153 known fish species have ever lived in the Sea of Galilee.  (about 30 species live there today) The miracle may not have simply been a great haul of fish.  Perhaps, they caught one of every type of fish.  Regardless, their catch of fish foreshadowed worldwide evangelism, which would spring forth from the disciples’ preaching.  It also foretold the end of the age when all mankind would be judged.

“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a dragnet that was cast into the sea and gathered some of every kind, which, when it was full, they drew to shore; and they sat down and gathered the good into vessels, but threw the bad away.  So it will be at the end of the age.” Matthew 13:47-49a (NKJV)

“So when they had come together, they asked Him, ‘Lord, are You restoring the kingdom to Israel at this time?’  He said to them, ‘It is not for you to know times or periods that the Father has set by His own authority.  But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come on you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.’”  Acts 1:6-8 (HCSB)

Virtually every Jew expected that the Messiah would deliver Israel from Roman oppression.  The assumption was that Messiah would set up a sovereign, united nation, like those of Kings Saul, David, or Solomon, and again under the Maccabees and their Hasmonean descendants.  (164-63 BC) This is clearly seen in John 6:15 when after feeding the 5000, they were on the point of seizing Him to make Him a king.

No one grasped Jesus’ teaching (aka the true messages of the prophets) that He had not come this first time to rule but to die as a “ransom for many” and be resurrected on the third day.  (Mark 10:33-34, 45) Even Jesus’ disciples misunderstood and continued to do so after the predicted events had taken place.

It is important to note that the disciples’ question directly pertained to Israel’s national restoration.  Jesus did not rebuke them or indicate that God’s plan for Israel had been replaced by “the Church,” as some “Christians” would put forth.  He simply indicated it wasn’t time for Israel to reform as a nation.  Israel’s national restoration occurred in 1948.

But Israel’s national reformation was not the Lord’s main concern at that moment.  (nor would it be for about 1,950 years) Rather, He was focused on the baptism of the Holy Spirit and the spreading of His Gospel to the ends of the earth.  Jesus was keeping the “main thing” the main thing.

As in the days before Jesus’ ascension to the Father, some people within the Church-at-large are preoccupied with signs and wonders leading up to Jesus’ 2nd coming.  Sadly, preoccupation with the “end times” often keeps believers from the “main thing,” which is the continued spreading of the Gospel.  

Believers should each receive the Gospel and, with it, the gift of the Holy Spirit.  Then, we should share the Gospel with a lost and dying world.  We should know God and make Him known.  As we read the Bible, we continue to understand God’s character and His requirements of us.  With that increasing knowledge and experience of following the Lord comes the responsibility and privilege of participating in the “Great Commission” so that the whole world can know that Jesus the Messiah has redeemed us!

“Then Pilate took Jesus and had Him flogged.  The soldiers also twisted together a crown of thorns, put it on His head, and put a purple robe around Him.  And they repeatedly came up to Him and said, ‘Hail, King of the Jews!’ and they were slapping His face.  Pilate went outside again and said to them, ‘Look, I’m bringing Him outside to you to let you know I find no grounds for charging Him.’ Then Jesus came out wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe.  Pilate said to them, ‘Behold the man!’ When the chief priests and the temple police saw Him, they shouted, ‘Crucify!  Crucify!’ Pilate responded, ‘Take Him and crucify Him yourselves, for I find no grounds for charging Him.’” John 19:1-6 (HCSB)

It’s interesting how Pilate defended Jesus three times, then recanted.  At the same time, Peter denied Jesus three times, then repented.  How you ran the race is not always as important as how you finished it.

Pilate’s defense of Jesus came from three of His most trusted sources: His law (John 18: 38), his wife  (Matthew 27: 19), and his own religious omens (today’s passage).

If you visit Jerusalem, you have probably seen the “scourging floor.”  This is the spot where the Romans scourged their prisoners, many of whom were eventually crucified.  This is most likely the place where Jesus was scourged, as well.

As you can see in the photo, etchings in the stone scourging floor and its adjacent stone wall depict a torturous game the Romans played called “The King’s Game.” This was a game of death and mocking.  In this game, the “player” would move through various brutal stages with hopes of gaining all the vestments of a king.  It involved the casting of lots and was nearly impossible to complete.  If the player made it through the game, he earned his life.

It is crucial to consider The King’s Game when we read the story of Jesus’ trial.  If, indeed, the soldiers ran Jesus through this torturous game, then by all evidence & twisted Roman honor, Jesus won the game.  I say this because He appeared wearing all the “vestments” one must accumulate to win freedom.  It also explains why Pilate used this moment for one last attempt to defend the Lord.

Eventually, Pilate caved, and Jesus was crucified.  God’s Spirit used every angle to dissuade Pilate from crucifying Jesus, but he rejected the Spirit’s testimony.  Peter, on the other hand, eventually listened to God’s Spirit after having committed a great blasphemy: denying Jesus.  Peter humbled himself, repented, and became a passionate preacher of the Gospel.  Peter accepted the Spirit’s testimony and found forgiveness.  After all, to defend Jesus, Pilate blasphemed the Spirit by refusing to accept to its testimony.  

“He who is not with Me, is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters abroad.  Therefore I say to you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but blasphemy against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven men.” Matt 12:30-31 (NKJV)

“But one of the twelve, Thomas (called ‘Twin’), was not with them when Jesus came.  So the other disciples kept telling him, ‘We have seen the Lord!’  But he said to them, ‘If I don’t see the mark of the nails in His hands, put my finger into the mark of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will never believe!’”  John 20:24-25 (HCSB)

Like most people, I hope my faithfulness to the Lord would be compared to the Bible’s faithful giants like Paul, Daniel, Joshua, or Joseph.  Sadly, I feel more akin to guys like Thomas.  More often than not, I have to see things to believe them.

Personally, I feel “Doubting Thomas” has gotten a bad rap over the years.  It helps to know the other disciples didn’t have much more faith than Thomas.  They each had to see to believe, as well.  None of them took the women’s (the ones who had seen the empty tomb) testimony at face value.  

Earlier in Chapter 20, John testifies concerning his lack of faith and understanding and that of the others.  Seeing was believing, even for John.

“Then the other disciple, who came to the tomb first, went in also; and he saw and believed.  For as yet they did not know the Scripture, that He must rise again from the dead.”  John 20: 8-9 (NKJV - emphasis mine)

Jesus had already appeared to the ten other disciples (Judas had hung himself) and shown them His scars on the 1st day of the week.  Thomas was the LAST to “see & believe.”  He didn’t see Jesus until the 8th day.

“In the evening of the first day, the disciples were gathered together with the doors locked because of their fear of the Jews.  Then Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, ‘Peace to you [Shalom]!’  Having said this, He showed them His hands and side.  So the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord.”  John 20:19-20 (HCSB)

In my opinion, Thomas’s statement was not blatant unbelief…no more unbelief than the others had displayed.  I believe Thomas’s statement had more to do with his frustration that he had been absent when Jesus first appeared to the others.  Thomas wanted the Lord to reveal Himself, precisely as He had done to the others.  He didn’t want to miss out.  Jesus granted Thomas’ longing for personal interaction, as He will for you.

God knows men will not believe in Him simply because they experience an overwhelming number of miraculous signs.  That is why not every single miracle that Jesus performed is recorded.  The impact of miracles fades over time.  Doubt sets in.  

Still, God knows some men will not believe in Him UNLESS they experience a sign.  John 20: 30-31 Perhaps, the most convincing sign unbelievers need to see is the gospel preached, accompanied by the “miracle” of your transformed life.

“So Pilate told them, ‘Take Him yourselves and judge Him according to your law.’  ‘It’s not legal for us to put anyone to death,’ the Judeans declared.  They said this so that Jesus’ words might be fulfilled signifying what sort of death He was going to die.  Then Pilate went back into the headquarters, summoned Jesus, and said to Him, ‘Are you the King of the Jews?’  Jesus answered, ‘Are you asking this on your own, or have others told you about Me?’  ‘I’m not a Jew, am I?’ Pilate replied.”  John 18:31-35a (HCSB)  

There was a time when a Gentile’s following of Jesus was tantamount to converting to Judaism.  The idea of “Messiah” was a purely Jewish thing.  Understanding who Jesus was and the importance of His ministry required specific knowledge of God’s Word, which could only be obtained through a close affiliation with Jews.  

Perhaps, no one understood that idea more than the guy who presided over the trial of Jesus.  This concept was not just the opinion of an ignorant Roman Governor.  The question, “What do we do with Gentile believers?” is, perhaps, the most hotly debated issue in the New Testament.  

Strange how the modern Church has mostly lost a Hebraic understanding of the Scriptures.  Given its almost exclusively Hebrew beginnings, perhaps, the most glaringly obvious question in the Church today should be, “Why are there so few Jews in the pews?”

There are two kinds of people who read the Bible, looking for information about Jesus:  Those who seek Him plainly, and those who seek Him vainly.  

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

The second type can’t find Jesus because they’re not seeking the truth.  They are looking for loopholes, so they won’t have to believe in Him.  Pilate was looking for loopholes and enough information to strike a political compromise.  Instead of a platform of conviction, Pilate chose fear, for the roots of compromise are fear and weakness.

Matthew’s Gospel testifies that Pilate’s wife warned him against convicting Jesus.  Matthew 27:19 But, as is the case with all people, when confronted with the facts of the Gospel, the kingship of Jesus was ultimately a personal decision for Pilate to accept or reject.  Sadly, Pilate wasn’t looking for truth.  He didn’t know what truth was.  Jesus is the Word of God, made flesh.  Apart from God’s Word, there is no spiritual truth.  By rejecting Jesus’ personal testimony, Pilate rejected the authority of God’s Word.

“‘You are saying that I’m a king,’ Jesus replied.  ‘I was born for this, and I have come into the World for this: to testify to the truth.  Everyone who is of the truth listens to My voice.’ ‘What is truth?’ said Pilate.”  John 18:37b-38a (HCSB)

“It is for your benefit that I go away, because if I don’t go away the Counselor will not come to you.  If I go, I will send Him to you.  When He comes, He will convict the world about sin, righteousness, and judgment: about sin, because they do not believe in Me; about righteousness because I am going to the Father and you will no longer see Me; and about judgment, because the ruler of this world has been judged.  I still have many things to tell you, but you can’t bear them now.  When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all the truth.” John 16:7b-13a (HCSB)

There are practical reasons why Messiah would take on flesh and dwell among us as a man.  To take mankind’s sin upon Himself, He chose to suffer in a man’s flesh.  To demonstrate that God’s Spirit was willing to inhabit and work through fleshly man, Jesus came as a man.  Jesus also chose to come as a man so that He might develop personal human relationships.  He was fully God yet fully man.

That being said, there was one limitation to Jesus in the flesh:  He could only be in one place at a time.

As important as the healing, teaching, and atoning work of Jesus was His return to Heaven, a.k.a., His Resurrection.  Jesus’ resurrection proved that His sacrifice pleased God.  It also communicated that, given we have a saving relationship with Jesus, God would be willing to raise us up as well.

The resurrection also made practical earthly ministry sense.  If Jesus “in the flesh” could only be in one place at-a-time, the gift of His Spirit would enable Jesus to be wherever a believer was.  The power of God’s Spirit, working through individual “surrendered” followers in accordance with Jesus’ Name and multiplied by thousands, was the growth catalyst for the early Church.

Jesus even told His disciples that they would accomplish more than Him.

“I assure you: The one who believes in Me will also do the works that I do.  And he will do even greater works than these, because I am going to the Father.  Whatever you ask in My name, I will do it so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.  If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it.” John 14:12-14 (HCSB)

The effectiveness of the Church draws from the ever-present power of the Spirit, acting in accordance with the Father’s will, to spread the Good News of Messiah Jesus.

Jesus ministered on earth for three short years and then ascended to the Father’s right hand.  He was One Man, serving one place at-a-time.  Today, the greater body of believers is millions-strong!  Imagine what we could do if we were equipped in His Word, empowered by His Spirit, and desired to work together!

“I am the true vine, and My Father is the vineyard keeper.  Every branch in Me that does not produce fruit He removes, and He prunes every branch that produces fruit so that it will produce more fruit.  You are already clean because of the Word I have spoken to you.  Remain in Me, and I in you.  Just as a branch is unable to produce fruit by itself unless it remains on the vine, so neither can you unless you remain in Me.”  John 15:1-4 (HCSB)

In the Bible, both Israel and Jesus are described as “the vine.”  The references are too extensive to list here, but a few are: Psalm 80:8-16, Hosea 10:1, Isaiah 5:1-7, Mt 21:33-43, Rom 9:6-8

In today’s passage, Jesus informs us that Israel is not a “vine unto itself.”  Rather, He is the true Vine.  Some would say that statement is blasphemous because the vine of Israel drew its nourishment and produced its fruit from God.  That thinking rejects the deity of Messiah.  It is ignorant of Micah 5:2, Isaiah 9:6, and especially John1:1-5;14, which states that Jesus created everything.

Therefore, Israel, not being a vine unto itself, has always been subject to the vineyard Owner’s desire to prune or remove its branches from the greater Vine.  

At times in Jesus’ earthly ministry, there were hundreds, even thousands, of disciples.  Jesus communicated that to be saved, our intellectual belief in Him must be accompanied by a faith that leads to obedience.  Furthermore, our obedience, empowered by His Spirit, will produce fruit.  A sign of our salvation is the fruit (Growth, the signs of His in-working in our lives) we bear in His Kingdom.  

The Lord would never give us a command that was impossible to accomplish.  Bearing true spiritual fruit is impossible by human means, but we can do all things through Messiah who strengthens us!  (Philippians 4:13)

Branches that do not bear fruit have a disconnect from the life-giving vine.  It is up to the vine Keeper to determine whether the branch is dead and should be removed or if it simply needs pruning and thus should abide in the vine but with restorative care.

Even the branches that bear fruit need “pruning” to remain healthy.  That is to say, don’t be satisfied with your present level of fruit production!  It will be seasonal.  Believers should not be proud.  When we are connected to the Vine, our ability to bear fruit comes solely from the Vine.  Our seasons of “fruit production” are managed by the Vine Keeper.

God is always inspecting us “branches,” looking for those un-surrendered areas that may hinder our ability to produce fruit for His Kingdom.  If your obedience to the Lord is matched with a level of pain, perhaps He is pruning you.  He may be building up your faith by placing you into situations where you must be faithful, thus raising your ability to bear fruit for Him.

“As He was passing by He saw a man blind from birth.  His disciples questioned Him: ‘Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?’  ‘Neither this man nor his parents sinned,’ Jesus answered.  ‘This came about so that God’s works might be displayed in him.’”  John 9:1-3 (HCSB)

Imagine Jesus, if you will, as a Master artist.  It’s not much of a stretch; He authored Creation, after all!  So, this Master artist and His protégés are strolling through His studio one day, and they pass by a work of art that doesn’t look quite right.  One of the Master’s students asks what was wrong with the clay that the sculpture would appear so odd.

The Master replies, “Nothing is wrong with the clay.  I left this piece unfinished so you can observe the Master’s work.”  That’s pretty much the scenario of today’s passage.

“We must do the works of Him Who sent Me while it is day.  Night is coming when no one can work.  As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.”  John 9:4-5 (HCSB)

By choosing the word “WE,” Jesus intimated that His disciples would have an active Spirit-directed role in completing the Father’s “works,” as well.  That same “limited participation” in the salvation/discipleship of men is a role extended to us, even today.

It helps to remember that Jesus created humanity by breathing the life of His Spirit into the “dust of the earth.”  Notice the contrast to His writing names of unbelievers in the dirt in Chapter 8.  Here in Chapter 9, Jesus demonstrates that “water/saliva” flowing from His mouth transforms dirt into an agent of healing!  

Ponder that idea for a moment: From the mouth of the Lord comes the Spirit-filled Word of the Lord.  When God’s Word and His Spirit are applied to a person’s unbelief, healing takes place!  That healing brings “sight,” i.e., understanding of the things of God.

“After He said these things, He spat on the ground, made some mud from the saliva, and spread the mud on his eyes.  ‘Go,’ He told him, ‘Wash in the pool of Siloam’ (which means “Sent”).  So he left, washed, and came back seeing.”  John 9:6-7 (HCSB)

Before healing was established, Jesus SENT the man on a mission.  Healing was dependent on the man’s response to God’s call.  People are not saved by hearing the Gospel only but by faithfully responding to it.  

The Hebrew word “Siloam” means “sent.”  The term “apostle” also means “to be sent on a mission.”  We are healed so that we may do Kingdom work.  Once he received healing from his blindness, this man began the work of restoring sight to others by exposing their spiritual and Scriptural “blindness” and testifying of Jesus’ power to heal all who would receive Him.

“‘If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.  And where I go you know, and the way you know.’  Thomas said to Him, ‘Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way?’  Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.’” John 14:3-6 (NKJV)

Jesus had already told His disciples what He was about to undergo in Jerusalem, yet they either did not understand, did not believe, or were in denial.  Of course, Thomas was the disciple famous for doubting Jesus’ resurrection, earning him the name, ‘Doubting Thomas”.

The problem with Thomas was that he focused on “Religion” instead of “Relationship.” Thomas was so quick to learn how to get to Heaven that he didn’t listen when Jesus promised to return and personally take His disciples home.

You don’t need to know the way to a location as long as someone else takes you there.  You simply need to trust the guide and follow.  Likewise, we don’t need to know the way to Heaven.  We need to know Jesus!  Jesus knows the way to Heaven because He came from there.

“No one has ascended into heaven except the One who descended from heaven: the Son of Man.” John 3:13 (HCSB)

Not only does Jesus know the “route” to Heaven, but He, Himself, is the ONLY way!

“And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved.”  Acts 4:12 (NASB)

Frequently, people say they believe Jesus was a great teacher but that He is not the only way to Heaven.  Perhaps, those people should listen to His testimony about Himself.  In His own words, Jesus states that salvation comes exclusively through Him.

Jesus doesn’t say He is a way, a truth, or a life.  He says He is THE way, THE truth, and THE life.

Salvation comes exclusively through Jesus, yet it is offered liberally to ALL who would, by faith, turn from their sin and believe.

I hope this news doesn’t offend you.  It truly encouraged me on the day I chose to follow Jesus, and it continues to encourage me today.  Jesus’ claim to Lordship, and His promise to never leave or forsake me, allowed me to stop shopping around for salvation.  You don’t have to figure out the way to Heaven.  You simply need to trust that Jesus IS the way, turn from your sin, and choose to follow Him.

“When Jesus had said this, He was troubled in His spirit and testified, ‘I assure you: One of you will betray Me!’  The disciples started looking at one another – uncertain which one He was speaking about.  One of His disciples, the one Jesus loved, was reclining close to Jesus.  Simon Peter motioned to him to find out who it was He was talking about.  So he leaned back against Jesus and asked Him, ‘Lord, who is it?’  Jesus replied, ‘He’s the one I give the piece of bread to after I have dipped it.’  When He had dipped the bread, He gave it to Judas, Simon Iscariot’s son.  After Judas ate the bread, Satan entered him.”  John 13:21-27a (HCSB)

Traditional Christian assumption concerning the last supper is that the only elements involved were wine & unleavened bread.  In actuality, Jesus and His disciples were observing the Passover Seder.  The Seder is a whole meal that utilizes many symbolic elements to recount Israel’s slavery in Egypt, God’s deliverance of Israel from Egyptian bondage, and His provision for them during the Hebrews’ 40 years of desert wandering.

There is no Biblical evidence that when Jesus singled out 2 of the Seder’s elements, the bread and wine, He replaced the Seder.  He was simply clarifying what the two elements represented within the meal so that when the Seder was observed in the future, His followers would understand and worship Him correctly.  

Without knowledge of the Seder and its elements, many Christians believe Jesus dipped his bread into the wine and gave it to Judas.  As a matter of fact, some churches go as far as serving communion by dipping bread into wine.  The problem with that notion is that matzo (unleavened bread) is not dipped into the wine at the Seder.

Only two of the elements in the Seder are used for “sopping” or dipping matzo in Charoset (a sweet “paste” made with fruit, nuts, spices, and wine) and Maror (a bitter “paste” made from horseradish root).

The Charoset symbolizes the mortar (for bricklaying) the enslaved Israelites made in Egypt.  The Maror symbolizes the bitterness of slavery.

When Jesus dipped the bread, He most likely followed the tradition of scooping Charoset and Maror onto His Matzo, combined with lamb.  This would symbolize the bondage Jesus was about to undergo (as a result of Judas’ betrayal) and His bitter suffering for the sin of the World.  In essence, Jesus shared the gospel with Judas in a sandwich.

Today’s passage, and the events thereof, were predicted by the Psalmist hundreds of years before the “Last Seder.”  

“Even my close friend in whom I trusted, who ate my bread, has lifted up his heel against me.  But You, O Lord, be gracious to me and raise me up, that I may repay them.”  Psalm 41:9-10 (NASB)

“This is why they were unable to believe, because Isaiah also said: He has blinded their eyes and hardened their hearts, so that they would not see with their eyes or understand with their hearts and be converted.  Isaiah said this because he saw His glory and spoke about Him.  Nevertheless, many did believe in Him, even among the rulers, but because of the Pharisees they did not confess Him, so they would not be banned from the synagogue.  For they loved the praise from men more than praise from God.”  John 12:39-43 (HCSB)

Perhaps, the worst kind of blindness is when people refuse to see.  God offers everyone the ability to “believe” or “trust” in Him.  But if people continue to reject Him, belief may eventually become impossible for them.  

In today’s passage, John states that God blinded the eyes & hardened the hearts of those who resisted Jesus.  It is the same language we find in the book of Exodus, where it says God “hardened” Pharaoh’s heart.  But a closer inspection of the Exodus narrative reveals that, in actuality, Pharaoh hardened his own heart through a pattern of refusal to acknowledge the overwhelming evidence that the God of Israel is “the Lord.”

The same sun that softens the wax also hardens the clay.  After a series of Egyptian “signs/plagues,” not only was Israel convinced that their God was delivering them, but many in Pharaoh’s court tried to convince him to surrender to the Lord.  Eventually, God honored Pharaoh’s choice (not to believe) by refusing to reveal the truth to him any longer, except for the final “revelation,” which was the literal destruction of Pharaoh and his army!  God’s eternal judgment is the tragic end of all people who refuse to believe in Messiah.  But what about those who “believe” but refuse to go public?  

Contrary to the opinions of some in the Church at large, believers in Jesus are not called to hide their faith but to profess it openly.  The Bible NEVER calls for people to be “secret believers” who refuse to profess their faith (some even deny their faith when the social/political pressure heats up).  There is a vast difference between “intellectual ascent” (the mere recognition of the facts of Jesus’ life events and teachings) and receiving Him as your Lord (submitting to His leading even when you feel uncomfortable).  The former may enable you to pass a Bible knowledge exam, but the latter is evidence of true salvation!  

Instead of fearing God and professing Jesus openly, some Pharisees chose to stay silent.  Essentially, the “secret believer” chooses to fear “men” instead of trusting God.

“But whoever denies Me before men, him I will also deny before My Father who is in heaven.”  Matthew 10:33 (NKJV)

When we consistently refuse to acknowledge our faith, we must ask ourselves if we have true faith to share.  If loving God were against the law, would there be enough evidence in your life to convict you?

“So the chief priests and the Pharisees convened the Sanhedrin and said, ‘What are we going to do since this man does many signs?  If we let Him continue in this way, everybody will believe in Him!  Then the Romans will come and remove both our place [the Temple] and our nation.’”  John 11:47-48 (HCSB)

In the days of Jesus, the common misconception concerning Messiah was that He would be a political and military leader.  That was not just the inclination of the uneducated commoner.  It was also the opinion of educated religious leaders.

So, when the Pharisees and Sadducees rejected Jesus, they were not rejecting the idea that He would atone for sin.  They rejected the notion that He would be a victorious military leader.  No doubt, passages like Isaiah 53, the “suffering servant,” were mysterious to them.

According to their testimony, the religious leaders feared that Jesus would draw the people to Himself and that attention would draw undue Roman persecution aimed at the entire Jewish community.  In their disbelief (that Jesus was Messiah), their main concern was that the Romans would disturb/damage the Temple and that its priests would become victims of collateral damage.

“One of them, Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, said to them, ‘You know nothing at all!  You’re not considering that it is to your advantage that one man should die for the people rather than the whole nation perish.’  He did not say this on his own, but being high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus was going to die for the nation, not for the nation only but also to unite the scattered children of God.  So from that day on they plotted to kill Him.”  John 11:49-53 (HCSB)

Two High Priests are mentioned in the gospels during the trial of Jesus: Caiaphas and Annas.  This is odd because the High Priest was to serve for life.  According to the Jewish historian Josephus, Caiaphas was Annas’ son–in–law.  Annas had been deposed as High Priest by the Roman government for spreading messages of sedition and was replaced by his more compliant (in the opinion of the Romans) son-in-law.  This explains Caiaphas’ attitude concerning the preservation of Israel as a nation.

As in the Old Testament instances of sinful king Saul and Balaam prophesying amid their unbelief, Caiaphas also prophesied.  Because his heart was not seeking the truth, Caiaphas could not understand God’s revelation, although he spoke it from his mouth!

When you read God’s word, lay aside your personal agendas.  Ask Him to reveal His “Way” so that you may walk in it, and lead others on the path of righteousness.  (Proverbs 3:5-6)

“But Jesus stooped down and wrote on the ground with His finger, as though He did not hear.  So when they continued asking Him, He raised Himself up and said to them, ‘He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first.’  And again He stooped down and wrote on the ground.  Then those who heard it, being convicted by their conscience, went out one by one, beginning with the oldest even to the last.  And Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst.  When Jesus had raised Himself up and saw no one but the woman, He said to her, ‘Woman, where are those accusers of yours?  Has no one condemned you?’ She said, ‘No one, Lord.’ And Jesus said to her, ‘Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more.’”  John 8:6b-11 (NKJV)

I have heard many pastors give reasons and assumptions about what Jesus was doing, writing in the dirt.  I have yet to hear any of them quote Jeremiah.  I believe that Jesus’ actions fulfilled Jeremiah’s prophecy, indicting Israel’s spiritual leaders for “spiritual adultery.”  Being Torah scholars themselves, the Temple leaders eventually caught on to the significance of Jesus’ actions.

“Lord, the hope of Israel, all who abandon You will be put to shame.  All who turn away from Me will be written in the dirt, for they have abandoned the Lord, the fountain of living water.”  Jeremiah 17:13 (HCSB)

Jeremiah’s prophecy combines the images of the New Testament “writing in the dirt” and “woman at the well” passages.  If you recall, in John 4, Jesus told the woman at the well, “If you knew who I was, you would ask Me, and I would give you Living Water.”

Both the woman at the well and the woman in today’s passage were guilty of adultery, yet they were forgiven when they believed in Messiah Jesus by faith.  They are seen in sharp contrast to Israel’s spiritual leaders, who refused to acknowledge their spiritual adultery and repent.

“My people have committed two evils: They have abandoned Me, the fountain of living waters, to carve out cisterns themselves cisterns, broken cisterns that do not hold water.” Jeremiah 2:13 (NASB)

We are created to worship, designed for a personal spiritual relationship with God.  We may reject the Lord, but we cannot abandon our created purpose.  People who reject God always adopt some form of false religion, even if that form is atheism.

God is willing to forgive and restore anyone who truly repents, and He is determined to judge and punish all who reject Him.  So, is your name written in the “dirt” or the Lamb’s Book of Life?

“After this, Jesus traveled to Galilee, since He did not want to travel in Judea because the Jews were trying to kill Him.  The Jewish Festival of Tabernacles was near, so His brothers said to Him, ‘Leave here and go to Judea so Your disciples can see Your works that you are doing.  For no one does anything secret while he’s seeking public recognition.  If you do these things, show yourself to the World.’ (For not even His brothers believed in Him.)” John 7:1-5 (HCSB)

One of the basic human needs is to be “known.” Knowing someone is more than acknowledging their presence or even spending some time together; it is more profound.  In a sense, the best example of personal relational “knowledge” was displayed in the garden of Eden.  Adam and Eve were naked and yet not ashamed.  They knew everything about each other, had nothing to hide, and were completely at peace with themselves and God.  That era didn’t last very long, for sin entered the World.

Since that time, every human being has been conflicted with the desire to be “known” enough to be “accepted” yet not “known” so much as to be rejected for being “shameful.”

Jesus had nothing to be ashamed of.  Still, it must have been frustrating and saddening for Him to know that His own brothers didn’t (at that time) understand Who He was or what He had come to do.  They were summoning a sign from Him to see if He would usher in their expectations of the Messianic age.

They believed Messiah would throw off Roman oppression.  Their theology did not expect that Messiah would be crucified or that His death was intended to accomplish the opposite of their expectations.  Victory would include the salvation of many of their enemies, not their enemies’ destruction.

The age following Jesus’ resurrection was designed (By God) to throw off the Jewish religious rule in Jerusalem as judgment for their spiritual misleading.  Not only were the Romans not going to be overthrown by some “Christian army,” but God used the Romans as a tool of His judgment against Israel’s spiritual pride for having rejected the Messiah.  Jesus knew this was not an era to be “ushered in” lightly!  Isaiah even prophesied against Jesus’ brothers’ mindset.

“Woe to those who drag wickedness with cords of deceit and pull sin along with cart ropes, to those who say, ‘Let Him hurry up and do His work quickly so that we may see it!  Let the plan of the Holy One of Israel take place so we can know it!’ Isaiah 5:18-19

Just as Jesus’ mother could not usher in the beginning of His earthly ministry, his brothers could not hasten the completion of it.  Similarly, I hear some believers speaking in such terms concerning aiding religious Jews, specifically Chaim Richman’s “Temple Institute,” in efforts to rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem today.  They believe the rebuilding of the Temple will usher in Messiah’s return.  

To them, I say, “Be warned!” We know that once the Temple in Jerusalem is rebuilt, it will not be an era of joy but blasphemy and tribulation.  We should not seek to usher the Lord anywhere.  Instead, we should simply pray as Jesus taught us: “Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done.”

“I do not accept glory from men, but I know you – that you have no love for God within you.  I have come in My Father’s name, yet you don’t accept Me.  If someone else comes in his own name, you will accept him.  How can you believe?  While accepting glory from one another, you don’t seek the glory that comes only from God.  Do not think that I will accuse you to the Father.  Your accuser is Moses, on whom you have set your hope.  For if you believed Moses, you would believe Me, because he wrote about Me.  But if you don’t believe his writings, how will you believe My words?”  John 5:41-47 (HCSB)

I admit it.  I’m not a very smart guy; I went to public school in Arkansas.  But even I know that Moses is BIG for Judaism!

I have mentioned before that my wife and I try to visit Israel as often as possible.  People ask me if it ever gets old seeing the same sights.  To be honest, there are only two sites in Israel that I’m excited about seeing anymore: People experiencing Israel for the first time and seeing Israelis understanding the Gospel.

A young lady who attended my Riverside Bible study once shared a conversation she had with a Jewish schoolmate.  She invited her Jewish friend to Bible study, but her friend said, “You can’t be Jewish and believe in Jesus.”  

Essentially, this girl was saying, “Moses and Jesus don’t mix.”

This is a misconception that Jews have, as well as many “Christians.”  The standard Jewish argument is that you have to be either Jewish or “Christian.”  I could argue this point all day, but the truth lies in Jesus’ words, not mine.

Jesus is telling Israel’s religious leaders (and us today) that the most Jewish thing they could do is to believe in Him - the Messiah!  To further prove His point, Jesus adds that it will be Moses who judges the Jews who refuse to believe in Jesus as Messiah.

He is also saying that if Jews don’t follow Him, then not only do they not receive His atonement, but they don’t even understand Moses!

My advice to the girl in our study (the one with the Jewish friend) was that she continued to share her faith, even though her friend has articulated a so-called “intellectual conundrum” about reckoning her Jewishness with following Jesus.    The most anti-Semitic thing you can do is withhold Messiah from a Jewish person.  Press on with the Gospel in truth and love.  Pray the Spirit will open the eyes of the hearts of the Jewish community (and beyond!).  Furthermore, pray for revival among all people in our day!

“‘The Spirit is the One who gives life.  The flesh doesn’t help at all.  The words that I have spoken to you are Spirit and are life.  But there are some among you who don’t believe.’ (For Jesus knew from the beginning those who would not believe and the one who would betray Him.)  He said, ‘This is why I told you that no one can come to Me unless it is granted to him by the Father.’  From that moment many of His disciples turned back and no longer accompanied Him.  Therefore, Jesus said to the Twelve, ‘You don’t want to go away too, do you?’  Simon Peter answered, ‘Lord, who will we go to?  You have the words of eternal life.  We have come to believe and know that You are the Holy One of God!’  Jesus replied to them, ‘Didn’t I choose you, the Twelve?  Yet one of you is the Devil?’  He was referring to Judas, Simon Iscariot’s son, one of the Twelve, because he was going to betray Him.”  John 6:63-71 (HCSB)

When most people think of Jesus’ disciples, they only consider the “twelve.”  In actuality, there were, at times, thousands of people following Him around.

After feeding the five thousand, many of those people sought out Jesus the next day.  Jesus took this occasion to compare the bread that He had provided the day before with the bread (manna) Moses provided.  His point is that earthly bread cannot eternally sustain life.

Then, Jesus identifies Himself as the “Bread of Life,” …different from Moses’ manna.  Interesting, He was born in Bethlehem.  In Hebrew, “Bethlehem” translates as “House of Bread.”  This message was offensive and arrogant to many Jews because Jesus was elevating Himself above Moses.  Beyond miraculously imparting earthly bread, Jesus personified the spiritual bread.  

Jesus communicated that the Spirit gives life.  Therefore, eternal life can only be obtained spiritually.  Salvation cannot be obtained by earthly means.  In short, salvation is by God’s grace and not through the works of the law.  (Ephesians 2:8-9)

Something at the core of a man makes him want to earn his salvation.  That “something” is called Pride.  It is in direct opposition to receiving salvation by God’s grace.  This is true for us today and was true in Jesus’ day.  So much so that when the crowds heard this teaching, they left Him.  

There is a difference between following Jesus and simply following Him around.  Many will affiliate themselves with Jesus, but all the while, they refuse to prostrate themselves before Him.  In the end, Jesus is either Lord of all, or He’s not Lord at all.  (By the way, He IS Lord, and we should worship Him as such!)

“A woman of Samaria came to draw water.  ‘Give Me a drink,’ Jesus said to her, for His disciples had gone into town to buy food.  ‘How is it that you, a Jew, ask for a drink from me, a Samaritan woman?’ she asked Him.  For Jews don’t associate with Samaritans.  Jesus answered, ‘If you knew the gift of God, and who is saying to you, ‘Give Me a drink,’ you would ask Him and He would give you living water.’”  John 4:7-10 (HCSB)

We don’t have to wade very deep into Scripture to understand that Jews and Samaritans did not like each other.  For one thing, Samaritans were half-breeds.  That is, they were part Jewish and part Gentile.

Historically, the Kingdom of Israel had been split after the death of King Solomon.  As a result of the tragic apostasy of Solomon’s leadership in the latter years of his rule, God removed the national unity from the tribes of Israel.  Judah and Benjamin (aka Judah) called Jerusalem their capital, and the remaining ten tribes (aka Israel) considered Samaria to be their capital.

The men of “Israel” in Samaria not only took foreign wives, but their wives also enticed them to worship pagan gods.  The prophet Jeremiah wrote about it.

“‘Has a nation ever exchanged its gods, though they are not gods at all?  Yet My people have exchanged their Glory for useless idols.  Be stunned by this, O heavens; be shocked and utterly appalled,’ declares the Lord.”  Jeremiah 2:11-12  (BSB)

“For My people have committed two evils: They have forsaken Me, the fountain of living waters, And hewn themselves cisterns—broken cisterns that can hold no water.”  Jeremiah 2:13 (NKJV)

Jesus’ use of Jeremiah’s prophetic “living water/broken cistern” imagery was intended to remind the woman of Samaria’s past sin, which caused the division of national Israel and the Northern Kingdom’s separation from God.  The woman’s sexual sin past also symbolized Israel’s (the Northern Kingdom) nationwide spiritual adultery.

By asking the woman for water, Jesus shows His willingness to forgive both spiritual and sexual adultery (commandments 3 and 7) on the basis of faith.  His offer of grace and mercy brings to recollection a proverb:  

“A generous person will be enriched, and the one who gives a drink of water will receive water.”  Proverbs 11:25 (HCSB)

“On the third day a wedding took place in Cana of Galilee.  Jesus’ mother was there, and Jesus and His disciples were invited to the wedding as well.  When the wine ran out, Jesus’ mother told Him, ‘They don’t have any wine.’  ‘What has this concern of yours to do with Me, Woman?’ Jesus asked.  My hour has not come.’” John 2:1-4 (CSB)

The fifth Commandment reads: “Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long upon the land which the Lord your God is giving you.”  Exodus 20:12 (NKJV)

When I was young in my faith, I remember reading today’s passage and wondering if Jesus sinned in His reply to His mother.  Personally, if I ever called my mother “Woman,” she would have slapped me!  In actuality, Jesus’ intent was lost in translation.

In the Greek language, “genu’e” means “woman.” But “genu’e” is endearing, more like “Mother.” Therefore, Jesus is not disobeying the commandment to honor His mother with either His tone or His response.

We know that Jesus honored and cared for His mother, even from the cross.  Before His death, He entrusted Mary’s keep to “…the disciple whom He especially loved.” (John 19:25-27) Also, in the end, Mary regarded Him as Lord, for she was present and praying with the other disciples in the upper room after His resurrection.  (Acts 1:14)

All that said, Jesus’ response to His mother was gracious but commanding.

Imagine yourself in Mary’s shoes.  Since the Angel’s herald, you were told Jesus was destined for greatness.  (Luke 1:35, 43)  Others had also prophesied about Him.  (Luke 2:25-38) Although not always with understanding, you observed His development.  (Luke 2:40, 51) Last, you were told future generations would bless you because of Jesus.  (Luke 1:48)

In today’s passage, Jesus’ comment to His mother was meant to aid her transition from seeing Him as a child to seeing Him as Her Lord.  He kept her from undue pride and indicated that He, as Lord, sovereignly determines when He will intervene in human affairs.  Jesus does not perform miracles on demand to impress His friends or even please His mother.

It is a good lesson for us that God is not our “genie” in Heaven.  We don’t merely rub Him and make a wish.  We are commanded to pray, “Your will be done,” and we must trust He knows the exact hour (even the exact moment) when the miraculous is necessary.

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  He was with God in the beginning.  All things were created through Him, and apart from Him, not one thing was created.  Life was in Him, and that life was the light of men.  That light shines in the darkness, yet the darkness did not overcome it.” John 1:1-5 (HCSB)

The deity of Jesus is a touchy subject for many people.  Setting aside the world’s opinions for a moment, it amazes me how many professing believers refuse to recognize that Jesus was fully God and fully man.  Perhaps, they deny His deity because acknowledging it means they must be accountable to Him, that there would be no higher authority to appeal to.  The truth is, we are accountable to His deity, whether we accept it or not, by virtue of His deity!   John is putting this debate to rest.

In Mark 8, Jesus asked His disciples, “Who do people say that I am?”

The disciples responded to Jesus’ question, “Who do people say that I am?” with various descriptions they had overheard the crowds giving: “He’s a good man,” “He’s a prophet,” He’s Elijah or John’ The Baptist’ come to life again.”

Then He asked, “Who do YOU say that I am?” Peter replied, “You are the Messiah, the Son of God!” Right you are, Peter.

Within the context & understanding of the average Jew in Jesus’ day, the terms “Messiah” and “Son of God” carried different implications as they may take today.  They were more than words describing a person with a “close affiliation” or “familial relationship” with God.  They were names for God, Himself!

Creation originated from the Godhead Person, known as the “Word of the Lord.”  Even the Psalms are clear on this message.

“For the Word of the Lord is right, and all His work is trustworthy.  He loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of the Lord’s unfailing love.   The heavens were made by the Word of the Lord, and all the stars, by the breath of His mouth.  He gathers the waters of the sea into a heap; He puts the depths into storehouses.  Let the whole earth tremble before the Lord; let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of Him.  For He spoke and it came into being; He commanded, and it came into existence.” Psalm 33:4-9 (HCSB)

Jesus is that Person known as “The Word.”  The prophet Micah spoke of His eternal existence:

“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of you shall come forth to Me The One to be Ruler in Israel, whose goings forth are from of old, from everlasting.” Micah 5:2 (NKJV)

“The Word became flesh and took up residence among us.  We observed His glory, the glory as the One and Only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:14 (HCSB)