Seven times in the Gospel of John Jesus uses the phrase “I am..”. Two of them appear in the 10th chapter. These are metaphors by which Jesus tells us about Himself and what He does.
John’s Gospel tells us of four times Jesus traveled from His home area of Galilee to Jerusalem. The fourth and final visit resulted in His crucifixion and resurrection. John chapters 7-10 give details of His third visit. This was a three month stay lasting from the Feast of Tabernacles (John 7:2) in early October until the Feast of Dedication (John 10:22) in December. It was a crucial moment in Jesus’ relationship with the religious establishment – particularly the Pharisees. Continue reading →
A particular theme recurs in John’s Gospel. It has to do with Jesus’ “hour.” Three times we read, “His hour had not yet come” (John 2:4, 7:30, and 8:20). Then, as Jesus approaches His crucifixion, four times, “His hour had come” (John 12:23, 13:1, 16:32, and 17:1). Continue reading →
John chapter 7 tells us of Jesus’ third visit to Jerusalem. The waters of controversy were beginning to boil. He was speaking boldly in challenge to the deadness of Pharisaic religiousness. He beckoned the common man to rise to new heights of relationship with God. No more would holiness be held by the pious few. Jesus was throwing open the doors of heaven. Continue reading →
Every time Jesus did something miraculous, He backed it up with sound, solid teaching. He was never satisfied with mere fervency and excitement – enjoyable as that can be. He never settled for fireworks. He used these SIGNS to point the way to a permanently better life. Continue reading →
The Resurrection of Life and the Resurrection of Condemnation
John’s Gospel tells us of four times Jesus visited Jerusalem. In the first visit, (John 2:13-3:21), Jesus turned over a few tables on the Temple Mount. He also met a Jewish leader named Nicodemus. He ruffled a few Pharisaic feathers. But this was nothing compared to what was coming. Continue reading →
Most of us know individuals for whom life has simply been rough. They have had a tough life, and it has taken its toll. They may have brought it on themselves by bad decisions, or perhaps they just had a bad hand dealt to them by a difficult upbringing. As a result, they are a mess. The world might call such a person “a lost cause.” They might right now be sitting in a prison cell, or, at least, they live daily in the chains of personal spiritual bondage. Continue reading →
How many times have we been befuddled by the ways of God. It sounds like this: “God, what are you doing in my life?!” We are like Nicodemus who slipped in by night to ask hard questions of Jesus.
“Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” So says Jesus to the bewilderment of those who heard. How could this one man build a temple in three days that took a huge work force 46 years to build? Continue reading →
In the midst of all the hustle and bustle of Christmas, we take a moment to reflect on the true treasures of Christmas. The coming Jesus Christ into the world split history in half. He intervened to reverse death and pain bringing the promise of eternal redemption. All this is summarized in a few verses in Matthew 1.
21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” 22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet:23 “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”). Matthew 1:21-23 (NIV)
There are three things to consider this morning about Christmas:
PARDON. “He will save His people from their sins.” While Christmas presents are fantastic and we are thrilled to get great gifts, we ought to remember the deliverance Jesus purchased for us. Christmas is a time for forgiveness. We remember that this Baby came to be crucified! He came to live a perfect life for us and die a sacrificial death that all our sins might be wiped away!
“All this took place to fulfill what the Lord has said…” Throughout Matthew, a phrase recurs: “that is might be fulfilled.” God had already promised through prophecy all the good things He now gives. We can therefore ask, “What has God promised ME?” He promises us so much. He has great and wonderful provisions for all our future. This is the promise of Christmas.
PRESENCE. “and they will call him Immanuel (which means ‘God with us’).” Immanuel is one of the names of Jesus. GOD WITH US. No matter how far you run, He will still be there. No matter what you do, He will still be there. His presence surrounds you and walks with you in all of life. Because of this, we can enjoy His presence – His joy, His peace…and so much more.
As we celebrate Christmas today, remember how much Jesus has given us all another chance. He has forgiven us of so much! Even more, remember the good things He has promised. The future is as bright as His Word to you. Lastly, remember His hand on your life. He has had His eye on you all along. He goes before you.
As we enter a new year, let’s walk in these three powerful truths. He is ELEVATING everything in your life.
