a. Verses 35-39 “The next day John was there again with two of his disciples. When he saw Jesus passing, he said, “Look, the Lamb of God!” When the two disciples heard him say this, they followed Jesus. Turning around, Jesus saw them following and asked, “What do you want?” They said, “Rabbi” (which means Teacher), “where are you staying?” “Come,” he replied, “and you will see.” So they went and saw where he was staying, and spent that day with him. It was about the tenth hour.
Again we see John the Baptist pointing out Jesus as the Christ. This time it is to his disciples. He actually does this at the expense of losing two disciples. The two quickly leave John and follow Jesus. John was unable to keep from pointing others to Jesus once he knew who he was.
The interchange between Jesus and the two disciples is meaningful. Here we have two men who are interested in at least following some distance behind Jesus, but were either to shy or uncertain of how to approach him. Jesus does something that He does for us – he met them half way. Jesus took the first step – he was the first to speak and invite them into a dialogue. If our hearts are ready, Jesus is quick to meet us where ever we are. I don’t know if you would say the disciples took the first step, but they were at least willing and ready to meet him.
The disciples asked where he was staying. They weren’t satisfied with just asking him some question in particular, but were interesting in spending time with Him and getting to know Him. I think that the author may be one of the two disciples, since he quotes the exact time of day this occurred.
Question: Where has Jesus met you?
b. Verses 40-42 “Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was one of the two who heard what John had said and who had followed Jesus. The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, “We have found the Messiah” (that is, the Christ). And he brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, “You are Simon son of John. You will be called Cephas” (which when translated, is Peter).”
Andrew went directly to someone he knew to tell him the good news. We have found the Messiah. The Daily Study Bible – The Gospel of John by William Barclay talks about Andrew. Andrew is an example of how important it is to just plant seeds. We may not feel like we make any difference in anyone’s life, but when you look at what that little seed grows into, the fruit is obvious. Andrew is frequently referred to as Peter’s brother. He is not one of the inner circle of disciples, but he is the one who brought Peter to Jesus. What an important guy – the guy that brought PETER to see Jesus. Peter is the rock on which Jesus built his church. Peter is the guy who preached the first sermon after the Pentecost and when you think about it, we are here as followers of Jesus because of Andrew.
There are two other examples in scripture of Andrew bringing others to see Jesus. He was one of those guys who wasn’t the superstar, but got results. We wouldn’t have the miracle of Jesus feeding the multitude without Andrew bringing the boy to Jesus. Andrew brought some Greeks to see Jesus later in the Gospel of John. I guess he was the first missionary.
When Peter first stood in front of Jesus, Jesus gave him a good look over. The word the author used is emblepein, which is an intent concentrated gaze. Jesus looked not only at a rough, cursing fisherman (which Peter was), he saw that he had it in him to be a foundation on which the church could be built. In this way, Jesus can look at us and see not only what we are presently, but what we can be and what He intends for us to be.
Question: Has Jesus shown you a glimpse of what you are to become? Do you feel like you have been given a new name in Christ?
c. Verses 43-51 “The next day Jesus decided to leave for Galilee. Finding Phillip he said to him, “Follow me.” Phillip, like Andrew and Peter, was from the town of Bethsaida. Phillip found Nathanael and told him, “We have found the one Moses wrote about in the Law, and whom the prophets also wrote – Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” “Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?” Nathanael asked. “Come and see,” said Phillip. When Jesus saw Nathanael approaching, he said of him, “Here is a true Isrealite, in whom there is nothing false.” “How do you know me?” Nathanael asked. Jesus answered, “I saw you while you were still under the fig tree before Phillip called you.” Then Nathanael declared “Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the king of Isreal.” Jesus said, “You believe because I told you I saw you under the fig tree. You shall see greater things than that.” He then added, “I tell you the truth, you shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.”
Jesus finds Phillip, in a town along the way and says simply “Follow me.” He did and also went to find someone right away and brought him to Jesus. This is a natural reaction when someone is excited about something. They want to show everybody while they are still excited. With Jesus, it is something that we have always longed for and were built to long for. It is natural for us to share this “pearl of great price” that we have found.
Simple testimony is the best. We really don’t need to know lots of scripture to win others to Christ; we just need to bring them to Him. In other words, it is the story of the cross and how it impacts our own life that is likely to win others to Christ, not our superior arguments or vast knowledge. He starts out talking about Moses and the prophets, but that isn’t really anything that impresses Nathanael. Phillip doesn’t argue with Nathanael, he just says “Come and see.”
Jesus does the same look over that he did with Peter and the result is the same. Nathanael’s name is not mentioned in the other gospels. It is presumed that he is the same person called Bartholomew in the other Gospels. The fig tree is also somewhat symbolic to Jews at the time and is a symbol of peace. Jesus speaks to Nathanael’s heart when he says that he saw him under the fig tree. It was as much about his inner longings as it was about his actual physical location.
Question: When is the last time you felt like Jesus was your treasure.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Week 4 - Follow Up
The discussion today was great. We talked about the boldness of John the Baptist and how that would look in our own lives today. This discussion led to a discussion of evangelism and whether we really believe that someone must accept Jesus as Lord or face eternity seperated from God (go to hell would be another way to put it). This is a harsh subject that can be difficult to discuss, especially when we all have loved ones and friends that haven't or won't accept Jesus. The question was asked, "Is that something that is really in the Bible, in black and white?" I shared Jesus' words that "No one comes to the Father, but by me." (John 14:6). After class I really felt that this subject needed some more discussion. Please post your comments on the blog. I really think we need to all study this and try to get it right. It is one of those fundamental things that everything else is built on. If we don't get this part right, then anything we build on top won't really matter. God does warn us about being lukewarm (Rev 3:16).
Is it really that cut and dry? There are many examples in scripture that say that is it. It does seem pretty harsh to say that good people will be left behind or worse, unless they are "born again" (John 3:3-4). The kids this morning were learning about Noah and the ark. I thought about that story and it seems like a beautiful story about animals, a boat, and a rainbow, but there is much more there. The story takes a turn when God closes Noah and his family in the ark assuring their safety while assuring the destruction of those outside the ark (Gen 7:16). We are no different than Noah. We are told to get in the ark and trust in God. Everyone else will be dealt with as God sees fit.
John 3:16 says that whoever believes shall have eternal life, but leaves no such allowance for those that don't. This is where the choice comes into play - we serve as our own judge and can choose our own fate. There are countless stories in the Bible about some being prepared and the rest left out. It should be our first and best effort to be one included and to bring as many with us as possible. The parable of the ten virgins is a perfect example of a story that Jesus used to demonstrate this to us (read Matt 25:1-13). Those virgins that were prepared were invited in, but those that weren't ready were left outside. It seems like they could easily be let in when they got there, but that isn't how the story goes.
I think that the story of the wise servant (Matt 24:45-51) is a pretty vivid example. Read how the story ends with the wicked servant being sent to the place where there is "weeping and gnashing of teeth".
I certainly don't like to focus on the result of rejecting Jesus, but it seems like it isn't pleasant and is a choice that leads to death. I can find no place in scripture that this is sugar coated at all. Please share some other scripture that you find about this subject. I would really love to hear some other input. I will try my best to have next Sundays material posted by tomorrow.
Is it really that cut and dry? There are many examples in scripture that say that is it. It does seem pretty harsh to say that good people will be left behind or worse, unless they are "born again" (John 3:3-4). The kids this morning were learning about Noah and the ark. I thought about that story and it seems like a beautiful story about animals, a boat, and a rainbow, but there is much more there. The story takes a turn when God closes Noah and his family in the ark assuring their safety while assuring the destruction of those outside the ark (Gen 7:16). We are no different than Noah. We are told to get in the ark and trust in God. Everyone else will be dealt with as God sees fit.
John 3:16 says that whoever believes shall have eternal life, but leaves no such allowance for those that don't. This is where the choice comes into play - we serve as our own judge and can choose our own fate. There are countless stories in the Bible about some being prepared and the rest left out. It should be our first and best effort to be one included and to bring as many with us as possible. The parable of the ten virgins is a perfect example of a story that Jesus used to demonstrate this to us (read Matt 25:1-13). Those virgins that were prepared were invited in, but those that weren't ready were left outside. It seems like they could easily be let in when they got there, but that isn't how the story goes.
I think that the story of the wise servant (Matt 24:45-51) is a pretty vivid example. Read how the story ends with the wicked servant being sent to the place where there is "weeping and gnashing of teeth".
I certainly don't like to focus on the result of rejecting Jesus, but it seems like it isn't pleasant and is a choice that leads to death. I can find no place in scripture that this is sugar coated at all. Please share some other scripture that you find about this subject. I would really love to hear some other input. I will try my best to have next Sundays material posted by tomorrow.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Interesting Article
I read this and thought that it was good enough to share with the class: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122178219865054585.html
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Week 4 - Chapter 1:19-34
a. Verses 19-28 “Now this was John’s testimony when the Jews of Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to ask him who he was. He did not fail to confess, but confessed freely, “I am not the Christ.” They asked him “Then who are you? Are you Elijah?” He said, “I am not.” Are you the Prophet?” He answered “No.” Finally they said “Who are you? Give us an answer to take back to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?” John replied “I am the voice of the one crying in the desert, ‘Make straight the way for the Lord.” Now some of the Pharisees who had been sent questioned him, “Why do you baptize if you are not the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?” “I baptize with water,” John replied, but among you stands one you do not know. He is the one who comes after me, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie.” This all happened at Bethany on the other side of the Jordan, where John was baptizing.
Here is where the narrative of Jesus’ ministry begins. The first 18 verses deal with the larger concepts of Jesus and the author clearly intends to show that Jesus is the Word (logos) of God, which means that He is the creative power, reason, and Son of God. While the first part of the book is somewhat theological and philosophical in nature, the rest of the book is the narrative and story of Jesus’ life. The author is very careful to insert a timeline in the narrative in a way no other gospel does. The first week is actually detailed day by day (day six is omitted) in the first two chapters.
These passages are about John the Baptist, who is actually related to Jesus. I am not sure exactly how they are related, but Luke 1:36 clearly states that Mary and Elizabeth (mother of John the Baptist) are related. In fact, the angel that appeared to Mary told her that Elizabeth would have a child, even though she was said to be barren. I don’t know how important this fact is, but it is interesting to know.
The Daily Study Bible – The Gospel of John by William Barclay states that if we read John carefully from this point to verse 2:11, we get a clear picture of the first week of Jesus’ ministry. This was a big week. The Pharisees took notice and felt that they needed to go out to the desert and visit John the Baptist and see what everyone was buzzing about. The priests (John the Baptist was a priest, since he was a descendent of Aaron), the Pharisees, and the Sanhedrin all sent some folks to talk to John. This was partly due to the fact that he was something of a celebrity at the time and many people were going to see him. He actually had a large following that believed that he was the Christ. He clearly disputes this idea here.
The Daily Study Bible – The Gospel of John by William Barclay says that the Gospel of John is two things. First, it is the story of God in Jesus Christ and second it is about the rejection of Jesus. An interesting thing about this gospel is that the Greek word for Jews (loudaioi ) occurs over seventy times and each the context is in opposition to Jesus. This gospel is as much about the rejection of Jesus as anything. Another way to put it is that is a story about love pitted against rejection and warning.
John the Baptist was what we should all be. He pointed to the Lord and helped others get their houses in order to receive Him. Those that listened to John either rejected his message, took it on board, or thought that John was something more than he claimed to be. His humble clothes and his desire to be forgotten only brought attention to him. He was quick to direct attention to Jesus.
This is interesting about baptism. In the Jewish faith, the allowance for baptism was reserved for those coming into Judaism from other faiths and was not for Israelites at all. In other words, an Israelite already belonged to God and baptism was not needed. John was baptizing everyone – Jews and I am sure some Gentiles. This was different and had the Pharisees wondering why and by what authority he was doing it.
The statement about the location (Bethany on the other side of the Jordan) is important, since there were actually two cities or areas named Bethany. From an archeological and geographic standpoint, this is very important. The Bethany mentioned elsewhere in the Bible is actually located a few miles from Jerusalem. The actual location of this Bethany is not known, except that it is on the other side of the Jordan. I expect that it was a rather desolate location, since it is known that John the Baptist lived in the desert.
Question: Have you ever given your testimony to someone? Have you ever had your faith questioned by someone with an agenda? What about someone who was just curious? Also, how does your life point others to Jesus?
b. Verses 29-31 “The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world! This is the one I meant when I said, ‘A man who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.’ I myself did not know him, but the reason I came baptizing with water was that he might be revealed to Isreal.”
This is day number two in the ministry of Jesus. The Daily Study Bible – The Gospel of John by William Barclay mentions that by this time, Jesus had been baptized and tempted by the devil. This was when He went to work.
First, John the Baptist calls Jesus the “Lamb of God”. This is a reference to the “sacrificial lamb”. It is also a reference to the Passover and the blood of a lamb that was spread over the doorways of the Jews so that their first born children would be spared. Another more obscure reference was that the lamb was a symbol of a conqueror (Judas Maccabaeus, Samuel, David and Solomon are all referred to as the honored lamb). All of these references are perfect as a title to describe what Jesus means to us. His act of sacrifice as an attonement for our sin, His blood that spares us from death, and His victory over sin and death are all wrapped up in this reference.
The “sins of the world” is a broader statement than just the “sins of Israel’. John states here that Jesus has come for everyone and He is here to take away our sins. That in itself is a bold statement at the time. John goes on to say that he did not know Jesus was the Christ before he was baptized, but after he witnessed the Holy Spirit come down on Jesus, he was willing to point out Jesus and claim that Jesus was actually the Christ. That was a very bold statement. It was actually something that could be considered blasphemy and could have resulted in John being put to death. This statement wasn’t what caused John’s death, but it was very bold. John also reiterates his intent in ministry was to help other get ready to receive Jesus.
Question: If you were to act as boldly as John the Baptist, what would that look like in your life?
c. Verses 32-34 “Then John gave this testimony: “I saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remain on him. I would not have known him, except that the one that sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘The man on whom you see the Spirit come down on and remain is he who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’ I have seen and I testify that this is the Son of God.
The baptism of Jesus convinced John the Baptist without a shadow of a doubt that he had met the Christ. At this time, the Pentecost had not yet occurred and people’s idea of the Holy Spirit was a Jewish understanding (although I don’t think it is that different). The Daily Study Bible – The Gospel of John by William Barclay mentions that the Jewish idea of the Spirit of God brought three things to those who received it. First, it brought the truth of God. Second, it brought the power to recognize the truth when they saw it. Last, it brought the ability and courage to preach that truth to men. This Spirit came into Jesus during his baptism in a little bit different way than it had before. It came and it remained on him. This remaining is important. Jesus had received the mind and power of God.
John the Baptist had a pretty clear understanding at this point about what Jesus was there to do. He did not seem to think that Jesus was there to lead Israel in battle and overcome their enemies on earth, which was common idea of what the Messiah would do at the time. John says he is here to baptize with the Holy Spirit and take away the sins of the world.
What does it really mean that Jesus will baptize with the Holy Spirit? The act of baptizing is to completely soak something. Jesus can completely soak us in the Holy Spirit, where is dripping off. Completely permeated and saturated. John the Baptist baptism did two things (1) it cleansed; (2) it dedicated. This is different than what we receive from a baptism of the Holy Spirit. From Jesus’ baptism we receive (1) knowledge – our purpose in life and the will of God are clear; (2) strength – the strength to use the knowledge and to follow our purpose through to completion; and (3) purification – the baptism is also a baptism of fire that burn away our impurities and self and leaves us new and pure.
Question: When have you seen the Holy Spirit in action? Have you ever witnessed a miracle? If so, what did you do with that experience (how did it affect your life)?
Here is where the narrative of Jesus’ ministry begins. The first 18 verses deal with the larger concepts of Jesus and the author clearly intends to show that Jesus is the Word (logos) of God, which means that He is the creative power, reason, and Son of God. While the first part of the book is somewhat theological and philosophical in nature, the rest of the book is the narrative and story of Jesus’ life. The author is very careful to insert a timeline in the narrative in a way no other gospel does. The first week is actually detailed day by day (day six is omitted) in the first two chapters.
These passages are about John the Baptist, who is actually related to Jesus. I am not sure exactly how they are related, but Luke 1:36 clearly states that Mary and Elizabeth (mother of John the Baptist) are related. In fact, the angel that appeared to Mary told her that Elizabeth would have a child, even though she was said to be barren. I don’t know how important this fact is, but it is interesting to know.
The Daily Study Bible – The Gospel of John by William Barclay states that if we read John carefully from this point to verse 2:11, we get a clear picture of the first week of Jesus’ ministry. This was a big week. The Pharisees took notice and felt that they needed to go out to the desert and visit John the Baptist and see what everyone was buzzing about. The priests (John the Baptist was a priest, since he was a descendent of Aaron), the Pharisees, and the Sanhedrin all sent some folks to talk to John. This was partly due to the fact that he was something of a celebrity at the time and many people were going to see him. He actually had a large following that believed that he was the Christ. He clearly disputes this idea here.
The Daily Study Bible – The Gospel of John by William Barclay says that the Gospel of John is two things. First, it is the story of God in Jesus Christ and second it is about the rejection of Jesus. An interesting thing about this gospel is that the Greek word for Jews (loudaioi ) occurs over seventy times and each the context is in opposition to Jesus. This gospel is as much about the rejection of Jesus as anything. Another way to put it is that is a story about love pitted against rejection and warning.
John the Baptist was what we should all be. He pointed to the Lord and helped others get their houses in order to receive Him. Those that listened to John either rejected his message, took it on board, or thought that John was something more than he claimed to be. His humble clothes and his desire to be forgotten only brought attention to him. He was quick to direct attention to Jesus.
This is interesting about baptism. In the Jewish faith, the allowance for baptism was reserved for those coming into Judaism from other faiths and was not for Israelites at all. In other words, an Israelite already belonged to God and baptism was not needed. John was baptizing everyone – Jews and I am sure some Gentiles. This was different and had the Pharisees wondering why and by what authority he was doing it.
The statement about the location (Bethany on the other side of the Jordan) is important, since there were actually two cities or areas named Bethany. From an archeological and geographic standpoint, this is very important. The Bethany mentioned elsewhere in the Bible is actually located a few miles from Jerusalem. The actual location of this Bethany is not known, except that it is on the other side of the Jordan. I expect that it was a rather desolate location, since it is known that John the Baptist lived in the desert.
Question: Have you ever given your testimony to someone? Have you ever had your faith questioned by someone with an agenda? What about someone who was just curious? Also, how does your life point others to Jesus?
b. Verses 29-31 “The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world! This is the one I meant when I said, ‘A man who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.’ I myself did not know him, but the reason I came baptizing with water was that he might be revealed to Isreal.”
This is day number two in the ministry of Jesus. The Daily Study Bible – The Gospel of John by William Barclay mentions that by this time, Jesus had been baptized and tempted by the devil. This was when He went to work.
First, John the Baptist calls Jesus the “Lamb of God”. This is a reference to the “sacrificial lamb”. It is also a reference to the Passover and the blood of a lamb that was spread over the doorways of the Jews so that their first born children would be spared. Another more obscure reference was that the lamb was a symbol of a conqueror (Judas Maccabaeus, Samuel, David and Solomon are all referred to as the honored lamb). All of these references are perfect as a title to describe what Jesus means to us. His act of sacrifice as an attonement for our sin, His blood that spares us from death, and His victory over sin and death are all wrapped up in this reference.
The “sins of the world” is a broader statement than just the “sins of Israel’. John states here that Jesus has come for everyone and He is here to take away our sins. That in itself is a bold statement at the time. John goes on to say that he did not know Jesus was the Christ before he was baptized, but after he witnessed the Holy Spirit come down on Jesus, he was willing to point out Jesus and claim that Jesus was actually the Christ. That was a very bold statement. It was actually something that could be considered blasphemy and could have resulted in John being put to death. This statement wasn’t what caused John’s death, but it was very bold. John also reiterates his intent in ministry was to help other get ready to receive Jesus.
Question: If you were to act as boldly as John the Baptist, what would that look like in your life?
c. Verses 32-34 “Then John gave this testimony: “I saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remain on him. I would not have known him, except that the one that sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘The man on whom you see the Spirit come down on and remain is he who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’ I have seen and I testify that this is the Son of God.
The baptism of Jesus convinced John the Baptist without a shadow of a doubt that he had met the Christ. At this time, the Pentecost had not yet occurred and people’s idea of the Holy Spirit was a Jewish understanding (although I don’t think it is that different). The Daily Study Bible – The Gospel of John by William Barclay mentions that the Jewish idea of the Spirit of God brought three things to those who received it. First, it brought the truth of God. Second, it brought the power to recognize the truth when they saw it. Last, it brought the ability and courage to preach that truth to men. This Spirit came into Jesus during his baptism in a little bit different way than it had before. It came and it remained on him. This remaining is important. Jesus had received the mind and power of God.
John the Baptist had a pretty clear understanding at this point about what Jesus was there to do. He did not seem to think that Jesus was there to lead Israel in battle and overcome their enemies on earth, which was common idea of what the Messiah would do at the time. John says he is here to baptize with the Holy Spirit and take away the sins of the world.
What does it really mean that Jesus will baptize with the Holy Spirit? The act of baptizing is to completely soak something. Jesus can completely soak us in the Holy Spirit, where is dripping off. Completely permeated and saturated. John the Baptist baptism did two things (1) it cleansed; (2) it dedicated. This is different than what we receive from a baptism of the Holy Spirit. From Jesus’ baptism we receive (1) knowledge – our purpose in life and the will of God are clear; (2) strength – the strength to use the knowledge and to follow our purpose through to completion; and (3) purification – the baptism is also a baptism of fire that burn away our impurities and self and leaves us new and pure.
Question: When have you seen the Holy Spirit in action? Have you ever witnessed a miracle? If so, what did you do with that experience (how did it affect your life)?
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Week 2 Follow Up
Great discussion today, everyone! We got all the way through verse 3. We decided to do verses 4-11 next week and 12-18 in two weeks. One follow up item was about the promises of God. I found a link to a good list, which is broken out by book. You can see it at: http://tinyurl.com/6mkypn. Also, we had a few comments posted on the blog prior to today and they were a great addition to the discussion. Keep them coming!!
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