April 7, 2020
We’ve just finished up reading through the Gospel according to Mark. Now, we’re going to walk through the events of the Passion Week according to John. John gives us a unique look at the life of Jesus that is different than that of the synoptic gospels (Matthew, Mark and Luke). Jesus has made his triumphal entry (John 12:9-19) and we get a glimpse of Jesus on Tuesday having spent time teaching people the word of God in the temple in Jerusalem.
As you read the text today. Think about people you know who do not believe in Jesus. What are their objections? Why do people you know not believe?
John 12:37-50
37 Though he had done so many signs before them, they still did not believe in him, 38 so that the word spoken by the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled:
“Lord, who has believed what he heard from us,
and to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?”
39 Therefore they could not believe. For again Isaiah said,
40 “He has blinded their eyes
and hardened their heart,
lest they see with their eyes,
and understand with their heart, and turn,
and I would heal them.”
41 Isaiah said these things because he saw his glory and spoke of him. 42 Nevertheless, many even of the authorities believed in him, but for fear of the Pharisees they did not confess it, so that they would not be put out of the synagogue; 43 for they loved the glory that comes from man more than the glory that comes from God.
Jesus Came to Save the World
44 And Jesus cried out and said, “Whoever believes in me, believes not in me but in him who sent me. 45 And whoever sees me sees him who sent me. 46 I have come into the world as light, so that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness. 47 If anyone hears my words and does not keep them, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world. 48 The one who rejects me and does not receive my words has a judge; the word that I have spoken will judge him on the last day. 49 For I have not spoken on my own authority, but the Father who sent me has himself given me a commandment—what to say and what to speak. 50 And I know that his commandment is eternal life. What I say, therefore, I say as the Father has told me.”
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
Jesus had done many signs and they still did not believe. The Scripture says that many did believe but they did not confess because they loved the glory from man more than the glory from God.
Are there any people or any areas of your life where you are afraid to confess your faith in Jesus because of fear of man? Pray and ask God to give you opportunities to confess Jesus as Lord! (Think about utilizing technology and recording your testimony and posting it this Friday and Saturday)
My ONE that I have been praying for sent me a text yesterday testifying of God’s work in his life through the Bible study group he is connecting with via Zoom. Before COVID-19, he did not connect with a Life Group. To God be the glory!!!
Praise the Lord!
What powerful and convicting words, “42 Nevertheless, many even of the authorities believed in him, but for fear of the Pharisees they did not confess it, so that they would not be put out of the synagogue; 43 for they loved the glory that comes from man more than the glory that comes from God.” A public profession of faith is so important, not necessarily to save us, because God can do that without our public profession of faith. However, salvation should change us and therefore our life should bear fruit. I pray my life will bear the fruit of my salvation and a life in transformation as an image bearer of God.
Amen and Amen. May our ones all come to know Jesus during this time. For God is speaking.
Amen
And so it was, and so it is and so it will always be. I suspect there will be many who will be drawn closer to God during the trial we are in. A Light is being shown where only darkness was before.
To know the love of God on a personal level is life changing. What Jesus did for us is overwhelming and so humbling. Easter week is a reminder of God’s sacrifice for our salvation. Praise His Holy Name!!!
Amen everyone! Hosanna in the Highest!
Thankful for my life that was changed because someone lived out their testimony and invested in me. I am thankful of their example of giving to the Lord. Use me Lord, I am yours – provide opportunities to share your love and your gift of salvation!
James 1:23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. 24 For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. 25 But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.
Heavenly Father, please continue to grow me in boldness…the way I can and should be because of you. Heal my heart and restore my confidence in the knowledge and abilities that you have already equipped me with. I give you permission to lay ax to the root of my fears, and I forsake any thoughts and habits that you do not command. I love you and pray in your precious name, amen❤