Week 9 ~ Readings in John's Gospel

"The Father HIMSELF loves YOU!"

Intro: John wrote his gospel account of Jesus' life around 50-60 years after Christ died and rose from the dead. He had had many years to experience the truth of what he was writing, and the depth of fellowship with the Father which he describes in these chapters is from his own intimate knowledge. In John's first letter, he writes, "That which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us, and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ. And these things we write to you that your joy may be full!" 1 John 1:3,4.

Joy in close relationship with the Father and with Jesus because of the Holy Spirit, is John's theme. Don't be concerned that you may not fully grasp what it all means. Relationship takes time to grow and mature, and that is what we will read about now.

Day 1: John 15:1-8

            "I AM the true Vine!"  If you are a gardener, you will understand Jesus' use of the vine, as he describes our union with Him, and how the Father cares for us as the Master Gardener.  To abide in the vine is about receiving a steady flow of life and every blessing of God from Jesus Himself. Without the life-giving sap a tree cannot flourish or bear fruit. Notice that Jesus is the true vine. There are other vines, the main one being the vine of this world and its culture. A branch cannot change around from tree to tree! Consider Who you belong to today. AGAIN there is the promise in verse 7 that we can ask whatever we desire and it will be done for us. This asking is from that position of knowing we are secure in Jesus, rooted, grounded in His love, and will result in glory to Father and more fruit in our lives!

Day 2: John 15:9-17

            Why does Jesus choose a vine rather than say an olive tree? A vine produces grapes from which wine is made – wine is the symbol of JOY in the Bible. Jesus is telling us these things so that HIS joy may be in us, and that OUR "joy and gladness may be of full measure and complete and overflowing". (verse11 Amplified version) This joy flows because we know our Father's love and will flow out into loving others. And being friends of Jesus; friends, to whom He tells His Father's secrets;

                  asking whatever we want in His name and receiving from our Father! Chosen and appointed by Jesus! Bearing lasting fruit of love and joy. Fruit is not what we do, but is what grows in our lives as we live every day with Jesus. Read Galatians 5:22,23. What does it mean to you to be Jesus' friend?

Day 3: John 15:18-27

            Jesus reminds us that we will experience rejection and hate in this world. BUT He is sending the promised Holy Spirit. He will witness to Jesus through us and for us. When Jesus finally leaves the disciples after His resurrection, He tells them they will be His witnesses – but only AFTER the Holy Spirit comes – see Acts1:8.  Whenever it is hard to tell others about Jesus and your love for Him, remember the Holy Spirit is with you – and because He is with you, your life and love and joy will show Him to others!

Day 4: John 16:1-7

            "These things have I spoken" – again Jesus is comforting His disciples at this traumatic juncture in their lives. He wants them to know that even though hardship and persecution will come, His Father is faithful to His Word. In many parts of the world today, Christian believers risk being killed for their faith. And in our country, more and more we will have to stand for God's truth in a way that is unacceptable to the world culture, and contrary to media and government thinking! God cares that we should not stumble or fall. He has provided the Holy Spirit, our STRONG Helper.

                     Rom 5:5 "Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us."

Day 5: John 16:8-15

            The Holy Spirit's role – to convict! Notice there are 3 separate categories here. First He convicts the unbeliever of sin. Remember when you knew His working in your hearts to bring you to receive forgiveness of sins through what Jesus did on the Cross. Pray for your friends and family today – that the Holy Spirit will convict of sin, and bring them to know Jesus. Second He convicts of righteousness! This means He keeps on demonstrating the forgiving, loving, healing nature of the Father to us and through us, as Jesus Himself is no longer on earth to do it, always affirming to us our right standing with the Father. The Holy Spirit wants us to walk in that certainty and assurance of our complete wholeness in Christ. It is finished! Jesus has done it all on the Cross! Thirdly He convicts the devil and all his minions and will commit them one day to judgement.  What a comfort as we witness the terrible evil in the world today. Consider the mission of the Holy Spirit in verses 13 -15. The Holy Spirit is God, and glorifies Jesus and speaks the Father's words to us.

Day 6: John 16:16-24

            Sorrow turned to Joy. Jesus is trying to prepare his friends for His approaching death. "I will see you again", He says. How hard it is when we are disappointed to  believe for the impossible – Jesus is putting His words in their hearts, and believing they will come through into joy. How many times has He said it – "ASK ….."? When we ask in His name, then our joy will be full. The very best thing we can ask, considering all this chapter has been teaching us, is for the Holy Spirit to come into our lives more and more, because He will be our Teacher, showing us more of Jesus, teaching us how to live and how to pray.  Ask, and you WILL receive! Read also Luke 11:13.

Day 7: John 16:25-33

            "For the Father HIMSELF loves you!" What a statement. Why does the Father love us? Is it because we are coming to church, or reading our Bibles, or helping at Alpha – NO! All these things happen because we are following Jesus – BUT Father loves us because we love Jesus and believe that He is One with the Father. It is all about LOVE and FAITH! Father's love poured into our hearts is His response to our love and faith in Jesus His Son! It is a circle – we love Him because He first loved us, and He loves us because we love Him! The chapter ends the same as it began with Jesus encouraging our hearts, and promising His peace. Jesus has overcome the world – its temptations, trials and pain. What does this mean for you in your situation today?

 Summary: It is impossible to absorb everything these two chapters are telling us. As we grow in the knowledge of God and His Son Jesus – as we stay close to Him and allow the Holy Spirit to fill us more and more – we will bear His fruit in our lives. It is a process. Do not get disheartened. It is not about who is a better Christian than someone else. It is about being rooted in God's love, growing up in Him, making mistakes, but having the Holy Spirit as our constant Helper and Encourager, Teacher and Friend. 

Week 8 ~ Readings in John's Gospel

Jesus: "I AM the Way, the Truth and the Life."

Intro: The theme of this week's readings is the 'vital union' and total harmony between the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. In chapter 14 Jesus mentions "Father" 23 times in 31 verses. He models His Father in everything. Jesus IS the way – as we love, trust and obey Him, we will discover the Father and experience His presence with us! Also Jesus begins His teaching about our Helper, the Holy Spirit. The readings are short as there is so much to take in and absorb. Over the next couple of weeks, you could make different lists as you read – 1) the promises Jesus makes to us as we believe and obey Him, 2) all the different ways the Holy Spirit helps us, 3) how many times Jesus talks about Him and the Father abiding, dwelling, living in and with us.

Day 1: John 13:31-35

            Jesus must be full of emotion as Judas goes off into the night. He realises that NOW is the time for Him to be glorified, and He knows that means His death. He speaks lovingly to his other 11 disciples, calling them "little children". He knows His time with them on earth is almost finished, and so tells them ONE important "new" command – that they should love one another.  With what sort of love? The sort that He has for us – sacrificial 'laying down of self' love! No less! The world will know that we are Jesus' followers, when we practice His faithful, unchanging, forgiving, blessing, healing type of love.  As we read on, we will find out how we can do this – NOT on our own! Let Jesus speak to you right now, calling you, "My little child ….!"

Day 2: John 13:36 - 14:6

            Peter has vowed his loyalty to Jesus, but Jesus, knowing his human weakness, tells Peter he will deny him. (We will see more about this in days to come). Jesus follows this by speaking peace to Peter and the other disciples: "Let not your heart be troubled …" He knows that we will fail Him, so here He brings that amazing wonderful assurance that He is going to prepare a place for us in His Father's house. AND He is coming back to take us there one day! Thomas, the doubtful one, (don't the disciples show us our own characteristics!), asks Jesus how they will ever find the way if Jesus is leaving them. "I AM the WAY," says Jesus. And He is the Truth and the Life. Jesus says that believing in Him is the one and only way to come to the Father, and to know freedom and life.

Day 3: John 14:7-11

            "Lord, show us the Father!" In His reply to Philip, Jesus states that He looks like His Father, He speaks like His Father and He acts like His Father! As we spend time getting to know Jesus, we will be discovering our Father's love and kindness – and His thoughts towards us. Jesus and the Father are ONE, and they love us as ONE.  Jesus tells His disciples again, that if they find it hard to believe in Him, then look at the miracles His Father does through Him. Often it is testimony of God's healing or salvation or answered prayer that strengthens and deepens our trust and believing, and helps to convince others of Who Jesus is.  Let's be ready to share the great things He does for us with one another, to encourage and affirm joyful trust in Jesus and our loving heavenly Father!is Father! He and the Father are ONE> And as we get to know Jesus, so we will becHi

 Day 4: John 14:12-14

                  What amazing verses! Re-read and ponder what Jesus is promising. Speak these verses out loud, putting in your own name. Look at the "whatevers" and "anythings"! Believe and ask – that is all that is required of us. The secret of our doing greater works than Jesus is in the teaching He gives later about the Holy Spirit. Can you step out and believe God for ANYTHING you ask! There is a big key here – the words "in MY name". This means within the whole character and personality of God Himself. Jesus shows us the Father, and we can ask anything within His righteous character of love and healing and provision and joy-giving! You can also use the "I AM" names Jesus gives Himself.  Ask Him something very specific today, write it in your notebook, and then wait and see His answer and breakthrough for you! It will bring honour and glory to Jesus and the Father.

Day 5: John 14:15-18

            “If you love Me…” It is LOVE for Jesus that produces a life in tune with His word. Obedience to God’s word is not about following a set of rules and laws – it is about a heart so full of love and thanks for Who Jesus is to us, that our whole desire is to please HIM! And it is possible because "I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you." Jesus promises His disciples will never be alone. The Father will send the Holy Spirit to live in them constantly and forever! The Amplified Bible translates “another Helper” as "Comforter, Counsellor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener and Standby". Because the Holy Spirit is in us, we can love others like Jesus does, and do the things He asks us to! Think of a situation in your own life or someone you care about, and ask the Holy Spirit to come alongside and help, counsel, comfort, strengthen and stand close.

Day 6: John 14:19-24

            Again Jesus says that if we LOVE Him, we will keep His Word. It is all about intimacy and relationship. Because of the Holy Spirit, God the Father and Jesus the Son will make their home in our lives as we love and obey HIM! Think about that – your heart the home of the Lord – open up every room to Him today. See Revelation 3:20.

Day 7: John 14:25-31

            What does verse 26 tell us about the Holy Spirit? What confidence we can have as we seek to understand God’s word, and as we learn more of God’s truth, that we can call on the Spirit to help us. This chapter began with Jesus assuring us we need not be afraid or troubled, and here it is again. The world is full of fear, panic, distress, confusion and war. Jesus says. “MY peace I give to you!” Read Isaiah 26:3, and quietly receive the peace that the world cannot give. In the midst of any struggles or opposing forces, Jesus is here. He says, “Peace I leave with you.”

 Summary:

                 Untroubled hearts …… peace ……. A Lord close to us all the time because He lives in us …… a Father who wants communion and relationship with each one of us … so that we can pray His word and in His Name, asking ANYTHING and watching God answer … doing the same things Jesus did …this is all attainable with the Holy Spirit living in us,

                                    through our Lord Jesus Christ,

                                                          the WAY, the TRUTH and the LIFE!

Week 7 ~ Readings in John's Gospel

“The time has come for the Son of Man to be exalted”

 Intro: On several occasions Jesus has answered His disciples by saying that His time has not yet come. Now we read in ch12v23 that His time has come. Jesus is preparing for His death – and He is preparing His friends and followers for all that will follow – explaining not only the reason why He has to die, but also what it means to follow Him through His death into His resurrection and life. We are more than half way through John. Congratulations for getting this far! As we press on with the final chapters and some amazing, life-changing teaching from Jesus, let’s open our hearts afresh to hear Him – the One Who speaks only what the Father speaks!

Day 1: John 11:47-57

            Jealousy, fear and hate take hold. The religious leaders decide to kill Jesus! They see Him as a threat to their control and authority over the people. In the face of antagonism and murderous threats, Jesus quietly withdraws. And His disciples go with Him. Let us be those who quietly wait with Jesus, seeking His way, when we face antagonism or difficult situations.(Read Isaiah 40:29-31 to see the results of waiting on the Lord!) Caiaphas prophesies one man will die for all people; he has God’s anointing upon him in his office as high priest, but it is not in him! He later is a major part of the trial condemning Jesus. However, the truth is here: one MAN did die for the nation and for all God’s scattered people everywhere (us!). Thank Him again and also please pray for the Jewish nation today to come to know their Messiah!

Day 2: John 12:1-11

            “The whole house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume”. Mary’s love and worship begins the preparation for Jesus death and burial. Here is Jesus with His friends at the home of Mary and Martha. Martha is lovingly preparing and serving dinner, whilst Mary is finding the most precious thing she owns and pouring it out on Jesus, wiping His weary feet with her hair. Lazarus, who was dead and buried a few days before, is reclining at the table, talking and laughing with Jesus. This is a home full of love – all except for Judas, who is angry and critical of Mary’s outpouring of worship, and we learn also that he is a thief. Here is a glimpse of the open door that Judas is giving to deception and bitterness. Judas has followed Jesus with his feet and his mind, even having an important responsibility within Jesus’ close team, but he does not have heart faith and love. Let’s ask Jesus to purify our thoughts and actions, and bring Him our hearts and lives in love and worship, filling the house with fragrance – bringing the presence of Jesus everywhere we go!

Day 3: John 12:12-23

            “Look, the whole world is running after Him!” The people crowd into the streets to shout “Hosanna” as Jesus rides into Jerusalem on an untrained colt. They are greeting Him with praise as their longed-for King! John also quotes from the Scriptures to show how prophecy is being fulfilled – he wants to give even stronger evidence that Jesus is the Messiah, the Saviour of the world. “Do not fear …rejoice greatly…” (Zech 9:9). When our King comes, then fear has to go and rejoicing comes! He has come to save, to heal, to deliver from death. Greeks come also and want to see Jesus. The disciples tell Jesus and His answer is surprising. “The time has come …” He says! These Greeks represent the civilised but lost nations, and Jesus is announcing His coming death and the glory of His resurrection for all people. Let us rejoice and praise and sing to our King Jesus today!

Day 4: John 12:24-36

            “Unless a grain of wheat fall into the ground…” Some will remember Pastor Phil passing round grains of wheat one Sunday morning. In fact, mine were still falling out of my Bible case weeks later!! But they didn’t grow! No, they had to be planted to grow. Jesus is talking here about laying down our own way, our own thoughts and opinions, letting our hopes, aspirations and dreams die, surrendering our whole lives over to Him, to be planted in the ground of His love. HE will raise up all He has created us to be, with His gifts and anointing, and produce a great harvest of joy, peace and righteousness! (Romans 14:17) Many others will come to know Him through our lives representing Christ lifted up on the Cross. God’s voice thunders from Heaven to affirm His Son, and affirm His glory through Him. Jesus is calling us to walk in His light, to follow and serve Him, thus gaining honour from our Father!

Day 5: John 12:37-50

            Many still did not believe. John quotes here from Isaiah 53:1 and Isaiah 6:9,10. It is interesting that the apostle, Paul, in his last recorded words, also speaks out this scripture in Acts 28:26,27. Paul faced the same responses as Jesus did. ”Some were persuaded by the things which were spoken, and some disbelieved.” Acts 28:24. Watch what Jesus does – he continues to call out for the people to believe, trust in and cleave to HIM. Look at His promises reiterated in verse 45 and 46. Let us be those who love God’s approval rather than men’s – let us press on speaking the words of the Lord even when there is opposition. Even though hearts are hardened in sin and pride and stubborn tradition, the Father still calls each one. Jesus never judges – He keeps on loving and calling with Father’s words of love and promise of eternal life. Let us learn from Jesus, to be those who “just as the Father has told me, so I speak.”

Day 6: John 13:1-17

            “I have given you an example …” Jesus washes His disciples’ feet. Feet were hot, dusty and very weary after tramping the unmade surface of those roads and country paths. Servants would wash the feet of guests as they entered the house. Here is Jesus doing the most lowly and menial of tasks – washing smelly dirty feet! First He demonstrates to us that, once we have been cleansed by the forgiveness of His blood, we do not need repeated washing all over – but we do need refreshing as we get the dust and dirt of the world on us. He is always there to cleanse and refresh and encourage our hearts. Then He asks us to do this for others; to be those who, without criticism or judging, are going to be those who refresh and strengthen our brothers and sisters. Read Philippians 2:1-8. This is the way of blessing, the way of joy, fulfilment and peace in God.

Day 7: John 13:18-30

            ”It was night.” Jesus has taught much about the light and that He is the Light. But here is Judas walking in darkness – he goes out to betray the Lord Jesus. Sin has taken hold of his heart. We see the opposite in the one leaning up against Jesus as they recline at the table. This is John himself, the writer of this Gospel. (See ch21:20,24). John is close enough to Jesus to hear His whispers, and to learn His secrets. Peter is close enough for John to relay his question to Jesus. Let us be those leaning on the Lord, trusting Him intimately, listening and learning, walking in His light, in close fellowship with others who love Jesus, receiving revelation together from HIM.

Summary: Serving, loving, obeying, listening to His voice, speaking His Word – this is the example Jesus has given us to follow – refreshing and encouraging others without criticism and judgement. And all this only as we learn to surrender all that we consider precious to Jesus, and to love and worship Him with our whole life! Jesus has died for us – He calls us to lay down our lives for Him.

Week 6 ~ Readings in John's Gospel

Jesus says: "I AM the Resurrection and the LIFE!"

Intro: "He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him. But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name." John 1:11-12. We read this verse our first week. It is good to remind ourselves of what it says and how it clarifies who belongs to the Father and who does not! And it is the difference between receiving and not receiving, believing or not believing.  This week we will be finding out more about that word, "believe".  We can use the word lightly, even saying something like "I believe there is a barbecue on Sunday", meaning we don't know whether there is or not! That is NOT the sort of believing Jesus talks about! I will use the Amplified version of the Bible in these notes to give a clearer picture of what it means to believe in Jesus.

Day 1:  John 10:19-30

            "My Father is greater than all!" Jesus is talking about His Father in relation to His sheep. The Father will never let us go. No evil person or circumstance or happening can ever remove those who believe from Father's care! The Pharisees cannot deny Jesus' miracles, but they do not believe, "trust" and "rely on" HIM. They have head-knowledge of who they think God is. To believe in Jesus is heart-knowledge! Verse 27 shows us what believing means for His sheep. This is a developing faith. It does not happen overnight. It is not a mental acquiescence, but daily hearing and listening to our Shepherd's voice, to find His way in every circumstance of life. He knows us, and loves and cares for us just as we are. Make a note of all that Jesus and the Father do for their sheep. Our great and mighty God is FOR us!

Day 2:  John 10:31-42

            Jesus has demonstrated His Father's glory and mercy through His healing miracles, and yet the hard-hearted unbelieving Jews still want to stone Him. They can't help but acknowledge His deeds, but do not want HIM. There is always a choice. Even to believe in His works will produce faith in Jesus as being one with GOD the Father. He offers these people a doorway to faith. Perhaps there is a situation in your life where it is difficult to believe that God will help you. Think of what He has done for you before or read the testimony of someone else and let that be your doorway to saying "Yes, Lord, I remember the miracles you have already done. Please help me adhere to and trust in and rely on You and on Your word in this circumstance."

                  (nb: In verse 34, Jesus is quoting from Psalm 82:6. Men do have authority and are like 'gods' on this earth, but unless our lives are governed by the LORD Jesus, we will still walk and rule in darkness.)

Day 3:  John 11:1-16

            The next few days takes us through one of the most wonderful stories in the Bible. First we meet the family, 2 sisters and their brother – Mary, Martha and Lazarus! This family were close friends of Jesus – He could always be sure of a good meal in Martha's house! When Jesus is told Lazarus is sick, they say, "He whom you love." Jesus has special friends and those He can be Himself with, and He wants to be at home in our hearts in the same way. Why did Jesus delay 2 whole days before going to see his sick friend? The reason the disciples didn't want to go was their fear of being arrested with Jesus, and killed! But Jesus had a different reason – v 4 and 15. Are there some issues in your life, where it seems the Lord is not in a hurry to answer your prayers, nor come to help you? Keep believing Him, trusting and relying on His word and promises – He will come. The outcome will be for God's glory and that we might trust and love Him more! And that others will believe also!

Day 4: John 11:17-27

         "I AM the Resurrection and the Life!"  Martha hears Jesus is coming – and runs out to find Him. Her greeting is a mixture of faith and disappointment. Her brother has died by this time, and Jesus didn't come – He wasn't there when they needed Him! Look at each of Martha's declarations in verse 21, 22, 24 and then 27. Now put yourself in Martha's place, running to meet Jesus. If you have disappointments and failure and sadness you are still coping with, put your own words into these verses, telling Jesus that He is the anointed Son of God, the One Who can bring LIFE where there is death and restoration where there is loss. Like Martha, say "I KNOW…" and "I believe…" (have faith in, cleave to and rely on) You, Lord Jesus!"

Day 5: John 11:28-37

          "The Lord is here and is calling for you!"  What amazing words to one who is shut up in her grief! Look back at verse 20.Maybe that is a word right now for someone reading this. "The Lord is here and calling for YOU!" Mary jumps up and runs to meet Jesus. Her first words are identical to Martha's! The sceptics have the same question in verse 37. But what a difference! Martha and Mary, despite their grief, speak out of faith and love – these others are scorning the fact that He didn't seem able to heal Lazarus before he died. It is perfectly alright to have questions for Jesus, when they come from a heart of love for Him and a need to hear Him, and to understand. Jesus knows the outcome, which He has already told Martha in v 23, and yet He weeps with those who weep, and He tenderly loves His friends.

Day 6:  John 11:38-40

            Martha, the ever practical one, objects strongly to Jesus' order to roll away the boulder. In hot countries, the stench of a dead body would be overpowering! Jesus rebukes her – "Did I not tell you …?" He has promised – He will see it through! But the boulder must be removed first. There are boulders often in our lives hiding issues and experiences of the past. Jesus asks us to roll the boulder away and give Him access into our lives, so that He might cancel out despair and death, and bring His resurrection life! One of the keys to getting rid of a boulder in our lives is forgiveness. Pastor Phil has been teaching us on the healing power of forgiving and releasing those who have harmed and hurt us. Let's ask the Holy Spirit to help us get rid of boulders and obey Jesus. He has promised that "if you would believe and rely on Me, you would see the glory of God"!

             

Day 7:  John 11:41-46

            Jesus thanks His Father. Notice that, as with the miracle of the loaves and fishes, He thanks His Father before the miracle takes place, and He knows His Father hears Him. He has absolute confidence in Him. Can we praise God when the miracle hasn't happened yet? This is believing. Praise literally opens the gates of Heaven! Jesus SHOUTS to Lazarus to come out. He has been stone dead for 4 days! And he walks out, still wrapped in all the burial bandages! What a sight! How absolutely dumbstruck everyone must have been! Jesus has to tell them to release him! There must have been a huge amount of emotion and joy. Many joyfully put their trust in Jesus, the Son of God. Turn to God in praise, thanks and worship today, speak out your thanks for the promises you know He will fulfil for you!

Summary:  

   Jesus is our RESURRECTION and LIFE!

    When we believe in JESUS,

         walking and talking with Him, listening to Him, loving Him, receiving from Him,

putting our whole weight of trust on HIM, thanking and praising Him, 

                      speaking out His Word,

THEN He will show us God's glory – His marvelous joyful amazing salvation, healing, release and power in our lives!

Week 5 ~ Readings in John's Gospel

Freedom through Jesus ~ the "I AM"

 Light of the World   Door of the Sheep   Good Shepherd!

Intro: This week's readings begin with Jesus' instruction to "abide" in His Word. From now on, Jesus' teaching is specially directed towards what it means to truly follow Him. The freedom He promises to give those who love and obey Him is the freedom to live His kind of life with the Father! Think of the miracles we have already read about – food for the hungry, the wine of joy in our human experience, healing for the sick, calming the storm – and now sight for the blind! This is the door that Jesus opens for us as we follow and obey Him!

Day 1:   John 8:31-47

              Jesus says that true disciples will 'abide' in His word.  'Abide' is also translated to 'live in', 'dwell', 'inhabit', 'have your home in', 'stick with', 'continue in'.  As we stick with Jesus and His word, then we will be set free by knowing God's truth – having heart knowledge about Who our Father is, what Jesus has done for us through His death and resurrection, and what God says about us, His children! Free to live as sons and daughters of the living God. How can we follow Abraham's example? See Galatians 3:6-9. Note how Jesus describes the devil in verse 44. As we choose to live by faith in Jesus and His word, trusting and relying on Him in every circumstance, He will be setting us free from the lies and entrapments of the devil and we can be assured we will hear His voice.

Day 2:    John 8:48-59

              Jesus, Who honours His Father and is continually faithful to Him, is accused of having a demon! In Genesis 1:26, God said "Let US make man in our own image!" Jesus was there with the Father and the Holy Spirit before the world began and certainly before Abraham was born. He Himself is the fulfilment of what God promised Abraham in Genesis 12:3, that all the families of the earth would be blessed through him. The Jews cannot grasp with their natural minds that Jesus, the "I AM", God Himself, is standing before them and they want to stone Him for blasphemy! Jesus slips away through the crowd – it is not His time yet. Let us honour and love and worship our Jesus, that He came and went through all this so that we might believe in Him, love Him, obey Him and live for ever!

Day 3:    John 9:1-12

              Jesus is making His escape from the fury of the unbelieving Jews, but stops for a blind man! Read through the story again and watch how Jesus' compassion shines through. The blind man has been blamed all these years for either his parents' or his own sin, rejected, living in a dark world, a street beggar. Then Jesus comes along! Look how the blind man obeys Jesus implicitly. And his eyesight is restored! The crowds are totally amazed and cannot believe it is the same man they knew! He answers their questions and finishes with:

                     "Then I went and I washed and now I can see!"

                     But he cannot tell them where Jesus is. When we tell others what Christ has done for us, it can be so simple. "This is what He did for me!" We do not have to know all the answers about God!

                     In verse 5, Jesus says "While I am in the world, I am the light of the world."  Who is the light of the world now? Look up what Jesus says in Matthew 5:14. He has taken us out of darkness into His wonderful light, opened our blind eyes, so that we can shine for Him wherever we are!

Day 4:    John 9:13-34

              Incredibly, it was the Sabbath again! Jesus just loved to use God's holy day to show His Father's glory, and bring true rest, His wholeness and peace, to the sick and sad and broken. But the Pharisees are mad! The now-seeing man, who must be absolutely mesmerised by the colours and shapes and beauty around him, has to defend himself to them. His parents opt out. But their son declares, as he is questioned again, "One thing I know, that once I was blind, but now I can see!" The radiant young man begins to preach to them! "If this man were not from God, He could do nothing!"  Listen to their condemnation – "You were born entirely in sin!" They are stunned at his 'impudence', and throw him out.

Day 5:    John 9:35-41

              Jesus hears, Jesus comes, Jesus meets and speaks with the healed but rejected young man. When we are misunderstood, or scorned or rejected, Jesus will always come! When Jesus introduces Himself, the man believes and WORSHIPS! Today, think of what Jesus has done for you, and come and thank and worship Him! The once-blind man has a heart soft to receive, quick to obey, warm to worship.  Let's ask God for hearts to receive His love today, and for our spiritual eyes to be opened to see His truth and understand His will for us.

Day 6:    John 10:1-10

              "I AM the Door of the sheep!" In Jesus' time, a shepherd would lie across the door of his sheepfold at night, to protect His sheep. He would call them to come in and go out, and they would follow, knowing they were safe with the one whose voice they knew and trusted. We have such a wonderful confidence given us here by Jesus, that, as we stay close to Him, we will KNOW His voice and will discern false leadings and callings in our lives. Jesus will call us by name and we will recognise the grace-filled tender character of Jesus, even when He is taking us through a hard place! He knows your name – He knows you! All that the enemy has done in our lives to steal and kill and destroy – hopes, dreams, relationships, security, health, family - Jesus comes to give instead abundant life, restoring and healing, with overflowing forgiveness and blessing!

                     Take time today to read Psalm 23 as well. Let the Holy Spirit speak to you His precious promises for you personally.

Day 7:    John 10:11-18

              "I AM the GOOD Shepherd!" Here is Jesus, our Shepherd, Who has laid down His life for us. Read verse 12. Think of the opposite – the Good Shepherd will see the wolf and defend and protect His sheep! The Good Shepherd cares for His sheep and loves them, and gathers them into one flock. Jesus had authority even over His own life. He was in the world to die in our place. He would freely give His life when the time came, but the men trying to kill Him had no power till such time as He freely gave! He chose to die for you and me! Thank Him and read Psalm 23 again!

Summary: Continue in the Word – FREEDOM in Jesus Christ, Who is

          our Light – Revelation of the Father and His love

               our Door - Opens the way into all the fullness of abundant life

                     our Shepherd - Leads, guides, cares, feeds, heals and protects

                    

                                         What a Friend we have in Jesus!

Week 4 ~ Readings in John's Gospel

Jesus says: "Come to Me and Drink"

 Intro:  We will see clearly, through this next week, the three types of people Jesus meets and their different responses to Him. It is really helpful to realise that we may meet with these same responses and attitudes, as we share Jesus with others. Do not be deterred by opposition or indifference – Jesus assures us here that, as we drink from Him, believing Him, then rivers of living water will flow from us, as His Holy Spirit fills us to overflowing.

            And HE brings words of eternal LIFE to ALL!

Day 1:   John 6:60-71

              Jesus once again is challenging those who call themselves His followers (v30) to hear and understand His words by the Holy Spirit. His words are "spirit and they are life". Let's ask the Holy Spirit to help us understand – not dry doctrine, but living truth - and to open our hearts to believe Jesus. This is too difficult for many and they desert Jesus. How wonderful Peter's words are in verses 68,69, as Jesus asks the twelve, His special friends, whether they too want to leave Him. Can you speak this out loud as a declaration of your faith in Jesus? Maybe you could write your answer to this question, "Do you also want to leave Me?"– tell Jesus of your love for Him, your faith in Him.

Day 2:    John 7:1-24

              The Feast of Tabernacles is still an important Jewish festival today and many travel to Jerusalem to celebrate. Even though Jesus was pressured by His brothers to go public, He stayed in Galilee, and then later quietly went up to Jerusalem. He is waiting His Father's time. Never does Jesus try and hurry things up, or try to please men. When He does go up to the Feast, He can't remain in secret for long! And now the religious people are attacking His teaching, scorning Him as an uneducated man! Jesus responds saying that those who are willing to do God's will WILL recognise that His teaching is from God. And His challenge is to not judge by outward appearances or what we think we know about someone!

Day 3:    John 7:25-36

              Jesus declares about the Father:

                     "I KNOW HIM, because I am from Him and He sent Me!"

                     Jesus is completely sure of His relationship with His Father and His mission. This passage reveals all 3 types of responses to the amazing claims Jesus makes to be the Son of God. 1) Some plain don't understand, and again use their reason to say how could He be from God? They know where He grew up. 2) Others hate Him, think they know it all, and, wanting to kill Him, try unsuccessfully to arrest Him. Only in His Father's time, will they be allowed to lay a hand on the Son of God. 3) Many, in verse 31, take the risk of believing in Jesus. Take note of what Jesus says to the ones who refuse to accept His words in verse 34. Remember He has already said "Come and see" to his disciples. We will see in future readings how Jesus will always show the way to those who believe in Him. It is an indictment indeed to hear Him say "where I am, you cannot come"! Oh, let us be those who are always opening our hearts to Jesus, and He, in close intimacy with Father, will lead us into God's presence, and His love and will for our lives.

Day 4:    John 7: 37-39

              Only 3 verses to read today, but amazing and wonderful, life-giving words! Soak in these words for yourself. During the Feast of Tabernacles, the Jewish harvest thanksgiving, water was brought each day into the temple, representing God's water of life, and now Jesus stands up on the last most important day, and SHOUTS:

                                    "If ANYONE is THIRSTY, come to ME and drink …."

                     In John 4, at the well, He spoke of "living water". Now we have not only a wellspring, BUT RIVERS! This is His promise for us today - rivers of the Spirit, the nature and character of God Himself flowing through us. Are you anyone? Are you thirsty? Do you sometimes feel dry and dusty, or that your life is barren? Then come to Him and drink! Jesus will teach more about the Holy Spirit as we read on in John.

Day 5:    John 7:40-53 and 8:1-2

              People are arguing again. He couldn't be Christ, as He comes from Galilee. What they have not bothered to find out is that He was born in Bethlehem. You can read about that in Matthew ch2 and Luke ch2. Then we have Nicodemus again, perhaps not yet quite believing but ready to stand up for Jesus – at least using the Jewish law to give Jesus a break, and allow Him to speak for Himself. But they do not listen! Look how the Pharisees condemn the crowd outright in verse 49. How opposite their thinking is from the healing love of Jesus. Watch Him, patiently coming back in the early morning, to teach the people, and they are getting up early to hear His words. What an encouragement to us to get up early and meet with Jesus – He will be there waiting to speak with you and me personally!

Day 6:    John 8:3-11

                     "Neither do I condemn you, go and sin no more!" What an amazing story! This woman, caught in all her shame, is hauled before Jesus. I wonder what Jesus was doing as He wrote in the dirt?  Do you think He is waiting for His Father's wisdom? When He does speak, the men just have to slink away. Only one Man is left. Jesus! HE is the only righteous one without sin, the only one who could justly have thrown a stone! But no, He looks at this woman with eyes of love and mercy, and takes away her condemnation and guilt. He then tells her to sin no more. Jesus transforms our lives when He takes our guilt and shame – and He gives us the power to become the sons of God. Remember John 1:12? As well as setting us free, He gives us the power to live His life!

Day 7:    John 8:12-30

                     "I AM the Light of the World"!  What a wonderful promise! Here is Jesus, the "I AM", God Himself, the Light for everyone in the whole world! However, it is those who follow Him who will walk in this light, instead of the darkness - the light of LIFE – so totally, utterly the opposite from the darkness and evil of the world. Try learning verse 12 right now! Jesus is facing His opposers again. Can you imagine how hard it was for Him to see them continue in their unbelief when He, the Light of the world was standing there, knocking on the door of their hearts? He doesn't give up, and He knows His Father is with Him. Many come and believe as they suddenly see!

Summary:

Even as Jesus contested the unbelief and scorn of the religious leaders, He was calling all to come to Him and drink, to come and experience His LIGHT and LIFE, and the living waters of His Holy Spirit!

Jesus knew He was never alone! His Father was with Him. This was His way through all the opposition – His security in Father's love.

                        "I'm not alone for my Father is with me, with me wherever I go,

                        Speaking words of love, of courage and of faith,  

                        He's with me, He loves me, wherever I go!"

Week 3 ~ Readings in John's Gospel

Jesus said – "I AM the Bread of Life"

Intro: Last week we read of Jesus telling the woman at the well that "I AM He" - the Messiah, the longed for Saviour of the Jewish people. In the Old Testament God introduces Himself as

"I AM" (Exodus 3:13,14).  Now as we read on, we begin to see Jesus revealing Himself and the Father as the "I AM", the One Who is continually the same and always consistent in His love for us.  Jesus says He is the Bread of Life, the One Who is our food, our nourishment and our very life as we come to Him.  Note also through this week's readings how often Jesus mentions His Father, and how close their relationship is.

NB: Remember to use the Re-MAP guide to reading each day, and you will be learning more and more to hear God speak personally to you!

Day 1:   John 5:1-15

               This is the third miracle that John chooses to write about in detail. Each one is a "sign" or demonstration of His character and nature. Just look at the opposites in this story. On one side, the love and healing power of Jesus, and on the other, the petty arguments and condemning tradition of religiosity! Here Jesus walks into a hopeless situation with a question, "Do you want to be well?" Jesus cuts to the core of our heart desires when He comes on the scene. And, no matter how long we have been held down or trapped by sickness, depression, debt, addiction, fear or any other bondage – the question is the same "Do you want to be well?" The man jumped in with excuses – but "Jesus knew" his whole situation and gave him the power to rise up and step out of 38 years of being a crippled invalid. Consider what this might mean for you.

Day 2:    John 5:16-30

              "The Father loves the Son" This passage contains some things we may not understand, but here is the central truth. Everything that Jesus does is because He is secure in His Father's love and does nothing without His Father. And the Father wants us to know that same love. Jesus calls us in verse 24 to hear His Word and believe in the One Who sent Him and we will have that eternal life, knowing this love of the Father, free from condemnation and judgement.  If everything that Jesus does is what the Father is doing, think about what Jesus' ministry shows us about God our Father? And, if it is Jesus' joy and desire to do the Father's will, should that also be our desire and prayer?

             

Day 3:    John 5:31-47

              Jesus is not willing to compromise an inch with the unbelief around Him. Here He tells of 4 witnesses to His being truly God – find them in  verses 33, 36, 37 and 39. All these speak of Jesus power, authority and that He has been sent by the Father. The challenges He throws at the religious Jews challenge us today. Eternal life does not come by being a Bible scholar, but by coming to Jesus Himself. Look at the negatives which Jesus brings, and work out the positives He requires of us!

                     "You are not willing to come to Me"

                     "You do not have the love of God in you"

                     "You do not receive Me"

                     "You receive honour from one another, not seeking God's honour."

Day 4:    John 6:1-14

              Jesus returns to Galilee and the quietness of the mountainside with His disciples. He may have wanted "time out" but the great crowds follow Him. They have seen His wonderful miracles and flock to Jesus. Now there is a problem – they are out in the wilds and the crowds are hungry. Jesus asks a question, again knowing the answer! One amazing thing to notice in this story, the fourth "sign", is that Jesus takes note of what they have, rather than what they lack. The disciples point out the shortage and impossibility – "Even 200 sliced loaves would not feed this mob!" It was Andrew who brought the lad with his picnic to Jesus. Think about what Jesus did with this little lunchbox! He doesn't think or speak lack. He thanks His Father for the provision they have and abundance results. What does this story show of God's heart towards us?

             

Day 5:    John 6:15-21

              The people wanted to make Jesus into a celebrity – not much different from people today! But Jesus does not need honour from men and has a different mission – it was not about being an earthly king! He went off quietly up the mountain by Himself, no doubt to have time with His Father, while His disciples got into a boat to cross the Lake. The storm ensues. Imagine how amazed and scared these men were when they saw this 'apparition' walking over the waves towards them! It was dark too. So He must have been shining with the glory of God on Him! "It is I" Here is God, the "I AM" coming into the midst of the storm and saying "Don't be afraid!" Can you believe in a Jesus for Whom nothing is impossible? Forces of nature have to bow to His authority! He walks over the storms of our lives, comes into our struggles, and WILL bring us safely to the other side!

Day 6:    John 6:22-40

              The crowd are really puzzled as to how Jesus got across the Lake! Jesus is always full of surprises and is not constricted by the normal of our daily lives. The people are still seeking amazing signs. How does Jesus answer their question about what we must DO to do the works of God? Obeying God is about 'believing' and entrusting our lives to Jesus, not about 'doing'! He is the Bread of Life! Jesus points them to the eternal life promised by the Father. Again and again, Jesus stresses the importance of coming to HIM, believing and receiving HIS life. No more hunger, no more thirst when we believe in Jesus. AND the Father will never reject us. What a message. Once His child, always His child! Think about that! Notice again how Jesus only does the will of His Father. Also He tells clearly and plainly in verse 40 what the will of the Father is! Write this out, and pray it for your friends and family!

Day 7:    John 6:41-59

              The religious people are grumbling and arguing again! They just cannot believe that Jesus has been sent from Heaven. Look again at v45 and ask God to help you be one who hears and learns from Him. Again Jesus says "I AM the Bread of Life". He reminds these religious Jews of the heavenly bread(manna) that God provided in the desert when their ancestors had escaped from Egypt. This still only fed their bodies and they died – but we will not die if we eat and drink the life of Jesus Himself!  Earth-bound minds cannot understand the spiritual truth that Jesus is bringing here. They think only in terms of eating natural food. Jesus is speaking spiritually.  He wants our lives to be completely dependent on and nourished by His life in us.

Summary: Eating the Bread of Life! What does it mean? Look at the three miracles in these readings and think about what God is showing you of His love, provision, protection and life for you through Jesus.