As the people listened to Jesus there came divisions. Some questioned who he was, others noted that “Many came to him and began to say, “John performed no miraculous sign, but everything John said about this man was true!” [Jn 10:41]
When we hear the claims of Jesus is this our response? Do we read this chapter and learn from Jesus about thieves and robbers in contrast to himself? How do we respond?
Today stop and consider what this chapter teaches and decide: Is Jesus who He said He was, or do we pick up stones to kill him?
The Proverbs writer told us that one of the things God hates most is pride. As we read this psalm we see that King David has not only learned this, but also is contented to be humble before God. Where do I find myself in this psalm? Where do you find yourself?
He now prays that all Israel would come to this conclusion as he has: “Israel, hope in the Lord now and forevermore.” That is where we need to be today and tomorrow and beyond. Where is your hope today?
This is one of my favorite chapters in the NT for it shows us both the ignorance of those who are spiritually blind to those who have received the LIGHT and go on to stand firm in the face of the rejectors. The Pharisees having witnessed the healing of the blind man reveal their true heart when they ask Jesus: “are we blind too?” Jesus answer is profound! “If you were blind, you would not be guilty of sin, but now because you claim that you can see, your guilt remains.” [v 41]
This is the place of the spiritually blind. Truly Paul was right when he wrote: “the god of this age has blinded the minds of those who do not believe so they would not see the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God.” [2 Cor 4:4]
The Pharisees considered themselves the teachers who are endowed with the scriptures and the truth but their question only reveals their hardened hearts. How often do we see the spiritual change in a person and ignore the truth that it is Jesus who is the LIGHT that can change a heart?
Seek out the spiritually blind and speak the words of truth to them so they may draw near to the LIGHT and be saved.
John 7 Every year, Joseph and Mary took Jesus to Jerusalem for the festival. When he was 12 yrs old he stayed behind talking to the Dr’s and Rabbi’s unbeknown to Mary and Joseph. As then and now, the learned men asked this question:”How does this man know so much when he has never had formal instruction?” When his earthly parents found him, he asked them why they were concerned. Do you not know I must be about my Father’s business? Now here in John 7 we find a repeat of that same question but now Jesus is fully grown and he again reminds the Pharisees that his ‘teaching is not from me, but from the one who sent me.”
He then asked them this question: “Hasn’t Moses given you the law? Yet not one of you keeps the law?”
As a believer in Christ we are often befuddled by those who seem to be so wise, just like the religious leaders. But, we have two gifts to help us: the indwelling Holy Spirit and the inspired Word of God to teach us, rebuke us, correct us and train us in righteousness. [2 Tim 3:16] God has blessed us with these so that we can be instructed by them but the real question is: Are we about the Father’s business today?
The study note in the NET Bible says this about this chapter: “The first twelve verses of this chapter, Prov 26:1-12, are sometimes called “the Book of Fools” because they deal with the actions of fools.” We should be wise to listen carefully to the words of this chapter lest we fall victim to foolhardiness and we too become as a fool. In Proverbs chapter thirteen we read the warning: “He who walks with wise men will be wise, But the companion of fools will suffer harm.”
What is the lesson the Proverbs chapter is teaching us but that very principle of chapter thirteen. Choose wisely with whom you will join forces. Paul in writing to the Ephesianchurch had this to say: “Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil. So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.” [Eph 5:17] Later the brother of the Lord, James wrote this to the ones dispersed: “Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom.” [James 3:13]
Learn by observing, interpreting, applying
Today choose wisely and demonstrate wisdom to those with whom you connect. Honor the Lord with wisdom and avoid the fool at all costs. Proverbs 26 gives us the wisdom to discern those who are fools.
The Jews have been in Babylon for 70 +/- years per God’s decree for their sin. What were they doing there? Jeremiah told them to build houses, build families, etc. As they lived and worked there in Babylon, one man, Ezra, studied and spent his time recording the words of God. Another, Ezekiel, lay on his side after making a replica of Jerusalem for x number of days. When the time drew near for God’s plan for their release, because of these faithful men, the people began to now recall: “The Lord has accomplished great things for these people.” The Lord did indeed accomplish great things for us. We were happy.” [Ps 126:3] The great king Cyrus released them and all of the Temple’s treasures and they sang this psalm as they walked for months from Babylon back to Jerusalem.
Stop and consider these words and praise God for even in the midst of deep trials, He has done great things for us.He has sustained us, provided for our every need, built families, brought men to teach us about God. Surely this is a day to praise Him.
What blessings do you recall as you think about your trials? God has done great things for you. Romans 5:3-5 “rejoice in sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance, character, and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts.” These are the great things God has done for you as you look back at your time of suffering.
It is interesting to me, the reader, to see the travels of Jesus. We saw him in Cana, then in Samaria, and now back in Jerusalem. Each place his foot trod, he found the needy and met those needs practically be it water or by healing a cripple. He never tired or quit looking. His eyes were everywhere looking for that one person who needed something to make their life full. He continues to do that even today through His Word. What do you need today? Jesus is right there beside you to meet your needs.
Are you like Jesus looking for the needy in your community? Or are you satisfied it just let others do it? Take for example the story of when Jesus heals a lame man on the Sabbath. The man didn’t know who Jesus was but he complied with his instructions to take up his bed and walk. It seems he never looked back and never said thank you. Instead he meandered all through Jerusalem with his old mat signifying his before status. In the meantime the religious leaders found him and were quick to judge the healed man. Imagine being accosted by the religious “police” and you have no response to their queries! But, Jesus finds him and warns him to not sin again and he quickly tells the authorities about him. Do you find that strange? What does this say about this man and about us?
Put yourself in the position of the healed man and ask yourself, am I the person who receives that special gift from the Lord and fail to stop and thank Him? Do I tattle on the one who made me well? Do I make judgments about another’s work and even more so if it is the work of God? The Pharisees were quick to make judgments but not praise for a work done by God. Jesus reminded them that Moses wrote about Him and if they were students of Moses they would be doing as he did—-obeying and honoring God. They had the false idea that their salvation was in his words, not the words of God.
What need do you have today? Are you quick to receive but slow to give thanks? Do you seek salvation in the words of Moses or the words of God?
John 4 As we read this account, we wonder why John put these two stories together. John wants us to see two things: the Samaritans didn’t need a miracle to believe but just God’s spoken word. In contrast is the man seeking healing for his child. Jesus was right to note about the man: unless you see a sign or a miracle, you will not believe. The Samaritans didn’t need a miracle but only the testimony of the woman at the well and Jesus speaking to them. Which person are you? Do you need a miracle to believe? Do you need a sign from heaven or will you believe because of the Word spoken or read? What is that you need to believe?
So I ask you again. What do you need to believe? Jesus has the living water to refresh your spirit. Listen to the Word of God. It is there before you. Will you believe? If you choose to do so, the living water will come and refresh your soul.
Nicodemus came to Jesus at night to speak to Him privately. We are never given the reasons for this but the world’s ideas swirl with questions and responses. It is not the time that matters but the discussion and the dialog.
Nicodemus, a Pharisee, “the” teacher in Israel, a student of the Torah, a religious man outwardly, but inwardly just a man wandering in the desert searching for that living water to quench his spiritual thirst. We have all met them. They are wandering souls just like Nicodemus, thinking they have the ticket to heaven because of position or religious affiliation. I belong to this or that church, I tithe and I give to the poor or as people say today, I don’t drink, smoke or swear. My balance scale will say I have all I need to present myself before God.
Jesus turns the tables and reminds Nicodemus that he is “the” teacher in Israel and still before God he is just a man. He needs the rebirth of his spirit and soul and he has missed that truth in all of his studies. Come to Me and be born again from above for unless you are, you will never be able to see or enter the kingdom of God.
Are you wandering looking for what will take you to heaven? Come to Jesus and be born again.
Stop for a moment and consider what firsts you have experienced. Was it your first when you climbed a mountain or swam in the ocean? How about the first time you realized you were a sinner in need of God’s saving grace? What other firsts can you recall? John recalls the “first” of the many miracles Jesus performed, not in the holy city of Jerusalem, but in small out of the way city of Cana. John also records the “first” time Jesus cleansed the Temple.
Why are firsts so unique and important? They are markers in our journey of life. They tell something about us as a person, of our walk, of the thoughts and intents of our heart. Sometimes they happen when we plan and sometimes they happen spontaneously like with this wedding scenario in Cana. But, all speak of the markers in the life of Jesus. A praise song captures these firsts: as Miracle Worker, Light in the darkness,My God, that is who You are, You are way maker, miracle worker, promise keeper, Light in the darkness, My God, that is who You are.
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