Chapter 5
The things Jesus did defy explanation. And these occurred even in the midst of a people who believed in something beyond themselves, in a realm not seen nor understood completely. Such was the case with the Pool at the Sheep Gate. The people of the tiem believed that angels would come to the pool and stir the waters. It was believed that the first person to enter the water after the stirring would be healed. Whether this happened or not still attracted hundreds of people who were in need of physical healing, the blind, the paralyzed, and the lame. Being lame and paralyzed is not the same thing; the lame can still move, but it is difficult; the paralyzed cannot move at all. What the condition was of this one man we do not fully know. We know he was an invalid. He did not have full use of his capacities. We also know that for thirty-eight years he had been this way. Jesus makes his way there and sees the man and asks him if he wants to be made well. "Duh," would have been the modern response, but the man did add that he was so painfully slow that as soon as the waters stirred he was not able to beat others to the water. Jesus just says, "Pick up your mat and walk." The mat had provided some comfort against lying on the street or ground and it was a symbol of his condition as well. The man believes enough to stir and he gets up, picks up his mat and walks away. All this happened on a Sabbath day.
The religious men among the Jews saw not a miracle but a violation of the Law. The Law forbids work of any kind on the Sabbath and the carrying of a mat is considered work and thus a breaking of the Law. The man just knows to say, "The man who healed me; I would have added, 'Friends, for 38 years I've laid over there unable to do a single thing, now you see me walking and you're not thankful to God for this healing? You're more concerned that I'm carrying my mat??' He told me to get up and carry my mat." He gets questioned about who it was that did such a thing. The man could only remember that he was now healed. Jesus had slipped into the crowd.
Later Jesus sees the man at the temple and says to him, "You're well again. Leave behind the life of sin or you may find yourself again in a sadder situation." This was not a threat from Jesus but an encouragement to realize that his healing was not yet complete; he needed to realize the healing was a gift from God and his gift to God needed to be faith in God. The man goes then to tell the authorities that it was Jesus who had healed him. The Jews were angry at this work and continued their plots to get Jesus. Jesus answers them, "My father never quits working not even on our holy days, and so why I should I quit working too?" Jesus broke the Sabbath and equated himself with God and called God his father.
The Jews could not see nor realize that all the great works in their midst were the works of God who loved his people very much.
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
The Thirsty, But Reluctant. Woman
Jesus discovers that his ministry is attracting both positive and negative attention. And his baptizing activity actually grew his popularity, though it was not Jesus who was baptizing, it was his disciples. Jesus felt he needed to relocate for a while and comes to a familiar area of Galilee. His journey to Galilee required a trek through Samaria. Historically, there were some pitfalls to coming through this area, for Jews and Samaritans were not on the best terms. Jesus comes to Sychar near a plot of land that Jacob had given to Joseph, his son. It was to Jacob's well that Jesus made his way. He was tired from this entire walk and he was thirsty. Add to this that the hour was twelve noon, in many areas one of the hottest times of the day and so Jesus asks this Samaritan woman for a drink of water. The disciples were not with Jesus as they had gone into town to visit the taqueria as they were hungry. The woman balks at this request, "You're a Jew and I'm a Samaritan, how can you ask ME for a drink of water?" The Bible includes the footnote in most versions that state that Jews did not associate with Samaritans. They had a history, a long one, of not getting along. Talk about holding grudges!
Jesus counters that the woman does not realize who she's talking to. Nor does she realize that the one to whom she was speaking could offer her a new kind of water unlike the water at the bottom of that well. Jesus could offer her living water, a gift from God. The woman still thinking earthly thoughts does not see a bucket with Jesus so she naturally says, "How would you draw this water with no bucket? Where would you get living water?" She then asks Jesus is he's anything like Grandpa Jacob: "Are you greater than our father Jacob, who gave us this well and drank from it himself as did his sons and daughters and his flocks and herds, and us all these years?"
Jesus responds that everyone who drinks from Jacob's well still gets thirsty. But the water that Jesus offers, he tells her, is a water that satisfies for all eternity. "Indeed, the water I give the thirsty who ask of me, will receive not only water, but a spring of water welling up to eternal life." The woman, of course, says, "Give me this water so that I won't get thirsty and have to keep coming here to draw water." Isn't that like you and me? She's still thinking earthly thoughts about work and labor reduction and if this magic water can indeed quench a thirst forever, that would cut down on the trips to this well!" Jesus then counters with a question that catches her where she lives: "Go, call your husband and come back." The woman replies, "I have no husband." Jesus says, "Now you're telling the truth when you say you don't have a husband. In fact, the truth is that you have had five husbands and the man you now have is not your husband. You're telling the truth."
Ouch. She believes Jesus is a prophet, for he knows everything about her. She then tries to get spiritual by saying that worship took place on the mountain near where they were and that she knew that the Jews had a different opinion about worship mountains. Jesus draws her back in by saying that the time was coming when she and others would worship the Father not on the mountain nor in Jerusalem; the difference is that, Jesus said, Jews know Who they worship and the Samaritan do not. What Jesus does know is that the time is coming when people would worship in spirit and truth, for these of the kind of worshipers that God desires. The woman said she knew that the Messiah was coming and it would be the Messiah who would explain all things to all people. Jesus declares, "I am the One, the Messiah."
Just as Jesus is making this declaration the disciples return and they are surprised to find Jesus talking to a woman yet they were afraid to get more information such as "What is she doing here?" or "Why are you wasting time talking to her?" The woman leaves the water jar there to return to her village and invites them to come and see "a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the messiah?" The people follow her to where Jesus is. The disciples want Jesus to eat something but Jesus is still talking spiritual things such as "I have food to eat that you know nothing about," which makes them wonder if someone beat them with the food for Jesus. Jesus explains that his food is to do the will of God. Jesus then tells them about the great work awaiting all who would seek to do the will of God. The harvest is ready and everyone has work to do. The work of reaping is ready for many worked before in sowing the seed and the harvest will come in with those doing the work of God. Meanwhile the village is there listening to Jesus and most because of the woman's testimony. They wanted to learn more so they invited Jesus to stay two more days with them, which he did. Verse 41 says that because of those two days many more came to faith in Christ Jesus. And it was because of his words. Jesus leaves for Galilee but not before telling them that a prophet has no honor in their own country.
Upon Jesus' arrival in Galilee the people there welcomed him. They remembered all Jesus had done in Jerusalem at the Passover Festival for he had been there. Jesus makes his way to Cana where he had performed his first miracle of turning water into wine. This time the need was more somber. There was an important royal official whose son lay sick and close to death in Capernaum. The man goes to Jesus and begs for the son's healing. Jesus knows that many will not believe unless they saw signs and wonders. The man counters that his son was dying and Jesus simply tells the man to return home for his son would live. The man believed enough to leave and on the way home, his servants came with news that the boy was living. He naturally asked at what time this healing occurred and it was exactly the same time that he had been speaking with Jesus. This became Jesus' second miracle.
Jesus counters that the woman does not realize who she's talking to. Nor does she realize that the one to whom she was speaking could offer her a new kind of water unlike the water at the bottom of that well. Jesus could offer her living water, a gift from God. The woman still thinking earthly thoughts does not see a bucket with Jesus so she naturally says, "How would you draw this water with no bucket? Where would you get living water?" She then asks Jesus is he's anything like Grandpa Jacob: "Are you greater than our father Jacob, who gave us this well and drank from it himself as did his sons and daughters and his flocks and herds, and us all these years?"
Jesus responds that everyone who drinks from Jacob's well still gets thirsty. But the water that Jesus offers, he tells her, is a water that satisfies for all eternity. "Indeed, the water I give the thirsty who ask of me, will receive not only water, but a spring of water welling up to eternal life." The woman, of course, says, "Give me this water so that I won't get thirsty and have to keep coming here to draw water." Isn't that like you and me? She's still thinking earthly thoughts about work and labor reduction and if this magic water can indeed quench a thirst forever, that would cut down on the trips to this well!" Jesus then counters with a question that catches her where she lives: "Go, call your husband and come back." The woman replies, "I have no husband." Jesus says, "Now you're telling the truth when you say you don't have a husband. In fact, the truth is that you have had five husbands and the man you now have is not your husband. You're telling the truth."
Ouch. She believes Jesus is a prophet, for he knows everything about her. She then tries to get spiritual by saying that worship took place on the mountain near where they were and that she knew that the Jews had a different opinion about worship mountains. Jesus draws her back in by saying that the time was coming when she and others would worship the Father not on the mountain nor in Jerusalem; the difference is that, Jesus said, Jews know Who they worship and the Samaritan do not. What Jesus does know is that the time is coming when people would worship in spirit and truth, for these of the kind of worshipers that God desires. The woman said she knew that the Messiah was coming and it would be the Messiah who would explain all things to all people. Jesus declares, "I am the One, the Messiah."
Just as Jesus is making this declaration the disciples return and they are surprised to find Jesus talking to a woman yet they were afraid to get more information such as "What is she doing here?" or "Why are you wasting time talking to her?" The woman leaves the water jar there to return to her village and invites them to come and see "a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the messiah?" The people follow her to where Jesus is. The disciples want Jesus to eat something but Jesus is still talking spiritual things such as "I have food to eat that you know nothing about," which makes them wonder if someone beat them with the food for Jesus. Jesus explains that his food is to do the will of God. Jesus then tells them about the great work awaiting all who would seek to do the will of God. The harvest is ready and everyone has work to do. The work of reaping is ready for many worked before in sowing the seed and the harvest will come in with those doing the work of God. Meanwhile the village is there listening to Jesus and most because of the woman's testimony. They wanted to learn more so they invited Jesus to stay two more days with them, which he did. Verse 41 says that because of those two days many more came to faith in Christ Jesus. And it was because of his words. Jesus leaves for Galilee but not before telling them that a prophet has no honor in their own country.
Upon Jesus' arrival in Galilee the people there welcomed him. They remembered all Jesus had done in Jerusalem at the Passover Festival for he had been there. Jesus makes his way to Cana where he had performed his first miracle of turning water into wine. This time the need was more somber. There was an important royal official whose son lay sick and close to death in Capernaum. The man goes to Jesus and begs for the son's healing. Jesus knows that many will not believe unless they saw signs and wonders. The man counters that his son was dying and Jesus simply tells the man to return home for his son would live. The man believed enough to leave and on the way home, his servants came with news that the boy was living. He naturally asked at what time this healing occurred and it was exactly the same time that he had been speaking with Jesus. This became Jesus' second miracle.
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Nicolas viene de noche (Nick at Night)
Chapter Three is one of my favorite chapters and possibly for many Christians worldwide. It contains some very powerful truths and teachings that have impacted many a reader and believer. In fact, one verse in particular has changed the life of many.
The first part is about Jesus being visited by one of his enemies. Jesus, as you may remember, was not a big favorite of the Jewish ruling council. The Sanhedrin as it was known, was composed of Pharisees, scribes, priests and others. Among them was one named Nicodemus. This fellow was intrigued by Jesus' teaching and power. It may have been that Nic may have been in one of the crowds that witnessed some unexplainable thing that left many wondering about who this Jesus really was. In order to satisfy his curiosity, Nic comes at night to visit Jesus. This was a smart move by Nic to avoid being seen by others on the council. And what he tells Jesus is interesting: "Rabbi," which is interesting for Nic was a Rabbi (Teacher) calling Jesus a teacher. He then says, "We know that you are a teacher who has come from God." Hmm. Then why didn't they treat him as such? "No one could perform the signs you are doing if God were not with him." Jesus does not say, "Thank you, that's very sweet of you for noticing," or "Gosh, go on, tell me more!" He says, "No one can see the kingdom of God without being born again." Not what Nic expected to hear. He is befuddled. "How can a grown man be born when he is old? He cannot enter a second time into his mother's womb to be born again!"
Of course, Jesus is talking spiritual things, Nic is thinking like a human. Jesus spells it out, You must be born of water and the Spirit to enter the kingdom of God. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. My having said, you must be born again should not surprise you!
The two, well mostly Jesus, talk about what Nic should and should not know. Basically Jesus is saying you and your council are the spiritual teachers of Israel and you're not catching half of what I am trying to share with you about God, shame on you! Then he reveals something that Nic doesn't quite understand about Jesus having to share the same ride as Moses' snake in the wilderness - up! But everyone who believes this will receive eternal life.
Then the most powerful verse ever shared, verse sixteen: "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." The most favorite stories of mine that I heard regarding this verse may or may not be true, but it still illustrates the power behind this sentence found in John 3:16. A man felt God's call to go into the deepest parts of Africa back in the day, to hand out Bibles in the languages of the natives of the area. He came to the chief of one tribe who had a reputation among his people for being too fond of smoking. The people of his tribe knew that if this man gave him a Bible, the chief would use the tissue thin pages of the Bible as papers for his cigarettes. The man spoke with the chief and said, "I know you are going to want this Bible because of the paper, and I will still give you this Bible if you promise me one thing; that you read each page on both sides, then you can smoke it." The chief laughed as did his people, but the chief said he would. The man walked away silently praying that the chief hold to his promise. It would be some years later at a Bible conference in another African city that the man was invited to speak. The man noticed an African in the front row waving to him and trying to get his attention. The man waved back but made no connection. After the presentation, the African rushed to the man and said, "Don't you recognize me?" The man honestly said he did not. "I'm the smoking chief! You gave me a Bible some time ago and I promised I would read each page before I read it and I did. I read Genesis and I smoked all of Genesis. I read all of the Old Testament and smoked it all too. I smoked through Matthew, Mark, and Luke. I started smoking John but when I read John 3:16, I stopped smoking."
"For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him." What gracious and loving and powerful promises we find in these words. As the passage continues, in Jesus we find Light, and people of course, loved darkness instead of light because their deeds are evil. If we love the truth and live by the truth we will come into the light of Jesus.
The disciples follow Jesus into the countryside of Judea where he spends some time with them and he baptized new believers. John, a relative, some believe cousin of Jesus, was also baptizing people and people were responding to John's preaching and invitation. In fact, some fights broke out regarding procedures and meanings of ceremonial washing versus baptism. It was as I shared earlier that some people, mainly teachers of the law, could not understand why they would need to be washed when they had been born clean.
John then addresses questions by others about what Jesus was doing and why Jesus was attracting more people. John responds faithfully that he was only fulfilling what he had been called to do. His joy had been in doing only that. John knew that he would decrease so that Jesus might increase. Jesus had, after all, come from above and is above all. Jesus is the Son and in him the Father has placed everything in his hands.
And this chapter ends with the declaration that everyone who believes in Jesus has eternal life, but those who reject him will not see life, for God's wrath remains on them. The first Methodists who joined Wesley's movement had to answer the question, "Are you willing to flee the coming wrath of God?" And if they said yes, they were welcomed in. The question still stands, though is not asked enough.
Are you willing to flee the coming wrath of God?
The first part is about Jesus being visited by one of his enemies. Jesus, as you may remember, was not a big favorite of the Jewish ruling council. The Sanhedrin as it was known, was composed of Pharisees, scribes, priests and others. Among them was one named Nicodemus. This fellow was intrigued by Jesus' teaching and power. It may have been that Nic may have been in one of the crowds that witnessed some unexplainable thing that left many wondering about who this Jesus really was. In order to satisfy his curiosity, Nic comes at night to visit Jesus. This was a smart move by Nic to avoid being seen by others on the council. And what he tells Jesus is interesting: "Rabbi," which is interesting for Nic was a Rabbi (Teacher) calling Jesus a teacher. He then says, "We know that you are a teacher who has come from God." Hmm. Then why didn't they treat him as such? "No one could perform the signs you are doing if God were not with him." Jesus does not say, "Thank you, that's very sweet of you for noticing," or "Gosh, go on, tell me more!" He says, "No one can see the kingdom of God without being born again." Not what Nic expected to hear. He is befuddled. "How can a grown man be born when he is old? He cannot enter a second time into his mother's womb to be born again!"
Of course, Jesus is talking spiritual things, Nic is thinking like a human. Jesus spells it out, You must be born of water and the Spirit to enter the kingdom of God. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. My having said, you must be born again should not surprise you!
The two, well mostly Jesus, talk about what Nic should and should not know. Basically Jesus is saying you and your council are the spiritual teachers of Israel and you're not catching half of what I am trying to share with you about God, shame on you! Then he reveals something that Nic doesn't quite understand about Jesus having to share the same ride as Moses' snake in the wilderness - up! But everyone who believes this will receive eternal life.
Then the most powerful verse ever shared, verse sixteen: "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." The most favorite stories of mine that I heard regarding this verse may or may not be true, but it still illustrates the power behind this sentence found in John 3:16. A man felt God's call to go into the deepest parts of Africa back in the day, to hand out Bibles in the languages of the natives of the area. He came to the chief of one tribe who had a reputation among his people for being too fond of smoking. The people of his tribe knew that if this man gave him a Bible, the chief would use the tissue thin pages of the Bible as papers for his cigarettes. The man spoke with the chief and said, "I know you are going to want this Bible because of the paper, and I will still give you this Bible if you promise me one thing; that you read each page on both sides, then you can smoke it." The chief laughed as did his people, but the chief said he would. The man walked away silently praying that the chief hold to his promise. It would be some years later at a Bible conference in another African city that the man was invited to speak. The man noticed an African in the front row waving to him and trying to get his attention. The man waved back but made no connection. After the presentation, the African rushed to the man and said, "Don't you recognize me?" The man honestly said he did not. "I'm the smoking chief! You gave me a Bible some time ago and I promised I would read each page before I read it and I did. I read Genesis and I smoked all of Genesis. I read all of the Old Testament and smoked it all too. I smoked through Matthew, Mark, and Luke. I started smoking John but when I read John 3:16, I stopped smoking."
"For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him." What gracious and loving and powerful promises we find in these words. As the passage continues, in Jesus we find Light, and people of course, loved darkness instead of light because their deeds are evil. If we love the truth and live by the truth we will come into the light of Jesus.
The disciples follow Jesus into the countryside of Judea where he spends some time with them and he baptized new believers. John, a relative, some believe cousin of Jesus, was also baptizing people and people were responding to John's preaching and invitation. In fact, some fights broke out regarding procedures and meanings of ceremonial washing versus baptism. It was as I shared earlier that some people, mainly teachers of the law, could not understand why they would need to be washed when they had been born clean.
John then addresses questions by others about what Jesus was doing and why Jesus was attracting more people. John responds faithfully that he was only fulfilling what he had been called to do. His joy had been in doing only that. John knew that he would decrease so that Jesus might increase. Jesus had, after all, come from above and is above all. Jesus is the Son and in him the Father has placed everything in his hands.
And this chapter ends with the declaration that everyone who believes in Jesus has eternal life, but those who reject him will not see life, for God's wrath remains on them. The first Methodists who joined Wesley's movement had to answer the question, "Are you willing to flee the coming wrath of God?" And if they said yes, they were welcomed in. The question still stands, though is not asked enough.
Are you willing to flee the coming wrath of God?
Una Boda: !A Toda Maquina!
Chapter Two: A Wedding in Cana of Galilee
Somehow Jesus got invited to attend a wedding in a small town by the name of Cana in the region of Galilee. Many believe it was the wedding of a relative because Mary, the mother of Jesus, was also present. The disciples also got the invitation to attend the wedding. Weddings in Jesus' day were big celebrations that lasted for days for the richer of the people, but even the poor would save or go into debt to throw a party to celebrate the special occasion. In Spanish we had the expression "¡no es boda!" (It's not a wedding!) whenever we asked for seconds or thirds on a meal. I never knew what the expression meant until one of my cousins got married and we attended her wedding. They were sharecroppers who lived on a patch of land and there were many tables all laden with food. It was nonstop food! "Ah!," thought I, "Now I know! ¡Esta sî es una boda!(This IS a wedding!). The drink for celebration in Jesus' day was wine and it was usually the product of fermented grapes. The thing that happened was that at this particular wedding the bridal party ran out of wine. This could be a big embarrassment to the bride, her family, the groom and his family; but this proved to be the setting for Jesus' first miracle.
It was Mary who sensed the coming tragedy if wine was not present. It is Mary who tells Jesus that there is no more wine in a, we sense, do-something-about-it tone. Jesus responds with a son-mother response, Why do you want me to get involved in this? Or some say, "What concern is that with you and me?" Jesus did not believe the timing was right to do a miracle. Yet Mary is not concerned because she goes ahead and tells the servants to do whatever Jesus asked of them.
There were six stone jars that were used mainly for ceremonial purposes, namely washing. it was believed that each jar could hold twenty to thirty gallons of water. Jesus orders the jars filled with water. And these were filled to the brim.
Jesus tells the servants to take the water to the person in charge of the banquet. As this person tastes the wine he discovers that it is not water, but a fine wine. He doesn't know where the wine came from but he is impressed. His declaration is that usually the finest wine is provided first, then after enough of that expensive wine is drank, they change it out and serve cheaper wine. The implication is that by that point the quality of the wind does not really matter much anymore.
This was the first of the many signs that Jesus did to reveal his glory. And as that section closes out, the disciples put their faith in Jesus.
With his presence at this wedding a lot is said about having God present in the everyday and special celebrations of humanity. The formal wedding ceremony says something about "With his presence and power, Jesus graced a wedding at Cana of Galilee." And he still does. If invited. I love the sign that says, "Thanks for inviting me to the wedding, now invite me to the marriage."
Jesus returns from Cana to Capernaum with his mother and siblings and disciples. They stayed there for a few days. When it was almost time for the Jewish Passover, Jesus went up to Jerusalem for his participation in this high holy day. What he finds in Jerusalem is what he did not expect: People selling cattle, sheep, doves, and other exchanging money. Some have said they were giving out change for $20 bills and higher so they could drop in a $5 or less. Hmm. Jesus' reaction is to make a whip out of cords which he used to drive out everyone involved in this marketplace that should have been a temple. Jesus' declaration says it, "You have turned my Father's house into a market!" The disciples wrote it down in their hearts that this was a fulfillment of what was contained in the prophets, "Zeal for your house will consume me."
The actions of Jesus upset the Jews. Where do you get this authority to do such a thing? What sign can you do to prove it?
Jesus responds by saying that if they destroyed this Temple, he would raise it up in three days. They did not understand this for the Temple had taken 46 years to complete and no one could re-build it in a mere three days. The disciples later knew that what Jesus was talking about was His body that on the third day would come back from the dead.
Jesus did some signs and wonders and many believed in His name. He knew the hearts of the people and so he did not reveal much about himself for he did not need human testimony from them; he knew what was in them.
Somehow Jesus got invited to attend a wedding in a small town by the name of Cana in the region of Galilee. Many believe it was the wedding of a relative because Mary, the mother of Jesus, was also present. The disciples also got the invitation to attend the wedding. Weddings in Jesus' day were big celebrations that lasted for days for the richer of the people, but even the poor would save or go into debt to throw a party to celebrate the special occasion. In Spanish we had the expression "¡no es boda!" (It's not a wedding!) whenever we asked for seconds or thirds on a meal. I never knew what the expression meant until one of my cousins got married and we attended her wedding. They were sharecroppers who lived on a patch of land and there were many tables all laden with food. It was nonstop food! "Ah!," thought I, "Now I know! ¡Esta sî es una boda!(This IS a wedding!). The drink for celebration in Jesus' day was wine and it was usually the product of fermented grapes. The thing that happened was that at this particular wedding the bridal party ran out of wine. This could be a big embarrassment to the bride, her family, the groom and his family; but this proved to be the setting for Jesus' first miracle.
It was Mary who sensed the coming tragedy if wine was not present. It is Mary who tells Jesus that there is no more wine in a, we sense, do-something-about-it tone. Jesus responds with a son-mother response, Why do you want me to get involved in this? Or some say, "What concern is that with you and me?" Jesus did not believe the timing was right to do a miracle. Yet Mary is not concerned because she goes ahead and tells the servants to do whatever Jesus asked of them.
There were six stone jars that were used mainly for ceremonial purposes, namely washing. it was believed that each jar could hold twenty to thirty gallons of water. Jesus orders the jars filled with water. And these were filled to the brim.
Jesus tells the servants to take the water to the person in charge of the banquet. As this person tastes the wine he discovers that it is not water, but a fine wine. He doesn't know where the wine came from but he is impressed. His declaration is that usually the finest wine is provided first, then after enough of that expensive wine is drank, they change it out and serve cheaper wine. The implication is that by that point the quality of the wind does not really matter much anymore.
This was the first of the many signs that Jesus did to reveal his glory. And as that section closes out, the disciples put their faith in Jesus.
With his presence at this wedding a lot is said about having God present in the everyday and special celebrations of humanity. The formal wedding ceremony says something about "With his presence and power, Jesus graced a wedding at Cana of Galilee." And he still does. If invited. I love the sign that says, "Thanks for inviting me to the wedding, now invite me to the marriage."
Jesus returns from Cana to Capernaum with his mother and siblings and disciples. They stayed there for a few days. When it was almost time for the Jewish Passover, Jesus went up to Jerusalem for his participation in this high holy day. What he finds in Jerusalem is what he did not expect: People selling cattle, sheep, doves, and other exchanging money. Some have said they were giving out change for $20 bills and higher so they could drop in a $5 or less. Hmm. Jesus' reaction is to make a whip out of cords which he used to drive out everyone involved in this marketplace that should have been a temple. Jesus' declaration says it, "You have turned my Father's house into a market!" The disciples wrote it down in their hearts that this was a fulfillment of what was contained in the prophets, "Zeal for your house will consume me."
The actions of Jesus upset the Jews. Where do you get this authority to do such a thing? What sign can you do to prove it?
Jesus responds by saying that if they destroyed this Temple, he would raise it up in three days. They did not understand this for the Temple had taken 46 years to complete and no one could re-build it in a mere three days. The disciples later knew that what Jesus was talking about was His body that on the third day would come back from the dead.
Jesus did some signs and wonders and many believed in His name. He knew the hearts of the people and so he did not reveal much about himself for he did not need human testimony from them; he knew what was in them.
The Spiritual Gospel
I've started re-reading the Gospel of John. Nellie and I have been having long discussions about its content and our (my) struggles understanding some parts of it. I will post here my thoughts on each chapter and I do it only for myself and you're welcome to read what I share.
Like the title says, this is considered to be the most spiritual of the four gospels. It is not one of the Synoptic Gospels because it does not follow the same basic timeline of the three, Matthew, Mark, and Luke. Some actually call it the Spiritual Gospel. Some call it that because it breaks the original one-volume Luke-Acts work into two different books. Those who came before me and who knew much more than I ever hope to know, decided that because John's gospel speaks more of the Holy Spirit that it would be best for a volume on the Holy Spirit to come between Luke's foretelling of the coming and then Acts' recording of the actual arrival of same. I'll try to share that in my daily postings.
I started last night in a Days Inn Motel room in Sallisaw, Oklahoma. It's one of the smallest US motel/hotel rooms that I have ever seen. It was about the same size as a Days Inn hotel in London, England. It had a bed. We were tired. We slept. It had a shower and toilet in it so that fit the bill. But it was tiny.
Chapter One: Creation Revisited.
The gospel shares a viewpoint not found elsewhere about Creation. John's gospel affirms that Jesus is the Word. In Spanish, the word is literally "Verb." An active, working, involved Presence in the act of creation. Jesus is given credit for being a part of the making of all things. And because of that, John says that in Jesus we find life and that life is light for all people. You'll notice in this gospel that several images of Jesus will be presented; the first is Word, second is Life, and third is Light. John knows there is darkness and that darkness is powerless against light. Light always wins. Even the darkest cave in the deepest part of the earth is no match for a match. Get it? John affirms that darkness will never overcome light. Amen.
John then introduces a namesake, John. This first reference in verse 6 is to the John we know as John the Baptist. John is seen as a witness who would and did testify positively about light, with the hope that all would believe in Jesus. John is clear to share that John is not himself light, he's only a witness. John is aware that the world, in whatever way you may choose to define it, does not know nor recognize Jesus. But the ones who did received the right to become children of God. Children born of God.
Jesus became flesh and lived among us, John says. In Jesus we have seen glory and this glory is the reflection of the Son who came from the Father and He came full of grace and truth. This grace was so awesome that it replaced the grace God had already shared with the world. The giving of the law by Moses was an act of grace, but through Jesus we have received grace and also truth. John will state several times that in Jesus we find truth. When John the Baptist was asked by the religious of his day who he was, John was quick to say he was not the Messiah, the expected one from God. He denied being any of the prophets but quoting scripture says that he is the one whose voice cried in the wilderness as the Prophet isaiah declared. John also is questioned about his act of baptizing those believed to be born clean. Baptism was known as a cleansing act used to symbolically welcome non-Jews into the faith. But John the Baptist knew the need in the hearts of those who knew sin and alienation from God; they needed to be washed clean in a symbolic way of that sin, knowing that within, in the spiritual realm they were being washed by God's love.
John is baptizing at Bethany near the Jordan River. On one of those days, Jesus makes an appearance and John announces him as the "Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" John also affirms that standing next to Jesus, he does not measure up. Jesus is the One. John declares that at Jesus' baptism, an act much debated as to its necessity, the Spirit came down from heaven like a dove and as the baptism is being celebrated a voice from God tells John that Jesus is to be the One who will baptize with the Holy Spirit. John's testimony continues that Jesus is the chosen one of God, and even loses two of his own disciples to Jesus. They responded to John's second declaration, "Look, the Lamb of God!" That was all they needed to hear and they decide to follow Jesus.
Jesus asks the two what they're looking for. and the address Jesus as rabbi and ask, "Where are you staying?" Jesus replies that they should come and see. They spend the day with Jesus and Andrew, one of the two goes to find his brother, Peter to tell him about the discovery of this Lamb of God. His direct declaration is that they had found the Messiah, the Christ. And Andrew brings him to Jesus. Jesus in this first encounter with Peter calls him "Cephas," which is Peter (Petra, rock). Jesus then calls Philip with a simple, "Follow me" invitation. Philip in turn goes and finds Nathanael and also tells him his faith in this Christ.
The encounter between Jesus and this new disciple has powerful impact on Nathanael who in turn calls Jesus not only Rabbi but also Son of God, and King of Israel. Jesus promises him that he would see great things including the opening of heaven and visions of angels ascending and descending on 'the Son of Man.'
Powerful is the one word that comes to my mind and heart about this very short chapter in this short Gospel. But it's Good News. It's news that can save our lives and our very souls.
Like the title says, this is considered to be the most spiritual of the four gospels. It is not one of the Synoptic Gospels because it does not follow the same basic timeline of the three, Matthew, Mark, and Luke. Some actually call it the Spiritual Gospel. Some call it that because it breaks the original one-volume Luke-Acts work into two different books. Those who came before me and who knew much more than I ever hope to know, decided that because John's gospel speaks more of the Holy Spirit that it would be best for a volume on the Holy Spirit to come between Luke's foretelling of the coming and then Acts' recording of the actual arrival of same. I'll try to share that in my daily postings.
I started last night in a Days Inn Motel room in Sallisaw, Oklahoma. It's one of the smallest US motel/hotel rooms that I have ever seen. It was about the same size as a Days Inn hotel in London, England. It had a bed. We were tired. We slept. It had a shower and toilet in it so that fit the bill. But it was tiny.
Chapter One: Creation Revisited.
The gospel shares a viewpoint not found elsewhere about Creation. John's gospel affirms that Jesus is the Word. In Spanish, the word is literally "Verb." An active, working, involved Presence in the act of creation. Jesus is given credit for being a part of the making of all things. And because of that, John says that in Jesus we find life and that life is light for all people. You'll notice in this gospel that several images of Jesus will be presented; the first is Word, second is Life, and third is Light. John knows there is darkness and that darkness is powerless against light. Light always wins. Even the darkest cave in the deepest part of the earth is no match for a match. Get it? John affirms that darkness will never overcome light. Amen.
John then introduces a namesake, John. This first reference in verse 6 is to the John we know as John the Baptist. John is seen as a witness who would and did testify positively about light, with the hope that all would believe in Jesus. John is clear to share that John is not himself light, he's only a witness. John is aware that the world, in whatever way you may choose to define it, does not know nor recognize Jesus. But the ones who did received the right to become children of God. Children born of God.
Jesus became flesh and lived among us, John says. In Jesus we have seen glory and this glory is the reflection of the Son who came from the Father and He came full of grace and truth. This grace was so awesome that it replaced the grace God had already shared with the world. The giving of the law by Moses was an act of grace, but through Jesus we have received grace and also truth. John will state several times that in Jesus we find truth. When John the Baptist was asked by the religious of his day who he was, John was quick to say he was not the Messiah, the expected one from God. He denied being any of the prophets but quoting scripture says that he is the one whose voice cried in the wilderness as the Prophet isaiah declared. John also is questioned about his act of baptizing those believed to be born clean. Baptism was known as a cleansing act used to symbolically welcome non-Jews into the faith. But John the Baptist knew the need in the hearts of those who knew sin and alienation from God; they needed to be washed clean in a symbolic way of that sin, knowing that within, in the spiritual realm they were being washed by God's love.
John is baptizing at Bethany near the Jordan River. On one of those days, Jesus makes an appearance and John announces him as the "Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" John also affirms that standing next to Jesus, he does not measure up. Jesus is the One. John declares that at Jesus' baptism, an act much debated as to its necessity, the Spirit came down from heaven like a dove and as the baptism is being celebrated a voice from God tells John that Jesus is to be the One who will baptize with the Holy Spirit. John's testimony continues that Jesus is the chosen one of God, and even loses two of his own disciples to Jesus. They responded to John's second declaration, "Look, the Lamb of God!" That was all they needed to hear and they decide to follow Jesus.
Jesus asks the two what they're looking for. and the address Jesus as rabbi and ask, "Where are you staying?" Jesus replies that they should come and see. They spend the day with Jesus and Andrew, one of the two goes to find his brother, Peter to tell him about the discovery of this Lamb of God. His direct declaration is that they had found the Messiah, the Christ. And Andrew brings him to Jesus. Jesus in this first encounter with Peter calls him "Cephas," which is Peter (Petra, rock). Jesus then calls Philip with a simple, "Follow me" invitation. Philip in turn goes and finds Nathanael and also tells him his faith in this Christ.
The encounter between Jesus and this new disciple has powerful impact on Nathanael who in turn calls Jesus not only Rabbi but also Son of God, and King of Israel. Jesus promises him that he would see great things including the opening of heaven and visions of angels ascending and descending on 'the Son of Man.'
Powerful is the one word that comes to my mind and heart about this very short chapter in this short Gospel. But it's Good News. It's news that can save our lives and our very souls.
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