Bringing Tongues Of Fire From The Sparks Of Faith…
LESSON 16
THE GOSPEL 7
JOHN 1
By Rev. G. E. Newmyer
INTRODUCTION LESSON 16
Some of us have looked at John’s account as some obscure document, or it may seem out of place in comparison to Matthew, Mark and Luke; however, we have A Gospel, not four separate views of the Gospel, nor do we have four separate gospels. John speaks to the Full Corn In The Ear, the one who is seeking to maintain the concept of “shall be saved”. John’s account was written by John the Apostle, who was referred to as, “the disciple whom Jesus loved” (Jn 13:23, 19:26, 20:2, 21:7, 21:20 & 21:24). When he wrote this he was the last of the original apostles, his account clears up many issues.
John’s account is the first one to bring in the concept of “Born Again”, explaining the Born Again experience, it’s the place where one changes from a child known of God into a child of God. Our approach in this study is to firm up our foundation by securing more knowledge in order to believe.
The traditional view on the date of John’s account is around 85 to 90 AD; therefore it was written after the temple was destroyed, yet history shows it was written just prior to the Book of Revelation. John’s account is often termed the Faith Account; however, the word Faith never appears in the entire account, but the word Believe in one form or another appears more times in John than in all of Paul’s writings including the Book of Hebrews. John’s account is not really a faith document, it’s so we might Believe.
This same John wrote the Book of Revelation, by most accounts also wrote I, II & III John; although his hand scrolled the words, we know the Holy Ghost guided him. Without any further comment we will begin our venture into John’s stirring exciting account.
LESSON 16
THE GOSPEL 7
JOHN’S ACCOUNT – PART 1
Unlike Luke, John will follow a chronological order based on the various Jewish feast days giving us a timeline, from which, we can discover many interesting elements. We will see the middle of the ministry was when the 5,000 were fed, but we will also discover what happened during the forty day fast. John begins a Beginning, it divides the creation in Genesis for the Night, from the creation in the Day for those of us who are children of the Day. The prophecy went forth, “Let us make man in our Image”, completed on Pentecost, based on what Jesus did.
John’s account is plainly written, the translators had to add very few words to complete the work. Really none of the additions were to promote a doctrine, only to make the sentences complete. John is not a theological document, it’s a love story about God and those God has called. Jeremy Taylor said, “The best theology is a divine life, rather than a divine knowledge”. Robert Green Ingersoll said, “Let us put theology out of religion. Theology has always sent the worst to heaven, yet the best to hell”. Henry Ward Beecher said, “Theology is a science of mind applied to God”. All these men added to the quote of others, like George Bernard Shaw who said, “We have not lost faith, but we have transferred it from God”. Charles Templeton who said, “Christianity does not remove you from the world and its problems, it makes you fit to live in it, triumphantly and usefully”. John is going to give us more than enough evidence to Believe, thus in our Belief we will discover some things about Jesus allowing one to fall in love with the Lord of glory. It may appear from some wording in the other accounts Jesus was being strict, but here in John we will find Jesus was gentle, kind and considerate, adding to the character of Christ.
God adds precept upon precept, line upon line; John has about 848 verses in 21 chapters. John is neither the smallest, nor the largest; Mark has about 678 verses, Matthew about 1,071, and Luke about 1,151, giving us a total of about 3,748 verses, a great majority of them pointing to the week of the Cross in one form or another. When Jesus told us to pick up our Cross, it referred to the week. When He talked about being Born Again, it referred to the week. The References to the week of the Cross show us why the Lamb was slain from the foundation of the world. However, since the creative works for the Night are complete, there must also be a beginning for the creation of the Day.
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God (1:1).
Genesis 1:2 saw the earth was without form, void and darkness was upon the face of the deep. John 1:1 and following show the earth is with form, it’s not void, but darkness is still on the face of the deep. John didn’t go back to Adam, as did Matthew, rather he takes us further back than Adam, to a place before all creation, a time when Sin was indefinable. Before God began creation, there was a purpose, Who is the Word (Logos), the Report in heaven is the Father, Word and Holy Ghost, as One (I Jn 5:7). Here the same John shows the Word was before creation, thus, all creation is for Him and by Him.
This verse in no stretch of the imagination can read, “in the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was a god”. Unger’s or any number of Greek grammar documents show us to translate “God” as “god”, is twisting the Scripture into a fable. Ignatius (30-107AD) was a disciple of John, he quoted this verse as it’s written in his Epistle to the Tarsians, Jerome quoted as written in the Latin.
The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by Him; and without Him was not any thing made that was made (1:2-3).
The Same Word was in the Beginning with God, thus the Lamb was slain from the foundation of the world, the prophecy “let us make man in our image” was proclaimed for a time when the Spirit would be given, thus God is Spirit, thus that Born of the Spirit is Spirit.
In Him was Life, and the Life was the Light of men (1:4).
The Life was not before, it came in Jesus, the Life is Light and God is Light. These verses set the stage for our belief, the Word was with God, the Word was God, the Word humbled Himself then took on the form of man, went to the Cross and was Resurrected on the third day, now lives in every Born Again believer via the Spirit of Truth.
And the Light shined in darkness, and the darkness comprehended it not (1:5).
This doesn’t say, “and the Light shined in the Light”, thus we find the people were in darkness, the darkness was still upon the face of the deep. This gives us three elements, the darkness of the world, the area under the spirit of disobedience, with the nature of the spirit of the world, also known as the “he that is in the world”. However, Jesus opened the Day for those of Salvation who are of the Greater Light. Then the Night for the Lesser Light, but the Night pertains to Judgment.
There was a man sent from God, whose name was John (1:6).
The John noted in this verse is John the Baptist, not John the Apostle. John the Baptist had an earthly father and an earthly mother, he pointed to the Light, he was not the Light nor was he the one who brought it. John was important, but Jesus was much more so. John was sent by God to introduce the Light to man as well as man to the Light.
John was a prophet, but more than a prophet. John did something no other human had done, or would do, he baptized the Lord of Glory, he washed God’s Sacrifice, then Presented the Sacrifice. John saw the acceptance of his work in the form of a Dove descending from heaven, as the Father’s approval. Something to consider.
The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through Him might believe. He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light (1:7-8).
Here we find why John was filled with the Holy Ghost, to be a witness of the Light. It doesn’t mean John had the Spirit, rather it shows the Holy Ghost filled him for a purpose, yet the power and ability did not exceed the purpose. John did not raise the dead or heal the sick, but he did baptize and preach as a witness of the Light.
That was the true Light, which Lights every man that comes into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made by Him, and the world knew Him not. He came unto His own, and His own received Him not (1:9-11).
This doesn’t say each and every person on earth “has the Light”, rather it shows He lights everyman, or the Light shines on everyone, as the Light exposes things in darkness. This verse extends the purpose from the Son of man to the Son of God. Jesus as the Son of man came for the children of Israel presenting the Mercy of the Father, here we find the word “world”, which shows the purpose was known by Jesus, thus the Cross did not just so happen, or appear as a surprise along the path, it was in the Plan. The method of the Cross was devised by man, but used by God.
This also relates to Isaiah, He is despised and rejected of men (Isa 53:3). No man has seen God at any time, but God sent His word so man could know God, yet the Word could not be known by man. Natural man was incapable of knowing Jesus, since to know Him would take spiritual discernment, thus they rejected Him. This leads us right back to spiritual matters are foolishness to the natural mind. In order to Know Jesus one must be Born Again, one could have a theological viewpoint, or even a personal opinion, even say they love the Lord, but it doesn’t mean they Know Him. The Greek word for Knew is Ginosko meaning among other things to Understand. John does encourage us as he says:
But as many as received Him to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name (1:12).
The word Receive means to take into ones being, thus to presume this means to “accept the thinking of” misses the point. We just found natural man can’t Know Jesus, but it doesn’t stop them from Receiving Him. The Greek word for Received is Lambano, a word Paul will use, meaning To lay hold, or take by the hand, or take with the hand, it has several prefixes, it can mean taken from a higher to lower, or lower to higher, or simply to receive without full awareness of what we are receiving. Paul put it this way, “I want to Lambano what has Lambano me”, which explains this verse. Jesus picked us, the Light did shine on us, we knew it. We may not have completely understood all about Jesus, we certainly didn’t know Him, but we know Love, we know Light, we know Truth as it drew us to Jesus. Then we gained the Power to be sons of God by the Spirit, from there we entered a relationship where we knew Jesus, as we are known by Him; for the first time in our lives we know who we are.
The word Become is the same Greek word translated as Made; thereby showing the New Man is the New creature, as our souls are being Formed into a spiritual nature, which is a process (Jn 1:10 & 1:14).
Which were born not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God (1:13).
This confirms it, the New Birth is the issue, mainly it’s based in Belief. We believed the Scriptures, we asked for the Seed, then believed we receive, then enters faith until the purpose is reached; however, when we ask we believe we received. From there our faith reaches to the point where we are Born Again, along the path we Water the Seed with acts of Mercy. When the Seed comes forth, the same Mercy will acquire Life by the Spirit from our inner most parts as we speak words of Living Mercy.
And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us (and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth (1:14).
The Word was Made flesh, He wasn’t Created flesh, rather He took on flesh. None of us were in jars in heaven, then became flesh: none of us had a say so in being born of the flesh, but Jesus submitted and took on flesh, so we can be saved from the flesh.
This verse connects to the prior, showing the power to be a son of God is to be Born of God, which is a Birth not made with hands. Jesus held Grace and Truth within, yet operated as the Son of man. The purpose is the point, Jesus didn’t become the Son of God by the baptism; “in the beginning was the Word”. For some reason there are those who want to elevate themselves above God, they presume if they were water baptized they are sons of God, or they have the Spirit by their water baptism. John is clearing the issue, by bringing clarity, in order to be a son of God, we must be Born Again which gives us the Greater He in us (I Jn 4:1-6). Many areas in Acts show two baptisms, one in water and one with the Holy Ghost, thus the one with the Holy Ghost brought the Seed.
John bare witness of Him, and cried, saying, This was He of whom I spoke, He that comes after me is preferred before me, for He was before me (1:15).
John the Baptist testified the time was at hand, John came with the message of Elijah, thus Elijah must come first, yet Jesus, as the Word, was before Elijah, as well as before the foundation of the world. John’s testimony was based on what God told him, then the confirmation of the prophetic word coming to pass; John knew what he knew.
And of His fullness have all we received and grace for grace. For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ (1:16-17).
This goes right back to being Born Again, Grace and Truth were in Jesus, when we receive the Spirit of Truth it means we received Grace. The only way to obtain Grace is from the One Who is Grace, we also find the Law of Moses never promised anyone Grace. Noah found grace in the sight of God, but the premise was God looking forward to Jesus, the One who would make it possible for us to have God’s Grace.
No man has seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, He has declared Him (1:18).
No one, Adam, Abraham, David or Elijah came from the Bosom of the Father, thus Jesus is The only Begotten of the Father, all the others were reproductions or formed of the earth. The word Begotten (Greek Monogenes) means into existence without being created, or “the unique Son Who being in the bosom of the Father, He, Himself brought God out”, thus God spoke His Word from the very depths of His heart, thus His Word took on the Form of man, for the sake of man, yet this form would suffer and feel pain as any man, while doing battle to free mankind of the sin nature, yet He never fell into temptation. Jesus operated as the Son of man based on Mercy, but He was nonetheless Grace and Truth.
The word Seen comes from the Greek Horao meaning to Perceive, Understand, or Discern, as well as see Clearly. It’s not merely seeing Jesus with the naked eye, but having the ability to Understand Him. Natural intellect is not going to understand God, it takes a spiritual mindset by the New Birth. There is a vast difference between understanding God, and God understanding us.
Two main verbs are contained in this text, one is En, the imperfect of Eimi in the phrase “To Be”, John used it in speaking of the eternal existent Jesus. The second verb is Egeneto, the aorist tense of Ginomai meaning Something not prior, which explains the word Begotten. In the text we see the wording, “and the Word became flesh…” (1:14) showing the Word became something it was not prior; therefore, the Word of God was not flesh and blood before taking on the form of a man in the womb of Mary, yet He was before the foundation of the World. The flesh was provided by Mary, the nature is still the Word of God made flesh for us.
In John’s Gospel account where we read, “No man has seen God…”, we find the Greek reads, “God no one has seen….”, as God, (Greek, Theon) is without the definite article, this gives us God in total, infinite and eternal. The use of the Greek Exegesato or Exegeted tells us Jesus was always in the bosom of the Father; at the timing of God His Word was brought forth to visibility to take on the Form of man for man, yet Jesus didn’t give up any position, rather Jesus having excellent Power was able to operate in the proper position for the proper time. We get the English word Exegesis from the Greek Exegeted, which means to make clear, or to bring an unfolding. Jesus became the Unfolding of God to man, as the hope of man to see the Father’s nature. Peter tells us the Holy Ghost interprets (Unfolds) the Word for us, as the wording “to make clear” is also known to us as Clarity (I Pet 1:19-21).
John’s account uses the first eighteen verses to lay out the foundation, providing us the evidence to stop making Jesus merely a man, or a prophet. He encourages us to look at the Son of man, to see the Son of God, to discern God the Son.
And this is the record of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, Who are you? And he confessed, and denied not; but confessed, I am not the Christ. And they asked him, What then? Are you Elijah? and he said, I am not. Are you that Prophet? and he answered, No. Then said they unto him, Who are you? that we may give an answer to them that sent us. What say you of yourself? (1:19-22).
A record is something already established, or a statement containing information about events already considered complete. The word Record in a legal sense means a written transcript of proceedings having occurred. We often hear how the judge will have the Court Record read back, thus showing something completed then recorded in it’s exactness (I Jn 5:7-8). The Witness is something still in process, thus the Witness is bringing the Report to pass.
Jesus said Elijah all ready came, the disciples knew He spoke of John, yet John says he is not Elijah the man. Both are correct, they were looking for the man, when they should have been looking for the message.
He said, I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Isaiah. And they which were sent were of the Pharisees. And they asked him, and said unto him, Why baptize you then, if you be not that Christ, nor Elijah, neither that Prophet (1:23-25).
This verse shows it’s the Voice, or Statement, not the man. The Voice of the Prophet came, but even if the Voice came, the people had to receive the prophet in the name of the prophet, to gain the prophet’s reward.
John didn’t say he was the only voice, rather he was the voice of one; thereby showing the position is open to others as well. We are Elijah, If we receive it, by receiving the It, we will be sent by Him who sends all the messengers of God to proclaim “Behold, the Lamb of God, which takes away the sin of the world”.
John was the Voice, not the Word, the Greek word for Voice is Phone. From this Greek word we get the English word Telephone meaning John was the sound, not the source of the sound. The telephone doesn’t talk, it transfers the message from one person to another, thus John was not the source of the message, merely the “telephone” the Holy Ghost used.
There is another interesting facet here, John’s baptism did not have the authority to grant anyone entrance into the Body of Christ, the kingdom, or to receive the Holy Ghost, rather his baptism was based on the people should believe. John was filled with the Holy Ghost for the specifics of his ministry, which was baptizing in water, but more important, to present the Lamb of God to the Father. Mary was filled with the Holy Ghost for a purpose, but she didn’t go about healing people, neither did John.
The Holy Ghost will not grant us power beyond the Authority granted. The disciples were not filled with the Holy Ghost before Pentecost, yet under the Authority of Jesus, as the Son of man, they did go out and heal the sick, raise the dead and preach regarding the kingdom of heaven by the Mercy of God. On the same note, they had no understanding of the Cross and Resurrection, or spiritual matters.
John answered them saying, I baptize with water: but there stands one among you, whom you know not; He it is, Who coming after me is preferred before me, whose shoe’s latchet I am not worthy to unloose. These things were done in Bethabara beyond Jordan, where John was baptizing (1:26-28).
John’s baptism was the preparing article relating to the Mercy of God in the ministry of the Son of man, to announce to the people how Jesus would be the one to baptize with the Holy Ghost and Fire. We know John’s baptism was for the people under his name (authority, but sent by God), saying the people should believe and repent, but didn’t Jesus already believe? What would Jesus have to repent for? Nothing, but wait the Sacrifice had to be washed by the priest who was filled with the Holy Ghost.
John’s ministry was short, so short it was done when Jesus came out of the wilderness, John’s baptism ceased to be a factor at the Cross. Once John was cast into prison we don’t read where anyone was baptized in water until Pentecost when it became the water baptism by the Authority (Name) of Jesus. John’s ministry was vital, yet it was very short. Success is found in completing the task God has set before us. After the Cross there were those who knew nothing by John’s baptism, Apollos for one until he was enlightened in the Way of God. Paul ran into Gentiles baptized in the name of John, thus the phrase, “In the Name of Jesus only”, refers to the Authority granted the Body to baptize people.
The next day John sees Jesus coming unto him, and says, Behold the Lamb of God, which takes away the sin of the world! (1:29).
It’s interesting John didn’t say, “who takes away…”, rather he looked at the sacrifice covering the time period from the fall unto the last day, which was “before” John, yet Jesus is preferred by every sinner who desired to be free of the sin nature. The Lamb of God is fully able to stand for all mankind, Jew or Gentile, from Adam to the last person standing.
The phrase “the next day” is our first clue John the scribe is going to clear up some questions, showing us the many things Jesus did during the forty day fast. This is not only the next day after John talks to the religious leaders, but the next day after the baptism of Jesus. In the Greek the wording “the next day” means “the next day”, thus this is “the next day”. The false conclusion of John not speaking of the Wilderness is derived from John not using the word “wilderness”, but he does lay out one day, then the next, then the next, as well as many other clues showing we are looking at what Jesus did during those forty days.
It’s important we view the other accounts; Matthew says, “then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness” (Matt 4:1); Mark says, “and immediately the Spirit, drove Him into the wilderness” (Mark 1:12); Luke says Jesus was led by the Spirit as Jesus was filled with the Holy Ghost (Luke 4:1). Jesus had the Spirit on Him, with the Holy Ghost in Him, so how many are there? The Spirit correlates to the Dove, which displays the Peace of God as it relates to Grace, showing the purpose of the ministry. The Holy Ghost opens the ministry for the Son of man, this in no way means Jesus wasn’t the Son of God, rather it relates to the ministry of the Son of man. Later in Acts the Holy Ghost will say, “separate unto Me”, thus the Holy Ghost acts on behalf of Jesus does appoint of the Offices (Acts 13:1-3). In Jesus we find the preview of the premise, the Holy Ghost is the ability for the ministry dealing with the masses, the Spirit is the acceptance of the Sacrifice, as a Seal. Same God, different positions, just as Jesus is the Son of man, as well as, the Son of God (Rom 1:3-4). This view of the Spirit and Holy Ghost is our preview of Pentecost, the Holy Ghost brought the Gift which is the Spirit. It in no way means Jesus was Born Again, it means Jesus is the cause for us to be Born Again.
This begins our timeline, there are other clues to this as well. John 3:24 shows John was not yet cast into prison, but Mark shows John was in prison when the wilderness experience ended (Mark 1:14). It doesn’t take long to see we are seeing the events of the forty day fast, we will also see the term Miracles isn’t restricted to healings, but includes acts of God beyond the confines and limits of natural man. The Holy Ghost gives us abilities, thus cleaning out the Temple would be a Miracle in the eyes of any Jew, especially if they are a priest. The Jewish religious leaders presumed if anyone cleaned the Temple without their permission, God would send fire or angels down to destroy them, yet Jesus not only did it, He returned to continue to teach.
The Wilderness is both an area and a condition. John the Baptist came from the wilderness of Judea (Matt 3:1), Jesus would go into the wilderness after the baptism. Since John baptized in the wilderness, we find the wilderness also had water, not one of us would submit to Sand Baptism; therefore, assuming the Wilderness was a void place is in error. Matthew points out John the Baptist was challenged by the religious leaders, as Jesus was baptized on the same day (Matt 3:7-13). In John’s account we find the challenge from the religious leaders, then the phrase the next day. In Matthew’s account Jesus speaks about John the Baptist saying, “what went you into the wilderness to see?” (Matt 11:7). We find the wilderness could not have been a dry hot place, since he had to have water in order to baptize. We also find the same statement recorded in Luke, thus we can be up to our necks in water, yet in the wilderness (Luke 7:24).
The word translated as wilderness is the Greek Eremos which could be a desert, but it also means Lonesome, or Separated apart from something. There is another Greek word (Chora) for Empty expanse, or a Territory, this word would show a hot dry place, but neither John, or the other writers used Chora, which tells us to look beyond the territory to the purpose.
John the Baptist was the door between places, he was neither Old Testament or New; the law and prophets were until John, but the New Testament would not be opened until the Blood of Jesus is shed in the Sacrifice. Jesus said among those born of a woman (natural order of conception and birth) there is none greater than John, yet the least in the Kingdom is greater than John (Matt 11:11). The instant we received the Spirit, we became greater than John, whom Jesus said was greater than David, Moses, Adam, Abraham, Elijah or Solomon. Being Born Again is a great and wonderful gift, a very wonderful gift indeed.
All the other accounts give us the “temptation” in the wilderness, John is going to give us the events.
This is He of whom I said, After me comes a man which is preferred before me: for He was before me. And I knew Him not: but that He should be made manifest to Israel therefore am I come baptizing with water (1:30-31).
This verse defines the words “After me”, or “Preferred before me”. In verse 1:15 John said, “for He was before me”, in verse 1:27 he said, “Preferred before me”; they all mean something different. The word Preferred is the Greek Ginomai meaning To become, or to Be formed, thus showing the Preference was the Word, not John.
The word Before is the Greek Protos meaning First as in First place, thus John shows Jesus, as the Word, was long before John appeared on the scene, yet Jesus is preferred over John. This also shows the baptism Jesus would do is preferred, but not the only one, thus we have the Doctrine of Baptisms (Heb 6:1-2), yet they are all in the One Baptism.
And John bare record saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and It abode upon Him (1:32).
This record is on the earth, but wasn’t John a Witness? Yes, but a witness to what he was told, and what he did, thus he saw the Spirit like a Dove, yet what he “said” produced a Record for us to believe. The Spirit didn’t enter Jesus, as the Spirit enters us, rather it Abode Upon Him, Jesus would later say, The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, thus the Spirit like a Dove shows the Purpose of the ministry. Jesus as the Son of man knew the purpose was not to end His ministry as the Son of man, but to continue to the Resurrection where the Spirit of Holiness would declare Him the Son of God, then to the Father, to present the greatest Sacrifice of all time.
And I knew Him not: but He that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom you shall see the Spirit descending, and remaining on Him, the same is He which baptizes with the Holy Ghost (1:33).
Jesus didn’t send John to baptize, rather He who sent him said to Him, “Upon Whom you shall see….”; since the statement doesn’t read, “when you see Me”, we know it wasn’t Jesus who sent him, but the Father. The Trinity was at work, the Father sent, the Word submitted, the Holy Ghost approved, as John the Baptist witnessed it.
And I saw and bare record that this is the Son of God (1:34).
Wait, how can John the Baptist make a statement like that? The Holy Ghost based on John’s position. As we will see in a few more verses, someone else will make the same statement, but Jesus corrects them in a gentle way. Later Martha will also use the title, but we will see how Jesus responses to her statement.
John didn’t see one miracle to make his decision, rather he was told to look for something, when he saw it, he believed, as he believed so did he speak. The Pharisees on the other hand saw many signs, yet failed to believe, thus John was greater among men, simply because he believed in Jesus before Jesus did one miracle.
Again the next day after, John stood, and two of his disciples; and looking upon Jesus as He walked he said, Behold the Lamb of God! And the two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus (1:35-37).
This is still the next day after the baptism, not the next day after the next day. We are told two disciples left John the Baptist to join Jesus, but we’re only given the name of one; however, Peter in Acts will fill in the gap, showing the other disciple was Judas (Acts 1:15-18). One of Peter’s requirements for the replacement of the man Judas, was how the replacement had to be from the baptism of John, but John’s baptism ceased when Jesus came out of the wilderness (Mark 1:14). We are unable to find the calling of Judas, but John fills it in for us. The word From in the phase “from the baptism of John” is the Greek Apo meaning out from, it doesn’t mean to be baptized of John, it means to come out of the ministry of John. We know water baptism ended when John was cast into prison until Jesus gave us authority in His Name (Matt 28:19). Before the Cross the twelve were appointed to do many things, but baptism in the Name of Jesus was not one of them (Matt 10:9). The seventy were also told to go out and do many things, but baptism in the Name of Jesus was not one of them (Luke 10:9). From the time John is cast into prison there isn’t one verse showing anyone was water baptized: until the Holy Ghost came on the day of Pentecost. The effectiveness of John’s baptism ceased at the Cross, then the baptism in the Name of Jesus began on Pentecost (Acts 19:2-6).
When Jesus comes out of the wilderness things changed, when we come out of our wilderness things will change greatly for us as well. The point being, when we see the requirement Peter placed on the replacement for Judas, we can see there are only two who came From the baptism of John into the ministry of Jesus, one is named Andrew, the other is not named, it doesn’t take a scholar to figure out the unnamed one is Judas.
At this time Jesus is beginning the forty day fast, as we will see the evidence of the other Gospel accounts support this period in John’s account, as John’s account supports the others.
Mark also says Jesus was in the wilderness forty days, tempted of Satan, as He was with the wild beasts. Another term for the wording “wild beasts” is Venomous, as in Viper. Jesus often called the religious minded Vipers, thus John will show us the “wild beasts” were in the Temple selling the dove. Mark doesn’t limit the experience to just the forty days, but shows the Vipers continued with their words of poison after the fast (Mark 1:13). The use of the word Immediately means Jesus was taken by the Spirit in the same hour into the Wilderness, thus John uses the terms “the next day”, “the third day”, they mean what they say, thus John shows what Jesus did for several days after the Baptism, in so doing he clears up the question of what Jesus did during the wilderness time period. The wilderness was preparation, Jesus cleaned out the temple, we allow the Spirit to clean our temple, Jesus taught on being Born Again, we place our minds on being Born Again, Jesus taught on the Living Water, we place our minds on being the producers of Living Water.
Mark and Matthew move from the wilderness experience to Galilee where both Nazareth and Capernaum are located, but both John and Luke stop at Nazareth before continuing the events in Capernaum. Luke shows the baptism, the temptation of the devil, then Jesus coming in the power of the Spirit to preach in Nazareth, then Jesus being rejected by the religious rulers (Luke 4:14-22). After this Luke shows Jesus going to Capernaum, where Mark and Matthew pick up various events. John on the other hand goes with Jesus through the forty day fast, proving it by the timeline, then gives us clues to the connections to the other accounts. Luke reports Jesus said, “No prophet is accepted in his own country” (Luke 4:24), John tells us after Jesus leaves Samaria, He would testify, “a prophet has no honor in his own country” (Jn 4:44). John also points out how Jesus was in His fast while in Samaria (Jn 4:31), as John the Baptist was not yet cast into prison (Jn 3:24). John gives us more, as he shows John the Baptist was still conducting water baptism at the same time as the disciples of Jesus were doing water baptism in John’s name, or saying the people should believe, this alone has to show us these events are prior to John being cast into prison. It would not fit for John to be in prison more than once, we don’t see any verse indicating John was in prison “again”, or a “second time”, it was one time.
John takes the events from the baptism to the time Jesus goes to Capernaum, then John skips a great deal of time, continuing with a feast day (Jn 4:54 & 5:1). Connecting them, we find Jesus left Samaria then went back to Nazareth where He proclaimed, “the Spirit of the Lord is upon Me”, thus, explaining why He told Mary, “Woman, My time is not yet”, rather than “Woman it is not yet My Hour”. If we understand Jesus did not make His proclamation in the temple until He came out of the forty day fast we can understand there is one wilderness preparing us for the work of God before we can proclaim, “the Spirit of the Lord is upon me…”, or “it’s my time”.
Then Jesus turned and saw them following, and said unto them, What seek you? They said unto Him, Rabbi, (which is to say, being interpreted, Master), where do You dwell? He said unto them, come and see. They came and saw where He dwelled, and abode with Him that day: for it was about the tenth hour. One of the two which heard John speak, and followed Him, was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother (1:38-40).
First came the calling, yet the two called disciples give us a parallel, Andrew a true servant, then Judas a servant and a devil. Then comes the question, “where do you dwell?”, it can only be answered by “Come and See”. Andrew would bring Simon (Peter), yet Judas as the second disciple from John’s ministry didn’t bring anyone to Jesus. Judas did things, but in his heart, he was always seeking self-gain, wondering “what do I get out of this?”. Judas had the windows of heaven open for him, but he also had the same attitude as those God addresses in Malachi, they wanted to know what was in it for them, Judas wondered the same. Paul says there are some who love God, but they love pleasure more (II Tim 3:4). It’s not just loving God, but loving God with all our heart, soul and strength.
The tenth hour is 4:00 PM, Jesus must have taught these two men enough to stir them to return, we find Jesus dwelled in a place, but He was still in the wilderness.
He first finds his own brother Simon, and said unto him, We have found the Messiah, which is being interpreted, the Christ. And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld him, He said, You are Simon the son of Jona: you shall be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, a stone (1:41-42).
They assume they found the Messiah, later they will find it was Jesus who picked them. Jesus doesn’t tell Cephas, “you are Rock”, rather it was “shall be called”, pointing to a time yet to come. When would it be? After the wilderness experience. The Rock is being formed when the disciples begin to follow Jesus, but the Church is yet future tense. Jesus is the Christ in two positions, the Son of man and the Son of God. These disciples know Him as the Son of man, they haven’t a clue what the Cross and Resurrection entail (Mark 9:32 & Rom 1:3-4). When it comes time to speak of Jesus as the Christ of Grace, He will command the disciples to remain silent. Why? They are natural, spiritual things to a natural person are foolishness. They lack a position to witness, or speak on Jesus as the Christ of Grace (Acts 1:6-8). They could preach on the kingdom of heaven and mercy, freely they received, but Grace is a different issue.
Matthew shows Jesus didn’t call Peter until after John was cast into prison (Matt 4:12 & 4:18). Also, Jesus is walking along the shore when He calls Peter (Matt 4:18), rather than Peter coming to Jesus as we see here in John. The same timing, location and events are seen in Matthew, then recorded in Mark (Mark 1:14-16). In both Matthew and Mark we see James and John Zebedee being called the same day as Peter, yet in John we don’t see the calling of the Zebedee’s, supporting the conclusion of John filling in gaps, as he gives us vital information to establish our belief. For Peter this is the “introduction” not the calling, Peter will leave returning to being a fisherman, then he will be called. At this time none of these disciples are ordained to do anything, they are helpers, not doers.
The day following Jesus would go forth into Galilee, and finds Philip, and says to him, Follow Me. Now Philip was of Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter (1:43-44).
It started with two disciples, Simon was called, but returned, now Philip is being called. None of the other accounts tell us when Philip was called, thus John again gives us information filling in gaps. The Philip here is not the same Philip as Philip the Evangelist in Acts. The Philip in Acts was one of the seven picked by the Apostles, he would later be the only man called an Evangelist (Acts 6:5, & 21:8). This Philip was from Bethsaida, the same city (or town) as Andrew and Peter, it’s also the same place where we find James and John as partners with Peter (Luke 5:10). It’s interesting how none of the disciples came from Jerusalem, but they would all end up there as Witnesses.
The events from John 1:29 to 1:43 are one day, from John 1:43 until 2:1 would be the second day after the baptism of Jesus, thus John 2:1 begins the third day. Each of the three days give us the calling, receiving the calling, then the process to be chosen. The forty day fast would go until the end of chapter four, then John skips time, to the feast of the Jews.
Philip finds Nathanael and says unto him, We have found Him, of whom Moses in the Law, and the Prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph (1:45).
Andrew went out to obtain Peter and Philip, then Philip goes and finds Nathanael, we know Judas didn’t get anyone. Nathanael is also known as Bartholomew, or better as Nathanael Son Of Tolmai.
Nathanael was under a fig tree, the fig tree is a metaphor for the religious order of Israel. Perhaps he was praying, seeking an answer for some religious question, yet his wondering does show us he was considering if there was any hope in the religious order he was viewing in his day, or if God really cared about anyone.
And Nathanael said unto him, Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? Philip said unto him, Come and see. Jesus saw Nathanael coming to Him, and said unto him, Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile! (1:46-47).
Nathanael was from the area of Cana in Galilee (Jn 21:2), it would be in Cana where Jesus performs the first miracle. Nathanael’s question tells us what was on his heart: Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? He just received his answer; later Peter will say of Jesus, “neither was guile found in His mouth” (I Pet 2:22). The Greek word for Guile is Dolos meaning Deceit, it relates to one with a hidden agenda, as well as someone who says one thing, but their intent is another. Nathanael wondered, God answered.
Nathaniel said unto Him, Where know You me? Jesus answered and said unto him, Before that Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw thee (1:48).
Before Philip came to Nathanael, Jesus knew Nathanael was under “the” fig tree. Knowing the metaphor “fig tree” relates to the religious order of Israel, with the word “under” as the Greek Hupo meaning under, by, with or of, it would seem Nathanael was frustrated with the religious order of Israel. Here Jesus points out there is one without guile, no hidden agenda, or mind games. Jesus is showing Nathanael how God knows the desire of the man’s heart. How do we know? By the response of Nathanael. Paul said Prophecy will manifest the secrets of the heart, it’s what we see here (I Cor 14:24-25). A natural thinking person would say, “Jesus read his mind”, a spiritually minded person would know it was Prophecy as outlined by Paul.
Nathanael answered and said unto Him, Rabbi, You are the Son of God; You are the King of Israel (1:49).
Nathanael hears the answer to his prayer, but says, “Son of God”? How can this be? We will see.
Jesus answered and said unto him, Because I said unto you, I saw you under the fig tree, you believe? You shall see greater things than these. And He said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Hereafter you shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man (1:50-51).
Jesus answered with “Son of man”, this is an area showing the delicate manner in which Jesus will rebuke us. Nathanael lacked knowledge, thus he was ignorant of the positions of Jesus, thus, rather than Jesus saying, “Get you behind Me Satan”, He made the correction in a gentle manner. There are times when the Lord will tell us things, but unless we are spiritually aware we may miss the point.
Mark says the angels ministered to Jesus in the wilderness, here John confirms Mark’s account showing the “angels” were the first disciples (Mark 1:13). John shows “the disciples” of Jesus, but we find it doesn’t mean “twelve”, rather it shows Jesus began with a few building to the twelve; like any ministry or local body, God adds.
And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there: and both Jesus was called, and His disciples, to the marriage. And when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus said unto Him, They have no wine (2:1-3).
In the Greek the phrase, “the third day”, means “the third day”, this would be the Third Day after the baptism. It was a wedding day, yet before we can enter the marriage, we find there are vessels in need of preparation.
Since this is the “third day” we find another sign of the Resurrection, thus Jesus will use this experience to point to what will soon be. All this correlates to being Born Again, the third day points to the Resurrection as the declaration regarding the Spirit of Holiness (Rom 1:3-4), indicating it takes the Resurrection Power to bring the New Birth.
Jesus said unto her, Woman, what have I to do with you? My hour is not yet come 2:4).
It wasn’t time for the New Wine, Jesus wasn’t Resurrected yet, but nonetheless, it was still time for a lesson. This is a teaching, thus the people didn’t become the New Wine, neither did Jesus baptize them. Jesus will teach many things during the Wilderness, but teaching and becoming are different.
This would be several days prior to Jesus making His proclamation in the synagogue (Luke 4:18-19), yet it’s also recorded as the First Miracle, thus showing the work began just after the baptism, this is also a type and shadow showing our work begins right after our Baptism with the Holy Ghost. However, what is the work? Jesus will take the Vessels, fill them with Mercy (water), before they become filled with wine. This connects to Matthew with the teachings on Mercy, thus showing Mercy is required.
His mother says unto the servants, Whatsoever He says unto you do it (2:5).
The phrase, “Whatsoever He says unto you do it”, is still an effective command, showing she didn’t manipulate the issue, rather she submitted, declaring whatever Jesus says, thus if Jesus said “I do nothing”, it’s the way it was. Because she did submit, Jesus moved. Whatever the Master says, do, without question, arguing, complaining, doubting or murmuring. It’s a sad note, but these servants were more obedient than some of us.
And there were set there six waterpots of stone, after the manner of purifying of the Jews, containing two or three firkins apiece (2:6).
Man was formed and created on the Sixth Day, thus the number Six reflects to man. The vessels were washed, or “purified” in the manner of the Jews, but why the Jews? Of course it would be the Jews, these were Jews, so would someone prepare them in the manner of the Gentiles to fool everyone? Hardly, there is a process here, one showing the “manner”, going further than water baptism. No one poured water over the pots, it was the inside of the pots drawing the concern. The washing was progressive, first the pot was washed in clear water, then the inside was scrubbed, then filled with clear water, then poured out. The pot would then be empty, yet Jesus said Fill it again with water. The Mercy of God is wonderful, one second we can feel as if all the Mercy is gone; then we seek, we receive, as our Pot is filled again. The Water into Wine is a symbol of the process, Mercy leads to Grace, we need both, since both bring “living water”.
Jesus said unto them, Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them to the brim. And He said unto them, Draw out now, and bear unto the governor of the feast. And they bear it (2:7-8).
First the Vessels were washed, now they are being filled with Water; therefore, this is a filling, our water baptism is a Token to receive the Mercy of the Father, but the water is over us, not in us. It does little good to be water baptized (water over us), yet refuse the purpose (Mercy in us). The Seed of God is the Word, thus the washing of the Water By the Word brings Living Water. It’s not saying the Water and Word are the same, rather the Word in us uses the Water (Mercy) to clean us with, the allegory is seen here. Mercy is great, but unless it leads us to the New Wine we will not find our Joy in the Lord. Without Grace we will love the Lord with our souls, but when we are challenged, mercy goes out the window, as bitter water comes to the surface. Grace (Word) coupled with Mercy adds Life to the Water, thereby producing words of Mercy and Grace in those times of affliction and persecution.
When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and knew not where it came: (but the servants which drew the water knew;) the governor of the feast called the bridegroom and said unto him, Every man at the beginning does set forth good wine; and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse: but you have kept the good wine until now (2:9-10).
The governor didn’t say, “Wow, look everyone is drunk, this is some kind of wine”, rather it was the taste, not the ability for them to become drunk. The governor of the feast had no idea the vessels were filled with water, all he tasted was the Good Wine, or the result. Jesus was using the opportunity to give us the teaching regarding the purpose of our Wildernesses. While in the wilderness Jesus taught over and over again about being Born Again, here at the wedding, then to Nicodemus, then to the woman at the well.
The Greek word used for Governor in verses 2:8 and 2:9, is from the same Greek word translated as Ruler in verse 9, thus the symbol, or metaphoric content shows the bridegroom is called Ruler, but the father of the bridegroom is called Governor.
Before the forty day fast ended, Jesus was already looking to the result, He saw the result, but was teaching His disciples a step at a time, just as He does us. Of course Judas was standing there, would he obtain from the lesson?
The beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth His glory; and His disciples believed on Him (2:11).
When we see the wording, “His disciples” we confuse the term to mean all His disciples, but the context shows this was the third day after the baptism, thus, He did have some of the disciples with Him. Among those was Judas, who accordingly believed on Him, but it doesn’t mean Judas continued with his belief. However, Judas had to have more than a casual interest in Jesus, after all he left the ministry of John to join the ministry of Jesus.
After this He went down to Capernaum, He and His mother, and His brothers, and His disciples: and they continued there not many days (2:12).
This is not to be confused with Jesus going to Capernaum after the forty day fast; this is evident by looking at the wording in this verse as compared to the events in the other accounts regarding Jesus at Capernaum. Here Jesus was “not there many days”; yet in Matthew, Mark and Luke, Jesus spent several days in Capernaum. Also in Matthew we find John the Baptist was already cast into prison (Matt 4:12-13), but here John the Baptist is still baptizing. We found how Jesus had other half-brothers and sisters, all supported by the Fragments of Papias (70-155 AD).
This is still the wilderness, showing our wilderness is inward, we can be around disciples, or family, yet still in the wilderness.
And the Jews Passover was at hand, and Jesus went to Jerusalem (2:13).
John records three Passover feasts, the first is here, the next is found in John 6:4, with the third in John 13:1. All three give us a timeline, but we could end adding a year by not placing them in their correct order. All the suggestions regarding the length of the earthly ministry are based on these three Passovers, but if we presume since there are three Passovers, then the ministry must have been three years long we have counted wrong. However, if we follow the “day after” conclusion we find this Passover was during the forty day fast, or just after the wedding, yet before the meeting with the woman at the well, thus before John was cast into prison. It narrows the timeline down considerably; it would be one year from the first Passover recorded here, to the one in John 6:4, then another year (making it two) from the Passover in John 6:4 to the Passover where Jesus went to the Cross. It makes the earthly ministry just over two years, not three.
Narrowing it down further we know the Scripture tells us, “The Jews Passover was at hand”, showing the day of the Passover was after the wedding, which was at Cana, then they went to Capernaum, now they are in Jerusalem, but yet to venture to find the woman at the well, when the wilderness being about over. When Jesus was a youth of twelve years He went to Jerusalem during the Passover (Luke 2:42), thus we find as an adult He is still going to Jerusalem for Passover. So, was it a Tradition? No, it was a yearly trip based in the Law.
This account has several Feast days mentioned, including the Feast of Dedication (Lights or Hanukkah), which is not found in the Law. Purim would be about one month prior to Passover, yet we don’t see it mentioned, but neither do we see the Day of Atonement mentioned either, yet we find Hanukkah.
The Cross on the last Passover incorporated many feasts, when Jesus said, “Father forgive them”, it completed Atonement by Pardon, thus incorporating the Day of Atonement into Passover for us.
And found in the temple those that sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the changers of money sitting (2:14).
It’s a shame, the first thing Jesus sees in the Temple are those making gain from the people of God. Jesus calls us sheep, but woe to the ones who fleeces the sheep while using the Name of the Lord. John saw the Spirit descending like a “dove”, here we find them selling the “dove”, which denotes those who desire to make gain from the Spirit. Can it be done? Yes, but an evil choice. The temple was a good gift, but the religious leaders made it evil, they were more a Sycamore tree, than a Fig tree. The temple was a building, it had no soul, or mind of its own, what man did with it determined the result.
And when He had made a scourge of small cords, He drove them all out of the temple, and the sheep and the oxen; and poured out the changers’ money, and overthrew the tables; And He said unto them that sold doves, Take these things away; make not My Father’s house a house of merchandise (2:15-16).
Oops, not real happy is He say we, to thee. Jesus not only ran them out, He took a whip to them. The only time Jesus ever struck anyone is found here in the Temple cleaning, the tithe was considered a sacrifice as well. We don’t know if He said anything to anyone else, but the verse shows those who sold the dove were the center of attention for the rebuke, making this prophetic in nature. The Father’s acceptance of the Son’s Sacrifice was the presentation of the Spirit in the form of a Dove. Selling things of the Spirit is a very serious mistake for anyone to commit.
In Mark 11:15 He would clean the temple again, only then He didn’t take a whip to anyone. The second time was not as forceful as the first time, a warning in and of itself; Jesus begins to back off with the degree of chastening: thus showing they slipped into a mindset of refusing to listen. For the religious leaders there was a third time when Peter and John went to the gate Beautiful, after the religious rulers rejected the warning, the temple was destroyed in 70 AD.
This act was during the forty day fast associating it to several things, the baptism, the wedding, the woman at the well, as well as, the teaching to Nicodemus about being Born Again. This cleaning was in Jerusalem; Nicodemus was a member of the religious order connected to the Temple (Jn 7:45-53). The Miracle was the Authority Jesus used in the cleaning, not only did He run them out, He took a whip to them, something the Romans didn’t attempt. Although Nicodemus will consider this a “miracle”, Jesus doesn’t. Jesus considered it a warning. Paul used a Jewish idiom when he told the Corinthians, “do you not know if you destroy the temple of God, God will destroy you?”. It’s the same thought showing why Nicodemus felt this cleaning was a miracle, only in Paul’s case he was speaking of the Body of Christ. Paul couldn’t be speaking of our flesh, we imputed it dead, yet the Corinthians were members of the Body of Christ, carnal members, but nonetheless members.
And His disciples remembered that it was written, the zeal of your house has eaten Me up (2:17).
There were times when the disciples remembered teachings after the Resurrection, yet there were times when Scripture came to them as the event was happening. They saw Jesus go through the temple, then discerned what the religious rulers were doing was wrong, we have a greater promise, the Word in us discerning before we find ourselves selling the Dove. The disciples related this to Psalm 69:9, which reads, “For the zeal of your house has eaten Me up; the reproaches of them who reproached you are fallen upon Me”. What does it mean? The Jews ministry became more important than the people. It wasn’t the “zeal for the Lord”, it was the “zeal for the house”, meaning the house was more important than the people. A clear warning, the five fold offices are not for the pleasure of the leadership, they are designed to edify the Body. When the ministry becomes more important than the sheep, we’re in trouble.
Then answered the Jews and said unto Him, What sign show You unto us, seeing that You do these things? Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up (2:18-19).
A little late, the biggest sign was their empty dove cages. They rejected the real sign, yet they were demanding a sign at their request and pleasure. The sign they rejected was the exposure of their greed, iniquity and self-deception. There are signs many, most of which won’t fit our theology or thinking, but they are nonetheless signs. The religious leaders wanted The Sign, but they confused one Season for the other, missing both.
Then said the Jews, Forty and six years was this temple in building, and will You rear it up in three days? But He spoke of the temple of His body (2:20-21).
When Ezekiel prophesied about the temple he said, “behold the glory of the Lord filled the house, and I heard Him speaking to me out of the house” (Ezek 43:5-6). Jesus would later enter by the east gate: Ezekiel also said, “this gate shall be shut, it shall not be opened, and no man shall enter in by it; because the Lord, the God of Israel, has entered in by it, therefore it shall be shut” (Ezek 44:2). In 70 AD the temple was destroyed, the entry to the gate was closed with great rocks, no one rode through the gate after Jesus, thus the prophecy regarding Jehovah as the Glory in the temple was completed by Jesus, as it’s being completed in our heart by the Spirit, bringing about “Greater is He in me”.
When therefore He was raised from the dead, His disciples remembered that He had said this unto them; and they believed the scripture, and the word which Jesus had said (2:22).
An example of how the disciples remembered something after the Resurrection, but the cleaning was so obvious only the self-deceived would miss it. Wonder how many times Jesus has attempted to clean a ministry, but the leadership considered it an attack of the devil? Faith begins with a Belief of God Is; the religious rulers in demanding a sign, rejected the authority of Jesus, it’s best to determine the source, before we attack.
Now when He was in Jerusalem at the Passover, in the feast day, many believed in His name, when they saw the miracles which He did. But Jesus did not commit Himself unto them, because He knew all men, and needed not that any should testify of man; for He knew what was in man (2:23-25).
This makes more sense when we know Jesus did two things, only one of them here in Jerusalem. The cleaning of the temple was perceived as a miracle by the Jews, it would be plural considering the various elements He drove out, or rebuked. We know this to be the case since John numbers the first two miracles, with the second one as yet to come, yet neither of them associated with cleaning the temple, thus to a Jew it was a miracle, but not to Jesus. However, the cleaning did get the attention of one man, a teacher in the temple, a man who would later attempt to defend Jesus in a meeting of the religious leaders. The same man would be one of two men who would take Jesus down from the Cross, then put Jesus in the grave. The man was Nicodemus, whom Jesus will talk to about the New Birth.
There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto Him, Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that You do, except God be with Him (3:1-2).
Nicodemus was one of those who felt Jesus must be from God, since Jesus didn’t fall down dead after cleaning the temple, it’s why Nicodemus felt the temple cleaning was a Miracle. Nicodemus was a Pharisee, he held natural intellect regarding the Scriptures, yet being a Pharisee he believed in angels and the resurrection; however, his concept was the “resurrection unto life” indicating a person could only receive the Spirit of God after death; in part he was right, no one can receive the Spirit (New Man) until they are dead, thus showing the importance of the Cross.
Nicodemus was in Jerusalem, thus even Jerusalem was part of the wilderness experience. The word Ruler (Greek Archon), is different from the word used for the ruler of the feast at the wedding in Cana. Nicodemus was considered First Rank, a member of the ruling body, a theologian of his time. Nicodemus will hear his position is no guaranty of getting into heaven, even his training is no guaranty of being accepted by God. The name Nicodemus is made up from two words, first is Nikos meaning Victory, then Deemos meaning People, joined they mean “Victory for the people”; whereas the title Nicolaitanes (Rev 2:6 & 2:15), means Victory over the laity. Take these back to the temple cleaning and we find the Nicolaitanes were selling the Dove, but Nicodemus was more concerned for the people being fleeced, it gained him audience before Jesus.
The title Rabbi comes from the Hebrew Rab meaning Abundant Honor, referring to a master, but he wasn’t attempting to impress Jesus, he was making a statement based on his true feelings.
Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, Verily I say unto you, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God (3:3).
This explains a “kingdom”, as well as why we prayed “thy kingdom come, thy will be done”. A kingdom is where the Will of the king takes place, thus in order to walk in the Will of God on this earth one must be Born Again. Any of us can regulate our kingdom, what we allow in, what we keep out, we may feel comfortable, or at ease with our kingdom rule, but it better match the Kingdom rule of the King of kings.
There are some who read this as, “You are Born Again”, but that’s not what Jesus is saying, rather He is telling this man he Must be Born Again. Not one of us would presume by saying to someone, “You need Jesus”, they had Jesus, just because we made the statement! So why assume Nicodemus was Born Again simply because Jesus was teaching him the importance of being Born Again. Especially when we see the Spirit was not given until Jesus was Glorified (Jn 7:39).
The word See means to perceive, or understand, referring to the spiritual matters of God; indicating natural minded people consider the spiritual things of God foolishness. In all this we must also keep in mind Born Again is an earthly matter, thus the Cross and Witness are on the earth, the Record in heaven. We are not going to impute the old man dead in heaven, the act is for here on earth where the work of the Cross was conducted. No one can leave this earth without the Spirit, thus we receive the Spirit now, meaning the same Spirit who raised Jesus, will raise us.
From the words of Nicodemus we can see he had no idea what Born Again entailed, surely if he was, he would. The purpose for receiving the Mercy of God is to place us in a position to make a decision to enter Grace free of the mastery of darkness. Those who enter this, yet refuse to be Born Again will fall into religious conceit, or use natural thinking regarding the things of God, ending in carnal intellectualism, rather than being spiritual.
This command is going right to the heart of Nicodemus’ theology; the Truth is still a hammer to the Stronghold. Jesus didn’t say, “a man’s spirit must be born again”; rather He is speaking about the soul itself. This is clear when we find that born of the flesh is flesh, then that born of the Spirit is Spirit, meaning our souls are formed into Spirit as we mind the Spirit. Our souls were connected to the flesh, they associated everything to the flesh, the process is changing our souls to spiritual by the Spirit.
Nicodemus understood Jesus was talking about the person being Born a second time, but wondered “how can it be?”. The problem for Nicodemus was Jesus talking about one becoming Born Again while they yet had the flesh, it was not a common teaching on the resurrection.
Nicodemus said unto Him, How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born? (3:4).
Nicodemus knew it was a birth process involving the person, not some old spirit of man being regenerated, nor did he consider the concept of reincarnation. On the same note, it’s obvious the man had no idea of what the Process entailed.
Nicodemus also knew the Law worked from the outside in, but Jesus is talking about a New Family Order, a Birth working from the inside out, but how can this be? Does man obtain a second chance? Can a man reenter with the knowledge of his failures? Can he have another chance at Life?
Jesus answered, Verily, verily I say unto you, Except a man be born of water, and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. (3:5-6).
Now it’s “enter”, rather than “see”; the word Enter means to Get in. But this is not to get into heaven, but into the Kingdom of God, which we know has to do with becoming the Church, or Bride of Christ, or what is established upon the Rock. This is not entry into the kingdom of heaven, the premise is we must have the Kingdom of God within, before we can enter the Kingdom of God (Luke 17:21).
The Water could mean ones natural birth into the world, which would be correct to a point, but we also know the Witness contains Water and Blood, we have an understanding of the Ingress Aires, thus we find Mercy and Grace are related. We must be Born of Water meaning entry into the Body of Christ by our token of Water baptism, but after entry we must be baptized with the Holy Ghost to receive the Spirit, then we must submit to the Spirit in order for our souls to become Spiritual, rather than flesh centered. This is still within the Doctrine of Baptisms, it also shows why the TR uses the Greek Par (place) for One Baptism, indicating there is only one place where Baptism is effective, the Body of Christ.
The issue here is simple, if we are born of the flesh, then our souls associated to the flesh. If we are Born Again we have the Spirit, thus our souls are now becoming Spiritual in nature. The birth is the issue, not conception or the root (fetus) stage. No one celebrates their conception day, but they do their birthday.
Marvel not that I say unto you, You must be born again. The wind blows where it listens and you hear the sound thereof, but can’t tell where it comes, and where it goes, so is every one that is born of the Spirit (3:7-8).
The term, “Marvel Not” means don’t attempt to reason spiritual matters from a natural viewpoint, thus Jesus is telling Nicodemus to accept the premise, don’t reason it. This very issue is why some fail to receive, they use their natural reasoning in an attempt to figure out “how is God going to do it? Will I get a devil?”. Natural reasoning will stop spiritual progress in its tracks. Jesus said if we ask to receive the Spirit, it’s what we get, no devil, this area God has protected just for us.
This really clears the issue, Jesus didn’t say, “marvel not that I tell you, you are Born Again”, nor “now is the time for you to be Born Again”, rather Jesus says, “You must be”, showing Nicodemus must enter, which is a future tense issue; a promise of the time yet to come on Pentecost. The phrase Born Again is the Greek Gennao meaning in a Jewish sense being drawn over, or formed, thus it shows the soul is never going to be spiritual without having the Spirit. The wind comes from a general direction, but where it originates is any man’s guess, where it will end no man knows. The wind is real, thus Jesus shows this Born Again experience is real. The word Wind in the Greek is Pneuma, translated as Spirit or Ghost, everywhere else except here in John 3:7-8. The difference between Spirit and Ghost is the usage, gender and position.
The word Blow is the Greek Pneo meaning Breath. The word for breath in the Ingress Aires is not Pneo, but a verb, yet when the Holy Ghost comes on Pentecost we find the noun Pneo. The New Birth is a product of the Baptism with the Holy Ghost, later it’s defined by Peter as the time when we receive the Gift, as the Promised Spirit (Acts 11:15-16 with Acts 10:45-46).
The word Listens is the Greek Ethelo meaning To will; from this word comes the Greek Phoneo, which we found translated as Voice, as in a Voice in the wilderness. The Holy Ghost comes as the rushing mighty wind where He will, whether Jew or Gentile, we can only hear the Voice of God by the Wind, yet we don’t know from where it came, or where it’s going. Later Peter will hear, “you will stretch forth your arms and another will take you” (Jn 21:18), relating to the New Birth which was to come.
The word Born in the last part of verse 8, is the perfect passive participle, which means something having been completed in the past which has existing results, this is the clue, showing Jesus is telling Nicodemus this process is yet to come, but when it does it will be a One Time event for the person, just as being born of the flesh is a one time event, yet we can be filled with the Holy Ghost more than once. When we separate the Holy Ghost and Holy Spirit into the proper order we will have a clearer understanding of being Born Again. The Holy Ghost is part of the Record, He brings the Seed, the Seed is the Holy Spirit, thus we are sealed by the Holy Spirit, not the Holy Ghost. The Holy Ghost will fill us when we address the masses, or when we are selected to an Office of the Doma (Acts 13:1-3). The Holy Spirit is centered on saving our souls and manifesting in those one on one situations. There is also the Spirit of God, or the fullness of the Report, as Father, Word and Holy Ghost, thus Paul shows the spirit of man knows the things of man, but hasn’t a clue to the things of God, yet the Spirit of God knows the deep things of God and man (I Cor 2:11).
Nicodemus answered and said unto Him, How can these things be? (3:9).
Good question, with man it is impossible, but not with God, for with God all things are possible. Nicodemus had a knowledge of the last resurrection, but this? Jesus is telling him to die, yet live, so he can be Born Again, yet Jesus will connect this to the Cross, showing Nicodemus to remember the Scriptures, how God imputed righteousness to Abraham’s belief, allowing the man Abraham to enter Covenant, so it might be by faith. The same is true here, we ask based on what Jesus did for us, we then believe we receive, as the growth process takes effect.
Jesus answered and said unto him, Are you a master of Israel, and know not these things? Verily, verily I say unto you, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and you receive not our witness. If I have told you earthly things and you believe not, how shall you believe, if I tell you of heavenly things (3:10-12).
What? Know them? How? Where does it say in the Law or Prophets we must be Born Again? This also shows Nicodemus was not Born Again at this time, this is a teaching, not a performance. So, what Scripture? How about, “let us make man in Our image”? Yes, it was an earthly happening.
And no man has ascended up to heaven, but He that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven (3:13).
From earthly matters, to heaven; the connection is still Born Again. Jesus as the Word of God came down from heaven before the Spirit descended upon Him, here we find neither Elijah nor Enoch could enter God’s heaven, rather they went to Paradise.
And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up (3:14).
This relates to the prior teaching, showing the ability won’t be in hand until the Cross and Resurrection. Nicodemus asked “how?”, Jesus is telling him when. Nicodemus knew the flesh had to die before the Spirit could enter, here Jesus is telling him how the process will work. This also points directly to the Son of man, not the Son of God being lifted up on the Cross.
Here is the answer Nicodemus wanted, it was showing him the Scriptures did speak of “these things”. By the Cross the serpent will be defeated, or made ineffective (Heb 2:14), but we also find the entrance into the Kingdom will not be available until the Cross takes effect.
That whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life (3:15).
The key word in John’s account is Believe; however, the word Believe holds more than a mental thought regarding an event or events. This is still connected to the teaching, showing a process. Awareness of the purpose, to be Born Again, the Son of man lifted to separate man from the serpents, then Believe. Nicodemus is being taught, but teaching alone is not enough to establish Belief. The Act will have to take place, then Nicodemus will understand, enabling him to believe in something, so it can be by faith.
The word “believes” as it’s used here means a constant belief, it ties right back to Mark 16:16, thus showing Water is the entrance into the Body, but entrance into the Kingdom of God takes the New Birth.
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved (3:16-17).
The Purpose, it was not because of man’s greatness, the temple, or the religious order established by God, it was a Love, based in a Joy. The interesting words used here are: “Loved”, “whosoever”, and “might be”; all opening areas. The word Loved is not Agape, but Agapao, which is a verb, meaning a love based on a Joy. Agape is a noun pointing more to the nature of the person. The word “whosoever” pertains to Jew and Gentile, pointing to the overall purpose. The wording “might be saved”, is very interesting, it’s not the same as “shall be saved” (obviously). The premise is Jesus did not come to condemn the world, the world is the world, but the World “through” Jesus might be saved; however, what does this relate to? The Cross, the lifting of the Son of man, yet it entails belief by man in the effort. The word Gave is also interesting, it’s the Greek Didomi meaning To bestow a gift, so is the Son the gift? Or what the Son brought? God so loved the world He Gave His only begotten Son, thus the Son holds the Gift of Truth and Grace: when we receive the Seed of God we gain the Word, which is the Spirit of Truth, defined as Grace.
One can reject Mark 16:16-18, but then they have to face all the other verses saying the same thing. This is perhaps the most quoted verse in the Bible, yet few understand how important the word “loved” is. Man also has Agapao, as we will see, it came in the measure of faith, but since it’s based on a Joy, it can be a love for good, or a love for evil. The perversion of Agapao is Eros love, something completely flesh based. There is Phileo love or a brotherly type of love, then Storge love, or family love. Agape being a noun shows God is Agape, but He has Phileo and Agapao. If we are Born Again we have Agape, but it doesn’t mean we are Agape. Much different.
He that believes on Him is not condemned: but he that believes not is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God (3:18).
What does this mean? To “believe not” doesn’t necessarily mean total disbelief, it can refer to parts as well. One can believe in the Cross, but not in being Born Again, thus a continual belief means we accept All Jesus has for us. Here Jesus used the title “Son of God”, but He has the Authority, thus He is speaking of the Cross and Resurrection combined (Rom 1:3-4), showing us this is a teaching, not a performance.
This connects to Mark 16:16 with the word Condemned meaning Damned, thus this goes further than a simple belief to begin the process, rather it entails a continual belief after the fact. It’s the same concept we find in the phrase, We are of them who Believe unto the saving of the soul (Heb 10:38-39). It’s the Now confidence, based on past experiences or knowledge connecting to our faith. Belief is a Vitamin, it must be taken day by day in order to be effective.
And this is the condemnation, that Light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than Light, because their deeds were evil (3:19).
This verse doesn’t say “the Greater Light”, nor does it say “a light”, rather it points out The One Light has come into the world, thus showing Jesus is The Light. Prior to His coming there was no Light, just darkness. This alone shows the Prophetic acts in Genesis, as well as, telling us making man in “Our image” was prophetic, since the Light came then the ability. The Greater Light of the Day, or the Lesser Light of the Night could not come into existence until The Light came. This also shows the “condemnation” is, it’s not a lack of deeds, rather they loved darkness rather than the Light. The word “loved” here is the Greek Agapao, a love based in some joy; yet the joy here is based in evil. However, it was all mankind had, until the Cross of Jesus established the Door.
For every one that does evil hates the Light, neither comes to the Light, lest his deeds should be reproved (3:20).
Here we find darkness is evil, yet the light is good; those who Agapao the darkness, hate the light, thus those who love the light, hate the darkness. Wow, how then can we who were in darkness get to the Cross? The Holy Ghost using the measure of faith, reaching past the darkness to our desire to know God; pressing to the hope of entering the Light to be void of the darkness. This merely shows we were a people without hope, until Jesus. The Breath of God transferred the measure of faith before the Fall, thus it seeks the Light.
But he that does truth comes to the Light, that his deeds may be manifest, that they are wrought in God (3:21).
Jesus is Truth meaning all He speaks is Truth, indicating the Spirit of Truth makes us members of the Greater Light, thus by the Spirit we are deemed children of the Day, we are no longer children of darkness, as we are free from becoming children of the Night. The Process is clear, Light, Truth, Grace, all came with Jesus. All this is still related to being changed from a soul centered on the flesh, or one Engrafted into the Word (Spirit of Truth).
The Cross begins the transition, we impute the flesh with the old nature dead, then we accept the Mercy of God (Water), the Grace (Blood), as we receive with meekness the Engrafted Word (Spirit), which is able to save our souls (James 1:21 & I Jn 5:7-8), then we can have the Living Water.
After these things, came Jesus and His disciples into the land of Judea; and there He tarried with them, and baptized. And John also was baptizing in Aenon near Salim because there was much water there: and they came, and were baptized. For John was not yet cast into prison (3:22-24).
Recalling, this is still during the forty day fast, as well as prior to John being cast into prison, we see the context fits the chronological order. These verses alone have to be an obvious clue to the time element. When Jesus came out of the wilderness, John was already in prison, yet here John is baptizing, as were the disciples of Jesus. If the ministry of Jesus was so important why didn’t He ask John to join Him? Why didn’t John “leave all behind” and join Jesus? Position, John was sent to prepare the Way, not take it over. John understood his calling and remained in it, something we all need to take notice of. However, if the disciples of Jesus are baptizing, what Name are they using? It can’t be the Name of Jesus, it was not granted for baptism until after the Cross. It had to be in accordance with the Baptism of John, because we know when Jesus sent the disciples out before the Cross, He didn’t tell them to baptize in His Name (Matt 10:5-14).
We are given two locations; John was near Salim located midway between the Sea of Galilee and the Dead Sea along the Jordan, or about 45 to 50 miles north of Jerusalem; however, Jesus was south of Jerusalem in the area of Judea. Not only do we find John near Salim, but it’s some 50 miles north of Jerusalem, surely this shows John was not in prison at this time.
These events play a major role when John’s disciples confront Jesus after John is cast into prison, and after the disciples of Jesus are sent out to heal the sick. They also show John was cast into prison one time only. No where do we find “John was cast into prison again”, thus John’s Account speaks more on the wilderness than any other scribe.
We also have to note how at this time the disciples of Jesus were baptizing in water, but they were not out preaching or healing the sick, it was still John’s hour, thus John knew he had to decrease, so Jesus could increase.
Then there arose a question between some of John’s disciples and the Jews about purifying. And they came to John, and said unto him, Rabbi, He that was with you beyond Jordan, to Whom you bear witness, behold, the same baptizes, and all men come to Him (3:25-26).
Here we find John had already baptized Jesus, thus this is after the baptism, but before John is cast into prison. We keep going over this to take down the Stronghold of Jesus was by Himself in some sand infested mountain. This also removes any concept of John being in prison more than once, here he is baptizing. To the disciples of John it would appear as if Jesus is attempting to start a ministry like John’s, yet the Time and Timing was not yet for Jesus to proclaim, “the Spirit of the Lord is upon Me”.
John answered and said, A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven (3:27).
John’s authority to baptize in water came from heaven, yet it would appear our authority came from Jesus on earth, but if we look at Matthew with the rest of the Commission we find Jesus has a Name above all Names, thus His authority covers both heaven and earth, but the place where all baptisms take place is on earth, thus the authority was granted on earth, but it opened heaven. Even the Baptism with the Holy Ghost takes place on earth (Acts 11:15-17).
Later during the last Passover Jesus will ask the religious leaders where John obtained his authority, here we see John knew where he obtained his authority, the evidence proved it (Mark 11:29-30).
You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, I am not the Christ, but that I am sent before Him (3:28).
They called him Rabbi, now he is making sure they understand his role, as he teaches them who he is, more important who he is not. Far too often people are impressed by people, they think the person’s power is the reason for the anointing, rather than the anointing being the reason for the power.
John the Baptist reiterates how his disciples heard him testify how he himself was not the Christ, but was sent by God to begin the baptism unto repentance, and preach the baptism unto remission. John never did one miracle, yet he had a purpose and goal, without his efforts Jesus would not have been baptized (washed sacrifice). It’s also interesting how the first conflict between two ministries was centered on water baptism.
This is a great hope if we receive it, the servant is not above the master; John didn’t raise the dead, lay hands on the sick, or cast out devils, neither did his disciples; however, Jesus did, as did His disciples; however, John was filled with the Holy Ghost, the disciples of Jesus were not: showing the power of Mercy in the Name of Jesus
He that has the bride is the bridegroom, but the friend of the bridegroom, which stands and hears Him, rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom’s voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled (3:29).
John gives us various groups, the Bridegroom is of course Jesus, but John also gives us the friend of the bridegroom. When John heard the Voice of the Lord, his joy was fulfilled, which means he knew his job was complete as well.
He must increase, but I must decrease (3:30).
John sees the truth, the decreasing isn’t because of John’s pride, it’s because of the people. There was already confusion, the people were wondering, Who is greater? The purpose of John’s baptism was for the people to believe, yet his own disciples are now questioning Jesus.
He that comes from above is above all: he that is of the earth is earthly, and speaks of the earth: He that comes from heaven is above all. And what He has seen and heard, that He testifies, and no man receives His testimony. He that has received His testimony has set to His seal that God is true (3:31-33).
The term “seal” means a mark, or a form of identification proving ownership. We are sealed by the Holy Spirit of promise, John makes the division, John was of the earth, Jesus of heaven, thus John knew the sign of the Dove was the beginning of something New. John heard, saw and testified of what he heard and saw, yet even his own disciples had trouble receiving his testimony.
For He whom God has sent speaks the words of God: for God gives not the Spirit by measure unto Him (3:34).
This is the first verse using the English “Words”, which we know is the Greek Rhema, yet it’s connected to the Spirit (Jn 6:63). Until this time it was Logos, now the Logos is connected to the Rhema; therefore, we find a progression, one must have the Logos in them, in order to operate by the Rhema. The word Measure always denotes a limit, thus our natural gift of faith is by Measure, we don’t have unlimited faith.
The Father loves the Son, and has given all things into His hand (3:35).
The Father Agapes the Son, yet prior Jesus said the Father Agapao the world. Ahh, the Father will Agape us, because we have the Agape of Jesus through the New Birth.
He that believes on the Son has everlasting life: and he that believes not the Son shall not see life: but the wrath of God abides on him (3:36).
This is the same thing Jesus told Nicodemus, in the mouth of two or more witnesses a fact is affirmed. This is not believing in Life, nor the Cross, nor the Power, nor the Anointing, nor in the Bible, this is believing on the Son. John just said the Father loves the Son, here he tells us to put our belief in the Son, as Jesus said, “have faith in God” (Mark 11:22). What gives? Faith is a now confidence based on a future hope, belief is a now confidence based on some past experience, information or knowledge. We must Believe the Cross has the power to accept our imputed death, we must have faith to reach to the same Spirit who raised Jesus will raise us, yet our faith must be firmed by our belief. Without a Covenant there is no Hope, thus the belief of Abraham gained the imputed righteousness, allowing the Covenant so it could be by faith.
John didn’t say the wrath of God will abide, he said it does. How can it be? This is the Day of Salvation, let us rejoice and be glad in, the Cross is the Doorway between the wrath of God and His Grace. We are in the Process as Children of the Day, thus Paul said the wrath of God is upon the children of disobedience (Eph 5:6).
When therefore the Lord knew how the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John, (Though Jesus Himself baptized not, but His disciples) (4:1-2).
This verse not only shows Jesus didn’t baptize anyone in water, it also shows He didn’t baptize anyone with the Holy Ghost during the earthly ministry, thus no one was Born Again at this time, since the Spirit was not yet given (Jn 7:38-39).
The disciples of Jesus were baptizing in water before the cross, they also healed the sick, cast out devils and preached the kingdom at hand, before the Cross. It’s also evident, they didn’t understand the Resurrection until after the fact, as they didn’t receive Grace until Pentecost; what did they preach? They obtained Mercy, the purpose for the earthly ministry was to present the Will of the Father, the Water indicating the Father’s Mercy, thus on the Cross Jesus said, “Father forgive them”, the first presentation of the Cross is the Mercy of the Father, then the Blood of the Word, then the gift by the Holy Ghost as the Seal of the Holy Spirit of Promise.
He left Judea, and departed again into Galilee. And He must needs go through Samaria (4:3-4).
Jesus didn’t stay to fight the controversy, He left continuing the ministry in another location. He knew there was a need in Samaria, the need was teaching a woman about the Living Water. This is still during the forty days, they won’t end until Jesus leaves Samaria. The wording, “must needs go” is the Greek word Dei meaning something is necessary, right and proper. Jesus knew who would betray Him before it happened, but He also knew someone was in need.
Then came He to a city of Samaria which is called Sychar, near to the parcel of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph (4:5).
Sychar is also known as Shechem, which has a root word meaning The placing of weight on ones shoulders, as the government is on His shoulder (Isa 9:6). This is a lesson in proper government order. No one is going to be a lawful leader in the Body unless they are Born Again. How can we tell others to make Jesus Lord, if no one can call Him Lord but by the Holy Ghost (I Cor 12:3)?
The term Samaritans was originally referred to the inhabitants of Samaria, but today it’s a general term restricted to a sectarian Jewish community living in the area. In the Jewish tradition the Samaritans were said to be colonists introduced after the Assyrian conquest of the region who adopted a distorted form of Judaism. The Samaritans were descendants of the two sons of Menasseh and Ephraim, the sons of Joseph, who were given the land where the city of Sychar (Shechem) (Joshua 20:7-8). Sychar is also near Mount Ebal, just inland from the Jordan river.
The conflict between the “Jews” and the “Samaritans” was based on the claim of the Samaritans; the Samaritans, like the Jews, held to the Pentateuch, both honored Moses, but they also said Moses was the “only” prophet, discounting the other prophets in the Old Testament. The Jews refused to let them participate in the building of the second temple in Jerusalem, so they built their own temple on Mount Gerizim, which was destroyed. Of course the Jews claim God destroyed it to prove the only place to “worship God” was in the Temple in Jerusalem. However, in 70 AD they claim the Romans, not God destroyed the Temple in Jerusalem. This gives us the background for some of the comments by the woman at the well, as well as, showing why Jesus responded to her the way He did.
When Jesus speaks to the woman at the well the subject matter will be acceptance of something New, something to erase the past, as it brings the person to a place of true worship regardless of where they are. Jesus will bring a Proceeding Word, rather than a locale or building being the “place” of worship, it will be in the person.
Jesus was traveling back to Galilee, but went out of His way then up a hill at a particular time of day for a very important purpose. Upon this Hill or Mountain He saw a woman, whom most wouldn’t talk to, even the disciples were shocked, a man like Jesus talking to a woman like this. If Jesus went all this way to see this one woman, what makes us think He won’t reach out to us in our time of need? Would God send someone out of their way, just for one person? Yes, there are times when God will send us many miles, just for one person. On the other hand, we know God will send someone many miles just for us as well.
Most would deny this woman entrance into a church, much less allow her to preach, but Jesus would use this outcast to start a Revival. We tend to look at those who started Revivals as Great People of God, but they were unknown before the Revival. We also tend to look upon the Evangelist who brought thousands to the Lord as doing something great, as they did, but much Greater is the one who brought the Evangelist to the Lord. John was not greater than Jesus, but the Baptist opened the Way for Jesus, yet Jesus said John was the greatest among those born of women (natural process of conception and birth), but the least in the kingdom is greater than John. Are you the least? You’re still greater than John, yet John was greater than David, or Abraham, or Elijah.
Now Jacob’s well was there. Jesus therefore, being wearied with His journey, sat thus on the well; and it was about the sixth hour (4:6).
This is not Israel’s well, but Jacob’s, thus it is more reflective to the man, rather than the nation. The sixth hour is noon, during this time of day only one class of woman would be at the well. The more respectful women in the town would come to the well in the cool of the morning, or in the cool of the evening, but the heat of the mid-day was set aside for the outcasts. Jesus was fully aware of the type of woman who would come to the well then, yet He not only traveled to see her, but waited for her.
There came a woman of Samaria to draw water: Jesus said unto her, Give Me to drink (4:7).
A similar situation can be found in the Old Testament, but it was the servant who came looking for the bride (Gen 24:10-19). Here this woman of low social importance came to the well, Jesus not only talked to her, but opened the conversation by making a request. What has it come to? This man of God talking to the low class, what will people think? Oh my, the Body is in big trouble, or perhaps Jesus, as our example, is showing us where the “harvest” is located.
(For His disciples were gone away unto the city to buy meat) then said the woman of Samaria unto Him, How is it that You, being a Jew, asks drink of me, which am a woman of Samaria? For the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans (4:8-9).
Jesus did not consider the Samaritans outcasts, but the Jews did; this one woman was an outcast of the outcasts. The woman doesn’t bring up why she is at the well at the noon hour, rather she enters self-justification, by blaming the Jews for not having anything to do with the Samaritans. She stopped just short of saying, “and no one has anything to do with me either”. This is all very interesting, some of us need to take note, Jesus not only wanted this woman to know about the Living Water about to be introduced to all the world, but He had a job for her, a calling, thus her background didn’t mean a thing, her repentance did.
Jesus answered and said unto her, if you knew the gift of God, and Who it is that says unto you, Give Me drink: you would have asked of Him and He would have given you living water (4:10).
The word Gift is the Greek Dorea, John is the only Gospel writer to use this Greek word; it comes from the Greek Doron meaning a present which can be put to use for the benefit of the giver as well as the receiver. The Gift of the Holy Ghost is Grace (Charis), as Grace entails being Born Again. This is different, yet it has a connection, this gift is not Salvation, rather Salvation is the completed effort of Grace, thus by Grace through faith you are saved. Water being a metaphor for Mercy shows us Jesus is talking about Mercy being empowered by the New Nature. Later when Jesus teaches on the Living Water we will find it’s connected with the Spirit (Jn 7:37-39). Like Nicodemus Jesus is teaching on what’s to come, He is not giving her the “living water”, neither is she “saved”. It would appear as if Jesus would have given her the living water, but the key is the wording, “Who it is that says unto you”, none of them, including the disciples, understood the Christ of the Cross and Resurrection. If we understand Jesus went to the Cross for us, was Resurrected on the third day, we can Ask for the Living Water as we believe we receive.
The woman said unto Him, Sir You have nothing to draw with, and the well is deep: from where then have You that living water? (4:11).
This proves the point, she didn’t have a clue to Who Jesus is, or how to get the Living Water. This is not “Water” alone, this is Water with the attached “Living”. The Greek word of Living is Zao meaning to have true Life, or be worthy of the Name providing it. The word changes the context, this is Water from a Life within.
It becomes interesting to see the woman’s reaction to Jesus’ comments; now it’s “Sir”, but when she is offended her tone will change.
Are You greater than our father Jacob, which gave us the well, and drank thereof himself, and his children, and his cattle? (4:12).
The woman is presented with the same concepts the Pharisees will hear later; her first reactions are to attack, then justify herself. The Pharisees will say, “we are the children of Abraham”; the woman says, “our father Jacob”. She is still looking at Jacob, rather than the promise. Jesus could give up, perhaps assuming this woman is so hard headed no one could break through, but He continues looking to the breakthrough.
Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinks of this water shall thirst again: But whosoever drinks of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life (4:13-14).
This doesn’t refer to water baptism, rather this Living Water will flow from within, not over the person. There is a difference between Living Water, and Running Water, some mix the two, missing the importance of Living Water. The Living Water from within comes from a source, or is produced from a source, which source is the New Man. The New Man isn’t water, he gives Mercy power. The same is true with the “washing of the water by the Word”, it’s the Word as the New Man using Mercy (Water), but when it comes forth then it’s Rhema, words of Grace and Mercy empowered.
The woman said unto Him, Sir, give me this water, that I thirst not, neither come here to draw (4:15).
She reaches out by asking, but did Jesus give it? No, why not, He just said if she asked, she would receive? If she doesn’t fit the qualifications, will He reject her? No. She will see Jesus is the Christ, but she still lacks knowledge regarding the Christ of the Cross. The woman began with “Sir”, went to “Are You greater”, now she returns to “Sir”; as her respect is growing it becomes a sign of repentance.
Jesus said unto her, Go, call your husband, and come here (4:16).
Now comes the time of repentance, a Word of Knowledge to set this woman free of her bondage. She knew the man she was living with wasn’t her husband, but she had other problems as well. Her mind caused her to seek many men, never finding the one, but her problem wasn’t the men, it was her. Acceptance by the Lord will destroy the lust to be accepted by others. Some of us will be what others want us to be, we put one mask over another until we really don’t know who we are. The Holy Spirit will remove all those masks, getting us to a place to know who we are, to know who we can be in Christ.
The woman answered and said, I have no husband. Jesus said unto her, You have said well, I have no husband. For you have had five husbands; and he whom you now have is not your husband: in that said you truly (4:17-18).
Here she sees there is a freedom, it’s in the open, Jesus didn’t condemn her, rather the more she talks, the more she is being healed. Her questions all centered on acceptance, the worship, the well, her situation, but Jesus isn’t shocked, she finds He knew all the time, yet He remained there talking to her. At this point in time Nathanael would be one of the disciples traveling with Jesus, he would now see there can be a Good Thing come out of Nazareth (Jn 1:46).
The woman says unto Him, Sir, I perceive that You are a prophet (4:19).
She now returns to calling Jesus “Sir”, but she also sees Jesus has more than natural knowledge. Jesus didn’t judge her, rather He set her free. Although the man she was living with was not her husband, Jesus still offered her hope. This is an example of the Manifestation of the Spirit, those one on one situations, as Jesus gave her a word of knowledge, then a word of wisdom, thus Jesus isn’t condoning her position, He is healing her to set her free of falling into the same trap over and over again.
Our fathers worshipped in this mountain, and You say that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship (4:20).
The “You” here is in reference to the Jews, not Jesus personally. One group says this place, others a different place, but none said How.
Jesus said unto her, Woman, believe Me, the hour comes, when you shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father (4:21).
This Hour begins at the Cross, yet it’s not the Hour of Temptation, thus the Hour of Jesus is the Time of Grace; whereas the Hour of Temptation is on the world, not the Body or the Church. At the wedding Jesus said, It was not His Hour, thus His Hour begins at the Cross, then secured for us by the Resurrection, allowing us to have the Spirit.
You worship you know not what: We know what we worship; for salvation is of the Jews (4:22).
She was concerned about Where, Jesus tells her to be concerned about the Who. In the Dialogue with Trypho, Justin Martyr (110-165 AD) showed the various names of Jesus used in the Old Testament, some of which included Star, Wisdom, Jehovah, East, Israel, Rod, Flower, Cornerstone, Son of God, Son of man, then he said “Christ and God to be worshipped by David” (Dialogue Chap. CXXVI). Salvation was first presented to the Jews, the greatest evidence of Jesus being the Christ is found in the Truth of Him being a Jew, yet worshipped by Gentiles. No nation of Gentiles ever worshipped a Jew, nor the God of the Jews, but we as Christians do.
But the hour comes, and now is, when the true worshipers shall worship the Father in Spirit and Truth: for the Father seeks such to worship Him (4:23).
The term “now is” has to be coupled to “hour comes” pointing His Cross. The Living Water is produced by the Spirit of Truth in us, thus this still connects back to Nicodemus with the teaching of being Born Again, since she was unable to obtain the Living Water at this time, we can see how no one was Born Again until Jesus was Glorified (Jn 3:7 & 14:17).
God is a Spirit: and they that worship Him must worship Him in Spirit and Truth (4:24).
This is a harder saying than Jesus gave Nicodemus, yet she received it with gladness. God is Spirit; therefore, in order to worship Him one must be Spirit, thus our souls must be Spiritual by the Spirit of Truth, the meaning of “that Born of the Spirit is Spirit”.
The woman said unto Him, I know that Messiah comes, which is called Christ; when He is come, He will tell us all things (4:25).
This is another area confirming she lacked knowledge, she says Christ would “tell” her things, not do things. Yet, she is being truthful by showing her limited knowledge, but her belief is still set in when He comes, yet here He is.
The one ministry from which all ministries come is the ministry of reconciliation, knowing God through Christ is reconciling the world unto Himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them: yet He has committed unto us the Word of Reconciliation (II Cor 5:19). It’s what Jesus is doing here, He is not ignoring her sins, He is showing her mercy unto restoration.
Jesus says unto her, I that speak unto you Am He (4:26).
The woman’s prior question about Jesus being greater than Jacob, has just been answered. The disciples would not be sent out for some time, yet this woman will preach to her home town, as she draws others to Jesus; therefore, she becomes the first preacher sent from Jesus, since He didn’t stop, or rebuke her. John was sent by the Father to be a witness of the Light as he was filled with the Holy Ghost, this woman is filled with Joy. We also find she is able to receive the information of Jesus as the Christ, showing Christ was on the earth; however, it was obvious the position is still the Son of man, thus there is a Christ position for the Son of man, a Christ position for the Son of God.
And upon this came His disciples, and marveled that He talked with the woman; yet no man said, What do you seek?, or Why are You talking with her? (4:27).
The disciples were still putting people into classes, not only did they wonder about the woman talking to Jesus, but why would Jesus talk to this woman?
Since the disciples went to the city to buy food, it shows us the forty day fast is coming to an end, especially when we add the following verses.
The woman then left her waterpot, and went her way into the city, and said to the men, Come, see a man which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ? They went out of the city and came unto Him (4:28-30).
When this woman heard Jesus speak, she got so excited she forgot why she came to the well, leaving her waterpot behind; however, she now had someone to talk about, someone far better than Jacob.
In the mean while His disciples prayed Him, saying Master eat. But He said unto them, I have meat to eat that you know not of (4:31-32).
This evidence not only shows us this timing would be the last days of the fast, but now the disciples didn’t know or understand the Meat of the Gospel. The word Prayed means Begged, thus showing their concern. They went to get food, now the time is nearing forty days as they haven’t seen Jesus eat, thus they begged Him to eat something, but He pointed to the purpose, telling them to partake of the Harvest. The disciples knew Jesus hadn’t eaten, so they said:
Therefore said the disciples one to another, Has any man brought Him ought to eat? (4:33).
They just knew Jesus wouldn’t take food from the Samaritan woman, yet He wasn’t seeking food, thus someone must have given Him food, but these men are His disciples, those who care for Him; who would dare attempt to takeover their stewardship? Mark called them angels, which means a messenger. The disciples at this time would be Andrew, Judas, Philip, and Nathaniel, but they still didn’t understand what was going on.
Jesus said unto them, My meat is to do the will of Him that sent Me, and to finish His work. Say you not, There are yet four months, and then comes the harvest? Behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest (4:34-35).
The Harvest comes from the field, the fish from the Sea, but here Jesus says Fields (plural). This woman was an outcast among outcasts, yet she was within those Jesus was sent to, meaning she was a field who had tares removed by the Christ. Jesus didn’t judge her position, He healed her. When Jesus sends us to the Harvest, He is sending us to those within, when He sends us to Fish, we cast the Net to bring in the Gentiles.
The fields were not ready for the Harvest, but White, meaning just at the moment before the Harvest takes place. The Harvest was more important to Jesus, than food for His flesh, if we have His mind we too will seek the Harvest. Although the disciples will preach to the Harvest, they won’t bring in the Harvest until Pentecost.
The farmer doesn’t plant the seed then go away until the harvest, rather he cares for the crop until the harvest, then cares for the harvest until it’s delivered. The disciples were right in their efforts in caring for Jesus, but they should have combined the effort by putting their eyes on the Harvest. The Harvest always refers to the Seed which was planted, not the place where the Seed Will be planted.
And he that reaps, receives wages, and gathers fruit unto life eternal: that both he that sows and that reaps may rejoice together. And herein is that saying true, One sows, and another reaps (4:36-37).
Paul quoted this to the Corinthians, but he also showed it’s God who brings the increase (I Cor 3:6-7). Even a farmer knows the increase of the crop is out of his hands, yet he will toil to bring it in. Whether we sow or reap, we join with those who have sown and reaped.
I sent you to reap that whereon you bestowed no labor: other men labored, and you are entered into their labors (4:38).
The “others” would be the prophets of Old, John the Baptist was among the harvest as he preached Jesus as the Lamb of God slain for the sins of mankind.
And many of the Samaritans of that city believed on Him for the saying of the woman, which testified, He told me all that ever I did. So when the Samaritans were come unto Him, they besought Him that He would tarry with them: and He abode there two days. And many more believed because of His own word; and said unto the woman, Now we believe, not because of your sayings; for we have heard Him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Savior of the world (4:39-42).
This is the power of the anointing, we think the preacher convinced us, but here we find the woman gave them information, although the people wondered, it wasn’t until they “heard” Jesus then they believed. The anointing speaks through us, it’s the anointing, not our great natural intellect winning souls. Once they saw and heard Jesus, no human would impress them again.
Now after two days He departed there, and went into Galilee (4:43).
Here the forty day fast ends, as Jesus returns to Galilee where Luke picks up the events with the entry into the temple (Luke 4:18-19). When the Logos (Jesus the Word) spoke the Rhema the time to present the kingdom of heaven was at hand.
For Jesus Himself testified, that a prophet has no honor in his own country (4:44).
Luke also shows after Jesus made His proclamation in the temple, He was rejected. Luke then shows Jesus saying, “No prophet is accepted in his own country” (Luke 4:24). By this time John was cast into prison, as Jesus was increasing, but Jesus also left Nazareth heading to Capernaum. The connection to Luke gives us the time element, as another example of how John explains the forty day fast period. John’s baptism ceases at this point, it served a good purpose, but ended. From the time John was cast into prison the act of baptism in his name ceased, really water baptism ceased until Jesus grants permission in His name.
Then when He was come into Galilee, the Galileans received Him, having seen all the things that He did at Jerusalem at the feast: for they also went unto the feast. So Jesus came again into Cana of Galilee, where He made water wine. And there was a certain nobleman, whose son was sick at Capernaum (4:45-46).
The phrase, “He was come into Galilee, the Galileans received Him”, gives us the location and time, but the Feast element goes back to the temple cleaning, it has nothing to do with healings or other signs. To these people the greatest miracle anyone could do was a temple cleaning. The religious order had their own little army, they were also associated with Herod, they could have someone beaten for what Jesus did, yet not one of the religious leaders even attempted to harm Jesus at this time. The people were amazed, this Man must be great!
This nobleman is not the same as the Centurion in Capernaum (Matt 8:5-13 & Luke 7:1-10). In John’s account this nobleman is on business, thus this nobleman was in Cana, his son was in Capernaum. Jesus would go to Capernaum after this, but in both Matthew and Luke we find Jesus in Capernaum, as well as the Centurion with the servant. John shows this miracle came before Jesus began the ministry in Capernaum; therefore, it will be the Second Miracle. There is a healing in both circumstances, there are people involved, the city of Capernaum is named, but it’s where the similarity ends, the differences are where Jesus is, where the nobleman is, where the need is, thus separating this event from the one noted in Matthew.
Mark shows Jesus entering Galilee, then entering the area of Capernaum (Mark 1:14-21), but Mark doesn’t say the healings all began in Capernaum. Since Mark shows Jesus in Galilee, we find the connection, thus showing Jesus is now on His way to Capernaum. Luke also shows Jesus entering Nazareth of Galilee (Luke 4:14), later going to Capernaum (Luke 4:31), but Luke adds how Jesus made His proclamation in the temple in Nazareth (Luke 4:18-19). John shows this was done, before this miracle was done (Jn 4:44 with Luke 4:24).
When he heard that Jesus was come out of Judea into Galilee, he went unto Him and besought Him that He would come down, and heal his son, for he was at the point of death (4:47).
Here is another point separating this incident from the Centurion in Capernaum; the nobleman asked Jesus to come down to Capernaum. If one looked at a map of the area, it would appear Capernaum was up, not down, but it’s a matter of position, the nobleman begs Jesus to heal his son, but instead of Jesus going to the son’s sickness, Jesus raises the son without having to see, touch, or travel to him. Does Jesus have to come to us in order to heal us? No, He speaks the Word. Imputing? Yes. We ask, we believe we receive, it’s not a mind game, or going about saying, “I’m not sick”, rather it’s putting our faith in Jesus knowing by His stripes we were healed. This has nothing to do with “never being sick”, since the verse doesn’t say, “by His stripes you will never get sick”, rather it points to a healing. Also the healing comes in various ways, at different times, thus it’s not whether we are healed, but whether we believe Jesus is able.
All directions spin from Jerusalem, regardless of whether it’s north, south, east or west, it’s never down to Jerusalem, it’s up to Jerusalem. This concept is used by the Jews, but without knowing it they are really pointing to New Jerusalem, not Jerusalem of the earth, thus we go Up to New Jerusalem.
Then said Jesus unto him, Except you see signs and wonders, you will not believe. The nobleman said unto Him, Sir come down or my child die. Jesus said unto him, go your way, your son lives. And the man believed the word that Jesus had spoken unto him, and he went his way (4:48-50).
This man wanted to see Jesus touch his son, yet Jesus will heal the man’s son based on the man’s belief. Jesus spoke, the man believed, the man proved it by going about his business, he didn’t investigate, or reject the word spoken. This is not a faith issue, it’s based on what Jesus said, thus the man believed.
And as he was going down, his servants met him, and told him, saying Your son lives (4:51).
Capernaum would be approximately 20 to 25 miles away from Cana, thus the man could have traveled to Capernaum within a day, yet he continued on his business. As he was “going down” not “up” his servants found him, thus the man was headed away from Capernaum. He didn’t go about wondering if the Word would come to pass, he went about his business, taking his time, knowing it did come to pass, thus his actions and his words matched, thus it was a time to “just believe”.
This verse gives us a time period greater than “the same day”. Going back we can see why Jesus said, “unless you see signs and wonders you will not believe”. On the surface it seems like a cold statement, considering the circumstances, but in truth it was to stir the man’s belief to receive without seeing. This also connects to the teachings to the woman at the well, and Nicodemus, we ask for the Spirit, then believe we receive as the Root grows, a time to just believe.
Then inquired he of them the hour when he began to amend. And they said unto him, Yesterday at the seventh hour the fever left him. So the father knew that it was the same hour, in which Jesus said unto him, Your son lives: and himself believed, and his whole house. This is again the second miracle that Jesus did, when He was come out of Judea into Galilee (4:52-54).
The man heard the news the day after Jesus told him. The seventh hour would be about 1:00 PM, thus the man had plenty of time to travel to Capernaum to verify the Word of the Lord, but he held his belief. The phrase, “Began to amend” comes from the Greek Komposteron meaning a Gradual return to health, or as we know it Convalescent. John shows not all healings are instantaneous, nor is the evidence of the healing always instantaneous, but it’s nonetheless there, thus there are times when we impute, then stand in our belief, even if we don’t see “signs”.
It would be after this point in time when Jesus would travel to Capernaum, where Matthew, Mark and Luke all pick up the various events. It would be when Peter, John, and James are called. We also find Jesus sent the disciples who were with Him in the wilderness back to their homes, thus Matthew shows Andrew went back fishing when Jesus calls James, John and Peter (Matt 4:18). Luke verifies this; when Jesus entered the Synagogue to proclaim “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me”, the disciples were not with Him.
After this there was a feast of the Jews: and Jesus went to Jerusalem (5:1).
John skips a period of time to connect to another Feast, by so doing he shows the Feasts of the Jews were not for the Jews, but signs of the coming Messiah. Jacob took two wives on the same day, yet its unlawful to take two sisters at once; why would God allow it? From Jacob’s experience the Jews assumed they could obtain many wives, but they missed the point, Jacob wasn’t under the Law. Justin Martyr in his Dialogue With Trypho showed the sisters were symbols of the Jews and the Body. Leah being substituted for the promise after the Seven Years were complete, then Rachel the promise coming at the same time, but the Labor for her was after. Justin points out how Leah having Weak Eyes represented the weak eyes (blue) of the Jews when Jesus came.
Now there is at Jerusalem by the sheep market a pool, which is called in the Hebrew tongue, Bethesda, having five porches (5:2).
The name Bethesda means Court of Mercy; the five porches hold three important points, first they connect to Mercy, the water here is water, not living water: the five steps point to the fivefold offices (Eph 4:8); although the offices are Grace related, they are Mercy centered as well.
In these lay a great multitude of impotent folk, of blind, halt, withered, waiting for the moving of the water (5:3).
There were times when Jesus healed them all, times when He didn’t, this is one of times when He didn’t heal all, keeping us from making formulas. Here at the pool there was a great multitude of impotent folk, yet only this one man was healed. Does it mean Jesus didn’t like the others? Does it mean they didn’t have faith? Not at all, it doesn’t mean they were not healed later, rather it shows we can’t put our eyes on the multitude, we must focus on Jesus as He deals with us as individuals.
The term Impotent comes from the Greek Astheneo meaning sick in body, relating to I Peter 2:24, where we read by His stripes we were healed, yet His stripes came before the Cross. There remains a great deal of impotent folk waiting for someone from the five fold ministry to stir the Water (Mercy).
The Messenger from God could be a winged Angel or someone who is received as a Messenger from God, it really doesn’t matter, the evidence of this man seeing others go before him to be healed is more than enough to show it did happen. The man placed his belief in two things, the angel and his ability to be first, but his ability was lacking, even if the angel came, he still lacked what it took to get to the water. This reflects to all of us, we can talk about Jesus, we can preach for hours, but we must have the New Man to have the ability to apply Truth to our words.
For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and troubled the water: whosoever then first after the troubling of the water stepped in was made whole of whatsoever disease he had. And a certain man was there, which had an infirmity thirty and eight years. When Jesus saw him lie, and knew that he had been now a long time in that case, He said unto him, Will you be made whole? (5:4-6).
The word Angel means Messenger, the point is how heaven touched the “water” not the people, then the people had to touch the water. The Living Water is internal, we don’t have to run here or there, we need to be Born Again to have Life applied to our Mercy. The Greek word for Healed here is Hugies meaning well in body, it also shows the angel who troubled the waters was only able to heal the physical body; whereas, Jesus heals us body and soul through the Spirit.
This man was bound with his infirmity for thirty-eight years, yet he waited by the pool day after day. This man at the pool needed someone, but who will answer? Who will hear him? Was his time in hand after all these years? Why didn’t God heal this man prior? This man’s time just connected to God’s Timing, his time was in hand. There are times when we must wait, yet even so, we wait on the Lord, in His timing He will tell us what to say, what to do, or where to go.
The impotent man answered Him, Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool: but while I am coming, another steps down before me (5:7).
This verse alone tells us something had to be going on at this pool. This man wouldn’t spend two days at the pool if he didn’t see someone healed, but only the first in the water could be healed. The symbol was there, the first to get into water, yet Jesus is dealing with this man who missed his chance many times. The man was trusting in the water, Jesus is giving him a different route, one wherein he can win regardless of how many reach the pool before him.
Jesus said unto him, rise, take up your bed, and walk. And immediately the man was made whole, and took up his bed, and walked: and on the same day was the sabbath (5:8-9).
The man’s faith and belief immediately moved from the pool to Jesus. The man had faith and belief or he wouldn’t be at the pool, but his belief needed direction. He could have said, “yeah, right, bring the pool here and I will”, but he heard words of hope enforcing his belief, which added resolve to his faith. An example of hearing the Word producing the faith to be healed. In this case, the healing came Immediately, the Water of the pool served its purpose, it soon stopped. The symbol moved from the Pool with still Water, to Jesus with the Living Water.
According to the Law of Moses and Tradition, this man in his unhealed state could carry his bed, but now he is healed it would be a violation of the Law for him to carry the burden, yet the Pharisees could care less about the real burden the man carried for thirty-eight years. The Pharisees were always upset when Jesus healed on the Sabbath, this man carried his bed showing why the religious rulers were upset. When the man was sick, he could carry his bed, but now he is healed, yet if he started the day with the bed, the Law allowed him to finish the day with the bed, but if healed he wasn’t allowed to carry the bed, what to do? what to do? Jesus has a tendency to disrupt traditions and fables.
The Jews therefore, said unto him that was cured, It is the sabbath day: it is not lawful for you to carry your bed. He answered them, He that made me whole, the same said unto me, Take up your bed and walk (5:10-11).
Pharisees are always more concerned with rules and regulations than they are people. The man answered “He made me whole…”, thus the man heard and obeyed. The Pharisees never said, “Praise the Lord, you’re healed”, rather they focused on their rules and regulations. Was it a violation for the man to carry the bed? No, accordingly he brought the bed, he must take it back, anything he was allowed to carry in the beginning of the sabbath was still allowed to be carried at the end of the sabbath. The difference is clear, before Jesus healed the man, he had a right under the Law to carry his bed, but now he’s healed he can’t carry his bed, but according to the manner in which the lawyers interpreted the Law the man had the obligation to take his bed back. This caused the Pharisees much confusion, on one hand the man was suppose to carry his bed, on the other he wasn’t, thus they missed the healing attempting to figure out what to do with the bed.
Then asked they him, What man is that which said unto you, Take up your bed, and walk? And he that was healed knew not who it was: for Jesus had conveyed Himself away, a multitude being in that place (5:12-13).
The Pharisees didn’t say, Who cured you? rather they said, “Who said take up your bed?”. They were looking for the violation, yet the man was healed. The man would go to the one place he knew was proper and right, he entered the temple to thank God. Jesus found him in the temple giving praise to God, regardless of the Pharisees. This man continued to believe after the healing, it was just as important as believing into the healing. For this man it was physical in nature, for many of us it’s our souls being healed, yet we tend to forget to praise the Lord during, or after the fact.
Afterward Jesus found him in the temple, and said unto him, Behold, you are made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto you (5:14).
This man becomes a symbol of Mercy, not Grace, he couldn’t be free of the sin nature until Pentecost. What sin? Any sin? It’s a no hope situation, yet to the Jew the man was in his condition because he harmed someone, or was unable to receive forgiveness from another person, thus the curse was upon him. Jesus as the Son of man stood in the place of mankind forgiving the man. James shows sickness is often the result of conflicts between members of the Body, thus we confess our faults one to another, as we pray for one another so we may be healed (James 5:16).
The man departed, and told the Jews that it was Jesus, which had made him whole. And therefore did the Jews persecute Jesus, and sought to slay Him, because He had done these things on the sabbath day (5:15-16).
Jesus didn’t tell the man to report to the Pharisees, so was it a sin to tell them? No, rather the man testified of his healing by answering questions, rather than saying Jesus told him to carry his bed. This man kept saying, “the One who healed me”, the Pharisees kept saying, “what about the bed?”. The Pharisees heard about the healing twice, yet they were more concerned with the supposed violation. The problem to the Pharisees was not the healing, it was the healing on a sabbath, they kept reflecting on the supposed fault rather than the Precious.
But Jesus answered them, My Father worked hitherto, and I work. Therefore the Jews sought the more to kill Him, because He not only had broken the sabbath, but said also that God was His Father, making Himself equal with God (5:17-18).
This has to tell us about the division of Creation, the Father worked evening to morning, the Night works are finished, no man will work during the Night, but the Day creation was opening. It was Morning, our Bright and Morning Star was talking about the New Creation for the Day, the time when all things would be New and Saved.
They really had it wrong didn’t they? They couldn’t see the Truth, Jesus was not a man making Himself God, He was the Word of God who made Himself a man. What do we think they felt when Jesus told them to pray, ”Our Father who are in heaven”? To the Jew the Law stood between them and God, no one could say God was their Father, they could say Moses was, or Abraham was, but not God.
Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do; for what things so ever He does, these also does the Son likewise (5:19).
Jesus told us we can do nothing of ourselves, but the context here doesn’t mean Jesus was without Power, rather it shows His purpose is to complete the Will of the Father through Mercy, adding to the prophecy, “let us make man in Our image”. Here Jesus doesn’t say which position, the Son of man, or the Son of God, but we find in either case He was carrying out the Will of the Father, they should have seen it.
For the Father loves the Son, and shows Him all things that Himself does, and He will show Him greater works than these, that you may marvel (5:20).
It’s what John said, another example of two witnesses. However, there does appear a problem, doesn’t the Book of Hebrews tell us the Father is making the enemies of Jesus His footstool? Sounds like judgment to me, but wait again, those are Night works, they are done, no man can stop them, but we can avoid them.
The word Marvel shows Jesus would do many things, yet they would not believe.
For as the Father raised up the dead, and quickened them: even so the Son quickens whom He will (5:21).
The word Quicken is the Greek Zoopoieo meaning To give life, it’s the same word used in the phrase “quickening Spirit”, so when did the Father do this? Adam was a living soul, yet the verse doesn’t say, “made them quickening spirits”, rather it points to a Living Soul, showing we become Living Souls by God’s Mercy; we become Quickening Spirits by Grace as we are Born Again.
For the Father judges no man, but has committed all judgment unto the Son: That all men should honor the Son, even as they honor the Father. He that honors not the Son, honors not the Father which has sent Him (5:22-23).
This is even clearer, the Father judges no man, but isn’t the Judgment real? “Oh yeah, I see, Jesus will do the judging”. Man judges himself, Jesus merely separates the sheep from the goats; therefore, Judgment is merely a separation, not a condemnation. Jesus just finished saying the Time was at hand for mankind to leave the darkness, but if they love the darkness, they have condemned their own self.
John uses two different Greek words for Honor, the first means a Valuable Price Paid for something demanding honor be given to it, the next means Honor given by praise, worship, or bestowing Glory upon. The first usage is found in verses 4:44 and 5:23, the second is found in verse 5:41; all are connect to the premise. The Father paid the Price in the Son, the Son paid the price at the Cross, if we fail to give proper honor by continuing the Course we are liars, or covenant breakers. John also put it this way, “whosoever denies the Son, the same has not the Father: [but] he who acknowledges the Son has the Father also” (I Jn 2:23). Mercy and Grace working together to bring the Living Waters.
Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that hears My word, and believes on Him that sent Me, has everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death to life. Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live (5:24-25).
The “now is” in this case it shows the Mercy of God, to Pardon sin, was upon them. The kingdom of heaven was open, the Kingdom of God was near. Two elements; we must understand and operate in Mercy, or we won’t be able to hold Grace.
Jesus uses the title “Son of God”, but uses it in a future tense position, this doesn’t relate to the Judgment, since He stands as the Son of man at the Judgment. The dead includes all of us who were under the law of sin and death, as the walking dead. The Voice of the Son of God points to Grace, when Jesus took captivity captive. The freedom of the second death came on Pentecost, they heard the Voice shall “live”. This fits with, “I am crucified with Christ, nevertheless I live, yet not I, but Christ lives in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh, I live by the Faith of the Son of God, Who loved me, and gave Himself for me” (Gal 2:20). The Greek word for live in the phrase, “hear shall live” is Zao connecting this back to the woman at the well. The Greek word for Life in the phrases, “everlasting life”, or “death to life” is Zoe meaning A genuine life, often connected with Life Everlasting, or a Life without end. Zao is Life, Zoe is Life more abundantly.
For as the Father has life in Himself; so has He given to the Son to have life in Himself (5:26).
This is Zoe, but where is the Life? In the Father and Son, not in man. In order to gain Life we need the Seed of God. We can’t give what we don’t have, Jesus has Life; we gain the Seed of God spearing us from the second death. This doesn’t mean physical death, it’s still appointed unto all men once to die then comes the judgment, this is a freedom of the second death.
And has given Him authority to execute judgment also, because He is the Son of man (5:27).
Here is Judgment showing the title “Son of man”; therefore, we are seeing a division, one separating the Son of God from the Son of man, explaining why we see Jesus talking about the Son of God. Paul said Jesus was made of the seed of David according to the flesh, which would be Son of man, but the Spirit of Holiness Declared (not made) Jesus as the Son of God by the Resurrection (Rom 1:3-4). The division is between Mercy (Water), and Grace (Life for the Water). The Zao is the living soul condition, but the Zoe is being Born Again making us free of the second death as a son of God.
Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear His voice (5:28)
This connects to the prior verse, the Son of man, not the Son of God. Those who are in graves would include those who Sleep in Jesus, those in the Sea (Gentiles), as those in death and hell (Rev 20:12-15), it doesn’t include the Dead in Christ (Rev 20:6).
The Hour is coming, pointing to the Judgment, the Hour now is for those who Hear His voice to receive Life, enabling them to have it more abundantly.
And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation (5:29).
This is not the First Resurrection which is based on having Life, this verse relates to the last Resurrection. This is the Judgment, it’s divided into two segments, but we must notice the flesh formed of the earth is not at issue regardless of the resurrection. The Resurrection of the Just is the First Resurrection, we as sons of God are partakers of the Resurrection of Jesus, which Resurrection is not complete until all those who have the same Spirit are raised with Him at the Rapture. The resurrection noted here is on the last day, the term “without end”, or “eternity”, or “everlasting” all refer to a element void of time. Flesh subject to the first death is a factor involving time, eternity is a Now, void of time. Those who are resurrected unto Life are received by New Jerusalem (Rev 21:1-6). All those who are resurrected unto damnation will have resurrected bodies, which means they can never cease to exist, but they will melt and come back, time after time, after time (II Pet 3:10 & 3:12).
I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear I Judge: and My judgment is just; because I seek not Mine own will, but the will of the Father which has sent Me (5:30).
This doesn’t mean the Father is saying, “get that one, not that one”, rather this connects to “by your words you are either justified or condemned”. True Judgment is a matter of division predicated by the people being judged. The same is true between a vessel of honor and one of dishonor, it’s the same lump of clay, the “water” in the clay determines if it will be a vessel of Mercy, or one of dishonor (Rom 9:21-23).
If I bear witness of Myself, My witness is not true. There is another that bears witness of Me; and I know that the witness which He witnesses of Me is true. You sent unto John, and he bare witness unto the truth (5:31-33).
We can’t bear witness of our self, we can’t go about saying what great and wonderful people of God we are, it would be false witness. Jesus didn’t confess Himself, He confessed the Father, thus John was sent being full of the Holy Ghost to testify of Jesus.
But I receive not testimony from man: but these things I say, that you might be saved (5:34).
What was John? A camel? It was John’s voice, but the Holy Ghost who did the speaking; John in the position made the declarations as he was moved.
He was a burning and shining light: and you were willing for a season to rejoice in his light (5:35).
Jesus shows John the Baptist was a burning and shining light, but didn’t we read where John was not the Light? What gives? Different words, John was a “reflection” of light based on what he did and said, but what he did and said was based on his position which was based on the Holy Ghost.
But I have a greater witness than that of John: for the works which the Father has given Me to finish, the same works that I do, bear witness of Me, that the Father sent Me (5:36).
The Works of the Father, must entail the Will of the Father, the Works for the Son of man are based in Mercy. The Works are the witness, the same is true with us. Are our works based in our studies, void of Mercy? Or are our works backed up by Mercy?
No man can do these things, lest they be sent by God, the works testify how Jesus is the Christ. Jesus is speaking of the Acts, we believe the Acts, but judge the Ways. There are some who seek to find fault in the Ways, yet ignore the Acts. It’s not our stand at all, we know the Acts happen, Thank God for the Acts, but we also know the Ways must be there as well, we must be Equal.
And the Father Himself, which has sent Me, has bore witness of Me. You have neither heard His voice at any time, nor seen His shape. And you have not His word abiding in you: for whom He has sent, Him you believe not (5:37-38).
This doesn’t say God doesn’t know us, rather it shows we don’t know God. If man has not seen God, who did they see? The word means to perceive or know, but then when we add “shape” we really draw a wonder. The same word used for Shape was used in conjunction with the Spirit coming “As a dove”, it means the Fashion, but the root word means To Know or Perceive. Hearing the voice of God goes much further than hearing sounds, it means to hear, receive and obey. Just hearing then saying, “I know”, isn’t completing the call; yet, hearing, then acknowledging, “yes Lord, I will do it” does.
From this verse it would almost seem as if Jesus is declaring He is not the Son, but it’s not the case at all, rather it shows simply hearing the sound of a voice doesn’t mean we perceived it. Just because God is talking, doesn’t mean we’re listening.
The words Shape and Seen are better understood from the Greek, the word Shape as the Greek Eidos meaning the understanding of God, or being able to discern the voice of God from God’s perspective; the word Seen is the Greek Horao meaning to perceive; therefore, it’s not the study of God from man’s viewpoint, but the Knowledge enabling one to understand what God is saying. The Pharisees were looking right in the face of Jesus, yet they didn’t understand what He was talking about. The only thing they got right was Jesus calling Himself God’s Son, yet they misinterpreted it, then attempted to kill Him. Jesus will now tell us what a Testimony consists of:
Search the Scriptures: for in them you think you have eternal life: and they are they which testify of Me. And you will not come to Me, that you might have life (5:39-40).
Here we find the difference between the Word and the Scriptures; just because we read about something, doesn’t mean we know it, or have it. They didn’t have the Word in them, but Jesus told them to search the Scriptures, He didn’t tell them to read the Word. The Scriptures are inspired by the Holy Ghost, they speak of God, but the Scriptures cannot impart Life, it was the error of the Pharisees. They presumed since they read about it, they had it.
If we have the Word in us as the Seed of God, if so, we have the Love of God. Does it mean we don’t believe the Bible because we have the Word? Of course not, Jesus said Read the Scriptures, but He never said “put your faith in the Scriptures”, rather His call is to put our faith in God. The Scriptures are vital, but we never elevate anything of God higher than God has.
I receive not honor from men. But I know you, that you have not the love of God in you (5:41-42).
Jesus equates the Word to Love, showing they neither had the Word, or the Love of God. It’s obvious by their ways, thus in order to have the Love of God, one must have the Word in them. What then was the testimony of the religious rulers? The self; their ways (words) betrayed them.
It’s strange to see how Jesus doesn’t receive Honor from men, what are we? The word Honor means Praise and Worship, why then would we praise Him if He won’t receive it? Oh, wait this means worship by the spirit of man, rather than the Spirit of Truth. For this reason God seeks those who can worship in Spirit and Truth, bringing to pass that Born of the Spirit is Spirit, which can only be accomplished by being Born Again.
I am come in My Father’s name, and you receive Me not: if another shall come in his own name, him you will receive (5:43).
The word Name means By authority; Jesus came by the Authority of the Father, we by the Authority of Jesus. The Authority of the Father is based in Mercy; the Will of the Father is for us to give Mercy based on receiving it. After the Resurrection Jesus will say all Authority in heaven and earth was given to Him making the Name of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost are the one Name (Authority) of Jesus. When we view the phrase, “Father, Son and Holy Ghost”, we must see the Son is included, thus the purpose shows the Authority is based in the Body of Christ. An angel watches over Israel, until the time appointed (Rev 12:14).
How can you believe, which receive honor one of another, and seek not the honor that comes from God only? (5:44).
Ego, pride, boasting in each other, pumping each other up for prideful reasons. It’s self-praise, hardly the type of Praise Jesus looks for, even taking pride in how we praise the Lord is still based in the spirit of man seeking self-honor and glory. Humble yourself in the sight of the Lord, then He shall raise you up. Here it’s men raising men, one ego inflating another.
Do not think that I will accuse you to the Father: there is one that accuses you, even Moses, in whom you trust. For had you believed Moses, you would have believed Me, for he wrote of Me. But if you believe not his writings, how shall you believe My words (5:45-47).
The Body of Moses is the Law of Moses, also known as the “books” the Jews will be judged by. These Pharisees, like anyone who is bent on self-righteousness, felt by doing the deeds of the Law they were honored by God, wrong, the Law of Moses is a principality of Judgment, it was designed to Judge, not Save.
Jesus would leave the Pharisees with the Truth, allowing them to ponder their ways. This was another home work assignment, whether they obey or not is still up to them.
After these things Jesus went over the sea of Galilee, which is the sea of Tiberias. And a great multitude followed Him, because they saw His miracles which He did on them that were diseased. And Jesus went up into a mountain, and there He sat with His disciples. And the Passover, a feast of the Jews was near (6:1-4).
The Pharisees were diseased with natural theological premises meaning little of nothing in the realm of Mercy, without the fruit of repentance they would remain with their ways. The signs were still speaking for Jesus, thus miracles always out weigh the words of self-based theology.
John also gives us another separation of time, the events in Chapter Five were one day, or a feast day (Jn 5:1); here we find the second Passover is near. Chapter Six would also be after John the Baptist was beheaded (Matt 14:10-13 & Luke 9:9).
The feeding of the 5,000 is recorded in all the accounts (Matt 14:13-21; Mark 6:30-44 & Luke 9:10-17), it was believed and taught by the early church, it also becomes a marker to keep all the accounts Synoptic. The reference clearly gives us a timeline, or indicator to correlating to the other accounts, thus this feeding would be approximately half way through the earthly ministry, or a little over one year after the baptism. Knowing the feeding was near a Passover feast also helps us understand the teachings of Jesus.
When Jesus then lifted up His eyes, and saw a great company come unto Him, He said unto Philip, Where shall we buy bread, that these may eat? And this He said to prove him: for He Himself knew what He would do (6:5-6).
The word Prove means To disciple, or To train, or Tempt, it’s the same word James uses for Temptation, thus to assume only the devil tempts us is in error. The devil tempts us unto evil, but here we find a temptation unto good would be termed a testing. The testing is presented by Jesus, but Philip’s reaction to the test turns it into a temptation on his part. The second Philip looks to money as the source, he took the test, then made it a temptation unto evil. The test was good, the reaction of Philip was not. Philip is faced with a test, there was a need, but where would he turn to fill it? Jesus? The people? Or the Bag?
Philip answered Him, Two hundred pennyworth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may take a little (6:7).
Philip looked at the limits of the natural to make his determination; however, Philip didn’t say, “It’s not enough for me, much less these people”; rather he looked at the need of the people, then to the supplies determining the supply wasn’t enough for the people. Philip looked everywhere, but where the real source was, Jesus was standing right there; all it would take was for Philip to say, “what would You have me do Lord?”.
One of His disciples Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, said unto Him, there is a lad here, which has five barley loaves, and two small fishes: but what are they among so many (6:8-9).
Five and two sounds like the golden candlestick in the Book of Revelation, but more important is the number Seven as it relates to completeness and rest. Their Rest was in Jesus, it’s close to the Passover they should have known God is fully able to bring food, even out of the sand in the wilderness.
And Jesus said, make the men sit down. Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, in number about five thousand. And Jesus took the loaves; and when He had given thanks, He distributed to the disciples, and the disciples to them that were sat down; likewise of the fishes as much as they would (6:10-11).
They received the Bread, before they could receive the Fish, a preview of a moment yet to come when Jesus tells them the Rock is in place, the Church is yet to come.
When they were filled, He said unto His disciples, Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost. Therefore they gathered them together, and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves, which remained over and above unto them that had eaten (6:12-13).
They had leftovers, not only was the need cared for, but they had enough to carry them through the next day.
Then those men, when they had seen the miracle that Jesus did, said, This is of a truth that prophet that should come into the world (6:14).
After the miracle they admitted the truth, but not before; however, since it was now a past experience, it was also a belief builder. This timeline also helps show John the Baptist was already beheaded by Herod (Mark 6:14 & 6:30).
Moses spoke of the Prophet in Deuteronomy 18:15, which reads: “The Lord your God will raise up unto you a Prophet from the midst of you, of your brethren, like unto me; unto Him you shall hearken”. A Prophet gives direction, but a Prophet like Moses gives a Law. Moses couldn’t bring the Law of the Spirit, since he was not spiritual, rather he was earthly, made from the earth, for the earth, but Jesus is from heaven, He brought the Law of the Spirit for those who desire to reach heaven.
Here the disciples didn’t have enough to feed the people, there wasn’t enough money to buy food for the people, yet Jesus didn’t say, “You guys are something else, you should have been prepared, I have just about had it with you”, nor did He say, “Well this is just great, what about all these people? I sent you to them, now you let them down”. No, Jesus took care of the situation, He used what they did had. The bread and fish didn’t become fifty million fish, rather they became sufficient.
When Jesus therefore perceived that they would come and take Him by force, to make Him a king, He departed again unto a mountain Himself alone (6:15).
No man can make Jesus King, no man can remove Him from being King, rather they either receive Him as King, or reject Him as King. The same principle is equated to the five-fold offices of the Doma gift, the Holy Ghost appoints, man doesn’t. The leaders appoint Bishops, Deacons and Elders, but not the Administrations of Jesus.
And when even was now come, His disciples went down unto the sea. And entered into a ship, and went over the sea toward Capernaum. And it was now dark and Jesus was not come to them. And the sea arose by reason of a great wind that blew. So when they had rowed about five and twenty or thirty furlongs, they see Jesus walking on the sea, and drawing near unto the ship: and they were afraid. But He said unto them, It is I; be not afraid. Then they willingly received Him into the ship: and immediately the ship was at the land where they went (6:16-21).
This is after Peter walked on the water, thus Jesus never told the disciples they should walk on the water, but He did tell them to go to the other side. We could presume “Oh wasn’t Peter obedient, he is so powerful walking on the water”, no, Jesus merely answered a question in the manner Peter demanded. We looked at this prior finding obedience would have been getting to the other side.
These teachings relate to being Born Again, as they relate to the importance of having Both the Body (Bread) and Blood (Grace, or Spirit), yet the Spirit is nonetheless future tense at this point in time.
The day following, when the people, which stood on the other side of the sea, saw that there was none other boat there, save that one where into His disciples were entered, and that Jesus went not with His disciples into the boat, but that His disciples were gone away alone; (However, there came other boats from Tiberias near unto the place where they did eat bread, after the Lord had given thanks:) When the people therefore saw that Jesus was not there, neither His disciples, they also took shipping, and came to Capernaum, seeking Jesus (6:22-24).
Matthew shows many gathered in the land of Gennesaret, a place just above Magdala, where Mary Magdalene came from, or just south of Capernaum. Matthew also shows how those who were sick and diseased were made whole by Jesus; however, by the use of the word Many, we find not All were healed (Matt 14:35-36). Both Matthew and Mark show Jesus in the area of Gennesaret, since it’s the Area, it refers to the Plain of Gennesaret, which would include the city of Capernaum, thus they went from one side to the other to continue the effort, it didn’t stop simply because they received the Increase.
Matthew and Mark don’t give us the “day following” as we see here, thus John adds some very important events, showing the difference between the man at the pool who believed after the blessing came, and some of the followers who refused to believe even after the blessing was in their belly.
John wants us to know why the people followed Jesus, as well as the purpose for offense, and what happens when we allow the flesh to govern our minds.
And when they had found Him on the other side of the sea, they said unto Him, Rabbi, when did You come here? Jesus answered them and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, You seek Me, not because you saw the miracles, but because you did eat of the loaves, and were filled (6:25-26).
What business is this of theirs? They wanted to make Him king, now they want to govern and control their king. There are some who want Jesus to be their Lord, but they want to govern how Jesus operates as well. The natural mind of man loves to make his own gods, then tell them what to do, making man the god of his gods. This is the precise reason Jesus left them, and the precise reason He will stand back from us when we think belief and faith are a means we can use to manipulate the Lord.
Here we will find a great lesson, these people were blessed, they received, yet all they are interested in is their “flesh”, but Jesus will give them a teaching not only dividing flesh thinking, but showing a path to the Cross.
Labor not for the meat which perishes, but for that meat which endures unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for Him has God the Father sealed (6:27).
This is the position of the Son of man, it points directly to the Cross and the benefits of the Cross. This also divides the “seek ye the Kingdom” from “seek ye the things”. What is more important? The Things? Or Jesus?
The word Sealed is the Greek Sphragizo meaning Strengthened by a private mark of authority, or the one who has the authenticity to speak for another. This is really an important word, in one way or another all people are sealed. There is the Seal of the Holy Spirit for us, but there is the seal of the prince of the power of the air as well. A Seal shows which authority a person is allowed to use, or is using. A “mark” is a sign of ownership, if we are Marked by God, He owns us, if we accept the “mark of the beast” then we have accepted the worldly lusts run by the spirit of the world.
Jesus told these people it wasn’t the miracles, but the Things causing them to follow Him. If it’s the case we will find the result in this lesson.
Then said they unto Him, What shall we do that we might work the works of God? (6:28).
Many of us ask this question, but do we want the Truth? Or do we want Jesus to condone our thinking? Here they asked the question, but they didn’t want the answer.
Jesus answered, and said unto them, This is the work of God, that you believe on Him Whom He has sent (6:29).
Belief is a work in and of itself, here it’s obvious we are to believe On Jesus, but we also believe the words Jesus gives us. They asked the question, now they have an answer, but will they “believe”?
They said therefore unto Him, What sign show You then, that we may see, and believe You? What do You work? Our fathers did eat manna in the desert; as it is written, He gave them bread from heaven to eat (6:30-31).
No, it’s right back to the, “sign showing contest”, they just had a five course meal based on a fish fin with a crumb of bread. It would be a sign in most cases, but here the call is for Belief. This is a very interesting area, they had a foundation from which to believe, just the day prior, they followed Jesus because of the miracle of the food, but when it came time to believe, they wanted another miracle, thus they wanted to be entertained, or have Jesus provide for them, without their responsibility of belief.
Jesus is beginning to teach on the Body, showing neither the Body or Jesus are the Manna. The command for the Manna came from heaven, but the Manna itself grew from the ground, yet it was specific in purpose and time. The fathers ate the manna, yet they also died in the wilderness. The Manna didn’t provide Life, it was substance. The fish and bread were substance as well, but Jesus is Life.
When the children entered the wilderness it didn’t take long for them to begin to Murmur (Ex 16:1-2). Their unbelief produced self-based conclusions regarding how God must provide what they wanted, thus they murmured and complained when God didn’t perform for them. The manna didn’t come because of the children’s faith or belief, it came because of God’s Mercy (Ex 16:4). What do we have here? The same thing, yet they looked for the provision, rather than hearing the Provider. They sought the things, but mocked the King of the Kingdom.
Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Moses gave you not that bread from heaven; but My Father gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is He which comes down from heaven, and gives life unto the world (6:32-33).
Moses didn’t give the Manna, but the “true” Bread from heaven is Jesus, yet we are the Body of Christ. This is a present tense statement (gives you the true bread), the work was to believe on Jesus to enter His Body. Life is found in the Body, more abundantly is found in Grace. Entering the Body isn’t the end of the race, it’s the beginning.
They failed to discern the Scripture, they should have looked at Jesus recalling Psalm 78 which reads, “And had rained down manna upon them to eat, and had given them of the corn of heaven. Man did eat angels’ food: He sent them meat to be full” (Ps 78:24-25). What Meat? The Quail? The Manna? Or the Word? Ahh, the Meat of God is the Word; in the beginning the Word was God, then the Word took on flesh. Psalm 78 is prophetic, it points to two different things, the Manna and the Corn from heaven.
Where is the Manna now? It served its purpose and passed, but here Jesus tells these people they have something better, the Bread of Life. Paul says we are the Bread, thus the Bread of Life is the Body of Christ. Which would we rather be? The Manna for a season? Or the Bread of Life?
Then said they unto Him, Lord evermore give us this bread. And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that comes to Me shall never hunger; and he that believes on Me shall never thirst (6:34-35).
This is the first teaching on Communion, the Bread and Drink point to “hunger” and “thirst”, it will be the dividing point for many of these people, as well as the disciples. Jesus clearly shows He is the Corn from Heaven, the Bread of Life the Father sent.
But I say unto you, That you also have seen Me, and believe not (6:36).
They saw the signs, they took of the Bread and Fish, yet they failed to continue to believe. They had a foundation, they had Jesus before them, yet they were involved in their own mind games, missing the blessing of belief. Their unbelief was separating them from Jesus, yet He isn’t leaving them, nor forsaking them, but many of them will forsake Him as they walk with Him no more.
All that the Father gives Me shall come to Me; and him that comes to Me I will in no wise cast out. For I came down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him that sent Me. And this is the Father’s will which has sent Me. And this is the will of Him that sent Me, that every one which sees the Son, and believes on Him, may have everlasting Life: and I will raise him up at the last day (6:37-40).
This is permissive it doesn’t say “shall have”, rather it says “may have” everlasting life. It’s also directed to Life, not Life More Abundantly. This verse is Hope to those who sleep in Jesus, for one reason or another, not their fault, they have been robbed of the opportunity to receive the Spirit, yet they show mercy because they love the Lord. They are not “Dead in Christ”, but they will sleep in Jesus, then be raised on the Last Day.
If Jude says the Wicked separate themselves, how does it fit here? Easy, Jesus doesn’t cast anyone out, but it doesn’t mean they can’t rebel and leave, nor does it mean they can’t retain the spirit of man. Nothing can separate us from the Love of the Lord in Christ, the key is to be in Christ. The premise is to See and Believe, not merely See; the word See means to Perceive or Consider, which means more than an intellectual view. These people had an experience, yet they demand a sign.
The Jews then murmured at Him, because He said I am the bread which came down from heaven (6:41).
When they introduced the Manna into the conversation the Truth came, they were caught murmuring. They were faced with Two concepts, first Jesus said “I AM”, then He is the Bread from heaven, not One of the Breads or the Other Bread, rather He is the prophesied Bread, all the other breads were merely signs. Isn’t it interesting how the children in the wilderness murmured, yet here these people are doing the same. Man may progress in the world, but the nature of fallen man remains the same.
And they said, Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? How is it then that He said, I Come down from heaven? (6:42).
They missed it by a mile, this is not Jesus the son of Joseph, this is Jesus the Son of man sent by God to save man. Could any other person make the fish and bread increase? Could they speak with such authority? They were allowing their natural reasoning to guide them right into unbelief.
Jesus therefore answered and said unto them, Murmur not among yourselves. No man can come to Me, except the Father which has sent Me, draw him, and I will raise him up at the last day (6:43-44).
All this is still talking about the “last day”, or the resurrection unto life, or damnation, it does not refer to the First Resurrection. Jesus is giving them the Basics, the Foundation to life, the Mercy of the Father. This is still the Father drawing them to the Cross on the words of Jesus, dividing this from Grace (Spirit, Born Again).
The word Murmur means To complain within, or to be discontent, or to Complain in low tones; from the abundance of the heart the mouth will speak, sooner or later. We can set our minds on how God should operate, when He doesn’t meet our expectation, we complain, or become disappointed. Whatever the Abundance of our heart holds will be evidenced in those confessions during those times of pressure, not during the times when we can think of our words before they spill out of our mouths. When we are under pressure or offended, our confession will show the abundance, merely controlling our words is not the evidence. The Tree produces the fruit, the fruit is merely the evidence of the Tree.
Paul’s warning to the carnal church included, “neither murmur you, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed by the destroyer” (I Cor 10:10). How did the “destroyer” get into the wilderness? What destroyer? Could it be the destroyer is Unbelief? Could it be the works of the devil are more dangerous than the devil? Yes, we as sons of God are manifested to destroy the works of the devil (I Jn 3:8).
It is written in the prophets, And they shall be taught of God. Every man therefore that has heard and has learned of the Father, comes unto Me. Not that any man has seen the Father save He which is of God, He has seen the Father (6:45-46).
The people used the Law, Jesus is using the Prophets, showing the intent of the people is self-based, not God based. This is still relating to Mercy, the Father taught Mercy to the children, if they had Learned (increase in knowledge) of the Father, they would understand the Son of man. This also connects to “My people are destroyed for a lack of knowledge”, God provided the knowledge as we see here, but God’s people reject it, as we see here.
Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believes on Me has everlasting life. I am that bread of life (6:47-48).
This is still speaking of the Bread, not the Blood, we are the Bread (I Cor 10:16-17). All this is before the Cross, but it’s half-way through the ministry, although Jesus is looking at the Cross, the Rock is being established, the Bread is baking.
Your fathers did eat manna in the wilderness, and are dead. This is the bread which comes down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof and not die (6:49-50).
Not die? Oh, the Second death, not the first. Their fathers? What fathers? Was Abraham in the wilderness? Was Isaac in the wilderness? Was Jacob in the wilderness? No, but He is pointing to their real fathers, the people in the wilderness who failed to believe. The children had the manna in the wilderness but failed to believe, thus the Lord destroyed them who believed not (Jude 5). The devil didn’t destroy them, Pharaoh didn’t destroy them, their own unbelief caused their destruction. Jesus is teaching, before the fact, to establish a foundation for the belief yet to come, if they listen, they will discern.
I am the living bread which came down from heaven if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is My flesh, which I give for the life of the world (6:51).
Here it is, the Flesh of Jesus is the Bread. However, these people are thinking, “WHAT?”.
The Jews therefore strove among themselves, saying, How can this man give us His flesh to eat? Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except you eat of the flesh of the Son of man, and drink His Blood you have no life in you (6:52-53).
This is the flesh of the Son of man, yet the Blood is of the Son of God, did Jesus forget? No, it begins at the Cross, the place of Beginnings, thus Jesus came both by Water (Mercy) and Blood (Grace).
However, we also see Jesus now introduces the Blood, or the Wine, as a symbol of the Blood of Jesus.
Whosoever eats My flesh, and drinks My Blood, has eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day. For My flesh is meat indeed, and My Blood is drink indeed (6:54-55).
Now the concept changes to define Communion; however, this is a tough saying. Does Jesus mean to cut Him up into little pieces? They just finished eating the Bread and Fish, what is this? The concept is Eternal Life, but it takes both the Flesh and Blood, not the Flesh alone, nor can we skip the Body to partake of the Blood alone.
In John 5:21 when Jesus said, “For as the Father raises up the dead, and quickens them; even so the Son quickens whom He will”. There are two areas here, the Father raises, but the Son Quickens, thus the Just are partakers of the Quickening Spirit, which means partakers of the First Resurrection. The Last Day in this reference is the Last Day of the Season of the Day.
Jesus takes this group back to the beginning of His teaching, where He said, “labor not for the meat which perishes, but for the meat which endures unto everlasting life” (Jn 6:27). The “meat” in the wilderness was the Manna, now He points to the Bread of Life, two completely different premises. The people are thinking the actual Body and Blood, causing them to miss the concept. Moses took a leg of lamb on Passover, they knew it represented partaking of the sacrifice. It’s all Jesus is talking about, not the actual, but the symbols of the Sacrifice.
He that eats My flesh, and drinks My Blood dwells in Me, and I in him (6:56).
The word Communion means to Communicate, or Exchange, this is another aspect of our Covenant Promise. There is no Covenant when all we do is receive, yet give nothing, there has to be an Exchange. Jesus Promises Life through His Body, Life more abundantly through the Blood, giving us the confession: “I Am crucified with Christ, nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ lives in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the Faith of the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. I do not frustrate (hinder) the Grace of God: for if Righteousness come (present tense) by the Law of Moses, then Christ is dead in vain and so am I” (Gal 2:20-21).
How can Jesus live in us? By the Spirit of Truth, it’s the concept here, right back to being Born Again, with “as many as Received Him, to them gave He power to become sons of God” (Jn 1: 12-13).
As the living Father has sent Me, and I live by the Father; so he that eats Me, even he shall live by Me. This is that bread which came down from heaven: not as your fathers did eat manna, and are dead: he that eats of this bread shall live for ever (6:57-58).
The entire context here is Life, connecting to the First coming of Jesus unto Salvation: the Second coming is for Judgment, thus we find Jesus saying, He is not come to Judge, but then He turns right around and says He will Judge. This is the Day the Lord has made unto Salvation, let us rejoice and be glad in it.
There are differences between “forever”, and “forever and ever”; here the context is still the Bread of life, as a forever, which has an end. These people sought the Manna, yet seeking the Body was more important, but if we seek the Body, and not the Blood we miss the goal.
These things said He in the synagogue, as He taught in Capernaum. Many therefore of His disciples when they heard this, said, This is a hard saying, who can hear it? (6:59-60).
During our experiences with Jesus we will run into many hard sayings; “Deny the self” is a hard saying, having to keep our mouths closed when all about cry out “Say something”, is hard. Although there are hard sayings, there is nonetheless a reward for those who obey the Lord.
Prior Jesus was talking to the people, now He turns to His disciples, yet they will have a revelation from the Father to help them, but will they know the information came from the Father.
When Jesus knew in Himself that His disciples murmured at it, He said unto them, Does this offend you? What and if you shall see the Son of man ascend up where He was before (6:61-62).
The only one not murmuring was Jesus, but did He want to offend them? No, yet offense came nonetheless. Offense in this case comes when something in us is exposed, but remember what is exposed will attempt to retaliate to protect itself. We have the power to stop it, or give it strength. Best stop it. Here they heard the Truth, but were rejecting it, they needed a Proceeding Word of encouragement.
We tend to hear someone, or see something then take offense based on a past memory of a hurt, at times we allow ourselves to become by anger or become fearful. What they said, or did causes us to regress to a time in the past, we then equate the person to someone in our past, we either take out our anger on them, or fall back to the same fear. What happened? It was the spirit of man attempting to get us to use a ruler of darkness. The person may look different, talk different, but if the source is the spirit of man, it may almost seem as if they are the “same”. Here these disciples heard something going against their training, or at least they thought so, then allowed the old nature to interpret what Jesus was saying. When we are Born Again we obtained the Mind of Christ, giving us the advantage. Here Jesus is telling us if we want to be Christ Like, we must be In Jesus, and He in us. We partake of His Flesh by imputing ourselves dead on the Cross, thereby taking His Body (Body of Christ). However, we must have Him in us to complete the process, which is the New Birth represented by the Blood, which we obtained in the Seed of God. Baptisms tell the tale, we are baptized in water, it covers us, showing we accept the premise of being in the Body, but the baptism with the Holy Ghost is in us, showing Jesus in us, the hope of Glory. Grace is not possible without the Spirit, it’s the Spirit who puts Life in the Mercy to bring forth the Living Water. It’s the Spirit (Word) in us allowing us to discern and separate, so we don’t become offended at the hard words of the Lord.
It is the Spirit that quickens; the flesh profits nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are Spirit, and they are life (6:63).
This goes right back to, “born of the flesh is flesh”, it profits nothing, but being “Born of the Spirit” Quickens (brings life). This gives us the metaphoric content of the Rhema, the Logos said the Rhema, thus metaphorically it points to Life and Spirit, meaning Rhema ears seek the Life of the Spirit. This also gives us the Bread and Blood combined, to the disciples this was unheard of, it was also far outside their venue of knowledge.
The word Quicken is the Greek Zoopoieo meaning To cause a living thing, rather than being a living thing; therefore, in the Body we have life, but in the New Man we have life more abundantly. Only Jesus can Bring Life, yet we are His Body, only the Spirit can grant Life More Abundantly. Remember, “because you read about it, doesn’t mean you have it”, we must ask, then believe we receive.
But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray Him (6:64).
Jesus knew from the beginning who would believe and who won’t, as well as who would betray Him, yet He didn’t cast them out before hand. They had moral choice, yet their predestination was known by Jesus, not them. Simply because God knows who will be saved and who won’t, doesn’t mean we do. This isn’t restricted to Peter, the “they” is plural, confirmed in Mark 16:16-18 when Jesus upbraided them with their own unbelief. Of course we see “who should betray” not only refers to Judas, but those who join to his position as sons of perdition.
And He said, Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto Me, except it were given unto him of My Father (6:65).
Coming to Jesus, and staying with Him are two different things; however, we also see the premise is based in the Father, thus our approach is still Mercy based. We come to the throne to Obtain Mercy, and Find Grace, thus Mercy is the binding element keeping us walking with the Spirit in Grace.
From that time many of His disciples went back, and walked no more with Him. Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will you also go away? Then Simon Peter answered Him, Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. And we believe and are sure that You are that Christ, the Son of the living God (6:66-69).
The only verse in the New Testament wherein the combined chapter and verse numbers form 666 is found here in John, as it reads, “From that time many of His disciples went back, and walked no more with Him”. It’s also important to recall how this is “half way” through the earthly ministry, which is akin to being half way across the Sea, or half way to the goal. Patience will finish the course, here we find a storm, “who is willing to endure the hard sayings?”. Peter made a wise choice this time, but he had help, a help he had no idea he obtained.
In verse 6:69 we find the second time in the Bible the phrase, “the Christ, the Son of the Living God” is used, but in truth it’s really the first time Peter or the disciples used it. Here is another timeline drawn for us, the feeding of the 5,000 is the one miracle recorded in all four accounts, here in John it’s located at 6:10; we know this event is the day after. In Matthew it’s recorded in 14:21, thus, in Matthew the use of the phrase, by Peter, comes well after this event (Matt 16:16). In Matthew the event has to do with the Rock, yet Jesus exposed and corrected, showing without the Spirit of Christ we won’t have a clue to the things of God (I Cor 2:7 & 2:13-14). This confirms why they were not allowed to preach Jesus as the Christ of Grace, they didn’t have a clue to what the concept of spiritual entailed.
Why did the information come? Many of the disciples were leaving, the Father gave these disciples a “word” of information as an incentive to stay. Not manipulation, but encouragement, thus a “word of knowledge” came from the Father, yet Peter, as well as the others felt it was by their knowledge. Later when Peter uses it a second time, he will be warned how he was blessed since the information came from the Father, but don’t abuse the things of God. Any of us can gain a Revelation for the moment, then abuse it by using it over and over to exalt ourselves. Later in Matthew Jesus will ask, “Who do you say I am”, Peter will use the phrase, but in truth it came from the Father for this moment. There are those who gain information regarding Jesus as the Christ, or even a revelation, yet they accredit their knowledge, education, discipleship or their intellect with the word, but if we received any information regarding Jesus as the Christ, it came from the Holy Ghost. It’s evident when we find no one can call Jesus Lord, but by the Holy Ghost, the Holy Ghost brings the Seed, the Seed is the Spirit in us giving us a foundation and position from which to speak. If we lack the Spirit, we must trust in the voice of man, which is shaky at best. Spiritual matters to the natural mind are foolishness.
Jesus answered them, have not I chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil? He spoke of Judas Iscariot the son of Simon: for he it was that should betray Him, being one of the twelve (6:70-71).
This changes the usage from plural to singular, but it also shows Jesus chose Judas, it wasn’t the other way around. Judas was there, he heard the revelation, he heard Jesus is the source for the “words of eternal life”, yet he still attempted to get his own agenda completed by “using” Jesus. For Judas, the people were a means for the ministry, or the people were the means to promote the ministry, not the other way around.
This also shows the Purpose of the Spirit is “eternal life”, but in the Doctrine of Christ we find “eternal judgment” (Heb 6:1-2). What gives? If there is an eternal judgment, there is eternal life, we know of eternal judgment, but we seek eternal life.
Jesus doesn’t say “one of you will be demon possessed”, nor does He say, “one of you has a devil”, clearly He says Judas is a devil. Why didn’t Jesus cast the devil out of Judas? Or cast Judas out of the devil? Judas was not demon possessed, he served himself and a purpose, yet Jesus will lose none except for the son of perdition so the Scriptures may be fulfilled. Don’t thank God for Judas, thank God for changing us so we won’t be like Judas.
After these things Jesus walked in Galilee: for He would not walk in Jewry, because the Jews sought to kill Him. Now the Jews’ feast of tabernacles was at hand (7:1-2).
This doesn’t say Jesus was afraid of the Jews, rather it shows the timing of God and the time of man often calls for us to have patience, as we wait until the time and timing are perfect. It was time to prepare the way of Grace, time and timing, the all important elements to success in the things of God.
This is the Feast of Tabernacles, held from the 15th to the 22nd of Tishri (our September – October). Tishri is the first month of the Jewish civil year but the Seventh month of the Jewish Sacred year, the word Tishri means To Begin. Tishri also has other Feast Days, the Day of Atonement or Yom Kippur falls on the 10th of Tishri: Trumpets or Rosh Hashanah falls on the 1st and 2nd of Tishri. In the days of Moses Tishri was the Seventh month, since Moses didn’t have two calendars.
This feast was held for seven days (Lev 23:33-35); however the key to this feast is not in the seven days, but on the Eighth Day which becomes the Holy Convocation when the offering is made by Fire, thus the Eighth Day is a High Sabbath. This teaching will move from the Bread and Blood to the Fire of God’s offering, helping us see the importance of the Baptism of Fire. This brings the teaching to more importance, it’s at the half-way mark when the Lord comes with our obligation of the Bread and Blood. As Babes we get away with much, let’s face it, we see Babes in Christ float around with all sorts of weird ideas, yet they seem to get away with it, until a point where commitment becomes a position. Yet, there comes a time to grow up, it’s not easy, but always possible by the New Man.
His brethren therefore said unto Him, Depart here, and go into Judea, that Your disciples also may see the works that You do. For there is no man that does any thing in secret and he himself seeks to be known openly. If You do these things, show Yourself to the world (7:3-4).
This sounds Good on one hand, yet it’s manipulation and rejection. The brethren here would be the half brothers of Jesus, rather than the disciples, this is made clear by the phrase “Your disciples”, denoting a separation between the disciples and those speaking. This isn’t all the half-brothers (brothers by the association of Mary into the families of the aunts and uncles of Jesus), since James the less and Jude were disciples of Jesus: however, rejection by your own family in these matters can be brutal, often leaving “tares”. The New Man keeps the “tare planting” from taking us by having us apply Love and Mercy. These attacks usually come just after the commitment is made, natural people don’t mind religion, it’s the commitment toward Jesus offending them.
This also came after Jesus said, “For My Flesh is meat indeed, and My Blood is drink indeed” (Jn 6:55). In the Old Testament Joseph, one of the twelve sons of Jacob, was rejected by his brothers because he shared a couple of dreams, thus Joseph’s experience was a symbol yet to come in Christ. Not only are these in His extended family rejecting Him, but those He was sent to save are rejecting Him. All this shows Jesus was subject to all the rejections and temptations as we, yet He bowed to none. There is no temptation come on us, which is not common to man; there is nothing coming against us Jesus hasn’t already faced and defeated.
The brothers of Jesus didn’t say, “You do these things”, they said, “If You do these things”, which is much different, showing a division between this group and James the Less and Jude, here they are questioning whether Jesus did “these things”, but we know James the Less and Jude saw “these things” done. This goes right back to “isn’t He the son of the carpenter?”, or “So, you really think the Bible is true, after all this is today”. These are all challenges, questions and temptations to get us to prove who we are, rather than allow the New Man to prove who Jesus is. Whenever we hear, “if you be”, we know the source.
For neither did His brethren believe in Him (7:5).
This doesn’t say, “only” His brethren believed not, rather we find the word “neither”, which shows the ability of man to truly believe was presented in the signs and wonders, yet man had to enter in. However, the Cross and Resurrection is the basis for our belief.
Then Jesus said unto them, My time is not yet come: but your time is always ready (7:6).
Unbelief is a choice, it’s not a learned behavior, their time was Now, they could turn and say, “you know we will believe”, which history tells us they did after the Resurrection, as they became part of the 120 in the upper room. The old excuse, “well I was just raised to question everything”, or “I can’t help it, I just don’t believe”, fall short, belief and unbelief are choices. The Light shines in the day we make the decision to believe on the Lord. This only supports the verses found in Mark 16:16, our entry (baptism) into the Body is important, but more important is our continual belief (Rom 10:9 & Mark 16:16).
The world cannot hate you: but Me it hates, because I testify of it, that the works thereof are evil (7:7).
At this time the world didn’t hate the brothers, since they were of the world, but if they had joined Jesus the world would hate them, but they would love Jesus. This is one of those areas showing the world is one course, the Body of Christ on another. This is the danger of allowing the spirit of the world to invade our thinking, the fears and cares of the world will choke out the Seed of God. When we exalt the behavior and accolades of the world, to excuse our inefficiency in Christ we’re of the world. When we fall into competition with the world, attempting to do what world does, only better, we’re of the world. We are to be “separated from the world”, not attempting to do what they do, only better. Hyper-theology, often influenced by the spirit of the world depends on manipulation and fear, rather than Belief and Faith. Warfare is not competitive, it’s combative.
Go you unto this feast: I go not up yet unto this feast; for My time is not yet full come. When He said these words unto them, He abode still in Galilee (7:8-9).
Some conclude this Feast was a Passover, thus they add one year to the earthly ministry; however, we were just told this is the Feast of Tabernacles, not Passover (Jn 7:2). Jesus didn’t say He won’t go, rather He told His brothers to go before Him.
But when His brethren were gone up, then He went also up onto the feast, not openly, but as it were in secret. Then the Jews sought Him at the feast, and said, Where is He? And there was much murmuring among the people concerning Him: for some said, He is a good man: others said, No; but He deceives the people (7:10-12).
The conclusion of Jesus not attending this Feast is not according to the Scriptures, here we find Jesus did go to the Feast. The sign for His brothers is also clear, as soon as they arrived their own words were tossed at them. They told Jesus, “for there is no man who does anything in secret” (Jn 7:4); here the Jews seeking Jesus confronted the brothers by saying “Where is He?”. They were “hung by the tongue”, there are times to be secret, times to be open, but we never limit Jesus, paint Him in a corner, or box Him in.
However, no man spoke openly of Him for fear of the Jews (7:13).
Manipulation by religious leadership is demonic, here are the results. The spirit of fear over the people caused the people to be subjected to the same spirit. Paul will tell Timothy we have not been given the spirit of fear, since Timothy was a leader it also stands leadership has never been granted permission to use the spirit of fear. “If I catch anyone doing this I will toss them out of this church”; this is the same thing these manipulative Pharisees were saying. Not a good “representation” of Christ, not good at all. Preach the Truth in Love, present the Truth to counter the false, don’t attempt to use the spirit of fear.
Now about the midst of the feast Jesus went up into the temple, and taught (7:14).
Jesus didn’t remain secret for long, in the Midst or half way through the Seven Day Feast He was seen in the Temple. Here is another half-way mark, only this time Jesus is showing we continue on course, we don’t walk away, neither do we walk on water, we stay the course to reach the result.
And the Jews marveled, saying, How knows this man the letters, having never learned? (7:15).
The term Letters means the Scriptures; this doesn’t refer to quoting the Scriptures, rather it refers to knowing the intent, or meaning behind the Scriptures. This is a very important verse for those who think the only way to obtain “knowledge” is through natural intellect. Paul tells us the spirit of man knows the things of man, but is ignorant regarding the things of the Spirit of God (I Cor 2:11). These people wondered how Jesus could know so much about God, yet He was not of their schools of theology, or studied under their scholars. Something to consider, since some of us tend to look at degrees, rather than the Holy Ghost. The scholars wondered at Jesus, but they were not able to communicate with Him, they lacked the level of awareness He held, thus the Holy Ghost teaches us by comparing spiritual to spiritual. Therefore, Peter told us our More Sure Word Of Prophecy is the Interpretation by the Holy Ghost, but it doesn’t mean the Holy Ghost changes the Scripture, rather He tells us Why He had the scribes write the words. Changing the Scripture isn’t interpretation, it’s error. The Scriptures mean what they say, the interpretation is Why they say what they say. The same is true with unknown tongues, it’s not the exactness of the words, which would be Translation, rather we want to know what is behind them, yet since it’s the Spirit speaking through us, only the Spirit can bring the Interpretation (I Cor 14:2 & 14:21-23).
Jesus answered them, and said, My doctrine is not mine, but His that sent Me. If any man will do His will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether if be of God, or whether I speak of Myself (7:16-17).
Hold it, what about the Doctrine of Christ? The word Doctrine means Instruction, it comes from a word meaning Instructor, thus the doctrine depends on the Instructor, not the instruction. This part of the ministry is still Mercy based, in Hebrews 6:1-2 we are not given the entire Doctrine of Christ, rather we are given the six basic rudiments, or foundations, the actual Doctrine includes all Jesus taught.
Jesus is granting Pardon, not Remission, thus He gave Commandments regarding Mercy, not Grace. First John tells us not to reject the Father or the Son, thus we find the Father relates to Mercy, the Son to Grace.
He that speaks of himself seeks his own glory: but He that seeks His glory that sent Him, the same is true and no unrighteousness is in Him. Did Moses give you the law, and yet none of you keep the law? Why go you about to kill Me? (7:18-19).
Wait, didn’t God give the Law? What gives, is Jesus in error? No, this points out the Law of Moses came at the request of Moses, yet the Law of the Spirit came by Jesus. Ahh, a mystery, God desired the Tabernacle, but it was David who desired the Temple, yet both were honored by God. God’s mercy on Moses brought the Law of Moses to spare the children for the sake of Moses, God’s Love and Grace for us brought the Law of the Spirit to save His children.
This is an interesting verse showing the religious rulers will speak of themselves, as they attempt to justify themselves. When we boast in our efforts, we are seeking our own glory.
The people answered and said, You have a devil: who goes about to kill You? (7:20).
This is a question, not a statement; the people questioned the motive of Jesus: did He come to this place to die? Was He so foolish to think these Pharisees who caused such fear in the people won’t kill Him? What drove Him to this place? It must be a devil, God wouldn’t put His own in danger? It’s the same attitude some of us get, we protect the ministry, protect the Body based in a fear of destruction. Jesus knew what He was doing, nothing could in anyway harm Him unless it was granted from on High, thus nothing could stop the ministry unless it was granted from on High.
Jesus answered and said unto them, I have done one work, and you all marvel. Moses therefore gave unto you circumcision; (not because it is of Moses, but of the fathers;) and you on the sabbath day circumcise a man. If a man on the sabbath day receive circumcision, that the law of Moses should not be broken; are you angry at Me, because I have made a man every bit whole on the sabbath day? Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment (7:21-24).
What one work? He was going all over the land doing all sorts of things. What one work could this be? Jesus healed many times, but the one act was the healing on the sabbath day.
Then said some of them of Jerusalem, Is not this He, whom they seek to kill? But lo, He speaks boldly, and they say nothing unto Him. Do the rulers know indeed that this is the very Christ (7:25-26).
This limits the place of this teaching to Jerusalem alone, now the people wonder if this is the same Jesus whom the Pharisees warned them of. The best laid plans of Pharisees oft times go astray. Since the Pharisees were powerless, the people begin to think Jesus is more than man, more than a Prophet, could it be He is the Christ?
However we know this Man where He is from: but when the Christ comes, no man knows where He is (7:27).
The people confused the second coming of Christ with the first coming, even though they were given the evidence in the Law and Prophets. Jesus first came to redeem man from sin, darkness, the devil, the world, and from the works of the devil, for the purpose of saving man’s soul, but when He returns it’s to judge by separating the sheep from the goats. The first coming is to establish the kingdom of God, the second coming is to complete the kingdom of God. Two different purposes with two very different results.
Then cried Jesus in the temple as He taught saying You both know Me, and you know where I am; and I am not come of Myself, but He that sent Me is true, Whom you know not. But I know Him: for I am from Him, and He has sent Me (7:28-29).
All they had to do was look, listen and believe, yet they looked and couldn’t see, they listened and couldn’t hear, meaning they refused to believe. Jesus clearly says He came from the Father, rather than from Mary, thus In the Beginning was the Word and the Word was God, the same Word became the Son of man for us, as the Word was declared the Son of God by the Resurrection so we can become sons of God, then He took the position of God the Son by the Sacrifice in heaven. Jesus made Covenant with the Father, but for what purpose? Jesus could return to the Father at anytime, so why a Covenant? None of us could ever make the Covenant Jesus did, thus He did it for us. All these things are written for the Whosoever who will believe.
Then they sought to take Him: but no man laid hands on Him, because His hour was not yet come. And many people believed on Him, and said, When Christ comes, will He do more miracles than these which this Man has done? (7:30-31).
The woman at the well heard Jesus speak, then she believed, these people see signs, but refuse to believe, showing belief is a choice.
The Pharisees heard that the people murmured such things concerning Him; and the Pharisees and the chief priests sent officers to take Him (7:32).
The spirit of fear has two streets, the religious rulers applied the fear, the people succumbed to it, but like deception, if they use fear, they become a slave to it. The more fear one produces, the more they become subject to it. The more a person deceives, the more deceived they become, the more we speak Truth, the more Truth we become.
The Pharisees didn’t run out to obtain Roman guards, the temple had its own guards. When the temple guards arrested anyone it was for a violation of the religious laws, yet the Jews didn’t have the authority to take anyone’s life, rather they were bound to Roman law, thus they had to take the person before the civil authorities. The only exception would be letters from Rome granting them permission to take those who they suspected of circumventing their religion. As was the case with “Saul” the Christian hunter, but he soon came face to face with Jesus causing a change to become Paul the Apostle.
The Pharisees claimed they were “free”, yet they were in bondage to a heathen government. The Pharisees knew Rome could care less about their religious conflicts; however, if it appeared the charge wasn’t religious in nature, but a move of insurrection against Rome, then Rome became concerned, later it will be the deception they will use.
Then said Jesus unto them, Yet a little while am I with you, and then I go unto Him that sent Me. You shall seek Me, and shall not find Me: and where I am, there you cannot come (7:33-34).
The penalty of unbelief. Here Jesus clearly shows He will return to heaven, a matter of faith and prophecy. Jesus didn’t guess at the outcome of the Cross, He knew victory would cost, but He was willing to pay the price.
Jesus also explains, simply doing the deeds under the Law of Moses is not going to get anyone into heaven, neither are their works going to get them the Spirit, or the Kingdom. If they continue on their present path, they will never be where Jesus is, but it doesn’t mean they won’t see Him one day, since they will look upon Him they pierced.
Then said the Jews among themselves, Where will He go, that we shall not find Him? Will He go unto the dispersed among the Gentiles, and teach the Gentiles? What manner of saying is this that He said, You shall seek Me, and shall not find Me: and where I am, there you cannot come? (7:35-36).
The Pharisees quoted Jesus to the letter, yet they failed to understand what He said. This is an example of being able to quote the Bible, but without the Spirit we are left to our own reasoning, which causes us to miss the concepts and precepts, thereby producing confusion. This is using the Letter, which kills, but the Spirit brings Life, by showing us the intent behind the Scripture.
In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto Me, and drink. He that believes on Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water (7:37-38).
The Great Day of the Feast is the High Sabbath, but it’s the Eighth day after the Seven days of the Feast. Jesus is proclaiming the Baptism with the Holy Ghost will be connected to the Resurrection bringing the Circumcision of heart. The teaching is now focused on the spiritual things of God, making the rejection and testing of the religious leaders more important, they will no longer be attacking “Jesus the Son of man”, they will be attacking the works of the Holy Ghost.
This helps us understand the Apostles’ Creed of 325 and 381 AD. A Creed is the basic written form of belief, it’s not all one believes, only the basics. The Creeds were not by the Apostles, rather they are what the Apostles taught. There were many Creeds, the Formula Marcella Ancyrani of 340 AD, the Formula Romana from the 3rd or 4th Century, the Formula Aquileiensis from Rufinus around 400 AD, the Formula Recepta from the 6th and 7th Century, the Apostles’ Creed from Rome around 340 AD, the Creed from Irenaeus around 170 AD, Tertullain’s Creed 200 AD, Cyprain’s Creed 250 AD, Novatian’s Creed 250 AD, Origen’s Creed 320 AD, Gregory’s Creed 270 AD, Lucian’s Creed 300 AD, Eusebius’ Creed 325 AD, Cyril’s Creed 350 AD and the Nicaeno Constantin-opolitan Creed, which became the Apostle’s Creed. All had certain doctrinal elements in common, all began with the Report of the Father, then the Word, then the Holy Ghost. Although we will cover all these in a later lesson, there is one section relating to this teaching, and the events to shortly follow. Under the section pertaining to the Holy Ghost, we find the purpose of the Holy Ghost is a Guide to the Body, under the section we read, “I acknowledge one baptism for the remission of sins”. This doesn’t limit the baptisms, but separates water baptism from the baptism with the Holy Ghost. Mercy forgives us, but we need the Spirit to enter the Justification process unto remission.
We also find this “living water” is not “running water”, it has nothing to do with water baptism, rather this Water comes from within the person, not over them, it’s a product of the Spirit inducing Life into the Mercy to bring words of Life and Mercy from within.
The Roman bishop Stephen (253-257) was more concerned with the person being baptized, as he said it doesn’t make any difference if the verbal usage was the Trinity or the use of Jesus’ name alone, it was the heart of the one being baptized, but he did agree, there could be no baptism with the Holy Ghost at the hands of any presenting heretic; no heretic has right standing with Jesus to present anyone for the baptism with the Holy Ghost; therefore, he suggested if anyone questioned the acceptability of their water baptism, they need only determine if they have the evidence of the Baptism with the Holy Ghost, thus if they had the Spirit, surely God overlooked any fault in the act, showing Jesus accepted the person, based on the baptism of Cornelius (Acts 10:45-48). Stephen also showed how someone who was really seeking the Spirit could break through, even if some heretic was conducting the service, thus if the person was knocking and asking, Jesus will answer them, regardless of the Whacko in charge. This area of the Baptism with the Holy Ghost to receive the Spirit to produce the Living Waters becomes a very important issue in these teachings. Although the Pharisees, nor anyone else at this point in time could not receive the Baptism with the Holy Ghost until Jesus was glorified by the Resurrection, the position of believing unto the Baptism was at issue. From the Book of Acts we know baptism with the Holy Ghost is different from the baptism in water; like the washing of the water by the Word, we find the Living Waters are coming from the Spirit, rather than the Spirit being the Water.
The Scripture referred to here is Zechariah 14:8, which tells us the Living Waters will go out of Jerusalem, half to the former sea (Jew), and half toward the hinder sea (that following the former – Hebrew Acharown – Gentile), it begins on Pentecost with the Jews first, then the Gentiles. In the Song of Solomon we find another reference to Living Waters, the metaphors used all point to Jesus and the Resurrection (Song 4:12-15). When it comes to Rejection of the Living Water, the words of the prophet Jeremiah become relevant.
(But this spoke He of the Spirit, which they that believe on Him, should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified) (7:39).
Ahh, this He spoke of the Spirit, not water baptism, thus water baptism is connected to the Doctrine of Baptisms, but don’t confuse these “living waters” with running water, or water baptism, they are entirely different. This one verse, above all others, show how the disciples operated in Mercy, but lacked the Power from on High; clearly the time to be Born Again would not come until Jesus was glorified. This explains why they were sent to “preach”, yet Jesus tells the disciples at this time to remain silent. They had the authority to speak regarding Pardon by Mercy, but they lacked foundation, or the knowledge to speak on spiritual matters. When Jesus began to speak of the Bread and Blood, it ended the preaching of the disciples until they were endued with Power from on High on Pentecost.
Adding to this we find something else, in the Old Testament there is no reference to “living water” (sing.), rather all four references are “living waters” (plur.), so did Jesus make a mistake? No, here we find the same context as Born Again, the Living Waters come from the Living Water, the reference Jesus is making is singular, which really fits with what is about to happen when the religious rulers reject the Living Water. It’s vital we don’t confuse what is produced by the Spirit, as the Spirit, or we will mix metaphors and have the Spirit as Water, then determine our water baptism finished the work, when in truth there are more baptisms contained in the Doctrine.
Many of the people therefore when they heard this saying, said, Of a truth this is the Prophet. Others said, This is the Christ. But some said, Shall Christ come out of Galilee? Has not the Scripture said, That Christ comes of the seed of David, and out of the town of Bethlehem, where David was? (7:40-42).
David had three cities, the one of interest here is the city were David was born, not the cities where David reigned. The people knew Christ was to be born in Bethlehem, since Jesus was known as “Jesus of Nazareth” they presumed He was born in Nazareth, yet the Pharisees had the answer; all they had to do was look up the circumcision records, then they would have found Jesus was surely born in Bethlehem (Luke 2:21-27). Withholding information to serve your own self-interest is deception, a wile of the devil.
So there was a division among the people because of Him. And some of them would have taken Him; but no man laid hands on Him (7:43-44).
The division was based on where Jesus came from, not what He did. Carnal minds look for carnal evidence, here Jesus did many things, all proving Who He was, yet they looked to where Jesus came from to determine if He could be the Christ or not. Some of us determine the only one who can teach us, are those who come from our denomination, or who are recognized by us as scholars, yet God will send whom He will.
Then came the officers to the chief priests and Pharisees; and they said unto them, why have you not brought Him? The officers answered, Never a man spoke like this Man. Then answered them the Pharisees, Are you also deceived? Have any of the rulers or the Pharisees believed on Him? But this people who know not the law are cursed. Nicodemus said unto them (he that came to Jesus by night, being one of them), Does our law judge any man, before it hear him, and know what he does? They answered and said unto him, Are you also of Galilee? Search and look: for out of Galilee arises no prophet. And every man went unto his own house (7:45-53).
This is a John 7 meeting, one where the religious minded get together to form secret plans to come against the anointing. They are offended by the words of Jesus, but the spirit of man is motivating them, their envy denied the Truth. All Pharisees, regardless of whether they are Jewish, or Christian tend to use rules and regulations to control people, here is an example, as the Pharisees ask, “Are you also deceived?”. They apply guilt and fear to control and dominate.
These verses are so important to the text prior, as well as the events yet to come: without them the next day’s events are lost. Jesus was not at this meeting, the text never suggests He was. Jesus was still in the midst of the temple, He would leave while this meeting was going on. This meeting was held by the Pharisees “in secret”. Recalling the brothers of Jesus, as they said no one does these things in secret, we find there are some things done in secret, thus Paul will tell us how the Wicked lie in wait to deceive, here is the proof. They are making plans to trap Jesus, they will set up a series of traps, all thought of in advance, in so doing they are proving they are doing the lusts of their father the devil.
Although John 7:45 through 8:12 do not appear in some early Alexandrian texts (manuscripts), they do appear in the Western and Byzantine manuscripts. The “periscope de adultera” (woman caught in adultery) is also found in numerous uncials, including Codex D (Bazae Cantabrigiensis), G, H, K, M, U, and GAMMA. Among the minuscule-cursive manuscripts it is in 28, 700, 892, 1009, 1010, 1071, 1079, 1195, 1216, 1344, 1365, 1546, 1646, 2148, and 2174. It also is in early translations such as the Bohairic Coptic Version, the Syriac Palestinian Version and the Ethiopic Version, all of which date from the second to the sixth centuries, as well as in the majority of the Old Latin manuscripts, including the Latin Vulgate by Jerome. Further, the passage is cited by a number of church fathers; among them are Didascalia (third century), Ambrosiaster (fourth century), Ambrose (fourth century), it’s found in the Apostolic Constitutions, which are the largest liturgical collections of writings from Antioch Syria (380 AD). Saint Augustine (430 AD) makes an astounding statement concerning the authenticity of this passage, after citing the forgiving phrase from Christ, “Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more”. Manuscripts are handy, but we must also consider all the other supportive elements, the manner in which the disciples of the disciples taught, as well as what they taught, before we seek reasons not to believe. We can be assured the Holy Ghost made sure we had these verses to show how dangerous it is to reject the Living Waters.
These verses bring to pass Jeremiah’s prophetic prayer, “O Lord, the hope of Israel, all that forsake You shall be ashamed, and they that depart from Me shall be written in the earth, because they have forsaken the Lord, the fountain of living waters. Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved: for You are my praise” (Jere 17:13-14). The word Earth is the Hebrew Erets it was always used for the earth, it means the soil, dirt, or land. Why in the earth? Why not just write on a piece of paper? The Earth is made of Dust, man’s flesh is formed of the dust, the devil’s only food is the dust of the earth (Gen 3:14). Also other facets we must consider, no where else do we find Jesus writing in the dirt, rather at the Judgment we find the books, as man’s works are judged, as well as man having to find their name in the Book of Life. Then we have to add Luke 10:17-20 to the equation, Jesus said “Rejoice, because your names are written in heaven”. Here in John it’s just the opposite, it wasn’t merely rejecting the Living Water, but the method they used, using a person caught in sin to trap another is the way of the Wicked.
These religious rulers kept bringing the Law up to Jesus, here Nicodemus brings the Law up to them. Will they apply the same yardstick to themselves, as they did Jesus? No, hypocrites will always have two yardsticks, one they use on us about an inch long, the one they use on themselves about a mile long. The religious rulers would use the Law to their advantage, but they refused to be subject to it. They would set up the events in their favor, as they become the proof of those who “lie in wait to deceive”.
Jesus just said Moses gave them the Law, yet none of them kept it; Nicodemus proves the point. He points out how they were not using or seeking the guide lines in the Law of Moses concerning Mercy, rather they were using slander unto destruction. Even the Law of Moses said one must be heard before any accusation can be placed against them: as well as the accusation being established by two or more witnesses, and not influenced by the accuser.
They said, “Shall Christ come out of Galilee?”, the Pharisees knew the records would show where Jesus was born, but they attacked Nicodemus, yet never answered his question. Even so, they were wrong, Jonah came from Galilee (II Kings 14:25; Gath-hepher is in Galilee). However, another element showing these verses are vital would come at the trial of Jesus, where they seek two witnesses, ending with false witnesses, but nonetheless they heard Nicodemus, then twisted the entire trial to make it appear as if they followed the Law. John 7 meetings set evil plans into motion, their goal is to harm someone.
Jesus went unto the mount of Olives. And early in the morning He came again into the temple, and all the people came unto Him; and He sat down, and taught them (8:1-2).
While the Pharisees were forming their evil plans, as they picked up their stones of theological abuse, Jesus went to the Mount of Olives, thus showing He was not at their meeting, rather He was at the place of Mercy. Jesus taught them the day prior on Living Water, yet they were using bitter water. They were moving further and further from God, yet they were convinced they were doing God a service. The more they used the spirit of fear, the deeper into darkness they went, as they moved on the path of their self-deception.
And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto Him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst, they said unto Him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act. Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what do You say? This they said tempting Him, that they might have to accuse Him. But Jesus stooped down, and with His finger wrote on the ground, as though He heard them not (8:3-6).
Here we find how they lie in wait to deceive, their motive is to tempt the Lord in order to accuse Him, which means they sought to slander Him, thus showing a complete lack of Mercy. This is not a rejection of receiving the Living Waters, this is a rejection of Jesus who is the Living Waters: Jeremiah 2:13 and 17:13. In Jeremiah 2:13 we find the Lord is the Living Waters, the very same thing Jesus said, yet He was rejected.
Like the parable, they said they would not have “this man” to rule over them. Now we can see the connection between Living Water and Living Waters. Jeremiah shows the Lord is the Living Waters, but Jesus said the Spirit becomes the source of the Living Water, thus those Born Again have the Seed of God, they produce Living Waters.
The rulers use the title “Master”, placing Jesus in a position of authority; with their mouths they called Him Master, but in their hearts they called Him enemy. The Law of Moses covered many different areas of adultery, this woman could have been forced, thus innocent, she could have been a slave, thus innocent, or she could have been caught in the very act; however, in all cases where there is a woman, there is also a male. It’s hard to have an act of physical adultery with one person. This is not fornication, but adultery, either she, or the one she was with was either married or espoused.
How could they “catch her in the very act”, unless they set up the “act”? They engineered the entire thing, this is the next morning after their meeting, thus the meeting laid the plans of entrapment. What mercy were they showing the woman? None, but more important what is the trap? If Jesus says, “have mercy on her”, they would accuse Him in front of all the witnesses of denying the Law; however, if He says, “stone her”, they would accuse Him of violating His own teaching on the “Living Waters”. They thought they had Him, no matter which way He answers, it would be a violation. Almost a full proof trap, but like most traps of this nature they tend to snap shut on the perpetrator.
So when they continued asking Him, He lifted up Himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her. And again He stooped down, and wrote on the ground (8:7-8).
The rulers were considered masters as well, they just held a meeting the night prior enforcing their authority, they caught this woman, Jesus didn’t, they accused her, Jesus didn’t, if any punishment was to be applied, it had to come from her accusers. If we assume the Day of Salvation is for Justice, we error. Here is a perfect example of darkness confronting Light, as each views their own domain.
And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst (8:9).
What conscience? The Ten Commandments, they were caught, they coveted, the Commandment fell on them. The phrase “Left alone” shows the religious rulers left Jesus, the people and the woman, but it doesn’t mean the people or the woman left Jesus alone.
The voting procedure of the council always started with the youngest voting first, working to the eldest in order to prevent the younger from being influenced by the elders, but here we find the eldest leaving first, thus admitting their sin; however, none of them repented, nor made any attempt to tell either Jesus or the woman they were sorry for their folly. There is a difference between Remorse and Repentance, Judas felt remorse, but only because the event didn’t turn out the way he wanted. Cain felt remorse, but only because of the punishment, not because of what he did to his brother. The same is true here, they feel embarrassed and ashamed, as the prophet Jeremiah said they would, but they didn’t repent (Jere 17:13).
Jeremiah also said, “Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is. For he shall be as a tree planted by the Waters” (Jere 17:7-8). This is just prior to the prophecy of the LORD writing in the earth for rejecting the Living Waters (Jere 17:13). The religious rulers heard “Living Waters”, they knew it applied to Mercy, they also knew the Old Testament by heart, but their evil zeal blinded them, causing them to reject the source of Living Water. They were attempting to disprove the saying, but only ended proving it. The Scriptures also said; “Heal me, O LORD, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved: for You are my Praise” (Jere 17:14). Some think this was a prayer of Jeremiah, as it was, but it also states, “I have not hastened from being a pastor” (Jere 17:16), yet Jeremiah was a prophet, not a Shepherd of Israel. However, Jesus is our Chief Shepherd; Jeremiah being a prophet spoke as a prophet, even in his prayers.
When Jesus had lifted up Himself, and saw none but the woman, He said unto her, Woman, where are those your accusers? Has no man condemned you? (8:10).
Were the Pharisees accusing her? Or were they using her to accuse Jesus? She was more a victim of their plot. Jesus put a stop to their plans by forgiving the woman based on the evidence at hand; there were no accusers. How will this relate? The trials, there will be no lawful or legitimate accuser, but they will nonetheless condemn Him.
Jesus never accused her, but He did accuse the religious rulers who brought her; who was more guilty? The woman or those who accused her? John 7 meetings end with this same result: division, accusations, traps being established, influenced by envy with the goal to destroy someone. It’s a far cry from two honest witnesses, thus Paul told Timothy, “Against an Elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses” (I Tim 5:19). Witnesses are not based on, “I think”, nor are they “yes men”, they have supportive evidence to back up their words.
She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn you, go and sin no more (8:11).
She was still under the Law, but nonetheless, Jesus forgave (pardoned) her sins, showing her Mercy. She was to leave her way of life, the point was for her to give up her past life to begin a new; she now had incentive to sin no more.
Then spoke Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life (8:12).
The Light of God came to the world, completing the prophecy, “Let there be Light”. Jesus now teaches about the Light; where Light shines, darkness has no authority. This connects the Living Water to the Light. The Light connected to Life, Life to Love, thus giving us the elements of the Living Water. If the Water is Living, it must have Life, if it has Life, it must have Light: if it has Light, it must have Love; attributes of the New Man.
The Pharisees therefore said unto Him, You bear record of Yourself; Your record is not true (8:13).
He did say, “I am the Light”, which is a statement of fact showing they can partake of the Light. Prior they used the woman, now they’ve charged their abusive theological batteries as they return to attack Jesus personally. We can see how the hardness of their hearts are growing, just a few hours prior they were convicted, but here they are again attacking. Did Jesus set out to harden their hearts? No, He presented Truth, they rejected it; thus the rejection caused their hard hearts.
The Record is at question, the word for Record is the Greek Martureo meaning To testify, or To bear witness. The attack is simply, “we haven’t heard anyone else talk about you, so you must not be true”; however, they also put the spirit of fear on the people, thus the people were afraid to talk about Jesus (Jn 7:13). Yet, this too will become another moot subject, as they will hear from a man who was blind, but received a miracle, thus his testimony merely adds to the list.
Jesus answered and said unto them, Though I bear record of Myself, yet My record is true: for I know where I came, and where I go, but you cannot tell where I come, or where I go. You judge after the flesh, I judge no man. And yet if I judge, My judgment is true: for I am not alone, but I and the Father that sent Me (8:14-16).
Even if it were the case, is there Error? No, no one has died or become sick as a result of what Jesus taught. The evidence is before them, find someone who has rejected the Law Of Moses because of what Jesus said. Find someone who plans to overthrow the Temple because of what Jesus said. No one around? They were demanding a record to fit their thinking, yet they were rejecting the Truth.
It is also written in your Law, that the testimony of two men is true. I am one that bear witness of Myself, and the Father that sent Me bears witness of Me (8:17-18).
Wait, hold it, didn’t Jesus say if He did bear witness of Himself, it was not true? (Jn 5:31). Yes, Well here He says if He is bearing Witness of Himself, isn’t He? Yes looks like it, what gives? Back in John 5:31 everything Jesus did was the “Work” of Him who sent Him, but when He wrote in the earth, it was the LORD, the religious rulers refused to stone the woman as they walked away showing they agreed, making them the witnesses.
The Witness was not in what Jesus said, as much as what He did. They saw one man, they failed to see the anointing, thus they attacked the man, but were really attacking the anointing. “No man can do these things, unless God be with Him”. Adding, we find the phrase, “your law”, not “God’s law”, or “the law of God”, they felt God gave them the Law, they were wrong, God gave the Law to Moses, based on the relationship God had with Moses, it was Moses who gave the Law to the people, thus Moses stood between the people and God as a Law.
Then said they unto Him, Where is Your Father? Jesus answered, You neither know Me, nor My Father: if you had known Me, you should have known My Father also. These words spoke Jesus in the treasury, as He taught in the temple: and no man laid hands on Him; for His hour was not yet come (8:19-20).
They should have known by “seeing” the Witness, thus Jesus wasn’t giving a Witness of Himself, as He presented the Mercy of the Father. If they knew the Scriptures as they said, they would have known the Mercy of God fades not away. Many things will fade away, but the Mercy of God endures forever.
Here Jesus is teaching in the Treasury, but didn’t He clean it before? Yes, was it still clean? No, they went right back to the same old evils, yet it didn’t stop Jesus from teaching there. One would think Jesus would clean this mess up again. He will, but for a different purpose, thus we find some things God does once, and some things God will do again, but the “again” is still different. The second cleaning, yet to come we find no one will be struck, the chastening was rejected, the more we reject, the less God deals with us.
Then said Jesus again unto them, I go My way, and you shall seek Me, and shall die in your sin: where I go, you cannot come (8:21).
He speaks Again, He is still reaching out, but the Fig Tree is drying from the roots up. The fruit is becoming bitter and useless.
Then said the Jews, Will He kill Himself? because He said, Where I go you cannot come (8:22).
These religious leaders were self-deceived to the point they felt they were the only ones going to heaven. They based the thought on their works, they were convinced they were doing the works of God, or doing God a great service. They assumed they were in the midst of the will of God, yet they were standing against God, and His Anointed, while using the works of the devil as the weapons of their warfare. They were “against the devil” based on their religious standing, but they were “for the devil” by their ways. In the Garden the devil wanted to destroy Adam female, many years later these religious rulers are still using the spirit of man to destroy.
And He said unto them, You are from beneath; I am from above: you are of this world; I am not of this world. I said therefore unto you, that you shall die in your sins: for if you believe not that I am He, ye shall die in your sins (8:23-24).
This is clearly what happens when one joins the spirit of fear to the spirit of man, they use darkness against the Light, falling deeper into darkness themselves. The division is there, they saw the signs, although they wanted to go to heaven, they failed to see heaven was standing before them. Jesus is making a statement of fact based on their ways, proven by their acts. They are working harder at their iniquity, than the people did at believing.
Then said they unto Him, Who are You? And Jesus said unto them, Even the same that I said unto you from the beginning (8:25).
Now the self-deception moves to a point where they don’t even know Jesus. Jesus points to the Scriptures saying, “I said it from the Beginning”. When the Pharisees came to John the Baptist, they asked the same question, yet John said, “I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness” (Jn 1:23), yet they didn’t believe John’s report either.
I have many things to say and to judge of you: But He that sent Me is true; and I speak to the world those things which I have heard of Him (8:26).
Jesus is speaking to the Pharisees, thus we find they may be religious, they may be Israel, but they are yet Worldly. The only escape from the World is the Cross, the only escape from the spirit of man, is to be Born Again by having the Spirit of Christ.
We also must see how Jesus is talking to the “world”, not the Rock or the Church. Just because these people are religious doesn’t mean they are of the Rock.
They understood not that He spoke to them of the Father. Then said Jesus unto them, When you have lifted up the Son of man, then shall you know that I am He, and that I do nothing of Myself; but as My Father has taught Me, I speak these things. And He that sent Me is with Me: the Father has not left Me alone; for I do always those things that please Him (8:27-29).
This verse refers to the “He” who sent Jesus as the Son of man. To the Pharisees this “He” could have been John, but Jesus clears the issue, showing it’s the Father. The Book of Hebrews tells us it’s impossible to please God without faith, here Jesus shows the Father is pleased with the Son. He even tells them they will Lift Him up, later He will show it’s really God who is allowing it. We tend to think if we Lift Jesus, then all mankind will come to Him, but this “lifting” is not the same as exalting, this means to put Jesus on the Cross.
As He spoke these words, many believed on Him (8:30).
This is a great example of others “hearing” what we say, then coming to the Lord. Jesus wasn’t talking to the people, He was talking to the religious leaders, but the people saw something causing them to believe. John’s baptism was for the people, saying they should believe, here they are entering belief in Jesus. The people reaching toward belief also proved John’s baptism was Godly, thus his witness was true.
Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on Him, If you continue in My Word, then are you My disciples indeed; and you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free (8:31-32).
Jesus turns to those who believe, connecting to Mark 16:16: if we continue to believe we will continue in the Word (Jesus), then we will be Free Indeed.
They answered Him, We be Abraham’s seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how say You, You shall be made free? (8:33).
If they were Abraham’s Seed, they would have sought to be Christ like, not devil like. In reference to this, Paul stated, God didn’t say Seeds, as many; but of One, which is Christ (Gal 3:16). Galatians 3:16 is one of those verses pointing to the “Image”, showing the Spirit of Christ is forming us into the Image of God’s Son, which means we are becoming Christ Like in nature to be Spiritual sons of God (Rom 8:29). Abraham had seeds many according to the flesh, but the purpose was the One Seed of Christ. Does it mean Isaac was Christ? No, it means what God did with Abraham was a preview of what God was going to do. Abraham was one man, from him came the Promised Son, but from Moses came the Promised Land, two different things. Paul shows the Seed previewed was pointing to Christ, not the Abrahamic Covenant. Paul also said, “The Bread which we break, is it not the communion of the Body of Christ? For we being many are One Bread, and One Body: for we are all partakers of the One Bread” (I Cor 10:16-17). Why do we call ourselves the Body of Christ, yet deny the ability to be Like Christ?
Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever commits sin is the servant of sin. And the servant abides not in the house for ever: but the Son abides ever. If the Son therefore shall make you free, you shall be free indeed (8:34-36).
This shows a process, thus it’s continuing in the Word to find Truth. Although Jesus used the title “Son” without pointing to which (of man, or of God) we will find the process of progression taking place. Jesus was still a Jew, the Pharisees admitted they were under the Law, thus their sin was attacking a brother without cause.
I know that you are Abraham’s seed, but you seek to kill Me, because My word has no place in you (8:37).
They said they are the seed of Abraham, but they are acting like the seed of Baal, yet the promise is still at hand, if they repent.
I speak that which I have seen with My Father: and you do that which you have seen with your father (8:38).
This isn’t seen “of the Father”, rather this shows Jesus as the Word came from the Bosom of the Father, thus He says, “with My Father”. Jesus is changing positional areas as He is speaking regarding the Son of God. All this is progressive, showing the purpose of Abraham was not the Covenant with Abraham, it was to reach the Cross and Resurrection so Jesus to produce many Born Again Spirit filled brethren.
They answered and said unto Him, Abraham is our father. Jesus said unto them, If you were Abraham’s children you would do the works of Abraham (8:39).
Would it be better to have God as our Father, or Abraham? Much better to have God, but if they are who they say they are, they would do the works of the house they belong to. Abraham believed what God said, yet this group refused to believe even when God presented evidence.
But now you seek to kill Me, a Man that has told you the truth, which I have heard of God: this did not Abraham (8:40).
Abraham didn’t seek to kill anyone who walked with God, even when the Lord appeared saying Sodom was going to be destroyed, Abraham didn’t rebel, rather he negotiated to save the place. If we call ourselves Christian, we have an example, we must have faith in the Lord allowing the works of Mercy and Grace prove our faith.
You do the deeds of your father. Then said they to Him, we be not born of fornication; we have one Father, even God (8:41).
Wow, look at this, they knew Joseph and Mary were not married, thus they had to know Jesus was born in Bethlehem, they searched the records, but for the wrong reasons, causing them to miss the Truth, as they continue in their sin.
Of all the statements they use, this is the most interesting, back in 5:17-18 they accused Jesus of blasphemy because He said God was His Father, here they are saying the same thing. The yardstick of the hypocrite, an inch toward us, a mile for them.
Jesus said unto them, If God were your Father, you would love Me: for I proceeded forth and came from God; neither came I of Myself, but He sent Me. Why do you not understand My speech? Even because you cannot hear My word (8:42-43).
The Spirit bears witness with our Spirit we are sons of God, if sons we are joint heirs with Jesus, thus how can we not help but to love Him. However, the real context here connects to First John, if we say we are in the Light, yet hate our brother, we are still in darkness. The spirit of antichrist is not against God, it’s against people who have the Spirit of Truth, thus they attack the brethren. Here is the example, if God was their Father, they would love Jesus as a brother. Jesus then asks a question with a built in answer, they can’t be from God, for if they were, they would understand His “speech”, but they cannot hear His “Word”. The word Speech is the Greek Lalia, going further than mere words, it means the dialect to determine from where the person came from. If God was their Father, they would know Jesus came from the Father by the Words He spoke.
You are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father you will do: he was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it (8:44).
A condemnation? No, a statement of fact based on the obvious evidence. Their words were the evidence of where they were from, thus their Speech exposed the source. Jesus didn’t have to “read their minds”, rather He discerned their Speech.
And because I tell you the truth, you believe Me not. Which of you convinces Me of sin? And if I say the truth, why do you not believe Me? (8:45-46).
There is no sin in Truth, thus the question must be, Why did they reject the Truth? Their hearts were hard because they allowed the strongman to secure the stronghold until deception became their calling card, just like their father the devil.
He that is of God hears God’s word: you therefore hear them not, because you are not of God (8:47).
The “Word” here is not the Scriptures, it’s Jesus. This goes back to Speech, if the word of Jesus is Truth, why don’t they receive Him? Because they didn’t want to, they loved the darkness rather than the Light. It’s also interesting how Jesus used the singular “Word”, then “hear them not”; all the Words He Spoke, He Spoke as the Word.
Going back to Jeremiah we find the religious minded of old also had ears, but refused to hear, they had eyes, but refused to see. It’s not a matter of having ears, but a matter of having ears willing to hear (Jere 5:21).
Then answered the Jews, and said unto Him, Say we not well that You are a Samaritan, and have a devil? (8:48).
What is exposed will retaliate to show its supposed power; instead of considering their ways, they attacked. They felt their positions were so holy, they must be holy. They reached back to Aaron, recalling how he was protected by his robes and office, but they are not Aaron. The person in the office doesn’t mean the person is holy, only the office is. Their presumption is they couldn’t be of the devil, they were of the religious Fig Tree, but they failed to see the Tree was drying up. A Sycamore tree has a fruit similar to the fig, but it’s completely different in design, it’s a counterfeit fig tree, the religious rulers were counterfeits to the purpose of the heart of the Law (Fig Tree), thus the Fig Tree was drying up from the roots.
Jesus answered, I have not a devil; but I honor My Father, and you do dishonor Me (8:49).
How many times do people demand honor, yet refuse to give it? Here is the example, the religious leaders demanded honor, but refused to give it. They should have honored Jesus because of His works among the people. Who were they more interested in? The people? Or their positions? Obvious isn’t it? The word Dishonor is the Greek Atimazo meaning to insult or treat with contempt, or to entreat shamefully. They were mocking Jesus, using words to belittle Him, treating Him with contempt, yet if you’ve seen (perceived) Jesus, you have seen the Father.
And I seek not Mine own glory: there is one that seeks and judges. Verily, verily, I say unto you If a man keep My saying, he shall never see death (8:50-51).
The one who seeks and judges is the Law, it’s designed to. The Law uses the Commandments to find fault, then finds the person guilty, then applies the punishment, unless a deed is performed to stay the judgment for the time being.
How can this be? Never see death? It’s appointed unto all men once to die: thus this refers to the Second Death, not the first (Rev 20:6)..
Then said the Jews unto Him, Now we know that You have a devil. Abraham is dead, and the prophets; and You say, If a man keep My saying, he shall never taste of death. Are You greater than father Abraham, which is dead? and the prophets are dead: Who make You Yourself? (8:52-53).
They are equating death to physical death, or the time when someone “gives up the Ghost”; the Greek means the Soul separated from the physical body. Flesh minded people equate everything to the flesh, to them if the physical body is dead, then the soul is dead as well. However, the physical body was formed of the earth, the soul was not. They failed to see there is a second death, the time when someone is completely separated from any attribute of God forever without end.
Prior Jesus told them Abraham was dead, they were trusting in a dead man, rather than trusting in God who lives. In typical Pharisee fashion they retort with the same words, only twisted to benefit their attack.
Jesus answered, If I honor Myself, My honor is nothing: it is My Father that honors Me; of whom you say, that He is your God: Yet you have not known Him: and if I should say, I know Him not, I shall be a liar like unto you: but I know Him, and keep His saying. Your father Abraham rejoiced to see My day: and he saw it, and was glad (8:54-56).
The ability to Know God, was before them, but they attempted to view God through their theology, they saw Him not. There is a difference between knowing God, and knowing of God. The Saying Jesus kept was the Mercy of the Father, even here He is showing extreme Mercy. Jesus had the power to call down angels, to have the ground open, but He extended Mercy and Compassion.
Think of the times when God didn’t “meet our expectations”, yet we got mad. Think of the Mercy of the Lord over us in those times when we rebelled, or attempted to force our own agenda into the process? This is the Day the Lord has made, let us Rejoice in it.
The premise is “knowing”, back in John 1:5 we read, “and the Light shined in darkness, and the darkness comprehended it not”, or in John 1:11, “He came unto His own, and His own received Him not”. Here Jesus is saying the same, if God was their God, they would know of God, they would see Jesus was acting in the Will of God.
There are several thoughts on the saying, “rejoiced to see My day”, one is how Abraham saw it in the Covenant, another is how Jesus said God is the God of the living, equating this to Abraham’s Bosom. The concept is not saying Jesus saw the day, it’s Abraham who saw the day. They said Abraham was dead, Jesus tells them Abraham may be physically dead, but it doesn’t mean his souls is, neither does it mean Abraham is some ghost. The Pharisees assume Jesus is saying, “Abraham rejoiced to see Me, when I saw him”, but it’s not what Jesus said, rather He said Abraham saw His day, and “was” (past tense) glad.
Then said the Jews unto Him, You are not yet fifty years old, and have You seen Abraham? Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I AM. Then took they up stones to cast at Him: but Jesus hid Himself, and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by (8:57-59).
The age of fifty doesn’t mean Jesus was forty-nine years old, rather it refers to a Jewish concept regarding the age of Wisdom. In the Beginning was the Word, the Word was with God, and the Word was God, so what’s the big deal about being fifty? According to many Jewish writings, including the Talmud the ages were important, a male child at the age of 13 was considered accountable to the Commandment; today this is known as “Bar-Mitzvah”, or “son of the Commandment”. In the days of Jesus it was a simple prayer, today it’s a big celebration. The Age of thirty granted one standing in the Temple to read, the age of fifty meant one had wisdom, or was considered a father in Israel. Of course we know someone can be fifty, yet still a Babe. Nonetheless the use of the age here shows Jesus was not even considered a “father of Israel”, yet He said Before Abraham (father) was, I AM.
The real key to this verse is the use of the emphatic personal pronoun of “I Am” , which had to shake these religious leaders to the bone. The emphatic personal pronoun placed Jesus not only in the same time as Abraham, but well before Abraham, while leaving Him in the present time frame, thus they knew what it meant. Jesus was calling Himself God, the religious leaders who couldn’t understand the other matters, understood this phrase immediately. It was the only reason they picked up stones because, “Jesus, being a man, made Himself God”, but they had it backward, the truth was, “Jesus, being God, made Himself a man”.
And as Jesus passed by, He saw a man which was blind from his birth (9:1).
The Pharisees wanted a sign; Jesus was going to provide them one, yet sign or not, it’s still a choice to believe. The Voice of God spoke to Abraham, but the Word was in the Beginning, thus it was the Word talking to Abraham; the same Word presented the covenant to Abraham, yet here these Pharisees say they are of the Promise, but they are attacking the Word who gave the promise to Abraham.
The term Passed By takes us right back to chapter eight (v. 8:59). Jesus didn’t run out of the temple seeking to save His life, rather no man was able to harm Him until the appointed time. He just left the Pharisees with their stew of hate and bitterness cooking on their fire of envy.
In all this the presentation points to Jesus as the Son of God, the Cross and Resurrection were clear, the possibility of the Living Water was near at hand. Jesus will begin to use the title Son of God, so will a couple of others without a clue to what it means.
And His disciples asked Him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind? (9:2).
It would seem strange for this one blind man to draw the attention of the disciples, since Jesus already healed many blind men, unless we understand the phrase Born Blind means born without eyes. The Jews knew the sin nature was on all, but a disfigured child to the Jew means either the child sinned in the womb, or was a product of a great sin by his parents, neither of which is Truth. Jesus didn’t look at sickness as a curse, but as an opportunity to show God’s delivering power. Some call this man’s condition a generational curse, it’s what the disciples thought as well. If the man’s parents sinned, then the generational curse carried to the man. Whether generational or not didn’t matter to Jesus, He saw opportunity.
Jesus answered, Neither has this man sinned nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him (9:3).
Here Jesus would answer a question, thus this is more than a healing, since a healing restores something to it’s original condition. Someone who became blind, was able to see again as a result of a healing: here this one act will go beyond a healing, proving without a doubt to the reasonable person Jesus is more than prophet, more than the Son of man, this is something only “I AM” can accomplish.
I must work the works of Him that sent Me, while it is day: the night comes, when no man can work (9:4).
It’s now the Day until the Rapture, so what does this mean? This shows the Day is for Restoration, healing, miracles, as well as the salvation of our souls. The Day will not see the wrath of God, or the Judgment of God, or the anger of God. Yet all those things are in the Plan, as the works for the Night are complete, thus the Doctrine of Christ speaks of Eternal Judgment, yet knowing if there is Eternal Judgment, there is also Eternal Salvation.
The real interesting division is between God having rested from His works, yet Jesus saying it’s time to work. What gives? Different types of work, the Work Jesus refers to is the New Creation work. How will Jesus continue this Work? The New Man, the result of the Greater Works by the New Creature in Christ.
As long as I am in the world, I am the Light of the world (9:5).
Did the Light leave when Jesus ascended? Hardly, John says those who confess Jesus has come in the flesh are of the Spirit of Truth, thus the Spirit of Truth is Jesus in us. As long as one person who is Born Again is on this earth, Jesus is still on this earth. This is also a promise to the Rapture, since we know as long as the Spirit is here, so is Jesus. It also stands, when He who now lets takes us out of here, then the Night begins. This verse shows the Day before the Night, no one is going to be saved in the Night, the Season of the Night is to make the enemies of Jesus His footstool.
When He has thus spoken, He spat on the ground, and made clay of the spittle, and He anointed the eyes of the blind man with clay (9:6).
We know the spittle contains the same elements as the blood, yet Jesus was born of the flesh of a woman, but His Blood was without sin. Today the court system tests the blood of a suspected father to determine if the person is in fact the child’s father, yet God is Spirit, how can this be? The Holy Thing in the womb of Mary, made the Blood of the Son perfect. The test is merely a confirmation of the Blood shed for us, we don’t test the Blood, we believe in it. The test of DNA requires the elements of blood, the test of our holiness requires the Blood of Jesus.
This miracle in no way gives us a foundation to start the First Church of Spit, but it does show there are various methods God uses to accomplish the result. It’s one thing to touch the blind eyes, but here we will find this man was born without eye balls, yet the man is made of the earth, thus Jesus is doing an act of creation.
And He said unto him, Go wash in the pool of Siloam, (Which is by interpretation Sent). He went his way therefore, and washed, and came seeing (9:7).
Isaiah said, the Sent One would open the eyes of the blind (Isa 35:5 & 42:7). The pool of Siloam was named many years prior to this event, yet no man knew what was going to happen there. In the pool was Water; Jesus as the Word was not the Water, but used the Water as a contact to the Mercy of God. All the factors are there, the dust from which man was made, the Mercy (Water) of God to perform a miracle pointing to the Power of the Son of God.
The purpose is found in the Scriptures, God “sent His Word and healed them” (Ps 117:20); Jesus as the Word is healing us: thus God never sent His Word to destroy us. Salvation is the purpose of the Word, thus if we have the Word in us, then our acts and words will project Salvation, not Judgment.
The signs for the Pharisees were also there, they had a choice to make, but history tells us the choice they made was error, yet turned by God into something beneficial for His people. The Prophetic word also tells what the result of the choice will be as Zechariah said, “Yes, they made their hearts as an adamant stone, lest they should hear the law, and the words which the Lord of Hosts has sent in His Spirit by the former prophets: therefore came a great wrath from the Lord of Hosts. Therefore it is come to pass, as He cried they would not hear, says the Lord of Hosts: but I scattered them with a whirlwind among all the nations whom they know not” (Zech 7:12-14).
The neighbors therefore, and they which before had seen him that he was blind, said, Is not this he that sat and begged? Some said, This is he: others said He is like him: but he said, I am he. Therefore said they unto him, How were your eyes opened? (9:8-10).
Many people knew this man prior, but his appearance had changed, now he had the ability to see. If he had blinded eyes, but now he was able to see, it would be a great healing, but hardly a miracle to produce the sign of Jesus being the Son of God, or proving all things were made by Him. Jesus just told the Pharisees “I AM”, but to prove the statement it would take an act of Creation, producing something where there was no foundation for it to be. Merely bringing sight to blind eyes would be great, but not a sign of the “I Am”.
He answered and said, A man that is called Jesus made clay, and anointed my eyes, and said unto me, Go to the pool of Siloam, and wash: and I went and washed, and I received sight (9:11).
This man gives Jesus the credit for making the clay, then said the Anointing brought his eyes, thus he is giving credit to the Lord. What is this an example of? The Washing of the Water by the Word, the Washing is the act, the Water the thing used, the Word is the element doing the work. Without the Word in us, there is no washing of the water, yet without the Water in us the Word has nothing to use. Here the clay was used, as man is made of the clay, then the Water or Mercy applied, the ability was Jesus as the Word of God, thus the sign points to the Son of God were evident, but Jesus still used the positional elements of the Son of man. This is preview of the ability of the New Man to give us eyes to see the Spiritual things of God.
Then said they unto him, Where is He? He said I know not. They brought to the Pharisees him that aforetime was blind. And it was the sabbath day when Jesus made the clay, and opened his eyes (9:12-14).
This verse shows Jesus Made the Clay perform, which means the dust mixed with moisture, which to these religious people was “labor” on the sabbath, regardless of the result. The man didn’t make the clay, but he did wash, it was not a violation of the Law.
Then again the Pharisees also asked him how he had receive his sight. He said unto them, He put clay upon my eyes, and I washed, and do see (9:15).
Three steps are noted here, it would appear belief was not an issue, but it was, as belief is not always something said, as much as it is an act of obedience. The man could have said, “yeah right, thanks, some trick, hit a blind man with mud”, but he didn’t, rather he believed what he was told, then acted on it, then his faith had the foundation to engage in the washing. For us it’s no different, we ask to be baptized with the Holy Ghost, we believe we receive, then apply faith until the result is obvious. This man had clay in his eye sockets, yet he was told to wash, thus the Water relates to Mercy applied producing the result of his faith. The man is still applying mercy, he is standing for Jesus, he is not saying, “well gee, you guys are right, I could see all the time, I just wore make-up to fool you”. This religious leaders were in a bad way, they are the ones who examine someone to determine if the person can beg outside the temple. Only the beggars outside the temple were considered “alms receivers”; not only did the religious rulers examine this man, now they are looking at him, yet the only thing they can think of is “who made the clay?”.
Therefore said some of the Pharisees, This man is not of God, because He keeps not the sabbath day. Others said, How can a man that is a sinner do such miracles? And there was a division among them (9:16).
They equated it to their own thoughts of what keeping the sabbath means, Jesus all ready asked them if doing good on the sabbath was a violation, they knew it wasn’t. If we use natural reasoning to determine what holiness means, we will also equate it to the flesh, evidenced by dress codes, or some other fleshly physical outward adornment as a sign of holiness, missing the greatness of having God’s True Holiness inside (Eph 4:24). Making an appearance of holiness, doesn’t mean one is holy, allowing the holiness within to make the appearance, means we are holy.
They said unto the blind man again, What say you of Him, that He has opened your eyes? He said, He is a prophet. But the Jews did not believe concerning him, that he had been blind, and received his sight, until they called the parents of him that had received his sight (9:17-18).
The religious leaders now doubt the man was even blind: not only are they challenging the healing, they challenge the Healer by doubting there was anything to heal. Times change, Pharisees don’t, beware of the heart of Phariseeism.
And they asked them, saying, Is this your son, who you say was born blind? How then does he now see? (9:19).
First the man was before them, then his friends, now his parents are placed on the block, yet their own Law says, In the mouth of two or more witnesses a fact is affirmed. Later they won’t be able to find two truthful witnesses to accuse Jesus; however, they will take Him to Pilate, here they have more witnesses than Pharisees, yet they still won’t believe. No wonder Jesus called them hypocrites, they demanded much, but did little. It’s not merely believing, but in what one believes, the Pharisees believed they were doing God a service, yet they were believing a lie.
The disciples asked, “who sinned this man or his parents?”; now the Pharisees are using the same premise, but with a different intent. The disciples wondered, the Pharisees are accusing.
His parents answered them and said, We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind: But by what means he now sees, we know not; or who opened his eyes, we know not; he is of age; ask him, he shall speak for himself (9:20-21).
This is interesting, prior they said, “He is not yet fifty”, but here they find the son is of age, thus they are bring told to ask him. Taking the premise to Jesus, the Son is here, ask Him, but you won’t believe Him, thus you won’t believe this man born blind, yet it’s obvious he can see.
These words spoke his parents, because they feared the Jews: for the Jews had agreed already, that if any man did confess that He was Christ, he should be put out of the synagogue. Therefore said his parents, He is of age; ask him (9:22-23).
This is an example of how the spirit of fear operates to hinder people. The religious rulers dominated by operating through the spirit of fear over the people: yet their own paranoid behavior was about to send them into a murderous rage.
Then again called they the man that was blind, and said unto him, Give God the praise: we know that this man is a sinner (9:24).
The ultimate hypocrisy is seen here, when they saw Jesus casting out devils, did they give God the glory? No, they gave the devil the credit, but here they say Give God the praise; that’s what the man was doing. Pharisees are so self-deceived they demand others do things, they refuse to do, thus Jesus told the people to do as the Pharisees say, but not as they do.
He answered and said, Whether He be a sinner or no, I know not: one thing I know, that, whereas I was blind, now I see (9:25).
The simple truth is once you meet Jesus, no man can impress you again. This man had an experience with God, the Pharisees had opinions about God: the experience out weighed the opinions. This man was a sign of the evidence, even after his healing Jesus would use him to show the Pharisees just how much they missed.
Jesus wasn’t done, He would yet give them another sign of the Power of Life over death.
What about Judas? He was watching all this, as were the other disciples, Judas had more warning of the pending danger than the Pharisees, thus Jesus will tell Pilate, “he who delivered Me unto you has the greater sin” (Jn 19:11). Pilate attempted to set Jesus free, Judas did all he could to see Jesus arrested, yet Judas sat at the Master’s table.
Then said they to him again, What did He do to you? How opened He your eyes? He answered them, I have told you already, and you did not hear: wherefore would you hear it again? Will you also be His disciples (9:26-27).
The man is simply telling the Truth, but the Pharisees didn’t want Truth. Prior the Pharisees said, “You bear Record of Yourself; Your Record is not true”, with, “Who are You?” (Jn 8:13 & 8:25). The Greek word for Hear means to Understand; the Pharisees were told they failed to hear, because they didn’t want to, showing it didn’t make any difference if it was Jesus speaking, someone Jesus healed, or the man in the moon, the Pharisees were not willing to believe, indicating belief is a choice. There are those who say, “All I want is truth”, but they reject obvious Truth, because they don’t want truth, they want confirmation regarding their fables.
Then they reviled him, and said, You are His disciple; but we are Moses disciples. We know that God spoke unto Moses: as for this fellow, we know not from where He is (9:28-29).
Here we go again, the famed “oh yeah, well you”. They did the same thing with Jesus, “we are of Abraham”, “God is our Father”. The disciples of Moses were not many but one, named Joshua. Even Aaron rebelled against Moses by making the golden calf, the people murmured all the time, but Joshua was the minister to Moses.
The Pharisees had the information, they simply refused to believe. If this man was the only disciple of Jesus, it was still evidence, but the Pharisees weren’t about to consider the evidence, their jobs were at stake, their honor was on the line, they had to protect their egos.
The man answered and said unto them, Why herein is a marvelous thing, that you know not from where He is, and yet He has opened my eyes. Now we know that God hears not sinners: but if any man be a worshiper of God, and does His will, him He hears (9:30-31).
The evidence is there, if Jesus didn’t do it, how then can this man see? What happened? To accept the Truth is easier than fighting it.
Without quoting scripture, the man used it; Psalm 34:15-16 reads; “The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, His ears are open unto their cry. The face of the Lord is against them who do evil, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth”, and “The Lord is far from the wicked: but He hears the prayer of the righteous” (Prov 15:29). The man may not have been able to quote the scriptures, but he had the concept, with the evidence to prove the concept. The man then places the burden of proof back on the religious leaders, as he says:
Since the world began was it not heard that any man opened the eyes of one that was born blind. If this man were not of God, He could do nothing (9:32-33).
Here is further evidence the man was born without eyes, since there is no evidence in the Old Testament, or other healings Jesus did comparing to this man who was born without eyeballs, receiving sight. This man is a sign to these Pharisees of what God wanted to do for them, but their own pride and envy kept them from seeing. Jehovah said, “I will bring the blind by a Way they knew not; I will lead them in paths they have not known; I will make darkness Light before them, and crooked things straight. These things will I do unto them, and not forsake them” (Isa 42:16). Jehovah also said, “they shall be turned back, they shall be greatly ashamed, they trust in graven images, they say to molten images, You are our gods” (Isa 42:17). The choice is before them, receive the Blind Man as a sign from God, or follow the graven images in their minds. The choice was theirs, the evidence was clear.
They answered and said unto him. You were altogether born in sins, and do you teach us? And they cast him out (9:34).
They excommunicated the man, because he wouldn’t lie for them, typical work of the Pharisee mindset. This excommunication is much more serious for these people than for some of us, if our local church or denomination tosses us out, so what? Most of us can walk a block finding six more, but here the Temple was it, being cast from the Temple was like being cast from the nation. The power to destroy on one side, attacking the power to create, yet both were working on the same man, he had to make a choice, but he knew he was better off seeing, than walking with the Pharisees. The religious rulers made the choice not to believe, the man made the choice to stand with his Healer.
Jesus heard that they had cast him out; and when He had found him, He said unto him, Do you believe on the Son of God? He answered and said, Who is He, Lord, that I might believe on Him? And Jesus said unto him, You have both seen Him, and it is He that talked with you. And he said, Lord, I believe. And he worshipped Him (9:35-38).
Here Jesus uses the title “Son of God” showing the miracle was to prove His position as the Son of God, which would be declared by the Resurrection. This doesn’t mean Jesus operated outside the position of Son of man, it means He is still pointing to the Cross, here He is reaching out to the religious leaders. Without seeing Jesus, the man still stood and testified before the Pharisees.
It’s also obvious how this verse connects back to the Living Water, they refused to believe, they rejected the Living Water, the next step is for their envy and hate was to motivate them to crucify the Lord of Glory.
And Jesus said, For judgment I am come into this world, that they which see not might see; and that they which see might be made blind (9:39).
The Judgment is not the same as the Judgment on the last day, the true Judgment of God is one of division, the sheep from the goats, the tares from the wheat. There are those who don’t see, who want to, yet those who say they can see, but refuse to.
And some of the Pharisees which were with him heard these words, and said unto Him, Are we blind also? Jesus said unto them, If you were blind, you should have no sin: but now you say, We see; therefore your sin remains (9:40-41).
Not only did the Pharisees cast the man out, they made sure he was out, thus there were some religious rulers standing with the man when Jesus spoke to him. Prior, the Pharisees called the man a sinner because he was born blind, but the Pharisees were more blind than this man ever was. The blind man knew God gives good gifts, thus how could anything be good, yet not be from God? This holds true with the Spirit as well; how could anything of the Spirit be bad (I Cor 12:3)?
Verily, verily, I say unto you, he that enters not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbs up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber (10:1).
John moves to the Sheepfold as the Pharisees were looking for the windows of heaven to open, but they also thought they could gain entry by the windows. The Door grants us entry into heaven, a thief attempts to climb in the window. No one is going to get into heaven by climbing up the blessing, they must be a blessing to enter the Door.
But he that enters in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep (10:2).
The first to go through the Door must be the Shepherd, He is leading the Way. This metaphoric parable has more than one meaning. The Cross is the beginning place, the Door to the kingdom. The Sheepfold as the Body is the place of Protection and Separation, there is an anointing over the Body, yet the Body is separated from the world. Within the Body we learn, then we are able to venture in and out.
To him the porter opens; and the sheep hear His voice: and He calls His own sheep by name, and leads them out. And when he puts forth His own sheep, He goes before them, and the sheep follow Him: for they know His voice (10:3-4).
The sheep can’t just walk in, they must have the Porter open the Door for them, indicating how the Holy Ghost brings us to the Cross.
The symbol here is akin to the Tabernacle, there were Porters on the outside of the Tabernacle who would inspect the sacrifice. If the sacrifice passed, so did the person. The type and shadow show us we make entry by the Sacrifice of Jesus, regardless of what type of person we were. The Kingdom of God is when the Seed of God is planted in us, here it’s entry into the Body.
Simon of Samaria will prove the concept, Simon saw signs, believed, then was water baptized, but when it came time to receive the Spirit, Jesus rejected him because his heart wasn’t right. What do we do now? Put him backwards through the water to remove his baptism? No, other than water, the only requirement for the candidate is to believe. Jude tells us, on some have compassion, making a difference, but others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh (Jude 22-23). We don’t determine if they are a good fish, or bad, we pull in the net. However, only Jesus can baptize with the Holy Ghost and Fire, it’s the Holy Ghost giving the Spirit, but Jesus can reject them until they get their heart right. However, once we enter the kingdom of heaven, we seek the Kingdom of God, as we begin to hear the Spirit with the ability to discern.
And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him; for they know not the voice of strangers (10:5).
In this verse we find the singular Stranger, rather than the plural strangers, the strangers project the voice of the stranger, thus the strangers are those run by the spirit of man, the stranger is the devil, we can’t hear the voice of strangers because they speak from the self. This connects right back to the conversation Jesus had with the Pharisees, they couldn’t hear Jesus because they were hearing and obeying the voice of the stranger. Standing there were the two examples, the man born blind who heard the Master’s voice and obeyed, yet refused to hear the voices of the strangers. Then the “strangers” who not only heard the voice of the Stranger, but spoke on his behalf.
This parable spoke Jesus unto them; but they understood not what things they were which He spoke unto them (10:6).
The proof of the teaching was before them, yet they still fell back to their self-righteous position, causing them to rejected the Lord, they couldn’t hear His voice, since they were strangers attempting to climb up by their own self-righteousness.
Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep (10:7).
Psalm 23 says, the Lord is my shepherd (Ps 23:1), the Pharisees were called to be shepherds, but there is only one who is The Shepherd. When a shepherd builds a pen, it had one way in or out, the shepherd would lay in the opening, thus keeping the sheep in, and others out. Jesus is the Door, and the Holy Ghost is the Porter, our flock is well protected. Peter told us to Feed the flock of God which is among us, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint (hindering), but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; neither as being lords over God’s heritage but being examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd shall appear, we shall receive a Crown Of Glory (Eternal Life) fading not away (I Pet 5:2-4). We were sheep gone astray, but we have returned to the Shepherd and Bishop of our souls (I Pet 2:25). There is One Chief Shepherd, but there are many shepherds under Him.
All that ever came before Me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them (10:8).
This doesn’t mean the devil, since it would place the devil in the same class as “came before Me”, rather this points to the prophets, kings, or those who did the Law of Moses, as explained by Paul in Romans 7. Mankind was under the fall nature, thus whatever man did, he did through the old man. Man wanted to feel righteous, or do good, but the effort had to be through the flesh, if through the flesh it was tainted. Those “before” Jesus would mean those in positions, thus they wanted to have right standing before God, but couldn’t. They could have right standing before the Law, but the same Law would look at the effort as flesh related, then apply the Commandment, “Thou shall not covet“; placing them in condemnation, finding them guilty, and applying the result of sin, which is death. Jesus is simply saying, we can’t do the Law of Moses presuming we are Justified before God, it makes us a thief and robber. This is not condemnation, rather it’s hope, since Jesus just said He was the Door, thus the context points to those Before Him, not those In Him.
I Am the door: by Me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture (10:9).
Jesus used the emphatic personal pronoun “I AM” again, here it relates to Psalm 23 linking the Lord as the Son of God. The phrases “Enter In” and “By Me” are linked together, thus we Follow Jesus to Enter In; meaning this is entering in, not having Jesus enter us, thus this is a reference to the Body, the place of separation. We can’t take anything of the old into this Protection, the Old has to remain nailed to the Cross.
This is different from Revelation 3:20, here Jesus is the Door, in Revelation 3:20 He is standing at the Door. This points to entrance into the Body, Revelation 3:20 speaks of Jesus making entry into our hearts.
The thief comes not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly (10:10).
This changes from “thieves” to “the thief”, showing the connection between the old man as the strongman, just as it does between the strangers and the stranger. The thief has three purposes, steal, kill and destroy, all of which are related in a progression. The Waster knows of nothing else but to destroy, he will say he is our friend, or confidant, but his goal is to kill us (Isa 54:16).
I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd gives His life for the sheep (10:11).
If Jesus is the Good Shepherd, the opposite shows there are evil shepherds. The Good Shepherd gives His Life for the sheep, thus the sheep have His Life, but the evil shepherds fleece the sheep, or use the sheep to promote their personal agendas.
But he that is a hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, sees the wolf coming, and leaves the sheep, and flees, and the wolf catches them, and scatters the sheep. The hireling flees, because he is a hireling, and cares not for the sheep (10:12-13).
Prior Jesus said the false come as wolves in sheep’s clothing, here He equates the “wolf” to the stranger (thief). A Hireling is one who is paid to do a job, or one who does a job to be paid. If we take this to Peter’s comments on serving the flock of God, we can see on the mind desires to center our thoughts on money in order to accomplish the task, but the Mind of Christ looks toward the anointing (I Pet 5:2-4). Money should never be the motivation for doing, or not doing, rather this is not a job, it’s a calling. Presuming we can’t do a ministry because of a lack of money, is the wrong spirit; Philip found out when he looked to money to determine if the people could be fed, he soon found Jesus had the situation cared for without the use of money, or searching the bag.
I am the good shepherd, and know My sheep, and am known of Mine (10:14).
This goes back to “You neither know Me nor My Father” (Jn 8:19). The words Know and Known come from the same Greek word (Ginosko) meaning Clearly Expressed, Understand, Perceive, Have By Personal Knowledge, thus simply using the Name of Jesus doesn’t mean we are known by Jesus, we must have the Spirit, as we walk in the ways of Christ. The authority over the Body is for every member in the Body, the anointing in the office is for the office, thus one can be in the Body, even being used of an Office, yet fail to have a personal relationship with Jesus.
As the Father knows Me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep (10:15).
Did Jesus die for all? Well, here we find He laid down His life for the sheep, not for the goats or wolves. Interesting, isn’t it? Jesus came to do the will of the Father, to show the power and authority of Mercy, before Grace.
And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring and they shall hear My voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd (10:16).
Here Jesus points to the Remnant, the small flock yet to come. They will hear His voice from the Two Witnesses of the Law and Prophets. Which is more than the Pharisees are doing. The Greater Flock is noted as ten thousand times ten thousand, the Smaller Flock is thousands from thousands, the Greater has the Greater Light of Salvation, the Smaller has the Lesser Light of Judgment, yet in the end there shall be One Fold with One Shepherd. This is evident in the Book of Revelation wherein we find Jesus talking to all seven churches, thus He is the Shepherd of the Remnant as well, but they will know Him as Jehovah.
Therefore does My Father love Me, because I lay down My life, that I might take it again (10:17).
Paul says we must believe God raised Jesus from the dead, but the statement has some qualifying elements, here Jesus said He would take up His life again, prior He said, He would raise Himself (Jn 2:19-21). Paul also said God’s Spirit raised Jesus from the dead (Rom 8:11), later he said, the Father raised Jesus from the dead (Gal 1:1). Paul certainly didn’t have any trouble in seeing God, all and all, Father, Son and Holy Ghost as a basis of his foundation on believing Jesus was raised from the dead by the Father, Son and Holy Ghost; therefore, believing there was a Resurrection of Jesus is not the issue, rather it’s a our belief in being partakers of the First Resurrection by the same Spirit.
This goes right to “lifting Jesus”, metaphorically we know it means to Worship Him, but if we think we can “lift” Him on our own, we are mistaken. The Power to Worship is found in the New Man, not the flesh. Here Jesus will Lift Himself, no man is going to put Him on the Cross without His permission.
No man takes it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of My Father (10:18).
This is a Commandment, not a request, thus the Resurrection was seen before the foundation of the earth. Here Jesus is showing how they won’t force Him to the Cross, rather He will submit to the Cross, the power of submission destroys the power of manipulation.
If this is a Commandment for Jesus, what about those who Follow Him? Yes, we have the choice to lay down our lives by denying the self and picking up our cross. Both are aspects of death, Jesus will provide the Life.
There was a division therefore again among the Jews for these sayings. And many of them said, He has a devil, and is mad, why hear you Him? Others said, These are not the words of him that has a devil. Can a devil open the eyes of the blind? (10:19-21).
Jesus brings division to separate the Light from the darkness, thus His division is Good, not evil. Can any devil create? No, they can play tricks, but they can’t create.
And it was at Jerusalem the feast of dedication, and it was winter (10:22).
There is much said about holidays, as well as about Christians who observe them; however, here is the Feast of Dedication, which was not included in the Law of Moses, rather it was a feast based on Judas Maccabeus cleaning the temple on December 25th in 165 BC, which was after the Old Testament. Jesus would use this day to lay the foundation for the Cleaning of the Temple, thus Jesus honored a holiday which was neither in the Law or the Old Testament. The day is nothing, the purpose for keeping it is. Some think December 25th was some pagan date, but really it’s the date for the Feast of Dedication, also known as the Feast of Lights, the time when God made the Oil last until the time appointed, as Light burned until they could make oil. Of course it’s not the exact date of the Birth of Jesus, in truth we don’t know the exact date, we do know the exact date He went to the Cross, was Resurrected and Ascended, as well as the exact date for the birth of the Church.
And Jesus walked in the temple in Solomon’s porch (10:23).
The Porch is the place just outside of the Worship center of the Temple. When Solomon built the temple, the porch was all brass, a sign of judgment, but the altar was all gold as a sign of purity. Jesus stood on the Porch to bring judgment, but His form of judgment was much different from the judgment the Pharisees brought against Him.
This would be about three months after the events in John 10:21. After Pentecost both Peter and John would heal a man who was sitting at the entrance to Solomon’s Porch, the healed man would run through the temple, Jumping and Praising God. Of course the religious leaders would punish both Peter and John (Acts 3:1-11).
Then came the Jews round about Him, and said unto Him, How long do You make us doubt? If You be the Christ tell us plainly (10:24).
These same people heard the testimony of the man born without eyes, they heard from other witnesses about the Creative miracle, but it wasn’t good enough. It still takes belief to accept the sign or wonder. An unbeliever could be standing in the midst of seeing children healed, yet “wonder what type of heresy is this?”. What could possibly be wrong with the children of Abraham being healed? According to the Pharisee, the healing wasn’t in accordance with their dogma. The actions of the Pharisees are for our learning, their acts are sign posts to the old nature attempting to be religious; when we catch ourselves thinking Pharisee thoughts it’s time to repent by putting on the New Man.
Jesus answered them, I told you, and you believed not: the works that I do in My Father’s name they bear witness of Me (10:25).
They were both “Told”, they “saw Works”, thus the Works come when we are Believers, as the signs follow Believers.
But you believe not, because you are not My sheep, as I said unto you, My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me (10:26-27).
Faith comes by hearing, here is the foundation, we must Hear The Voice Of Jesus, the word Hear means more than recognizing noises, it means to hear and obey what we have heard. God spoke to the fathers by the prophets, now He speaks to us by His Son, through the New Man.
And I give unto them eternal life, and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of My hand (10:28).
This verse is Hope, the very purpose for the battles we face. Our Hope is Eternal Life, the seal of Eternal Life is the Spirit in us; the same Spirit who raised Jesus, will raise us.
My Father which gave them Me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of My Father’s hand (10:29).
These verses became foundational to Calvinism, but as we will see in a later lesson, Calvinism can be twisted into Hyper-Calvinism. What is intended as a guide, can end being a principle, thus people following people is never the goal, people being examples of those who Follow Jesus is.
This doesn’t say the Father is greater than Jesus, rather it says the Father is greater than all those given to Jesus, pointing to the Mercy of the Father. Jesus is our Authority and Grace giver, the Holy Ghost our Power giver. Those given to Jesus are of Grace, those to the Father are of Mercy, those with the Spirit can produce the Living Water.
These verses relate to the two flocks, the Greater Flock in the hand of Jesus, the Little Flock in the hand of the Father, but all are Sheep, they are not goats or wolves.
I and My Father are one (10:30).
This verse clarifies the last, if Jesus and the Father are One, then those in the hands of the Son and Father are also One. This is clearer when Jesus said He and the Father will dwell in us by the Spirit, yet the residence is by the Greater He in us, rather than the Them in us (Jn 14:16, 14:20, 16:21 & I Jn 4:4-4). The Father is more important than those in the hand of the Father, thus Mercy must be connected with Grace to become effective. This doesn’t say those in the hand are greater than the hand holding them, it’s just the opposite, thus Hyper-Calvinism places the emphases on those in the hand. This also shows we can be in the hand of Jesus by Grace, yet fail to be connected to the hand of the Father by refusing to walk in Mercy. Mercy doesn’t ignore sin, rather it doesn’t impute sin on the person. There is no way we can forgive someone, if we keep imputing sin on them.
The Pharisees assumed they were in the hand of the Father, why then didn’t they join with Jesus? The Jews finally got their answer; if they wanted it Plain, here it is, plain and simple, would they now know?
Then the Jews took up stones again to stone Him. Jesus answered them, Many good works have I shown you from My Father; for which of those works do you stone Me? (10:31-32).
They weren’t looking for good works, or truth, they were seeking fault. They wanted a Sign, Jesus is asking them if the Works offended them, if not, what did offend them?
The Jews answered Him, saying, For a good work we stone You not; but for blasphemy; and because that You, being a man, make Yourself God (10:33).
The Word offended them, but they reacted to the offense with stones of theological abuse. Instead of turning the stones into bread, they were going to use them against the Bread of Life. They were about to beat their own salvation; all Pharisees tend to attack their own salvation.
Jesus answered them, Is it not written in your law, I said, You are gods? (10:34).
The Pharisees were going to attack Jesus for what He said, now He introduces the Law to show what the Father said. Will they still stone Him?
The quote must be taken in context from the Psalm from which it came. Psalm 82 uses the Hebrew Elohiym, which is a singular, plural word meaning many, yet One, the same as Jesus and the Father being One in purpose and order. The Hebrew Elohiym is translated as God, judges, mighty (as in mighty ones) and gods; however, the term gods in reference to God means in conjunction with, as appointed by, not independent from, or working separate from. God said He would make Moses a god to Pharaoh, but He didn’t say He would make Moses a god to the children of Israel, the point being Pharaoh had no power over Moses. In Psalm 82 God Himself calls the Elders of Israel “gods”, but Psalm 82 is a Psalm of chastisement. What gives? Because they didn’t live up to the title “gods”, God was rebuking them. Simply saying, “we are little gods” doesn’t distinguish which class, or the actions, faith and appointment, determining the difference. Psalm 82 can be used as encouragement to enter the Kingdom, or as a means to exalt the flesh. God stands in the congregation of the mighty, it’s not the devil or man judging, it’s God (Ps 82:1). The judgment begins by asking why they associate with the persons of the wicked (Ps 82:2). They were suppose to deliver the poor and needy: rid them out of the hand of the wicked (Ps 82:3-4), not join to the wicked.
Those in darkness do not understand, the world is out of course, it’s our job to bring them into the Kingdom which is on Course (Ps 82:5). God Himself has called us gods as children of the Most High (Ps 82:6). Both areas determine the call, if we are not children of the Most High, we are not called gods by God, if we are, we are called gods by God; however, it’s God who does the calling, not man. No entity has the authority to call, or make gods (representatives) of God, but God alone. It’s the premise Jesus will use, the Law called them “gods”, but were they doing the calling of the position?
The finish of the Psalm tells the tale, “Arise, O God” (Elohiym, meaning gods as well as God), “judge the earth: for thou shall inherit all nations” (Ps 82:8). The Pharisees wanted the Time of Comfort, but could they judge the nations? They weren’t ready for the Time of Comfort, they weren’t ready for comfort.
If He called them gods, unto whom the word of God came, and the Scriptures cannot be broken; Say you of Him, whom the Father has sanctified, and sent unto the world, You blaspheme; because I said I am the Son of God? (10:35-36).
When the Father called them gods, they didn’t get all upset, yet Jesus isn’t saying He is a “god” at all, rather He is saying He is the Son of God. Here is another area where Jesus uses the title Son of God, again it refers to the Resurrection as the ability for anyone to be a “son of God” by the Spirit. Simply, Jesus points out they have no violation, but they are allowing their anger to guide and instruct them.
If I do not the works of My Father, believe Me not (10:37).
If Jesus isn’t displaying the Mercy of the Father, then don’t believe Him, but if the evidence shows He is doing the work of the Father, they best believe Him. Their own words are coming back to haunt them; they told the blind man “give God the praise”; yet they were failing at their own words (Jn 9:24).
But if I do, though you believe not Me, believe the works; that you may know, and believe, that the Father is in Me, and I in Him (10:38).
At lease believe the works are God based, it leans in the right direction. If we can’t believe the works of deliverance are of God, then we’re in deep trouble.
Again Jesus points out how He and the Father are one, and how we can tell if we’re one with Jesus. The works are a sign, not works of the flesh for self-glory, or through self-righteousness, but works of Mercy and Grace, which are Works are of Faith. Jesus was One with the Father based on a Unity of design, effort and cause, much less the other spiritual factors and attributes, but the Pharisees should have seen the Mercy of God in Jesus, the evidence was there, the blind man saw it, why couldn’t they?
Therefore they sought again to take Him; but He escaped out of their hand, and went away again beyond Jordan into the place where John at first baptized; and there He abode. And many resorted unto Him, and said, John did not miracles: but all things that John spoke of this Man are true. And many believed on Him there (10:39-42).
All the way back in the beginning of John’s account Jesus talked about the Temple being raised, which Temple was His body, here at the Feast for the Dedication of the Temple the same concept it being raised. If the works were done in the Temple by the high priest they would have no problem giving God the glory, thus they equated “good works” within the confines of their group. They rejected any works outside of their thinking as dangerous, yet it can happen to any of us if we’re not careful. Someone from another denomination is being used of God, we don’t like it because they are not among our group. At least believe the works, lest we find ourselves speaking evil against the works.
The Feast of Dedication was in December, the next Passover would be in April. The timeline shows this would be approximately four months from the week of the Cross; however, Jesus will bring one more sign, a sign so strong the Pharisees will have to make a choice. This sign will go beyond anything they heard of: couple it with the blind man then we have “in the mouth of two or more witnesses a fact is affirmed”, but will they believe?
Now a certain man was sick, named Lazarus, of Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister Martha (11:1).
Prior Jesus took clay and made eyes where there were no eyes, thus He proved His position. In all this we find the disciples talking to Jesus, but they aren’t saying a word regarding Jesus as the Christ. Now we know why, Jesus is pointing to His position as the Son of God, they haven’t a clue to what it means.
(It was Mary which anointed the Lord with ointment, and wiped His feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick) (11:2).
This also shows the anointing of Jesus by Mary yet to come is different from the one noted in Luke 7:44. In Luke it was not “unto the burial”, rather it was “unto repentance”; adding to the concept. The Anointing is upon us because we have repented, but there is an Anointing for burial as well, it takes both to say, “I am crucified with Christ, nevertheless I live”.
Therefore his sisters sent unto Him, saying Lord, behold, he whom You love is sick (11:3).
The word for Love used here is the Greek Phileo meaning Brotherly Love, rather than Agape, or Agapao Love. Jesus Agaped them all, but the disciples knew the best man could display openly toward another person was Phileo. This lesson is also for Peter who will later tell the Lord, “You know I Phileo You”. Also Agapao is based in a joy, whether to a person or thing, thus man Agapao darkness, rather than light (Jn 3:19).
The context shows Jesus moved based on love, but the disciples failed to see Jesus had a plan, even if the event appeared evil or horrid. This is one of those areas where it looked like things were going from bad to worse, but it was in the plan. They will hear Lazarus is dead; did Jesus wait too long to heal this poor sick man? Did He violate the teaching He just gave to the Pharisees about delivering the wicked from darkness? Hardly, He was about to prove the teaching.
When Jesus heard that, He said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby (11:4).
Here it’s the “Son of God”, but we also find the word “Glorified”, as Jesus was Glorified in the Resurrection. This still pertains to the Cross and Resurrection, showing the Cross pertains to the Son of man, the Resurrection declared Him the Son of God, just as the Resurrection power in us is forming us into the Image of God’s Son. Of course, Lazarus will not be resurrected at this time, since he will return to his old body of flesh, but the allegory will nonetheless be presented. The disciples will also have a preview before them; if Jesus could raise this man, why not believe Jesus can raise Himself?
The period of time for Lazarus to be in the grave is important as well, the disciples will have their foundation to believe Jesus will be raised. The phrase “Not unto death” will be a factor when Jesus talks to both Martha and Mary, as both women use like words but different intents. The word for Death is the Greek Thanatos meaning Death forever, it has a root word of Thnesko meaning in the process of death. Another word for Dead is Nekus which means dead as in a corpse, which is not used here.
Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister, and Lazarus (11:5).
In this verse we find Martha placed before her sister Mary, as much as “Martha, Martha” concerned herself with many things it really didn’t matter, Jesus loved her anyway. Jesus will do many things for us based on His love for us, not because of our goodness, or because we are special, but because He loves us. We tend to “brag” on how we prayed and the Lord did this or that, or how we did something and the Lord did this or that, but really Jesus loves us, He desires to do things for us. The old man on the other hand desires to take credit for the works; discernment keeps us from stealing the glory.
The word Loved used here is Greek Agape, thus Lazarus, Martha and Mary Phileoed Jesus, but He Agaped them. It’s important to see how Jesus Agaped Martha, and what happens when someone, even those whom Jesus loves, approaches Him with the wrong attitude, or uses the wrong phrases.
When He had heard therefore that he was sick, He abode two days still in the same place where He was. Then after that He said to His disciples, Let us to into Judea again (11:6-7).
It would take one day for the news to reach Jesus, but He remains two days, then took another day to travel, thus Lazarus must have died shortly after the news went out. The news was in reference to the sickness of Lazarus, not his death, thus Jesus knew Lazarus was going to die, then be buried; therefore, it was in the plan. Simply because Martha and Mary assume Jesus missed it, doesn’t mean He did; simply because some of us assume we missed it, doesn’t mean we did.
Jesus raised others from the dead prior, He healed others, but in this case Lazarus would be in the grave three days. According to the Jew after three days the soul departs from the body and can’t return. Jesus will not only prove the resurrection, but dispel another Jewish tradition as well.
His disciples say unto Him, Master, the Jews of late sought to stone You; and You go there again? (11:8).
The disciples knew Lazarus was sick, but which is more important? The protection of the Lord, or the sick? The Lord is fully capable of protecting Himself, and us. Paul will be told to run from some places, yet remain in others, it’s no different for us. We listen, we obey.
This event probably happened around February or March, the disciples recalled how the Jews wanted to kill Jesus, they just forgot the Pharisees couldn’t. If it’s time, it’s God’s timing, if not, man can’t intervene.
Jesus answered, Are there not twelve hours in the day? If any man walk in the day, he stumbles not, because he sees the light of this world. But if a man walk in the night he stumbles, because there is no light in him (11:9-10).
This goes directly to those of us who are the Children of the Day, while it is yet Day we do the works of the Lord, for the Night comes when no man can work.
There are twelve hours, but prior to this weren’t there twelve disciples sent to heal the sick? If the disciples were so concerned, why didn’t they say, “Lord, we will go for You”. Because they knew they were to do nothing at this time, no preaching, no acts, just follow, watch and listen.
These things said He: and after that He said unto them, Our friend Lazarus sleeps; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep. Then said His disciples, Lord, if he sleep, he shall do well (11:11-12).
When Paul spoke about those who Sleep in Jesus, he used the same Greek word we find here, thus Paul shows those who Sleep in Jesus are in a “soul sleep”, but the Dead in Christ are hardly sleeping, they are under the alter calling out to the Lord (I Thess 4:14 & Rev 6:9-10). We also find when Paul was referring to the Dead in Christ he used the Greek Nekus meaning a corpse without the soul, or better the soul without the corpse. Some sleep, some are under the altar of God, but whether they sleep through the Night, or they are with the Lord through the Night, they are spared the wrath of God in the Night.
The Greek word for the phrase “Do Well” is Sozo meaning healed, or secured from danger, if Lazarus is merely asleep, he will be fine, all is not lost.
However Jesus spoke of his death: but they thought that He had spoken of taking rest in sleep. Then said Jesus unto them plainly, Lazarus is dead (11:13-14).
The disciples correctly interpreted the meaning, but failed to apply it as Jesus intended. If Lazarus is sleeping in the Lord, then he is at Rest. In order for the disciples to gain in this, Jesus is forced to plainly say, “Lazarus is dead”. The Pharisees wanted Jesus to plainly say He was the Christ, here Jesus plainly says Lazarus is Dead, thus Jesus is about to make His position as plain as He can.
Both Jesus and the disciples used the Greek word Koimao for sleep in verses 11 and 12, which means to lie down, or to be outstretched, but Jesus will change wording and use the Greek Hupnos, as explained here in verse 13, meaning figuratively one at rest in sleep, or soul sleep. Lazarus is not an example of those who are partakers of the First Resurrection, rather he is an example of those who sleep through the night (Rev 20:5 & 20:13).
And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, to the intent you may believe; nevertheless let us go unto him (11:15).
The purpose is the Intent, but they must see to believe; just as the Pharisees will have to See, yet they will fail to Believe. This becomes the central issue explaining why Jesus wept. This lays out the purpose of the entire event, so they might believe. Later Jesus will ask Martha if she believes, then Jesus will pray so the people can hear Him, not to impress them, but give them a basis to believe He will be raised from the dead, so they can believe when they see Him raised.
Then said Thomas, which is called Didymus, unto his fellow disciples, Let us also go, that we may die with him (11:16).
John is the only writer referring to Thomas as the one called Didymus meaning Twin or Double. Thomas is not a twin, but Double-Minded. Thomas wanted to be a figure in the sign, rather than be the means to bring the sign. It would seem the four accounts show the disciples lacking in many ways, it would also seem as if the scribes are simply “putting down the brothers”, but it’s not the case, or the intent. We are being shown how the soul of man without the Spirit reacts based on natural intellect or emotions. The people were not stupid, they were simply natural thinking people, doing natural things. The disciples were appointed by Jesus, they did works of Mercy, their sins were pardoned, they were baptized in water, sat with Jesus at His table, yet they were natural thinkers, unable to understand spiritual matters. However, except for Judas all of them were changed by the power from on High on Pentecost, which shows us, even if we are natural, or even if we are stupid, the Power of the Spirit is able to change us, by bringing us into the perfection Jesus promised.
Then when Jesus came, He found that he had lain in the grave four days already. Now Bethany was near unto Jerusalem, about fifteen furlongs off: (11:17-18).
Jesus allowed Lazarus to remain in the grave three days, the four days refers to the time when Jesus was told Lazarus was sick. A furlong is about 220 yards, the distance between Jerusalem and Bethany was approximately two miles, or within a Sabbath’s day journey. The tradition of the Jews was to mourn for thirty days, whether they knew the person or not. They assumed this gave respect to the dead, or made them appear concerned. When we know someone knows the Lord, we don’t mourn at their death, we dance for them, they have overcome the last hurdle. If someone didn’t know the Lord, mourning isn’t going to bring them back. Why do we look for the living among the dead?
And many of the Jews came to Martha and Mary, to comfort them concerning their brother. Then Martha as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming went and met Him: but Mary sat still in the house (11:19-20).
Simply because Martha ran to Jesus, doesn’t mean she was greeting Him with joy or faith. Often it’s better to remain silent in one place, as we wait for the Lord to meet us, rather than run to the Lord with our unbelief or accusing ways. There are times when walking by faith means sit still.
Then said Martha unto Jesus, Lord, if You had been here, my brother had not died. But I know, that even now, whatsoever You will ask of God, God will give it You (11:21-22).
The intent of Martha will be much different from Mary; Martha confronts Jesus, then blames Him for the death of Lazarus. She then enters manipulation, adding to her statement by saying, “But I know, even now, whatsoever…” placing a burden on Jesus to raise her brother. Martha didn’t want to know the will of Jesus, she wanted Jesus to complete her will. In this Jesus still Agapes her, but her Phileo is failing. There are times when we find ourselves in the “Martha, Martha” mode of thinking, we need to reflect on our purpose and intent.
Jesus said unto her, your brother shall rise again. Martha said unto Him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day (11:23-24).
Here is a point of Belief; Martha says she believes in the resurrection, but her concept of the resurrection was far off in the future, she wanted her brother now.
Prior Jesus had to correct the disciples for their misconception, now Martha makes one as well; however, Jesus is handling this event differently. The Longsuffering of the Lord is present, but nonetheless Martha’s manipulation will cause something to happen as a warning to us all.
Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believes in Me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: and whosoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Believe you this? 11:25-26).
The Resurrection is found in Jesus, thus this is part of the Covenant; we believe He shall raise us up, either in the First Resurrection, or unto Life on the last day. Paul saw this as he told the Philippians his hope was to know the Power of the Resurrection of Jesus, or by any means attain the resurrection of the dead (Ph’l 3:10-11). In his statement Paul used two different Greek words for the word Resurrection; for the Resurrection of Jesus it was based on a power from within, in the resurrection of the dead it was a power from without. Here Jesus puts two points together, Resurrection and Life, He is both, thus we find the events here point to the resurrection Unto Life, but to be in the First resurrection one needs the Spirit with Life before the fact.
If Martha truly believed Jesus, she wouldn’t blame Jesus or seek to blame anyone. Prior she asked Jesus to pray the Father, here Jesus says He is the Resurrection. Martha heard, but she didn’t understand, she was asking Jesus to ask another, when she should have worshipped Jesus for Who He is.
She said unto Him, Yes, Lord: I believe that You are the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world (11:27).
Does she believe? Only her actions will show. She uses the title Son of God, but she is also looking ahead (resurrection), as she wants Jesus to do something she wants done, thus she is using the title out of context, for her personal benefit. Will Jesus yell at her? Toss her out of the group? No, we will see how we can be loved by Jesus, yet allow the old man to voice his opinion and agenda, and simply cause Jesus to cry.
And when she had so said, she went her way, and called Mary her sister secretly saying, The Master is come, and calls for you (11:28).
Martha’s manipulation didn’t work on Jesus, so she attempts to use it on Mary. Jesus didn’t call for Mary, thus Martha’s actions stopped Jesus in His tracks. When we attempt to manipulate Jesus, we stop Him, we don’t move Him. Mary will use a different approach, one making a difference in this event, as one we can learn from.
In all this, we know Martha will be among the 120 people in the upper room on Pentecost, like Peter, she will see the old man become ineffective as the New Man comes forth.
Martha and Mary give us the division we all face in adversity. Some of us have a “Martha, Martha” thought process, one having much to do about nothing, then comes the Mary thoughts of praise and worship, the latter is better.
As soon as she heard that, she arose quickly, and came to Him. Now Jesus was not yet come into the town, but was in that place where Martha met Him. The Jews then which were with her in the house, and comforted her, when they saw Mary, that she rose up hastily and went out, followed her, saying She goes unto the grave to weep there (11:29-31).
Jesus didn’t call Mary, yet Mary believed the Lord called her, causing her to respond by leaving the mourning to meet Jesus. The people thought she was going to the grave to mourn, but she was going to the place where Life is waiting. Mary’s approach will have like words, but a much different intent. We also see Jesus didn’t move one inch, He remained in the same place where Martha’s manipulation left Him. Forms of manipulation are based in unbelief, they attempt to control events and people.
Then Mary was come where Jesus was, and saw Him, she fell down at His feet, saying unto Him, Lord. if You had been here, my brother had not died (11:32).
Martha said she believed in the Resurrection, but she also used a word for “Died” displaying her belief. Mary didn’t accuse Jesus, she fell at His feet; her statement is one of excuse, not accuse. Martha felt Lazarus was dead, dead, and dead, but Mary shows he is sleeping. Mary believed if Jesus was there, then Lazarus would not have died, but she isn’t accusing Him for not being there, rather her statement shows honor toward the Lord, as displayed by her actions of falling down at His feet. Martha got in His face, Mary bowed at His feet, the actions of the two show the intent of the words. Mary is willing to accept her brother’s death, rather than manipulate Jesus with, “But I know, even now…”.
When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews also weeping which came with her, He groaned in spirit, and was troubled (11:33).
Later Jesus will weep, but here it’s “groaned in spirit, and was troubled”. The word Groaned is the Greek Embrimaomai meaning To storm with anger, the word Troubled is a compound word with Tarasso meaning To agitate, and Heautou meaning Of himself, which shows Jesus was not pleased with all these goings on over the dead, they were making a show, doing things to impress people by using the death of another. The next verse will show the attitude of these people.
And said, Where have you laid him? They say unto Him, Lord, come and see. Jesus wept (11:34-35).
Why did Jesus weep? Over the death of Lazarus? No, He knew He would raise him. It goes back to Martha’s statement coupled with all the theatrics, manipulation and the attempts by one He loves to make Him do something she wants done. As soon as Jesus said, “Where have you laid him” they got all excited, the mourning ceased, but none of them asked, “what should we do Lord?”. However, this does show the compassion of the Lord: Martha was moved by the moment, made a statement based on her emotions, but still without a foundation. To rebuke her in her grief would not be in the nature of the Lord, but to weep would be. Here Jesus was going to do what Jesus was going to do, yet the manipulation of Martha stopped Jesus in His tracks. Who was this for? Lazarus? Or Martha? All the people were looking at the morning and crying, they became excited over the grief. It was theatrics and masks, all show, yet Jesus was going to show a sign just for them, to get them through the hardest three days of their lives, no wonder He wept.
Then said the Jews, Behold how He loved him! And some of them said, Could not this Man, which opened the eyes of the blind, have caused that even this man should not have died? Jesus therefore again groaning in Himself came to the grave. It was a cave, and a stone lay upon it (11:36-38).
Again they misinterpret the meaning, allowing their unbelief and theatrics to govern them. They still didn’t believe Jesus was able, now He is “groaning” in Himself. This word Groaning is the same word used back in verse 33.
If we have Faith in Jesus, we must know even if we don’t understand what is going on, He has a purpose. It’s better to praise Him, than blame Him, better to seek life, than take pride in death. The Jews looked back assuming if Jesus could make eyes open, why couldn’t He heal this man, if He didn’t heal him, it must be the fault of Jesus.
Jesus said, Take away the stone. Martha, the sister of him that was dead, said to Him, Lord, by this time he stinks, for he has been dead four days (11:39).
Martha’s intent becomes clearer, she just said, “But I know, even now;…”, the Now is here, yet she says, “Surely he stinks”. She didn’t believe in the resurrection, she believed in the stink of corruption. Jesus will bring back Lazarus to the same flesh, but at least they saw someone can be raised from the dead after three days. It should have been enough to get them through the three days and nights which was forthcoming.
Jesus said unto her, Said I not unto you, that, if you would believe, you should see the glory of God? (11:40).
As soon as Martha says “Stinks”, Jesus says, “Said I not unto you, if you would believe”. Martha said she believed, but in fact it was mind game, thus Jesus did rebuke her, but in kindness, simply to let her know Jesus knows all things.
Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid. And Jesus lifted up His eyes, and said, Father I thank You that You have heard Me. And I knew that You hear Me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that You have sent Me (11:41-42).
The purpose of the prayer is not to gain power, but so the people standing by may believe. This entire event is for the belief of the people, but will they? At least we can see how Jesus will always give us a foundation to believe before the event comes, thus we must be teachable in order to gain the foundation.
And when He thus had spoken, He cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth (11:43).
Jesus didn’t ask the Father to raise Lazarus, rather this event was for the people to Believe, especially Martha who often troubled herself with mundane things. Here the Voice of the Lord broke through death to produce life. The day will come when Jesus will confess us to the Father, the Voice “Come Up Hither” will move us through the Door to meet the Lord in the air where we will forever remain with Him.
And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with grave clothes; and his face was bound with a napkin, Jesus said unto them, Loose him, and let him go (11:44).
The phrase “loose him, and let him go” carries more information than merely taking off the grave clothes; rather it shows death and sickness still had a grip on Lazarus’ flesh, thus Jesus is commanding those elements to release Lazarus
Then many of the Jews which came to Mary, and had seen the things which Jesus did, believed on Him. But some of them went their ways to the Pharisees, and told them what things Jesus had done (11:45-46).
It took this miracle to make Many believe, yet not all Believed. It also took this event for Martha to believe, yet she said she believed prior, could it be, just perhaps, Martha is type of one who “thinks” they believe until their belief is put to the test? Yes, when we hit our “Martha, Martha” circumstance we will ask, “is it time to believe, what I say I believe?”.
There are also some who can’t believe, even when they see, instead of seeing someone healed, they see their theology being attacked. They run to their own kind, the unbelieving Pharisees full of the works of their father the devil.
Then gathered the chief priests and the Pharisees a council, and said What do we? For this Man does many miracles. If we let Him thus alone, all will believe Him, and the Romans shall come and take away our place and nation (11:47-48).
The Second Witness came, the Pharisees knew it, so did they fall on their face reporting the Word of God has come in the flesh to save them? No, the Pharisees call another meeting to devise their plans of destruction. When exposure comes, we find what is exposed will often retaliate to show its supposed power, here is an example. The envy was exposed, but did the Pharisees attack their envy? No, they attacked the One who exposed the envy.
So what about Paul’s comments about prophecy exposing someone, as they fall on their face knowing God is among us of a truth? It’s for the unlearned and unbeliever who “come in” to us (I Cor 14:24). These Pharisees were not interested in joining Jesus, their drive was demonic in nature.
And one of them, named Caiaphas, being the high priest that same year, said unto them, You know nothing at all. Nor consider that it is expedient for us, that one man should die for the people and that the whole nation perish not. And this spoke he not of himself: but being the high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus should die for that nation (11:49-51).
This high priest who was doing the works of his father the devil gave a prophecy? God used this man? God used Balaam after the fact, He used the man’s donkey as well, thus God will use the stones; however, the prophecy came because of the position of Caiaphas, not because of Caiaphas. Simply because someone gives a prophecy doesn’t mean they are a Prophet, rather it means their position mandated it.
And not for that nation only, but that also He should gather together in one the children of God that were scattered abroad (11:52).
The prophecy didn’t come for the sake of the high priest, but for the nations. However, the man gave a word as another witness; first it was the Acts of Jesus, then His Ways, then the blind man, then Lazarus, now the religious order, then Pilate will give a testimony, then the Spirit of Holiness will declare Jesus as the Son of God by the power of the Resurrection (Rom 1:3-4). Witnesses many, yet will they believe?
Then from that day forth they took counsel together for to put Him to death (11:53).
Although the high priest gave the prophecy, he didn’t understand one word of it, he presumed the prophecy was God’s permission to kill Jesus. This is the turning point, a place where they completely ignore the same Law they were attempting to hold Jesus to. Their presumption was God will override the Law, or give them special permission above the Law. Their trial will show this, as they use bits and pieces of the Law, but twisted in such a way to condone their actions, yet they will be convinced everything they are doing is honored by God. The truth remained, regardless of what they thought about the theology of Jesus, He was their brother. They couldn’t dispute the Truth, they couldn’t stop the miracles, so, like all those run by the spirit of man, they set out to kill the Miracle Worker.
Jesus therefore walked no more openly among the Jews; but went there unto a country near the wilderness, into a city called Ephraim, and there continued with His disciples (11:54).
This verse would seem strange if Jesus would be among the Jews in the trials, except for the wording “walked no more openly among the Jews”. The wording in the Jewish thought process means To help them, thus showing at this time the only sign they would have would be the Resurrection, yet we know Jesus will teach just before the Cross, but the purpose is for the people to accept their Passover Lamb.
None of the other Gospel accounts note the city of Ephraim, which is located just north of Jericho. For Jesus to go to Ephraim added insult to injury to the Pharisees, for Ephraim became the subject of the Book of Hosea; however, the sign is not the evilness of Ephraim, but Jesus leaving the Jews to walk among the outcasts.
And the Jews’ Passover was near at hand: and many went out of the country up to Jerusalem before the Passover to purify themselves (11:55).
John travels ahead to the next feast, perhaps the most important for any of us. This would be the last Passover as the week of the Cross. The early church held three days in a week, as early as 100 AD we find worship and meetings on Sunday. They used Sunday for two reasons, it was the First day of the week, it was also the day of discovery of the Resurrection. Sunday would also be the Eighth day of the week prior, the Day of New Beginnings in the New Covenant by the New Circumcision through the New Law. Since the Last was First and the First Last we find we worship and gather on the First day, the Jew on the Last.
The other two days held by the early church were Wednesday and Friday, later they would drop Wednesday to use Friday to represent both days; however, we find Wednesday became incorporated into Friday, which started the Good Friday tradition. If Jesus went to the Cross on a Friday, yet was raised before the sun came up on Sunday, it’s far short of Three Days and Three Nights, thus Good Friday became a tradition of man, really it calls Jesus a liar, or a false prophet, making Jonah a negative sign, or a fable. Not real wise for a “Believer” to do.
Somewhere someone forgot the High Sabbath is according to a date, not a day, the weekly sabbath is according to the day, not the date, they mixed one into the other, and saw the “sabbath” day after the Cross assuming it was the weekly sabbath. The Scriptures show two sabbaths, one for the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the other according to the Commandment.
Then sought they for Jesus, and spoke among themselves, as they stood in the temple, What think you, that He will not come to the feast? Now both the chief priests and the Pharisees had given a commandment, that if any man knew where He were, he should show it, that they might take Him (11:56-57).
The Pharisees were looking for Jesus for all the wrong reasons. Today some wait for Jesus for all the wrong reasons, they seek vengeance, the Day of the Lord is darkness, not light, even great darkness for those who tempt Him.
Then Jesus six days before the Passover came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, which had been dead, whom He raised from the dead. There they made Him supper; and Martha served: but Lazarus was one of them that sat at the able with Him (12:1-2).
John makes a point of telling us this is Six days before the Feast, thus taking us to Day of Anointing. As we have done in prior lessons we can count back from the discovery of the Resurrection three days and three nights to Wednesday, showing the Feast of Unleavened Bread would have been Thursday, then six days prior would have been a Friday. This is not six days, but on the sixth day, showing this is a Friday, the preparation day for the weekly sabbath.
From this we know Jesus was anointed on the preparation day which was a Friday, rode into Jerusalem on the weekly sabbath of Saturday, spoke to the fig tree, cleaned out the temple, and taught on Sunday and Monday. Then on Tuesday, which was the 13th of Abib the Jewish religious leaders made their plans to kill Jesus, as Judas joined them on the same day. Then the Passover on the 14th of Abib, which was a Wednesday, then the 15th of Abib was the Feast day as the High Sabbath on Thursday. Then the 16th of Abib as the weekly preparation day of Friday, with the 17th of Abib as the weekly sabbath of Saturday, according to the Commandment. While it was still dark on the 18th of Abib the tomb was discovered empty, giving us the three days and three nights in the grave, as Jesus said.
The first Passover was so named because the blood of the sacrifice caused the angel of death to Pass-Over God’s people. The lamb had to be of the First Year, representing the First Advent (coming) of the Lamb of God. The month was called Abib, becoming the first month for the Jews. The word Abib means To be tender, or better, A grain, as in a Grain of mustard seed. The lamb was picked on the 10th of Abib (Ex 12:3), but killed on the 14th of Abib (Ex 12:6). The day after the children left Egypt, making the Feast of Unleavened Bread the 15th of Abib, which also became the High Sabbath. All High Sabbaths were according to the Law, not the Commandment, the sabbath according to the commandment was always on the Seventh day (Saturday). A High Sabbath was on a date, regardless of the day, but the weekly sabbath was on a day, regardless of the date. Since it was a High Sabbath, how then could they march? The Feast came after they entered the land, not before.
Numbers 28:16-18 lays this out as well, the Passover is the 14th, then begins the Feast and for seven days they eat only unleavened bread. Putting all this together we find when Jesus was on the Cross it was the 14th of Abib, which was Passover, as the Preparation Day for the Feast Day, making the next day the 15th of Abib the High Sabbath, or Feast Day. Since it was a High Sabbath no one was allowed to work, since the sun was starting to go down on the 15th they rushed to take Jesus down to place Him in the grave. They made some grave preparations with the aloes, but not the spices, then rested on the High Sabbath. The day after the High Sabbath would be the 16th of Abib, as a Friday meaning it was a weekly preparation day. The woman used the day to boil and make the spices, which was an all day job. The next day would be the 17th of Abib, a Saturday, as the weekly sabbath according to the Commandment, then before the sun came up on Sunday the 18th of Abib the women went to the grave of Jesus to apply the spices, when they found Him raised. They went before sunup for good reason, the sabbath ended when the sun went down, but you couldn’t see anything at night, they were ready to begin work the second the sun gave them light. Also we want to keep in mind the Day for the Jew is not midnight to midnight but from sunset to sunset. When Jesus had the Passover meal it was after the sun went down, the Cross was not the “next day”, but the same day according to the Jew. Jesus being the Passover had to be killed on the Passover, not the day after, or the day before.
John 12:1 shows six days prior to the Feast Jesus came to Bethany, then John 12:12 gives us the next day, as Jesus enters Jerusalem as the great Passover Lamb, as the congregation accepted the Lamb as the Sacrifice, which would have been the 10th of Abib. From the 10th of Abib to the 14th the people would view, then receive the Lamb of God, although they didn’t know it. Mark 11:12 to Mark 13:37 is one day, Matthew 21:18 to Matthew 25:46 is one day, both accounts give us the same day.
The same Mary who worshipped Jesus when Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead will anoint Jesus for His death. Could it be because Jesus raised her brother? No, we find she understood death, she knew “this had to be”. She no longer felt, “if You have been here”, rather she now knows, “You must do, what You must do”.
Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped His feet with her hair, and the house was filled with the odor of the ointment (12:3).
Prior Jesus taught on the Pound, showing the One Pound would bring Five (Luke 19:18). This anointing would carry to each of the first five churches, all of which are called to be the Anointed churches of Christ; while the last two are appointed to Christ, as they follow the two anointed Witnesses of the Law and Prophets.
There are various types of anointing for various purposes; the prophets of old were anointed, but they neither had salvation, nor were they Born Again. There is the anointing on the Scriptures, an anointing to receive the Scriptures as Truth, an anointing to receive the Word (Jesus), the anointing to bring the Word (Jesus); there is the Unction on the Body of Christ, the anointing for the Office, the anointing of growth from being Born Again, an anointing when we’re filled with the Holy Ghost to deal with the masses, there is a priestly anointing falling on us when we conduct the priestly orders (communion, giving), there is the anointing for us to conduct kingly functions as well. In all this we find there is only One “Anointed One”, from Him comes all the Anointing.
The disciples received the Spirit on the Day of Pentecost, there remained more asking, knocking, and seeking for growth, as well as more fillings with the Holy Ghost (Acts 4:31-33). They received Power from on High one time, which is being Born Again, but the filling of the Holy Ghost was more than once. This doesn’t mean there are several Holy Ghosts, rather it means the Holy Ghost has various fillings to allow us to deal with the masses. The evidence of the Holy Ghost filling is how one does deal with the masses; if one is a Deacon or Bishop, how do they greet people? Therefore, a requirement for the first Deacons was to be filled with the Holy Ghost.
Then said one of His disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, which should betray Him. Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence, and given to the poor? (12:4-5).
Judas didn’t know it, but the very ointment he was mocking, was the same ointment he was separating himself from. We just read how the Feet of Jesus were anointed, we know the enemies of Jesus are His footstool, thus this ointment pertains to the separation between the feet of Jesus and the footstool. The enemies are not His feet, or heel, but they are the footstool, separated from the Body, but near.
This Simon is not Simon Peter, but Simon the leper, here we find the father of Judas was Simon the leper, yet a leper could never be a member of the Pharisee order, thus this is another point, separating this event from the anointing found in Luke’s account in Simon the Pharisee’s house. Judas cared about the poor, but his care was in using the poor to benefit himself, rather than releasing the poor from their bondage.
This he said, not that he cared for the poor; but because he was a thief, and had the bag, and bare what was put therein (12:6).
Judas’ concern was always the bag, his intent for betraying Jesus was based on gaining control of the treasury, the man assumed he was hiding things from God, a very costly mistake. We know from the four accounts none of the disciples knew Judas was a thief, but many times Jesus spoke of the “thief”, yet Judas ignored the warning, as he kept taking from the bag. Perhaps he felt it was owed him, after all, he did conduct service for the Lord. Nonetheless, he was a thief, Jesus never gave him permission to use the bag as his own personal bank.
Then said Jesus, Let her alone: against the day of My burying has she kept this. For the poor always you have with you: but Me you have not always (12:7-8).
Mary kept this costly ointment for this very day, she knew in her heart the day would come for Jesus to be anointed for His burial.
Deuteronomy 15:11 says, “For the poor shall never cease out of the land”, but there is more as the verse continues, “therefore I command you saying, You shall open your hand wide unto your brother, to the poor, and to the needy in the land”, the land was Israel. Jesus added, “but Me you have not always”, giving us two ministries and two loves, neither of which Judas held. If anyone wants a ministry there is one always open, and always approved of the Lord, but there are ministries set for a special time. It doesn’t mean one is more important than the other, it means we can miss one by running after the other. Jeremiah could not prophesy at any other point in time, rather he was appointed for a special time: John the Baptist couldn’t appear six years prior, or even one year later. However John the Baptist could feed the poor anytime, really in those days there was no ministry to feed the poor, it was up to all to make sure the poor were cared for.
Much people of the Jews therefore knew that He was there: and they came not for Jesus’ sake only, but that they might see Lazarus also, whom He had raised from the dead (12:9).
The Pharisees were looking for any excuse to kill Jesus, yet Jesus still walked in their temple, even cleaned it out a second time. Jesus was not being brazen, rather this exposure shows what the temple had become, thus showing man wanted the Temple, and God gave it, yet placed the control in the hands of man, but they were still responsible to God.
But the chief priests consulted that they might put Lazarus also to death; because that by reason of him many of the Jews went away and believed on Jesus (12:10-11)
Not only do the Pharisees want to kill the Miracle Worker, but they also want to kill the evidence of the miracle. The spirit lusting to envy is motivated by Vanity and Pride, “if I can’t have it, or control it, I will destroy, or kill it”, envy is a terrible thing. Pharisees haven’t changed, when we see them attack the miracle in some feeble attempt to prove what they consider a fraud: Beware, they come not to give life, but to destroy it. Jealousy is a demonic act to possess someone or something we think we own, envy is the desire to have someone, or something someone else has, while refusing to follow the legal path to obtain it.
On the next day much people that were come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, took branches of palm trees, and went forth to meet Him, and cried, Hosanna: Blessed is the King of Israel that comes in the name of the Lord. And Jesus, when He had found a young ass, sat thereon; as it is written, Fear not, daughter of Zion: behold, your King comes, sitting on an ass’s colt. These things understood not His disciples at the first: but when Jesus was glorified, then remembered they that these things were written on Him, and that they had done these things unto Him (12:12-16).
John continues to use the phrase, next day, as he did when he displayed the events of the forty day fast, in so doing he gives us a timeline. This would be Sunday, or the First Day of the Week, the discovery of the Resurrection is a week away, but here the people showed up for the Passover and Feast which was just a few days away.
The people therefore that was with Him when He called Lazarus out of his grave, and raised him from the dead, bare record (12:17).
The best evidence is based on an experience, thus one with an experience, far out weighs one with an opinion.
For this cause the people also met Him, for that they heard that He had done this miracle (12:18).
It’s ironic some of these same people will be the ones calling out, “Hosanna”, one day, then “Crucify Him” four days later. The people gathered based on the miracle, thus miracles do draw the attention of the people, but with the miracles must come the Word so the people can mix faith with the Word (I Thess 1:5). Luke shows many people came to Jerusalem during Passover, even the family of Jesus did when He was a youth. Therefore, many of the people there were not residents of the city, yet the trials would be at night, thus the only ones present would be the “yes men” of the religious rulers.
As the people are gathering around Jesus, the Pharisees saw the threat against their traditions and positions growing. Although many of these people were not residents, it only shows the danger was greater to the religious rulers, the residents would see the non-residents praising the Lord, wondering if they should.
The Pharisees therefore said among themselves, Perceive you how you prevail nothing? Behold the world is gone after Him (12:19).
Was the “world” going after Jesus? No, it was the Jews, the very people the Pharisees taught, thus if they presumed the people were deceived, they must also admit they were more at fault than the people. After all, they did teach the people, and the people were responding. Their envy has made them so self-deceived, they can’t see the trees, or the forest. Pharisees assume they win battles by putting the saints in jail, or taking away their papers, or running them out of town, but the saints prevail in the end. The evil ones may presume they won the battle, but they are losing the war.
And there were certain Greeks among them that came up to worship at the feast (12:20).
The Greeks could not enter the inner courts of the temple, but if they followed the Law they did have a place in the Gentile Court, also known as the Women’s Court. These Greeks knew this was something special, or to bring them into the Promise. The door was there, but the time was not yet for it to open.
The same came therefore to Philip, which was of Bethsaida of Galilee, and desired him, saying Sir, we would see Jesus (12:21).
Bethsaida is located at the very tip of the Sea of Galilee, very close to Syria, not far from Damascus. The Greeks knew Philip was from an area close to their homeland, presuming he could gain them entry to see Jesus.
Philip came and told Andrew: and again Andrew and Philip told Jesus (12:22).
Why didn’t Philip and Andrew just tell these Greeks, “Sorry, this is for the Jews”? Ahh, don’t hinder the little ones, they remembered the lesson. However, Philip needed some support, so he picked Andrew, because Andrew was not only among the very first of the disciples, he was also from the area of Bethsaida (Jn 1:44). Also at this time they were told not to preach, thus all they did was bring the request to Jesus without giving any suggestions.
And Jesus answered them, saying, The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified (12:23).
This confirms John 7:39 where the Spirit would be given when Jesus was glorified, when Jesus is glorified by the Resurrection.
Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abides alone: but if it die, it brings forth much fruit (12:24).
This is the Promise, Jesus knew He had to die in order to bring anyone, including these Gentile Greeks into the Kingdom. The Keys to Kingdom entail this same effort on our part, we must die to the self to have the Glory within (Rom 8:18), before we enter Glory. Some of us run all over the world looking for “the Glory”, we jump from one meeting to another to See the Glory, but the Glory is within, it’s in the New Man, yet it takes denying the self, in order for the Glory to be revealed.
He that loves his life shall lose it: and he that hates his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal (12:25).
This goes right to the Keys, showing the saving of the soul is not self-denial, rather it begins when we impute the old nature with the flesh dead on the Cross of Jesus. However, the proviso is to give up the passions of the world, if we don’t we will attempt to bring them with us into the kingdom.
The Greek word for Life is Psuche, the same word used for Soul, but don’t confuse the self life style based on the lost soul, with the soul itself. If we love our lost soul, or our worldly life style, we will not accept Jesus, but if we hate the old life style, we will gladly impute it dead, so we can find out who we really are in Jesus.
If any man serve Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there shall also My servant be: if any man serve Me, him will My Father honor (12:26).
In order to Serve Jesus, He must be our Lord, yet no one calls Jesus Lord but by the Holy Ghost (I Cor 12:3). Calling Jesus Lord goes further than mouthing the words, one can call Jesus Lord, yet go about serving their self nature. Faith still comes by hearing, as the Master speaks to His sheep, His sheep Hear His Voice by the Spirit (Heb 1:2). Jesus is the Logos (Word – Jesus), the Spirit is the Logos in us producing the Rhema, we need both in order to Hear. The Book of Hebrews shows God spoke in various ways, but Now God speaks to us through His Son, meaning by the Spirit (Heb 1:1-2).
Now is My soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save Me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour (12:27).
By Rev. G. E. Newmyer – Les16rev11/© 2003
