Christian – Page 3 – Not My Life

Should Christians be Billionaires? A Biblical Debate

Published on February 2025January 2025 by DaveLeave a comment

Jonah: I believe it’s unchristian for anyone, especially a believer, to be a billionaire. Jesus himself said, “You cannot serve both God and money” (Matthew 6:24). Wealth can easily become an idol, pulling us away from God. The rich man in Mark 10:25 was told, “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.” Doesn’t that imply extreme wealth is inherently dangerous?

Carl: I think that perspective overly simplistic. Money itself isn’t evil; it’s the love of money that is the root of all evil, as Paul writes in 1 Timothy 6:10. A Christian billionaire can use their wealth for tremendous good—feeding the hungry, funding missions, and addressing global issues. Look at Joseph of Arimathea, a wealthy man who provided Jesus’ tomb (Matthew 27:57-60). Wealth doesn’t disqualify someone from being faithful.

Jonah: But it’s not just about how wealth is used; it’s about how it’s acquired. James 5:1-6 warns rich people about hoarding wealth and exploiting workers. Most billionaires gain their fortune through systemic inequalities. By participating in these systems, aren’t they complicit in the very injustices the Bible condemns?

Carl: That’s a fair point, but wealth isn’t always gained unjustly. Proverbs 13:22 says, “A good person leaves an inheritance for their children’s children.” God can bless hard work and wise stewardship. Moreover, billionaires who operate ethically and give generously can reflect Christ’s call to love and serve others. Look at Zacchaeus in Luke 19:8—he was wealthy, yet when he repented, he used his wealth to restore and help others. His transformation was celebrated, not condemned.

Jonah: Even so, Jesus emphasised living simply and prioritising the kingdom of God. He told the rich young ruler to sell everything and give to the poor (Luke 18:22). While Zacchaeus gave away half his wealth, he didn’t remain a billionaire. Extreme wealth creates inequality and contradicts Jesus’ teachings on humility and reliance on God.

Carl: But Jesus didn’t condemn wealth outright; he condemned its misuse. In Acts 4:34-35, the early church distributed wealth so no one was in need, which suggests that those with means supported others. Imagine if a billionaire followed that model, giving away their wealth to uplift the poor. Isn’t that an example of God’s grace working through human resources?

Jonah: But how many billionaires actually live like that? The pursuit of wealth often blinds people to their spiritual needs and fosters greed. Psalm 37:16 says, “Better the little that the righteous have than the wealth of many wicked.” Christians should aim for contentment, not excess. Billionaires hoard resources that could be used to alleviate suffering now.

Carl: Jonah, I agree that contentment is vital. Still, what if a billionaire sees their wealth as a stewardship from God? If they embrace generosity like in 2 Corinthians 9:7—“God loves a cheerful giver”—and actively seek to transform lives, can’t they glorify God through their wealth? Isn’t it more about their heart and actions than the number in their bank account?

Jonah: Perhaps, but the risks of wealth corrupting the soul are too great. Jesus called his followers to deny themselves and take up their cross (Matthew 16:24). Being a billionaire seems antithetical to that call. Can you truly follow Christ while holding onto such abundance in a world full of need?

Carl: Jonah, I respect your passion, but I believe the heart of the matter lies in how wealth is managed, not merely its existence. If a billionaire lives out Micah 6:8—acting justly, loving mercy, and walking humbly with God—then their wealth becomes a tool for God’s kingdom, not a hindrance. It’s about being faithful stewards of whatever God has entrusted to us.

Our faith calls us to continuously seek wisdom and understanding. It’s vital for us, as Christians, to engage in these dialogues, always aiming to reflect God’s love and wisdom in our lives and the lives of those around us.

This Chapter Explains Why So Many Still Reject Jesus Today – John Chapter 12 Simplified

Published on January 2025 by DaveLeave a comment

Six days before the Passover festival, Jesus went to Bethany where Lazarus was. He was the one who Jesus had brought back to life. They made Jesus dinner. Martha served the food and Lazarus sat at the table with him. Mary brought a bottle of very expensive oil and poured it on Jesus’ feet before wiping it with her hair. The house was filled with the oil’s fragrance.

Judas Iscariot, one of Jesus’ disciples and the one who would betray him, said, “Why wasn’t this oil sold for three hundred coins and given to the poor?”

He didn’t say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief. He carried the money bag and stole money from it.

Jesus replied, “Leave her alone so that she can have it ready for my burial day because you will always have the poor with you, but you won’t always have me.”

A large crowd of Jews found out Jesus was there and arrived, not just to see Jesus, but also so they could see Lazarus, who had been brought back to life.

The chief priests decided to also kill Lazarus because many Jews were going and believing in Jesus because of Lazarus.

The next day, the large crowd who had come to the festival heard Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. They gathered palm tree branches and went out to meet him, yelling, “Save us! The one coming in the Lord’s name is blessed; Israel’s king!”

Jesus found a young donkey and rode it, just like it was written: ‘Don’t be afraid, Zion’s daughter. Look, your king comes riding on a young donkey.’

Jesus’s disciples didn’t initially understand this. When Jesus was praised, however, they remembered this had been written about him, and they did these things to him.

The crowd, who were with Jesus when he called Lazarus out of the tomb and brought him back to life, continued talking about him. The crowds went to meet Jesus because they had heard he had performed this miracle.

The Pharisees discussed together, “Look, you’re not getting anything done. Look, the world is following him.”

There were some Greeks who had also travelled to worship at the festival. They approached Philip, who was from Bethsaida, Galilee, and asked him, “Sir, we want to see Jesus.”

Philip told Andrew, and the two of them went and told Jesus.

Jesus told them, “The time has come when the Son of Man will be glorified. I’m honestly telling you that unless a wheat seed falls to the earth and dies, it stays alone. But if it dies, it creates a lot of fruit. Whoever loves their life loses it, and whoever hates their life in this world keeps it for life that never ends. If anyone serves me, they need to follow me. My servant will also be wherever I am. The Father will honour anyone who serves me. I am feeling troubled, and what do I say? ‘Father, save me from this time’? I have come to this time for this. Father, praise your name.”

A voice said from the skies, “I have glorified it, and will glorify it again.”

The crowd heard what the voice said. It sounded like thunder. Some people said, “An angel spoke to him!”

Jesus replied, “That voice didn’t happen for me, but for you. This world’s judgement is happening now. This world’s king will be thrown out, and when I am lifted from the earth, I will gather everyone to me.”

Jesus said this to communicate how he was going to die. The crowd replied, “We heard from the law that the Christ will remain forever. Why are you saying the Son of Man must be lifted? Who is the Son of Man?”

Jesus said, “The light is with you for only a little while. Walk while you have the light so that darkness doesn’t catch you. Whoever is walking in darkness doesn’t know where they are going. Believe in the light while you have the light so that you can become children of light.” After Jesus said this, he left and hid from them.

Even though he did many miracles in front of them, they still didn’t believe in him. This completed the prophet Isaiah’s writings that said, ‘Lord, who believes our message? Who has the Lord’s arms been shown to?’

Because of this, they couldn’t believe the message. Again, Isaiah said, ‘He has blinded their eyes and desensitised their hearts. They don’t see with eyes and understand with their hearts and change, so I can’t heal them.’

Isaiah said this because he saw and spoke about Jesus’s glory.

Many rulers, however, believed in Jesus, but they didn’t tell anyone because of the Pharisees, who would kick them out of the temple. They loved men’s praise more than God’s.

Jesus yelled out, “Whoever believes in me doesn’t believe in me, but my sender, and the one who sees me sees my sender. I’ve come into the world as a light so that everyone who believes in me won’t stay in darkness. If anyone hears my messages and doesn’t follow them, I will not judge them. This is because I haven’t come to judge the world but save it. Whoever rejects me and doesn’t accept my message has a judge. My message that I’ve said will judge him on the last day because I don’t speak my own words, but the Father who sent me has told me what I should tell and say. I know that his command is eternal life, so I say exactly what the Father said.”

John Chapter 12 Summary

Six days before the Passover festival, Jesus visits Bethany, where Lazarus—whom he had raised from the dead—lives. Mary pours expensive oil on Jesus’ feet, wiping them with her hair, symbolising worship and preparation for his death and burial. Judas Iscariot criticises Mary and pretends to be concerned about the poor even though he actually just wants to steal the money. Jesus defends Mary. A crowd of people comes to see Jesus and Lazarus, which leads the chief priests to wanting to kill Lazarus as many Jews believe in Jesus because of Lazarus’ miracle. The next day, Jesus enters Jerusalem on a donkey, which matched a prophecy about Israel’s king arriving in a modest way. Crowds wave palm branches and shout praise to Jesus. Word continues to spread about Lazarus’ miracle, bringing more people to Jesus, which further frustrates the Pharisees.

Jesus talks about his coming death, comparing it to a seed that must die for fruit to grow. He teaches his followers to serve him and focus on eternal life rather than worldly life. God’s voice confirms Jesus’s mission, but many people still doubt. Some rulers believe in Jesus but don’t tell anyone because they are afraid of public rejection. Jesus says he is the light of the world sent by the Father to save humanity, and warns of judgement for anyone who rejects his message.

John Chapter 12 Bible Study Questions and Answers

1. Why do you think Mary’s act of pouring expensive oil on Jesus’s feet was so important? How can we show similar devotion to Jesus in our lives?
Answer: Mary’s act showed humility, love, and recognition of Jesus’s worth. We can honour Jesus by worshipping him with all our hearts in whatever we do, serving others, and giving generously of our resources to those in need.

2. Why do you think Judas criticised Mary’s actions, and how can we guard our hearts against similar attitudes?
Answer: Judas criticised her out of greed. To avoid this, we should focus on serving Jesus sincerely and not letting selfish motives influence or guide our actions.

3. What does Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem teach us about leadership? How can we follow his example in our own lives?
Answer: Jesus entered as a humble servant-king, not a worldly ruler. We can follow his example by leading with humility, serving others, and trusting God’s plan, rather than aiming to lead others with power.

4. Jesus said, “Whoever loves their life loses it.” What does this mean for us as Christians? How can we prioritise eternal life over worldly wants?
Answer: This means living for Christ rather than clinging to worldly comforts. We can prioritise eternal life by looking and learning about what God wants us to do, value his kingdom more than ours, and give our plans to him.

5. How can we walk in the light as Jesus instructed? What does it mean to be a ‘child of light’?
Answer: Walking in the light means living by Jesus’ teachings, showing his character in what we say and do, and sharing his love. Being a child of light involves trusting him and ‘shining’ his truth to others.

John Chapter 12 Explained

This chapter begins with a scene in Bethany, where Mary pours expensive oil on Jesus’s feet, illustrating Jesus’s coming death and burial. Her act of worship shows love and understanding of who Jesus is. Judas’s objection shows his corruption and greed, contrasted against Mary’s selflessness. Jesus states that Mary’s actions are good and appropriate. This teaches us about the value of costly worship and prioritising Jesus above anything else.

Jesus then rides a donkey into Jerusalem. This was written about in Zechariah 9:9 and shows Jesus is all about humility and peace rather than earthly power. The crowd celebrates him as King, waving palm branches and shouting, “Save us!” However, their understanding of him as their king is limited to thinking he will save them from their worldly bullies, the Romans, not the spiritual salvation he brings. Even the disciples don’t fully understand the significance of this event until much later, reminding us that God’s plans are often clearer in hindsight.

Jesus’s teaching about the grain of wheat dying is an illustration of how his death is necessary to save humanity. He invites his followers to serve him, promising them eternal life. This challenges us to think about our priorities in life and welcome the cost of following Jesus. Jesus predicts his death will be on a cross and acknowledges the inner struggle he faces, though he still will do what his Father’s wants him to do, displaying perfect obedience.

God confirms Jesus’s mission, but many still refuse to believe. John connects this unbelief to Isaiah’s prophecies, which said that that spiritual blindness prevents people from recognising Jesus’ glory. This warns us of the dangers of hardening our hearts against God’s truth.

Some rulers believe in Jesus but worry about being publicly rejected, choosing human approval over God’s approval. This highlights the cost of discipleship and the importance of prioritising believing over fear. Jesus’ final public teaching discusses his identity as the light of the world. He explains that his mission is to save people rather than judging them, but warns that rejecting his message will lead to judgement. His teachings remind us of the timeliness of accepting him as Saviour and living as children that reflect his light to those around is.

To read the next chapters, you might like to follow or subscribe to this blog!

Continue exploring John 12

If you’d like to read John 12 in other translations, here are a few BibleHub links:
For a translation that aims to be word-for-word, try John 12 in the English Standard Version.
For a translation that aims to be more thought-for-thought, try John 12 in the New International Version.
For a translation that aims to communicate the overall meaning, try John 12 in the Contemporary English Version.

If you prefer to read the Bible in a hard-copy format, here are cheaper versions from Amazon:
[These are Amazon affiliate links which support the production of this blog]
For a translation that aims to be word-for-word, ESV Economy Bible
For a translation that aims to be more thought-for-thought, NIV, Economy Bible, Paperback: Accurate. Readable. Clear.
For a translation that aims to communicate the overall meaning, Holy Bible: Contemporary English Version

If you’d like to explore John in more depth, here are two commentaries I would recommend:
[These are Amazon affiliate links which support the production of this blog]
Easy to access commentaries that include life applications:
The NIV Application Commentary: John
For a commentary that goes into more depth:
The Gospel of John (The New International Commentary on the New Testament)

Dead for Four Days…Then a Miracle – John Chapter 11 Simplified

Published on December 2024December 2024 by DaveLeave a comment

A man named Lazarus was sick. He came from Bethany where his sisters Mary and Martha lived. This was the same Mary who had poured ointment on the Lord and wiped his feet with her hair. She was Lazarus’ sister.

The sisters sent a message to Jesus that said, “Lord, someone you love is sick.”

Jesus heard the message and said, “This sickness will not result in death, but God’s glory, so God’s son may be worshipped because of it.”

Jesus loved Martha, Mary and Lazarus, so when he heard Lazarus was sick, he stayed where he was for two days. Then he said to his disciples, “Let’s return to Judea.”

The disciples replied, “Teacher, the Jews were just trying to kill you, and you want to go back there?”

“Aren’t there twelve hours each day?” Jesus asked. “If anyone walks in the daylight, they don’t trip over because they see the world’s light. But if someone walks around at night, they might trip over something because there is no light in them.”

Jesus added, “Our friend Lazarus is asleep, but I’m going to go and wake him up.”

“Lord, if he’s asleep, he’ll recover,” the disciples said.

Jesus had been talking about his own death, but the disciples thought he was talking about actual sleep.

So Jesus told them clearly, “Lazarus has died, and I’m happy for you that I wasn’t there, so you can believe. Let’s go to him.”

Thomas (the twin) said to the other disciples, “Let’s go as well so we can die with him.”

When they arrived, Jesus found Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days. Bethany was near Jerusalem, about 3 kilometres (2 miles) away, so many Jews came to Martha and Mary to comfort the ladies about their brother.

When Martha heard Jesus was coming, she went to meet him, but Mary stayed sitting in the house.

“Lord, if you had been here, my brother wouldn’t have died,” Martha told Jesus. “I still know that God will give you whatever you ask from him.”

“Your brother will rise up again,” Jesus replied.

“I know he will rise up again at the rising on the last day.”

“I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even if they die. Everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe me?”

“Yes, Lord,” she said. “I believe that you are the Christ, God’s Son, who came to the world.”

Martha then went and privately said to her sister, Mary, “The Teacher is here and wants to talk to you.”

So Mary quickly got up and went to Jesus. Jesus hadn’t come to the village yet, but was waiting where he had met with Martha. The Jews who with Mary in the house to comfort her saw her quickly stand up and leave. They followed her because they thought she was going to the tomb to cry there.

Mary came to Jesus and fell at his feet. “Lord, if you had been here, my brother wouldn’t have died.”

33 Jesus saw her, and the Jews with her, crying and felt moved and troubled.

“Where have you laid him?” he asked.

“Lord, come and see,” they replied.

Jesus cried.

The Jews said, “He cared for him.”

But some of them said, “Couldn’t this man who opens the blinds’ eyes act so this man wouldn’t have died?”

Jesus, feeling deeply moved, went to the tomb. It was a cave with a stone sealing it.

“Take the stone away,” Jesus said.

Martha, the dead man’s sister, said, “Lord, there is already a smell because it has been four days.”

“Didn’t I tell you that if you believed, you would see God’s glory?” Jesus replied.

So they removed the stone. Jesus looked up and said, “Father, thank you for hearing me, and I know that you always hear me, but I said it so that this crowd standing here would believe that you sent me.” He then loudly yelled, “Lazarus, come out!”

The man who had died came out. His feet and hands were wrapped in cloth, and his face was wrapped in a facecloth.

“Untie him and release him,” Jesus said to the Jews.

Many of the Jews who had come with Mary saw what happened and believed in Jesus, but some of them went to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done.

The head priests and Pharisees held a council meeting and said, “What are we going to do? This man is doing many miracles. If we allow him to keep going, everyone will believe in him, and the Romans will come and take our place and society.”

But one of them, Caiaphas (that year’s high priest) said, “You don’t know anything. You also didn’t think that it would be an advantage for you, for one man to die for the people, and the whole nation not die.”

These weren’t Caiaphas’s own words. He was that year’s high priest and revealed that Jesus was going to die for the nation, and not just for the nation, but also so that God’s children who were spread around the place would gather as one.

The Jews from then on decided to kill Jesus, so Jesus didn’t walk freely around the Jews. He left for a place near the wilderness, to a village called Ephraim, and he stayed there with his disciples.

The Jews’ Passover Festival was coming, and many people travelled to Jerusalem from the countryside before Passover to purify themselves. The Jews looked for Jesus and talked with each other while standing in the temple. “Do you think he won’t come to the festival?”

The chief priests had ordered that if anyone knew where Jesus was, they should tell them so they could arrest him.

John Chapter 11 Summary

Lazarus, a man from Bethany and the brother of Mary and Martha, falls sick and dies. His sisters send for Jesus, hoping he would come and heal Lazarus. However, Jesus stays where he is for two days, stating that Lazarus’s sickness would glorify God. When He arrives, Lazarus has been dead for four days. Martha meets Jesus, having faith in him despite her sadness. Mary later also meets Jesus, and both she and the mourners cry, leading to Jesus crying as well. Jesus then goes to Lazarus’s tomb and commands the stone to be removed. He prays and then calls Lazarus to come out of the tomb. Lazarus emerges alive. This miracle leads many people to believe in Jesus, but it also angers the Pharisees. Worried about Jesus’s growing influence, they plan to kill him. Jesus leaves the public eye, staying in a remote village as the Passover festival take place.

John Chapter 11 Bible Study Questions and Answers

1. What does this story teach us about trusting God’s timing, even during difficult times
Answer: This story shows that God’s timing if often different from what we want, but it serves a greater purpose. Jesus delayed going to Lazarus to show God’s glory through bring Lazarus back to life, teaching us to trust him even when we don’t understand His plans.

2. How does Jesus’s declaration, “I am the resurrection and the life,” apply to Christian living today?
Answer: It reminds Christians that faith in Jesus offers eternal life and hope, even in the face of death. It challenges believers to live with the knowledge of his power over both physical and spiritual death.

3. Why do you think Jesus cried, even though he knew he would raise Lazarus? What does this reveal about him?
Answer: Jesus cried because of the sadness and pain of those around Him. This shows his care and deep empathy for others, reminding Christians that he shares in their sadness and understands their struggles.

4. How can we, like Martha, show faith in Jesus even when we are troubled or uncertain?
Answer: Martha believed in Jesus’s power and who he is even in her sadness. Similarly, Christians can hold onto God’s promises, pray honestly, and trust in him during our hard times.

5. What lessons can we learn from the Pharisees’ response to Jesus’s miracle?
Answer: The Pharisees’ fear of losing power blinded them to the truth of who Jesus is. This warns Christians to avoid letting pride or fear keep them from recognising and following God’s work.

John Chapter 11 Explained

John 11 begins with Jesus receiving news of Lazarus’s illness but choosing to delay His visit. This delay wasn’t carelessness but intentional, as Jesus declared that Lazarus’s sickness would glorify God. This teaches readers that God’s plans often goes further than what we can understand and serves greater purposes than we can see at the moment.

When Jesus finally arrived in Bethany, Lazarus had been dead for four days. This timeline highlights the miracle’s power since Jewish tradition held that the soul stayed in the body for three days before leaving for the afterlife. Martha’s faith is seen when she tells Jesus that even now, God will give him whatever he asks for. Her belief in the resurrection points to her hope in God’s ultimate plan, but Jesus expands her understanding by explaining, “I am the resurrection and the life.” This statement reveals that resurrection is not just a future event but found in Jesus Himself.

Jesus’s discussion with Mary and the Jews shows his deep care. Jesus cried even though he knew he would raise Lazarus, sharing in their sorrow. This moment shows his humanity and empathy, reminding believers that he is not distant but understands their pain.

At the tomb, Jesus asks for the stone to be removed despite Martha’s concern about the smell. “Didn’t I tell you that if you believed, you would see God’s glory?” Jesus challenges her and the others to completely trust him. When Jesus prays aloud, he doesn’t do it for himself, but so that the crowd might believe in his relationship to God. This prayer highlights the purpose of miracles in revealing God’s power.

Jesus calls out, “Lazarus, come out!”, showing his power over death. Lazarus comes out, alive and bound in grave clothes, a stunning sign of Jesus’s power as the Giver of life. This miracle leads many to believe in Him, but it also increases the Pharisees’ anger towards Jesus. Fearing the loss of their position and power, they plan to kill Jesus. Caiaphas, the high priest, prophesies that Jesus’s death will save not just the nation but unite all of God’s children. This highlights how God’s plans can work even through humans who oppose it.

The chapter finishes with Jesus leaving and preparing for what is coming. As the Passover festival comes nearer, so does his ultimate sacrifice.

To read the next chapters, you might like to follow or subscribe to this blog!

Continue exploring John 11

If you’d like to read John xx in other translations, here are a few BibleHub links:
For a translation that aims to be word-for-word, try John 11 in the English Standard Version.
For a translation that aims to be more thought-for-thought, try John 11 in the New International Version.
For a translation that aims to communicate the overall meaning, try John 11 in the Contemporary English Version.

Is Jesus Really God? The Controversial Claim That Divided the Crowd – John Chapter 10 Simplified

Published on December 2024 by DaveLeave a comment

Jesus told the Jews this story; “I’m honestly telling you that someone who doesn’t enter the sheep’s pen by the gate, but climbs in a different way, is a robber and a gangster. But someone who goes in through the gate is the sheep’s shepherd. In this case, the gatekeeper opens it and the sheep hear the shepherd’s voice, and he calls to his sheep by name and leads them away. Whenever he sends all his sheep out, he leads them and the sheep follow him because they know his voice. They won’t follow a stranger. They will run away from him because they don’t know the stranger’s voice.”

The Jews didn’t understand what he was saying to them.

Jesus told them again, “I’m honestly telling you, I am the sheep’s gate. Everyone who came before me were robbers and gangsters but the sheep didn’t listen to them. I’m the gate. If anyone enters through me, then they will be saved. They’ll enter and leave and find the grass fields. The robber only comes to steal, kill and destroy. I have come so that the people may have so much life.

“I’m the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives up his life for his sheep. The assistant, who is not the shepherd and doesn’t own the sheep, sees a wolf coming and runs away, leaving the sheep. The wolf captures a sheep and the rest of the sheep run for it. Because the assistant is just a worker, he doesn’t care about the sheep. I’m the good shepherd and I know my sheep. They know me, just like the Father knows me and I know the Father.

“I give up my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that are not in this paddock. I need to bring them as well. They will hear my voice and become one flock for one shepherd. The Father loves me because I give up my life so I can have my life again.

No one takes my life from me, but I choose to give it up. I have the power to give my life up and I have the power to take my life again. I received this instruction from my Father.”

The Jews were divided again because of what Jesus said.

Many of them said, “He is possessed by a demon and crazy. Why are you listening to him?”

Other people said, “This isn’t what someone possessed by a demon would say. A demon can’t open a blind person’s eyes.”

The Dedication Festival was held in Jerusalem. It was winter, and Jesus was walking in the courtyard of Solomon’s temple.

The Jews surrounded him and asked him, “What are you waiting for? Tell us clearly if you are the Christ.”

“I told you, but you don’t believe me,” Jesus replied. “The things I do in my Father’s name show you who I am, but you don’t believe me because you aren’t one of my sheep. My sheep listen to my voice and follow me, and I know them. I give them life that lasts forever, and they will never die. No one will ever take them out of my hand. My Father, who gave them to me, is the greatest and no one can take them from my Father’s hand. The Father and I are one.”

The Jews picked up more stones to kill him.

Jesus said to them, “I’ve shown you many good actions from the Father. Which action are you going to stone me for?”

The Jews replied, “We’re not stoning you because of a good act, but because of your speech against God. You are a man claiming to be God.”

Jesus said, “Doesn’t it say in your writings, ‘I said you are gods’? If he called them gods who God’s teachings were given to, and scripture cannot be undone, do you say to the person the Father dedicated and sent into the world, ‘You are insulting God’, because I said, ‘I’m God’s son’? If I don’t do my Father’s tasks, don’t believe me, but I’m doing his tasks. Even if you don’t believe me, believe the actions, so you know and can see the Father is in me and I’m in the Father.”

The Jews tried to arrest Jesus but Jesus escaped from their grasp.

He travelled to the other side of the Jordan River, where John had previously been baptising people, and Jesus stayed there.

Many people came to Jesus and said, “John didn’t perform miracles, but everything John said about this man was true.”

Many people believed in Jesus there.

John Chapter 10 Summary

Jesus uses the story of a shepherd and his sheep to describe his relationship with his followers. He explains that those who enter the sheep’s pen by the gate are true shepherds, while others who sneak in are thieves. Jesus teaches that he is the gate for the sheep—anyone who enters through him will be saved from eternal death. He also calls himself the “Good Shepherd” who gives up his life for the sheep, contrasting himself with casual workers who leave the sheep when danger comes. Jesus says his followersecognise his voice and follow him, just as he knows them personally.

Jesus also teaches about having other sheep outside the groups that he must bring into the paddock. He explains he has the power to give up his life and take it up again, as instructed by the Father. Later, during the Festival of Dedication, the Jews demand Jesus tell them clearly if he is the Christ. Jesus says he is united with the Father, which makes them angry, and the Jews accuse him of speaking against God. They want to kill him, but Jesus escapes and continues his mission, with many people coming to believe in him.

John Chapter 10 Bible Study Questions and Answers

1. What does it mean for Jesus to call himself the “Good Shepherd”?
Answer: Jesus is saying he cares for his followers with love, even to the point of sacrificing his life. This challenges us to think about how we trust and follow him in our daily lives.

2. How can we recognise the voice of Jesus in our own lives?
Answer: We hear Jesus’ voice by reading the bible, praying, and listening to the Holy Spirit’s guidance. Are there areas where we need to tune out other voices or sounds to focus more on him?

3. What does Jesus mean by “I have other sheep that are not in this paddock”?
Answer: He likely refers to non-Jews (Gentiles) who would also come to believe in him. This challenges us to share the gospel with others, even those different from us.

4. What does it mean that no one can take Jesus’ sheep from his hand?
Answer: Jesus promises eternal security for his followers. This promise can give us confidence and peace in difficult times.

5. Why do you think Jesus’ actions, like healing, are so important for faith?
Answer: Jesus’ miracles show his divine power and mission. His actions inspire us to trust him and live out our faith through serving him.

John Chapter 10 Explained

This chapter teaches about Jesus’ care, protection, and sacrifice for his followers. Through the story of sheep and a shepherd, Jesus highlights the deep personal relationship he has with believers. He knows his sheep personally, calls them by name, and leads them into safety. This reflects the loving care and leadership Jesus offers, contrasting with the indifference of casual workers, referring to religious leaders who leave or even harm the sheep. This teaches us to trust Jesus as our shepherd and to follow his guidance rather than the distracting or harmful influences of the world.

When Jesus says, “I am the gate,” he is meaning that salvation and life comes through him alone. This aligns with the message throughout the Gospel of John: Jesus is the only way to the Father. The promise of finding “grass fields” symbolises the spiritual food and rest found in Christ. As Christians, we are challenged to reflect on whether we are fully entering through Jesus or trying to find life somewhere else.

The idea of “other sheep” points to how Jesus’ mission aims to include everyone. The gospel is for all people, not just one nation or group. This compels us to think about how we welcome others into the “one flock” under Christ. The unity Jesus describes is a reminder of the Church which is made up of believers worldwide.

Jesus’ claim to be one with the Father is important but controversial. His opponents see this as speaking against God, but Jesus uses passages from the old testament to defend his relationship with God. By pointing to his works—miracles of healing, care, and power—he asks people to believe, even if they struggle to understand his words. This teaches us that faith can grow through seeing God’s work in the world, whether through miracles, answered prayers, or changed lives.

The chapter closes with Jesus escaping his enemies and continuing his ministry. This reminds us of God’s timing and purpose—Jesus’ mission was not yet complete, and he had more people to reach. Despite having many enemies, many people believed in him, showing the power of his words and actions.

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Continue exploring John 10

If you’d like to read John 10 in other translations, here are a few BibleHub links:
For a translation that aims to be word-for-word, try John 10 in the English Standard Version.
For a translation that aims to be more thought-for-thought, try John 10 in the New International Version.
For a translation that aims to communicate the overall meaning, try John 10 in the Contemporary English Version.

What the Blind Man Saw That the Pharisees Missed – John Chapter 9 Simplified

Published on November 2024November 2024 by DaveLeave a comment

As Jesus was walking, he saw a man who had been blind since birth and Jesus’ followers asked him, “Teacher, did this man or his parents sin, causing him to be born blind?”

Jesus replied, “This man didn’t sin and neither did his parents. This happened so that God’s works could be shown through him. We need to do my sender’s work during the daytime. Nighttime is coming when no one can work. I am the world’s light while I’m in the world.”

After talking, Jesus spat on the ground and made mud with the dirt and saliva. He then smeared the mud on the man’s eyes.

Jesus said to him, “Go and clean yourself in the Siloam pool.”

Siloam means ‘sent’. So the man cleaned himself and could see when he came back.

The neighbours and people who had seen the man before when he was a beggar asked, “Isn’t this the man who used to sit and beg?”

“It’s him,” some people said.

Others said, “It’s not, but he looks like him.”

“I am him!” The man said.

The people asked him, “How did your eyes start working?”

He replied, “The man named Jesus made mud and spread it on my eyes. He said, ‘Go to Siloam and clean yourself’, so I went and washed, and then I could see.”

The people asked, “Where’s this man?”

“I don’t know,” he replied,

The people brought the man who had been blind to the Pharisees.

It had been the Sabbath rest day when Jesus made the mud and made the man see.

The Pharisees asked the man again how he could see, and he explained, “He put mud on my eyes, I cleaned it off and then I could see.”

Some Pharisees said, “This Jesus isn’t from God because he doesn’t do the Sabbath rest day.” Others said, “How can a sinning man do miracles like that?”

The Pharisees were divided.

They asked the formerly blind man again, “What are you saying about the man who made you see?”

“He’s a prophet,” The man replied.

The Jews didn’t believe that he had really been blind and then could see until they interviewed the man’s parents.

They asked the parents, “Is this your son who you said was born blind? How can he see now?”

His parents replied, “We know he is our son and he was born blind, but we don’t know how he can see now or who fixed his eyes. Ask him. He’s an adult and can tell you himself.”

His parents said this because they were afraid of the Jews. The Jews had previously agreed that if anyone said Jesus was the Christ, they would not be allowed to come to the temple, so the parents said, “He is an adult. Ask him.”

The Jews talked to the formerly blind man again and said, “Tell the truth and you’ll be praising God. We know that Jesus is a sinner.”

“I don’t know if he is a sinner,” the man said. “I only know that I was blind, and now I can see.”

So the Jews asked, “What did he do to you? How did he make you see?”

“I already told you but you’re not listening,” the man replied. “Why do you want to hear it again? Do you want to become one of his followers?”

They swore at him and said, “You’re one of his followers. We follow Moses. We know God spoke to Moses but we don’t know where this Jesus comes from.”

The man said, “The amazing thing is that he opened my eyes, but you don’t know where he is from. We know God doesn’t listen to sinners, but if someone follows God and does what God wants, God will listen to them. No one has ever heard that someone helped someone see after being born blind. If this Jesus wasn’t from God, he wouldn’t be able to do it.”

“You were born full of sin, and you’re trying to teach us things?” The Jews replied, and they threw the man out of the temple.

Jesus heard they threw the man out and went to find him.

He asked the man, “Do you believe in the Son of Man?”

“Who is he so I can believe in him?” the man answered.

Jesus said, “You’ve seen him. He is talking with you right now.”

The man said, “I believe, Lord” and worshipped Jesus.

Jesus said, “I came into the world to judge, so the people who cannot see can see, and those who do see become blind.”

Some Pharisees nearby heard this and asked Jesus, “Are you saying we’re also blind?”

Jesus replied, “You wouldn’t be guilty if you were blind. But you’re saying ‘we understand’, so you’re still guilty.”

John Chapter 9 Summary

Jesus heals a man blind from birth, showing God’s power and challenging the traditional beliefs about sin and suffering. His disciples ask whether the man’s blindness was caused by his or his parents’ sin. Jesus explains that it happened so God’s works could be revealed. The man’s healing confuses his neighbours, who can’t recognise him. His testimony about Jesus causes division. Some Pharisees tell Jesus off for healing on the Sabbath, while others wonder how a sinner could perform miracles.

The healed man’s parents confirm his blindness but avoid talking about Jesus, scared of being separated from their community. The man, however, states that Jesus must be from God. He is sent out of the synagogue. Jesus finds him and confirms that he is the Son of Man, and the man believes and worships him. Jesus compares spiritual blindness with physical sight, telling the Pharisees that they are guilty because of their lack of humility.

John Chapter 9 Bible Study Questions and Answers

1. What does Jesus’ answer to the disciples’ question about the blind man’s sin teach us about suffering?
Answer: Jesus teaches that suffering is not always a result of sin or disobedience, but it can be a chance for God’s work to be revealed. This reminds us to trust God and look for his purpose in difficult times.

2. How does the blind man’s boldness when talking about Jesus challenge us in sharing our faith?
Answer: The man speaks honestly and bravely about Jesus, even under pressure from the Pharisees. This inspires us to be confident in our faith without worrying about people who oppose us, or rejection.

3. Why did the Pharisees refuse to accept Jesus, even when shown a clear miracle? How can we avoid similar spiritual blindness?
Answer: The Pharisees’ pride and keenness to hold to tradition blinded them to the truth. To avoid spiritual blindness, we must be open to God’s work in our lives, and be willing to see beyond our assumptions.

4. What does the blind man’s growing understanding of Jesus show about how our faith can grow?
Answer: His faith grows from seeing Jesus as a healer to understanding Jesus as a prophet, and finally worshipping him as the Son of God. Faith often grows through experiences and deeper understanding of who Jesus is.

5. How does Jesus’ teaching about spiritual blindness apply to us today?
Answer: Jesus warns that claiming to “see” while rejecting him leaves us guilty. This challenges us to examine whether we truly look for God’s truth or rely on our own understanding.

John Chapter 9 Explained

John 9 begins with Jesus and his disciples meeting a man blind from birth. When the disciples assume his blindness is a result of sin, Jesus teaches them that not all suffering is punishment. Instead, God can use hard times to reveal his nature and glory. This challenges us to think carefully about how we view suffering in our own lives.

Jesus heals the man in a strange way—by making mud with his saliva, rubbing it on the man’s eyes, and telling him to wash in the pool of Siloam. The act of healing on the Sabbath (day of rest) was controversial. The Pharisees, focused on religious rules, question both the man and his parents to try and get Jesus in trouble. They refuse to believe in Jesus, despite clear evidence, because of their spiritual blindness.

The healed man, however, grows in faith. At the start, he knows little about Jesus but fearlessly tells everyone about his healing. His bravery and honesty is quite different to his parents, who, out of fear, don’t acknowledge what Jesus did. The man’s journey of faith grows when Jesus reveals himself as the Son of Man. The man worships Jesus, showing the ultimate response to meeting Christ, which is faith and dedication.

The man who was physically blind gets not only physical sight but spiritual insight. The Pharisees, despite their religious knowledge, remain spiritually blind because of their pride and unwillingness to accept Jesus. Jesus’ teaching that he came to give sight to the blind, but blind those who claim to see shows this truth.

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Continue exploring John 9

If you’d like to read John 9 in other translations, here are a few BibleHub links:
For a translation that aims to be word-for-word, try John 9 in the English Standard Version.
For a translation that aims to be more thought-for-thought, try John 9 in the New International Version.
For a translation that aims to communicate the overall meaning, try John 9 in the Contemporary English Version.

Shocking Moment Jesus Confronts Hypocrisy: ‘Whoever hasn’t sinned can be the first person to throw a stone at her!’ – John Chapter 8 Simplified

Published on November 2024 by DaveLeave a comment

Jesus went to Mount Olive and then returned to the temple early the following morning.

The people arrived, and Jesus sat down and began teaching them.

The law experts and Pharisees brought a woman to Jesus who had been caught cheating. They stood her there and tested Jesus by saying, “Teacher, this woman was found cheating. Moses orders us, in the law, to stone a woman like her. What do you say to that?”

Again, they were asking this to trap him and find a reason to accuse him. Jesus, however, ignored them, crouched down and wrote on the ground with his finger.

They continued asking him, so Jesus stood and said to them, “Whoever hasn’t sinned can be the first person to throw a stone at her.”

He crouched down again and continued writing on the ground.

They listened and felt personally convicted. They began leaving, one by one, starting with the older ones. Jesus was left alone with the woman who was still there.

Jesus stood up and saw no one but the woman was there. He said to her, “Where did everyone go? Is no one calling you guilty?”

She replied, “No one, Lord.”

Jesus said. “I’m not calling you guilty. Go and stop sinning.”

Later on, Jesus said to the people, “I am the world’s light. Whoever follows me won’t walk in the dark, but will have life light.”

The Pharisees replied, “You’re talking about yourself. It’s not true.”

“Even if I’m talking about myself,” Jesus said, “what I say is true because I know where I came from and where I’m going. You don’t know where I came from or where I’m going. You judge based on what people do. I don’t judge anyone, but even if I did judge, my judgement would be true because it wouldn’t just be my judgement, but the judgement of myself and the Father who sent me. It even says in your law that two peoples’ testimony is truthful. I am talking about myself, and the Father who sent me confirms who I am.”

They asked, “Where is your father?”

Jesus replied, “You don’t know me or my father. If you knew me, you would also know my Father.”

He said all this while standing near the treasure room while he was teaching in the temple. No one arrested him because his time still hadn’t come yet.

So he said again, “I’m leaving and you will look for me, and you’ll die in your sin. I’m going somewhere you cannot go.”

The Jews said, “Maybe he’ll kill himself. He keeps saying, ‘You can’t come to where I’m going.'”

Jesus said to them, “You come from below, I come from above. You’re from this world, I am not from this world. I told you that you’ll die in your sins because if you don’t believe who I am, you’ll die in your sin.”

The Jews asked, “Who are you?”

Jesus replied, “I’ve been telling you from the start. I have a lot to say and judge about you, but the one who sent me is real, and I’m telling the world what I heard from him.”

The Jews didn’t understand he was telling them about the Father.

Jesus then said, “When you lift the Son of Man, you’ll see it’s me. I don’t do anything by myself, but I’m telling you what the Father taught me. My sender is with me. He hasn’t left me alone because I always do what pleases him.”

Many people believed him while he was teaching.

Jesus said to the Jews who believed him, “You are really my followers if you continue keeping my messages, and you will know the truth, and the truth will free you.”

The people replied, “We come from Abraham and haven’t ever been slaves. Why do you say, ‘You’ll be freed’?”

Jesus replied, “I’m honestly telling you that everyone who sins is sin’s slave. A slave doesn’t stay working for the house forever. The son stays forever, so if the son frees you, you will really be free. I know you come from Abraham, but you want to kill me because you don’t have the capacity to receive my message. I’m telling you what I have seen with the Father, so you do what you’ve heard from the Father.”

The people said, “Abraham is our ancestor.”

Jesus replied, “If you are descended from Abraham, do what he did. But now you want to kill me, someone who told you the truth that I heard from God. Abraham didn’t do that. You’re doing what your ancestor did.”

They said, “We weren’t born through sexual sin. We only have one father, and that is God.”

“If God was your father, you would love me,” Jesus said, “because I come from God and have arrived. I haven’t come from myself but from my sender. Why don’t you understand what I’m saying? Because you can’t hear my message. You’re like your ancestor the devil, and you want to do what he wants. He was a killer from the start and doesn’t stay in the truth because the truth isn’t in him. Whenever he tells a lie, he tells it from himself because he is a liar and the father of lies. But I’m telling you the truth and you don’t believe me.

Who is accusing me of sin? If I’m telling you the truth, why don’t you believe me? Whoever is from God listens to God’s words. You don’t listen, because you’re not from God.”

The Jews replied, “Aren’t we correct to say you’re a Samaritan and possessed by a demon?”

Jesus replied, “I don’t have a demon. I respect my Father and you disrespect me. I’m not looking for my own glory. There is someone who looks and judges. I’m honestly telling you, if anyone follows my message, they won’t ever experience death.”

The Jews said, “Now we definitely know you are demon-possessed. Abraham and the prophets died and you’re saying ‘If anyone follows my message, they’ll never experience death.’ You’re not greater than our ancestor Abraham, and the prophets died. Who are you saying you are?”

“If I give myself glory, it means nothing,” Jesus replied. “My Father is the one who gives me glory. He’s the one you’re saying is your God, but you don’t know him. I know him, and if I said I didn’t know him, then I would be a liar like you. But I know him and follow his message. Your ancestor Abraham celebrated that he would see my time come. He saw it and was very happy.”

“You’re less than fifty years old and you’ve seen Abraham?” the Jews asked.

“I’m honestly telling you I arrived before Abraham,” Jesus replied.

The Jews picked up stones to throw at Jesus, but Jesus hid and escaped from the temple.

John Chapter 8 Summary

Jesus teaches the Jews about judgement, forgiveness, and his identity. The Pharisees bring a woman caught cheating to test Jesus, but he challenges them by saying only a sinless person should throw stones. The accusers leave, and Jesus tells the woman to go and sin no more. Jesus then calls himself the “light of the world” and has a series of debates with the Pharisees about his origin and power. He claims he comes from God, while they remain stuck in their sins because they reject Him. Jesus tells His followers that true freedom comes from knowing the truth, which he offers them. He also reveals that anyone who obeys his words will never see death. The chapter ends with Jesus claiming he is eternal: “I arrived before Abraham.” This angers the Jews, who try to kill him, but he escapes.

John Chapter 8 Bible Study Questions and Answers

1. Why do you think Jesus chose to forgive the woman caught cheating?
Answer: Jesus showed care and offered the woman a chance to change her life, showing his message of forgiveness. This shows us the importance of not rushing to judge others, recognising the need for grace.

2. What does it mean for Jesus to be the “light of the world,” and how can we show this light in our own lives?
Answer: Jesus as the “light of the world” means he brings truth, guidance, and hope. To show his light, we can live truthfully, act kindly, and share his love with others, bringing light to the darkness around us with kindness and care.

3. How does the idea of true freedom in Jesus challenge our modern understanding of freedom?
Answer: True freedom in Jesus means being freed from, not just physical or personal independence. This challenges the idea that freedom is simply doing what we want, and instead teaching us that real freedom is found in living our lives in line with God’s truth.

4. Why do you think the Pharisees couldn’t understand Jesus’ identity as the Son of God?
Answer: The Pharisees were stuck to their traditions and didn’t want to change. Their pride and set ideas prevented them from recognising Jesus’ divine power, a reminder of how pride can blind us to God’s work in our lives.

5. What can we learn from Jesus’ statement, “I arrived before Abraham,” about who he is and his relationship with God?
Answer: This statement reveals Jesus’ eternal existence and connection with God, confirming his power. It encourages us to see Jesus as more than a teacher or prophet. He is God’s son who has power over life and death.

John Chapter 8 Explained

The chapter begins with an incident where the Pharisees and law experts bring a woman caught cheating to Jesus, hoping to trap him into making a controversial decision. Instead of falling into their trap, Jesus responds with wisdom by suggesting that anyone who has no sin should throw the first stone. The woman’s accusers reflect on how they do sin and walk away, showing Jesus’ teaching on mercy and the importance of being aware of ourselves and what we have done, before judging others.

This incident shows Jesus’ revolutionary approach to the Law. Rather than ignoring the seriousness of sin, he offers the woman a chance to say she is sorry and stop, telling her to “go and sin no more.” Jesus is firm against sin but also offers grace, showing that he values change over punishment. This is a powerful example of forgiveness and reminds us that while God’s law is holy, his mercy is just as important and he offers sinners a path to change and hope.

Later in the chapter, Jesus makes the claim: “I am the light of the world.” This indicates that he is the source of spiritual truth and light in a dark world full of sin and misunderstanding. He invites people to follow him, promising that they will not “walk in the dark” but have “life light.” This light is not just guidance but represents the eternal life and freedom he offers to those who believe in him.

The Pharisees, however, challenge Jesus’ power, question his claims and refuse to recognise Him as the Messiah. Jesus responds by confirming his relationship with God, stating that what he says is true because it aligns with God’s will. He further points out that their judgement is limited by their worldly views, while he judges from a divine viewpoint. Jesus’ confidence in his identity frustrates the Pharisees.

The chapter also explores the concept of true freedom. Jesus explains to the Jews that everyone who sins is a slave to sin, but that he, as the Son, has the power to set people free. This freedom he offers is spiritual freedom from the grips of sin and the lies of Satan. True freedom, according to Jesus, is not about physical freedom but living in alignment with God’s truth.

Jesus also says something amazing: “I arrived before Abraham.” This statement, using the divine name in some translations of “I am,” connects him to to what God says to Moses in Exodus 3:14. By claiming to exist before Abraham, Jesus reveals that he is eternal, implying that he is not just a man. This claim angers the Jews, who understand it as disrespecting God and attempt to kill Him. Jesus escapes, showing that his mission is guided by God’s timing and cannot be stopped by humans.

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Continue exploring John 8

If you’d like to read John 8 in other translations, here are a few BibleHub links:
For a translation that aims to be word-for-word, try John 8 in the English Standard Version.
For a translation that aims to be more thought-for-thought, try John 8 in the New International Version.
For a translation that aims to communicate the overall meaning, try John xx in the Contemporary English Version.

Psalm 121 Prayer: A Guardian’s Everlasting Peace

Published on November 2024December 2023 by DaveLeave a comment

Heavenly Father,

Our hearts turn to You, drawing strength from Your eternal presence. As we reflect on the words of old, we are reminded that our help comes from You, the Maker of heaven and earth.

We thank You, Lord, for being our constant guardian, watching over us day and night. In the hustle of our days and the stillness of our nights, let us always remember that You never slumber nor sleep. Your watchful eye and protective hand give us peace amidst uncertainty.

Guide us, O God, on our journey through life. When our steps falter and our path seems unclear, remind us that You are always by our side. Help us to lift our eyes to the hills, knowing that our help comes from You, our steadfast protector.

In times of trouble, may we find refuge in Your presence. Shield us from harm and keep us safe from danger. As the sun rises and sets, let Your love and faithfulness be the constant light in our lives.

Bless us, Lord, with the assurance that no matter where we go, Your grace follows us. In our coming and going, from this day and forevermore, may Your blessings be upon us.

We offer this prayer with hearts full of gratitude, knowing that You are our helper, our guardian, and our everlasting peace.

Amen.

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Continue exploring Psalm 121

If you’d like to read Psalm 121, here are a few BibleHub links:
For a translation that aims to be word-for-word, try Psalm 121 in the English Standard Version.
For a translation that aims to be more thought-for-thought, try Psalm 121 in the New International Version.
For a translation that aims to communicate the overall meaning, try Psalm 121 in the Contemporary English Version.

People are divided over who Jesus is: John Chapter 7 Simplified

Published on October 2024 by DaveLeave a comment

After these things happened, Jesus travelled through Galilee. He didn’t want to go through Judea because the Jews wanted to kill him.
The Jewish Tabernacle Festival was happening soon, so Jesus’ brothers said to him, “Leave here and go to Judea so your disciples can watch you work. No one does their work in secret when they want to be famous. If you are doing the work, show yourself to everyone.”
His brothers didn’t believe in him.
Jesus replied, “It’s not my time yet, but your time is always ready. The world can’t hate you, but it hates me because I am talking about how its actions are evil. You go to the festival, but I’m not going to the feast yet because my time isn’t completed.”
He said this and stayed in Galilee.

Later, when his brothers went to the festival, Jesus secretly went too.
The Jews looked for him at the festival, asking, “Where is he?”
The crowds quietly discussed Jesus, saying, “He is good,” while others said, “No, he is lying to the people.”
No one spoke about him openly because they were afraid of the Jews.

Halfway through the festival, Jesus went to the temple and began teaching.
The Jews were amazed and said, “How does he know so much that he hasn’t been taught?”
“My lessons don’t come from me but from my sender,” Jesus replied. “If anyone wants to do what God wants, he will learn my lessons, regardless of whether it’s from God or I am speaking them. Whoever speaks from himself is looking for his own fame, but whoever looks for my sender’s fame is true, and there is only goodness in him. Didn’t Moses give you the law but none of you do the law? Why do you want to kill me?”
“You are possessed,” the crowd replied. “Who is wanting to kill you?”
“I did one miracle and you all are amazed. Moses gave you circumcision, although it’s from the fathers, not Moses, and you circumcise a man on the day of rest. If a man is circumcised on the day of rest so Moses’ law is not broken, are you upset with me when I healed a man on the day of rest? Don’t judge appearances, but judge using good judgment.”
Some of the crowd from Jerusalem then said, “Isn’t this the one they want to kill and, look, he is publicly speaking and they’re not saying anything to him. Do the leaders actually know this man is the Christ? But we know where this man is from. Whenever he comes, no one will know where the Christ is from.”
Jesus yelled in the temple, teaching, “You know me and know where I’m from. I haven’t come by myself. The one who sent me is real, but you don’t know him.
I know him because I come from him, and he sent me.”
They wanted to arrest Jesus, but no one did because his time hadn’t come yet.

Many people in the crowd believed him and said, “When the Christ arrives, surely he won’t do more miracles than this man.”
The Pharisees heard the people discussing this about Jesus, so they and the priests sent officers to arrest Jesus.
Jesus said, “I’m only with you for a while, and then I’m returning to the one who sent me. You’ll look for me but won’t find me, and you can’t come to where I’m going.”
The Jews discussed this with each other. “Where is he going that we can’t find him? Is he going out to teach the Greeks? What did he mean when he said, ‘You will look for me but won’t find me and you can’t come to where I am’?”

On the last, most important, day of the festival, Jesus stood up and yelled, “If anyone is thirsty, let them come to me and drink. It’s just like the writings say, when someone believes in me, ‘out of their body will flow rivers of living water.”
He was talking about the Spirit. His believers were about to receive the Spirit, because the Spirit hadn’t been given yet, because Jesus hadn’t been glorified yet.
When they heard this, the crowd said, “This man really is the Prophet.”
Others said, “This man is the Christ.”
But others said, “No he’s not, because the Christ doesn’t come from Galilee. Didn’t the writings say that the Christ will be one of David’s descendants from Bethlehem, where David was from?”
The crowd was divided about Jesus. Some people wanted to arrest him, but no one grabbed him.
The officers went to the head priests and Pharisees and were asked, “Why didn’t you bring him here?”
The officers replied, “No one has ever spoken like that before.”
The Pharisees asked, “Do you also believe in him? No rulers or Pharisees believe in him, do they? This crowd, who don’t know the law, is doomed.”
Nicodemus, who had met Jesus before, was there and said, “Our law doesn’t judge a man unless we hear from him first and know what he’s doing.”
The others answered, “Aren’t you also from Galilee? Go and research that a prophet doesn’t come from Galilee.”
They all returned to their homes.

John Chapter 7 Summary

Jesus stays in Galilee because the Jewish leaders in Judea want to kill Him. His brothers encourage him to show His works publicly at the Tabernacles Festival, but Jesus tells them that His time has not yet come. However, He later goes to the festival in secret. There is much discussion among the crowds about Him—some believe He is good, while others doubt Him. At the festival, Jesus begins teaching in the temple, and the people are amazed by his teachings. Jesus explains that his teachings come from God. The religious leaders want to arrest Him, but they cannot, as His time has not yet come. The crowd argues about where Jesus came from. The Pharisees send officers to arrest Him, but they are amazed by His words and return without Him. Nicodemus, a Pharisee, defends Jesus by reminding the rest of the Pharisees of their law, which requires them to hear Jesus out.

John Chapter 7 Bible Study Questions and Answers

1. Why did Jesus choose not to go to the festival openly?
Answer: Jesus knew that His time had not yet come. He was aware of the plan of the priests and Pharisees’ desire to kill Him. He was acting according to God’s timing, not humans’ expectations.

2. What does Jesus’ teaching about judging with “good judgment” mean for us today?
Answer: Jesus challenges us not to judge based on outside looks but to look deeper and ask for God’s wisdom before making judgements. In our lives, this means avoiding impulsive judgments and being thoughtful, prayerful, and fair when we interact with other people.

3. How can we sometimes do the same things as the people who doubted Jesus when they thought they “knew” where he was from?
Answer: We can sometimes make assumptions, like the people in the crowd, based on limited knowledge or ideas. This reminds us to remain open to the idea that God can work in unexpected ways.

4. What can we learn from how Jesus responded to the people who questioned his background?
Answer: Jesus firmly states that he was sent by God. This teaches us to remain confident in our faith and identity in God, even when others doubt or question us. It’s a reminder that our true worth and purpose come from God.

5. How does Jesus’ promise of “living water” through the Holy Spirit apply to us today?
Answer: Jesus promises that those who believe in Him will receive the Holy Spirit, who will fill them and flow out to bless others. This encourages us to live lives that allow God’s love and influence those around us.

John Chapter 7 Explained

Jesus stays in Galilee at the beginning of the chapter to avoid the Jewish leaders who want to kill him. His brothers, who do not believe in him yet, suggest that he should go to the festival and show himself. However, Jesus replies that his time has not yet come. This shows his awareness of God’s timing and purpose for his life. Unlike people in the world, Jesus doesn’t look for fame or validation from others. He is focused on completing God’s mission.

When Jesus eventually does go to the Tabernacles Festival in secret, there is a divided crowd. Some believe Jesus is good, while others accuse him of deceiving people; there is confusion and tension around who Jesus really is. The Jewish leaders want to arrest him, but they can’t because, as John puts it, “His time had not yet come.” This repeated phrase highlights the idea that everything in Jesus’ life happens according to God’s plan and timing.

Jesus begins teaching in the temple. The people are amazed at his wisdom and knowledge, and ask how he knows so much without being educated at the temple. Jesus explains that his teaching comes from God and not from his own effort. This is a reminder that true wisdom and power comes from God. Furthermore, Jesus shows the double-faced nature of the Jewish leaders. He argues that they circumcise on the day of rest (Sabbath) to obey the law but say he can’t heal a man on the day of rest. Jesus teaches the crowd to “judge with right judgment,” teaching them to look beyond rules and focus on what truly aligns with God’s heart and intentions.

Many people in the crowd begin to believe in Jesus, wondering if he could be the Christ. However, others aren’t sure, arguing that the Messiah cannot come from Galilee. This disagreement over where Jesus came from shows how people’s limited understanding can prevent them from recognising the truth. Even today, many struggle to accept Jesus because of set ideas about how God should work.

Jesus gives an invitation during the last day of the festival, inviting anyone who is thirsty to come to Him for living water. This refers to the Holy Spirit, which would soon be given to believers. Jesus’ promise of living water is a representation of the new life and eternal satisfaction that comes through the Holy Spirit.

Finally, the Jewish leaders try to arrest Jesus, but the officers sent to do so are also amazed by his teachings. Nicodemus, a Pharisee who had previously met with Jesus, speaks up in Jesus’ defence, but the leaders disregard him. This shows the increasing aggression towards Jesus but also shows how his words and actions are continuing to reach and influence individuals, even among the leaders.

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Continue exploring John 7

If you’d like to read John 7 in other translations, here are a few BibleHub links:
For a translation that aims to be word-for-word, try John 7 in the English Standard Version.
For a translation that aims to be more thought-for-thought, try John 7 in the New International Version.
For a translation that aims to communicate the overall meaning, try John 7 in the Contemporary English Version.

Making Hard Decisions – What Matthew 1 teaches us about mental health

Published on October 2024 by DaveLeave a comment

What’s the hardest decision you’ve every had to make?

Matthew 1 gives us a good starting point for discussing uncertainty and making good choices, because Joseph had a really hard decision to make.

Mary is not his wife but he is committed to marrying her, and she is pregnant.

Matthew 1:18-25 describes Joseph’s emotional and psychological struggle when he learns about this. He initially plans to quietly call off the marriage to avoid her being publicly shamed. His response to this difficult decision is initially to avoid dealing with the situation.

An angel, however, appears to Joseph and gives him clarity and direction. This demonstrates how receiving guidance or support can help reduce anxiety and uncertainty.

When decision-making under stress, we often do need reassurance from a supports’ perspective about the right decision to make.

Joseph must consider the societal expectations, personal feelings, and a higher sense of duty or calling. His ultimate decision suggests that values and ethical convictions can override fear or shame. Joseph’s decision to stay with Mary despite the potential social stigma shows good moral decision-making.

Joseph’s story encourages us to trust in a higher plan, which ties into how faith and spirituality can helps us have resilience. People who face difficult circumstances can find comfort and strength in their faith, helping them to cope with adversity.

The birth of Jesus, as described in this chapter, provides a deep sense of purpose not only for the Joseph but for future generations. The search for meaning is a powerful motivator for our decisions, and this story reflects how purpose, even in difficult situations, can transform the way we approach challenges.

Where did we come from? – What Matthew 1 teaches us about parenting

Published on October 2024October 2024 by DaveLeave a comment

Have you ever tried to construct your family tree? By the time you get to your great-great-great grandparents, you are looking at 32 different people! Each of those 32 people lived individual and likely very different lives, and the 16 pairs of grandparents came together at a point in history to create the family line that led to you.

It’s also crazy to think that it is possible that you are one of 32 people, contributing to the line of your great-great-great grandchild!

Thinking about family trees helps us to reflect on where we came from and what kind of parent you want to be. What impact will you have on your future ancestors?

Matthew 1 starts by showing us Jesus’ family tree. Just like Jesus had a long family line, our children come from a long line of people too. As parents, it’s important to tell our kids where they come from, what values our family has, and what kind of people God wants them to grow up to be. We can learn from our ancestors’ mistakes and victories.

Matthew 1 continues with a short version of Jesus’ birth. When Joseph found out Mary was going to have a baby before they got married, he could have been really upset. But instead of embarrassing Mary or causing problems, he decided to protect her. Parents can learn from Joseph’s kindness. Even when things don’t go as planned, it’s important to respond with love and understanding, providing our kids the unconditional love, safety and security that God provides to us.

Joseph listened when God told him, through an angel, that Mary’s baby was special and would save people. He trusted God, even though it wasn’t easy. As parents, we can teach our kids to listen to God’s guidance and trust that He has a good plan for their lives.

God had a special plan for Jesus, and Joseph helped Jesus grow up to fulfil that plan. We should help our children discover their talents and dreams, and support them as they follow the path that God has for them.

To summarise, Matthew 1 teaches us to help our children understand who they are, where they have come from, show them unconditional love and kindness, trust God, and help them follow their own unique, God-planned purpose.

God made you a parent to reflect His heart, full of unconditional love, so that your child may grow to know and share that love with the world.