Tag: Christian

Jesus travelled to Jerusalem for a Jewish festival.

In Jerusalem, near the Sheep Gate, was a pool called Bethesda that had five porches. Many sick and disabled people were lying there. One man was there who had been sick for 38 years.

Jesus saw him lying there and knew he had been there for a long time. Jesus asked him, “You want to be healed?”

The sick man answered, “Sir, I don’t have anyone that can put me in the pool when the water is flowing. Someone else goes down before me, while I am going.”

Jesus said, “Get up. Pick up your bed and walk.”

The man was immediately healed. He picked up his bed and began walking. It was the Sabbath (rest) day.

The Jews said to the man who had been healed, “It is the Sabbath. You are not allowed to carry your bed.”

The man replied, “My healer said, ‘pick up your bed and walk’.”

“Which man told you to, ‘pick it up and walk’?” The Jews asked.

But the healed man didn’t know who it was because Jesus had left through the crowds.

Later, Jesus found the man in the temple and said, “Look, you’ve being healed. Don’t do any more wrong things, in case something worse happens.”

The man went to the Jews and told them it was Jesus who had healed him.

The Jews began going after Jesus because of this. He was healing on the day set aside for rest.

Jesus explained to them, “My Father is working today and I am too.”

Because of this, the Jews wanted to kill him, not only because he was breaking the day of rest, but because he was calling God his Father, which made him equal with God.

Jesus said to them, “I’m honestly telling you, the Son can’t do anything except for what he sees the Father doing. Whatever the Father does, the son also does in a similar way. The Father loves the son and shows him everything he is doing. He will show you even greater works than what I did today, and you’ll be amazed. Just like the Father brings the dead back to life, the Son also chooses who to make alive. The Father does not judge anyone but has given all the judgement to the Son so everyone will respect the Son just like the respect the Father. Whoever does not respect the Son does not respect the Father who sent him. I’m honestly telling you; whoever hears my word and believes my sender gets eternal life and does not get judged, but they go from death to life.

I’m honestly telling you that a time is coming, and it’s here now, when the dead will hear the Son of God’s voice, and the hearers will live. Just like the Father has life in himself, he has allowed the Son to have life in himself. He has given him the right to judge because is the Son of Man. Don’t be amazed at this, because a time is coming when everyone in the tombs will hear his voice and they will leave. Those who have done good will leave to a life resurrection, but those who have done evil will leave to a judgement resurrection.

I can’t do anything from myself. Listening, I judge and my judgement is fair because I don’t look for my own wishes, but the wishes of my sender.

If I biasly talk about myself, what I say is wrong. Someone else talks about me and I know that what he says about me is right. You sent for John and he told you the truth. I don’t just take what people say, but I’m telling you this so you can be saved. That person was the lamp burning and shining, and you wanted to celebrate for an hour in his light, but I have something to share greater than what John did. The tasks the Father gave me to complete, the tasks I am doing, speak about me and that the Father sent me.

The Father who sent me has spoken about me. You haven’t ever heard his voice or seen him, or have his message living in you, because you don’t believe in the person he sent. You look through the scriptures because you think you have everlasting life in them, and these scriptures talk about me. You’re not wanting to come to me to get everlasting life. I don’t take honour from people, but I know that you don’t have God’s love in you.

I came in my Father’s name and you don’t accept me. If someone comes in his own name, you would accept them. How can you believe when you accept honour from each other but don’t look for glory from the only God?

Don’t think I will accuse you before the Father. Moses is the one who accuses you. You’ve put your hope in him, and if you believed Moses, you would believe me, because Moses wrote about me. If you don’t believe Moses’ writings, how will you believe my words?”

John Chapter 5 Summary

Jesus visits Jerusalem and meets a man who has been sick for 38 years. The man believes he cannot be healed because he can’t get to the pool of Bethesda in time. Jesus heals him instantly by telling him to “get up, pick up your bed, and walk.” This healing occurs on the Sabbath (day of rest), which upsets the Jewish leaders who believe it is wrong to carry a bed on this day. The healed man tells the leaders it was Jesus who healed him, and this increases their anger towards Jesus. Jesus explains that he is working with His Father, God and talks about His divine authority, highlighting that the Father has given Him the power to give life and to judge. Jesus criticises the Jewish leaders for not really accepting God, even though the Scriptures and Moses spoke of Him. He warns that their hope in Moses will lead them astray because Moses wrote about Him, and rejecting Jesus means rejecting God’s message.

John Chapter 5 Bible Study Questions and Answers

1. What does the healing at Bethesda teach us about Jesus’ compassion?
Answer: This shows that Jesus cares and gives attention to individual suffering. The man was unable to help himself, but Jesus offers the man healing, without the man even asking. It shows that Jesus sees and understands our struggles, even when we feel hopeless.

2. How does Jesus’ healing on the day of rest challenge our understanding of religious rules and care?
Answer: Jesus prioritises care over religious rules, showing that acts of love and mercy should not be limited by legalism. This challenges us to consider whether our practices and beliefs sometimes prevent us from showing love and kindness.

3. What can we learn from the Jewish leaders’ reaction to the healing about the danger of legalism?
Answer: The Jewish leaders were more concerned with breaking the day of rest rules than with the miraculous healing. This shows how legalism can blind us to the work of God and lead us to prefer rules over people. It reminds us to focus on the spirit of God’s laws, which is love.

4. How does Jesus’ claim of being equal with God impact our understanding of who he is?
Answer: Jesus makes it clear that He is not just a prophet but the Son of God. This challenges us to recognise and honour Jesus as God Himself, worthy of our faith and obedience.

5. Why is belief in Jesus essential according to this chapter, and how does it affect our relationship with God?
Answer: Jesus explains that eternal life comes from believing in Him and that rejecting Him means rejecting the Father who sent Him. This highlights the importance of faith in Jesus for being saved and entering into a relationship with God.

John Chapter 5 Explained

The chapter begins with Jesus traveling to Jerusalem for a festival, where He meets a man who had been ill for 38 years at the pool of Bethesda. The pool was believed to have healing properties when the water bubbled up, but the man, due to his sickness, was never able to reach it in time. When Jesus asks if he wants to be healed, the man’s response is full of hopelessness, as he believes healing is beyond his reach. Jesus, however, heals the man instantly by commanding him to get up, take his bed, and walk. This miracle not only shows Jesus’ power but also His deep care, as He meets the man’s need without being asked.

The healing takes place on the Sabbath, a day set aside for rest according to Jewish law. The Jewish leaders, instead of celebrating the man’s healing, focus on the fact that he is carrying his bed, which they consider work and therefore breaking the Sabbath rules. This reaction highlights the dangers of legalism, where rules can be valued more than showing mercy and care. The healed man, unaware of who Jesus was, later meets Him in the temple, where Jesus warns him to avoid sin to prevent something worse from happening to him. This suggests that spiritual well-being is as important as physical health, and that Jesus’ concern goes beyond just physical healing.

The Jewish leaders confront Jesus for healing on the Sabbath. Jesus claims that He is working just as His Father is, implying that He is not bound by Sabbath rules because He is doing the work of God. This angers the leaders because it not only suggests that Jesus is above the law but also implies he is equal with God, which they see as insulting God’s importance.

Jesus further discusses His relationship with the Father (God), explaining that He only does what He sees the Father doing, and that the Father has given Jesus the responsibility of judgement. Jesus explains his authority to give life and judge, indicating that honouring the Son is the same as honouring the Father. Jesus’ words here are important because they establish His authority and His role in God’s plan of saving humanity.

Jesus further challenges the Jewish leaders by pointing out that their study of the Scriptures should lead them to Him, as the Scriptures tell them about Him. However, the leaders lack of belief in Him shows a lack of genuine faith in God, despite all their knowledge about the scriptures. Jesus also mentions Moses, whom the Jewish leaders see as very important, saying that Moses wrote about Him. Therefore, their disbelief in Jesus also indicates a failure to understand and believe Moses’ writings.

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

---

Continue exploring John 5

If you’d like to read John 5 in other translations, here are a few BibleHub links:
For a translation that aims to be word-for-word, try John 5 in the English Standard Version.
For a translation that aims to be more thought-for-thought, try John 5 in the New International Version.
For a translation that aims to communicate the overall meaning, try John 5 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)

Jesus became aware that the Pharisees had heard he was baptising more disciples than John, even though his disciples were doing the actual baptising.

He left Judea and started traveling to Galilee, and he needed to go through Samaria. He came to a town called Sychar, in Samaria, close to the land that Jacob gave to his son Joseph.

Jesus was tired from the journey, so he sat down at Jacob’s well at around midday.

A Samarian woman came to draw water.

Jesus said, “Give me a drink.” His disciples had gone into the town to buy food.

The woman replied, “You’re a Jew. How do you ask me, a Samaritan woman, for a drink?” This was because Jews did not associate with Samaritans.

Jesus said, “If you knew God’s gift and who is asking for a drink from you, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.”

“Sir, you don’t have a bucket and the well is deep,” The woman said. “Where are you going to get living water from?

Surely you’re not greater than our ancestor Jacob who gave us the well and drank from it himself with his family and animals.”

Jesus explained, “Everyone who drinks of this water here will get thirsty again. Whoever drinks of this water that I will give them will never be thirsty again. The water I give to them will become a water source that leads to everlasting life.”

“Sir, give me this water so I won’t be thirsty or need to come here for more water,” The woman said.

“Go and bring your husband here,” Jesus said.

“I don’t have a husband,” the woman replied.

“You’re right that you don’t have a husband,” Jesus said. “You have had five husbands and your current partner is not your husband. You have told the truth.”

“Sir, I can see you are a prophet. Our ancestors worshiped on this mountain, and you Jews say we need to worship in Jerusalem.”

“Trust me, ma’am. A time is coming when you won’t worship the Father on this mountain or in Jerusalem. You don’t know what you are worshiping. We know what we are worshiping because the Jews save us, but a time is coming, and it’s happening now, when true worshipers will worship the Father truthfully in spirit. This is because the Father looks for people like this to worship him. God is spirit and his worshipers must worship him truthfully in spirit.”

“I know the Messiah is coming, called Christ,” The woman said. “When that one comes, he will explain everything.”

Jesus said, “He is talking to you right now,”

The disciples arrived and were amazed that Jesus was talking to a woman, but no one asked what he was looking for or why he was talking to her.

The woman left her water jar and went to the town. She said to people, “Come and see a man who told me everything I’ve done. He may be the Christ.”

The people left the town to come and see Jesus.

While this was happening, the disciples said to Jesus, “Teacher, eat some food.”

“I have food to eat the you don’t know of,” Jesus replied.

The disciples said to each other, “Did someone bring him food?”

“My food is that I do what the one who sent me wants me to do, and I finish his tasks. Don’t you say, ‘There are still four months before harvest’? Look, I’m telling you, look up at the fields, because they are white and ready to be harvested. The gatherer gets paid and earns fruit for their everlasting life, so the one who planted the seeds and the gatherer can celebrate together. The saying is true in this context; ‘It is one who plants and another who gathers’. I sent you to gather what you did not work on. Others started the work, and you have continued their work.”

Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in Jesus because of what the woman told them. “He told me everything I had done.”

The Samaritans came to Jesus and asked him to stay with them, so he stayed there for two days.

Many more people believed him because of what he said, and they told the woman, “We don’t believe just because of what you told us, but because we have heard him ourselves, and we know that he is truly the world’s saviour.”

Two days later, Jesus left to go to Galilee, because he himself had said that a prophet is not respected in his hometown.

When he came to Galilee, the people welcomed him, having seen what he had done in Jerusalem at the feast. (They had also come to the feast).

Jesus returned to Cana, Galilee, where he had turned water into wine.

At Capernaum, there was a royal officer who had a sick son. The officer heard that Jesus had returned from Judea to Galilee. He went to Jesus and asked that he come and heal his son who was about to die.

Jesus said to the officer, “Unless you see miracles, you won’t believe.”

The officer said, “Sir, come before my child dies.”

Jesus replied, “Go. Your son will live.” The man believed what Jesus had said and left.

As the officer was returning home, his servant met him on the journey and told him his child was alive. The officer asked the servant when he had being healed.

The servant explained, “The fever left him yesterday in the early afternoon.”

The father realised that was the exact time when Jesus had said, “Your son will live.”

The officer, and everyone else in his house, believed.

This was the second miracle that Jesus did after he came from Judea to Galilee.

John Chapter 4 Summary

Jesus is aware of the Pharisees’ attention on him. He travels from Judea to Galilee via Samaria. At Jacob’s well in Sychar, Jesus asks a Samaritan woman for water, which surprises her because Jews typically avoided Samaritans. Jesus offers her “living water” that leads to eternal life. Through their conversation, Jesus reveals that he knows about her life, leading her to seeing him as a prophet. Jesus speaks of a new age of worship in spirit and truth that goes beyond physical locations. The woman shares her meeting with Jesus with people in her town, leading many Samaritans to believe in Jesus. Meanwhile, Jesus teaches his disciples about spiritual food and being ready for the coming ‘harvest’ of Christian. Later, in Galilee, a royal official’s belief is rewarded when Jesus heals his dying son.

John Chapter 4 Bible Study Questions and Answers

1. What does the meeting between Jesus and the Samaritan woman teach us about overcoming social and cultural differences in our lives?
Answer: This meeting shows that Jesus does not adhere to social and cultural differences. As Christians, we should follow his example by reaching out to others regardless of social or cultural differences, fostering inclusivity and compassion.

2. How can we apply the concept of “living water” in our daily spiritual practices?
Answer: “Living water” symbolises the eternal life and fulfilment that Jesus offers. By regularly praying, reading the bible, and looking for the Holy Spirit’s guidance in our lives, we can experience this spiritual “water” in our everyday lives.

3. What does Jesus’ teaching about worshipping in spirit and truth mean?
Answer: Worshipping in spirit and truth means focusing on real, heartfelt worship rather than just doing traditions. Christians today can apply this by making sure their worship is real and based in a personal relationship with God, rather than just traditional practices.

4. How can we find purpose from Jesus’ teaching that his “food” is to do God’s will?
Answer: Jesus found satisfaction in doing God’s purpose. Similarly, we can find strength and purpose by focusing on God’s work, knowing that serving Him brings true fulfilment and spiritual satisfaction.

5. In what ways can we demonstrate belief similar to the officer who trusted Jesus’ word about his son’s healing?
Answer: The officer believed Jesus’ words without any immediate evidence. We can show similar faith by believing in God’s promises and guidance even when we do not see immediate results, knowing that God’s timing and ways are perfect.

John Chapter 4 Explained

This chapter begins with Jesus’ decision to leave Judea for Galilee to avoid increasing attention from the Pharisees. His journey takes him through Samaria, where there was cultural and religious conflicts between Jews and Samaritans.

At Jacob’s well, Jesus’ meeting with the Samaritan woman breaks several cultural barriers. Firstly, Jews typically did not hang out with Samaritans, and secondly, teachers didn’t talk to women about their study of scriptures. Jesus’ request for water starts a conversation that reveals His mission to offer salvation to everyone in the world. His mention of “living water” goes beyond the physical need and points to spiritual satisfaction, symbolising the eternal life and satisfaction found in Him.

The conversation between Jesus and the woman also reveals her personal history, showing Jesus’ knowledge and care. Jesus invites her to acknowledge her need for spiritual rebirth by discussing her past. This leads her to see Jesus as a prophet and to a deeper discussion about real worship. Jesus declares that true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, shifting focus from physical locations to the sincerity and authenticity of worship.

The woman’s transformation is immediate. She leaves her water jar, possibly representing a departure from her old life, and becomes tells her community about Jesus, who “told me everything I ever did”. This leads many Samaritans to believe in him, showing the power of personal stories in teaching the Gospel.

Meanwhile, Jesus’ conversation with His disciples introduces the illustration of the spiritual harvest. He teaches that the fields are ready for harvest, urging His disciples to recognise the urgency and opportunity for evangelism. This reinforces the idea that Jesus’ mission is to gather believers, a task that involves both sowing and reaping by different workers in God’s kingdom.

The chapter finishes with a story about a royal officer from Capernaum who asks for Jesus’ help for his dying son. Despite Jesus’ initial words about people needing signs and wonders to believe, the officer’s faith is firm. Jesus heals the boy from a distance, showing His authority and the power of faith. This miracle not only heals the boy but also leads the officer and his family to believe in Jesus, showing the effects of belief and divine help.

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

---

Continue exploring John 4

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 4 in the English Standard Version.
For a translation that aims to be more thought-for-thought, try John 4 in the New International Version.
For a translation that aims to communicate the overall meaning, try John 4 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
Mark (The Story of God Bible Commentary)
For a commentary that goes into more depth:
The Gospel of John (The New International Commentary on the New Testament)

There was a Pharisee man named Nicodemus who was a Jewish leader.

Nicodemus came to Jesus one night and said, “Teacher, we know you’re a teacher from God because no one can do these miracles unless God is with him.”

Jesus replied, “I’m honestly telling you that unless someone is born from above, they can’t see God’s kingdom.”

“How can a person be reborn as an old man?” Nicodemus asked. “He can’t enter his mum’s womb again and be reborn.”

“I’m honestly telling you,” Jesus answered, “that unless someone is born of water and spirit, he can’t enter God’s kingdom. The body gives birth to the body, and the Spirit gives birth to spirit. Don’t be amazed because I said, ‘It’s required that you be born again’. The wind blows where it wants and you can hear it, but you don’t know where it comes from or where it’s going. Just like anyone born of the Spirit.”

“How can this be true?” Nicodemus asked.

Jesus said, “You don’t understand this as a teacher of Israel? Honestly, we are telling you what we know and testify what we have seen and you still don’t accept what we say. If I tell you about things regarding the world and you don’t believe it, how will you believe when I tell you about heavenly things? No one has gone up to heaven except for those who came down from heaven, such as the Son of Man. Just like Moses lifted a snake in the wilderness, it is required that the Son of Man be lifted so that everyone who trusts in him will have life that never ends, because God loves the world. Therefore, God gave his only Son so everyone who trusts in Jesus will not be destroyed but have everlasting life. This is because God didn’t send his Son to the world to judge the world but to save the world.

Whoever believes in Jesus is not judged, but whoever doesn’t believe is judged because they don’t believe in the name of God’s only son.

This is the judgement: the light has come to the world and people cared for the darkness more than the light, because they did evil things. Everyone who does evil things hates the light and doesn’t come to the light as his behaviours will be made clear, but whoever practices the truth comes to the light and their behaviours are made clear because they are performed in God.”

Jesus and his disciples then went into Judean land where Jesus stayed and baptised people.

Before John had been thrown into prison, John was also baptising at Aenon, near Salim, because that is where there was a lot of water. People were coming and being baptised.

There was an argument between John’s disciples and a Jew regarding ceremonial cleaning.

The disciples came to John and said, “Teacher, the person that was with you on the other side of the Jordan river, who you were witnessing about, is baptising and everyone is going to him.”

John replied, “A person can’t receive anything unless it is given to him from heaven. You tell others that I said, ‘I’m not the Christ but I’m sent before the Christ.’ The groom marries the bride. The groom’s friends, who stand and hear him, celebrate with joy for the groom’s voice. I am full of joy. That person needs to increase and I need to decrease. The one who comes from above is above everything. The one who is from the world is from the world and talks about worldly things. The one who comes from heaven is above everything. He testifies about what he has seen and heard, but no one accepts what he says. The one who accepts what he says confirms that God is truthful. The one who God sent speaks God’s words because he God gives the Spirit without limit. The Father loves the Son and has given everything into his hands. The one who trusts in the Son has everlasting life, but whoever disobeys the Son will not experience life. God’s displeasure will stay on them.

John Chapter 3 Summary

Jesus teaches Nicodemus, a Jewish leader, about the importance of being born again through water and the Spirit to see and enter God’s kingdom. Jesus compares the Spirit to the wind, unseen but powerful, and highlights the importance of belief in Him for eternal life, referencing God’s love in sending His Son not to judge but to save the world. Those who believe in Jesus are not judged, but those who reject Him face judgment because they prefer darkness over light.

Jesus then goes to Judea with His disciples to baptise, near where John the Baptist was also continued baptising. John’s disciples are concerned about Jesus’ growing following. John responds by rejoicing in Jesus’ success and acknowledging that his role was to prepare the way for Christ. John confirms Jesus’ mission, sharing that belief in Jesus brings eternal life, while rejection brings God’s displeasure.

John Chapter 3 Bible Study Questions and Answers

1. Why did Nicodemus approach Jesus at night, and what does this tell us about his character and his quest for truth?
Answer: Nicodemus approached Jesus at night possibly because he wanted a private conversation. This shows his genuine curiosity and desire to understand Jesus’ teachings despite potential risks to his reputation.

2. What does it mean to be ‘born again’ in the context of Christian living, and how can this concept be applied to one’s daily life?
Answer: Being ‘born again’ means experiencing a spiritual rebirth through faith in Jesus Christ and having he Holy Spirit. In daily life, this means living in a way that reflects spiritual transformation, prioritising God’s will, and showing Christ-like love and compassion to others.

3. How can Jesus’ teaching on light and darkness influence our actions and choices as Christians?
Answer: Jesus’ teaching encourages us to live clearly and truthfully, embracing the light by doing good works and avoiding evil. It challenges us to not sin and be honest about our actions, seeking to show God’s light in our lives.

4. What can we learn from John the Baptist’s attitude towards Jesus’ growing ministry?
Answer: John the Baptist’s joy in Jesus’ success teach us the importance of recognising our roles in God’s plan, supporting and celebrating other people’s successes in ministry, and prioritising Christ’s glory over our own personal ambitions.

5. How does this chapter teach the main points of Jesus’ good news, and how should it shape our understanding of God’s love and our response to it?
Answer: John 3 highlights God’s incredible love in sacrificing His only Son to save us. It should shape our understanding of God’s unconditional love and inspire us to respond with trust, thankfulness, and a commitment and desire to share this message with others.

John Chapter 3 Explained

John 3 is a pivotal chapter in the New Testament, providing insights into Jesus’ teachings on rebirth, belief, and salvation. Nicodemus, a Pharisee leader, contacts Jesus at night, possibly due to fear of judgement from his peers. His conversation with Jesus reveals his genuine curiosity and respect for Jesus as a God-inspired teacher. However, Nicodemus struggles to understand Jesus’ teaching of being ‘born again,’ and asks how one can re-enter their mother’s womb.

Jesus clarifies that being ‘born again’ involves a spiritual rebirth, not a physical one. This rebirth is achieved through water and the Spirit, referring to baptism and the transformative work of the Holy Spirit. Jesus teaches that the Spirit is like the wind, invisible yet powerful and life-changing. This concept challenges Nicodemus, reflecting the broader challenge many face in understanding these truths.

Jesus further explains that understanding earthly things is foundational to understanding heavenly matters. He gives the illustration of Moses lifting the snake in the wilderness to explain His own coming death. Just as those who looked at the bronze snake were healed, people who believe in Jesus will have eternal life. This leads to the famous teaching of the Jesus’ core message: God’s incredible love for the world’s people resulted in God giving His only Son to offer eternal life to all who believe.

John the Baptist continues his baptism ministry even as Jesus gains more followers. John’s disciples are concerned over Jesus’ growing popularity, but John responds with joy. He tells the disciples that his role is to prepare the way for Jesus, comparing himself to a friend rejoicing at the groom’s marriage. John’s statement, “He must increase, but I must decrease,” shows his understanding of his mission and selfless attitude.

John concludes by confirming Jesus’ origin and ultimate authority. He contrasts earthly and heavenly views, teaching that Jesus, who comes from above, is discussing what He has seen and heard from God. While many people reject what Jesus says, people who accept it, accept God’s truthfulness. John says everyone has an important choice to make: believe in Jesus, which leads to eternal life, or reject Jesus, which leads to remaining under God’s displeasure.

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

---

Continue exploring John 3

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 3 in the English Standard Version.
For a translation that aims to be more thought-for-thought, try John 3 in the New International Version.
For a translation that aims to communicate the overall meaning, try John 3 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
Mark (The Story of God Bible Commentary)
For a commentary that goes into more depth:
The Gospel of John (The New International Commentary on the New Testament)

The next day, there was a wedding in Cana, Galilee. Jesus’ mum, Jesus and his disciples were all there.

The wine was finished, and Jesus’ mum said to him, “They’re out of wine!”

Jesus replied, “What does this have to do with me, ma’am? My time hasn’t arrived.”

His mum said to the servants, “Do what he tells you to do.”

Six stone water jars were there for the Jew’s ceremonial cleaning. Each jar held about 80 or 120 litres.

Jesus said to the servants, “Fill the jars with water.” So the servants filled them to the top.

Jesus then instructed, “Take some out and give it to the party planner.” So they did.

The party planner tasted the water that had changed to wine. He didn’t know where it came from, but the servants did.

The party planner went to the groom and said, “People usually serve the good wine first and then the worse wine when they are drunk. You kept the good wine until now.”

This was the first miracle Jesus did at Cana, Galilee. It showed his glory, and his disciples trusted him.

Jesus then went down to Capernaum with his mum, brothers and disciples where they stayed for several days.

The Jews’ Passover was happening soon, so Jesus then went up to Jerusalem.

In the temple, Jesus found people selling cows, sheep and doves and found money exchangers sitting around. He made a rope whip and sent them out of the temple with the sheep and oxen. He  tipped money exchanger’s coins out and tipped over the tables.

He said to the dove sellers, “Take these away. Don’t make my Father’s house a market.”

Jesus’ disciples remembered the quote, ‘Passion for your house will consume me.’

The Jews said to Jesus, “Show us a miracle to prove you are allowed to do these things.”

Jesus replied, “Destroy the temple, and I will raise it up in three days.”

“This temple has taken 46 years so far to be built. How will you raise it up in three days?” the Jews asked.

But Jesus was talking about his body as the temple.

When Jesus rose from the dead, his followers remembered this conversation, and trusted what had been written and what Jesus had said.

While Jesus was in Jerusalem during the Passover festival, many people believed in him, watching the signs he was doing. Jesus, however, didn’t entrust himself to them because he knew them, and he didn’t need anyone to testify about people. He knew what was in people.

John Chapter 2 Summary

Jesus attends a wedding in Cana with his mum and disciples. When the wine runs out, his mum asks him to help. Jesus tells the servants to fill six large stone jars with water, which he turns into wine. Later, Jesus goes to Jerusalem for the Passover. At the temple, he finds sellers and money exchangers doing business. He drives them out with a whip, overturning their tables and declaring that the temple is his Father’s house, not a marketplace. When the Jews demand a sign showing his authority, Jesus speaks of destroying the temple and raising it in three days, referring to his death and resurrection. Many people trust in Jesus because of his miracles, but he remains cautious, understanding people’s nature and not entrusting himself to them.

John Chapter 2 Bible Study Questions and Answers

1. What does the miracle at the wedding teach us about Jesus’ relationship with his mum and his response to needs?
Answer: This event shows Jesus’ respect for his mum and his willingness to respond to human needs, even if it initially seems unnecessary in the grander scheme of things. It shows the importance of listening to and helping others.

2. How can we apply the lesson of turning water into wine in our daily lives?
Answer: This miracle shows Jesus’ power to change the ordinary into the extraordinary. It encourages us to trust in Jesus’ ability to bring change, even in seemingly hopeless situations.

3. What does Jesus’ clearing of the temple teach us about places of worship?
Answer: Jesus’ actions in the temple teach the importance of keeping worship spaces holy and free from business activities. It reminds us to respect and honour our places of worship, making sure they remain devoted to their purpose.

4. How can Jesus’ statement about destroying and raising the temple in three days enhance our understanding of his mission?
Answer: Jesus’ statement reveals the deeper meaning of his mission, which is his death and resurrection as the start of new faith. It calls us to think about the significance of Jesus’ sacrifice and resurrection in our own faith journey.

5. Why do you think Jesus did not entrust himself to the people who believed in him because of his miracles?
Answer: Jesus knew the nature of human belief and understood that faith based solely on miracles might not be deep or lasting. This teaches us to seek a deeper, more personal relationship with Jesus rather than relying only on signs and miracles for our faith.

John Chapter 2 Explained

John Chapter 2 begins with Jesus attending a wedding in Cana, Galilee. The event is an important moment in Jesus’ ministry because it’s his first recorded miracle. When the wine runs out, Jesus’ mum, Mary, brings the issue to his attention, showing her trust in his divine capabilities. Jesus’ first response, “My time hasn’t arrived,” suggests there was a timetable for his public ministry, yet he still responds to the immediate need by turning water into wine. This act shows his care and the importance of honouring his mum’s request. The miracle not only saves the wedding celebration but also reveals Jesus’ divine glory, further helping his disciples to trust in him.

The chapter then shifts to Jerusalem, where Jesus attends the Passover festival. Upon entering the temple, he encounters a scene of business where people were selling animals for sacrifices and money exchangers were conducting business. This sight provoked Jesus to take action. He makes a whip and chases out the sellers and animals, overturns the tables of the money changers, and tells them off for turning his Father’s house into a marketplace. This clearing of the temple shows Jesus’ passion for keeping worship pure, and his authority over the temple. It serves as a call to respect and keep the purity of places dedicated to God.

When the Jews challenge Jesus, demanding a sign to prove he was allowed to chase them out, he vaguely replies, “Destroy this temple, and I will raise it up in three days.” This confuses the Jews, who take it literally, not understanding that Jesus is talking about his body. His prophecy refers to his death and resurrection. This conversation comes before the sacrifice Jesus would make and his victory over death, a truth his disciples only fully understand after his resurrection.

Throughout the Passover in Jerusalem, many people see Jesus’ miracles and believe in him. However, Jesus does not fully entrust himself to them, knowing that trust based just on signs isn’t very deep. He understands the complexities and often shallowness of human belief. This highlights Jesus’ sensitivity and the need for a deeper, more real faith that goes beyond seeing miracles to believe.

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

---

Continue exploring John 2

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 2 in the English Standard Version.
For a translation that aims to be more thought-for-thought, try John 2 in the New International Version.
For a translation that aims to communicate the overall meaning, try John 2 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
Mark (The Story of God Bible Commentary)
For a commentary that goes into more depth:
The Gospel of John (The New International Commentary on the New Testament)

The message was at the start and was connected with God and the message was God.

Jesus was with God at the start.

Everything was made by God. Nothing that has been made was made without him. Life was in God and life was the light of all people. The light shines through the darkness and darkness didn’t stop it.

A man arrived name John who was sent from God. He came to give witness about the light so everyone would trust because of what he said. He wasn’t the light but witnessed about the light.

The actual light, who lights every person, was coming to the world. He was in the world and the world was created by him but the world didn’t understand him. He came to his own people and they didn’t accept him, but many other accepted him. He gave those that trusted in his name the right to become children of God. They were not born of lineage or people’s wishes or the husband’s wishes, but of God. The word became a person and settled among us. We saw his glory; glory uniquely from the Father that is full of grace and truth.

John witnessed about him and yelled out, “This was who I was talking about. The person coming after me is greater than me because he existed first.”

We have received so much kindness from his completeness. Because the law was given through Moses while kindness and truth was given through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God, but Jesus, who is in the Father’s heart, reveals things.

This was John’s testimony.

The Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, “Who are you?”

John did not deny, and told them, “I’m not the Christ.”

“Then who are you?” they asked. “Are you Elijah?”

“I’m not.”

“Are you the Prophet?”

“No,” he answered.

“Who are you? Give us an answer to take back to those who sent us,” they said. “What do you say about yourself?”

John replied, “I’m yelling in the wilderness, ‘Straighten the way for the Lord’, just like Isaiah the prophet said.”

The priests had been sent from the Pharisees, and they asked John, “Why are you baptising if you are not the Christ or Elijah or the Prophet?”

“I baptise with water,” John answered. “You are standing near someone who you don’t know. There is a person coming after me. I’m not worthy to even untie his shoes.”

This all happened in Bethany, across the Jordan river, where John was baptising.

The next day, John saw Jesus coming and said, “Look, it’s the Lamb of God who takes the world’s sin! This is who I was talking about when I said, ‘A man is coming after me who is greater than me, because he existed first.’ I didn’t know him, but I came baptising so he could be revealed to Israel.”

John testified, “I saw the Spirit come down from heaven like a dove and remain on him.

I didn’t know him, but the one who sent me to baptise told me, ‘The one who baptises with the Holy Spirit is the one you see the Spirit descend and remain on him. I see and testify that this is God’s chosen one.”

The next day, John was standing with two disciples. John looked at Jesus as he walked by and said, “Look, the Lamb of God”

The two disciples heard him and followed Jesus.

Jesus turned around and saw them following. He asked, “What are you looking for?”

They replied, “Teacher, where are you staying?

Jesus said, “Come and see.” So they went and saw where he was staying, and stayed with him for the day, from around 10 o’clock.

Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was one of the two who listened to John and followed him. He found his brother Simon and said, “We have found the Christ!”

He brought Simon to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, “You are Simon, John’s son. You will be called Peter.”

Jesus wanted to leave the next day for Galilee. He found Phillip and said, “Follow me.”

Phillip was from Bethsaida, the same town as Andrew and Peter. Phillip found Nathaniel and said, “We’ve found the person who Moses and the prophets wrote about. It’s Jesus, Jospeh’s son, from Nazareth.”

Nathaniel replied, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?”

“Come, see!” Phillip said.

Jesus saw Nathanial coming and said to him, “Look, an Israelite with no hidden motives.”

Nathaniel replied, “Where do you know me from?”
“I saw you before Phillip called you under the fig tree,” Jesus said.

Nathaniel said, “Teacher, you are the God’s son! You are Israel’s king.”

“You trust me because I said I saw you under the fig tree?” Jesus replied. “You will see things greater than that. I’m honestly telling you that you will see the sky open and God’s angels going up and down to the Son of Man.”

John Chapter 1 Summary

The chapter begins by declaring that everything was made through Jesus, and in Him was life and light that darkness could not overcome. John the Baptist is introduced as a witness to this light, preparing the way for Jesus. Despite being the true light, many did not recognise or accept Jesus, but those who did were given the right to become God’s children.

John the Baptist denies being the Messiah, Elijah, or the Prophet. Instead, he says he is a voice preparing the way for the Lord. He baptises with water, but explains there is one greater who will baptise with the Holy Spirit. Jesus is later revealed by John as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. As Jesus begins His ministry, He calls His first disciples, including Andrew, Simon Peter, Philip, and Nathanael. They see Him as the Messiah and the Son of God, starting His ministry.

John Chapter 1 Bible Study Questions and Answers

1. What does it mean for Jesus to be the “Word”?
Answer: Jesus as the “Word” highlights His divine nature. Jesus is not just a historical person but the very foundation of life and light. Understanding this can deepen one’s appreciation for Jesus’ authority and presence their life.

2. How can we reflect the light of Jesus in our lives?
Answer: Reflecting the light of Jesus involves living out His teachings by showing kindness, love, and grace to others. It means being a “witness” to His truth and holding the values of God’s kingdom in our behaviours and decisions.

3. Why is it significant that John the Baptist emphasised he was not the Messiah?
Answer: John the Baptist’s humility and clear identification of his role illustrates the importance of recognising our place in God’s plan. It teaches the value of pointing others to Jesus rather than seeking personal glory.

4. How can we prepare the Lord’s way today, similar to John the Baptist’s mission?
Answer: We can prepare the Lord’s way by sharing the gospel, serving and loving others, and creating environments where others can encounter Jesus. This involves both talking about Jesus and living as a reflection of His teachings and character.

5. How can the first disciples’ immediate responses to Jesus’ call inspire us?
Answer: The first disciples’ readiness to follow Jesus demonstrates the importance of responsiveness and obedience in our faith journey. It challenges us to prioritise our relationship with Jesus and to be willing to leave behind our comfort zones to follow Him.

John Chapter 1 Explained

John Chapter 1 sets the scene, both the story and theology, for the rest of the book. It begins with a prologue that identifies Jesus as the Word who was with God and was God from the beginning. This describes his divine nature and pre-existence, indicating that all things were created through him. The imagery of Jesus as the light of men that darkness cannot overcome is a powerful illustration for his illuminating presence in a fallen world.

We are then introduced to John the Baptist, who serves as a pivotal figure in preparing the way for Jesus. John’s role is to bear witness to the light—he himself is not the light but a messenger. This distinction is crucial as it highlights the humility and purpose of John’s ministry which is pointing others to Christ. John’s baptism with water is contrasted with Jesus’ future baptism with the Holy Spirit, showing the transformative work that Jesus would accomplish.

Despite Jesus being the true light, the chapter explains that he was not recognised or accepted by many of his own people (Jews). However, those who did receive him were given the right to become children of God, showing the inclusiveness of Jesus’ mission.

John the Baptist’s testimony about Jesus as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world is central to understanding Jesus’ sacrificial role. Jesus’ mission was to pay for humanity’s sins. John’s recognition of Jesus as someone greater points to the shift from the old agreement people had with God to the new one established through Jesus.

There is then a story pivot to Jesus calling the first disciples. Jesus’ invitation to “come and see” is an open call to all. The immediate and enthusiastic responses of Andrew, Simon Peter, Philip, and Nathanael show the compelling and trustworthy presence of Jesus. Their recognition of Jesus as the saviour and God’s son sets a tone for the followers that will continue throughout the Gospel.

Nathanael’s shows some initial reluctance, hearing that Jesus was from Nazareth, but then he acknowledges Jesus as God’s son. This shows the transformative power of meeting Jesus. The chapter concludes with Jesus’ promise of revealing many great things, indicating that the journey with Jesus is one of continuous learning, discovery and faith that strengthens.

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

---

Continue exploring John 1

If you’d like to read John 1 in other translations, here are a few BibleHub links:
For a translation that aims to be word-for-word, try John 1 in the English Standard Version.
For a translation that aims to be more thought-for-thought, try John 1 in the New International Version.
For a translation that aims to communicate the overall meaning, try John 1 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)