Saturday 3 August 2013

Week 2 ~ Readings in John's Gospel

"Who is Jesus?" "He is the Saviour of the world!" 
(Jn 4:42)

Intro: This week we will watch as Jesus steps into action. He begins to display His Father's glory – chap 2:11.  We may have an idea of "glory" being something mystical and a sort of heavenly blaze of light – well, the reality of Jesus' life on earth repeatedly shows us the 'glory' as being God's character of love and compassion towards His people – demonstrated in signs and miracles. The miracles are not only to reveal His power and authority, but always to bring healing love, joy and peace to a hurting world. Let's read on and see how this Jesus can touch our lives today.
NB: Please remember the notes below are only pointers, and, as you read and think about each passage, God will speak to you privately and personally. You may see things that no-one else has seen. That is why it will be great to share together about these life-changing truths.

Day 1:   John 2:1-12
                      The Wedding!  John begins his story of Jesus' work on earth at an ordinary family occasion! It is a glad and happy Jewish celebration with dancing and music!  I think, that when Jesus said to his mother, "What has this to do with me?" He was speaking as a guest and it was not his responsibility that the wine ran out! John consistently shows us Jesus, the man, while always ending up showing He is GOD! Think about this story and Mary's words to the servants. Look at Jesus' subsequent actions of taking charge and doing His first public miracle. Water into wine! What does this show us about God? Is there any indication here that those who believe in Jesus should live dull, boring, colourless lives? What could happen if we bring Him the water-pots of the routine, dreariness, disappointment and sadness in our lives?

Day 2:    John 2:13-25
              It is Passover and Jesus goes to the Temple in Jerusalem. Passover was the remembrance of the deliverance of the Jewish nation from Egypt, with the blood of a lamb on the doorposts of every home. Jesus has already been declared the "Lamb of God" by John the Baptist. Instead of prayer and thanksgiving, He finds the temple full of business dealings and money-making scams! Sheep and doves being sold for profit – men making their fortune from religious customs! Why do you think He was so angry? Consider what He says to the Pharisees in verse 19. Jesus is prophesying His resurrection, and later on His disciples remember this and believe.

Day 3:    John 3:1-21
              Nicodemus, an important religious figure comes to Jesus by night secretly.  He is worried by what other leaders will think if they know he is fraternising with Jesus! Jesus receives Him, as He will receive ALL who come with sincere questions.  Consider what Jesus meant by saying that a man needs to be 'born again'? Look at it in the light of verse 16 – "For God so loved the world …." Jesus, God's only Son, came that we may not perish but have eternal life. The important thing to register is how much God loves each one of us. Put your name into verse 16 where it says 'world' and 'whoever'.  NO condemnation! Jesus comes to save us and NOT condemn us.  What is the only qualification for receiving this eternal life? v16 and 18. Why do you think men love darkness?

 Day 4:    John 3:22-36
              Both Jesus and John the Baptist are now baptising. Some try to provoke John to jealousy or resentment that someone else has the same ministry and the crowds are now going to him. But John knows Who this 'someone else' is! What is his response? Check out what John says about Jesus being sent from God. Highlight in your Bible, or write down what John says here about God the Father, and His relationship with Jesus, the Son, and also about the Spirit. There will be development and explanation of this as we read on! This is the start of the revelation of Father's love – and the way in for us is shown in verse 36.

Day 5:    John 4:1-26
              Come and drink! John shows Jesus' humanity again – Jesus was tired and thirsty, sitting by the well with no means of drawing water for Himself. Along comes the woman. The fact that she was out at midday suggests she was an outcast in her own village. As well as that she was a Samaritan – who the Judean Jews looked down on and despised! Jesus had time for her, and knew her pain and heartache. Read this amazing story for yourself. Take time to consider Jesus' words about the Father wanting true worshippers. Our Father desires and longs for our love and heart devotion! The woman starts to explain to Jesus that the Messiah is coming! Can you imagine her amazement when Jesus answers "I AM HE".

Day 6:    John 4:27-42
              Jesus declares His purpose – to do His Father's will. This is His food and life! Do you know the joy of sharing Jesus with a friend or contact? For Jesus, this was ultimate fulfilment to do His Father's will and see the harvest of people coming to know the Father's love. How many believed because of that one woman's testimony. They asked Him to stay there with them, and so He stayed 2 more days. This whole story demonstrates how Jesus always has time – He is not in a hurry! The challenge here for us is to simply share with others what Jesus has done for us –  and when they meet HIM and hear Him for themselves, then they too believe that Jesus is the "Saviour of the world"!

Day 7:    John 4:43-54
              Jesus returns to Galilee – his home territory. It is useful if you are not familiar with Bible geography, to have a look at a map! Well, here we have a "royal official" asking Jesus to heal his son. This man was desperate, and was willing to travel and seek out Jesus. What was the result? How many believed after this boy was made well? Can you believe for your whole household?

Summary: Through these 3 chapters we are getting glimpses of God as our 
                                          FATHER.
            A Father Who longs for the world to come and know HIM.
                     A Father Who sent His beloved son to this world that we might
                                                believe in Him and LIVE!
                      A Father Who longs for worshippers – those who are heart to heart in love
                                                 with the One who first loved them!
            The other word repeated over and over is "believe". As we entrust our lives to Jesus, as we believe in Him and trust His Word, we will know what it means to be set free to LIVE close to  Him and our Father, to know Him as Saviour and Healer.                                                     
                                                Let's continue this journey!

                

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