John 15:1-8 – Vine and branches</h1> <article> <h1>John 15:1-8 – Vine and branches</h1> <p>noreply@blogger.com (Chris Jefferies) — Tue, 30 Jul 2024 19:31:00 +0000</p> <a href="http://www.blogger.com/link">< Previous</a> | <a href="http://gospel.scilla.org.uk/2013/08/index-of-posts.html">Index</a><br /> <br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px;">Bible text – </span><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+15%3A1-8&version=NIVUK" rel="noreferrer noopener" style="background-color: white; box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #007acc; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Read it yourself</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px;"> (opens in a new tab)</span><div><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif;"><br /></span><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #1a1a1a;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Jesus has been talking to his closest followers, the small group of twelve who were travelling with him. Now he begins to use the idea of a vine. Remember that everyone in Israel would have known what a grapevine is like, they were widely grown and wine was an important item in ceremonies as well as in ordinary life. It was essential in weddings, in the passover meal and so forth.</span></span></div><div><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 16px;">He now makes a strange claim, he says that he himself is a vine. Not only that, but he is the </span><em style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 16px;">true</em><span style="background-color: white; color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 16px;"> vine. And he mentions that his Father is the gardener, though we shouldn’t think in terms of someone who looks after fruit, flowers and vegetables in the way we would today. Israel is the old vineyard, and Father is much more than just an employed labourer, he is the vineyard owner. The old vineyard (Israel) has not been fruitful. Jesus is a new vine and his Father will prune the branches to make him more fruitful. If you prune a vine wisely it becomes more vigorous and more fruitful; that’s true of all kinds of fruit tree too, anyone who manages an orchard will tell you that ageing trees fruit less but can be reinvigorated by good pruning. Old or diseased branches need to be removed and the others cut back to a strong, healthy bud.</span></span></div><div><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">And Jesus goes on to tell his followers, ‘You are the branches’! Who are his followers? Two thousand years ago they were the twelve disciples who followed him everywhere and were hungry to hear whatever he had to say. Today the things that he said to them, apply to us also. We are his branches, we are attached to him.</span></span></div><div><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: inherit;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>A two way relationship</b> - Notice that this is a two-way relationship. Jesus says we’ll be very fruitful if we remain in him and he remains in us. And notice too that it’s an all or nothing relationship; we’ll either be very fruitful or we can do nothing. There’s no option that makes us partly fruitful, or reasonably fruitful, fruitful in some things but not in others. We are fully in; or we are fully out. You will be precious and treasured, or you will be trash. So which will you choose? Will you be attached to the one true vine, or will you be disconnected?</span></span></div><div><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.75em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">And in verse seven we learn that if we remain in him and his words remain in us, we can ask anything we wish and it will be done for us! We need to be careful here, though. Jesus is not telling us that we can ask for things that are not in his will and purpose. He expects us to know we can ask anything <em style="box-sizing: inherit;">in his Name</em> and receive it. There’s no point in asking for something that will harm or destroy your enemies, for example, because Jesus made it clear that we are to <em style="box-sizing: inherit;">love</em> our enemy. If I ask for wrong things, I am not remaining in him and his word is not remaining in me.</span></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.75em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">While the nails were being driven through him into the cross, Jesus asked for something. He said, ‘Father forgive them, they have no idea what they’re doing’. Was that prayer answered? You bet it was. It’s a tremendous example of loving your enemy, isn’t it! Maybe one of those Romans was the one who later said, ‘Truly this man <em style="box-sizing: inherit;">was</em> the Son of God’.</span></p><div><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.75em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Glorifying the Father</b> - Finally, in verse eight we see the purpose of it all. It’s not about us at all. It’s not even about Jesus. It’s about the Father! Being very fruitful, and showing ourselves to be followers of Jesus, simply brings glory to the person who truly deserves it and should always receive it – the Father.</span></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.75em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Our Father, who is far beyond our reach, let your Name be utterly holy, may Your will and purpose be done here on Earth, just as it is in Your dwelling place.</span></p></div> <br /> <a href="http://www.blogger.com/link">< Previous</a> | <a href="http://gospel.scilla.org.uk/2013/08/index-of-posts.html">Index</a></div></div> </article> <article> <h1>John 14:22-31 – Not to the world?</h1> <p>noreply@blogger.com (Chris Jefferies) — Sat, 20 Apr 2024 15:45:00 +0000</p> <span><a href="https://gospel.scilla.org.uk/2024/04/john-1415-21-promising-spirit.html" style="font-family: arial;">< Previous</a><span style="font-family: arial;"> | </span><a href="http://gospel.scilla.org.uk/2013/08/index-of-posts.html" style="font-family: arial;">Index</a><span style="font-family: arial;"> | Next > (Switch to </span><a href="https://jhm.scilla.org.uk/2024/04/18/john-1422-31-not-to-the-world/" style="font-family: arial;">JHM</a><span style="font-family: arial;">)</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;">Bible text - </span><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+14%3A8-14&version=NIVUK" style="background-color: white; color: #5421bb; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Read it yourself</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666;"> </span><span style="background-color: white;">(opens in a new tab)</span></span></span><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />‘Why are you showing yourself to us, but not to the world?’ This is such an interesting question, it’s also a natural question. Judas (not Iscariot) wants to know why Jesus shows himself to the twelve, but not to the world. The question suggests it’s Jesus’ choice to hide himself from most people but show himself to a few. Judas is right to find this strange! But it’s not what Jesus has in mind.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">In verse 23, he responds by saying that for everyone who loves him, he and the Father will come and make their home in that person. In other words, it’s not just for the twelve, but for anyone in the world who loves Jesus. Or to put it another way, the answer is that he will reveal himself to anyone – if they love him. He doesn’t hide from anybody, but those who don’t love him can never truly see him.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Short of time</b> - Jesus needs to wind the conversation up because he knows what will happen next. He reminds them again of the promised Spirit and tells them that he and his Father will live within them; and the Spirit will teach them and remind them of everything they need to know. He also promises to leave his peace with them, and tells them not to worry or be afraid. This seems to me particularly striking when you consider what Jesus is about to go through at the hands of the Sanhedrin and the Roman governor.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">And finally, in verses 28 to 31, he reminds them that he’s going to the Father who is greater than he is, and they will be glad (once they understand the significance of this). So, in what way is the Father greater than the Son? Does this idea even make any sense when we know that Father, Son and Spirit are co-equal within the structure we call ‘trinity’, the three in oneness that they share together? Perhaps the answer is simply that Jesus has limited himself within a human body in order to reach us in this world. For more than 30 years he has remained limited, but in returning to the Father he will regain the ability to be present everywhere at every moment of time with all of his people. In his human body he is inevitably less powerful than the Father, only able to act in the one place and time where he finds himself. He took on our limitations so that he could reach us on our level, in ways we can understand. That time is coming to an end as he returns to the Father.<br /><br /><b>Time’s up</b> - And then they leave, and the final act will open.</span><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /><a href="https://gospel.scilla.org.uk/2024/04/john-1415-21-promising-spirit.html">< Previous</a> | <a href="http://gospel.scilla.org.uk/2013/08/index-of-posts.html">Index</a> | Next ></span></div></div> </article> <article> <h1>John 14:15-21 - Promising the Spirit</h1> <p>noreply@blogger.com (Chris Jefferies) — Sat, 20 Apr 2024 07:51:00 +0000</p> <a href="https://gospel.scilla.org.uk/2023/03/john-148-14-making-it-clear.html">< Previous</a> | <a href="http://gospel.scilla.org.uk/2013/08/index-of-posts.html">Index</a> | <a href="https://gospel.scilla.org.uk/2024/04/john-1422-31-not-to-world.html">Next ></a> (Switch to <a href="https://jhm.scilla.org.uk/2023/05/22/john-1415-21-promising-the-spirit/">JHM</a>)<br /><br />Bible text - <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=john+14%3A15-21&version=NIVUKhttps://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+14%3A1-7&version=NIVUK">Read it yourself</a> (opens in a new tab)<br /><br />Verse 15 is a big ‘if’. Jesus doesn’t ask us to do what he tells us; he simply points out that, if we love him, we will do what he says. So we are faced with the reality of what is in our hearts where Jesus is concerned. Do I love him, or don’t I? How far will I go in following him? Some of the way? All of the way?<br /><br /><b>The Spirit of Truth</b> - The Holy Spirit comes as a gift from the Father in answer to a request from Jesus. And the Spirit is pretty special because he speaks for us, helps us, and will always stay with us. Read this personally – The Spirit of Christ, sent by the Father, speaks for you, helps you, and will always stay with you. Has this been your experience? If not, perhaps you need to get to know Jesus even better and make sure that you truly love him and therefore keep his commands. Look deeper into your own heart and pay more attention to your daily experience on this journey with Jesus. (If you’re still in doubt, press the ‘Previous’ link twice and re-read the notes on verses 1-7.) The Spirit of Christ cannot be anything but the Spirit of Truth, because Jesus declared himself to be ‘the Way, the Truth, and the Life’.<br /><br /><b>Pity the poor world!</b> - ‘The world’ is a way of saying ‘worldly people’ – in other words people who know the world, but have little or no clue about Jesus. Knowing the world is our default position, as we grow and experience life, we get to know the world and its ways better and better. That’s life! But this knowing provides no way to become familiar with the Spirit of Truth.<br /><br />But if you are following Jesus, you will see and know his Spirit because the Spirit lives with you – inside you.<br /><br /><b>Leaving us?</b> - The disciples didn’t yet fully understand what was happening. Jesus is going to leave them, but not like children without parents. Verse 18 is very clear, Jesus absolutely and explicitly tells them that he, the Son, and the Spirit (his Spirit) are one. They are not quite the same, but they cannot be separated. Jesus has a human bodily form and therefore lives with, but outside, the disciples; the Spirit has no bodily form and will live inside the disciples. Not only that: they will realise that Jesus is in his Father, and he is also in them. If Jesus is in us and he is also in the Father, then we too are somehow part of their oneness!<br /><br /><b>Back to verse 15</b> - Verse 15 is reiterated in verse 21. If we have and keep Jesus’ commands, then we love him. And if we love Jesus, the Father will love us, Jesus will love us, and he’ll show himself to us. We are in such a safe place! All our lives we existed in a physical reality, but now we live in a spiritual reality as well!<div><br /><a href="https://gospel.scilla.org.uk/2023/03/john-148-14-making-it-clear.html">< Previous</a> | <a href="http://gospel.scilla.org.uk/2013/08/index-of-posts.html">Index</a> | <a href="https://gospel.scilla.org.uk/2024/04/john-1422-31-not-to-world.html">Next ></a><br /></div> </article> <article> <h1>John 14:8-14 - Making it clear</h1> <p>noreply@blogger.com (Chris Jefferies) — Wed, 15 Mar 2023 18:05:00 +0000</p> <span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://gospel.scilla.org.uk/2023/02/john-141-7-troubled.html">< Previous</a> | <a href="http://gospel.scilla.org.uk/2013/08/index-of-posts.html">Index</a> | <a href="https://gospel.scilla.org.uk/2024/04/john-1415-21-promising-spirit.html">Next ></a> Switch to <a href="https://jhm.scilla.org.uk/2023/03/15/making-it-clear/">JHM</a>)<br /><br /><span style="background-color: white;">Bible text - </span><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+14%3A8-14&version=NIVUK" style="background-color: white; color: #5421bb; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Read it yourself</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666;"> </span><span style="background-color: white;">(opens in a new tab)</span></span><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">This must have felt frustrating; Jesus has already explained to them all and then added more to help Thomas. But now Philip doesn't understand either. But Jesus is able to cope with anything, and in this he leads the way for us; frustration doesn't lead to impatience. We are called to be patient as he is patient.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Philip asks Jesus to show the Father to the puzzled, anxious disciples, and he adds that doing so will satisfy them. Jesus is surprised. I've been with you all this time, Philip: how can you <i>not</i> know me?</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Simple truth</b></span><span style="font-family: arial;"> - And he explains again the simple truth that he and his Father are one, 'I'm in the Father, and he's in me'. This simple truth is hard for Philip to grasp </span><i style="font-family: arial;">because</i><span style="font-family: arial;"> it is so deep, so astonishing, yet so simple. Surely far too simple to be true, and far too shocking as well. Nobody has ever made claims like this before! It is either true, or Jesus is utterly deluded, or at worst he's a complete fraud. No wonder Philip struggles! Jesus tells him that if he can't believe what he says, he should certainly believe what he's been doing - healing the sick, raising the dead, forgiving the guilty. Who else but the Father himself could do this stuff?</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>The Father's glory</b> - If you believe in me you'll do even greater things because, when I'm in the Father's presence, you'll be able to ask whatever is needed and I'll do it for you. Why? Because the Father's glory (the Presence that has long been in the holiest place in the Temple) will instead be in Jesus and his glory will no longer be contained in the Holy of Holies but will be contained in Jesus instead. And although Jesus doesn't say so here, the Father's glory will therefore be in the church because we, the church, are Jesus' body here in the world. Perhaps this is not fully understood or expressed until the Holy Spirit reveals it to Paul on the Damascus road. Paul knew only too well that the Presence had left the Holy Place, it was now desolate and empty, utterly destroyed by a Roman Army. There is a new Holy Place, the church, inhabited by the Son, and through him, by the Father too since they are one. Although this was plain to Paul after the Temple's destruction, it may have been far less clear to the disciples while the Temple still stood intact.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">We carry an inestimable treasure with us wherever we go! And if <i>that</i> doesn't fill you with hope, joy, and encouragement, I don't know what will.<br /></span><div><span style="font-family: arial;"> <br /> <a href="https://gospel.scilla.org.uk/2023/02/john-141-7-troubled.html">< Previous</a> | <a href="http://gospel.scilla.org.uk/2013/08/index-of-posts.html">Index</a></span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">| </span><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://gospel.scilla.org.uk/2024/04/john-1415-21-promising-spirit.html">Next ></a></span></div></div> </article> <article> <h1>John 14:1-7 - Troubled</h1> <p>noreply@blogger.com (Chris Jefferies) — Fri, 03 Feb 2023 18:38:00 +0000</p> <h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name" style="background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0.75em 0px 0px; position: relative;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"><a href="https://gospel.scilla.org.uk/2015/05/john-1331-38-denied.html" style="color: #666666;">< Previous</a><span style="color: black;"> | </span><a href="https://gospel.scilla.org.uk/2013/08/index-of-posts.html" style="color: #666666;">Index</a> </span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;">| <a href="https://jhm.scilla.org.uk/2023/03/15/making-it-clear/">Next</a> ></span></h3><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Bible text - </span><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+14%3A1-7&version=NIVUK" style="font-family: arial;" target="_blank">Read it yourself</a><span style="font-family: arial;"> (opens in a new tab)</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Jesus has been talking about his betrayal, I think we can assume that all those around him at the table will be alarmed, confused, and liable to ask questions. Perhaps some were afraid to show their ignorance by asking, so remained quiet. They were people just like us!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Trust</b> - Jesus tells them not to be in so much turmoil, he reminds them that they have put their trust in the Father so they should put their trust in him too. This is quite a stretch for people brought up in the Jewish tradition; hadn't they always been taught there's a dualism here? On one hand there is the great creator Lord who brought everything into existence. On the other is the mass of humanity formed from dust, often evil, disobedient, untrustworthy. And between the two is a huge divide that cannot be crossed - isn't there? Jesus is effectively saying that they <i>should </i>trust him just like they would the Almighty himself!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Plenty of Room</b> - Jesus refers to the Almighty as his Father! Maybe they were used to hearing this from him by now. But he says there's plenty of space in 'my Father's house' and that he's going to get places ready for them. I suspect most Jews, given the concept of Yahweh's house, would have immediately thought of the lavish Temple with its Holy Place where the glory of the Most High lived. Jesus is saying there's room for <i>us</i> in the Holy of Holies? Surely not! And Jesus adds, 'You know the way there'.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Surely Thomas speaks for most of them when he says, 'No <i>idea</i> what you are talking about, Rabbi'. Obviously Jesus can't mean the holy heart of the Temple, only the Chief Priest is allowed in there, and only once a year at that. Jesus' reply is fascinating.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Way, truth and life</b> - He tells Thomas that he himself is the way to this holiest of places. In the same breath he says that he is also the truth, and the life. He is the way to the dwelling place of the Most High, he is the truth (much of which he's been teaching them by his words and examples for about three years), and he is also life itself. 'If you know me, you already know the Father. From now on', Jesus says, 'You <i>do </i>know the Father'.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">It's the same for us today, isn't it? If you <i>really</i> know Jesus, you know the Father too. They are, in fact, one and the same. If you're not sure if you know the Father - then get to know Jesus better! He is the Way, and the Truth, and the Life. He is all you could possibly need.<br /><br />Here's a secret to treasure. If the church is Christ's body (1 Cor 12:37), here in the world today, then Jesus is the Holy of Holies <i>within</i> the church, the place where Yahweh has made his home among us.</span></div> <span style="font-family: arial;"><br /> <a href="https://gospel.scilla.org.uk/2015/05/john-1331-38-denied.html">< Previous</a> | <a href="https://gospel.scilla.org.uk/2013/08/index-of-posts.html">Index</a></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;">| </span><a href="https://jhm.scilla.org.uk/2023/03/15/making-it-clear/" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial;">Next</a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial;">></span> </article> <article> <h1>John 13:31-38 - Denied</h1> <p>noreply@blogger.com (Chris Jefferies) — Sun, 03 May 2015 20:29:00 +0000</p> <span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="http://gospel.scilla.org.uk/2015/04/john-1318-30-betrayed.html">< Previous</a> | <a href="http://gospel.scilla.org.uk/2013/08/index-of-posts.html">Index</a> | <a href="https://gospel.scilla.org.uk/2023/02/john-141-7-troubled.html">Next</a> ><br /> <br /> There's a great deal to absorb in these eight verses. Jesus deals with three topics, and Peter has questions about one of them.<br /> <br /> <b>Glory</b> - The first topic is glory; he doesn't begin talking about this until Judas has left. Jesus tells them that the Son is glorified and the Almighty is glorified <i>in</i> him. And he explains that if this is so, the Almighty will glorify the Son in himself and will do so immediately. Do you see the symmetry here? The Father is glorified in the Son, and the Son is glorified in the Father - at the same time.<br /> <br /> Can anyone, even Jesus, share the glory of the Father? Yes! The passage becomes clearer if we read some related material as well. Check out John 17:4-5, John 17:9-11 and John 17:20-23. Do you see how his disciples then and his disciples now (you and me!) all share in his glory? The glory of the Father is in and upon <i>you</i>! This is a mystery, incomprehensible to most of the Jewish religious leaders, yet it is what Jesus explicitly tells us.<br /> <br /> <b>Going</b> - Jesus is soon going to leave them behind (John 13:33). He tells them this simply and plainly. They probably didn't like what they heard, but nor did they really understand what he meant. And Jesus isn't fazed by this. His followers still don't understand why he has come, his mission seems to teeter on the edge of failure. But he has done everything his Father said to do and he knows that is enough. Now <i>that</i> is faith!<br /> <br /> <b>A command</b> - The third and final word he has for them is 'love'. They are to love one another in the same way that he has loved them. This will be the evidence that they are his followers.<br /> <br /> <b>Peter's question</b> - It's always Peter! He's not afraid to say what he thinks at times when others are inclined to wonder silently. Peter wants to know where exactly Jesus is planning to go. And Jesus' answer, that Peter can't follow him now, is as perplexing as the knowledge that he is going. This provokes Peter into a further question, 'Why can't I?' And he claims that he will even die for Jesus.<br /> <br /> But of course, it is Jesus who must die for Peter, and for all of us. Jesus tells Peter that instead he will disown him three times before the first hint of morning twilight. Jesus goes on immediately to tell them not to be anxious, but this is easily overlooked because of the unfortunate placement of the chapter heading. They <i>are</i> anxious at the tone of this conversation; they need reassurance and Jesus reassures them right away.<br /> <br /><a href="http://gospel.scilla.org.uk/2015/04/john-1318-30-betrayed.html">< Previous</a> | <a href="http://gospel.scilla.org.uk/2013/08/index-of-posts.html">Index</a> | <a href="https://gospel.scilla.org.uk/2023/02/john-141-7-troubled.html">Next</a> ></span> </article> <article> <h1>John 13:18-30 - Betrayed</h1> <p>noreply@blogger.com (Chris Jefferies) — Sun, 12 Apr 2015 20:45:00 +0000</p> <a href="http://gospel.scilla.org.uk/2015/03/john-131-17-servant-heart.html">< Previous</a> | <a href="http://gospel.scilla.org.uk/2013/08/index-of-posts.html">Index</a> | <a href="http://gospel.scilla.org.uk/2015/05/john-1331-38-denied.html">Next ></a><br /> <br /> This is such a well-known passage. Is there anything here to consider, apart from the bare fact that Jesus knows who will identify him to the authorities? I think there is much more, these poignant verses are loaded with fascinating detail.<br /> <br /> Yahshua has already shown that he knows who will betray him, just read verses 10 and 11; now he speaks of this again. And he says it is to fulfil Psalm 41:9. So much that he does and says is to fulfil the Law, the Prophets and the other writings of the Tanakh. And then he says something very striking.<br /> <br /> 'Whoever accepts anyone I send accepts me; and whoever accepts me accepts the one who sent me.' (Verse 20) In other words, the Father sends the Son and the Son sends us. And if someone accepts us they are accepting Christ because he has sent us. And if they accept Christ they are accepting the Father. This is essentially who Yahshua <i>is</i>. He is the very image of the Father and we, in turn, are the image of Jesus! He is telling the disciples about Judas in advance so that they will believe that 'I am who I am'. He is the embodiment of the Father, and we are the embodiment of the Son. Or as Paul has it, we are his body and he is the Head. If we don't understand these things at a deep, deep level we understand <i>very little</i>.<br /> <br /> The simple phrase 'I am who I am' (verse 19) is enough to convict him of blasphemy in the eyes of the Chief Priest and Sanhedrin. Check out John 18:5-6 and Mark 14:61-63. The expression 'I am' might be just an innocent phrase, or it might be regarded as the Name that can never be uttered, the name Yahweh. To utter the Name was itself an act of blasphemy according to the Jewish leaders. To this day, Jews refer to him as Elohim (the Almighty), Adonai (The Lord) or Ha Shem (The Name).<br /> <br /> Of course, the disciples want to know who this betrayer will be. They are more than curious! John, prompted by Peter, asks the question. And Jesus tells him, 'It's the one I give this piece of bread to'. He dips the bread and hands it to Judas. He is one of those who shares Jesus' bread (verse 18). Jesus tells him to 'do it quickly' and Judas leaves. But the disciples still have little idea of what is going on, assuming that Judas has gone to buy supplies or donate to those in need. At this very late stage - almost the end of the final act - they are still unable to grasp even the most important things.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://gospel.scilla.org.uk/2015/03/john-131-17-servant-heart.html">< Previous</a> | <a href="http://gospel.scilla.org.uk/2013/08/index-of-posts.html">Index</a> | <a href="http://gospel.scilla.org.uk/2015/05/john-1331-38-denied.html">Next ></a> </article> <article> <h1>John 13:1-17 - A servant heart</h1> <p>noreply@blogger.com (Chris Jefferies) — Sun, 29 Mar 2015 19:09:00 +0000</p> <a href="http://gospel.scilla.org.uk/2015/03/john-1244-50-see-me-see-my-father.html">< Previous</a> | <a href="http://gospel.scilla.org.uk/2013/08/index-of-posts.html">Index</a> | <a href="http://gospel.scilla.org.uk/2015/04/john-1318-30-betrayed.html">Next ></a><br /> <br /> Jesus and his disciples were sharing an evening meal shortly before Passover. Jesus knew it was almost time to leave this world and return to the Father, but he loved his followers deeply and wanted to show them this in a way they would remember. Not only that, he wanted them to learn that they must be servants to one another.<br /> <br /> He knew that he had all power and authority from the Father, and he did something extraordinary and very unexpected. Quietly, he left the table and removed his outer robe and possibly his tunic too. Every eye would have been watching him and every mind wondering, 'What is the Master doing?'<br /> <br /> Jesus picked up a towel and wrapped it around his waist, then he filled a bowl with water and started washing the disciple's feet and drying them on the towel. This was the humbling and degrading work of a lowly servant; feet were regarded as lacking in honour, dusty as they would have been from the road. To this day Muslims remove their shoes before entering a mosque, and throwing shoes at someone is a calculated insult. The disciples seem to have taken Jesus' unexpected behaviour quietly and without making a fuss. But then Jesus comes to Peter.<br /> <br /> Peter was clearly one of those people who just said what was on his mind when others would ponder it quietly. He was not afraid to be wrong. So he came right out with it, 'Lord, are you going to wash <i>my</i> feet?' It doesn't make sense to Peter! It's not quite a refusal to be washed, but it comes pretty close. The question implies incredulity and a sense that this is an utterly inappropriate thing for Jesus to do. So Jesus explains, 'You don't understand this right now, but you will later.'<br /> <br /> But Peter isn't ready to give way. He knows the truth, he is the servant, Jesus is the Master. What Jesus is doing is back to front. (It so often <i>is</i>!) Peter declares, probably loudly, that he will not allow Jesus to wash his feet. But then Jesus puts it more starkly, 'Unless I wash you, you have no part with me'.<br /> <br /> This is too much for Peter who now declares he wants to be washed from head to toe! But the point of washing the feet is not to cleanse the whole body, it was a custom used to welcome honoured guests to your home (Luke 7:44). Jesus is welcoming the disciples into his Father's house, he is acting as a lowly servant in his Father's household and he is declaring the disciples to be honoured guests. In effect, he's saying that in his Father's house, they are more honoured than he is. This is an extraordinary statement and I suppose most of us feel about it much as Peter might have done. Yet this is what Jesus did!<br /> <br /> But then Jesus clarifies everything for them, and for us. He explains that he has demonstrated servanthood towards them so that they will remember to do the same for one another. Father, may we always be ready to have servant hearts towards one another.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://gospel.scilla.org.uk/2015/03/john-1244-50-see-me-see-my-father.html">< Previous</a> | <a href="http://gospel.scilla.org.uk/2013/08/index-of-posts.html">Index</a> | <a href="http://gospel.scilla.org.uk/2015/04/john-1318-30-betrayed.html">Next ></a> </article> <article> <h1>John 12:44-50 - See me, see my Father</h1> <p>noreply@blogger.com (Chris Jefferies) — Tue, 10 Mar 2015 12:04:00 +0000</p> <a href="http://gospel.scilla.org.uk/2015/02/john-1237-43-believe-it-or-not.html">< Previous</a> | <a href="http://gospel.scilla.org.uk/2013/08/index-of-posts.html">Index</a> | <a href="http://gospel.scilla.org.uk/2015/03/john-131-17-servant-heart.html">Next ></a><br /> <br /> Some of the Jewish leaders believe in Yahshua but won't acknowledge him openly because of the Pharisees (verse 42). What a contrast with Yahshua himself here in verse 44! He 'cried out' that those who believe in him also believe in the Father who sent him. The Greek word for 'cried out' is ἔκραξεν (ekraxen), the same word used for a raven's piercing call. It's emphatic, 'Jesus yelled' or 'Jesus screamed' gives a better sense. It's as if he shouted 'Aarrgghh! Whoever believes in me...'<br /> <br /> There are two differences between the leaders who believe in him but won't admit it, and Jesus himself. There is the difference between silence and a loud yell, but there are also different implications. Ignoring the Son is bad, but ignoring the Father is worse. Believing in the Father and seeing the Father is essential. In part that is why Yahshua came - to be the light that lets us see the Father as he really is. Jesus came to banish the darkness, the hiddenness of the Father. Yet these Jewish leaders hide what is in their hearts for fear of the Pharisees. If they allowed the inner light to burn and shine they would join him in shouting out the truth!<br /> <br /> And although Jesus does not come to judge, the words he has spoken will certainly do so. There will be no escaping these words when the last day comes.<br /> <br /> And what about us? Will I, will you, be like those Jewish religious leaders? Will we hide the truth in our hearts, fearful to share it because of what unbelievers might say or do? Or will we, following Jesus, scream out this truth as loudly as our lungs will permit?<br /> <br /> <a href="http://gospel.scilla.org.uk/2015/02/john-1237-43-believe-it-or-not.html">< Previous</a> | <a href="http://gospel.scilla.org.uk/2013/08/index-of-posts.html">Index</a> | <a href="http://gospel.scilla.org.uk/2015/03/john-131-17-servant-heart.html">Next ></a> </article> <article> <h1>John 12:37-43 - Believe it or not</h1> <p>noreply@blogger.com (Chris Jefferies) — Sat, 28 Feb 2015 16:26:00 +0000</p> <a href="http://gospel.scilla.org.uk/2015/01/john-1220-36-light-of-world.html">< Previous</a> | <a href="http://gospel.scilla.org.uk/2013/08/index-of-posts.html">Index</a> | <a href="http://gospel.scilla.org.uk/2015/03/john-1244-50-see-me-see-my-father.html">Next ></a><br /> <br /> Jesus has healed the unhealable, raised the dead, and performed all the miracles that, according to the best Jewish teaching, could only be done by the Messiah. And despite this the authorities <i>still</i> don't believe! Why not?<br /> <br /> It's significant that in verse 36, Jesus 'finished speaking, left and hid himself from them'. He is acting out what is in their hearts; he is also fulfilling the words of Isaiah. Verse 39 tells us they <i>could</i> not believe, Jesus has chosen to hide himself from them by blinding them and hardening their hearts. This should sound familiar, it's exactly what Yahweh did to Pharaoh, hardening his heart (Exodus 11:9-10).<br /> <br /> In much the same way, the Jewish authorities are not permitted to accept Jesus' teaching. Just as Pharaoh didn't want the Israelites to be free to leave Egypt, so the chief priests and teachers did not want them to follow Jesus into freedom from the Temple worship. They saw this as a dangerous, existential threat to their own power and privilege. And just as Pharaoh would not let the people go until the death of the firstborn and the first passover, so the Jewish powers will not let them go until the death of Jesus (the Firstborn, the Son himself) and the final passover with his followers.<br /> <br /> Verses 43 and 44 are very striking. Many among the leaders <i>did</i> believe in him, but they loved human praise more than praise from the Almighty. They were afraid of being thrown out of their places of power and authority. Can you imagine their dilemma? They were thinking, 'Yes, this man Yahshua has done all the things the Messiah would do, the evidence is there, he must be the One to come. But if we admit this and accept him openly the Pharisees will kick us out of office.<br /> <br /> Let's be careful that we don't think in this way. Jesus is far more important than any institution or tradition. We can cling to what we have always known and remain respectable, or we can risk everything to follow Jesus. Which do you value the most, people's respect and approval, or life in Christ?<br /> <br /> <a href="http://gospel.scilla.org.uk/2015/01/john-1220-36-light-of-world.html">< Previous</a> | <a href="http://gospel.scilla.org.uk/2013/08/index-of-posts.html">Index</a> | <a href="http://gospel.scilla.org.uk/2015/03/john-1244-50-see-me-see-my-father.html">Next ></a> </article> <article> <h1>John 12:20-36 - The light of the world</h1> <p>noreply@blogger.com (Chris Jefferies) — Mon, 26 Jan 2015 21:01:00 +0000</p> <a href="http://gospel.scilla.org.uk/2014/05/john-121-19-entering-jerusalem.html">< Previous</a> | <a href="http://gospel.scilla.org.uk/2013/08/index-of-posts.html">Index</a> | <a href="http://gospel.scilla.org.uk/2015/02/john-1237-43-believe-it-or-not.html">Next ></a><br /> <br /> The Pharisees had just commented that the 'whole world' was following Jesus (John 12:19). And now we see how right they were; here are some <i>Greeks</i> asking to see him! These were either Greek-speaking Jews from one of the Greek cities in the eastern Mediterranean, or they were Greeks who 'respected Elohim' by believing in him and abandoning pagan worship but without actually becoming Jews. These Greeks asked to see Jesus, and John makes a point of telling us that they specifically asked Philip.<br /> <br /> Philip is a Greek name, Φιλιππος (Philippos), that literally means 'Horse lover'. And the village he came from, Bethsaida (בית ציד) is a Hebrew name meaning 'Hunting-house' or 'Fishing-house'. Perhaps the Greeks asked Philip because he spoke Greek, or because they thought that he might speak it. Philip told Andrew, and Philip and Andrew together told Jesus.<br /> <br /> Verse 23 tells us that Jesus 'replied'. In other words, what he says next is a response to the statement from the Greeks, 'We would like to see Jesus'. On the face of it, he doesn't say or do anything to acknowledge the request. Yet on a deeper, spiritual level, everything Jesus says in verses 23 to 36 is about seeing Jesus. Indeed, it's true of the remainder of the chapter too.<br /> <br /> What do we see when we see Jesus? We see the glory of the Father embodied here on Earth (v 23). We see that his fruitfulness requires his death (v 24). We see that we must become like him in this (v25). And we see that he requires us to follow him (v 26). We see that he is troubled by what lies ahead, but that he presses on regardless (v 27) and glorifies the Father's Name (v 28).<br /> <br /> When the voice like thunder responds to his prayer, 'Father, glorify your Name', Jesus tells the crowd that it was for their benefit, not his. Perhaps this voice enabled the Greeks in the crowd to understand that they were seeing more than just Jesus the man, but Jesus the Son of the Most High. In more ways than one they really had now 'seen Jesus'.<br /> <br /> And in verses 35 and 36 he refers to himself as 'the light'. The Greeks who wanted to see Jesus will have understood this message too. Without the light, not only is it impossible to see Jesus, it's impossible to see <i>anything at all</i>!<br /> <br /> <a href="http://gospel.scilla.org.uk/2014/05/john-121-19-entering-jerusalem.html">< Previous</a> | <a href="http://gospel.scilla.org.uk/2013/08/index-of-posts.html">Index</a> | <a href="http://gospel.scilla.org.uk/2015/02/john-1237-43-believe-it-or-not.html">Next ></a> </article> <article> <h1>John 12:1-19 - Entering Jerusalem</h1> <p>noreply@blogger.com (Chris Jefferies) — Tue, 27 May 2014 11:47:00 +0000</p> <a href="http://gospel.scilla.org.uk/2014/04/john-1145-57-dealing-with-jesus.html">< Previous</a> | <a href="http://gospel.scilla.org.uk/2013/08/index-of-posts.html">Index</a> | <a href="http://gospel.scilla.org.uk/2015/01/john-1220-36-light-of-world.html">Next ></a><br /> <br /> Jesus returns to Bethany shortly before Passover. This village just outside Jerusalem was one of his favourite places especially the house of Lazarus; Martha served the meal while Mary anointed him with nard. This perfume was widely used in India and in the Greco-Roman world at the time; it was used to season foods but also, and significantly, as incense in the Temple worship in Jerusalem. Jesus is himself a 'fragrant offering' acceptable to his Father; he is the One in whom the Father says he is well pleased (Matthew 3:17).<br /> <br /> Although Judas complains about the waste, Jesus understands what Mary is doing and why. He knows that she is fulfilling a greater purpose than she fully understands. We are like her in this; sometimes we act on the prompting of the Spirit without really knowing what we are doing. The obedient action is far more important than our knowledge or understanding.<br /> <br /> Many Jews turned up because of Jesus past action in calling Lazarus out from the grave, and the chief priests' response was entirely predictable. Even in his entry to the city, Jesus is fulfilling the Old Testament writings. People are talking about him and the Pharisees are frustrated and worried.<br /> <br /> Have you thought that our task is also to fulfil the old prophesies? We can only do so in Jesus name and filled with the presence of his Spirit. But <i>like him we are called to redeem the broken world in which we live</i> [<a href="http://ctt.ec/0umdS">Tweet it!</a>]. He calls us to share the good news, to love and heal the people, to speak the truth in love, to act as his body in this world by responding to his commands as our head. He is the way, the truth and the life. So we must follow him, believe in him and live his life of service. We are ambassadors of truth and light and freedom and a more abundant life.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://gospel.scilla.org.uk/2014/04/john-1145-57-dealing-with-jesus.html">< Previous</a> | <a href="http://gospel.scilla.org.uk/2013/08/index-of-posts.html">Index</a> | <a href="http://gospel.scilla.org.uk/2015/01/john-1220-36-light-of-world.html">Next ></a> </article> <article> <h1>John 11:45-57 - Dealing with Jesus</h1> <p>noreply@blogger.com (Chris Jefferies) — Mon, 28 Apr 2014 11:09:00 +0000</p> <a href="http://gospel.scilla.org.uk/2014/04/john-1117-44-lazarus-lives.html">< Previous</a> | <a href="http://gospel.scilla.org.uk/2013/08/index-of-posts.html">Index</a> | <a href="http://gospel.scilla.org.uk/2014/05/john-121-19-entering-jerusalem.html">Next ></a><br /> <br /> Many of the people who'd been mourning Lazarus and saw what Jesus had done began to follow him. But some of them reported the events to the Pharisees. The chief priests and the Pharisees called a Sanhedrin meeting to discuss their response.<br /> <br /> From their perspective this is a very dangerous situation. They clearly don't believe Jesus is the Messiah, but they can see that many of the people do. And if the people follow Jesus as the Messiah there will, they believe, be riots and an attempt to rise against the pagan Romans. They consider that such an uprising would be fatal, to the Temple, to Jerusalem and even to the Jewish nation. They are right! When there was an <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_Jewish-Roman_War">uprising in 66 AD</a>, the Romans reconquered the land, demolished the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_Temple#Destruction_of_the_Temple">Temple</a> in 70 AD and ejected all Jews from the city of Jerusalem.<br /> <br /> The High Priest, Caiaphas, speaks prophetic words about Jesus although he doesn't realise it. His intended meaning seems to be purely practical and politically motivated. But from John's perspective and from ours as believers, the deeper significance is clear. Jesus died in my place and in your place.<br /> <br /> Knowing that they are plotting to kill him, Jesus avoids public appearances in Judaea and stays in a safer area. The scene is set for the final act, at the right moment Jesus will appear again in Jerusalem one more time and his life amongst us in bodily form will come to its conclusion, fully accomplished.<br /> <br /> How many of us will be able say that at the end of our lives we will have fully accomplished everything that the Almighty called us to do? And what does that really mean? If, like Jesus, we only do what we see him do and only say what we hear him say, then we <i>will</i> be able to end our lives on Earth in fulfillment of his purpose. Ultimately, what he wants is obedience. And our obedience will bring life to others as we demonstrate the love and life of the Son as essential parts of his body.<br /> <br /> Our role is smaller and more limited than his; the head decides what the body will do. <i>But make no mistake that you, we are part of his redeeming work</i> [<a href="http://ctt.ec/Mnbbr">Tweet it!</a>] - not in our own strength but relying on Christ who is the head.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://gospel.scilla.org.uk/2014/04/john-1117-44-lazarus-lives.html">< Previous</a> | <a href="http://gospel.scilla.org.uk/2013/08/index-of-posts.html">Index</a> | <a href="http://gospel.scilla.org.uk/2014/05/john-121-19-entering-jerusalem.html">Next ></a> </article> <article> <h1>John 11:17-44 - Lazarus lives!</h1> <p>noreply@blogger.com (Chris Jefferies) — Wed, 02 Apr 2014 12:05:00 +0000</p> <a href="http://gospel.scilla.org.uk/2014/03/john-111-16-lazarus-dies.html">< Previous</a> | <a href="http://gospel.scilla.org.uk/2013/08/index-of-posts.html">Index</a> | <a href="http://gospel.scilla.org.uk/2014/04/john-1145-57-dealing-with-jesus.html">Next ></a><br /> <br /> Yahshua arrives late, Lazarus has been dead for four days. Martha shows extraordinary trust in him; she knows he could have saved her brother if he'd come sooner, yet she rules nothing out. All things are possible for Jesus, and Martha believes it. So should we.<br /> <br /> Their conversation is brief, but is focussed on who Jesus is and on the idea of returning life following death. Martha believes in eventual life at the last day and she knows who Jesus is - the Messiah. Mary and others were in tears, mourning for the loss of Lazarus and Jesus is greatly moved by this. He was troubled and he, too was tearful. It's very clear that Jesus, the Messiah, the Son of the Most High, is also a very normal human being. He loved Lazarus, Mary and Martha, he is touched by their distress. If ever we doubt that Jesus is human we can turn to this passage for a powerful reminder.<br /> <br /> When he asked them to move the stone blocking the tomb, Martha objected. The body would have begun to decay by this time. But he reminds them that he has told them that Yahweh's glory will be revealed if they believe - and they roll back the stone. Notice his words here. Jesus speaks for the benefit of those around him; he wants them to believe.<br /> <br /> All it takes is a direct and loud command, 'Come out'. And Lazarus, dead Lazarus, decaying Lazarus obeys! Here is a deep insight, I am dead and touched by the decay and sin of a spoiled world. But when Jesus commands me to come out of this world and follow him, I obey. Out I come, and all the glory is the Father's. And, like Lazarus, <i>once I am alive in Christ I need to be dressed as one who is living, not as one who is dead</i> [<a href="http://ctt.ec/GadhB">Tweet it!</a>]. I know what this means for me. What does it mean for you? And, having come out and had the grave clothes removed, I am free to go. Free to go in Jesus name! HalleluYah!<br /> <br /> <a href="http://gospel.scilla.org.uk/2014/03/john-111-16-lazarus-dies.html">< Previous</a> | <a href="http://gospel.scilla.org.uk/2013/08/index-of-posts.html">Index</a> | <a href="http://gospel.scilla.org.uk/2014/04/john-1145-57-dealing-with-jesus.html">Next ></a> </article> <article> <h1>John 11:1-16 - Lazarus dies</h1> <p>noreply@blogger.com (Chris Jefferies) — Fri, 21 Mar 2014 11:08:00 +0000</p> <a href="http://gospel.scilla.org.uk/2014/03/john-1022-42-hanukkah.html">< Previous</a> | <a href="http://gospel.scilla.org.uk/2013/08/index-of-posts.html">Index</a> | <a href="http://gospel.scilla.org.uk/2014/04/john-1117-44-lazarus-lives.html">Next ></a><br /> <br /> When Jesus hears of Lazarus' illness he says it will not end in death but that it has a purpose. Through this illness, the Son will be glorified. Jesus waits a couple of days, and then decides to head back to Judaea where the religious leaders had so recently wanted to stone him. When the disciples query the wisdom of going back he mentions light and darkness. This would have puzzled them greatly!<br /> <br /> Although the disciples misunderstand much that Jesus tells them, they also seem to know that he is their only hope. They know that he has the words of truth, even though they are confused. They know they must continue to follow him even if, as Thomas says, they must die in the attempt.<br /> <br /> Their failure to understand the things Jesus teaches yet their willingness, even determination, to follow him is a real example to us. We should be the same. When we think we understand we should follow Jesus, and when we are confused or puzzled we should also follow him. <i>Obedience doesn't depend on knowledge, it depends on trust followed by hearing and doing</i> [<a href="http://ctt.ec/Kce2h">Tweet it!</a>]. If I really trust Jesus I will do anything he asks, even if it involves serious danger.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.blogger.com/linkhttp://gospel.scilla.org.uk/2014/03/john-1022-42-hanukkah.html">< Previous</a> | <a href="http://gospel.scilla.org.uk/2013/08/index-of-posts.html">Index</a> | <a href="http://gospel.scilla.org.uk/2014/04/john-1117-44-lazarus-lives.html">Next ></a> </article> <article> <h1>John 10:22-42 - Hanukkah</h1> <p>noreply@blogger.com (Chris Jefferies) — Thu, 20 Mar 2014 07:56:00 +0000</p> <a href="http://gospel.scilla.org.uk/2014/03/john-101-21-work-of-shepherd.html">< Previous</a> | <a href="http://gospel.scilla.org.uk/2013/08/index-of-posts.html">Index</a> | <a href="http://gospel.scilla.org.uk/2014/03/john-111-16-lazarus-dies.html">Next ></a><br /> <br /> The Feast of Dedication (Hanukkah) commemorates the re-dedication of the Jerusalem Temple after the Maccabean revolt against Greek rule. It's also known as the Festival of Lights and takes place in winter time. Re-dedication marks the Temple as holy (set apart for Yahweh's purposes).<br /> <br /> Jesus, the Son, is also holy and set apart for his Father's purposes. So at this time when he is in the Temple, the Jewish leaders quiz him about these purposes. Surely if he is the Messiah he will remove the pagans from the city and from the nation and restore Israel. Isn't that what the Messiah was supposed to do?<br /> <br /> But Jesus just says that he has already told them he is the Messiah and they disbelieved him. The miracles he performs show clearly that he <i>is</i> the Messiah. He disowns them saying, 'You are not my sheep'; and he makes it abundantly clear again that his sheep hear his voice and are obedient and he gives them eternal life.<br /> <br /> These religious leaders don't understand any of the things he says, but they are angered by his claim to be one with the Father. He slips from their grasp and returns to the far side of the Jordan where they are not able to pursue him. And many people who remembered John the baptist came to him and believed the very evidence the religious elite had failed to understand.<br /> <br /> Once again we see how important it is to hear Jesus and to follow him. And we are reminded that <i>people with strong religious thinking are unable to understand, let alone follow him</i> [<a href="http://ctt.ec/3N98R">Tweet it!</a>]. Jesus says who he is and provides evidence; our place is to believe him, follow him, obey him and become more and more like him.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://gospel.scilla.org.uk/2014/03/john-101-21-work-of-shepherd.html">< Previous</a> | <a href="http://gospel.scilla.org.uk/2013/08/index-of-posts.html">Index</a> | <a href="http://gospel.scilla.org.uk/2014/03/john-111-16-lazarus-dies.html">Next ></a> </article> <article> <h1>John 10:1-21 - The work of a shepherd</h1> <p>noreply@blogger.com (Chris Jefferies) — Sat, 15 Mar 2014 19:08:00 +0000</p> <a href="http://gospel.scilla.org.uk/2014/03/john-920-41.html">< Previous</a> | <a href="http://gospel.scilla.org.uk/2013/08/index-of-posts.html">Index</a> | <a href="http://gospel.scilla.org.uk/2014/03/john-1022-42-hanukkah.html">Next ></a><br /> <br /> David was a shepherd before he was anointed the king of Israel, and Jesus who is the King of Kings is also the good shepherd. He says so in verse 11, and he makes it clear that a good shepherd is one who values the lives of the sheep more highly than his own life.<br /> <br /> Jesus is speaking fundamental truth to his disciples. He is being completely logical; everything he says hangs together and makes perfect sense. Clearly, the Jews (ie the religious leaders) are divided. Some of them think Yahshua is demon-possessed and crazy; the others are sure his healing power demonstrates otherwise.<br /> <br /> The fact is, everything depends on our assessment of who he is. If we think he is crazy and misled we can have no part in his final victory. If we think he is the Son of the Most High and has authority to lay down his life and also to take it up again, we become co-heirs with him of the kingdom and everything that includes and implies.<br /> <br /> And for us as Jesus' disciples in the twenty-first century, <i>if we truly follow him we too will be good shepherds</i> [<a href="http://ctt.ec/8qWMK">Tweet it!</a>]. This is why he said to Peter, 'Feed my sheep'. If we love him, we will indeed feed his sheep. And feeding a sheep involves leading it to a place where there are green things to eat. We need to be constantly leading one another to the place of healthy nourishment, helping one another to be and remain in Jesus' presence and will.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://gospel.scilla.org.uk/2014/03/john-920-41.html">< Previous</a> | <a href="http://gospel.scilla.org.uk/2013/08/index-of-posts.html">Index</a> | <a href="http://gospel.scilla.org.uk/2014/03/john-1022-42-hanukkah.html">Next ></a> </article> <article> <h1>John 9:20-41 - Be like a Pharisee?</h1> <p>noreply@blogger.com (Chris Jefferies) — Mon, 03 Mar 2014 11:40:00 +0000</p> <a href="http://gospel.scilla.org.uk/2014/02/john-91-19-seeing-light.html">< Previous</a> | <a href="http://gospel.scilla.org.uk/2013/08/index-of-posts.html">Index</a> | <a href="http://gospel.scilla.org.uk/2014/03/john-101-21-work-of-shepherd.html">Next ></a><br /> <br /> The parents affirm that the man is their son, and that he was born blind, but they tell the Pharisees that their son will speak for himself on the matter of how he is now able to see. They are being cautious and want to avoid trouble.<br /> <br /> The man himself answers that he only knows that he can now see. He irritates them by pointing out that such a miracle is unheard of and concluding that Jesus must, therefore, be a holy person.<br /> <br /> They throw him out, but Jesus goes to find him. These are opposite actions; who will we emulate in our own lives - the Pharisees or Jesus? Sometimes we are frustrated by people and no longer want to listen to them or spend time with them. People hurt us, disappoint us, annoy us, are unkind to us; it's tempting to throw such people out of our lives and bar them from returning. That's just human nature, isn't it?<br /> <br /> Well, yes it is! But <i>if we follow Jesus and believe in him we are called to be like him. In fact, we are to be like our Father in heaven</i> [<a href="http://ctt.ec/vdRU4">Tweet it!</a>], who sends his rain and sunshine on all alike - evil and good. Jesus came to show us the Father, and in our lives it's important that we go to show people the Son. If Jesus lives in me, how can I behave unlike him? He goes out to find people, he draws people to the truth. And I must do the same.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://gospel.scilla.org.uk/2014/02/john-91-19-seeing-light.html">< Previous</a> | <a href="http://gospel.scilla.org.uk/2013/08/index-of-posts.html">Index</a> | <a href="http://gospel.scilla.org.uk/2014/03/john-101-21-work-of-shepherd.html">Next ></a> </article> <article> <h1>John 9:1-19 - Seeing the light!</h1> <p>noreply@blogger.com (Chris Jefferies) — Wed, 12 Feb 2014 17:26:00 +0000</p> <a href="http://gospel.scilla.org.uk/2013/12/john-839-59-abrahams-children.html">< Previous</a> | <a href="http://gospel.scilla.org.uk/2013/08/index-of-posts.html">Index</a> | <a href="http://gospel.scilla.org.uk/2014/03/john-920-41.html">Next ></a><br /> <br /> Blindness is normally caused by a problem with the eyes, the optic nerve, or the part of the brain that processes visual information. But just as we may be physically blind, we may also be spiritually blind. In this case a person is unable to grasp or process spiritual things.<br /> <br /> According to Jewish religious teaching, only the Messiah would be able to heal a person who was born blind. This was one of the ways the Messiah might be identified when he came, so such a miracle should have persuaded an open-minded Jewish leader. But the Jewish authorities had already decided that Jesus was <i>not</i> the Messiah so they had to satisfy themselves by finding fault in some way.<br /> <br /> The disciples wanted to know why the man was born blind. Most people think this way, the blindness must be punishment for something the man or his parents had done. But Jesus knows that it's not a matter of sinful behaviour, but is rather an opportunity to glorify the Father who heals.<br /> <br /> Jesus does not, in fact, heal the man. He merely puts mud on his eyes and tells him to go and wash. When the man is brought to the pharisees, they listen to his story and quiz him but are confused. Either Jesus is a law-breaker or he is the Messiah. It almost seems that he must be <i>both</i> and surely that's quite impossible! The blind man's own opinion is that Jesus must be a prophet.<br /> <br /> Who are you most like in this story? Are you like a person who was blind but now sees? Do you obey Jesus in the things he tells you to do? Or are you like the disciples, thinking that bad things happen to people who do bad things? Perhaps you are like the Jewish teachers and can't decide whether Jesus is the real deal?<br /> <br /> Or <i>are you like Jesus? Do you want to bring glory to the Father, be a channel for his love and healing</i>, and open up dark places to let in the light?<br /> <br /> <a href="http://gospel.scilla.org.uk/2013/12/john-839-59-abrahams-children.html">< Previous</a> | <a href="http://gospel.scilla.org.uk/2013/08/index-of-posts.html">Index</a> | <a href="http://gospel.scilla.org.uk/2014/03/john-920-41.html">Next ></a> </article> <article> <h1>Mark 16:1-8 - Jesus is alive!</h1> <p>noreply@blogger.com (Chris Jefferies) — Mon, 10 Feb 2014 13:59:00 +0000</p> <a href="http://gospel.scilla.org.uk/2014/02/mark-1521-47-dead-and-buried.html">< Previous</a> | <a href="http://gospel.scilla.org.uk/2013/08/index-of-posts.html">Index</a> | <a href="http://gospel.scilla.org.uk/2014/02/john-821-38-family-matter.html">Next ></a><br /> <br /> This is the final chapter of Mark. Early manuscripts contain only the first eight verses, the rest of the chapter seems to have been added at a later date. Not only that, there is an obvious conflict between the older and later parts. In verse eight, the women say nothing because they're afraid. But in verse ten, Mary of Magdala tells what she has seen.<br /> <br /> In the evening (Sabbath ends at sunset), the women buy the spices they need. As soon as there is enough morning light they head for the tomb to anoint the body, wondering how they will move the heavy stone. Seeing the tomb open and the young man sitting inside makes them very anxious and they run away. And although they have been given a message to pass on, their fear prevents them from doing so.<br /> <br /> Can we see ourselves in these grieving women? I think we can.<br /> <br /> Look at it like this. Their world has been turned upside down. The one they trusted and followed has been killed, and now all they know to do is follow tradition. They buy the necessary materials and do the right thing. But they find something unexpected and disorientating. The body is not there!<br /> <br /> A stranger tells them what to do next but they run away and are too afraid to say anything. The message makes little sense to them, they're distraught, nobody will believe them, they'll be ridiculed. So they say nothing.<br /> <br /> When we are in default mode we revert to doing the traditional, habitual, familiar things. When we are afraid we freeze up and do nothing. Like these women, we need time to process the unexpected and the distressing. The fear passed and they told their story eventually; it is recorded here in Mark's gospel for us.<br /> <br /> <i>To be of value to the Lord of the harvest we will need to act in new ways that are appropriate to the new circumstances</i> [<a href="http://ctt.ec/EYKnf">Tweet it!</a>]. The old, familiar, traditional thoughts and actions are rarely what is needed in a time of great change. Maybe the short article '<a href="http://jesus.scilla.org.uk/2014/02/fail-to-succeed.html">Fail to succeed</a>' will help to move you forward. Be of good heart, be very excited and very bold. Jesus is alive! Nothing can hold him down or hold him back. Be like him!<br /> <br /> <a href="http://gospel.scilla.org.uk/2014/02/mark-1521-47-dead-and-buried.html">< Previous</a> | <a href="http://gospel.scilla.org.uk/2013/08/index-of-posts.html">Index</a> | <a href="http://gospel.scilla.org.uk/2014/02/john-821-38-family-matter.html">Next ></a> </article> <article> <h1>Mark 15:21-47 - Dead and buried</h1> <p>noreply@blogger.com (Chris Jefferies) — Tue, 04 Feb 2014 15:18:00 +0000</p> <a href="http://gospel.scilla.org.uk/2014/01/mark-151-20-roman-view.html">< Previous</a> | <a href="http://gospel.scilla.org.uk/2013/08/index-of-posts.html">Index</a> | <a href="http://gospel.scilla.org.uk/2014/02/mark-161-8-jesus-is-alive.html">Next ></a><br /> <br /> In Mark 15:21-47 we read about Jesus death on a Roman cross, and his burial. What more, really is there to say?<br /> <br /> Let's look at some of the details.<br /> <br /> Simon the Cyrenian - The Roman soldiers would have commandeered anyone nearby to help them when extra labour was needed. Simon was from North Africa and was called to assist; it would have been foolish in the extreme to argue.<br /> <br /> Myrrh - Myrrh is the dried gum from a spiny Mediterranean tree. Mixed with wine, the resin acts to relieve pain and was used in this way in ancient medicine. Jesus refused it and therefore died from crucifixion without anything to reduce his suffering. Myrrh was also used in the Jewish holy anointing oil as well as the incense used in Temple rituals. It was used by the Egyptians in embalming the dead.<br /> <br /> Insults were added to his suffering as he hung there naked and dying. Clearly the Jewish religious elite thought he was finished with once and for all.<br /> <br /> Jesus was crucified at nine in the morning and died six hours later. Darkness fell on the land halfway through his suffering, at midday. There is much symbolism in all of this.<br /> <br /> His last words were in Aramaic, the ordinary language of the people in Galilee and still spoken in a modern form in certain parts of this region. 'Eloi' means 'Almighty' and is closely related to 'Elohim' in Hebrew and, indeed, to 'Allah' in Arabic. The confusion with the name 'Elijah' is understandable, particularly if Jesus' voice was indistinct as it might well have been just before he died. At this moment he had clearly lost the connection with the Father, a connection that had enabled him to say 'I only do what I see the Father do' and 'I only say what I hear the Father say'. He really felt abandoned and perhaps confused in this awful moment of death. He is every bit as human you and me.<br /> <br /> When he died, the Temple curtain was ripped in two from the top to the bottom, surely symbolic of a new relationship between the Almighty and us humans. It is a new relationship that comes from the top, Yahweh initiates and completes this act of opening. The holy place is now visible to anyone in the inner court, a dreadful thing for the Jewish religious leaders to see.<br /> <br /> There are plenty of witnesses that Jesus really died that day. There are the Roman soldiers, the centurion who was so impressed at the manner of his death, the onlookers who had been abusing him verbally, and many other men and women who were his followers and were watching from further away.<br /> <br /> The body was taken down promptly after one of the religious leaders asked for it to be done. Joseph was one of Jesus' followers and dealt with the body properly and carefully, placing it in a rock-cut tomb.<br /> <br /> Jesus came to live amongst us, and he was prepared to die to bring us into a living relationship with his Father. Are we willing to follow him? Will we live among the people around us? Will we become part of their culture, their daily lives? Will we be truly present for them? And how far are we prepared to go in blessing them and helping them? Are we willing to give our lives? Will we give our time, our resources our wealth, our abilities to touch their lives?<br /> <br /> Or will we remain distant and aloof? Will we separate church from the world and make it an institution? Or <i>will we, the church, take the love of Jesus and the presence of Jesus into the brokenness that is all around us?</i> [<a href="http://ctt.ec/2m03H">Tweet it!</a>]<br /> <br /> <a href="http://gospel.scilla.org.uk/2014/01/mark-151-20-roman-view.html">< Previous</a> | <a href="http://gospel.scilla.org.uk/2013/08/index-of-posts.html">Index</a> | <a href="http://gospel.scilla.org.uk/2014/02/mark-161-8-jesus-is-alive.html">Next ></a> </article> <article> <h1>Mark 15:1-20 - The Roman view</h1> <p>noreply@blogger.com (Chris Jefferies) — Tue, 28 Jan 2014 12:18:00 +0000</p> <a href="http://gospel.scilla.org.uk/2014/01/mark-1453-72.html">< Previous</a> | <a href="http://gospel.scilla.org.uk/2013/08/index-of-posts.html">Index</a> | <a href="http://gospel.scilla.org.uk/2014/02/mark-1521-47-dead-and-buried.html">Next ></a><br /> <br /> Jesus has been <a href="http://gospel.scilla.org.uk/2014/01/mark-1427-52-jesus-arrested.html">arrested</a> and brought before the Jewish <a href="http://gospel.scilla.org.uk/2014/01/mark-1453-72.html">religious authorities</a>. They have sentenced him to death as a blasphemer and fraud, but under Roman rule they are not permitted to carry out a death sentence. If Jesus is to die as a criminal, the Jewish leaders will have to persuade or force the Roman governor to have him executed.<br /> <br /> They therefore pass him to Pontius Pilate who asks him if he is, indeed, the king of the Jews. Presumably the Sanhedrin told him this as it's likely that anyone usurping Roman power would be put to death. But Pilate is not easily fooled, he seems to understand that Jesus is not guilty of any capital crime under Roman law. Notice that he doesn't defend himself or present his case before Pilate. Can we learn something from that? How are we to behave when we are criticised or persecuted? Jesus tells us to love our enemy; what does that mean in practice?<br /> <br /> In the end, <i>Pilate hands Jesus over for crucifixion not because he believes he deserves it, but to satisfy the mob</i> [<a href="http://ctt.ec/2iXEz">Tweet it!</a>]. Much to his credit, he tries quite hard to have Jesus released, but like any politician he can't ignore strong public opinion.<br /> <br /> Once the Roman troops have him to themselves they taunt him and mock him, dressing him in <a href="http://jesus.scilla.org.uk/2013/03/the-colour-of-robe.html">royal robes</a> and finally leading him out for crucifixion.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://gospel.scilla.org.uk/2014/01/mark-1453-72.html">< Previous</a> | <a href="http://gospel.scilla.org.uk/2013/08/index-of-posts.html">Index</a> | <a href="http://gospel.scilla.org.uk/2014/02/mark-1521-47-dead-and-buried.html">Next ></a> </article> <article> <h1>Mark 14:53-72 - Jesus on trial</h1> <p>noreply@blogger.com (Chris Jefferies) — Mon, 27 Jan 2014 15:13:00 +0000</p> <a href="http://gospel.scilla.org.uk/2014/01/mark-1427-52-jesus-arrested.html">< Previous</a> | <a href="http://gospel.scilla.org.uk/2013/08/index-of-posts.html">Index</a> | <a href="http://gospel.scilla.org.uk/2014/01/mark-151-20-roman-view.html">Next ></a><br /> <br /> Jesus is taken to the High Priest, and other religious leaders gather to take part in the questioning. Peter follows into the High Priest's courtyard, a bold action. Although he will soon deny that he knows Jesus, even coming <i>this</i> far is clear evidence of his intention of standing by the Master.<br /> <br /> Although they're wanting the death penalty for Jesus, the Sanhedrin is stymied as it can find nothing against him. Even the false witnesses don't agree with one another. Finally, replying to a direct question from the Chief Priest, Jesus condemns himself in their eyes by pronouncing the Holy Name 'Yahweh'. The Hebrew words 'I am' sound similar to the name Yahweh, and the High Priest takes Jesus' words as sufficient evidence. Speaking the forbidden name, as well as claiming to be the Messiah and the Son of the Most High are more than enough.<br /> <br /> He tears his robe, the specified response to hearing the name Yahweh spoken aloud. Jesus is condemned, insulted and beaten up.<br /> <br /> It is at this point that Peter denies Jesus, and the cock crows again. He remembers what Jesus had said to him just a few hours before and he breaks down in shame and utter frustration.<br /> <br /> As Jesus' followers, we may face the same sorts of hardships he did. But whether we face injustice or persecution or even death, we know he has experienced these things already. Think of the people of Syria during the last few years, pray for them in their dire need, and remember those who follow Isa (Jesus) and are suffering because of their faith. Pray for all the men, women and children who are suffering there, Christians, Muslims, Druze and others alike.<br /> <br /> Jesus leads us in all things, including pain and suffering. And he is with us in all things. If we are to grow to be more and more like him we must also lead and encourage people in all things. In the end fear prevented Peter from keeping his word. Sometimes fear may also prevent us. But Jesus said that perfect love casts out fear. Perhaps we just need love that is more like his perfect love.<br /> <br /> <i>We can never fully emulate Jesus, we all fall short, but we can (and must) grow more and more like him day by day and year by year</i> [<a href="http://ctt.ec/1Ew0f">Tweet it!</a>]. We must grow in love, in compassion and gentleness, in faith and in steadfastly walking in truth and light. He is the Way.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://gospel.scilla.org.uk/2014/01/mark-1427-52-jesus-arrested.html">< Previous</a> | <a href="http://gospel.scilla.org.uk/2013/08/index-of-posts.html">Index</a> | <a href="http://gospel.scilla.org.uk/2014/01/mark-151-20-roman-view.html">Next ></a> </article> <article> <h1>Mark 14:27-52 - Jesus arrested</h1> <p>noreply@blogger.com (Chris Jefferies) — Tue, 21 Jan 2014 10:09:00 +0000</p> <a href="http://gospel.scilla.org.uk/2014/01/mark-141-26-final-meal.html">< Previous</a> | <a href="http://gospel.scilla.org.uk/2013/08/index-of-posts.html">Index</a> | <a href="http://gospel.scilla.org.uk/2014/01/mark-1453-72.html">Next ></a><br /> <br /> Jesus tells the disciples very clearly that they will <i>all</i> fall away. And despite Peter's determined insistence that he will not, Jesus knows better and tells him so. Why would Jesus insist on making his point? They will find out that he's right soon enough! What else is going on here?<br /> <br /> And then Jesus went to pray, and the disciples slept. They have already failed to support him, despite their claims not to fall away, even if they must die with him. Of course, Jesus knows that they cannot die with him. They are the carriers of the good news of the kingdom. Jesus needs them to live so that they can continue and extend his work. He will build his church through these men and through all the other men and women who were following him. To do so, they <i>must</i> survive.<br /> <br /> And then, assisted by Judas Iscariot, they come to arrest him. But notice the subtlety of what happens. Jesus tells the disciples that the moment has come <i>before</i> Judas appears. This is a prophet unlike any other and far exceeding them all. He knows the hearts of all people, he knows the real meaning of the Biblical writings, and when he speaks there is always action. One word from Jesus and water becomes wine, the blind see, lepers are cleansed, demons are forced to leave and people follow him. This is authority. In fact, Jesus <i>is</i> Authority, even as he is being arrested.<br /> <br /> Why did the guards need someone to show them which of these people is Jesus? I have always thought that he would stand out clearly because of his stature, demeanour, dress, or in some other way. Surely anyone could pick Jesus out from a crowd?<br /> <br /> But no, <i>the truly extraordinary thing is that Jesus did </i>not<i> stand out in a crowd. Have you ever thought about that?</i> [<a href="http://ctt.ec/K5o6m">Tweet it!</a>] He needs to be pointed out by someone who knows him (Judas) because he looks just like his companions. There is nothing about his appearance or dress that marks him out as special or a leader or a teacher.<br /> <br /> Sometimes in church life, we think that our leaders should stand out. Perhaps they dress differently (think archbishop or vicar) or they are identifiable in some other way. This should not be, my friends. Jesus is different, not from his followers, but from the ways of the world. And we should be like him in this.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://gospel.scilla.org.uk/2014/01/mark-141-26-final-meal.html">< Previous</a> | <a href="http://gospel.scilla.org.uk/2013/08/index-of-posts.html">Index</a> | <a href="http://gospel.scilla.org.uk/2014/01/mark-1453-72.html">Next ></a> </article> <article> <h1>Mark 14:1-26 - A final meal</h1> <p>noreply@blogger.com (Chris Jefferies) — Fri, 17 Jan 2014 22:53:00 +0000</p> <a href="http://gospel.scilla.org.uk/2014/01/mark-1320-37-be-ready.html">< Previous</a> | <a href="http://gospel.scilla.org.uk/2013/08/index-of-posts.html">Index</a> | <a href="http://gospel.scilla.org.uk/2014/01/mark-1427-52-jesus-arrested.html">Next ></a><br /> <br /> It's good to eat together. Something about the act of sharing food brings us closer to one another, so this final meal with his twelve closest followers must have been a poignant and very special occasion for Jesus. For the disciples it may have seemed no more than just another Passover meal, although they surely sensed from the Master that this was somehow a special and unusual event.<br /> <br /> Mark 14:1-26 records the occasion for us. But Mark first explains how two days before this meal, the religious leaders were planning to kill Jesus and how a woman had anointed him with precious perfume. And it's clear from his reply to some who criticised her that he knew he was about to die. He wasn't executed accidentally; he didn't miscalculate; he knew what was coming and when.<br /> <br /> There is so much here of deep significance. Even the man carrying the water seems to have meaning; Jesus is the One carrying an inexhaustible supply of <i>living</i> water.<br /> <br /> In the evening, as they ate together, Jesus told the disciples plainly that one of their number would betray him. They were saddened and perhaps nervous about this. Everyone wanted to be reassured that he didn't mean them.<br /> <br /> The symbolism of the broken bread and poured-out wine is well known to all of us. Here it represents something that was about to happen whereas now it is all about remembering. And notice that the last thing they did was sing a song of praise.<br /> <br /> What can we learn about Jesus here? <i>What does this passage tell us about his love, his determination, his obedience to the Father and his care for his friends</i> [<a href="http://ctt.ec/rxtf8">Tweet it!</a>]. See how he goes about laying down his life. Seeing him as he appears in these verses, how can we fail to love him, to trust him, to follow him? He has always been the Lord and Master of the universe. Soon he will be the crucified Lord, and then the risen Lord. Death will take him but cannot hold him.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://gospel.scilla.org.uk/2014/01/mark-1320-37-be-ready.html">< Previous</a> | <a href="http://gospel.scilla.org.uk/2013/08/index-of-posts.html">Index</a> | <a href="http://gospel.scilla.org.uk/2014/01/mark-1427-52-jesus-arrested.html">Next ></a> </article> </main></body></html>