Milo

SEPTEMBER 10

Reading 253

RAISED FROM THE DEAD John 19–20

“Go . . . to my brothers and tell them ’I am returning to My Father and your Father, to My God and your God.’ Mary of Magdala went to the disciples with the news, ’I have seen the Lord!’ ” (John 20:17–18)Because Jesus lives, God is our Father and our God.

Overview

Pilate permitted Jesus to be crucified (19:1–16). About noon Friday Jesus was nailed to a cross (vv. 17–21). His executioners gambled for His clothes (vv. 22–24), and Jesus committed His mother to John’s care (vv. 25–27). Jesus’ death (vv. 28–30) was confirmed by the soldiers (vv. 31–37), after which His body was placed in a tomb (vv. 38–42). But early Sunday Jesus’ followers discovered the tomb was open—and empty (20:1–9). Jesus, alive, spoke with Mary of Magdala (vv. 10–18), and appeared to His disciples (vv. 19–31).

Understanding the Text

“He claimed to be the Son of God” John 19:1–16.

The Jews viewed Jesus’ claim to be the Son of God as blasphemy, and reacted either with faith or fury. Pilate reacted with fear. Already in some awe of Jesus, who had said He was ruler of a kingdom that is “not of this world,” Pilate tried desperately to avoid having to make a personal decision. But there are some decisions no one can avoid. And this is one. Each individual must choose to believe or disbelieve the Bible’s clear affirmation that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. Pilate tried to set Jesus free without making that decision. But the Jewish leaders threatened to accuse him of supporting a rival to Caesar (v. 12), and Pilate turned Jesus over to be crucified. It was the wrong choice. Perhaps we can sympathize with the vascillating Pilate, but the resurrection of Jesus shows just how wrong Pilate was. The Resurrection proves that Jesus is the Son of God, and, under pressure, Pilate chose not to believe. Let’s remember the Resurrection, and make our daily choices for, rather than against, Jesus Christ. “We have no king but Caesar” John 19:15. These words of the chief priests reveal their utter hypocrisy. The Jews supposedly had no king but God, who ruled from heaven through His Law. In their frenzy to see Jesus dead, the leaders of the Jewish people repudiated God Himself! If we are to live as God’s people, there are certain principles on which we can never compromise. One of the most important of these is that, always, our first allegiance must be to God. “This happened that the Scripture might be fulfilled” John 19:17–24. John’s report of the Crucifixion and Resurrection are intended to demonstrate that Jesus truly is the Son of God. How does the story of the soldiers’ division of Christ’s clothing at Calvary fit this theme? John reports the event, and shows that over a thousand years before David had foreseen and predicted this event (Ps. 22:18). Even the “minor details” of Jesus’ crucifixion were carefully superintended by God, and were elements of a carefully orchestrated plan. The casual observer might think that death on the cross, so terrible and so unjust, proved that Jesus was not the Son of God. How could God allow His Son to suffer such a terrible death? So John links several “minor details” of the scene to Old Testament prophecy, to show that God not only knew but described beforehand just what would happen at Calvary (cf. also John 19:36 with Ps. 34:20, and John 19:37 with Zech. 12:10). Fulfilled prophecy proves John’s thesis. Jesus truly is the Son of God. John’s evidence that Christ’s death was in accord with the fixed intention of God raises the question, “Why?” How wonderful the answer. Through death Jesus is able to offer us forgiveness and cleansing. He suffered gladly, knowing His suffering was for you and me. “Here is your mother” John 19:25–27. All commentators agree that the disciple mentioned here is John himself. His closeness to Jesus made him Christ’s choice as the one to care for His mother, Mary. Some Christians reading this passage emphasize how precious Mary was to Jesus. She was most certainly dearly loved. But this only serves to emphasize the deep love of John for Jesus, and of Jesus for John. Christ was comforted knowing that His friend would care for His dearly loved mother. The closer we are to the Lord, the more likely He is to commit precious things and precious people to our care. Let’s love Him deeply, that we might be privileged to serve our Lord as John served Christ. “Myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds” John 19:38–42. Spices had to be imported, and were extremely expensive. The contribution of 75 pounds of spices was extravagant, indicating both the wealth and the love of the giver. John tells us that the giver was Nicodemus—the important religious leader who years before had come to Jesus at night. At last Nicodemus was ready to declare his allegiance to Jesus, even though Jesus was dead. It’s one thing to jump on the bandwagon of a person or movement then at the height of popularity. It’s another thing entirely to come out publicly in support of a leader who has been rejected and lies dead. The test of our faith is faithfulness to Jesus when things go wrong, not when everything is going right. “He saw the strips of linen lying there” John 20:1–9. The first reaction to the discovery that Jesus’ tomb was empty was one of panic. Someone must have stolen His body! John, the “other disciple,” saw the linen in which Christ had been wrapped lying on a stone slab, and assumed Jesus’ body was still there. Peter stooped and went inside, and discovered that the linen wrappings were empty and hollow! They were shaped like a human body. But there was no body within! John entered then, and saw the wrappings and the napkin that had been placed over Jesus’ face. The evidence was incontrovertible. The two did not understand, but they knew. Jesus had risen from the dead. There is no more carefully documented event in ancient history than the death and resurrection of Jesus. The evidence is indisputable. People do not have to understand. But any careful examination of the testimony compels belief that Jesus is risen indeed. “I have seen the Lord!” John 20:10–18 There’s a difference between circumstantial and eyewitness testimony. The first may compel a verdict. The other confirms it. Like Mary, Christians today believe in the Resurrection not only on the evidence offered in Scripture, but on the basis of personal experience. We know Jesus lives, because He has entered our hearts, and we experience His presence. It’s not enough to agree intellectually that Christ was raised. We need to open our hearts to Jesus, and to experience His presence by faith. “I will not believe it” John 20:24–29. What a blessing Thomas is to Christians everywhere. He reminds us that the skeptic is not rejected by God—that doubts and uncertainty do not lose us a place in God’s kingdom. He reminds us too that Jesus willingly comes to us, to show us His hands and side, that we might believe. If you have any doubts—even as deep as Thomas’ doubts—share them. Jesus will come to you, and when you recognize Him, you will bow down with Thomas and cry, “My Lord and my God!” “These are written that you may believe” John 20:30–31. John didn’t try to give a complete account of Christ’s life. That would have been impossible. What John did was to carefully select material that would reveal Jesus as the Son of God, and so stimulate belief in Him. Because you and I do believe, the purpose of John’s Gospel has been fulfilled in us. We have, now, “life in His name.”

DEVOTIONAL

“The Resurrection”/Jonathan Brooks(John 20)

His friends went off and left Him dead In Joseph’s subterranean bed, Embalmed with myrrh and sweet aloes, And wrapped in snow-white burial clothes. Then shrewd men came and set a seal Upon His grave, lest thieves should steal His lifeless form away, and claim For Him an undeserving fame. “There is no use,” the soldiers said, “Of standing sentries by the dead.” Wherefore, they drew their cloaks around Themselves, and fell upon the ground, And slept like dead men, all night through, In the pale moonlight and chilling dew. A muffled whiff of sudden breath Ruffled the passive air of death. He woke, and raised Himself in bed; Recalled how He was crucified; Touched both hands’ fingers to His head, And lightly felt His fresh-healed side. Then with a deep, triumphant sigh, He coolly put His graveclothes by— Folded the sweet, white winding sheet, The toweling, the linen bands, The napkin, all with careful hands— And left the borrowed chamber neat. His steps were like the breaking day; So soft across the watch He stole, He did not wake a single soul, Nor spill one dewdrop by the way. Now Calvary was loveliness; Lilies that flowered thereupon Pulled off the white moon’s pallid dress, And put the morning’s vestures on. “Why seek the living among the dead? He is not here,” the angel said. The early winds took up the words, And bore them to the lilting birds, The leafing trees, and everything That breathed the living breath of spring.

Personal Application

Rejoice! Christ is risen from the dead.

Quotable

“Christ is risen!” “He is risen indeed!”—Traditional Russian Orthodox Easter Greeting

SEPTEMBER 9

Reading 252

ARREST AND TRIAL John 18

“[Pilate] went out again to the Jews and said, ’I find no basis for a charge against Him’ ” (John 18:38).Knowing what is right, and doing what is right, are all too often different things.

Overview

Jesus was betrayed by Judas and arrested (18:1–11). He was taken to Annas and then to Caiaphas (vv. 12–14). While outside Peter disowned Jesus (18:15–18, 25–27), Christ was interrogated by the high priest (vv. 19–24). Early in the morning Jesus was taken to Pilate, the Roman governor, for preliminary questioning (vv. 28–40).

Understanding the Text

“Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant” John 18:1–11. John gives us more details of Peter’s attempt to defend Jesus. Disregarding the odds, Peter struck out at “the” high priest’s servant. The definite article here suggests that this servant was an important official, perhaps even in charge of the mob that came out to arrest Jesus. Peter’s act, and the implied rebuke by Jesus, who quickly healed the injury Peter caused, remind us of a principle suggested several times in this passage: Loyalty may be commendable, but God’s battles cannot be won with man’s weapons! The ultimate example is, of course, Christ’s own death on the cross. The world tries to conquer with swords and spears, with bombs and machine guns. Christ conquers with a cross. Victory is not found in superiority, but in sacrifice. Conquest is not killing, but making alive. We make a terrible mistake if we take up the world’s weapons to fight our spiritual battles. “Annas, who was the father-in-law of Caiaphas” John 18:12–14. The two men mentioned here were the respected leaders of Jewish religion and the chief arbiters of Jewish Law. They possessed political power. Again we see the contrast. Two men standing at the pinnacle of worldly power looked down on a bound and apparently helpless Jesus. Yet Jesus was the Victor. In the end the two who judged Jesus did not condemn Him, but themselves. “He replied, ’I am not!’ “ John 18:15–18 Peter illustrates the danger of reliance on force. Peter was brave to take up a sword and attack the mob that approached Jesus. But in doing so he committed himself to war with the world on its home ground. Later, when Peter was threatened, he realized his vulnerability and, in fear, disowned his Lord. Paul says that “the weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world” (2 Cor. 10:4). If we intend to battle the people of the world, let’s do so on our own ground, not theirs. “I have spoken openly to the world” John 18:19–24. The high priest and the Sanhedrin had already determined Jesus must die. But they had no charges that would stand examination in a Roman court. The interrogation by the high priest was intended to find some charge that could be brought against Jesus. Christ didn’t bother to answer. He had spoken openly, preaching publicly in the temple and synagogue. All He stood for was well known; many witnesses could be found to tell the court what He had said. Openness and utter honesty are the most powerful spiritual defenses we possess. If we are open and honest, the only charges others can bring against us will be false charges. “The Jews led Jesus . . . to the palace of the Roman governor” John 18:28–40. John gives us the most thorough account of Jesus’ trial before Pilate. Again notice that Jesus refused to rely on any but spiritual resources. Christ admitted His kingship, but affirmed that “My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, My servants would fight” (v. 36). The real conflict was not between Jesus and the Jews who accused Him, but between the forces of evil and of God. Spiritual warfare only appears to be fought on earthly battlegrounds. And spiritual victories are never won using mankind’s destructive weapons. There was another battle taking place in Pilate’s judgment hall: a battle between Pilate and his own conscience. Pilate shrewdly realized that the Jewish leaders were jealous of Christ’s religious influence, and wanted to use him to get rid of One they saw as a rival. Pilate also knew that Jesus had committed no capital offense. At the same time Pilate wanted to avoid trouble during the ever-volatile festival season. And research has shown that Pilate himself was politically vulnerable at this time. So Pilate too fought a battle; a battle between his conscience and his political instincts. Not surprisingly, his political instincts won out. Being used to worldly ways of thinking, he made a worldly decision—and condemned Jesus to death. The spiritual man ignores political considerations to follow his conscience as that conscience is informed by the Word of God. Let’s not take Pilate’s course, and let worldly concerns dictate our decisions. Moral weakness wins no spiritual battles. “What is truth?” John 18:38 We have no way of knowing Pilate’s tone of voice as he spoke these words. Was he scoffing? Or did he perhaps speak with longing, or despair? We do know that truth is discovered only by those who abandon worldly moral compasses, and chart a course by the Word of God. Only those willing to do God’s will can know it, and only those who do God’s will discover truth. Again the spiritual battlefield is defined. Let’s set our course in life by the compass of God’s Word, and ignore the advice and the “wisdom” of mere men. Use this map to locate the events of Jesus’ last day, listed below. 1. Last Supper with disciples (John 13–16) 2. Arrested at Gethsemane (John 18:1–11) 3. Pretrial hearing by Annas (John 18:19–24) 4. Examination by Caiaphas (Matt. 26:57–68) 5. Official Sanhedrin trial (Matt. 27:1–2) 6. Examination by Pilate (John 18:28–40) 7. Sent to Herod, ruler of Galilee (Luke 23:6–12) 8. Returned to Pilate for sentence (John 19:1–16) 9. Taken to execution hill and crucified (John 19:17–37) 10. Buried in Joseph’s new tomb (John 19:38–42)

DEVOTIONAL

“Free Barabbas!”(John 18:28–40)

The word that John used to describe Barabbas is lestes. It does not mean thief, but outlaw: an insurrectionist. In our day we’d probably call Barabbas a “freedom fighter.” He was one of those people who chafed under Roman rule, found a contributor or two, and with freshly armed companions set out to cause as much trouble as he could. It would be a shame if a few innocent bystanders got killed. But the cause was just. What are a few lives measured against advancement of the cause? So Pilate made a grave miscalculation when he asked the crowd to choose between Jesus, the miracle worker and healer, and Barabbas, the terrorist. The crowd shouted for Barabbas, and undoubtedly the TV cameras and reporters crowded around, and Barabbas was invited to speak to the United Nations, firmly gripping his swords and knives. What amazes me is the number of Third World movements that pass themselves off as Christian—and are lauded by churchmen. Have you ever noticed that, when Christians cry out against injustice, all too many shout for the release of Barabbas rather than Jesus? They call for the sword and spear, the arming of the oppressed, rather than the spiritual armory of Jesus. Real victories are never achieved by Barabbas, who mutilates and kills. Real victories, of the spirit over the flesh, of love over hate, of patient faith and goodness over brutality and evil, are won as Jesus won His victory over Satan. By taking up the cross; by bearing witness; by dying if need be. And by resurrection.

Personal Application

When faith adopts unbelief’s weapons, evil has already won.

Quotable

“What will it profit a man if he gains his cause, and silences his adversary, if at the same time he loses that humble tender frame of spirit in which the Lord delights, and to which the promise of His presence is made!”—John Newton

SEPTEMBER 8

Reading 251

JESUS’ FINAL PRAYER John 17

“I am not praying for the world, but for those You have given Me, for they are Yours” (John 17:9).Our prayers reveal our priorities. In Jesus’ final prayer, He showed His concern was for all believers—present and future.

Definition of Key Terms

Glory.

The words “glory” and “glorify” occur over and over in John 17. In the secular world of the first century, glory was “the high opinion of others.” A person’s glory thus was rooted in the assessment by others of his actions or accomplishments. In Scripture, however, “glory” is not linked with human assessment. It is instead linked with the revelation of God’s majesty. God’s qualities are glorious in and of themselves. Jesus glorified God simply by doing God’s will, and thus revealing what the Father is like. How then do we glorify God? In two ways. First, by recognizing His works and praising Him for the qualities His acts reveal. And second, by “bearing fruit” (15:8). The stunning thought here is that as you and I live in intimate relationship with the Lord, He acts in and through us, thus revealing Himself to others. Like Jesus, we can glorify God by being channels through which the Lord reveals His beauty to mankind.

Overview

Jesus asked God to glorify Him, now that His mission of glorifying the Father was complete (17:1–5). Christ asked the Father to preserve His 11 disciples (vv. 6–12). He then prayed for all future believers (vv. 13–26): that we might be one with Him (vv. 13–23), see Jesus’ glory (v. 24), and love Him completely (vv. 25–26).

Understanding the Text“

Glorify Your Son, that Your Son may glorify You” John 17:1.

The prayer recorded in John 17 has been called Christ’s “High Priestly Prayer.” It is the prayer of one about to offer Himself on the altar as a sacrifice for humankind, and it’s filled with expressions of love. This prayer is also filled with expressions of Christ’s purpose in permitting Calvary. This verse states the first, and perhaps most important purpose. Jesus went to the cross to glorify the Father, and that the Father might glorify Him. In view of the New Testament meaning of “glorify” (see DEFINITION), what Jesus had in mind was the whole sequence of events that were about to take place. These events—the capture, the trial, the journey to the cross, Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection—comprise the ultimate revelation of God’s unimaginable love for lost humanity. In this, the ultimate revelation of God’s love, grace, and power, these qualities of our God are fully displayed. In this ultimate revelation of the Father and the Son, Each glorified the Other, for Father and Son were united in the plan to save humankind. Today anyone who wishes to know God need only look to Calvary. There, in the cross, the love, the grace, and the glory of God burn forever bright. “This is eternal life: that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom You have sent” John 17:2–3. Merrill Tenney suggests that “life is active involvement with environment; death is the cessation of involvement with the environment.” A worm has an earthly life, in that its environment is the dirt in which it lives. It has no capacity to interact with an environment of water or air. Similarly human beings have biological life that enables them to interact with the biosphere: the realm of life on earth. But human beings have no native capacity to interact with the realm of the spiritual and eternal. Unless they have come to know God through Jesus Christ, and have been given eternal life by God. What an insight into the nature of our “eternal life.” It is not simply endless. It is the capacity now to be involved with God: to speak to Him, to be guided by Him, to be empowered by the Holy Spirit. We live with our feet on the ground. But our native environment now is eternity, and our primary relationship is with God. “You gave them to Me and they have obeyed Your word” John 17:6–8. Jesus’ prayer now focused on the 11 disciples who had been His companions through His years of ministry. What a beautiful picture John drew. The 11 were God’s gift to Jesus. And they demonstrated that fact by obeying Jesus’ word. Some would see here an interplay between predestination and human responsibility. God gives individuals to Jesus. They reveal their election by obedience. But it’s best not to be drawn into that debate. The 11 were God’s gifts to Christ. What we need to ask is, what made them valuable and beautiful gifts? The answer to that question is found in the text. To be a beautiful gift a person (1) obeys Jesus’ words (v. 6), for he accepts Jesus’ words as God’s own (v. 8); and (2) knows with certainty Jesus came from God the Father (v. 8). Jesus deserves the most beautiful gift we can possibly give Him. We can be that most beautiful of gifts ourselves, if we trust Jesus completely and obey His words. “Protect them by the power of Your name” John 17:9–12. The Greek word, tereo, when applied to persons, has the general meaning of “preserve.” Jesus was about to leave, and His disciples would seemingly be alone in a hostile world. We may be alone. But we are not unprotected! God the Father has committed His name (which means “all that He is,” and here emphasizes His omnipotence) to preserve us from harm. This is no guarantee of protection from physical suffering. Jesus Himself suffered and died. No, God’s protection is far more significant than that. What God is committed to do is to preserve the oneness relationship that exists between the believer and Jesus (v. 11). Nothing on earth can tear us away from our Lord. We are safe, for God has committed all that He is to protect and preserve our relationship with Christ. “None has been lost except the one doomed to destruction” John 17:12. There is a slight difference in the word Jesus used when speaking of His own “protection” of the Twelve. God was committed by Jesus’ prayer to preserve (tereo) the 11. Jesus when on earth defended (phylasso) them from external attack. That defense operated while 11 of the Twelve gradually found their way to full faith in Jesus—and while Judas worked his way to rejection and betrayal. While the shade of difference in the Greek words is slight, there is a vast difference between Christ’s protection of His disciples from outside attack while they were making up their minds about Him, and God’s preservation of the 11 who had achieved the certainty of their faith (cf. vv. 7–8). Don’t let Judas’ loss frighten you. No one who has a settled faith in Jesus is in danger of losing his or her eternal life. “They are not of the world, even as I am not of it” John 17:16. To be “of” the world is to have our roots in the complex of motives and passions that rules sinful human society. Because of union with Christ, the Christian’s roots are in heaven. We live in the world, but our motives and our perspective on life is shaped by our relationship with God. It’s helpful to be clear on the nature of a “worldly” person. Worldliness is not a matter of do’s and don’ts, but of attitudes and perspectives. If our priorities and values are like those of non-Christians in our society, we are worldly. “Sanctify them by the truth; Your Word is truth” John 17:17. To be sanctified is to be set apart, or dedicated. It’s not enough to “just believe.” God calls all who believe to complete dedication to Him and His ways. How does a believer become sanctified? By the working of God’s Word in his or her life. Scripture is not just a statement of standards by which we are to live. It is a powerful, active agent God uses to call us closer to Him, and to guide our steps. Don’t expect your life to change if your Bible gathers dust on some shelf. “For those who will believe in Me through their message” John 17:20–26. This is the third section of Jesus’ prayer: a section whose focus is you and me. What does Jesus want most for you and me? He wants us to be one in Him (vv. 20–23, see DEVOTIONAL), He wants us to be with Him and see His glory (v. 24), and He wants us to be filled not only with love but with Christ Himself (vv. 25–26). What does it mean that Jesus prayed these things for us? It means, simply, that we have what He prayed for! It is impossible to imagine that God the Father would not answer Christ’s prayers. Thus we are sure that this prayer has been, is being, and will be answered. You and I are one with Jesus, and can experience this oneness. We will surely be with Jesus and see His glory. And Christ today is present with us, to fill our lives not only with love, but with a sense of His presence. So claim the promises that Christ’s prayer guarantees. And enjoy being a Christian.

DEVOTIONAL

Being One(John 17:20–23)

I learned a new word the other day playing a game called Balderdash. The word was “Martext.” It describes a preacher with poor delivery and fuzzy thought processes. When you think about it, it’s easy to see where the word came from. Such a preacher would mar any text he preached from! I suspect that John 17:22 has been marred by preachers as much as any text in the Bible. It records Jesus’ prayer that all believers “may be one as We are One.” Many preachers have taken this text as a call for Christian unity. I have no statistics on how often this text has been used when denominational groups meet to consider merger, but I’d bet it’s served as a proof text about 99.9 percent of such times. The only problem is, Jesus wasn’t praying for Christians to be one with each other. He wasn’t asking for organizational or even experiential unity in the body of Christ. What Jesus asked is that all believers be one with Him! We know this from the passage itself. Jesus’ relationship with the Father is the model of the oneness Christ prayed for. Jesus is in the Father, and the Father in Him (v. 21). They are bound together: by shared nature, by mutual love, by oneness of purpose, by a single, harmonious will. Jesus lived His life on earth in union with God the Father, and His actions here revealed God to us all. And now, wonder of wonders, Jesus asked that we may have the kind of relationship with Him that He has had with the Father! Jesus asked that we might be bound to Him: given a new nature that is like His, a capacity to love that reflects His own, a place in God’s plan and purpose, and knowledge of God’s will. Equipped with these gifts, found in Him in the same way He is in the Father, you and I like Jesus can display God’s glory to the world. We can be channels through which God reveals Himself to other men. What’s wonderful is that this prayer has been answered. We are one with Jesus, our lives bound up in His. Christ’s desire for us, now that we are one, is that we might “be brought to complete unity” experientially, that through us “the world [may] know” that Jesus is the Father’s Son.

Personal Application

Being one with Christ means you and I can live our lives on earth in union with God.

Quotable

“Christ is my form, my furniture and perfection, adorning and beautifying my faith as the colour, the clear light, or the whiteness do garnish and beautify the wall. We cannot spiritually conceive that Christ is so nearly joined and united unto us, as the colour or whiteness are unto the wall. Christ therefore, saith He, thus joined and united unto me and abiding in me, liveth this life in me which I now live; yes Christ Himself is this life which now I live. Wherefore Christ and I in this behalf are both one.”—Martin Luther

SEPTEMBER 7

Reading 250

THE SPIRIT’S WORK John 16“It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you” (John 16:7).The Holy Spirit is alive and present with each believer today!

Overview

Jesus warned of the world’s hostility (16:1–4), but promised to send the Holy Spirit to convict the world (vv. 5–11). The Holy Spirit will also guide believers into all truth (vv. 12–16). Jesus promised that soon after His departure (death) the disciples would see Him again (in resurrection), and know joy (vv. 17–24). God loves and hears the prayers of those who believe in Jesus (vv. 25–28). Even imperfect faith is an avenue to peace (vv. 29–33).

Understanding the Text

“You will remember that I warned you” John 16:1–4. The reason for the warning? “So that you will not go astray” (v. 1). We all have a powerful desire to be accepted by others. Sometimes the desire stimulates relatively harmless behavior: kids want to wear what other children wear, and to have the same kind of school notebook. And businessmen dress as clones. But a need to fit in can be dangerous. A teen takes a drink, or tries a drug, because the gang urges him to. A teenage girl abandons her values in search of popularity. An adult violates his integrity for the approval of a boss or coworkers. Our need of acceptance is strong—and costly. If you or I ever assume that our faith is compatible with acceptance from the world, we’re in real danger of going astray. Jesus wants us to know ahead of time that when society asks, “Goin’ my way?” it is not inviting us to go His! The world lacks an accurate concept of God and of godliness (v. 3). Jesus said the world was hostile to and actually “hated” Him (15:18). To avoid the danger of being led astray by the world, we have to make a firm commitment to the Lord. So don’t make it your goal to please people. Love and serve others. But seek to please only the Lord. “It is for your good that I am going away” John 16:7. We can understand why the disciples were filled with grief at the thought of losing Jesus. Why would He “go away” and desert them? Christ tried to help His friends understand that His apparent desertion was for their benefit. Today we do understand: Christ left, but sent the Holy Spirit, who is a living presence within every believer. While Jesus was here on earth, He could only be present with a few of His own at a time. Yet note Christ’s sensitivity, and the disciples’ mistaken grief. Jesus knew and cared about how the 11 felt, even though their feelings were based in part on a misunderstanding of the situation. Sometimes you and I feel deserted and alone too. We wonder why God seems so far off, and why our prayers go unheeded. Jesus cares about our feelings of loneliness—even though such situations too are “for your good.” How close we can feel to Jesus when trials come. He is near, and He cares. He is at work even in our tragedies to bring us good. “If I go, I will send Him to you” John 16:7. In God’s wondrous plan, the Holy Spirit is the Person of the Godhead who bonds us to Jesus, and who lives within us as an endless source of spiritual strength and vitality. Christ took His bodily presence from earth for a time, and in return granted us His spiritual presence, in the person of the Holy Spirit. This is one of the most exciting consequences of the Resurrection. A risen Jesus was free to pour out the Spirit on His followers. You and I aren’t alone. The Holy Spirit of God is with us, always. “He will convict the world” John 16:8–11. Jesus had warned of an essential conflict between Himself and the world. He went on to explore the ministry of the Holy Spirit to the world. The word “convict” is elencho, a legal term that means to pronounce a guilty verdict, thus defining justice and fixing responsibility. While the Spirit convicts the world, He does so by working through us. We are the channels through which the guilty verdict is announced. Earlier Jesus warned that the world is hostile to Christ and to believers. He told the disciples to expect animosity, and not to be “led astray” when the world demands we conform to its values and standards. Now Jesus tells us that the Holy Spirit will convict the world through us. It is not enough to go quietly about our business. We are to make a stand, and by standing enable the Spirit of God to speak to the world. “In regard to sin and righteousness and judgment” John 16:8–11. How are we to understand these three ministries of the Holy Spirit to the world? In regard to sin: the essence of sin is unbelief (v. 9). Our steadfast trust in Jesus stands in contrast to the world’s rejection of Him, and confirms its guilt. In regard to righteousness: the ultimate standard of righteousness is God Himself, expressed in Jesus, whose claims have been vindicated by His return to the Father’s side (v. 10). Though men see Jesus no longer, His character is displayed in believers’ Christlike lives. We continually exhibit the gap that exists between sinners and the Lord. In regard to judgment: the Cross and Resurrection—the reality of which are seen in the believer who lives his life in Jesus’ resurrection power (Rom. 8:11), proves unequivocally that Satan is a defeated foe. Thus the world system he dominates is an empty sham. There is nothing you and I can do to convict the world we live in. It is our lives, infused by the Spirit’s power and displaying heaven’s grace, that boldly proclaim the judgment of our God. “He will guide you into all truth” John 16:12–13. The Spirit has a ministry to believers as well as to the world. The Holy Spirit helps us understand and apply God’s truth to our lives as we grow in Him. The primary application of this teaching is to the 11 disciples, who later came to new and deeper understanding of what Jesus said and did. This deeper understanding is reflected in the epistles and other writings of the New Testament. Even so, we can see something similar happening in us. As young Christians we struggle to understand what seems obscure and puzzling. Then as we grow in our Christian experience, what was hidden becomes clear. When we are eager to know Jesus and to please Him, the Holy Spirit will surely guide us nearer and nearer to our Lord (see DEVOTIONAL). “Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again, and you will rejoice” John 16:17–22. Jesus most probably was speaking of His resurrection and the sudden, joyous knowledge that He was alive that would drive away His disciples’ tears. Yet there is again application to you and me. Life on earth isn’t easy; in many ways this is our time of grief. But we too look forward to a return of Jesus Christ. When He comes, we will rejoice, and no one will ever take away that joy (v. 24). “Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete” John 16:23–28. There are two meanings of “ask” in this passage. The first “ask” in verse 23, means to “ask a question.” The disciples decided that there was no need to question Christ further. They thought they understood. Later, all He had taught would in fact become clear. The second meaning of “ask” is to “ask a favor.” Knowing Jesus lives, and that we are His, we now come freely to God to make our requests. People have a saying, “It’s not how much you know, it’s who you know.” All that means is that if you want to get an interview for a job, it sure helps if someone high in the company will give you a letter of recommendation! If the person is high enough—the boss himself, perhaps—then the endorsement almost certainly means you’ve got the job. Some folks think that “asking in Jesus’ name” is like asking for Jesus to endorse our request. It isn’t. Asking in Jesus’ name means we identify with Christ’s values and goals so that what we ask reflects His will. We don’t need His endorsement! “I am not saying I will ask the Father for you,” He said. “No, the Father Himself loves you” (vv. 26–27). What an amazing thing! We don’t need a go-between in our dealings with God, because God loves us for ourselves. This is what’s wrong with the notion in some Christian traditions that we should ask dead saints to intercede. God loves Mary so much, so the reasoning goes, that He would certainly honor her request. So let’s ask Mary—or St. Francis, or whomever—to intercede for us. But, wonder of wonders, we’ve no need to seek a go-between! God loves you so much He is eager to honor your request. To ask some saint to intercede for you is to question the reality of God’s love—and Jesus’ assurance of that love. “That in Me you may have peace” John 16:29–33. Jesus’ instruction satisfied His disciples’ curiosity. And they thought they understood. They didn’t—and within a few hours they would scatter and leave Jesus to His fate. But even their imperfect faith was enough to win peace. Looking back the disciples would realize that there is no security, no basis for confidence, in themselves. But in Christ, and in Him alone, they would find peace. As the Resurrection demonstrates, Jesus is the Victor over this world. In Him and in His victory we have peace.

DEVOTIONAL

He Will Guide You into All Truth(John 16:1–15)

Of all the ministries of the Holy Spirit, this may be the least understood. We see the misunderstanding in the complaint that Christians are divided over doctrine. Some immerse for baptism, and some say sprinkling is enough. Some argue for predestination, others for free will. Some say Christians should speak in tongues today, others disagree. There are Baptists, Catholics, Methodists, Pentecostals, and multiplied other Christian brands. It seems that if the Holy Spirit were sent to guide us into all truth, He surely has fallen down on the job! The problem is our view of “truth.” To many folks, “truth” is “doctrine.” It’s beliefs or ideas about God. For these folk, the differences in Christian belief are deeply troubling. But biblically “truth” is not found in a harmony of ideas, but in the harmony of experience with reality. Both Hebrew and Greek words translated “true” mean “in complete harmony with reality.” Something is true because it penetrates the fog of human opinion and unveils reality as God alone knows it. The mission of the Holy Spirit is to guide you and me into “all truth.” His mission is to help us experience reality: to know Jesus as He is, to live a life in accord with true holiness, and to build relationships rooted in real love. The Bible never guarantees Christians will agree on every belief or doctrine. But the Bible does promise that as you and I live in fellowship with our Lord, God the Holy Spirit will take our hand, and conduct us step by step. We will know God’s truth, and our experience of that truth will set us free (8:32).

Personal Application

The Spirit doesn’t supervise disputes. He guides our experience.

Quotable

“I find that doing the will of God leaves me no time for disputing about His plans.”—George MacDonald

SEPTEMBER 6

Reading 249

THREE RELATIONSHIPS John 15“Remain in Me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in Me” (John 15:4).Christianity is not just a religion of beliefs: it is a religion of relationships.

Overview

Jesus’ people are branches, He is the Vine (15:1–4). As we remain in His love, we produce fruit (vv. 5–10). Jesus’ people are to love one another (vv. 11–13), and serve Jesus as friends rather than servants (vv. 14–17). And Jesus’ people are to expect persecution in a hostile world (vv. 18–25), but continue to testify about Him (vv. 26–27).

Understanding the Text

“I am the true vine” John 15:1.

The vine is a frequent illustration in the Old Testament of God’s people. Psalm 80:8 speaks of Israel as “a vine brought out of Egypt.” The clearest use of the image is found in Isaiah 5. There the prophet says: My loved one had a vineyard on a fertile hillside. He dug it up and cleared it of stones and planted it with the choicest vines. He built a watchtower in it and cut out a winepress as well. And he explains, The vineyard of the Lord Almighty is the house of Israel, and the men of Judah are the garden of His delight. (Isa. 5:1–2, 7) But Israel failed to produce the fruit of righteousness and justice that God looked for. And so Christ came, as the “true Vine,” that in and through Him believers might produce the fruit of true goodness (cf. Gal. 5:22–23). Only through relationship with Jesus Christ, the “true [authentic] Vine,” can the moral qualities that God seeks in human beings be produced. Personal relationship with Jesus is the essence of Christianity. “He cuts off . . . he trims clean” John 15:2. The gardener who prunes his vine works with extreme care. There is no threat here in the picture of God as the gardener who prunes His vines. There is no warning to “produce, or else.” Instead we’re assured that God, the gardener, actively tending His vineyard, is fully committed to bring us to maximum fruitfulness. God’s pruning work benefits us; it doesn’t threaten us. “Remain in Me” John 15:4–9. The dW¸ says, “Abide in Me.” The same point is made by both words: live in intimate union with Jesus. The analogy itself tells us why. A branch draws its vital juices from the vine to which it is united. In the same way we draw the spiritual vitality that enables us to produce fruit from Jesus. Thus Jesus says clearly, “Apart from Me you can do nothing.” The Christian life is a supernatural life, flowing from Jesus to us. It can be experienced only as we live in intimate fellowship with our Lord. “If you obey My commands” John 15:10. Jesus also made it clear how we “remain in” Him. Jesus kept close to the Father by being responsive to His will: by obeying Him. In the same way we keep close to Jesus by being responsive to Christ’s will: by obeying our Lord (see DEVOTIONAL). Jesus never abandons us. Any failure to abide in Him is our choice. “He is like a branch that is thrown away” John 15:6. The wood of the grapevine is stringy and twisted. It can’t be cut into lumber. It can’t be shaped into furniture or utensils. It has value only when it lives in the vine, bearing fruit. So Jesus’ picture of the branch, thrown away and burned, is intended to emphasize uselessness of a branch that is not producing fruit. Note that Jesus did not say the believer is thrown away and burned. He said that the believer who fails to produce fruit is like a discarded branch. You and I have been chosen by God, and called into relationship with Christ, that we might produce the fruit of true goodness, and display God’s character in our world. If we fail to abide in Jesus, the penalty is an empty and useless life—not abandonment by the Lord. “That your joy may be complete” John 15:7–11. God is glorified by the Christian’s fruitfulness. But, as in all things, that which glorifies God benefits the disciple. Note the benefits you and I experience when we stay close to Jesus. We produce “much fruit,” and thus find a sense of satisfaction in fulfilling our destiny (v. 5). We gain power in prayer, asking “whatever you wish” (v. 7). We demonstrate our discipleship, showing the reality of our link with Jesus (v. 8). We remain in Jesus’ love, detecting a sense of closeness (v. 10). And, we experience a joy that bubbles up within us, despite difficult circumstances (v. 11). Yes, God calls us to abide in His Son. But that calling is an expression of His great love; His desire that we might know fulfillment and joy. “Love each other as I have loved you” John 15:12–17. The second great relationship that John 15 draws attention to is our relationship with one another. We are called to remain in Christ, and to live with each other in love. Why the emphasis on community? Because how we relate to each other has such a tremendous impact on how we relate to Jesus. If our relationship with other Christians is marked by rivalry, suspicion, and selfishness, it will be hard to maintain an intimate, responsive relationship with the Lord. On the other hand, an experience of belonging, trust, and caring in the Christian community encourages our trust in and responsiveness to the Lord. You and I can’t be solely responsible for how others in Christ’s church behave. But we can be responsible for our own relationships with our fellow Christians. We can set the tone of active love that Christ commands, and thus help others draw nearer to our Lord. “If the world hates you” John 15:18–27. This is the third relationship explored in John 15. We have a relationship with “the world.” The “world” in John’s writings is most often that complex of values, attitudes, and behaviors that shapes sinful human society. In his first letter John wrote that love of the Father and love of the world are in conflict: We cannot love both God’s ways and the ways of sinful man (1 John 2:15–17). Because the world is hostile to God we can expect to experience persecution in it. A world which has no understanding of God (John 15:21) hated Jesus, because His life and character rebuked it. There was no real cause for antipathy to Jesus, for Christ came to cleanse mankind from sin. Yet in the process His very presence exposes sin. Those unwilling to acknowledge their sin and trust Christ for cleansing become hostile. They are angry at being exposed as sinners. There are times when Christians who live truly good and loving lives are hated for exactly the same reason. Their very goodness exposes the wickedness of those around them, and creates hostility. But don’t stop doing and being good. The Holy Spirit is testifying through us—and our calling is to show others, as well as tell others, about Jesus.

DEVOTIONAL

Friend Jesus(John 15:9–17)

I haven’t noticed it in any theology books. But that word, “friend,” is one of the most significant in Scripture to help us understand the Christian life. The significance is seen in Christ’s analogy. A lord or master has the right to give his servants or slaves orders. It is none of their business why the master gives a command. Slaves are responsible only to obey—and they must obey, or else! While Jesus is Lord, and thus has the right to give commands which must be obeyed, He has chosen to call His followers friends. This means first that He shares His purposes and motives with us when telling us His will. And it means, second, that we are given a choice not available to slaves. A friend may respond to a friend out of affection. But a friend does not have to obey! Our Sarah is taking piano lessons. It’s her first year, and all too often we hear, “I hate the piano!” Pouting and miserable, she heads off to practice, but only because we tell her she has to. My two nephews, Stephen and David, are accomplished violinists. And they love to practice! Even their summer vacations are dedicated to playing in some orchestra, or heading off to a succession of music camps. What a difference between having to practice and wanting to. It’s just this difference that Jesus implied—and that is the key to a successful Christian life. God doesn’t want Christians to go out, pouting and miserable, to obey Jesus because they have to. God wants Christians to be Jesus’ friends: to eagerly respond to His wishes and commands because we want to please Him. We show that we are Jesus’ friends when we do what He commands. For God will not force us. Instead Jesus invites us to respond to Him, out of love.

Personal Application

Love God and do what you please. Love God, and pleasing Him is what you’ll want!

Quotable

“It is not a question of how much we know, how clever we are, nor even how good; it all depends upon the heart’s love. External actions are the results of love, the fruit it bears; but the source, the root, is in the deep of the heart.”—Francois Fenelon