Stephen Harvey’s

Notes on the Gospel of John

Copyright © 2010 Stephen Harvey

The intellectual property and writing contained in “Stephen Harvey's Notes on the
Gospel of John” are freely given to all without limitation or restriction as to its use or
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permission of the author, Stephen Harvey. It is expected that quotations from this
document are given full credit in the bibliography of any work utilizing, or making
reference to, “Stephen Harvey's Notes on the Gospel of John.”

All scripture quotations are taken from the King James Version of the Holy Bible (1850
red letter revision), unless otherwise noted.

The one instance of a scripture marked as “(GNT)” was taken from the Good News
Translation - Second Edition © 1992 by American Bible Society. Used by permission.

“And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able
to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified. I
have coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel. Yea, ye yourselves know, that these
hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me. I have
showed you all things, how that so laboring ye ought to support the weak, and to
remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to
receive.” Acts 20:32-35
 Abbreviations Key

Genesis Gen Ecclesiastes Ecc Matthew Mat 1 Timothy 1Ti

Exodus Exo Song of Songs Son Mark Mar 2 Timothy 2Ti
Leviticus Lev Isaiah Isa Luke Luk Titus Tit
Numbers Num Jeremiah Jer John Joh Philemon Phm
Deuteronomy Deu Lamentations Lam Acts Act Hebrews Heb
Joshua Jos Ezekiel Eze Romans Rom James Jam
Judges Jdg Daniel Dan 1 Corinthians 1Co 1 Peter 1Pe
Ruth Rth Hosea Hos 2 Corinthians 2Co 2 Peter 2Pe
1 Samuel 1Sa Joel Joe Galatians Gal 1 John 1Jo
2 Samuel 2Sa Amos Amo Ephesians Eph 2 John 2Jo
1 Kings 1Ki Obadiah Oba Philippians Phi 3 John 3Jo
2 Kings 2Ki Jonah Jon Colossians Col Jude Jud
1Chronicles 1Ch Micah Mic 1 Thessalonians 1Th Revelation Rev
2 Chronicles 2Ch Nahum Nah 2 Thessalonians 2Th
Ezra Ezr Habakkuk Hab
Nehemiah Neh Zephaniah Zep
Esther Est Haggai Hag
Job Job Zechariah Zec
Psalms Psa Malachi Mal
Proverbs Pro
 Introduction
“…scriptures are threads of truth going seemingly in many directions, and for awhile it appears
to make a visible pattern. However, even with our greatest efforts at concentration, we are
incapable of keeping up. Unfortunately, our perception is clouded by our limited understanding.
The intricate design, woven together by the Spirit of God using the threads, is so incredibly
complex and rich and beautiful that we are humbled in the realization that we know little of
nothing (1Co_13:12). If one had the ability to step back from our limited scope enough to see
the entire holy and perfect blanket that scripture becomes, one would view not only the image of
Jesus, but Jesus Himself.”
The above verse notes are from “Stephen Harvey‟s Notes on the Gospel of John” for John 10:35.

The Apostle John was so close to Jesus that he was permitted to lean his head upon
our Lord‟s chest as the other disciples, keeping a respectable distance, must have
wondered, “What sort of mama‟s boy feels comfortable enough to lean against the chest
of the Master?” John‟s behavior was not affected by the perceptions of others. He
wanted to be close to Jesus, and, just as a child, he got as close to the Lord as he
wanted to be.

We too can be as close to Jesus as we want to be. Are we willing to let go of our pride
and sensibilities? Are we submissive enough to come as a little child and simply seek
His presence? If we muster the courage to do what is right despite our fears of rejection,
we can approach Him and enjoy the comfort of His embrace.

As John cuddled up to Jesus, he could hear His heartbeat. John had his ear on the
heartbeat of God. Imagine your new focus in life, if you too were sensitive to the divine
pulse and became aware of what God‟s heart is beating for. How would it change you?
How different would your approach to life be?

As we get closer and closer to Jesus‟ second coming, we need to become more aware
of what Jesus said to us than ever before. While the worth of studying any of the books
in the Bible cannot be denied, surely there is even greater value in striving to see Jesus
through the gospels. Of the four gospels we have, who better to show us a revelation of
Jesus than the disciple whom Jesus loved? Who better to reveal to us God‟s love than
the man who heard God‟s heartbeat?

So, I studied the Gospel of John to find a greater understanding and appreciation of
Jesus. As my studies progressed, I learned a lot, and I grew in Christ. I meditated upon
each verse, and I wrote notes as I went along. I also included scriptural cross
references that will enhance your study as you look them up in conjunction with the
verse in the Gospel of John you are studying. The actual verses are not included. One
will need to have their Bible in hand and read the verses for themselves. Your effort will
be rewarded in incomparable ways.

May our Lord Jesus be with you and anoint your faithful search of His word, through the
power and presence of the blessed Holy Spirit. Amen.
Stephen Harvey
 Notes on the Gospel of John

1:1
To begin his gospel, John took us back to THE beginning (Gen_1:1), and in so doing
pointed out that the entire Jewish narrative has been all about Jesus. The Old
Testament testifies that Jesus was and is and is to come (Psa_90:2, Isa_44:24). This
same testimony, and this same Jesus, remains the point of everything even now
(Heb_13:8, Rev_1:8, Rev_1:11, Rev_1:4, Rev_4:8, Rev_21:6, Rev_22:13).

Jesus never wrote anything, but one could fill entire libraries with the books written
about Him and inspired by His life (Joh_20:30, Joh_21:25). There are no artifacts, no
articles of clothing, no cup nor bowl, no sandal, no brush left behind as evidence He
was here, but millions still swear to His existence. He was born into the family of a
common carpenter, but He is called the “King of Kings and Lord of Lords” (1Ti_6:15,
Rev_17:14, Rev_19:16).

His end of physical life marks our beginning of eternal life. This Jesus, whom we
worship, is a paradox of the usual. The greatest irony being, He died that we might live.
He came, but His coming isn't as important as what he left behind. We have His words,
and through the Word, we believe and gain salvation (Rom_10:17, Heb_11:6). On the
cross, He spoke the words, “It is finished,” (Joh_19:30) however, it wasn't the end of the
Word. The Word is and always will be.

Before anything else, there was the Word (Pro_8:22-23, Joh_17:5). Creation of what
now is owes its existence to the Word (Psa_33:6, Col_1:16). “And God said, Let there
be light: and there was light (emphasis added) (Gen_1:3, 1Co_8:6, Act_17:28,
Heb_1:3).” So, when creation began, the Word was there with God (Joh_17:5).
Additionally, John wrote, “the Word was God (Eph_3:9, Col_1:17, Php_2:6, 1Ti_3:16).”

Somehow that we don't fully understand, the scriptures, the word of God, are Jesus in
written form (1Jo_5:7, Rev_19:13). When we memorize scripture verses, we are making
more room for the Lord in our hearts, and He told us to love Him with all our hearts
(Deu_6:5, Mat_22:37, Mar_12:30, Luk_10:27). When we speak scripture, we speak
God into our situations (Mat_12:34, Luk_6:45, Rom_10:6-10, 2Co_4:13), because the
Word is God (Phi_2:6, 1Ti_3:16, 1Jo_5:20).

1:2
See notes on John 1:1

1:3
God, The Word, participated in every part of the creation process (Eph_3:9, Col_1:17).

1:4
God would breathe out life, and, in so doing, created new life (Gen_2:7). He is not only
the source of physical life though, but also the source of spiritual life as well (see notes
on Joh_20:22). So that, when we were lost and walking in darkness, He became a light
to show us the way (Joh_8:12).

See notes on Joh_5:24 about spiritual life compared to physical life.

1:5
A flashlight is only good, if one recognizes its usefulness and utilizes its beam to
illuminate the way out of the darkness. Likewise the Light of the World, the Lord Jesus
(Joh_9:5), was not recognized for what He was or what good He could do in showing
the way (Joh_1:10).

1:6
The “man sent from God” is John the Baptist. John didn't come by his own will. He came
heeding the calling on his life. John was on a mission given to Him by the Lord
(Joh_1:15). God sends us too into our own mission fields.

1:7
How incredible, darkness so permeated the hearts of the lost, and they were so
deluded, that they couldn't perceive the light right in front of them. In order that they
might believe they could be in the light rather than darkness, God sent a witness. As an
honest witness does, The Baptist bore testimony to the truth. Let us then leave our
delusions in the darkness and step out into the light of Jesus Christ. Let us leave the lie
and believe the truth (Joh_8:32).

1:8
The Baptist always understood his role in the Kingdom. He was a voice crying in the
wilderness (Joh_1:15, Joh_1:20, Joh_1:23, Joh_1:27, Joh_3:30). What is your role in
the kingdom?

1:9
There were and will be many people claiming illumination from sources other than the
true God. There were and will be many false messiahs, but Jesus is the true light
(Joh_9:5). His light was for salvation out of darkness, and it was prophesied to come
(Isa_49:6, Isa_29:18). Jesus shows everyone in darkness the way out. He is no
respecter of persons (Act_10:34). It is an all inclusive message of hope to “whosoever”
will believe it (Joh_3:15-16, 1Ti_1:16).

From the beginning, God's plan was to divide the light from darkness (Gen_1:3-4,
Job_12:22, Mat_8:12). Jesus was given to us that we might be brought into the light and
taken out of the darkness (Psa_107:14, Isa_42:7, 2Co_4:6, 1Pe_2:9). Jesus is the true
light (Joh_14:6).

1:10
The “light” was also the “word,” (Joh_1:1-3, Joh_1:14). The created didn't even notice
that the creator was here (1Co_2:8). To have the awesome and incredible God of all
glory physically in one's presence and to miss it is the profoundest irony of all (see
notes on Joh_1:1).

In this moment, as these notes are read, God's presence is with the reader. Don't miss
the awe. Take some time to praise Him.

1:11
Mary, the mother of Jesus, was a Jew. She was from the Israeli tribe of Judah, because
David was of the tribe of Judah (Gen_49:8-10, 1Sa_16:1, Isa_11:10, Psa_132:11,
Luk_1:32, Joh_7:42, Rev_5:5), and *she was a descendant of David. So, Jesus was
born a Jew (Mat_2:2) and was raised as a Jew (Luk_4:16, Act_13:23) and behaved as
a Jew (Mat_13:54). However, He was not accepted by the Jewish people... his own
people (Isa_49:7, Isa_53:3-4, Mat_13:57).

* Mary's genealogy is in Luk_3:23-38. In Luk_3:23, where it said that Joseph is “the son
of Heli,” it means the son-in-law. We know this is so, because in Mat_1:16, where we
find Mary's husband Joseph's genealogy (Mat_1:1-16), Joseph's father is clearly
identified as a man named Jacob. Her genealogy's greatest significance, because
through it we see the mortal connection of Jesus to King David thereby fulfilling
prophetic scripture regarding the Messiah's linage (Luk_3:31). Knowing the ancestry of
Jesus' mother assures us that He was indeed a Jew from the tribe of Judah (Heb_7:14).

1:12
He gives power and adoption to those that receive Him through their belief in Him. The
gift of salvation is for anyone and everyone, but only a few will actually get it (Mat_7:14).
Why will there only be a few?

To be the recipient of any gift, the gift must first be received. God loved us and so He
gave us His own son (Joh_3:16), but we must first receive Him through our belief in Him
and what He did at the cross (Rom_3:22). When we receive Christ, we receive
redemption from our sins and are adopted into the family of God (Rom_5:1-2, Gal_4:4-
5, 1Jn_5:1).

Having full belief (see notes on Joh_3:15-16) means that we change from the way we
were (Rom_12:2, Eph_4:23-24, Col_2:6, Col_3:9-10). Since we then have received the
spirit of adoption (Rom_8:15) along with the gift of salvation through our belief and faith
in Him (Joh_3:36), we have also been given the power to succeed at being a Christian
(1Co_1:18).

That is good news. That means you can do it! You can be an effective Christian.

1:13
When we receive Jesus, we are born again (Joh_3:3, 1Pe_1:3). Jesus said, “Born
again,” because we were born the first time in the flesh through our mothers. We are
born again, since we accepted Christ, through the Spirit (1Pe_1:23). When we are born
again (spiritually), we are adopted into the family of God (Rom_8:15). We are then
considered His children, but we are not of His flesh and blood, as is the case in any
adoption (Isa_56:5, Rom_8:16, Gal_4:5-7). Two mortal people didn't decide to have the
child, it was the will of God (Luk_22:42, Eph_1:5, Eph_1:11-14).

Before we came to Christ, we were as walking zombies (Psa_119:25, Eph_2:1,

Eph_2:5). We were led by the will of our flesh (Rom_6:19, Rom_8:1, Rom_8:13). We
did what we did to gain gratification (2Pe_2:10). Our spirits were in a type of coma
(Joh_6:63). The “re-birth” (being born again) is a quickening or an awakening of our
slumbering spirit (Psa_71:20, Rom_4:17, Col_2:13).

We were asleep in our own darkness, but Jesus comes and replaces the darkness with
His light (Joh_5:21, Joh_8:12, 1Co_15:45 ), and we are now spiritually alive. We came
up out of the dark tombs of our sin and were reborn into newness of life (Rom_6:4,
Rom_8:11). Praise God!

1:14
What an awesome passage of scripture!

We have seen that Joh_1:1-13 speaks of the Word. We now see that the Word, whom
was God (see notes on Joh_1:1) was made flesh. In other words, God, whom is a spirit
without the limitations of flesh (Joh_4:24), was put into a mortal body of flesh and blood
(Joh_6:56, Heb_2:14).

God was willing to step down out of eternal splendor and glory and cleanliness and
submit Himself to the fleshly condition of fallen man. He set aside His royal garments in
favor of an Earth suite fashioned in the womb of a poor young woman in the Middle
East on one of His small planets. It was He that created us, but He decided to spend
some time with us as one of us. Still though, He had glory. It must have been amazing
to see a “man” full of grace and truth (Col_1:19, Col_2:3, Col_2:9).

1:15
(See notes on Joh_1:7)

John the Baptist saw his place in the redemption plan (Joh_3:30). Jesus is the Lamb of
God (Joh_1:29, Joh_1:36, Rev_5:11-14, Rev_7:9-12, Rev_7:17, Rev_12:11, Rev_13:8,
Rev_17:14, Rev_21:14, Rev_21:27, Rev_22:1-3), and He was perfect for the sacrifice
(1Pe_1:19). John knew that the Lord preferred a lamb without blemish or spot
(Exo_12:5).

John said, “For he was before me.” Although the knowledge of Jesus' ministry began
after John had already been preaching, The Baptist knew that Jesus was the originator
of everything (Joh_1:1). We too should keep things in an eternal perspective no matter
how high a place we attain in this life.
1:16
Recall that John had already mentioned that Jesus was seen as having a fullness of
grace and truth (Joh_1:14). So now this fullness was mentioned again in terms of
something that can be imparted to us (1Ti_1:14-16). We can receive it, and we can
continue receiving it.

1:17
See the notes on Joh_1:14 and Joh_1:16.

The Jewish people honored the law as the hope from God, but John pointed out that the
law was ministered to us through a man, i.e., Moses. Jesus is the Word made flesh
(Joh_1:14). Jesus is God in the flesh (Joh_1:1). Jesus is the fulfillment of the law in
bodily form (Mat_5:17, Heb_7:11). The law brought with it the condemnation of sin
(Rom_7:9). Jesus brought grace (Joh_8:11).

1:18
“Seen” is from the Greek word horao, and it means, “to stare at (compare G3700), that
is, (by implication) to discern clearly (physically or mentally).” i Prophets, such as Moses
(Exo_33:21-23), had seen God partially (Joh_5:37). Jesus was the only man, seeing
that He was in the flesh, to have seen God completely and clearly and as He truly is
(Joh_6:46, 1Jo_4:12). Even so, the Son is willing to reveal the Father to us through
Himself (Mat_11:27, Luk_10:22, Joh_14:9).

Being “in the bosom” is to be in a safe nurturing place (Joh_13:23, Isa_40:11,

Luk_16:23). Jesus was saying the Father nurtures the Son and keeps Him safe.

1:19
The Apostle John dedicated a portion of his gospel to the telling of John the Baptist's
story as it affected the ministry of Jesus. This initial section on the Baptist's teaching
goes through Joh_1:19-37.

The “Jews” referred to the Jewish leadership (see notes on Joh_7:20), that is, mostly
the Sanhedrin, since they had the ability to give direction to the priests. It was obviously
a function of the Sanhedrin council to inquire into and test the ministry of prophets and
thus protect their religion from heretical teachings. The council was curious, in this case,
as to how the Baptist saw himself. Did he claim to be a contemporary prophet, the
historical prophetic figure Elijah (which was prophesied to come back before the Christ
in Mal_4:5), or the messiah (Joh_1:19-25)?

1:20
The priests started off by asking simply who he was. John cut to the heart of their
question with the answer they most earnestly sought; no, he wasn't the Christ.

1:21
John had said he wasn't the Christ (Joh_1:20). They inquired further. Was he Elijah,
which was prophesied to come back before the messiah (Mal_4:5). John said no, he is
not Elijah. “That Prophet” refers to the priests' idea that perhaps some great prophet
other than Elijah might also come back at the advent of the Christ (Mat_16:14). John
tells them once again, “No.”

1:22
The priests had taken some stabs at the answer themselves, but the Baptist refused to
let them identify him or put words in his mouth. So, they made a plea to his good nature
that he might help them by asking him to answer for himself. They attempted to play
good cop - bad cop by implying that it isn't them that actually wanted to know.

1:23
In a way of answering their question, he quoted Isaiah and essentially told them that he
was the fulfillment of Isaiah's prophesy found in Isa_40:3.

1:24
Now we see that the priests were Pharisees. Pharisees were one of the two major
parties in the Jewish religious political system of that day (see notes on Joh_8:3).
Additionally, there were minor groups that held lesser influence in the culture.

1:25
The Jewish people, according to Mosaic laws and Hebrew traditions, participated in
many “washing” ceremonies (Joh_2:6, Heb_9:10). Moses baptized the people by
sprinkling water and blood upon them (Heb_9:19). They knew that the Mosaic Law
required washing for different things from menstrual cycles to cleansing from leprosy
(Lev_14:5-7, Lev_15:22, Num_8:7). Moreover, the Israelites were very familiar with the
concept of cleansing the unclean with the “water of separation.” If the unclean person
was not cleansed, according to the law, that person would be “cut off” or no longer
accepted among the people (Num_19:19-20).

David asked for purification by washing (Psa_51:7). Isaiah spoke about washing and
then changing one's ways (Isa_1:16). Ezekiel spoke about baptism through the
sprinkling of water (Eze_36:25). Zechariah prophesied that there would be a fountain
opened up to wash away sin (Zec_13:1).

Having been so familiar with the theology of washing for purification, the Pharisees
essentially were asking John why he was baptizing Jewish people that are not cut off.
By what authority does he now essentially change the Law of Moses and the traditions
of the people of God?

1:26
The Pharisees had asked The Baptist “Why do you baptize?” See the notes on
Joh_1:25. He ignored the “why” and minimized his baptisms, and thus the Jewish
“diverse washings” (Joh_2:6), in comparison to the work and ministry of someone they
didn't yet know.
1:27
John the Baptist declared that there is one coming, and who is already here (Joh_1:26),
that he doesn't compare to. The person coming is above him and is to be more
preferred than he. To magnify his humility before the one coming, John said that he
wasn't even “worthy” to loosen the man's shoe. Notice that he didn't say that he was
unworthy to take the shoe off. He said instead that he wasn't even worthy to undo the
sandal‟s strap.

1:28
John was not baptizing in the Jordan River but in waters near Bethabara (Jos_18:22),
which was likely a stream flowing into the Jordan (Jdg_7:24). It wasn't the Jordan as
many have said, because Bethabara couldn‟t be a part of the Jordan River and yet be
“beyond” it (Joh_3:26).

How then though are Mat_3:13 and Mar_1:9 which state that Jesus went to Jordan
where John was to be baptized, reconciled with this verse that clearly said that Jesus
was baptized beyond the Jordan river in a place called Bethabara? The Bible, in a
couple of places, informs us that the valley around the Jordan River was called the plain
of Jordan (Gen_13:10, 1Ki_7:46). Both Matthew and Mark chose to not give as close a
detail as John, but instead gave only the general area. Matthew also referred to the
Jordan area another time in Mat_3:5.

1:29
John could have said, “Look, the Christ.” “Look, the Messiah.” Look, the redeemer.” He
could have introduced Jesus as, the Savior, Emmanuel, the Son of God, or the Prince
of Peace. He could've said many things in declaring Jesus to the world (Joh_1:23), but
he chose to identify our Lord as “the Lamb of God.”

This declaration was a call to remembrance how God had saved His people from death
by the blood of a lamb before (Exo_12:3-13). It was a hearkening back to one of
Isaiah‟s prophesies regarding the Christ that was to come (Isa_53:7). It was a look
forward to the final sacrifice, of which Peter would later write (1Pe_1:18-19). It was
declaring here on Earth what is declared in Heaven (Rev_5:12-13).

Jesus was God's perfect lamb (Heb_9:14, 1Pe_1:19). His sacrifice would save all
people that were covered in His blood from spiritual death and bring the eternal spiritual
life (Joh_3:15-17). This covering in blood would be a baptism that would wash away our
sins (1Jo_1:7, Rev_1:5).

See note on Joh_5:24 about spiritual life compared to physical life.

1:30
John identified Jesus as the one he was describing to the Pharisees (Joh_1:26-27).
1:31
Jesus and John were cousins, because John's mother, Elizabeth, was Jesus' mother's
cousin (Luk_1:36). John likely knew Jesus. What he might have meant was... he didn't
know that Jesus was the one he was called to prophesy about. It was as though when
Jesus walked up that day, John received a revelation from the Lord that this man is the
Lamb of God (Joh_1:32-33). As soon as it was made manifest to John, he made it
manifest to Israel.

1:32
The Baptist received a revelation from God as a vision of a dove descending from the
sky and landing on a man, and also a word from the Lord that the person the dove
landed on would be the baptizer with the Holy Ghost... in other words, the Messiah
(Mat_3:11, Luk_3:16).

1:33
See notes on Joh_1:31-32.

1:34
See notes on Joh_1:31-33.

1:35
It would seem as though the Baptist was simply standing there “people watching,” with
two of his disciples. One of the two disciples was Peter's brother, Andrew (Joh_1:40).
The other is not mentioned. It might have been the John whose work we are studying.
Possibly, it was the Apostle John's humility and intent on keeping his Gospel account
about Jesus (Joh_20:30-31) that motivated him from mentioning himself as the other
disciple ... if it was indeed John.

1:36
See notes on Joh_1:35. He wasn't looking at the two disciples he was talking to, but his
eyes were following after Jesus as the Christ walked by. Almost thinking out-loud, John
said, “Look at that... the Lamb of God.”

See notes on Joh_1:37.

Look and see how the Son of God walked when He was among us, and keep your eyes
upon Jesus. As the hymn says, “Look full in His wonderful face, and the things of this
Earth will go strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace.”ii

1:37
John may have been merely thinking out-loud (see notes on Joh_1:36). What he said
might have been barely audible, but the two that were standing there with him heard it.
After hearing John say that Jesus was the Lamb of God the second time (the first was in
Joh_1:29), they decided to spend some time with Him.
1:38
“Jesus turned.” Oh... to turn God, to move Him, to gain His attention. These two
disciples of John the Baptist turned the Lord.

He saw them following Him, so He challenged them to consider why. Why are you
following Him? What is it you want from Him? They wanted to simply know where He
lived. Where does He come from? Perhaps there they can be at rest with Him in a more
private setting and get to know Him better.

1:39
John wrote that they stayed with Jesus that day, but then he added it was about four in
the afternoon, so they stayed with Him the rest of the day.

Notice how Jesus invited them to come with Him, and He will show them where He
lived. Jesus says this to all of us even still... “Follow me, and I will take you to my
Father's house. There, where I am at rest, you can be at rest with me.”

1:40
See Joh_1:35-36.

1:41
Andrew must have sought out other people and told them about Jesus too, but he
chose to tell his brother about his discovery first. Interestingly, he used the word
“Messias” or “Messiah.” This was the first time John recorded anyone having had
associated Jesus, the man, with that term. Messias is a Hebrew word that means
anointed. Similarly, Christ is a Greek word, the Gospel of John is written in Greek, which
means the same thing as Messiah ... anointed.

1:42
Jesus took one look at Simon, and He added to his name the word Cephas (which is
Aramaic for “rock,” iii) (see also Mar_3:16, Luk_6:14). Notice some things; first, Jesus
knew Simon's name without being told what it was. Also note that, although a person
Simon just met changed his name, there's no record of Simon Peter (Peter is Greek for
“rock”) objecting to it. Lastly, we learn Peter's dad's name was Jona. Later, Jesus would
revert back to calling him Simon son of Jona in Joh_21:15.

1:43
We can presume from Joh_1:28, that the things that happened from Joh_1:19 until this
verse took place in Bethabara, including Jesus taking Andrew to where He lived and
meeting Peter. So, Jesus didn't live in Galilee.

“Follow me.” Even now it is the same. Jesus calls to us in the condition that we are, and
He takes us just the way we are. We have issues, bad attitudes, habits, problems and
hang-ups, but still He says, “Follow me.” He doesn't condemn us. He just calls us to
Himself. As we walk with Him, we change. It doesn't happen overnight. It took a long
time to get messed up, and it's going to take some time to be transformed into the
people God ultimately wants us to be (Rom_12:2). It happens progressively... in stages
(Isa_28:10, 2Co_3:18). After coming to Him, we still make mistakes. We are no surprise
to God. He knew we would make mistakes even as Christians, and yet He still calls us
out from our old dead lives.

1:44
Three of His first disciples, later each of them would become Apostles (Mat_10:1-4,
Mar_3:14-19, Luk_6:13), all came from one city. Bethsaida was on the west side of the
Sea of Galilee in the land of Gennesareth (Joh_12:21, Mar_6:45, Mar_6:53).

1:45
Jesus “found” Philip (Joh_1:43) and Philip found Nathanael. Philip introduced Jesus to
his friend, Nathanael, as the awaited and anointed one Moses and the other prophets
foretold would come.

Why though would John mention Nathanael when the other writers of the gospels did
not? According to the four gospels, the twelve Apostles were; Simon (whom Jesus
called Peter - Luk_6:14 or Simon Bar-jona - Mat_16:17 or Cephas - Joh_1:42,
1Co_15:5, Gal_2:9), James (the son of Zebedee), John (another son of Zebedee, the
disciple whom Jesus loved and brother to James), Andrew (Peter's brother - Mat_10:2,
Luk_6:14), Philip, Bartholomew, Thomas (Didymus or Twin- Joh_11:16 and also
traditionally known as Doubting Thomas), Matthew (or Levi - Luk_5:27-29, the Publican
- Mat_10:3, or Tax Collector - Mat_9:9, and also the son of Alphaeus - Mar_2:14),
James (another son of Alphaeus and brother of Matthew), Lebbaeus Thaddaeus -
Mar_3:18 (Jesus' half-brother Judas - Mat_13:55, or Jude Jud_1:1, and the brother of
James - Luk_6:16, Joh_14:22, Act_1:13), Simon Zelotes - Luk_6:15, Act_1:13 (Simon
the Canaanite - Mat_10:4, Mar_3:18), and Judas Iscariot (the traitor and betrayer).

The names of the original twelve apostles that are listed above can be garnered from
the verses referenced or seen in complete lists found in Mat_10:2-4, Mar_3:14-19, and
Luk_6:12-17. The group was referred to as “The Twelve” (see notes on Joh_20:24).
Interestingly though, John gave us the name, Nathanael, that was with The Twelve
(Joh_21:2) and not included in the lists. Nathanael could quite possibly be another
name for Bartholomew then, since John never acknowledged Bartholomew. John made
no reference to Matthew either, but Matthew was seen as a publican (Luk_5:27), and
Nathanael was seen as a devout and studied Jew (Joh_1:47). Additionally, both
Nathanael and Bartholomew were associated closely with Philip (Mat_10:3, Luk_6:14,
Joh_1:45). Also notice how Bartholomew and Matthew are listed as separate people
(Mar_3:18, Act_1:13).

There is another possibility. Although unlikely, given Nathanael's close inclusion with
The Twelve (Joh_21:2), it is feasible that Nathanael might have been a disciple, but he
may never had been one of the chosen twelve apostles.

After Jesus' ascension, there would be other apostles. The eleven remaining apostles
cast lots to determine who would replace Judas, and a disciple named Matthias was
chosen (Act_1:26). Barnabas and Paul were both considered apostles too (Act_14:14).
And, as seen above, Jesus' brother James was not one of the original twelve Apostles,
but Paul clearly identifies him as an apostle in Gal_1:19.

1:46
Nathanael wasn't ridiculing Nazareth as having nothing but evil people. It was an
ongoing interpretation of prophetic scriptures in those days to suppose that Galilee as a
whole (Nazareth being a part of Galilee) would never produce a prophet and surely not
the Christ (Joh_7:41-42, Joh_7:52).

1:47
Jesus wanted us to see that in God's eyes, blood line to Abraham without obedience to
the Lord was a mockery of Abraham's name (Joh_8:39).

Guile is sin, because it is the same trick the Devil used on Eve (Gen_3:13, 2Co_11:3).
Guile is the use of words to avoid telling the whole truth. It is using the power of speech
to lead someone else into believing a lie without actually telling the lie. It is the
purposeful omission of certain details that leaves the image of something other than the
actual and complete truth.

Say I had a car, for example, that was a two-seater sports coup and looked great, but it
had a continually malfunctioning circuit in the electric system. Let‟s also say that after I
had the circuit replaced for the sixth time, I decided to sell the car. Besides, the car
made more sense when I was in college and single, but I now have a family. There is no
room for my kids in a two-seater car. So, I place an ad in the local paper advertising the
sale of my car. When a potential buyer came to look at the car, he asked, “Why are you
selling it?” I neglect to tell him about the electric problem. After all, it is fixed. The car
runs great again. I answer his question by explaining how the car is too small now that I
have a wife and kids. I told the truth, but, by omitting a significant part of the truth, I used
guile.

We are encouraged in the Bible not to use guile (Eph_4:21-25, 1Pe_2:1-2, 1Pe_2:21-
22). For me personally though, it was a long-term problem. I would carefully craft my
responses to inquiries so as to not tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the
truth, but still not require a lie on my part. Then, I'd pat myself on the back for my
trickery. I always believed I wasn't sinning, because I didn't lie. At least ... I had always
thought my “trickery” wasn't lying. However, I was deceiving not only the people I used
guile on, but I was deceiving myself as well. I was sinning.

Guile is, in short, a lie by omission. It is a deceptive and cunning lie that buffers any
conviction by deceiving ourselves into thinking, “I really didn't lie.”

Paul told us in 2Co_1:12 that his communication was sincere and open. He informed us
that he didn't hide his true intentions, and his motives were clearly demonstrated and
easily understood. Is this how you deal with others? He adds though that he is able to
do this, not because of any ability of his own, but by the grace of God. To add quality to
our lives (1Pe_3:10), we should behave in the same way. How can operating with
deception add quality to anything?

If we use guile in our dealings with others, we are not operating with simple honesty and
sincerity. People who use guile are not fully trustworthy. Paul was saying he was up-
front and honest. He wasn't deceiving anyone or operating with hidden agendas
(2Co_4:2). Who wouldn't prefer to have relationships with people they can trust? Let us
look for character. Let us look for character not just in others though, but in ourselves as
well.

1:48
Nathanael wondered how it was that Jesus talked as if He knew him and yet they had
only just met. Then Jesus revealed a truth about Himself that is even more peculiar. He
shows us that He has abilities beyond the normal realm of mortal experience. He
doesn't need to be in a place to have witnessed the goings on there.

1:49
Aware that Jesus has abilities and knowledge beyond typical human understanding,
Nathanael blurted out his greatest Jewish hope … this is the Christ.

1:50
Jesus told Nathanael that his belief was based in a miracle that will soon lose
significance, due to even greater signs and wonders that will be performed right before
his eyes. This statement then is the Apostle John's first recorded prophetic statement
from our Lord. John will relate more of Jesus' prophesies to us, showing us that Jesus
exhibited the gift of prophecy and thus insights into things that have not yet happened.

1:51
Here at the beginning of His Earthly ministry, Jesus gave a prophecy (see notes on
Joh_1:50) about the end of His time on Earth (Act_1:9-10).

Chapter 2
2:1
In Joh_2:1-11, we find the first recorded miracle of Jesus' public ministry. Interestingly
enough, His first exhibition of supernatural power was turning water into wine. If taken
excessively, wine is a substance that causes a lack of self control, and we are
admonished through both stories (Gen_9:20-24, Gen_19:30-36, Deu_29:1-6,
1Sa_25:36, 1Ki_16:8-10, 1Ki_20:16-19) and verbal warnings (Deu_21:20, Deu_29:19-
20, Pro_20:1, Pro_23:20-35, Pro_26:9, Isa_5:11-13, Isa_5:22-25, Isa_28:3, Joe_1:5,
Hab_2:15, Mat_24:49, Luk_12:45, Luk_21:34, Rom_13:13, 1Co_5:11, 1Co_6:10,
Gal_5:21, Eph_5:18, 1Th_5:7-9, 1Pe_4:3) not to over indulge in our use of wine.
Instead, we are encouraged to “be sober” (Ecc_10:17, 1Th_5:6-8, 1Ti_3:2, 1Ti_3:11,
Tit_2:2-7, 1Pe_1:13, 1Pe_4:7, 1Pe_5:8). Jesus drank wine Luk_7:34, but He never
sinned (Joh_8:46, 2Co_5:21, Heb_4:15, Heb_7:26, Heb_9:28, 1Pe_2:22, 1Jo_3:5) or
acted counter to those things encouraged by God. Therefore, we know that Jesus was
always sober and was not a drunkard.

The resulting substance, i.e., the wine, wasn‟t miraculous in itself. The miracle was in
the incredible transformation of one substance into another. It is a picture of the greatest
miracle. The miracle of miracles is the transformation of one type of life, a sinful man,
into another kind of life … one clean from sin and standing in the righteousness of
Christ.

It is not by chance that this miracle was done at a wedding. Weddings are the
ceremonial marking of a new covenant between two parties. The two have decided to
join together as one. It has to do with relationship, and Jesus wants a relationship with
us (Heb_8:8).

2:2
The host of the wedding likely didn‟t know Jesus had disciples, seeing that Jesus‟
ministry only just began two days before, so it is as if the entire area was invited.

At this point in His ministry, Jesus had only called John, Andrew, Peter, Philip and
Nathanael.

2:3
They wanted wine, because it had run out. The manager of the caterers providing food
and refreshments had evidently not planned for the number of people that had attended
the wedding reception (Joh_2:9).

2:4
Jesus would use the term “woman” as almost an affectionate greeting (Joh_20:15,
Joh_19:26, Mat_15:28, Joh_4:21, 1Co_7:16). He called her “woman” though and not
mother, perhaps for the first time. He was bridging the gap between existing under her
authority and entering full time into his role as Messiah.

It was a playful rebuke between a son and his mother whom, more so than any mortal,
knew best his personality, his calling, and his destiny. He, of course, even until the end,
would have a lot to do with His mother. However, then He asked, “Woman, what have I
to do with thee?” It was a bond and familiarity only the two of them fully understood.

2:5
One is left wondering why the servants would listen to her. Taking service requests from
a guest is different from taking directions. Receiving the instructions courteously is
different from actually obeying them and following through. Equally puzzling is how
Mary gave the order as though it was natural for her to do so. Perhaps in those days it
was accepted practice for guests to command the servants and the servants to heed
the guests' directions, regardless of the guests' station in life. Perhaps, God's choice for
Jesus' mother was a woman comfortable with exercising authority and equipped with a
commanding presence. Regardless of why the servants listened to Mary, they did do as
she directed (Joh_2:7).

Also note how Mary ignored her son's objection (see notes on Joh_2:4) and acted as
though He had agreed to help.

2:6
The vessels were used to hold water to clean the outside of their bodies. The traditional
and ceremonial washings, practices wrapped in the law, dealt with cleaning the flesh.
However, Jesus has always been interested in what's happening on the inside of a
person (Mat_23:25-28). He was more concerned with what was within the wrappings
(Joh_11:44).

Their legalistic religion, however, only worked to clean the outside. His way was to
teach how to be clean inside and out through Him and what we need to know in order to
stay cleansed. He wants us to keep the vessel sanctified. He wants us to control our
vessels (1Th_4:3-4), and believers are given self control as part of the fruit of the Spirit
(Gal_5:22-23). Jesus‟ way isn‟t legalistic or religious. He isn‟t interested in our ritualistic
attempts to be good enough for Him. He wants us to accept on faith His attempts to
have relationships with us (see notes on Joh_2:1).

He cleanses us with His own blood (Act_20:28, Rom_5:9, Eph_1:7, Col_1:14-20,

Heb_9:12, 1Pe_1:18-19, Rev_1:5, Rev_5:9). Our cleanliness, our righteousness, isn't
by anything we have done or can do (Rom_9:31-34, Gal_2:16, Eph_2:8-9, Tit_3:5).
Without Him, we can do nothing (Joh_15:5, Phi_4:13). Our purification (1Co_6:11) is a
gift (Joh_4:10, Rom_6:23, Eph_2:8), and it is given purely by His grace (Rom_3:24,
Rom_4:16, Rom_5:16-17, Eph_2:7-10, Tit_3:5-7).

2:7
In Joh_2:7-8, we see vessels that were empty and not being used. He had them filled.
He took what they usually poured out to clean themselves with, i.e. water, and He had it
poured into the vessels. Notice how that where the law ends... Jesus begins.

Following the law, and our attempts to be good enough, are empty of any power to
cleanse us from sin (Isa_57:12, Isa_64:6). Only through faith in Christ Jesus are we
given right-standing with God (see notes on Joh_2:6, and look at Phi_3:9).

He had the vessels filled with water. It is a picture of the filling of our vessels with the
baptism in the Holy Spirit (see notes on Joh_20:22). What good does that do anyone
other than ourselves though, if we keep it to ourselves? We must share God's gift
(Mat_10:8, 1Co_2:12), and the fruit of it (Gal_5:22-23), with those around us (Mat_5:15-
16, Mar_4:21, Luk_11:33, Joh_2:9-10, Joh_7:38, Joh_15:8, 2Th_1:10-12, 1Pe_2:12,
1Pe_4:14). The world is dry, and it needs a drink from the well that is always filled
(Joh_4:13-14).
2:8
They had to draw the water out to get the miracle. We can't be reservoirs. What gets
poured into us was meant to serve someone else (see notes on Joh_2:7). Let it flow
from you (Joh_7:38) to help others.

2:9
Jesus sent the wine to the manager of the caterers to taste it (Joh_2:8). The servants
knew where it came from, but the manager did not. Having tasted the new wine, he
called for the person paying for the festivities -- the bridegroom. The manager wanted to
tell the bridegroom how much he approved of not only the new wine, but the good form
of bringing it out towards the end of the party (Joh_2:10).

2:10
The usual nature of mankind is evident in the fact that most people will try to use
trickery to gain something from others at the others' expense (see notes on Joh_1:47).
The manager then is rightfully surprised, because this bridegroom, to the manager's
thinking, has chosen to break the norm by serving the best wine even when most
people wouldn't notice and wouldn't care.

From the manager's approving comments, we see also that Jesus' miracle produced a
robust and flavorful wine that measured up to any the manager had previously
encountered.

2:11
The turning of water into wine is one of the most remembered of Jesus' miracles, and
Jesus' disciples believed on Him, because they saw this incredible wonder. They
focused on the miracle done right before their eyes though, and they missed the
symbolism (see notes on Joh_2:6-7) of the miracles Christ would do in men's hearts
hidden away from view.

2:12
In Mar_6:3 we see that Jesus had brothers and sisters that were born to Mary and
Joseph after He was born (see notes on Joh_7:3). Obviously, Mary didn't stay a virgin,
and Jesus‟ birth was the only virgin birth (Mat_1:23, Luk_1:26-35).

2:13
“The Passover” events were seven day festivals (Exo_12:14-17, Num_28:17,
Deu_16:1-6) cumulating to the feast day (Lev_23:5-6, Joh_13:29, see notes on
Joh_13:1, Joh_18:28). During the Passover period, people would gather together to eat
a ceremonial meal, the Passover Meal, performed as an ordinance (Exo_12:24,
Exo_12:43, Exo_13:10), remembering the final plague before the Israeli exodus from
Egypt (Exo_12:13, Exo_12:23, Exo_12:26-27). Jesus went, because the Law required
it.

John is the only gospel writer that gave accounts of Jesus attending Passover Feast
events after He began His ministry.
2:14
“Found in the temple” that is, in the temple grounds.

There were three layers of the temple enclosure, The Court of the Gentiles or the Outer
Court (Eze_40:17-20, Rev_11:2), the Inner Courts (there were three... Women's Court,
Israelite' Court & the Priest's Court) (1Ki_6:36, 1Ki_7:12, Eze_8:16, Eze_10:3,
Eze_44:27), and the Temple itself. Additionally, there were three main parts to the
Lord's temple, the Porch (1Ki_6:3, 2Ch_3:4, 2Ch_8:12, Eze_40:15, Joh_10:23), the
House or the Holy Place or the Sanctuary (different names all for the same thing...
1Ki_7:50, Psa_46:4, Eze_41:21-23, Eze_42:20, Eze_43:21, Eze_44:27), and the Most
Holy Place (Exo_26:33, 1Ki_6:16, 1Ki_8:6, 2Ch_4:22, Eze_41:4, Eze_45:3).

Interestingly enough … and here's where it gets really good … there had been also
three main levels of closeness allowed by Jesus to those around Him. First, there was
the Outer Court around Jesus. The Outer Court were the twelve apostles. The Inner
Court was made up of, and get this, three disciples; Peter, James and John. Finally,
there was the Holy Place. Only one disciple was allowed close enough to rest upon
Jesus' breast (Joh_13:23-25). John, the disciple whom Jesus loved (Joh_21:20,
Joh_21:24) was allowed past the Inner Court and into the Most Holy Place where he
could hear the very heart beat of God.

Also note: This was not Jesus' first visit to the temple. The 2nd chapter of Luke records
two other appearances there. The first was when Joseph and Mary “Presented” Him
before the Lord, and the second was when He was found discussing the scriptures with
theological scholars in the temple at the age of twelve.

2:15
The temple shop keepers would have doves, sheep, and oxen (Mat_21:12, Luk_19:45,
Joh_2:15) for sell to the people wishing to offer sacrifice without bringing the beast
along with them. Which would have been fine, if sold outside the temple grounds (see
Joh_2:16 “take these things hence”). There were Money Changers (Mar_11:15),
because the citizens would carry the approved currency of the government (Roman
coinage as seen in Mat_22:19-21, Mar_12:15-17), but the people that worked in the
temple would only recognize Jewish money. So, one would have to convert their money
first, then use Jewish Temple coin to buy the desired animal to sacrifice. The rate of
exchange was very high, and it brought in a lot of money used to support the temple
every year. With all the business that was conducted, the temple must have looked like
a mall of retailers scattered around doing business as usual.

Anyone making a disturbance and physically attacking the wares and merchandise in
today‟s malls or stores would be quickly escorted out of the shopping centers. Why
didn't they resist Jesus or stop Him? The power of His anointing (Act_10:38) was
staggering (Joh_18:5-6) when people came under the influence of His virtue (Mar_5:30,
Luk_6:19, Luk_8:46).
The Lord‟s anger was inflamed (see notes on Joh_2:17), but it was not a ranting rage,
as some would suppose. He didn't just blow up and act out with blind fury in the heat of
the moment (Eph_4:26). He didn't simply pick up something lying around and whip it at
people either. The KJV Bible said that Jesus made a scourge. He literally took the time
to fashion a scourge before He began to drive out the businesses.

Ironically, something He made, that is, a scourge, would later be turned against Him
(Mat_27:26, Mar_10:34, Joh_19:1). Likewise His own creation, man, turned against Him
and slew Him. Adding to the irony, Jesus had probably created things out of wood,
seeing that His Earthly father was a carpenter (Mat_13:55, Mar_6:3), and He was nailed
to a wooden tree (Act_5:30).

2:16
The doves and other animals (see notes on Joh_2:15) were in the temple as resources
to facilitate religious ordinances involving the sacrifice of such creatures. However, the
Lord had issue with the retail practices surrounding the keep and sell of the animals and
the effect of those practices both in and to the house of God.

The temple was His Father's house. Should we set up shop in your father's house?
Should we clutter it with cages and animals? What about the noise and smells? Would
that be disrespectful? Would you defend your father's house? Why would we protect our
Earthly father's home and allow people to treat God's house as though no one lives
there? We should have a zealous respect for the holiness of our heavenly Father's
house (Psa_5:4-7, Psa_93:5, Psa_99:5-9, Zec_14:20-21, 1Co_3:16-17).

2:17
The scripture John referred to is Psa_69:9. In that verse it says about His zeal for the
house of the Lord, “the reproaches of them that reproached thee are fallen upon me.”
Jesus took the shameful way the temple was treated (see notes on Joh_2:16) personal.
The disrespect shown the house of the Lord was personally disrespectful to the Lord.

2:18
People seeking a sign as proof of the anointing and calling on Jesus is a recurring
theme throughout His ministry (Mat_16:1-4, Mar_15:32, Joh_6:30, Joh_6:36,
Joh_10:38, Joh_12:37, Joh_20:25-29, 1Co_1:22). Many people came to Him essentially
to see the signs and wonders they heard that He performed. However, Jesus repeatedly
informed the followers that it is an indication of a wrong heart to simply seek a sign
(Mat_12:38-39, Mat_16:4, Mar_8:11-12, Luk_11:29, Luk_11:30).

See notes on Joh_4:48.

This sign seeking was prophesied about (Exo_4:8, Isa_5:19, Isa_7:11-14).

2:19
Jesus was prophesying that the Jews (see notes on Joh_1:19) would be responsible for
tearing down the temple of His body (Joh_2:21, 1Co_3:16, 2Co_6:16-19, Eph_2:21-22,
1Pe_2:5), and that He would be raised up from the dead on the third day (Mat_12:40,
Mat_27:63).

From this point on, God no longer dwelt in the temple made with hands, Jesus was
saying He was now the temple of God. God dwelt in Him (Luk_4:1, Joh_3:34). After
Jesus was resurrected and ascended, the Holy Spirit was sent to the Earth and now
resides within the Believers (Joh_6:56, Joh_14:17, Joh_14:23, Joh_17:23, 2Co_13:5,
Gal_2:20, Gal_4:6, Col_1:27, 1Jo_4:4).

2:20
The Jews' response to Jesus indicated that their thinking towards the comments from
even a spiritual teacher of the people was based in merely the physical and temporal
frame of reference. They didn't think in spiritual terms, because they were not led by the
Spirit. They thought in the natural, fleshly terms, because their thinking was dominated
by the flesh. Such is the case with those that are lost even now. However, we that
believe are to stop being led by our flesh and be led by the Holy Spirit instead
(Rom_8:5-14, Gal_5:16, Eph_4:17-24, Eph_5:5-8, Col_3:4-11, Tit_3:3-7).

Towards the end of Jesus' ministry, although they didn't believe it, they would eventually
understand what Jesus had meant (Mat_27:62-68).

For “the Jews,” see note on Joh_1:19.

2:21
See notes on Joh_2:19. See also Col_1:19, Col_2:9.

2:22
Later, His disciples would recall this statement when they saw the empty tomb and then
came face to face with the risen Lord (Joh_20:6-9, Joh_20:26-29, Mat_28:8-10,
Luk_24:12-31). Having seen the resurrected Christ, they believed.

The scripture John referred to is likely Psa_16:10 (see also Act_2:25-32). They believed
that prophesy, because they had seen the fulfillment of it. Jesus said it is better though
to believe without seeing it physically happen (Joh_20:29). Belief through faith alone is
pleasing to God (Heb_11:6), and faith is the evidence of things that are not seen
(Heb_11:1).

2:23
See notes on Joh_2:13 about the Passover. The festival was seven days, but John
made it clear that he was writing about the Feast Day.

Many people believed, because they saw miracles. In other words, they were impressed
by signs and wonders not the awesome presence of almighty God right in front of them
(Mat_12:38-39, Mar_8:11-12, Mar_13:21-22, Joh_4:48). Don't miss the awe of the
Lord's presence. He is with us always (Mat_28:20).
2:24
Jesus told us to be careful, because people can't always be trusted (Mat_10:16). We
might think we are good judges of character, but our ability to discern whether a person
is trustworthy or not is limited by our inability to know for certain what's in a person's
heart. However, Jesus' discernment wasn't handicapped by fleshly outward
appearances. He could look fully into a man's heart (see notes on Joh_2:25).

2:25
See notes on Joh_2:24. Jesus knew what was in people's hearts (Jer_17:10, Mat_9:4,
Heb_4:12).

Chapter 3
3:1
The Jewish senate and judicial courts were not separated into distinct branches of
government, and the legislative and judicial work was done instead by “councils”
(Mat_5:22, Mat_10:17, Mat_26:59, Mar_13:9, Mar_15:1). The highest council in the
land is said to be called the Sanhedrin, although the KJV doesn't use the word. The KJV
only uses the phrase “estate of the elders” (Act_22:5) or senate (Act_5:21). However,
the term Sanhedrin is used repeatedly in other versions of the Bible, and its use is
justified from both Jewish history and traditions.

There were likely seventy elders specifically chosen to participate as members of the
Sanhedrin. Seventy reflects the number of elders chosen by Moses to help him govern
the Israelites, as we see in Num_11:16-17. Jesus chose seventy too (see Luk_10:1).
Why the Sanhedrin had one extra was they would usually select one as President and
often this title and authority was given to the High Priest (Mat_26:57-58, Joh_18:12-14,
Act_5:17, Act_5:21). I said “usually,” because during Jesus' trial before the council,
there were two High Priests. Annas and Caiaphas both served as the High Priest
(Luk_3:2, Joh_18:13, Joh_18:24, Act_4:6). Jesus didn't need seventy one, because He
is our High Priest (Heb_1:1-15, Heb_6:20, Heb_8:1).

Nicodemus was a Pharisee (see notes on Joh_8:3), so he belonged to one of the

leading parties of the Jews (Joh_7:48, Act_23:6), and he sat on the Sanhedrin or the
highest council (Joh_7:45-53). Yet, as we see in the next verse, his first word to Jesus
was “Rabbi” (Joh_3:2). He called Jesus “My Master,” which was a title of honor and
distinction.

3:2
This event was mentioned twice more by John in Joh_7:50 and Joh_19:39. In
Joh_19:39, we also learn that Nicodemus brought gifts after the crucifixion. From the
expensive gifts mentioned, we ascertain that Nicodemus was wealthy.

Additionally, Nicodemus was a Pharisee, and he sat on the Sanhedrin (see notes on
Joh_3:1). He had a lot to lose, and his position in the Sanhedrin likely contributed to his
sneaking to Jesus under the cover of darkness. However, in addition to his political
concerns, Nicodemus was likely worried what people would think of him honoring
someone deemed to be in a lower social station as he and teaching and saying the
things Jesus spoke of. To anyone ashamed of Christ, or his relationship with Christ, as
Nicodemus was, Jesus gave a stern warning in Luk_9:26.

3:3
See notes on Joh_1:13.

Notice how Jesus didn't speak to the premise brought by Nicodemus in Joh_3:2, and
instead of talking about Himself, He introduced a couple of Gospel topics. Entire books
have been written on these two important subjects.

Jesus used the term, “born again” (1Pe_1:23, 2Co_5:17, Rom_5:15-21) for the first
time. The concept was a confusing one to Nicodemus (see notes on Joh_3:4), but
Jesus spoke of a spiritual rebirth (Joh_3:5-8).

Additionally, Jesus mentioned “the kingdom of God.” Jesus talked a lot about God's
kingdom (Mat_6:33, Mat_12:28, Mat_19:24, Mat_21:31, Mat_21:43, Mar_4:11,
Mar_4:26-30, Mar_9:1, Mar_9:47, Mar_10:14-15, Mar_10:23-25, Mar_12:34,
Mar_14:25, Luk_6:20, Luk_7:28, Luk_8:10, Luk_9:2, Luk_9:11, Luk_9:27, Luk_9:60-62,
Luk_10:9-11, Luk_11:20, Luk_12:31, Luk_13:18-29, Luk_17:20-21, Luk_18:16-30,
Luk_21:31, Luk_22:16-18, Joh_3:5, Act_1:3). Preaching the good news of our inclusion
into the kingdom of God through faith enough to believe was why Jesus was sent by the
Father (Mar_1:14-15, Luk_4:43, Luk_8:1, Luk_16:16).

3:4
Nicodemus' focus was on his here and now. His view was clouded by carnal thinking
and all wrapped up in the physical (see notes on Joh_2:20). In his defense though, this
being “born again” theology was entirely new (see notes on Joh_3:9).

3:5
The first birth, the physical birth, is accompanied by the outpouring of water (the
embryonic fluid pours out, that is, the mother's water breaks). Our physical births usher
our lives into the kingdoms of this world (Rev_11:15).

Being born again is accompanied by the outpouring of the Holy Spirit (1Co_12:13,
Gal_3:14, Eph_1:13, Tit_3:4-6). Jesus was saying; to be a citizen in the Kingdom of
God, we humans who were born first in the flesh must now be made a new creature
through the Spirit (Rom_6:4, Rom_8:9-10, 2Co_5:17, Eph_2:10, Eph_4:22-24).

3:6
Our physical bodies, our flesh, originated from an egg and sperm which were generated
from other physical bodies. We were born of flesh, and we too have fleshly bodies
(1Co_15:47-49). Likewise, when we are born again (see notes on Joh_3:5), our spirits
are born of the Holy Spirit (1Pe_1:23, 1Jo_3:9).
3:7
See notes on Joh_3:5.

3:8
We cannot see the wind, and we don't know where it started. We can only see the
effects of it. Likewise, we don't understand the workings of the Holy Spirit (1Co_2:11),
nor can we see the actual spiritual rebirth of someone. A physical birth is obvious, for it
is physical and happens before our eyes. But a spiritual birth happens on the inside
away from the glances and oversight of anyone or anything other than God Himself.

Although we cannot see the actual rebirth which happens within a person, we can see
the effects of a person‟s being “born again.” Each true believer in Christ will
progressively (Isa_28:10, Rom_12:2, 1Co_9:25, 2Co_4:16, 2Co_7:1, Eph_4:22-24,
Col_1:9, 1Th_4:3-4, Heb_5:13-14) exhibit the fruit of the Spirit (Gal_5:22-23) in their
new lives (Col_3:10). In other words, being a Christian ultimately means that one is
changed from the inside out (Phi_2:12).

3:9
Nicodemus‟ bewilderment is understandable. No one had heard the things Jesus was
teaching before Jesus taught them. His doctrine was new (Mat_7:28, Mat_22:33,
Mar_1:22, Mar_1:27, Mar_11:18, Luk_4:32, Joh_7:16-17, Act_17:19). People still
wonder, “… how can these things be?”

To us who are not God, the things of the kingdom are mysterious (Mat_13:10-11,
1Co_4:1, 1Co_13:2). Only the Holy Spirit can lift the veil and reveal the truth of the
kingdom to us (Mat_11:25-27, Luk_8:10, Rom_16:25-26, 1Co_2:7, Eph_3:3-10,
Col_1:26-27). The Spirit will give us the knowledge of the truth (Joh_14:26, Joh_16:13,
1Co_2:13, 2Co_3:18, 1Jn_2:27). Knowledge of the truth is a gift from God Himself
(1Co_2:9-12, Eph_1:17-19, Eph_2:8, 1Th_1:5-6), and Jesus gave the answer to
Nicodemus' question in Joh_3:14-21.

3:10
Nicodemus was not only an important man politically (see notes on Joh_3:1), he also
taught scripture to the people. Jesus recognized Nicodemus' affect in the nation by
designating the Jewish leader with the same honor Nicodemus had shown Him
(Joh_3:2). However, given Nicodemus' capability to influence the Israelites, it was
troubling that he had not perceived how the scriptures not only pointed to Jesus but to
the plan of redemption as well.

3:11
Jesus usually referred to Himself in the singular person. In other words, He would use
the pronouns such as “I” or “myself” or “me.” In this verse, Jesus said “we” and “our.”
Other than Himself then, to whom else would He have been referring to? He might have
been including in His testimony “every one that is born of the Spirit,” as He said in
Joh_3:8. Another possibility, and the one more likely, is that He was including His
Father and the Holy Spirit in the statement (Luk_4:1, Joh_5:31-32, Joh_7:17, Joh_8:16,
Joh_8:26, Joh_12:49, Joh_13:20, Joh_14:26, Act_10:38, Rom_9:1, 1Co_2:13). The
Son (Joh_3:13, Joh_6:33, Joh_6:51, 1Co_15:47, 1Th_1:10), the Father (Mat_6:9,
Mat_23:9, Luk_11:2) and the Holy Spirit (Joh_1:32, Act_2:2, 1Pe_1:12) are from
Heaven (1Jo_5:7) and “know,” because they all have “seen.”

Regardless of whom the “we” is, the problem was that their testimony had not been
received (Joh_1:11, Joh_3:19, Joh_3:32, Joh_8:44, Joh_8:45). Why not receive the
truth, especially when it is given by such dependable witnesses?

3:12
Being “born again” (Joh_3:3) is an event that occurs on this Earth. Those physically
alive (see notes on Joh_5:24) on Earth may be born spiritually while upon the Earth
(2Co_6:2). However, all those that beg forgiveness before the throne are seeking
spiritual birth inside of physical death. It is acceptable (Isa_49:8, Isa_61:2, Luk_4:19,
Heb_4:7) to the Lord that we choose spiritual life while we are yet physically alive.
Anyone who believes while yet alive shall be saved (see notes on Joh_3:15-16), but
unbelievers shall be damned (Mar_16:16, 2Th_2:12).

Although the Lord may forgive whom He pleases, and He alone is God and able to
forgive even in the world to come (Mat_12:32), Jesus told us that attempts to seek
forgiveness at the throne will be denied (Mat_7:21-23, Luk_13:5, Luk_13:24-28,
Rev_20:11-15). Jesus also told us that there is no redemption from Hell (Mat_3:12,
Mat_25:41, Mar_9:43-48, 2Th_1:9, Rev_14:11, Rev_20:10-15), and there are no means
of transport between the damned and the saved (Luk_16:23-26).

3:13
Indeed no man had ever “ascended” to Heaven. Enoch was taken into heaven by the
Lord (Gen_5:24), but taken and risen under one's own power are two quite different
happenings. Moreover, Elijah was granted a ride into Heaven on a “chariot of fire”
(2Ki_2:11), but he didn't ascend on his own.

Jesus did ascend into Heaven in front of His special witnesses (Act_1:2), and He did it
without being taken in a fiery chariot or plucked up during a private walk with His Father
(Mar_16:19, Luk_24:50-51, Act_1:9, Act_2:32).

Jesus was from Heaven (Eph_4:10), and he belonged in Heaven (Jud_1:25). He

understood “heavenly things” (Joh_3:12).

3:14
Following the plan God had laid out to save the children of Israel from complete
destruction, Moses put an image of a creature laden with the same poison that was
killing them upon a tree (Num_21:6-9). Jesus, “made in the likeness of man” (Phi_2:7),
too would be laden with the same sins that were damning us (1Co_15:3, 2Co_5:21,
Heb_9:28 1Pe_2:24) and placed upon a tree (Act_5:30, Act_10:39, Act_13:29,
Gal_3:13).
The snake on the tree in the wilderness was lifted up, so the people could see the hope
of their salvation. Jesus was also lifted up to draw us to Him in order that we might be
saved (Joh_6:40, Joh_12:32).

3:15
The word “believeth” is from the Greek word pisteuo, pronounced pist-yoo‟-o, and it
means, “to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), that is, credit, by
implication to entrust (especially one‟s spiritual well being to Christ): - believe (-r),
commit (to trust), put in trust with.” iv

Belief, in the way that Jesus spoke of belief, isn‟t just a warm and fuzzy feeling that it
must be true. The belief Jesus said one needed in order to have eternal life is faith that
moves one to put full confidence in and reliance on Him (Pro_3:5). It is then, an
acceptance of Jesus‟ lordship in one‟s life.

Belief, as with the current use of the word in our everyday language, isn‟t enough to
save. Belief isn‟t enough to have eternal life. Someone might say, “I don‟t have to go to
church to believe in God.” That‟s true, but have you changed? Have you moved beyond
the “feeling” that it is true to acting as though it is? Have you entrusted Jesus with your
lifestyle? Have you submitted yourself to the process of walking with Christ and not after
your own desires? Do you truly trust Him, rely on Him, and have full confidence in Him,
or are you still trying to make it yourself on your own terms?

Belief isn‟t enough. The devil believes. One must also repent (Mat_4:17, Mar_1:15,
Mar_6:12, Luk_13:3, Act_2:38, Act_3:19, Act_17:30, Act_26:20, Rev_2:5). Repentance
is turning from your old ways to doing things God's way (Psa_119:59, Psa_119:128,
2Co_5:17, 2Co_7:10). There must be a willingness to change (Php_3:8-12). There must
be an acceptance that Jesus is Lord (Mat_10:32, Rom_10:9, Rom_14:11, Php_2:10,
1Jo_4:15, 2Jo_1:7).

For commentary on “eternal life,” see notes on Joh_5:24. For more on the gospel, see
the notes on Joh_3:16 and Joh_9:41.

3:16
This verse is quoted so often that believers in Jesus and unbelievers alike have heard it
before. Regardless of its redundancy in our culture though, let it never lose the power to
bring you hope. Let it forever ring true in your hearts. God loves you! He loves you so
much that He gave His very best to you.

Notice that God‟s reaction to His love for us is to give (Mat_7:11, Mat_11:28, Mat_20:4,
Mat_20:28, Mar_10:45, Luk_11:13, Luk_12:32, Luk_22:19, Joh_1:12, Joh_4:10,
Joh_6:32-33, Joh_6:51, Joh_10:11, Joh_10:28, Joh_14:16, Joh_14:27, Joh_15:16,
Joh_16:23, Joh_17:2, Act_2:4, Act_5:31, Act_11:17, Act_14:15-17, Act_17:25,
Act_20:35, Rom_5:8-11, Rom_8:32, 1Co_3:5-6, 1Co_3:17, 1Co_15:3, 1Co_15:57,
2Co_3:6, 2Co_4:6, 2Co_9:15, Gal_1:4, Gal_2:20, Eph_2:4-5, Eph_4:8-12, Eph_5:25,
1Ti_2:6, 1Ti_2:14, 1Ti_6:17, 2Ti_4:8, Jas_1:5, Jas_4:6, 1Pe_3:18, 1Pe_4:11, 1Pe_5:5,
1Jn_5:10, Rev_2:7, Rev_2:10, Rev_2:17, Rev_2:26-28, Rev_21:6, Rev_22:5,
Rev_22:12). His love is “so” great (Eph_2:4), because He is love (2Co_13:11, 1Jn_4:8,
1Jn_4:16). God is a spirit (Joh_4:24, 2Co_3:17) of living (Deu_5:24, Deu_32:40,
2Sa_22:47, Job_19:25, Psa_18:46, Jer_4:2), burning (Deu_4:24, Eze_1:27, Eze_8:2,
Heb_12:29) love. To see any part of God (Exo_33:22-23), is to see living love as a holy
being (Lev_11:44-45, Lev_19:2, Jos_24:19, 1Sa_2:2, Psa_71:22, Psa_99:5, Psa_99:9,
Isa_5:16, Isa_6:3, Isa_30:15, Isa_43:3, Isa_54:5, Hos_11:9, 1Pe_1:15, 1Pe_1:16,
Rev_4:8) rather than a human emotion. Love comes from Him (Gal_5:22, 2Ti_1:7,
1Jn_4:7), because that is what He is.

God gives of Himself, and we too need to give of ourselves (Lev_19:18, Gal_5:14,
Mat_10:8, Joh_15:13, Act_3:6, Act_20:33-35, Jas_2:8, 1Jn_3:23). God even gave His
“only begotten Son.” Jesus is God‟s only begotten Son, because God, the Father,
infused an egg from the ovary of a young Israeli woman named Mary (Luk_1:27), with
His own divine nature and caused the embryo to be implanted in her womb (Luk_1:31).
It was the first artificial insemination (Mat_1:23), but God didn‟t need to perform it In
Vitro, or outside the body in a test tube. God performed it in inside the body.

We were “begotten” by our parents. That is, there was a DNA infusion from your father‟s
nature into the DNA saturated egg of your mother. The result is a new person sharing
elements of both DNAs. We share characteristics from both parents.

Jesus‟ human body was the result of an infusion of God‟s holy nature into the egg of
Mary. He shared characteristics of both parents. He was both human and divine. He
was both man and God at the same time. He had no Earthly biological father as we had.
He only had our Heavenly Father. Since half of Jesus‟ human DNA was donated by
God alone, and since God has only intervened into the fertilization of one human being,
Jesus is the only begotten Son of God.

For more on belief, see notes on Joh_3:15.

For “eternal life,” see notes on Joh_5:24.

The word “belief” is used in both Joh_3:15 and this verse, but another significant word
was used as well, “whosoever.” By saying “whosoever,” Jesus was saying “all.”
Anybody and everybody can be included in the “whosoever.” His salvation wasn't for
just the “good” people. He didn't come to save only the Jewish people. His gospel isn't
just for the rich or the smart or the beautiful people. The gospel of His kingdom applies
to “whosoever” will accept it.

That indeed is good news. I am a “whosoever.” You are a “whosoever.” The gift applies
to all people who will receive it. If you still haven't received God's gift though, it isn't too
late. You can be a “whosoever” too.

For more on the gospel, see the notes on Joh_9:41.

3:17
I love this verse. It is a sweet assurance that, even though this world would kill God's gift
(Joh_3:16), Jesus came to save the world anyway. We should all be condemned, but
He doesn't condemn us (Joh_8:11). His goodness so overwhelms our unrighteousness
without Him that in His presence we would have no choice but to shrink in self-imposed
condemnation (Phi_2:10). We may know we are sinful (Luk_5:8), but He doesn't
condemn us. He wants to forgive us, if we'd only repent of our old, worldly ways
(Rom_2:4, 2Pe_3:9) and stop sinning on purpose (Joh_5:14).

3:18
There is no greater condemnation. Yes, we are guilty of many wrongs (1Ki_8:50,
Ecc_7:20, Dan_9:11, Rom_3:9, Rom_3:19, Rom_3:23, Rom_5:12, Rom_11:32,
Gal_3:22, 1Jo_1:8-10). Yes, there is much to be forgiven for and much we could be
condemned for, but to reject the goodness of God's grace in order to enjoy sin is clearly
justification for eternal death (for more on eternal death, see notes on Joh_5:24).

The greatest commandment is to love God (Deu_6:5, Mat_22:37, Mar_12:30,

Luk_10:27), and God is good (Psa_73:1, Psa_73:22-28, Psa_84:11, Psa_145:8-9,
Isa_63:7-9, Nah_1:7, Rom_8:28). Those that love evil rather than good are condemned
to the darkness they chose. Jesus is the light of the world (Isa_60:1-3, Mat_4:14-16,
Luk_2:32, Joh_1:4-9, Joh_8:12, Joh_9:5, Joh_12:35, 1Jo_1:5), and He came to save us
from the darkness (Isa_9:2, Isa_42:6, Isa_42:7, Isa_49:6, Luk_1:78-79, Act_26:23). To
love the darkness more than the light is to choose death over life (Deu_30:19,
Jer_21:8). Truly, our standing with God is a result of our choices. It is wisdom then to
choose Jesus.

If we believe (see notes on Joh_3:15) on Jesus, we are in right-standing with God

(Jer_33:8, Rom_4:6, Rom_4:22-24, Rom_3:21-26, Rom_8:1-4, 2Co_5:21). When we
receive Him, we receive His righteousness (see notes on Joh_16:10). After receiving
Jesus, begin your walk with Him by becoming aware of your standing with God
(2Co_5:17-21, Gal_2:21, Gal_3:21-22, Eph_4:24, 2Ti_4:8) and attempting to behave
accordingly (Rom_12:1-2, Rom_13:14, 1Co_15:34, 2Co_10:3-5, Eph_4:22-24,
Eph_6:12-18, Col_3:10, 1Th_4:3-4, 1Ti_6:11, 2Ti_2:22, 2Ti_3:16, Tit_2:12, Heb_5:13,
Jas_3:18, 1Pe_1:13-16, 1Jn_2:29, 1Jn_3:7-10). Change your behavior (2Pe_1:5-12),
not because your good works merit favor with God (Isa_64:6, Eph_2:8-9, Tit_3:5), but
because now you love Him (1Jn_4:19).

It isn‟t easy, and mistakes will be made (Rom_7:15). When you sin (1Jn_2:1), confess it
(1Jn_1:7-9), repent (Psa_119:59, Eze_14:6, Mat_4:17, Act_17:30, 2Pe_3:9, Rev_3:19),
and move on (Php_3:13). Press on (Php_3:14), and continue progressing, from one
level to the next (Isa_28:10, 2Co_3:18). Without faith in Him it is impossible (Joh_15:5,
Heb_11:6), but with Jesus how can you fail (Jud_1:24)?

3:19
See notes on Joh_3:18.
3:20
People that walk in the darkness of their sin-filled lives try to justify their actions and
convince themselves and others that they are basically good. However, in the light of
God's goodness, the darkness of their evil is evident. To come to the light of Jesus (see
notes on Joh_3:18) is to admit that they are living wrong and need salvation. People
that love doing wrong hate to admit that they are wrong. Because the light reveals their
darkness, and because God's goodness reveals their wrongness, they hate the light.

3:21
Christians don't hate the light, because Jesus is the light (Joh_8:12, Joh_9:5). We come
boldly (Heb_4:16) into the light, because our deeds are now covered in Christ's
righteousness (see notes on Joh_3:18, Joh_16:10).

3:22
The verse that is used to say that Jesus didn't actually baptize but rather it was His
disciples is Joh_4:2. Note that Joh_4:2 was added by the KJV interpreters and was not
part of the original manuscripts... thus the parentheses.

3:23
The word “Aenon,” pronounced ahee-nohn' only appears in this one verse.

The word “Salim,” is pronounced sal-ime' and too only appears in this one verse.

Since neither city is spoken of again in the New Testament, it is obvious the only
significance the locations had to the importance of the text was related to the part of the
story at hand, i.e., the fact that John was baptizing there. Why there? “There was much
water.” Obviously, John's baptism of repentance required “much water,” and was likely
via submersion.

“They came.” Why did they come? Did they come because of the water? No, they
came, because John was baptizing there.

3:24
By writing that John the Baptist was still free, the Apostle John was putting Jesus and
His disciples' baptism services (Joh_3:22-23) in a timeline. John eventually was
imprisoned (Mat_4:12, Mat_14:3, Mar_6:17, Luk_3:19-20).

3:25
Of course, what were they concerned with? Their focus was outward purification ... just
as we saw in the beginning of Chapter Two with the water pots and the miracle at the
wedding in Cana.

3:26
We just learned in verse twenty five that a question arose about purifying. How does
their statement in this verse relate in any way to the discussion they were having on
purification? Baptism, to John's disciples, was seen as another Jewish act of washing
and purification. It was religious in practice; it wasn't a spiritual act. It was ritualistic; it
wasn't worship. Their concern revealed their religious values related to traditional
expressions ensuring holiness rather than a willingness to pursue a relationship with a
holy God. They were more concerned with who was seen as anointed to do the washing
rather than the fact that many were being washed.

They had tied their religious notions and future to John. They were letting their master
know that he made a mistake in highlighting Jesus, because John‟s baptism ministry
was now being copied by this same Jesus, and He was becoming more successful than
John. They were worried about losing their place in the ministry they had become
involved with, because that ministry may soon no longer exist. Jesus was seen as the
one who was taking it all away from them too.

3:27
Everything we have, even the breaths we take (Gen_2:7, Job_27:3, Job_33:4, Isa_42:5,
Dan_5:23) are gifts from God. If others are blessed, it too is because of God. However,
the Baptist's disciples were certain that the people Jesus and his ministry were receiving
were at their ministry's expense (see notes on Joh_3:26). They were worried about the
loss of the ministry they were associated with, rather than the lost coming to repentance
(Mar_1:4, Luk_3:3, Act_13:24, Act_19:4). Their “loss” truly was heaven's gain. They had
a great reason to rejoice (Joh_3:29).

Pray for those in ministry that their hearts stay committed to the lost and hurting and not
to the growth of their own kingdoms (Mat_5:19, Mat_25:40-45).

3:28
The Baptist reminded his disciples that he had already publicly acknowledged his
position in the kingdom of God (Joh_1:19-27). He was just a man born of Earthly
parents, but Jesus was sent from heaven (Joh_3:13, Joh_3:31, Joh_6:32-41, Joh_6:50-
51, 1Co_15:47, 1Th_1:10).

3:29
Jesus did his first miracle at a wedding, and John used the metaphor of wedding
symbolism to illustrate his role (see notes on Joh_3:28) and feelings in the matter.
Jesus is the bridegroom (Isa_62:5, Rev_18:23, Rev_21:2, Rev_21:9), and the church is
His bride (Eph_5:25-27). The Baptist was happy (Jer_33:11, Mat_9:15, Mat_25:1-13,
Rev_19:7-9) to simply have been alive at the time of Christ upon the Earth in the flesh
(Joh_8:56).

3:30
This is true for us all. To live a life of victory (rather than continually go over the same
mistakes again and again in bondage) we need to learn (it isn't something that comes
naturally to us) to get ourselves off our mind and focus on Jesus. It shouldn't be about
us and doing what we want. It should be about Him and being obedient to God.
Each time you deny your flesh (Mat_16:24) what it is screaming for, it grows a little
weaker. We need to kill the flesh (Gal_5:24, Rom_6:6-7, Tit_2:12). How do we do that?
Starve it (Rom_8:13, Rom_13:14).

John the Baptist knew his place (see notes on Joh_1:15, Joh_3:28), and he was happy
(Joh_3:29) to play a role in God's work upon the Earth. John's disciples were concerned
about the loss of their master's prominence (see notes on Joh_3:26-27), but he realized
and accepted that his time in the spot light was coming to an end. John had increased
and was now decreasing, but Jesus' increase will never end (Isa_9:6-7).

3:31
The Baptist's disciples questioned the sense in simply standing by and watching as
Jesus' ministry grew and theirs decreased (see notes on Joh_3:26-27). Why shouldn't
Jesus' ministry and glory increase (Joh_3:30)? Jesus' glory yet today makes more
sense than any of our Earthly priorities (see notes on Joh_3:28).

3:32
Jesus only did and said what He was told to do and say from His Father in Heaven (see
notes on Joh_12:44). The problem was that people weren't receiving the message
(Luk_7:30, Joh_3:16) or the messenger (Mat_21:42, Mar_8:31, Luk_9:22, Luk_17:25,
Luk_20:17, Joh_1:5, Joh_1:11).

3:33
The Father sealed Jesus (Joh_6:27), but He also seals us (2Co_1:22). “His seal,” or His
sign of approval, is stamped onto our lives (2Ti_2:19) as a testimony that we may
depend upon, and place our trust in, His expressed intention to save us to Himself. His
promise (Luk_24:49, Act_2:39, Act_13:23, Act_13:32-33, Rom_4:13-16, Gal_3:22,
Gal_3:29, Gal_4:28, Eph_3:6, 1Ti_4:8, 2Ti_1:1, Heb_9:15, 2Pe_3:13) to redeem us
(Tit_1:2, 1Jo_2:25) is sealed by the Holy Spirit coming into us as an earnest of our
salvation (2Co_1:22). The Holy Spirit is evidence of your salvation and a pledge that
your inheritance is assured (2Co_5:5, Eph_1:13-14, Eph_4:30, 1Jo_2:5, 1Jo_3:24,
1Jo_4:13).

3:34
One whom is filled with the Spirit (see notes on Joh_20:22) isn't filled a little bit. Just as
one can't be “kind-of” pregnant, so too you are either filled with the Spirit or you have
not been filled.

Yet, the Spirit does give out various gifts (1Co_12:4-10) and gives certain gifts to some
and not to others (1Co_12:11). For example, you may have been given the gift of
prophecy, and I have not received that gift. If we regard each gift as a measure of the
Spirit imparted to us, you have a different measure than mine.

No matter how it is viewed though, John was obviously saying that Jesus was given
every gift and every aspect and the fruit of the Spirit (Gal_5:22-23) or the fullness
thereof (Joh_3:35, Col_1:19, Col_2:9).
3:35
The Father has held nothing back from His Son, our Lord and Savior, Jesus
(Mat_28:18, Joh_3:34, Joh_5:22, Joh_13:3, Joh_17:2, 1Co_15:27, Eph_1:22, Phi_2:9-
11, Heb_2:8, 1Pe_3:22).

3:36
Jesus was speaking of spiritual life … not physical life. Although some will go to Hell
and some will go to Heaven, everyone will be able to reason cognitively, endure pain or
enjoy pleasure and experience emotions after death. So, “everlasting life” or “eternal
life” is not life after death. Even those that are not saved will be aware of their
damnation. “Everlasting life” or “eternal life” is spiritual life. Damnation in Hell is spiritual
death.

See notes on Joh_5:24 for more about spiritual life and death compared to physical life
and death.

Chapter 4
4:1
So, Jesus stayed in Judea and baptized there with His disciples until the Pharisees (see
notes on Joh_8:3) learned about His success there (Joh_4:3).

Notice that Jesus knew.

4:2
This verse was added by the interpreters to support the notion that Jesus would
delegate to His disciples and not stoop to imitate the Baptist's ministry. This is said as
though the Lord thought Himself too good to do what was beneath Him.

However, Jesus washed feet (Joh_13:4-12). He came to this Earth to live among His
creation as one of them. He did get hungry. He would sweat. He became dirty from
travels. His whole mortal episode was “stooping.” He stooped to write in the dirt He
created while the Pharisees and scribes waited on His response before a woman
caught in adultery (Joh_8:6-8). He submitted Himself to the whip, the torture, the
spitting, the slapping, the ridicule, and the nails.

How is it that we find it so hard to suppose that Jesus, who lived by example for us all
and who showed His disciples how to continue on, would not also show, by His own
example, that He wanted John's ministry to go on?

4:3
There were three providences in Palestine during the days of Christ on Earth, Galilee,
Samaria and Judea (from north to south). A significant portion of Jesus' private life and
public ministry were conducted in the province of Galilee. Over half of the parables were
communicated in Galilee. Famous messages were spoken there, including the Sermon
on the Mount. His first miracle was performed in Cana of Galilee (Joh_2:1), and the
incredible transfiguration (Mat_17:1-9, Mar_9:2-9) occurred there.

4:4
The land in between Judea and Galilee was Samaria. Aenon and Salim were close to
the Judean and Samarian border. So, to get to Galilee from Judea, Jesus had to go
through Samaria or go around it. Besides the geographical rational, Jesus had a
meeting with a woman destined to happen there.

Typically though, He'd avoid Samaria, and He instructed The Twelve (see notes on
Joh_20:24) to do the same (Mat_10:5-6). After His resurrection, the Apostles would
preach in Samaria. However, it was not yet time to minister there in any significant
amount, and the major portion of His time would be spent with the Jewish people. Jesus
came to the Jews first (Mat_15:24, Luk_24:47).

4:5
Jacob's well (Gen_26:19) was on a plot of land (Gen_33:19, Gen_48:22, Jos_24:32) in
the providence of Samaria (Joh_4:6) just outside the city (Joh_4:8) of Sychar. This
verse contains the only reference to Sychar in the Bible.

The name Sychar has roots in the Hebrew word shekar. Shekar means, “an intoxicant,
that is, intensely alcoholic liquor: - strong drink, + drunkard, strong wine.” v Interestingly,
the descendants of Joseph had a history of alcohol abuse (Isa_28:1).

Alcohol weakens self control and releases inhibitions. Drunken people can end up
“letting go” and do inappropriate things that have negative consequences in their lives
that far outlive the momentary pleasures they sought while under the influence of the
liquor. Some things that get damaged as a result of drunkenness are important
relationships, and the woman (Joh_4:7) that Jesus met at Jacob's well had experienced
several ruined relationships (Joh_4:17-18).

Her way of life had not given her any lasting joy and comfort in the assuring safety of a
consistent marriage. She had gone from one failed relationship to another. Throughout
her soiled past, perhaps she had poured plenty of men a drink of alcohol. On this day,
however, Jesus would ask her for a drink of water (Joh_4:7).

Her encounter with Jesus would change her life (see notes on Joh_4:29-30). All of her
past drinking had left her only thirsty still and surrounded by dead relationships, but
Jesus would give her living water (Joh_4:10, Joh_4:14, Joh_6:35, Joh_7:37). Living for
the devil had only stolen her peace, killed her joy and destroyed her relationships, but
Jesus wanted to give her a new life (Joh_10:10).

4:6
For more on Jacob's well, see the notes on Joh_4:5.
Look and see how Jesus would grow tired as any other man. In Joh_4:7, we perceive
more of His humanity in that He would be thirsty (Joh_19:28) as well. Jesus also got
hungry too (Mat_21:18-19, Luk_4:2, see notes on Joh_4:31). Our Almighty God, which
is a Spirit (Joh_4:24), had willingly became a physical man (Joh_1:14, Gal_4:4, Phi_2:6-
8, Heb_2:14-17, Heb_10:5) and was subject to our weaknesses and physical needs.

Jesus had been traveling on foot from Judea on His way to Galilee (Joh_4:3), and He
arrived at Sychar, Samaria around noon. The sun and the journey had warmed Jesus,
and he was tired and thirsty.

4:7
I suppose that the chore of carrying heavy containers of water would best be reserved
for cooler parts of the day. The Samaritan woman came to the well at noon though
(Joh_4:6), when there would be less opportunity to encounter other folks from the city.
Perhaps she had developed an undesirable reputation as a result of her lifestyle (see
notes on Joh_4:5), and disapproving whispers and glances from other people was
something she'd rather avoid.

There may have been no other people that she knew from Sychar there at the sixth
hour, but the well was occupied by a Jewish stranger. Jews thought of the gentiles as
dogs (Mat_15:22-28, Mar_7:25-29), and they wouldn't typically ask for anything from
them (Joh_4:9). However, Jesus asked her for a drink. There may have been
traditionally no formal “dealings” between the Jews and the Samaritan, but Jesus was
willing to walk right through the wall dividing them (Mat_27:51, Mar_15:38, Luk_23:45,
Eph_2:14) and invite a transaction between them.

Jesus still goes through the walls dividing Him from the lost, and He invites the most
meaningful of transactions. He willingly offers the exchange of our sins for His
righteousness (see notes on Joh_3:18, Joh_20:23).

4:8
This is another verse in parentheses (see notes on Joh_4:2). The purpose of its addition
may have been to clarify sooner the reason Jesus was alone with the woman rather
than wait until we learned in Joh_4:27 that the disciples had left Him. In Joh_4:31 we
eventually see that they had brought Jesus food from the city.

Actually, the way it is written, it seems to imply that Jesus only asked her to give Him a
drink because His disciples had left Him. However, the entire episode was destined to
happen, and it was not coincidental. Jesus went there on purpose in order to have this
encounter with the woman at the well, and he stayed behind to be alone with her.
Although Jesus was thirsty, He also asked her for a drink simply to begin the
conversation.

4:9
She had a chip on her shoulder. In her heart were feelings of inadequacy and inferiority.
Her inability to maintain long-term, meaningful relationships probably added to her poor
self esteem. Couple her failures with the town folk's disapproval, and you have a recipe
for bitterness. So here's an example of someone emotionally sick. Fortunately, she met
the great physician.

Additionally though, she was a Samaritan, and the Jews looked down on the lot of them.
The Samaritans were a “mixed” people of different cultures, that is, not entirely Jewish
(2Ki_17:24-28). Plus, the Samaritans wanted to join the Jewish effort in building the
temple and had been rejected by the Jews (Ezr_4:2-3). Consequently, prior to the days
of Jesus' ministry, Samaritans had a history of causing the Jews problems (Ezr_4:4-11,
Neh_6:1-14).

4:10
We know that one may have not received what they wanted, because they never asked
for it (Luk_11:9-13, Jam_4:2). Sometimes though the request for the desired thing isn't
made, because of a lack of knowledge (Hos_4:6). She didn't know about the gospel,
about salvation, or about the Lamb of God. Everything she needed for a fulfilled life
while on Earth and eternal life with God in Heaven was literally sitting there in front of
her (Joh_4:6), but she didn't know it. If she had had known, Jesus said she would have
repented.

When we repent and accept God's forgiveness and Jesus' lordship over our lives (see
notes on Joh_3:15), we are given a drink (1Co_10:4) of the Holy Spirit (Joh_7:37-39,
see notes on Joh_20:22) and baptized into the body of Christ (1Co_12:13). To drink of
the Holy Spirit is indeed to have a drink of living water (Joh_4:14, Joh_6:35, 1Co_10:4,
Rev_21:6).

4:11
The Samaritan woman's thinking was focused in the physical things she could
understand. However, Jesus spoke to her of spiritual things. Her response makes
human logical sense, and it is similar to Nicodemus‟ reply to one of Jesus' spiritual
statements (see notes on Joh_3:4, Joh_3:9).

The Lord will never ask something of us without giving us the ability to do it. Too often
though, we worry about the natural. We focus on the depth of the problem, and the
materials we don't have, rather than the God of plenty and power and exalted heights
right before us.

How dare any of us question God on how He plans to get the job done? How dare we
scoff at His prophecies?

4:12
Her question is of the same sort brought by the Jews in Joh_8:52-53. Of course, we
know that Jesus was greater than any man that ever lived (Mat_3:11, Mat_12:42,
Mar_1:7, Luk_3:16, Luk_11:32, Joh_5:36, 1Ti_6:15, Heb_3:3, 1Jo_4:4, Rev_17:14,
Rev_19:16, Rev_22:13), and He was certainly greater than Jacob.
The water one could drink from Jacob's Well was only good to relieve physical thirst, but
the water of the Holy Spirit that Jesus gives us to drink (see notes on Joh_1:4,
Joh_4:10, Joh_7:39, Joh_20:22) relieves our spiritual thirst and brings everlasting life.

4:13
See notes on Joh_4:12.

4:14
See notes on Joh_4:12.

4:15
Although she was likely still thinking in terms of physical water, her request is one that
every born again believer made in one way or another. Every true Christian asked the
Lord for the gift of His salvation to be poured into them.

4:16
Once her heart was plowed and prepared for the revelation of the truth, Jesus
established His credibility to deliver the message by exposing her to His Holy Spirit
given and enabled word of knowledge (1Co_12:8).

He began by asking her to fetch her husband, but she was no longer married
(Joh_4:17). Jesus knew that she not only was living with a man outside of marriage, but
he knew that she had been married five times before (Joh_4:18). After He displayed
discernment of facts a stranger wouldn't normally be privy to, the woman acknowledged
that Jesus was gifted (Joh_4:19), and she was ready to hear more from Him (Joh_4:20).

4:17
Her answer, “I have no husband,” wasn't a full confession (1Jo_1:9). She used guile
(see notes on Joh_1:47) to avoid the embarrassment of bringing out the whole truth.
Haven't we all done that? Before God though, who sees and knows all things
(Psa_44:21, Psa_139:1-18, Jer_17:10, Jer_23:24, Joh_2:24-25, Joh_21:17, Heb_4:13,
1Jo_3:19-20, Rev_2:23), what is the point of being anything less than completely
honest?

4:18
Her answer contained only part of the truth (see notes on Joh_4:17), and Jesus let her
know that He knew the rest of it (see notes on Joh_4:16).

4:19
See notes on Joh_4:16.

Her logic concluded Jesus was a prophet following a simple line of reasoning. Since
Jesus had received revelations and knew things normally not perceived, she thought
that He must hear from God. Prophets hear from God. This man must be a prophet.
4:20
Being already in a conversation with someone that had such a close relationship with
God (see notes on Joh_4:19), the woman took advantage of the opportunity to resolve a
lingering religious dilemma in her mind. Who is right, the Jews (Deu_12:5-11, 1Ki_8:15-
22, 1Ki_9:3, 1Ch_21:26, 2Ch_3:1, 2Ch_6:6, 2Ch_7:12, 2Ch_7:16, Psa_78:67-68,
Psa_132:13) or the Samaritans (Gen_12:6-7, Gen_33:18-20, Deu_11:29, Deu_27:4,
2Ki_17:26-33)?

4:21
Jesus' answer implied that both sides had good reasons for their views (see notes on
Joh_4:20). However, He made it clear that soon neither of their religious practices were
going to be relevant (1Co_13:10-13, Gal_3:19-25, Gal_4:3-5, Heb_7:11-19, Heb_8:6-
13, Heb_9:9-15, Heb_10:1-25, Heb_12:2). In the future, there would be no reason for
going to a special place to worship (Mal_1:11, Mat_18:20, Act_6:14, 1Co_5:4, 1Ti_2:8).

4:22
Although both the Jews and the Samaritans worshipped in their own way (Joh_4:20),
and each side had historical reasons for their methods (see notes on Joh_4:20-21), the
Samaritans were just going through the motions. They knew they should worship this
higher power called God, but their ideas about God had been heavily influenced by
other belief systems (see notes on Joh_4:9). Consequently, the Samaritans didn't know
what they were worshipping.

The Jews' religious practices, on the other hand, were largely unaffected by outside
influences, and they worshipped the God revealed in their scriptures through Moses and
the prophets (Luk_10:25-29, Joh_5:39, Rom_3:1-2). The Jews understood what they
worshipped, and they awaited their savior and Messiah (Deu_18:15-18, Dan_9:24-26,
Isa_9:6, Isa_55:1-4, Mic_5:2).

4:23
The Samaritan woman Jesus met at the well (Joh_4:6-7), having perceived Jesus was a
prophet (Joh_4:19), inquired of Him who was right; the Jews or the Samaritans (see
notes on Joh_4:20-22). Jesus responded by telling her that the “where” of worship isn't
as important as the “from where” of worship, and the “how” of worship isn't as significant
as the “why” of worship. What the Father wants is true worship that comes from one's
spirit (Joh_4:24, Rom_1:9, Rom_7:6, 1Co_14:2, Phi_3:3), in unity with the Holy Spirit
(Rom_8:26-27, 1Co_14:15, Eph_6:18, Jud_1:20), for the benefit and glory of God
(Psa_28:7, Psa_86:12, Psa_150:2, Rom_15:6, 1Co_6:20, 1Pe_2:9, Rev_14:7,
Rev_15:4). God doesn't want worship that comes from one's mind and is performed out
of religious obligation for the benefit and glory of the religious practitioner (Mat_6:5-8,
Mat_15:7-9, Luk_18:10-14, Luk_20:45-47).

4:24
God is a spirit, that is, God is not contained in a form like our bodies (2Co_3:17). He
isn't limited to one place (1Ki_8:27, Psa_139:7-12, Pro_15:3, Jer_23:23-24, Amo_9:2-3,
Mat_18:20, Heb_4:13) and one time (Isa_46:10, Isa_57:15, Joh_8:58, Heb_13:8,
2Pe_3:8, Rev_1:8). He is free to be in every believer (Mat_10:20, Joh_14:17,
Rom_8:10, 2Co_13:5, Gal_4:6, Eph_3:20, Col_1:27, 2Ti_1:14, 1Jo_3:24, 1Jo_4:4,
1Jo_4:13) and yet sit enthroned in Heaven at the same time(1Ki_22:19, 2Ch_18:18,
Psa_11:4, Mat_23:22).

Our spiritual God wants true spiritual worship (see notes on Joh_4:23).

4:25
She granted Jesus that she may not know a lot about the scriptures or what they tell us,
but she had heard about the Messiah which was prophesied to come. She believed the
Messianic prophesies she had heard too. She also believed that even though she and
other Samaritans didn't know much Jewish theology; when the Christ would come, He
would teach them.

4:26
There are those that suggest Jesus never said He was the Messiah. What he did say,
speaking of the Messiah (Joh_4:25), is, “I... am he.” Without argument, Jesus plainly
claimed that He was the fulfillment of the Messianic prophecies (Mat_5:17, Luk_24:44)
and the son of God (Joh_5:18, see notes on Joh_8:54, Joh_9:37).

4:27
Why would John talk about what they didn't say? It must have been evident by their
nonverbal cues that they were perplexed as to what motivated Jesus to talk with a
woman alone. However, they obviously thought it best not to mention it. Even today,
some people are still confused over the question of Jesus‟ relationships.

Incidentally, this verse throws a wrench into some people‟s theoretical spokes that
Jesus showed sexual interests in women. When the disciples saw Jesus with the
Samaritan woman, they didn't yet know the reason He and the woman were together.
Although it surprised them to see Jesus alone with a woman, they wisely didn't want to
jump to any conclusions. By the disciples' raised eyebrows and shocked facial
expressions though, we understand that they were unaccustomed to perceiving Jesus
as a man attracted to women beyond the necessity of ministerial contact. The disciples‟
lack of familiarity and comfort with the notion that Jesus would be alone with a woman
highlights the unusualness of the incident and shows us that He didn‟t typically engage
in such activities. Moreover, since John wrote about the occurrence the way that he did
in Joh_4:27 many years after Jesus had already ascended back into Heaven, we can
assume that Jesus went through the rest of His ministry keeping Himself above
reproach (2Co_5:21, 1Ti_3:16, Heb_4:15, 1Pe_1:9).

4:28
The woman, accustomed to the non-approving glances of others (see notes on
Joh_4:9), left the scene upon the arrival of the disciples.

Notice that just moments prior in Joh_4:11, she made a point about Jesus having no
water pot. In her hurry to leave the well area filling up with Jewish men (Joh_4:27), she
left her water pot behind. After we meet Jesus, whatever was important to us before our
encounter with Him fades in comparison to Him. Some things that once meant so much
to us may be left behind in favor of what He now leads us to do.

She felt compelled to share her new belief, i.e., He was the Messiah (Joh_4:25-26), or
at least a prophet (Joh_4:19), with men in Sychar (Joh_4:5) she knew. Her compulsion
and excitement took prominence over her normal priorities. As is the case when anyone
has a true encounter with Christ, she had been monumentally changed. Her focus had
been altered. She would never be the same again.

4:29
The statement, “Come, see a man...” illustrated that she had been filled with a zeal to
share her discovery with others. The woman at the well (Joh_4:6-7) had gone from
fetching water to fetching the lost. She had embarked upon the first Christian
evangelical effort. Notice how dramatically she had changed. She was not ashamed
anymore. She had went to the well at noon, when others stayed home and waited for
cooler parts of the day, to avoid the feelings of shame imposed on her by the
judgmental stares from others (see notes on Joh_4:9). Now changed, she excitedly was
in town and openly insisting that people pay attention to her so that she could proclaim
the coming of Christ.

She was a sinner, an outcast, a sleaze, but Jesus had turned her into an evangelist. Her
story gives us all hope. No matter what kind of life we've lived before we met the Lord,
we can become a new creature through His saving power in our lives.

4:30
When one is changed by the miraculous presence of Christ, when God is with you,
mistakes in life and even poor self-esteem can‟t stop one‟s zeal to glorify God. Before
she met the Lord, the people the woman at the well had contact with probably avoided
her, and she avoided them too (see notes on Joh_4:7). However, in light of her
message and enthusiasm, her status and poor relationships in town were completely
overlooked. Regardless of her past or her previous lack of integrity, the message of
Christ was still received.

The messenger isn‟t as vital as the message. It isn't the messenger's history that
matters, it's the message itself. Actually, a bad past changed into a bright future adds a
physical example to the message and tangible evidence of our faith in action. It wasn‟t
about the woman at the well. It was about what Jesus had done for the woman. The
message of the Gospel comes shining through, when the messenger gets out of the
way (Joh_3:30). Obviously, they didn't listen to her because of her. They listened to her
despite of her. They heard the message, and they responded to it.

4:31
While she was in town being an evangelist for Christ (see notes on Joh_4:30), the future
apostles and professional ministers were worried about food. Jesus said in Joh_4:38
that He had sent the disciples into town to reap a harvest of men. They had succeeded
in bringing out lunch. They had gone into town (Joh_4:8) and brought out food to Jesus,
but she was bringing the town out to meet the Bread of Life (Joh_6:35). She had
brought out the town as the harvest.

You don't have to be a professional preacher to win souls!

Also note that John revealed, and the disciples knew it, that Jesus would grow hungry in
addition to tired (Joh_4:6) and thirsty (Joh_4:7).

4:32
Jesus was saying that He gets sustenance from sources other than food (see notes on
Joh_4:34). Was He speaking only in terms of spiritual food? He did eat (Mat_11:19), but
He said other things help to sustain Him as well. Is it possible that Jesus actually
received strength and vigor from communion with the Father? If so, is that something
we can tap into too (Mat_6:25, Luk_12:23, Neh_8:10)?

Once, after fasting forty days, Jesus had reminded the devil in Luk_4:4 that we should
not live by bread alone (Job_23:12). Was He saying that we should supplement our
diets with spiritual food, and that, by doing so, we get physical as well as spiritual
strength? This could have incredible implications for us.

Additionally in the fourteenth chapter of Matthew, we see the time when Jesus had
worked all day, fed everyone else, sent everybody home, and then went off alone to
pray (Mat_14:23). Shortly later, after communion with the Father, the disciples see not a
weary, hungry Jesus worn out by the long day, but they see Jesus full of power walking
on the water (Mat_14:25).

4:33
They accepted that Jesus wasn't hungry (see notes on Joh_4:32). What they didn't
know was where He got the food or what he had eaten that would have satisfied Him.

4:34
Jesus revealed that He actually receives strength from doing the work of the ministry
and doing the will of the Father.

4:35
If the world was ready even then to accept the Gospel, surely the world is ready today
(Mat_9:37-38).

4:36
Those who do the work of the ministry will be rewarded with eternal blessings.

4:37
Even if your labor of love is rejected, stay captive in the hope (Zec_9:12) that your work
is not in vain. Sometimes our calling and assignment is only to preach the message. It is
enough to know that at least we were able to sow a good seed. Having planted a seed
of the Gospel, take faith that it will bud into new life and grow ripe for harvest. Later on,
another person may come along and reap the fruit of your labor, and that's alright. The
planter and the reaper of gospel seed will celebrate together one day (Joh_4:36) and
they will know assuredly the results of their faithfulness and receive blessings
accordingly (1Co_3:8, 2Co_5:10). Praise God!

4:38
Jesus sent the disciples into town to reap a harvest of converts that was ripe for the
picking, but they didn't perceive the mission. Worldly and fleshly, carnal concerns of
physical food took precedence over the spiritual feast that was spread before them like
a banquet fit for The King.

Do you perceive the mission Jesus has sent you on? Do your physical needs take
priority over your spiritual life?

4:39
They believed and have faith that it is true, because they believed the word preached to
them by this woman evangelist (Rom_10:17, Rom_10:14).

See notes on Joh_4:42

4:40
You have not, because you ask not (Joh_15:16, Jam_4:2). Jesus would not normally
even pass through Samaria (Mat_10:5-6), but He decided to stay two days, because the
Samaritans asked Him to. Look at His compassion and love. Look at His joy over the
lost coming to a saving knowledge of the truth. Look at how He is willing to stay with us
and abide with us.

4:41
Because He had stayed (Joh_4:40) with the new believers (Joh_4:39), although He
wouldn't typically have wanted to even be in Samaria (Mat_10:5-6), many more souls
were converted.

These Samaritans believed quickly, but His own people rejected Him (Mat_13:57,
Mar_6:4, Joh_4:44).

4:42
First they believed through the testimony of the woman (Joh_4:39). They believed,
because they heard the Word from an evangelist (Rom_10:14). Now they believe,
because they met Jesus for themselves. Look how after experiencing Him in your own
life one moves from “believe” to “know.”

4:43
Before Jesus had met the Samaritan woman at the well (Joh_4:6-7), He was en route
from Judea to Galilee (Joh_4:3). There was more work to do and people to minister to in
Galilee. Jesus stayed at Sychar (Joh_4:5) the two days, because the Samaritans asked
Him to (Joh_4:40). See how God will stay not only His hand but His whole person
simply to enjoy company of His children. No one has the power to stop Him (Dan_4:35),
but He does it willingly for those who love Him and have faith in Him.

4:44
Jesus' “own country” was a reference to Galilee (Luk_23:6-7), and He had previously
remarked how the Galileans‟' unwillingness to accept Him should be no surprise to us
(Mat_13:57; Mar_6:3-4; Luk_4:24). Although there can be no doubt Jesus would have
been more popular in Samaria, He went back into Galilee where he was needed most
(Mat_9:12, Mar_2:17, Luk_5:31).

4:45
The last time Jesus was in Jerusalem, many Galileans were there. Although the
Galileans were reluctant to receive Jesus as a prophet (see notes on Joh_4:44), they
were interested in seeing more miracles (Joh_2:23) from what they viewed as the
budding prophet-like celebrity.

4:46
“Nobleman” indicates that this fellow was connected in some way with the King (Herod
Antipas).

Capernaum was about a day's journey on foot from Cana.

4:47
Having a sick son had evidently caused the nobleman to seek help and advice. In his
search for help, he had either heard or remembered about this Jewish Rabbi performing
incredible miracles the last time He was in the area (Joh_2:23). When he heard that
Jesus had returned to Galilee and was a day away in Cana, the nobleman went to Cana
and sought Jesus out. Upon finding the Lord, he asked Jesus to come down to
Capernaum and stop his son from dying.

By making this journey and taking an entire two days (one day to Cana and one day
back) away from his dying son, he showed a firm belief in Jesus' ability to heal.

Cana was northwest of Capernaum, so “come down” made complete sense.

4:48
Why would Jesus say, “Except ye see signs and wonders, ye will not believe,” when the
man had believed so strongly that he came all the way to Cana (see notes on john 4:47)
to seek the Lord out? Jesus spoke towards the nobleman (see the notes on Joh_4:53),
but He was speaking to the miracle seeking Galileans (see notes on Joh_4:45) at large
as well. The Jews (see notes on Joh_1:19) had asked Jesus for a sign back in
Jerusalem (Joh_2:18), and the Galileans were there. However, the Samaritans had
believed without a sign (Joh_4:41-42).
Jesus will use situations at hand and speak to people nearby to teach wider reaching
principles that goes far beyond the here and now.

4:49
The nobleman understood that Jesus is a teacher, and he believed Jesus has the
power to heal, but he didn't want to waste any more time while the Lord made a point to
the people around him. His son's life waited in the balance (Joh_4:47).

4:50
The nobleman's paramount objective had become getting his son healed and saving the
boy‟s life. His goal was driving his zeal for an immediate response. The nobleman‟s
passion and faith moved Jesus to resolve the matter quickly, and He responded with a
life giving word. Jesus knew the man wanted to get back to his son, and He told the
nobleman to go on and go. The boy was healed. The man simply believed the word of
the Lord, and he acted upon that belief.

Here we see the compassion of God. He wants to deal with matters that supersede our
present calamities, but He'll stop and take the time to touch our lives so that we can
enjoy the here and now too (Joh_10:10).

4:51
The nobleman acted upon his belief in Jesus' word and went towards Capernaum in
assurance that his son has been made well, based in that word alone. We should act
upon the Word as though we believe it is true, even when we haven't yet seen the
results of it (Heb_11:1).

On the way, walking in obedience and acting upon the word of Jesus, his faith proved
fruitful, and his prayers were answered. Can you only imagine how his heart must have
begun to beat faster upon seeing his servants approaching? Was his son ok? Were
they here to tell him that the boy's condition was worse?

4:52
He believed he knew, but by asking the time of the miracle, he gained confirmation of
his faith.

4:53
So the words of Jesus (Joh_4:50) were borne out in their fullness. Now we see that the
nobleman indeed believed that Jesus could heal, but his belief was only in Jesus'
abilities. Through this sign, he now believes that Jesus is the Christ. Not only that, but
because of this miracle, even more people came to believe.

4:54
Jesus had done more miracles, but this was the second one in Galilee. The first was a
transformation of water into wine (Joh_2:1-11). The second was a transformation of
outward sign seekers into inward believers of the truth. The water was used to wash up
the outside. The wine is used to pour inside. Likewise this miracle too dealt with the
focus of God. He is not concerned with your outside cleanliness. Our Lord is concerned
with the inward condition of our hearts.

Chapter 5
5:1
John simply called it a feast, so we cannot be certain which one it was. There were
many feasts, perhaps some of which we don't know of anymore.

The main three that required all Jewish males to attend were, the Passover Feast
(Exo_23:15, Num_9:5, Mar_14:1), Feast of Tabernacles (Lev_23:33-34), and the Feast
of Pentecost (Act_20:16, .. it was first called the Feast of Harvest -- Exo_23:16 or the
Day of the Firstfruits -- Num_28:26). Other official feasts included the Feast of Purim
(Est_9:20-22) (although Purim was observed locally and no pilgrimage to Jerusalem
was required), and the Feast of Dedication (Joh_10:22).

It shouldn't really matter which one it was, and John doesn't clearly identify it. However,
some scholars hold that if it wasn't the Passover, Jesus' ministry was actually a year
shorter than the supposed three and a half years.

The first Passover during Jesus' public ministry is spoken of in Joh_4:45 and Joh_2:13.
This mention in Joh_5:1 would be the second Passover, thus one year had passed. We
see the third Passover in Joh_6:4, now two years. Finally, we see the Last Supper in
Joh_11:55.

5:2
There was no “sheep market” as rendered here in the KJV. Rather, it was a “sheep
gate,” as seen in Neh_3:1, Neh_3:32, and Neh_12:39. The gate was likely used to bring
the animals to be slaughtered into the Temple Grounds. A porch was the covered
vestibule before the gate or the entrance to the temple. There was the Sheep Gate
vestibule, including the pool called Bethesda and Solomon's Porch mentioned in
Joh_10:23, Act_3:11, and Act_5:12. Bethesda had five porches.

Notice that John said, “Now there is,” thus dating the writing of his Gospel before the
Roman destruction of Jerusalem by Titus‟ four legions in 70 CE. Titus' campaign
completely sacked Jerusalem and utterly destroyed the temple. As a result of the
pillage, the temple walls came down just as Jesus had prophesied they would
(Mat_24:2, Mar_13:2, Luk_19:44). For his victory, Titus was rewarded with the “Arch of
Titus” which still stands today in Rome as a memorial to his triumph over the rebellious
Jews.

Notice too that John identified the name “Bethesda” as a Hebrew word. Evidently, there
were other names for it in different cultures.
5:3
With so many porches surrounding the pool, there was plenty of covered space to
shield the handicapped from the elements.

Impotent means, those with disease.

Halt means, those that limp or a cripple.

John used the word “lay,” likely because those unable to walk would recline or lie
around on the floors there.

5:4
This verse apparently was added to the KJV, because it was included in some lesser
accepted scrolls, and it enhances the background for Joh_5:7. Some versions (e.g.,
NIV, CEV, GNB ... just to name a few) leave this verse out entirely. Still, others put it
into italics to separate it from fully accepted text (e.g., the ASV and ESV). However,
whether it was an angel or a bubbling spring makes no difference to the actual healing.
In some way or other, the water was stirred up, and the man watched for the movement
in the water.

Interestingly, we know what season it was. It was Passover time. Why would he say, “a
certain season,” as though he didn't clearly know what time? John wasn't referring to
the time of year then, but to a period of time when the angel would do this. Perhaps he
used the word “went,” in the past tense, to indicate that by the time of this writing, likely
not long before Titus destroyed the temple (see notes on Joh_5:2), the angel had
already ceased doing it.

Perhaps, the angel came every year as an answer to the invalid‟s prayers these last
thirty-eight years. Once the man had been healed, the season for the angel's work at
Bethesda was ended. Perhaps the entire thing was for him, but he never saw it. He was
stuck in his misery, and he thought it was other people's fault (Joh_5:7).

It is also interesting, if indeed it was an angel, that an angel appears to have healing
powers that can flow through his\her works.

5:5
From Joh_5:4 and Joh_5:7, it appears that the angel had done this repeatedly. In this
verse we learn that the man had been plagued by his condition for thirty-eight years.
Jesus' entire time on Earth as a man was less than the time this man had wasted. Had
he lain by the pool all that time? In thirty-eight years, had he never came up with a plan
to get into the pool while the waters were troubled? After so long a period, why could he
not have wiggled his way somehow to the water's edge? When the waters were
suddenly troubled, he could then have rolled or slid in. There would have been two
possible outcomes. He would have been healed or drowned. Either way, he would have
acted on faith and plunged into the hands of God.
It isn't suicide, if you act on faith, and according to His will, believing God will either
save you or bring you to Himself. Many times missionaries have done the same.

Sometimes we can feel as though God doesn't care, and that we are on our own to deal
with our weaknesses, but the Lord does care, and we are not alone. In His own good
time, our faith is always answered with His power to save. He will take our mess, and
through age (time), it becomes a message.

Don't judge the impotent man to harshly though. We all have wasted years, much more
time than we should've wasted, on doing things that didn't work for us. We all have been
unwilling to alter our plans. We all have tried to seek methods in the physical world to
heal our carnal conditions. We all strained by the troubled pools in our lives struggling to
find a way out of our predicament. Hopefully, sooner rather than later, we all come to
realize what this man discovered... Jesus is the way (Joh_14:6)!

5:6
The Lord knows what you are going through. He sees you and the mess you are in. He
knows how long it has been that way too. But, in your darkest time, he shines the light
of hope. He wonders how long you will suffer without seeking His help, or use the help
He has already provided. Sometimes though, we become so focused on our plight that
we don't see the answer.

This man had a plan. He thought that if he'd only get someone to help him to the water
He'd be healed. He became convinced that his only answer was in the person that
never came. Through his perpetual and unfruitful search, he missed an alternative... get
to the water another way. His plan was the only one he ever pursued. Consequently, he
was still in his mess after thirty-eight years.

Is it any wonder then that Jesus asked him, “Do you want to be made well?” Be willing
to consider that there may be another way. Don't settle for living with your weaknesses,
when God may have a better way.

If he had only gotten into the water, he would've been healed long ago (see the note on
Joh_5:4).

5:7
There we have it: still with his plan. He knew it so well. It had been on his mind the
whole time. He didn't hesitate to share his plan with anyone either. See how quickly he
retold his plan to the Master.

Although his plan hasn't ever paid off for him, he was obviously convinced that it was his
only answer. However, he had excuses as to why his plan hadn't worked yet. It was
other people's fault. “Oh, look how poor and pitiful I am.” He had no one to help. Since
no one cared, how would he ever get to the provision of God?
Do you see a provision from God that if you can only find a way to get to it your needs
will be met? Does it seem that anytime you get close to your goal someone always gets
there ahead of you? Do you see other people walking away with what you wish could be
the blessing for your life? Is your plan working for you?

Perhaps your way is in the way of God's way.

5:8
Jesus ignored his complaints. Jesus doesn't respond to the man's attempt to draw pity
from someone capable of fulfilling his plan. Instead, the Lord presented an alternative
plan. The man thought the answer was to have someone else help him to get into the
water where he could be helped. The man's plan was more complicated and involved
several steps to work out. Jesus' plan was to simply get up and take some actual steps.
The man's plan required water from the pool. Jesus was about to give him living water
right where he was. In Jesus' plan, the man can be healed: right there... right then.

The man wanted someone to help him. Jesus always requires something from us
(Mat_7:7,Mat_12:13, Joh_9:7). In this case, Jesus required that the man exhibit faith by
attempting to rise first. Then, the man must pick up the signs of his mess (the bed he
was lying on). Finally, the man must take a great leap of faith and begin taking the first
steps in his new journey as a man with a message.

5:9
Thirty-eight years had been suddenly reduced to “immediately.” It wasn't partial: it was
“whole” or complete. All of the wasted years can be immediately reversed when you
have an encounter with Jesus. What once was missing is made complete. What was
broken is now healed. What was lame now works like new.

This man wasn't just lame in body. The way he existed was lame. It all seemed
impossible to the impotent man, but the Lord can take your impossible and do an
“immediately.” The man lacked direction: then he met Jesus. Now he follows the new
direction to the letter... as we all should. By following the word of the Lord, he became
healed (“and walked”).

Despite all the time you've spent wasted beside the pools in your life... those holes filled
with only trouble from which you saw both salvation and death... His word brings your
freedom from the curse and release from the bondage.

This Sabbath day marked not only the end of the week, but the end of his long
weakness. What a gift! He received rest from his long test on the day of rest. Should it
not be so?

5:10
Leave it to the religious people to complain about your actions, when all you are doing is
what the Lord told you to do. Their criticisms are founded in what amounts to their
private interpretation of the Lord's command to keep the Sabbath (Exo_20:8-11,
Exo_31:12-17, Isa_58:13). In particularly, they are referencing the command to bear no
burden on the Sabbath (Jer_17:21).

So, did the King break His own law? Jesus had only violated the Jews‟ understanding
and implementation of the Law. There are a couple of significant points Jesus made in
Mar_2:23-27 where we see how Jesus clarified the law regarding the Sabbath:

1. The Sabbath was made for man ... not man for the Sabbath.

It is for him to enjoy. It is a period of rest from daily toil and struggles. Look at
Mar_2:27. The Sabbath was not intended to be more important than the man's
needs or to reign over him. It was intended only to meet man's need of rest
(Exo_23:12).

Abraham Maslow developed a significant theory in psychology called Maslow's

Hierarchy of Needs in a 1943 paper entitled “A Theory of Human Motivation.”
Although Maslow's theory was humanistic, in that its focus was towards the
importance of self, the basic premise is relevant to the study of the Gospel. Why
do I say that?

Maslow essentially said that if the lower needs or the most base of needs were
not met, then people are less concerned about the higher needs. People seek to
meet their needs according to priority, and priority is given to the most basic of
needs first. Jesus identified this principle of need hierarchy nearly 2000 years
before Maslow did. How can one who has just come to the Lord choose to focus
on a study of Greek and thus increase in knowledge of New Testament meaning,
when he\she is faced with the more base of need... learn more about Jesus?
More to the point … how can one concentrate on studies in the scripture, if
he\she is exhausted and is in need of rest? The Sabbath was made so that man
would get one of his most basic needs, the need for rest, met.

2. Don‟t be bound up in law.

In Mar_2:25, Jesus pointed out that there are times when we have needs that
must be met, even on the Sabbath (Luk_6:9). The Jews (see notes on Joh_1:19)
were trying to keep the law at all costs, but they had become bound up in it. How
can one be at rest while he is suffering from hunger? How can one be in the right
by keeping the Sabbath but leaving a mess (the impotent man's bed) for others
to clean up later? We shouldn't be bound up in law. We are free from the law
(Gal_3:23-25).

We Christians still can get bound up in these old laws too. Not only that, some of
us create new laws for ourselves. We are told in scripture, for example, to thank
the Lord for our food (1Ti_4:4). Is this then reason enough to feel compelled to
ritually and religiously pray before every meal? Why can't you sometimes include
in your morning prayers a request that the Lord bless everything you will eat that
day and thank Him for His many blessings in your life? Instead though, we
 submit ourselves to the new law that a meal must be prayed over directly before
eating it.

Another example would be someone committing to reading a chapter a day from

the Bible. If the chapter is not read today, the person feels guilty. The devil
comes with thoughts of condemnation. The person feels as though they have
disappointed God. Such a person has made reading the Bible a law for
themselves, and they are now in regret for breaking it.

However, we must remember that our “goodness” will never be good enough
(Isa_64:6). If we could get or keep our salvation through any effort of our own,
then Jesus didn't need to die. What Jesus set free is indeed free (Joh_8:36)!
Stop allowing yourself to be placed in bondage again... even to what seems as
good laws (Gal_5:18). Be free from the law, but be a prisoner to Christ (2Ti_1:8).
Make Him Lord of your life. Walk in newness of life that has been redeemed from
the law (Rom_6:4, Rom_7:6). Live the kind of abundant life Jesus came to give
you (Joh_10:10).

5:11
Yes, it was part of the three step command that the one who had the power to do this
great work had given him; rise, walk, and pick up the bed (Joh_5:8). If after being told to
rise he indeed was able at last to do so, why would he then not adhere to the next thing
he was told to do? Rise is one thing, but being able to walk would be incredible for this
man. Between rising and walking though, was the command, “pick up your bed.” He did
pick up his bed, and it appears he didn't put it down very soon either. He carried it
around for a while... walking ... as the Master had instructed him. It was as if he might
have thought, “If I put this bedding down, will the magic stop?”

5:12
Who is at fault? Who is the one we can blame? Why would a healer have told the man
to break the Sabbath? The Jews (see notes on Joh_1:19) had questions spurred by one
initial concern; the Sabbath was broken. However their concern led to a line of premises
based on their faulty initial thought, and their reasoning went something like this:
1. The miracle worker performed this thing on the Sabbath, thus breaking it in
their view.
2. The miracle worker told the formerly impotent man to break the Sabbath as
well.
3. Someone capable of working miracles had shown no value in keeping the
Sabbath, which is a law of God.
4. Breaking the law of God is sin.
5. Someone “sinned” against God and performed a miracle at the same time.
6. The miracle must not be of God.
7. The miracle worker must've gained his power from the devil (Mat_9:34,
Mat_12:24, Mar_3:22, Luk_11:15), which is an enemy of God.
8. The miracle worker must be in agreement with the devil and an enemy of God.
9. We Jews are friends of God, and any enemy of God is an enemy of ours.
 10. We will defend our faith and fight our enemies.
11. The miracle worker must be fought.

This last premise leads the Jews ultimately up Golgotha‟s hill to stop this enemy of God
from warring against God's people and their faith (Joh_5:16).

5:13
Jesus hadn't told the man His name, but had simply left the pool area. He was able to
disappear from view into the multitude of sick people there (Joh_5:3).

5:14
Did Jesus find him or meet up with him?

The word for “findeth” in the Greek is heurisko, pronounced hyoo-ris'-ko, and it means,
“to find (literally or figuratively): - find, get, obtain, perceive, see.” vi Thayer‟s Greek
Definitions said that “found” can be used both ways, to seek something out and find it
(Mat_2:8), or to find something without seeking as if by chance (Mat_27:32). vii

John didn't make a clear distinction as to whether Christ sought the healed man out or
simply ran into him again inside the temple grounds. Would it matter? Is there even any
theological point to be garnered from the difference?

One could say that Jesus had knowledge of things in a supernatural way. With His
gifted insights, especially into the hearts of men (Mat_9:4, Mar_2:8, Mar_3:5, Luk_5:22,
Luk_16:15, & Luk_24:38), He'd likely not require a search, but would instead go directly
to the individual. In such a case, John would have meant that Jesus came in unplanned
contact with the man again, that is, Jesus found him without seeking him out. However,
still others might contend that nothing Jesus did or said was unplanned or without
purpose. Therefore this meeting was not by chance either.

The two points of view can be easily reconciled. Jesus knew where to find him and
found him right where he expected the man to be. Why do we Christians seek to
separate ourselves over issues that pale in comparison to the things that we should
hold in common? We should concentrate on Jesus and how He crucified for us and that
He arose from the dead giving us hope and newness of life.

The second part of this verse is significant for doctrinal considerations. Jesus tells the
healed man to stop sinning and that if he doesn‟t; something worse might happen to
him. Obviously in this case, the man's condition was a result or punishment for his sin.
Not all illnesses are a result of sin (Joh_9:3), but we can, and do at times, pay a price in
our own bodies for the choices we make (Psa_34:12-13, Pro_13:22, Pro_14:30,
Pro_20:7, Isa_3:11, Gal_6:7).

Can we really stop sinning though? We can stop sinning on purpose and stop blatantly
disobeying God as the rebellious do. We are free, because Jesus set us free
(Joh_8:36), but our freedom should not be squandered as though we are ungrateful
children (Rom_6:1-2, Rom_6:15, 1Co_6:15, Heb_10:29).

5:15
Somehow, and John didn't make it plain, the man had found out Jesus' name. However,
John makes it sound that as soon as the healed man left Jesus, he went straight to the
Jews (see notes on Joh_1:19) with the information they had been seeking. Perhaps, he
thought he might have been seen with Jesus again and this second meeting would get
back to the Jews. To avoid further complications for himself, he simply went to tell them
what he had found out ASAP.

Why do we worry about what other people will think, when it comes to our relationship
with Jesus?

Have you ever been persecuted, because of your relationship with Christ? If not, is
anyone aware that you know the Lord? Do you keep it hidden from view (Luk_11:33)?
Be proud of this one thing... you know Jesus (Luk_9:26).

5:16
This verse tells us the reason why the Jews (see notes on Joh_1:19) began to oppose
Jesus and planned to have Him killed. Although Jesus only said and did what the Father
told Him to say and do (see notes on Joh_12:49-50), the persecution started, because
Jesus had acted contrary to their standards (see notes on Joh_5:12). The devil strives
against the plans of God through the persecution of those that obey God (see notes on
Joh_15:20).

5:17
The Jews understood that Jesus was talking about Father God (Joh_5:18). It was as if
He were asking them to consider whether our Father in Heaven rests in honor of their
Sabbath (Mar_2:27). Our Heavenly Father works (see notes on Joh_5:19), and Jesus is
always about doing the work of the Father (Luk_2:49, Joh_9:4, Mat_10:29).

5:18
Look at how they understood Jesus spoke of our Father in Heaven and not Joseph.

If a man was to say he was equal with God, the man would be guilty of blasphemy,
because such a statement would blast against the qualities, attributes, and persona of
God who is far beyond mortal man's goodness. Those guilty of blasphemy, under the
mosaic system the Jewish people lived by, would be put to death (Lev_24:16).

5:19
The Father never dwelt on the Earth, nor did He go about telling people to get up. What
did Jesus mean? He hearkens back to Joh_5:17; doing divine work. What did Jesus do
to this man that was impotent? He challenged a person's assumptions. He healed, via a
miracle. He preached abstinence from sin. He set this man free. He gave the man not
only a whole body but a new direction in life as well. He was out and about doing good
works (see Act_10:38).

So, Jesus did good works (Joh_9:4, Joh_12:49, Joh_14:20, Joh_10:30, Joh_17:21), as
does the Father (Joh_14:10, Joh_10:32), but He is saying more than that too. He is also
saying that the Father is His source of not only power, but revelation and information as
well (Pro_8:22-31, Joh_5:20). Jesus did His Father's business (Luk_2:49).

5:20
Jesus' declaration of the Father's love towards Christ (Joh_3:35, Joh_17:26) echoed
what the Father had publicly stated (Mat_3:17, Mat_17:5, Mar_1:11, Mar_9:7; Luk_3:22,
Luk_9:35). Having established the close relationship Jesus has with the Father, He
added that the Father reveals everything to the Son (see notes on Joh_5:19). Through
acting upon those revelations, Jesus had already shown many miracles, signs and
works thus far in His ministry.

Jesus said however, there would yet be “greater works” performed. What did He mean?
Did Jesus mean healing on the Sabbath? No, what did He mean then? He meant …
raise the dead (Joh_5:21) and quicken spirits (Eph_2:1). Salvation is the greatest work
of all (Heb_2:3, Heb_5:9, Heb_7:25).

5:21
“Quickeneth” comes from the Greek word zoopoeo, pronounced dzo-op-oy-eh'-o, and it
means, “to revitalize (literally or figuratively): - make alive, give life, quicken.” viii Thayer
said it meant, “… to cause to live, make alive, give life... by spiritual power to arouse
and invigorate.” ix

God has said He can and He will raise people that are dead back to life again
(Deu_32:39).

Jesus spoke of the Father's work in the resurrection of physical life through the ministry
of His prophets (Elijah raised the widow of Sarepta's son in 1Ki_17:21-22, and Elisha's
ministry was used to raise the Shunamite‟s son in 2Ki_4:32-35, or look at what the Lord
did through Ezekiel in Eze_37:1-10). Then He added that His ministry, His work, is
focused towards bringing people back to life spiritually (Joh_11:25, 1Co_15:45,
Eph_2:1). Jesus told us in another place that the physical is not as important as the
spiritual in the eternal scheme of things (Mat_10:28).

Although, up to this point, Jesus' ministry has not actually been used to raise the dead
again to physical life, by His statement in this verse, He made it obvious that He
believed He could raise them not only to spiritual life but to physical life as well. He
indeed claimed Himself, in regards to resurrection power then, to be equal with God, the
Father. See notes on Joh_5:24 about spiritual life compared to physical life.

Later, He performed an actual resurrection (Joh_11:43-44). Other resurrection events

included, Luk_7:14-15, & Luk_8:54-55.
5:22
The Father has given Jesus the right to judge everything (Mat_16:27, Rom_2:16,
2Co_5:10, 2Ti_4:1, Rev_20:12). See also the notes on Joh_3:35.

5:23
Yes, we should honor the Son as we do the Father, seeing that all things have been
given over to the Son, including our judgment (see note on Joh_5:22 and Joh_3:35).
Jesus is now over all things (Psa_8:6), by the will of the Father (1Co_15:27). The Father
has exalted Him (Phi_2:9), so to not honor the Son is to show disrespect towards the
Father that gave such glory to the Son.

5:24
Jesus gave His Gospel in a short but clear statement. Anyone who listens and gives
attention to what Jesus has said as though it were all true, and then acts on the
knowledge he gains from exposure to the Word and actually submits to God as Lord of
their lives (see notes on Joh_3:15) has everlasting life and will not be condemned but
shall be passed from eternal death to eternal life (Joh_3:16).

That is not to say, however, that Christians will not physically die. Everyone will perish.
The Bible says in Heb_9:27 that each of us is appointed a time to die. So, when Jesus
said believers will “not perish” (Joh_3:16), He didn‟t mean that we won‟t physically die.
He was speaking of a spiritual death. Jesus was speaking of what he termed in
Rev_21:8 the second death. It is a “second death,” because we are all sinners
(Rom_3:23), and sinners are spiritually dead (Rom_5:12).

Now “everlasting life” or “eternal life” does not mean existing in conscious perception of
surroundings and cognitive functionality, such as we have here in this physical life,
forever. For all of us, both the born-again (Joh_3:3) and the lost shall have life-like
abilities forever (Phi_3:21). Life-like, because, after physical death and resurrection, all
of us shall never cease to exist in the spiritual realm (1Co_15:42-44).

What then does all of this mean? Both the saved and the lost will experience sensations
and have emotional feelings and bring things to remembrance and be able to move
about (Luk_16:22-31). However, the eternity for those that are lost will be filled with evil
and hate and pain and anguish (Mat_13:42, Mat_24:51, Mar_9:45, Rev_14:10-11) and
limited movement (Isa_24:22), and the condemned will go to their eternal hell hole
(Pro_9:18, Isa_14:15, 2Pe_2:4-9, Rev_21:8) separated from God forever (Deu_31:17,
Isa_59:2, Mat_8:11-12, Luk_13:28, Mat_13:50, Mat_22:13, Mat_25:30).

Separation from God is spiritual death. Eternal separation from God is Eternal Death.
So then, spiritual life is unification with God, and “Eternal Life” is being together with
God for eternity (Rom_6:23, 1Jo_2:25, 1Jo_5:11-13). Since everyone will live forever,
the question is; where will you spend eternity?

5:25
Jesus spoke here of the resurrection of all the dead, but also of isolated resurrections
such as that which was done for His friend Lazarus of Bethany (Joh_11:38-44). In that
event, Jesus said, “Lazarus come forth.” Had He not specified Lazarus, might all of the
dead in all the Earth have resurrected? For the dead hear His voice (Joh_5:28).

Notice the comparison that Jesus made. He said in this verse that when the physically
dead hear His voice saying, “live again” they are brought back to physical life ... their
spirits no longer separated from their bodies. In Joh_5:24, He had said that when the
spiritually dead hear His voice (the Word) they are born again into spiritual life... their
spirits no longer separated from God (Eph_5:14).

This is truly good news. Since we are no longer separated from God, we can have the
power to change through God. It means we no longer have to wander the Earth as
spiritual zombies with no clear direction in life. We were dead in our sins and didn't
know how terrible our existence was. We hurt ourselves and others. We made messes
everywhere we went. We caused pain and misery and destruction, but Jesus changes
everything. Now, we can see. Now, we understand. Now, our existence brings a new
day, every day, in which we grow closer to what God wants us to be. Without Him, we
are the walking dead. With Him we are born again into newness of life.

See notes on Joh_5:24 about spiritual life compared to physical life. See the following
verses for more on the resurrection: Job_19:25-26, Isa_26:19, Hos_13:14, Joh_11:24-
26, 1Co_15:22, 1Co_15:42-54, Phi_3:21, 1Th_4:14-17.

5:26
God is the “Living God” (Psa_42:2, Jer_10:10, 1Th_1:9). He is not some inanimate idol
crafted by the hands of some human. Additionally, He owes His life to nothing else. He
is Himself the source of all life (Act_17:25).

Jesus is the Son of the Living God (Mat_16:16), and He has within Him eternal life
(Joh_1:4). We believers are also the children of the Living God (Rom_9:26), and have
become the “temple of the Living God” (2Co_6:16). Therefore, we can be free from our
past, which was an existence of death and decay, and become born again (Joh_3:3) to
serve the Living God (Heb_9:14).

See also: Psa_36:9, Joh_14:6, Joh_17:3, Col_3:4, 1Jo_1:1-3.

5:27
See notes on Joh_5:22 and compare Dan_7:13-14.

5:28
See notes on Joh_5:21, Joh_5:22, and Joh_5:25.

Why would Jesus say this same thing again? Perhaps so great was their amazement at
what He was saying, He ensured that the message was clear.
See also the notes on Joh_11:43.

5:29
Everyone will be resurrected (Act_24:15). The “just” will be resurrected to eternal
spiritual life (connected with God), and the “unjust” will be resurrected to eternal spiritual
death (separated from God). We will be rewarded for coming to Christ with eternal life
with Him, and many will be punished for sin outside of Christ with damnation in hell
(Dan_12:2-3, Rom_2:6-10, Gal_6:7-10). There will be a reckoning (Job_34:11,
Ecc_12:14, Psa_62:12, Isa_3:10-11, Jer_17:10, Eze_18:30, Mat_12:36, Luk_16:2,
2Co_5:10, Rev_20:12).

See notes on Joh_5:24.

5:30
Everything that Jesus did was directed by the Father (Joh_5:19, Joh_8:28, Joh_14:10).
The Father in Heaven would give Him direction, and Jesus would do accordingly
(Joh_6:38 Joh_12:49, Joh_14:10).

5:31
According to the Mosaic Law, everything should be established through two or three
witnesses (Deu_17:6). If there was only the word of one, the testimony could be
rejected as being claims without verification (Joh_8:13).

However, Jesus was not alone (Joh_8:16) in His testimony (see notes on Joh_8:14).
The Father bears witness with Him and backs up what He says (Joh_5:32). Likewise,
when we witness to others, we are not alone (Deu_31:6, 1Sa_12:22, Isa_41:10,
Isa_41:17, Heb_13:5).

5:32
God, the Father, agrees with God, the Son (see notes on Joh_5:31), and God does not
lie (Num_23:19, 1Sa_15:29, Hab_2:3, Tit_1:2, Heb_6:18). Therefore, what the Son says
is true also (Mat_22:16, Joh_8:14, Joh_8:26, Joh_12:50).

5:33
The Jews had sent a delegation to inquire of John the Baptist about his calling and
purpose (Joh_1:19-30), and he had clearly said he wasn't the Christ.

5:34
Although John the Baptist testified about the mission and significance of Jesus
(Joh_1:15, Joh_1:19-37), our Lord didn't require any human‟s approval or endorsement
(Joh_7:29, Joh_8:14, Joh_10:30, Joh_17:11). Any other verification of Jesus‟ divinity
(Mat_8:29, Mat_14:33, Mat_27:54, Mar_3:11, Mar_15:39, Luk_1:35, Luk_4:41,
Luk_8:28, Luk_22:70, Joh_1:34, Joh_1:49, Joh_11:27), or His message (see notes on
Joh_12:50), paled in comparison to the acknowledgement He had already received
from God, the Father (Mat_3:17, Mar_1:11, Luk_3:22, Joh_1:32-33).
The gospel of Jesus Christ our Lord was true and is true, and His words will continue to
prove true regardless of whether we accept them or not. What Jesus said to us was
only told to us in order that we might believe (see notes on Joh_3:15-16) and be saved
(Mat_1:21, Mat_18:11, Mar_16:16, Luk_8:12, Luk_9:56, Luk_19:10, Joh_3:17,
Joh_5:34, Joh_10:9, Joh_12:47).

5:35
Jesus called John the Baptist “a burning and a shining light,” but we all are called to be
lights in the darkness of this world (Mat_5:14, Joh_12:36, Act_13:47, Act_26:17-18,
Eph_5:8-14, Phi_2:15, 1Th_5:5-9). Those in darkness were glad to see John's light and
hear the truth, but Jesus is a greater light (Isa_9:2, Isa_60:1-3, Mat_4:12-17, Luk_1:78-
79, Luk_2:30-32, Joh_1:4-9, Joh_3:19, Joh_8:12, Joh_9:5, Joh_12:35, Joh_12:46,
Act_26:23, 2Pe_1:19, Rev_22:16), and He is the truth (Joh_14:6, 1Jo_5:20).

5:36
God, the Father had already testified and borne witness on Jesus' behalf (Mat_3:17,
Mar_1:11, Luk_3:22, Joh_1:32-33), but the works Jesus did also served as testimony of
His calling (Joh_10:37-38, Joh_14:11). The works of Jesus were important to all of us.
Everything the Father had given Jesus to do would be finished (Joh_4:34, Joh_19:30),
and that finished work changed the world and saved the lost.

5:37
Jesus was not alone in His ministry (see notes on Joh_5:31-32, Joh_5:34, Joh_5:36)
and His calling and divinity were firmly established directly from the mouth of God, the
Father (Mat_3:17, Mat_17:5, Mar_1:11, Mar_9:7, Luk_3:22, Luk_9:35, Joh_1:32-33).
However, the Jewish leadership, evil enough to plot Jesus' death (Mat_12:14, Mar_3:6,
Joh_5:16-18, Joh_7:25, Joh_10:31-39, Joh_11:53), had been unwilling to hear the voice
of the Lord (Mat_11:15, Mat_13:9, Mat_13:43, Mar_7:16, Rev_13:9). They were not
only deaf to God, they were blind as well (Mat_15:14, Mat_23:16-26, Luk_6:39,
Joh_9:39-41).

5:38
If anyone has not believed and received the word of God (Jer_6:16-17, Jer_8:9,
Jer_43:1-2, Jer_44:16, Eze_33:31, Mat_7:24-27, Mar_4:16-20, Luk_6:43-49, Luk_8:11-
15, Heb_4:2, Jam_1:22-24), they cannot abide in the word. For those that do abide in
the word of God (Deu_6:4-9, Deu_11:18, Deu_30:14, Jos_1:8, Psa_1:2, Psa_119:1-
176, Pro_4:4, Joh_8:31-32), His words are abiding in them (Jer_15:16, Jer_20:9,
Joh_5:46-47, Joh_15:3-10, Col_3:16, 1Jo_2:24-28). His word (Joh_1:14) abides in the
hearts (Pro_3:1, Jer_31:33, Heb_8:10, Heb_10:16) of those that believe and receive it
(2Ki_23:3, 2Ch_34:31, Pro_2:1-5, Eze_3:10, Luk_8:21, Luk_11:28, Rom_10:17,
Jam_1:21, 1Jo_2:14), but rejection of the word of God is rejection of God (Jer_13:10,
Joh_1:1, Joh_8:37, Joh_8:47).

5:39
Jesus told the Jews (see notes on Joh_1:19), that He knew how zealous they were
about studying the word (Ecc_12:12, 2Ti_3:7), but searching the word for proof of your
beliefs doesn't constitute abiding in the word (Mar_12:24, see notes on Joh_5:38).
Moreover, relying on one's own understanding (Pro_3:5) of the word isn't faith and
acceptance of the word's validity to lead one's life (Psa_119:1-176, Pro_3:6, Rom_15:4,
Heb_4:12).

Those that truly abide in the word of God realize how the scriptures point to Jesus as
the way, the truth, and the life (Joh_14:6). Through His Holy Spirit (Rom_8:9,
Rom_14:17, Rom_15:13, 2Co_6:6, Heb_3:7, Jud_1:20), from whom we have the
inspired word of God (2Ti_3:16-17, 2Pe_1:19-21), we are led (Joh_14:26, Joh_16:13,
1Co_2:10-13, 1Jo_2:27) to change (Rom_12:1-2, Gal_5:22-23, Eph_5:26, 1Th_4:3-4,
Tit_3:5) and be lights to the world (Mat_5:14, Joh_12:36, Rom_2:19-20, Eph_5:8-10,
Phi_2:15).

5:40
If they had allowed themselves to be led by the Holy Spirit as they read the word, they
would have been able to perceive that Jesus is the Christ (see notes on Joh_5:39).
Having understood the significance of Jesus' anointing (Act_10:38), they might have
come to Him as Nicodemus (Joh_3:1-21) and others (Mat_19:16, Mar_10:17,
Luk_18:18) had done. From Him we receive eternal life (Joh_3:15-17, Joh_6:54,
Joh_6:68, Joh_10:28, Joh_17:2, Rom_5:21, Rom_6:23, 1Jo_5:11-13, Jud_1:21).

5:41
Jesus didn't require any person other than God to testify on His behalf (see notes on
Joh_5:34), and He only wanted glory (Joh_6:15, Joh_7:18, Joh_8:50) from the Father
(Joh_7:18, Joh_8:54, Joh_13:31-32, Joh_17:1-5, 2Pe_1:17).

5:42
Sin is the mistake of violating the law, that is, the breaking of God‟s commandments
(1Co_15:56, 1Jn_3:4). If sins were weighted, their sin is the most grievous of error; in
that they broke what Jesus said was the greatest commandment of all (Mat_22:37-38).
Since it is so important to love God, let us examine the commandment in detail that we
might grow in understanding of it.

First note that the commandment is given, unlike what we typically think in terms of
God‟s commandments, in the positive. Instead of “thou shalt not,” He says, “Thou shalt.”
We know what we shouldn't do. We shouldn't kill, we shouldn't steal, we shouldn't lie
and so forth. What should we do then? Love! We should love. Love whom?

First, we should love God. How much should we love Him? Love God with all your
heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. Notice He didn't say, “… with all your
heart, soul, and mind.” He could've said that. It would've told us what, on the surface,
we see He wants us to know. He didn't make it short and sweet though. He purposefully
separated each element He wanted to highlight so that we would make a clear
distinction between them.
This matter is so important to God that He had said it before. Jesus was repeating a
similar passage from the Old Testament found in Deu_6:5. Seeing then that each
element He addressed is important to Him, let's make the same distinction in our
meditation upon this verse and study each of them separately.

Heart
What is “heart?” The word “heart,” as used in Mat_22:37, is translated from the Greek
word, Kardia, pronounced kar-dee'-ah, and it means, “(figuratively) the thoughts or
feelings (mind); also (by analogy) the middle:” x In Deu_6:5, the Hebrew word used for
“heart” was lebab, pronounced lay-bawb', and it means, “the heart (as the most interior
organ).” xi Sometimes in scripture the words “heart” and “mind” are used
interchangeably. Here Jesus uses both, so the use of the word kardia isn't referring to
the mind. Rather to the center of our being (as in the verse from Deuteronomy He was
quoting).

In other words, we should love God to our core, and He should matter most to us. He
should be our paramount value. We should be willing to invest all of our feelings and
what we care most about in our relationship with Him. We have a lot of things in our
hearts, and it isn't just an empty place where we have one thing at a time. It is a
reservoir of thoughts and feelings we have collected over the years we have lived
(Mat_12:34-35, Luk_6:45).

We value what we have collected there, and they become parts of our “treasure” we
store up. Occasionally, we visit the treasure pile and we dig around in it. We pull a thing
out of it, and we remember it for a while. Then we put it away back into our collection,
because we want to keep it. In Mat_22:37-38, however, Jesus tells us that your love for
Him should fill up your treasure house of thoughts and feelings. Love God “with all your
heart.”

Soul
The word “soul” is translated from the Greek word, psuche, pronounced psoo-kay' and it
means, “breath, that is, (by implication) spirit” xii (the Hebrew word for soul used in
Deu_6:5 means the same thing)xiii, “abstractly or concretely (the animal sentient
principle only;” Sentient means to have the power of sensation, perception, and
consciousness, to have and discern feelings. The heart is where we store them, but the
soul is the reason we can get them in the first place.

Some people get spirit and soul confused. Now it sounds confusing, but we know that
we are three part beings; body, soul, and spirit because we see a clear distinction
between all three parts in 1Th_5:23. The soul and the spirit are as much two separate
things as are the body and soul. We also know that the spirit and soul are joined, but
they can be separated as we see in Heb_4:12.

Seeing then that they can be separate, they must be two different things and not
synonyms for the same substance. That is why the Lord listed each of the items; the
heart (or core of whom we are) and the soul (the breath of God that made us a living
creature).

So far then we have the core of our being, with all of our feelings and emotions, and the
very fact that we are alive. We are to love Him with everything that makes us who we
are. To further support the principle of complete and total love for the Father, Jesus
adds, “mind.”

Mind
The word “mind” is translated from the Greek word, dianoia, pronounced dee-an'-oy-ah'
and it means, “deep thought, properly the faculty (mind or its disposition), by implication
its exercise: - imagination, mind, understanding.” xiv

Entire books have been written about the mind and its role in the Christian life. For the
sake of focus, suffice it enough here to say that the mind is where the devil attacks
(2Co_10:5). After coming to Christ, our minds still need cleaned up (1Th_4:3-
4, Rom_12:2, Tit_1:15, Heb_12:3).

Strength
Now, Mark's account gives us an additional word ... Strength (Mar_12:30). Strength was
translated from the Greek word “ischus,” pronounced is-khoos', and it means, “force,
forcefulness, ability, might, power.” xv

So, we got the;

Heart = the reservoir of thoughts & feelings at our Core.
Soul = the Power to discern and process thoughts and feelings. In other words, it is
consciousness and cognitive signs of physical life. It is the breath of God breathed into
mortal man (Gen_2:7). The soul is tied to our spirit (Heb_4:12) by God. Therefore, even
though we ultimately physically die, our consciousness and cognitive abilities go with us
into eternity after death. The breath of God making us each a living soul is a gift from
God, and God doesn't take back the gifts He gives us (Rom_11:29). We are assured
that, our signs of life here will be equally evident there.
Mind = imaginative creativity and understanding beyond, or not merely, living or
existing. The mind is more than brain waves as a sign of life. It is the ability to
appreciate God.
Strength = the state of being strong and able. Having strength is an important
distinction. You see, we may have thoughts and feelings stored up in our kardia, we
may still be alive, and our minds may still have the creative power and discernment they
always have had, but we could be in a coma and not have the strength to use it all
physically.

Conclusions:
To have the love of God in us, to love God completely, we must love Him with all that
we are. Jesus mentioned four parts of us that He obviously wanted to draw our attention
to. How do these four parts Jesus spoke of work together to make us who we are?
We take in information into our hearts (not the organ, but the reservoir). There we store
it, and what we‟ve stored there affects us. We have emotional connections to the
information. We feel things as a result of meditating on them too. The affects are more
than emotional though, they are spiritual as well and they come out into the physical
world affecting us and others through what we say (Pro_18:21, Jas_1:26, Jas_3:5-8,
1Pe_3:10).

The question is ... what are you storing up into your heart? What are you allowing inside
you that will affect your thought life and lead to speaking and doing evil? From Pro_23:7
we see that where the mind goes the body follows. We will end up acting out what we
previously contemplated and meditated upon.

As Christians, all new information we encounter must be passed through the filter of
Christ before allowed entry into our hearts (2Pe_1:19, Isa_8:20, Act_17:11, 2Ti_3:15-
17, Psa_19:7-8, Psa_119:105, Psa_119:130, Pro_6:23, Pro_9:4-6, Jer_8:9, Eph_5:13,
Rom_16:18-19). Any new data not in agreement with the Word must be rejected and
discarded as corrupt, false, misleading, guile, or heresy.

We are living souls. That is, we breathe, we exist. As a living creature, we have been
given the ability to deal with the things we come across and store up feelings associated
with them into our hearts. Having thoughts and feelings from things we've encountered
wouldn't affect us at all if we were unable to process them into action or words thus
affecting us and the world around us.

All living creatures have the cognitive ability to think and process information, but it is
the creative and imaginative understanding of what to do with that information, so that
we might make choices based in a sense of rightness or wrongness, that the scriptures
identify as the mind. The mind is where the devil wants to thwart the will of God for our
lives.

Before we accepted Christ, our minds were corrupt, and our hearts were full of
darkness. The Bible says that we need to be transformed by a complete overhaul of our
minds (Rom_12:2). We Christians are beginning to understand the importance of our
thought lives to our behavior. We have more to learn, but we need to be aware of this
battle for our minds and Jesus' command to use our minds to love God. If we think
about Jesus, how can we spend time thinking bad thoughts? Take captive the bad, and
instead think about God. Stay in the word. (Rom_15:4, Phi_4:8)

Having the strength to function in the other three, the Lord tells us to use them for Him
and our relationship with Him. Thus, we are to love Him with all our strength. If sin
results from breaking the commandments of God, then indeed we are all guilty of sin
(Rom_3:23).

5:43
There will be those that say they are a messiah (Mat_24:24, Mar_13:22, Act_5:36-37,
Act_21:38), and there will be others that say they have come in Jesus' name (Mat_24:5,
Mar_13:6, Act_13:10, Act_20:30, 2Co_11:3-4, Gal_1:7-8, 2Jo_1:10). These false christs
are only foreshadows (1Jo_4:3, 2Jo_1:7) of the Antichrist (Dan_7:8-12, Dan_7:19-24,
Dan_9:26-27, Dan_11:36-37, 2Th_2:3-12, 1Jo_2:18, Rev_13:1-2). The Jews rejected
the true Christ, Jesus, but they will accept the Antichrist (Rev_13:3-4, Rev_14:9-11,
Rev_17:17, Rev_18:23).

5:44
The Jewish leadership appreciated recognition from their peers more than affirmation
from God (see notes on (Joh_12:43). Many others make the same mistake. However,
one's egocentrism and pride (Job_41:15, Psa_10:4, Psa_73:6, Pro_16:5, Pro_16:18,
Pro_21:4, Jer_49:16, Eze_16:49, Oba_1:3) is the greatest veil (2Co_3:14-16) blinding
the lost from righteousness found only in Christ (1Co_1:30, 2Co_5:21, Phi_3:9,
2Pe_1:1). Their zeal to hear compliments puffs them up (1Co_8:1, 1Co_13:4, Col_2:18-
19, 1Ti_3:6) and hinders their ability to perceive the truth (2Co_10:18). Since the
Garden of Eden, we have been after that which will improve us and exalt us (Gen_3:5,
Rom_10:3). Instead, seek after the righteousness of Christ (Isa_51:1, Zep_2:3,
Mat_5:6, Mat_6:33).

5:45
Typically, we think of the devil as “the accuser “(Rev_12:10), but Satan need not make
a case against the piously prideful that depend upon adherence to the Law for their
salvation (Joh_5:39, Rom_4:16, Rom_9:31-32, Rom_10:3, Gal_5:4, Phi_3:9,
Heb_7:11). Moses, the prophetic carrier of the Law, clearly stated the truth (Deu_6:5,
Deu_18:18), and eternal life comes only through faith and belief (see notes on
Joh_3:15) in Christ.

5:46
So much of the Law and the revelations that Moses passed down to us, including the
stories of the Passover and the deliverance out of bondage for those that are held
captive by evil, are depictions of Jesus (Luk_16:29-31, Joh_1:45, Act_24:14, Act_26:22,
Act_28:23, Rom_3:21). Unfortunately, they had not believed the correct interpretation of
Moses' words. Understood correctly, they would have perceived Jesus as the Messiah
through what Moses had written.

5:47
They thought they believed Moses (Joh_5:45, Joh_9:28-29), and they honored Moses
as a great prophet (Act_6:11-14). However, to truly believe the words of a prophet, one
must receive the prophetic word through the Holy Spirit's interpretation and not rely on
any man's reasoning (2Pe_1:20-021), even if that reasoning be our own (Pro_3:5). The
Jews would read and study the word (Joh_5:39, 2Ti_3:7), but they couldn't discern the
truth of the scriptures (2Co_3:15). They were blind leaders of the blind (Mat_15:14,
Luk_6:39).
 Chapter 6
6:1
After Jesus healed the man that suffered from a thirty-eight-year-old infirmity (Joh_5:5-
15), and then He discussed the matter at length with the Jewish leadership (Joh_5:16-
47), Jesus went across the Sea of Tiberias to the other side.

Just as Gadarenes (Mar_5:1) and Gergesenes (Mat_8:26-28) are two different words
for the same place, Tiberias is another name for the Sea of Galilee. Interestingly,
Tiberias was also the name of a city (Joh_6:23) which likely was named after the
Roman emperor (Luk_3:1). The city of Tiberias was built up along the western shore of
the Sea of Galilee, and it has continued to survive since its founding. We have no
record that Jesus ever visited the city of Tiberias, but He spent a lot of time near or on
the sea.

6:2
News about miracles sparks curiosity and will motivate even the loss to watch a
religious leader. What they seek is a sign. What they need is a revelation. In the end, it
is all about them. They want to be entertained. They want to be impressed. They want
to be healed. What will one do with their healing though? Will they still follow Him? See
the sign, but receive the revelation that Jesus heals us so well we shall never die.

6:3
Jesus would often go to a mountain to get solitude (Joh_6:15, Mat_14:13), or be alone
with His disciples (Mat_5:1, Mat_17:1, Mat_24:3, Mat_26:30, Mar_3:13, Mar_9:2,
Mar_13:3, Mar_14:26, Luk_19:37, Luk_21:37, Luk_22:39, Joh_8:1), or simply to pray
(Mat_14:23, Mar_6:46, Luk_6:12, Luk_9:28, Luk_6:12, Luk_9:28).

6:4
If the feast spoken of in Joh_5:1 was the Passover Feast, and since the feast occurred
once every year, then this was nearly a year later than the healing of the impotent man
by the pool (see notes on Joh_2:13 about the Passover and notes on Joh_5:1 about the
significance of mentioning the Passover in consideration of establishing a timeline to
Jesus' ministry). In Joh_6:1, it said, “After these things.” Was there a year in between
the two chapters? Perhaps, there was a year between verses 2 and 3 of this chapter?

6:5
“When Jesus then lifted up his eyes,” indicated Jesus might have been praying. We
learned from the Mat_14:1-21 that this scene took place on the day that Jesus learned
of John the Baptist's death. Upon receiving the news of the Baptist's martyrdom, Jesus
had been emotionally affected and wanted to be alone (Mat_14:13). The miracle
seeking crowd (Joh_6:2) continued to follow Him though, and He was moved by
compassion for them to help them despite His personal grief and emotional pain
(Mat_14:14).Here was our Lord. Even at rest (joh_6:3), He was thinking of others and
their needs.
One of the other things Jesus was thinking about was Philip's spiritual development
(see notes on Joh_6:6). Even with everything else going on, both in Jesus and around
Him, He took the opportunity to teach someone important to Him a significant lesson.

When we are tested, although the testing may not be pleasant at the time, we are
always better off for having gone through the process.

6:6
The Lord will test us, as He did Abraham and so many others (Gen_22:1). He has the
answers for the test. Don't you suppose that He also knew what Philip would say? If we
pass the test, if we are willing to cross over, we get to go to the next level. If we fail, it
means more time in the wilderness. In the wilderness, we struggle. God's promise for us
lies on the other side, but we need to cross over.

We see in Joh_6:3 that His disciples were there with Him. As always though, Jesus
does everything for a reason, and He had a purpose in choosing Philip. Philip was
ready to go to the next level in His life. Jesus was giving him the opportunity to cross
over. Unfortunately, Philip chose to look to financial resources rather than Jesus as the
source of everything. The Lord is our Jehovah Jireh (Gen_22:14), and He will provide.

6:7
All things and everything, even nothing, becomes sufficient in the hands of Jesus.
However, Philip didn't see anything sufficient enough to fill the need. So, he spoke
words that expressed his inadequacies rather than the Lord's ability to provide for us.

Through the spoken word (and words are boxes full of life and death (Pro_18:21) – full
of power), we speak things into our lives. Had Philip spoken in faith and not lack and
doubt, would he have been able to do the same miracle (Joh_14:12)?

They were on a mountain, but they were also facing a mountain of hunger and lack.
Jesus teaches us to speak to the mountains in our lives. Use the power of the word
spoken in faith to remove the mountain (Mat_17:20). Philip was given the opportunity to
put this principle to work in his own life and ministry. Instead of faith though he spoke in
the natural (Heb_11:1). He had no evidence... in his mind... of the necessary provision,
and he knew of no substance big enough to meet the need.

6:8
Philip failed the test Jesus had given him (see notes on Joh_6:5-7). It was Andrew's turn
next to speak in faith instead of doubt and lack.

6:9
Our God conquers lack! He can make a little go a long way. Instead of confidence in
Jehovah Jireh (Gen_22:14), Andrew too spoke in the natural. Philip saw a lack of
financial resources to meet the need. Andrew saw only a lack of food to meet the need.
Unfortunately, they both chose to talk about what appeared to be too little to scale such
a big mountain.
It was enough to report the natural condition: five loaves and two fishes. Andrew could
have stopped there, “but” he chose instead to open his mouth and speak doubt into the
situation. By doing so, Andrew neutered his faith to perform the miracle (see notes on
Joh_6:7) and remove the mountain (Mat_17:20). Our God conquers lack! He can make
a little go a long way. Instead of confidence in Jehovah Jireh (Gen_22:14), Andrew too
spoke in the natural. Philip saw a lack of financial resources to meet the need. Andrew
saw only a lack of food to meet the need. Unfortunately, they both chose to talk about
what appeared to be too little to scale such a big mountain.

It was enough to report the natural condition: five loaves and two fishes. Andrew could
have stopped there, “but” he chose instead to open his mouth and speak doubt into the
situation. By doing so, Andrew neutered his faith to perform the miracle (see notes on
Joh_6:7) and remove the mountain (Mat_17:20, Mat_21:21, Mar_11:23).

We need to learn that we can depend on our Jehovah Jireh (see notes on Joh_6:13) ...
not our employer-jireh, or our commission-jireh, or our family-jireh or any other source
for what we need (Mat_6:34, 2Co_3:5, 2Co_12:9).
21:21, Mar_11:23).

6:10
Jesus essentially said, “Now … let me show you what is possible through faith.” Why do
we rely on our own thinking and perceptions (Pro_3:5), rather than rely on God's ability
to work things out for us (see notes on Joh_6:9)?

To illustrate the magnitude of the problem, i.e., feeding the crowd, John wrote that there
were five thousand men in attendance. Women were likely there as well. What about
children? There may have easily been around ten-thousand hungry people to feed.

6:11
“Jesus took the loaves.” That's what we want Jesus to do. We want Him to take our
problem and fix it for us. He wants us to learn how to live like He showed us. He wants
us to have life abundantly, not in lack (Joh_10:10). He wants us to live by faith, and
speak in faith, and exhibit the power of God in our lives (see notes on Joh_6:7-9).

6:12
Jesus wants to gather up all the fragments of our families and lives as well. Whatever is
broken, whatever is lost, He can use it. He doesn't want anything or anyone lost
(2Pe_3:9).

Why would He have them gather up the fragments and not want anything lost?
Everyone there was full and satisfied. Perhaps, there were some other people He
wanted to send it to and bless.
6:13
God is able to not only meet our needs but to give to us above and beyond what we can
even imagine (Eph_3:20), according to our faith and the Holy Spirit working within us.
Knowing this, why should we doubt? Let us therefore have full confidence in our
Jehovah Jireh. We must learn to lean and rely on Him and His supernatural ability to
meet our needs (Phi_4:19). And, we must learn to quit relying on our own
understanding of how things naturally work.

6:14
Surely such a miracle would enlighten anyone into knowledge of the truth, i.e., Jesus
isn't just anybody... He's special. They believed though, because they saw a sign. The
Lord wants faith in Him, belief in Him, not knowledge based in evidence (Joh_20:29,
Heb_11:1). Jesus spoke of His dismay at our need for a sign (Mat_12:39, Joh_4:48).
The greatest evidence though, is the transformed life. There is evidence of inner
change, because there has been a true change in one's character. As a result, that
person knows... it had to be Jesus.

Because of this sign, these people believed Jesus was the great prophet spoken of in
the books of the prophets Gen_49:10, Deu_18:15-16).

6:15
We know from Mat_14:22-23 that Jesus had sent His disciples ahead of Him and sent
away the multitude of other people, so He was alone. In this verse, we learn that the
people were of a mind to crown Him king themselves. Had He not squelched the
movement quickly by dismissing them and sending them away, they would have carried
Him off to Jerusalem and proclaimed His right to be the king of the Jews.

6:16
The disciples were directed by Jesus to go across the sea (Mat_14:22).

6:17
The disciples headed towards Capernaum on the western shores of the Sea of Galilee.
They ended up landing at Gennesaret (Mat_14:34). They were likely blown off course
by the winds they encountered along the way (Joh_6:18).

“And it was now dark, and Jesus was not come to them.” Sometimes in our darkest
hours, it can seem like Jesus has left us all alone to fend for ourselves. The forces of
our own natures can cause us to drift off course, but keep believing. Help is on the way.
Your encounter with Jesus is just up ahead.

6:18
The disciples were in a boat out in the middle of the sea. They are right where Jesus
told them to be. We can be smack-dab in the middle of what God told us to do and still
find the environment hostile towards us. Resist the temptation to find fault in God, and
keep believing (Heb_13:5). Our Lord would not place you in any situation in which you
were not enabled to accomplish what you have been led to do (Isa_40:29-31,
Isa_41:10, 2Co_12:9, Phi_4:13).

6:19
The disciples had rowed out into the middle of the sea. When you are in trouble, just
keep rowing ahead. In the middle of your struggle, Jesus will show you His presence.
“Drawing nigh unto the ship”... He will come to where you are. He can walk all over the
very thing you fear might swallow you up. Nothing is impossible to Him.

“And they were afraid.” They were afraid of drowning in the storm tossed sea, but they
were also afraid of the apparition they were seeing walking towards them on the water
like some ghost (Mat_14:26). No mortal man should be able to walk on water, or so they
thought. Since it isn't a mortal, it must be a spirit. Besides, they had learned of John the
Baptist's death earlier that day (Mat_14:12). Perhaps, being the cousin of Jesus, John
and Jesus looked similar. In the dark and in a storm, walking on the water, Jesus might
have looked like the ghost of John appearing to them.

A lot of our “ghosts” in life, those things that frighten us and seem beyond our abilities to
grasp a hold of, are phantoms of our own imaginations. Seeing how feeble we are to
consistently understand the realities of the situations we face, it is best that we rely on
the Holy Spirit rather than our own reasoning (Pro_3:5).

6:20
Just as angles will say to people they appear to, “Fear not,” Jesus comforted them with
assurance that there was no need for fear. Their fear had been expected. It is only
natural to be uncomfortable during an encounter with the supernatural.

6:21
John avoided telling the whole episode with the part about Peter getting out of the boat
and walking to Jesus on the water (Mat_14:28-31). Perhaps, John wished the reader's
focus to stay on Jesus.

Three more points of interest here:

When Jesus got into the boat, keep in mind now that they had been in deep
water and Peter sank into it, suddenly they find themselves at their destination. It
is as if they and the boat they were in were transported to the other side instantly.
The makers of Star Trek didn't invent the idea of teleportation. The maker of the
universe demonstrated it over two thousand years ago. Cool, huh?

Notice how that after Jesus enters your boat, no matter how rough the waters
have been, your long ordeal can be over “immediately.”

Their trial was over when they “willingly received” Jesus. We will still have
problems as Christians, but too often even Christian people try to handle
difficulties on their own and according to their own knowledge. It is greater
wisdom that willingly receives the help of the Lord.
6:22
The multitude of people knew from the day before that Jesus had sent His disciples
away ahead of Him. Therefore, they knew Jesus planned to join His disciples on the
other side of the lake. Seeing that the disciples had entered the only boat that was there
yesterday, and there was no boat there today, they assumed Jesus must still be on the
mountain.

6:23
Other boats eventually arrive from Tiberias (for more on Tiberias, see notes on
Joh_6:1). This verse helps explain how the people “also took shipping” in Joh_6:24.

6:24
They came to Capernaum where they had heard He planned to be. They came seeking
for Jesus. We should all be seekers of Jesus.

6:25
They found Him. They might have found Him a little south of Capernaum in the “land of
Gennesaret” (Mat_14:34), or by the time they found Him, Jesus had made His way to
Capernaum on foot. At any rate, the people had one burning question, when did He
leave where they had been before (see notes on Joh_6:22)?

6:26
When the Lord fills us up, we want more of that experience. Consequently, some people
still today go from one experience to the next seeking not the Spirit Himself, but the
experience the Spirit provides. Unfortunately, some use the Spirit as a drug. There is a
euphoria that some experience in the Lord‟s presence. There can be a feeling of
ecstasy in the presence of God. The Lord made communion with Him pleasurable so
that we would want to be with Him more. However, going from one Christian event to
another, like a drug addict seeking the next fix, is evidence of the wrong heart. We
should seek the Lord for the Lord's sake, not for our own gratification.

6:27
Meat is a source of protein, and it gives us strength to work, to play, to live. But, living in
the world according to the flesh, living to satisfy our bodily desires, is only being half
alive (Ecc_6:7). To be alive in the flesh, i.e., physically alive, but spiritually dead, is only
half living (1Co_6:13). Meat supplies our physical needs for energy to live physical lives.
However, to be fully living, we need spiritual meat as well (Isa_55:2, Mat_6:19,
Col_3:2). Spiritual meat fuels our spiritual lives and gives us energy and strength to do
the work the Lord has given us to do (Jud_1:20).

If all one does is strive to earn enough money to eat and live well, all of the labor's
reward is spent and consumed or becomes spoiled (Ecc_5:11-16, Jam_1:11, 2Pe_3:11-
14). The acquisition of spiritual meat, however, leads to eternal life (Hab_2:13,
Mat_6:31-33, 2Co_4:18). Our spirit man needs this spiritual meat and water (Joh_4:14)
in order to function, thrive and grow.
Spiritual food comes from exposure to the Word, worship in partnership with the Holy
Spirit, assembling ourselves with other believers, fasting, service to others and prayer.

6:28
This is the question! This is the issue at hand. This is what Jesus had given Philip the
opportunity to seize in his life and ministry (see notes on john 6:6). We too can work the
works of God, through faith in Him alone (Joh_14:12). To do spiritual work though, we
need spiritual strength which comes from spiritual food (see notes on Joh_6:27 &
Joh_6:29).

6:29
Yes, and it is a big job. Our work is to believe on Him. Belief, when Jesus used the
word, meant to rely on, have full confidence in, and place your trust in Jesus as your
source (see notes on Joh_3:15).

It is work to believe... to trust etc.., when temptation comes. It is easy to believe when
we are not being tempted by something that would gratify the flesh. To resist the thing
that the world would take, that we would likely have taken before we came to Christ,
requires a spiritual strength and a reserve of self control that only comes from spiritual
food (see note on Joh_6:27) and the fruit of the Spirit (Gal_5:22-23).

The good news is that every believer is gifted with the Holy Spirit (1Co_12:13), and the
fruit of the Spirit is already within us. So, we already have the ability to control
ourselves. We need to trust the Lord then that we will, with His help, be able to do and
to say and to think that which is right (1Co_10:13). Having placed our confidence in Him
to shield us from temptations we cannot resist, when temptation comes, we need to look
for the way of escape.

To be truly successful though, and here's the hard part, seeing the way out of the
temptation, we need to use it. We can get away from the temptation, but we need to
actually try to get away when we see the open door to freedom (Gen_39:12).
Sometimes, we need to actually physically run from the place where the temptation is
trying to grab hold of us.

6:30
See notes on Joh_2:18, Joh_4:48, and Joh_4:53.

6:31
They pointed to a clear sign that God was working to support the ministry of Moses
(Exo_16:4-15, Exo_16:35, Num_11:6-9, Psa_78:24-25, Psa_105:40), so they wanted
proof that Jesus was accepted by God too. However, the miracle of “Angel's Food,” or
manna, from Heaven was not done to impress the children of Israel with Moses' support
from or closeness to God, but to support them with the basics of life even in the desert
(Deu_8:3, Neh_9:15, Neh_9:20). What they failed to understand was that Manna only
provided for the maintenance of physical life (Joh_6:49). Jesus has come to give them
both abundant life here on Earth (Joh_10:10) and eternal life (Joh_3:16).

6:32
Jesus brought the characters in the scripture narrative into proper perspective. God, the
Father, was the giver and sustainer of life. Moses was the servant of God.

The Jewish people were still impressed with the manna miracles. Jesus pointed out that
manna, although it was bread from Heaven, was only meant to feed them physically.
We should be seeking after spiritual food as well (Deu_8:3, Mat_4:4). Jesus is that
bread from Heaven (Joh_6:35, Joh_6:48-58).

6:33
Saying that, “the bread of God is he” made it clear that Jesus meant He was talking
about a man that came down from Heaven (1Jo_1:1-2). This heavenly man brought
spiritual life, not physical life (Mat_18:11, 1Jo_4:9). Moreover, this man brought life to
the “world,” not just to the Jewish people (Joh_1:29, Joh_4:42, Joh_11:51-52,
Joh_12:47, 1Jo_2:2).

See notes on Joh_5:24 about spiritual life compared to physical life.

6:34
The manna would be gathered in the mornings, and it would melt away in the heat of
the day (Exo_16:21). The people hearing Jesus and understanding that the bread He
spoke of was superior to the bread from Heaven provided in the desert, asked for some
of this bread all the time ... not just in the mornings. However, they still misunderstood,
because it wasn't physical bread Jesus spoke of. He explained what He meant in His
reply to them (Joh_6:35).

See notes on Joh_6:32.

6:35
See notes on Joh_6:31-34.

Jesus clarified what He meant in the previous four verses. The Great I Am says, “I am”
... “the bread of life.” In other words, He provides the food or energy for Spiritual life, just
as bread provides food or energy for physical life. However, bread baked in an Earthly
oven provides for only a little while. His Heavenly bread feeds one forever. Additionally,
Earthly water can only quench one's thirst for a brief while, yet Heavenly water satisfies
forever (Joh_4:13-14).

See notes on Joh_5:24 about spiritual life compared to physical life.

6:36
Some say, “Seeing is believing.” However, these Jews disproved the theory. They have
seen, but they don't believe (Joh_1:5, Joh_1:10). Some see and so they believe
(Joh_20:29), but Jesus wants us to believe through faith and not by sight (2Co_5:7).

6:37
If the Father gives you to Jesus, He will ensure that you will not be lost (Joh_6:39,
2Pe_3:9, and see also the notes on “nothing lost” in Joh_6:12).

I love this. If we come to Him, He will not say that we aren't good enough (Mat_11:28).
He won't say we are too bad (Joh_8:11). He will not reject us because of us (Deu_4:31),
Heb_13:5). No, not Jesus (1Pe_3:18). He accepts us as we are (Eph_2:7, 1Ti_1:16).
He accepts us ... despite us (Rom_5:8).

6:38
Hallelujah! Jesus yielded what was best for Him physically to what was best for
everyone else spiritually (Mat_26:39). The spiritual well being of everyone was what the
Father was interested in. Our relationship with the Father had to be restored, and then
final reunification at the Day of the Lord would be possible (Joh_6:39).

In Luk_22:42, we hear the wonderful word “nevertheless.” Thank God for that
nevertheless. I‟m in that nevertheless. You are in that nevertheless. We are all in that
nevertheless. Had Jesus not yielded to the will of the Father, had He not acknowledged
that He agreed to forego His will in favor of the Father's plan, there would have been no
redemption ... no forgiveness of sins. There would have been no quickening for us and
no transformation. He shrank from the upcoming torture and humiliation, but ...
nevertheless! He did it for me. He did it for you. Thank God for the nevertheless!

6:39
See notes on “nothing lost” in Joh_6:12.

Wow! What is the will of God for you? God‟s will is that we not be lost, but that we
should be resurrected from the dead on Judgment Day (Joh_11:24, 1Co_15:42-44,
1Co_15:48-54, Phi_3:21), and then been found purified by the blood of the lamb and
the word of His testimony (Eph_5:26-27, Heb_13:12, 1Pe_1:18-19, Rev_7:14).

6:40
The word “seeth” (KJV) is from the Greek word theoreo, pronounced theh-o-reh'-o, and
it means, “to be a spectator of, that is, discern, (literally, figuratively [experience] or
intensively [acknowledge]): - behold, consider, look on, perceive, see.” xvi

Most of us today have never “seen” Jesus, but we can discern that He is in our lives.
We can experience His presence for ourselves and feel the wonderful anointing power
of His spirit within us as He blesses us and encourages us and prompts us to change.
We can perceive His workings on our behalf and consider where we would be had we
never acknowledged Him.
6:41
Jesus had said so many profound things with such deep ramifications that the Jews
(see notes on Joh_1:19) had much more to murmur about than the bread from heaven
comments.

6:42
These people knew Him, because He was near His old neighborhood of Capernaum
(Joh_6:17). There was a prevailing thought of that time that the Christ would just sort of
appear (Dan_7:13) and no one would know where he came from (Joh_7:27). Since they
knew Jesus and His family and of His home, they discounted His potential as the
Messiah.

Imagine a young boy in your neighborhood. Imagine further that the child grows up a
few houses away from where you live. You know his parents. You know his siblings.
You've seen him play and skip and run and even fall. You've noticed from time to time
how he's grown, and now he stands right in front of you and says he is the son of God
(see notes on Joh_4:26, Joh_5:18, Joh_8:54, Joh_17:3). Wouldn't it then be harder for
you to believe such a claim than it would be for someone whom never knew the man
the way you do? Jesus spoke directly to this issue in Mat_13:57 and Mar_6:4.

Notice how, at this point, the Jews (see notes on Joh_1:19) consider Jesus as the son
of His Earthly father, but in Joh_5:18 they automatically assumed He spoke of God
when He spoke of His father.

6:43
Remarkable; we should never grow numb to the incredible nature of Jesus among us.
Should we just take for granted that He was the Son of God and pass off Jesus' abilities
as just part of His divine nature? Or should we stop, from time to time, and marvel at His
awesome persona?

They were asking a question amongst themselves (Joh_6:42). As a typical human

being, one wouldn't normally be privy to their speculations. However, Jesus knew what
was in their hearts (Jer_17:10, Mat_9:4, Mar_2:8, Mar_3:5, Luk_5:22, Luk_16:15,
Luk_24:38, Heb_4:12-13), and this verse starts with Jesus answering the question they
had without them having actually asked Him openly. They were murmuring against Him.

Their historically consistent murmuring before God sprung out of a deep root of
bitterness within the heart of Israel. Once again the Children of Israel show a poor
attitude in the face of their giving and caring God that only sought to provide for them
both physically and spiritually (Exo_16:7-8, Num_14:27, Num_17:5, Deu_1:27,
Psa_106:25, Psa_144:14).

Although the Jewish people had a history of complaining against God in Heaven, here
was God, right in front of them, standing in their midst, and still they complain against
Him. Jesus responds in two ways. First, He tells them to stop it. Second, He proceeds
with His intent that day of teaching them the doctrine of His gospel. All of this was in
fulfillment of what Isaiah prophesied in Isa_29:24.

6:44
Jesus went back into what He was saying before He was interrupted (Joh_6:41-42) by
the complaining tone within the hearts of some of His listeners (see notes on Joh_6:43).
He began with a recap of Joh_6:37-40. Please refer to the notes for those verses.

6:45
Jesus likely referred to Isa_54:13. However, Isa_2:3 and Mic_4:2 seem to apply as well.

Jesus had been telling them the truth about His relationship with the Father, and they
heard His teaching, but they didn't listen. One must pay attention to what is being taught
in order that one may learn the teaching (see notes on Joh_5:37). The Lord added that
everyone who did pay attention actually learned the truth and believed.

6:46
See notes on Joh_1:18.

6:47
Jesus stated the Gospel in clear and simple terms (compare Joh_6:40, and see the
notes for Joh_3:16 and Joh_3:36).

6:48
Jesus was telling them again what He had already told them in Joh_6:32-40 (see the
notes for those verses). Obviously, this is a point He'd like us to pay attention to.

Also note that Jesus began this sentence with the words, “I am.” Although the Jews
(see notes on Joh_1:19) He was addressing would glorify Moses and the miracle of
manna in the desert (see notes on Joh_6:31), Moses didn‟t perform the miracle … God
did that. Moses was only the servant of the God whom he met in the desert (Exo_3:1-6),
our Lord, the God who told Moses that His name was “I Am” (Exo_3:14). By saying, “I
am,” Jesus was drawing a direct line between Himself and the God of Moses.

6:49
Physical food, even manna from heaven (Joh_6:31-32), isn't meant to keep you alive
forever. The Israelites in the wilderness didn't starve to death, nonetheless all but the
little children and the two spies with good reports died there anyway (Num_14:1-38). As
is the case with us all (2Sa_14:14, Job_14:5, Job_30:23, Job_34:15, Psa_89:48,
Psa_90:10, Ecc_3:19-20 Ecc_9:5, Ecc_12:7, Rom_5:12, Heb_9:27), even the two and
the young ones born in the wilderness eventually died as well; so much for manna in the
eternal scope of things. It is better to have that which brings eternal life.

6:50
Jesus said that He is better for them than manna (see notes on Joh_6:33, Joh_6:51).
Manna was physical food and was only able to sustain physical life temporarily (see
notes on Joh_6:49), but the words that came from Jesus were spiritual food (Mat_4:4,
Luk_4:4, see notes on Joh_5:24 about spiritual life compared to physical life), and His
body, that would be broken for us, gave spiritual life that would last forever (Mat_26:26,
Mar_14:22-23, Luk_22:19, Joh_6:51-53, 1Co_11:24).

6:51
Manna wasn't a living thing. Although bread from heaven, it was just bread. It helped to
sustain life, but it wasn't alive. It was used to fill bellies, but once the spirit of Christ is
within us, He will spring forth from our bellies bringing life to others around us
(Joh_7:38). Moreover, Jesus has always been a living thing, and He lives yet today and
forever more (Joh_1:1-3, Pro_8:22-30, Heb_13:8).

See notes on Joh_6:35 and Joh_6:48.

6:52
It is only natural for fleshly mankind to think according to what we see as rational terms
that are based in a worldview unavoidably constructed around faulty perceptions biased
by evidence gathered through fleshly means. Our propositions and premises are tainted
and stained through fallacies not perceived, because our intellectual vision is affected
by our twisted and perverted worldviews (Rom_7:11, 1Co_13:12, 1Co_13:9, 2Ti_3:13,
Tit_3:3, Jas_1:23).

So, these people reasonably asked, “How can this ...” be? Jesus hadn't spoken of His
actual flesh being literally eaten (Heb_5:14). Deluded and deceived as they were, they
were incapable of spiritual discernment (Mat_16:3).

6:53
Although the people He was speaking to couldn‟t understand it (see notes on
Joh_6:52), Jesus was talking about spiritual life; not physical life (see the notes on
Joh_5:24, Joh_6:35, Joh_6:48). Spiritual life doesn't come from any work of the flesh
which we can perform (Psa_143:2, Ecc_7:20, Isa_6:5, Isa_53:6, Isa_64:6, Rom_10:1-3,
Gal_2:16, Gal_3:11, Eph_2:8-9, 2Ti_1:9, Tit_3:5), such as adherence to the law
(Act_13:39, Rom_8:3, Gal_2:16-21, Rom_9:32, Rom_10:5-8, Gal_3:11, Gal_3:18-24,
Heb_7:19, Heb_10:1) or taking communion (Mat_26:26-28), it comes through faith in
Christ and what He did at the cross (Rom_3:22-28, Rom_4:3-13, Rom_5:1-2,
Rom_9:31-32, Gal_3:8-11, Gal_3:24, Eph_2:16, Col_1:20, Col_2:14, Phi_3:9,
Heb_12:2).

Faith comes from hearing the word of God (Rom_10:17, Eph_5:26-27). The word is
Jesus (Joh_1:14). So, we eat and drink of Him when we partake of the word (Gal_3:5)
through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit (Job_32:8, Rom_5:5, 1Co_2:10-12, 2Co_3:18,
Gal_4:6, Eph_1:13, Eph_3:16-19, 2Ti_3:16, 2Pe_1:21). Jesus‟ Holy Spirit sustains us
and gives to us eternal life (Rom_8:2, 1Co_6:11, 2Co_1:21-22, Gal_3:2-5, Eph_4:30,
Tit_3:5).
Eating the communion bread and drinking from the communion cup then is not to
partake of Him, as though the substance we eat changes into Him, it is instead a vehicle
of remembrance and joining with Him (Luk_22:19, 1Co_11:23-28). It is our spirits
communing with the Spirit of God (1Co_10:16, Rev_3:20). It is a spiritual connection,
despite our physical limitations, utilizing physical points of contact, which are the bread
and the cup.

6:54
Jesus wasn‟t speaking about a one-time eating, but an ongoing practice. He would have
us return to the table often (1Co_11:26). Jesus gives to us our spiritual food, and we
need our “daily bread” (Job_23:12, Mat_6:11, Luk_11:3). The Word of God is a part of
what we need to sustain our spiritual life (see note on Joh_6:53). Jesus told us so in His
words to Satan, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth
out of the mouth of God (Mat_4:4 and Luk_4:4).” Jesus is the Word (Joh_1:14), and
Jesus is the bread of life (Joh_6:35). So, we need to continue in the Word (see notes on
Joh_15:4). In addition to His daily word, we need to come to the cross daily (Luk_9:23
and 1Co_15:31) and be cleansed in the blood of the Lamb of God. We need to eat of
him, but we also need to drink His blood.

6:55
See notes for Joh_6:53-54.

6:56
See notes for Joh_6:53-54. See also Joh_14:20-23, Joh_15:4-5, 1Jn_4:15-16.

6:57
The Father sent Jesus on His mission to preach the gospel (Joh_5:23, Joh_5:30,
Joh_5:36-37, Joh_5:39, Joh_6:44, Joh_8:16-18, Joh_12:49, Joh_14:24, Joh_17:21,
Joh_17:25), and Jesus sends us out on a similar task (Joh_17:18-19, Mat_10:16,
Mat_28:18-20, Mar_16:15-18, Joh_20:21). As we receive nourishment from Jesus (see
notes on Joh_6:47-56) to accomplish our work, so too did Jesus receive nourishment
from the Father (Joh_4:32).

6:58
See notes on Joh_6:48-50.

6:59
This discourse (Joh_6:26-58) was delivered in the synagogue. He had landed near
Capernaum (Joh_6:24-25), and when the people had found Him in the city at the
Synagogue, not by the sea shore, they began to ask Him questions (Joh_6:25).

6:60
They heard the message filtered only through their physical and carnal understandings.
This would indeed be a hard saying to agree to, if one only understood that Jesus
meant to actually eat His flesh and drink His blood in some cannibalistic way. However,
Jesus had been speaking about spiritual things ... not physical. See the notes on
Joh_6:48-58.

6:61
Notice again how Jesus has the ability to discern what is in our hearts (see the notes on
Joh_6:43). Looking into their hearts, He saw that they were offended. They found Jesus'
message of eating His flesh and drinking His blood (Joh_6:48-58) offensive (Mat_11:6).
We often can be offended by what is hard to understand and seems to go against our
norms and sensitivities.

6:62
What was it going to take for them to believe? Would they need to witness Him
ascending into Heaven right before their eyes? Well ... He would later do that (Act_1:9-
11).

6:63
We were given physical life through the breath of God breathed into our bodies
(Gen_2:7, Isa_2:22, Isa_42:5, Eze_37:5), and every breath we take is a gift from God
(Isa_42:5, Act_17:25). We continue only by His grace and mercy (Job_9:18, Job_12:10,
Job_34:14-15, Psa_104:29, Dan_5:23, Col_1:17). The breath of God (Job_33:4)
breathed into us is by the Holy Spirit (Job_27:3), so it is the Spirit that quickens the
flesh.

The Spirit quickens our flesh, but living in the flesh pales in significance to spiritual life
(see notes on Joh_5:24, Joh_6:60). Physical life is only temporary, but spiritual life has
eternal benefits. Jesus' Holy Spirit made our spirits (Zec_12:1), and He quickens our
spirits (1Co_15:45, Eph_2:1-10, Eph_5:14, Col_2:13) and gives us eternal life. By Him
we live in every way (Act_17:28), so praise Him (Psa_150:6).

6:64
In case you were wondering... Judas‟ betrayal of Jesus was not any surprise to Him. In
fact, even when Jesus called Judas into relationship with Him, He knew Judas would
betray Him (Joh_6:71). Jesus had chosen Judas as one of The Twelve (see notes on
Joh_20:24) even after praying all night in preparation for His selections (Luk_6:12-16).
Jesus knew it from the beginning (Act_15:18), but He went through it all anyway.

Additionally, He knew Judas was a thief (Joh_2:24-25, Joh_12:6, Heb_4:13), and yet
Jesus made Judas the treasurer of the group (Joh_13:29).

On other occasions, Jesus was purposeful about whom he chose to be in mission with
Him (Mat_17:1, Mar_5:37, Mar_9:2, Mar_14:33, Luk_8:51, Luk_9:28), but His inclusion
of Judas into the team of twelve apostles would seem to some to have been a colossal
mistake. However, what seems ridiculous to us in our limited scope is exactly what
makes complete sense when viewed from God's infinitely boundless vantage point
(Isa_55:8, Eze_18:25). Judas' selection was on purpose despite the projected outcome.
Jesus knew who would betray Him, and the betrayal had to happen. Jesus purposefully
went to the cross one step at a time knowing that each step brought Him closer to the
shame (Heb_12:2).

6:65
He said what He said in Joh_6:44, because of His foreknowledge of events (see notes
on Joh_6:64).

6:66
They were offended by what He said. It seemed too hard and weird for them to take
hold of. So rather than change their point of view, they walked away (1Ti_4:1-3,
2Ti_4:3-4, 2Th_2:3). These were not just passersby that had a chance meeting with
Him. These were not all just sign seekers (Mar_8:12, Luk_11:29, 1Co_1:22) that
followed Him from across the lake, although there were some (Joh_6:14-26). Among
those that left Him that day were disciples. Not any (Joh_6:67) of The Twelve (see
notes on Joh_20:24), but disciples nonetheless. As disciples, they were people that had
dedicated themselves to following Him, because they had believed in what He taught
them.

However, when faced with a hard teaching, they turned away. Let us learn from their
error. Let us try the teachings we hear through prayer, fasting, and in light of other
Biblical truths before we simply reject them. Rely on the Spirit to teach you
(Psa_143:10, Joh_6:45, Joh_16:13, Rom_8:14, Gal_5:18, 2Pe_1:20, 1Jo_4:6, 1Jo_5:6)
and not trust your own reasoning to figure out what is best (Pro_3:5).

Ironically, the chapter and verse allotments happened to identify this verse about a
turning away from God with the Biblical address of 6:66. Those that turn away from
God, those that choose to walk in another direction, are following after the spirit of
antichrist (1Jo_2:18-22, 1Jo_4:3, 2Jo_1:7), and the number of the beast will be 666
(Rev_13:18).

6:67
Other disciples had already left (Joh_6:66), but The Twelve (see notes on Joh_20:24)
had stayed.

6:68
Peter nailed it! It might have made human sense for others to leave, but when the Spirit
of God bears witness to your spirit of the truth (Mat_16:17-18), why would you then go
back into a lie? To go back into sin after tasting the bread of life is like leaving a five star
restaurant and choosing to eat out of a fast food dumpster instead (Pro_26:11). Having
tasted of Jesus' words, they knew what we have come to understand; His word is life
(see notes on Joh_6:63).

6:69
What a declaration! Marvelous and inspiring are the revelations from the Holy Spirit
(Mat_16:15-17, 1Co_2:9-12, Eph_1:17-18, Eph_3:4-5, Col_1:26).
6:70
See notes on Joh_6:64.

6:71
See notes on Joh_6:64.

Chapter 7
7:1
“Jewry” meant the land of Judea. In Judea, the Jews (see notes on Joh_1:19) were
seeking to kill Jesus (Mar_3:6, Luk_6:11, Joh_5:16). Jesus was willing to follow the
Father's will all the way to the cross, but His time to die had not yet come (Joh_7:6).
Since Jesus had already decided to avoid Samaria (see notes on Joh_4:4), and in order
to stay in Palestine (Mat_10:5-6, Mat_15:24, Mar_7:25-30), Galilee was all that was left
(see notes on Joh_4:3).

7:2
See Lev_23:34, Deu_16:13-17, and notes on Joh_5:1.

7:3
“His brethren” referred to His mother's other sons from Joseph ... His half-brothers
(Mat_12:46-47, Mar_3:31, Luk_8:19, Act_1:14, Gal_1:19). Jesus has siblings. In
Mar_15:40-41, we read that Mary, the mother of James the less, the “Lord‟s brother”
(Gal_1:19), had a son named Joses and a daughter named Salome, and Mar_15:40
concurs with Mat_13:55 and Mar_6:3. In Mar_6:3, we also learn that Jesus had more
than one sister.

So, put all of this together, and His brothers' names are James, Joses, Simon, and
Judas (or Jude ... as mentioned in Jud_1:1), and one of His Sister's names is Salome.

These verses are mentioned, because some scholars believe Jesus was an only child
and that Mary remained a virgin. If that were true, why then is Jesus called Mary's
“prototokos” or first-born son in Luk_2:7 and not simply her son?

7:4
Jesus' own brothers (see notes on Joh_7:3), although likely well intended, were “giving
advice” that went outside the will of God for Jesus' ministry. In the next verse (Joh_7:5),
we learn that His brothers weren't yet converted.

Ministers should be aware that well meaning people, as well as those that seek the
servant's harm, will give logical council that if followed may damage the mission.
Receive instruction, but test everything through the filter of the Holy Spirit. Likewise any
person really that has chosen to follow the Lord may be led astray by the words of
others, if they are not securely grounded in the Word of God (Luk_21:15, 1Co_2:5,
1Co_2:13, Jas_1:5).
7:5
Now we see that Jesus' own brothers (see notes on Joh_7:3) didn't really believe right
away that He was the Christ (Mat_13:57, Mar_6:4, Joh_4:44).

7:6
On other occasions, Jesus spoke prophetically of the cross with the use of the phrase,
“my time” (Mat_26:18, Joh_2:4). However, here He seems to be referring to His death
only in a roundabout way. He is talking about going to the feast, as we see in Joh_7:8.
Apparently Jesus knew that it wasn't a good time to be out in the open, as He would
have to be in order to go to the feast, because the Jews (see notes on Joh_1:19) were
seeking to kill Him (Joh_7:1). His brothers, on the other hand, were not wanted outlaws,
and they could come and go as they pleased.

“Your time is always ready,” because NOW is the time (2Co_6:2). We ought to live in
the now and be ready at any time for what the Lord wants us to do (Rom_1:15,
2Ti_2:15, 2Ti_4:2).

7:7
Most people dislike hearing negative things about themselves. Those in the darkness
don't want the light turned on their ways, because it will reveal the ugly truth in their lives
(Joh_3:19-20). The truth is; they are stained with sin (2Pe_2:13), and they are numb to
their condition (1Ti_4:2). They don't notice their wickedness (Rom_7:11, Gal_6:7,
2Ti_3:13, Tit_3:3). They even are deceived into thinking that they are good (Heb_3:13,
1Jo_1:8), but no one is good (Psa_14:3, Psa_53:3, Mat_19:17, Mar_10:18, Luk_18:19,
Rom_3:12). They think their good works makes the scales tilt in their favor (Isa_64:6).
Yet Jesus spoke the truth in love saying, “No man comes to the Father except through
me” (Joh_14:6). He shined a light on their evil, and they hated Him for it. They were
slaves to sin, but Jesus came to free us from sin's bondage (Rom_6:14, Eph_5:26-27,
1Jn_1:7).

7:8
See notes on Joh_7:6.

7:9
He stayed in Galilee despite His brothers' ideas of what He should do, because His time
had not yet come (Joh_7:1, Joh_7:6). Sometimes, despite what others are advising us
to do, we are led to do the opposite by the Spirit. Jesus was led by the Spirit (Mar_1:12,
Luk_2:27, Luk_4:1), and He always did as He was instructed by God (see notes on
Joh_12:49). Let the promptings of the Spirit always trump what may even appear to be
sound council from others (Rom_8:14).

7:10
After His brothers left, He secretly went to the feast. Since He told His brothers it wasn't
His time (Joh_7:8), they in all probability thought He meant He was skipping the festival
entirely that year rather than be arrested and executed. However, Jesus meant He
wasn't ready to leave at that moment. Once they were gone, He was able to go to the
feast also without even His brothers having knowledge that He was there. In that way,
when the Jews would ask His brothers of Jesus' whereabouts (Joh_7:11), they could
truthfully reply that as far as they knew Jesus wasn't even coming to the feast.

Jesus had a plan to teach during the middle of the feast (Joh_7:14), and He didn't want
to do it as a sought after outlaw figure. Rather, He simply wanted to teach the Father's
doctrine peaceably.

7:11
The Jewish leadership (see notes on Joh_1:19) thought that a rabbi (Joh_1:38,
Joh_1:49, Joh_6:25), a teacher of the law (Joh_3:2), would certainly be at the Feast of
Tabernacles (Joh_7:2) as set forth in the Mosaic Law (Deu_16:13, Lev_23:36,
Neh_8:18). Consequently, they must have decided not to waste the resources it would
take to find Jesus somewhere in Palestine, but rather to wait where He'd likely show up
until He came to them. The feast in Jerusalem would surely be such a time and place.

For more on the various feasts, see notes on Joh_5:1.

7:12
Although Jesus had not yet arrived at the feast, He was the center of attention. Look
and see that no matter how good your works or correct your doctrine or applicable your
teachings, some will still find fault in your ways. As a Christian, what you say and do is
under scrutiny. Are you for real or a fraud, they will wonder? Jesus' ministry was
suspect. Don't be surprised then that your convictions are doubted too. People have
been taken in so many times and seen hypocrites so often that it is difficult for them to
accept the genuine follower of God.

7:13
One would want to enjoy the celebration and not have to be pulled into a hearing or
something to be questioned regarding this Jesus (Joh_5:10-12, Joh_9:15-34).
Moreover, if perceived to be a follower, one might share Jesus' fate along with Him. It
might seem best to the carnal mind, the mind clouded by a sinful nature, to not openly
display one's interest in Jesus. However, to the mind enlightened by the truth of the
gospel of Christ, it is unfathomable to keep one's interest in Jesus a secret (Luk_11:33).

7:14
It was an eight day celebration and festival (Lev_23:36), so to come in the middle would
mean He waited until about the fourth day.

Look at how Jesus didn't merely attend the feast. He taught at it. Notice too that He
could of taught anywhere in Jerusalem, but He chose to teach in the temple (Joh_18:20,
Luk_19:47).

7:15
To the natural mind, knowledge comes only by education and education only by the
course natural to man, i.e., books and classes led by teachers. Knowing that Jesus
didn't have any “formal education,” they wondered how it is that He came by such a
great knowledge of the scriptures. Jesus had encountered this fallacy of reasoning most
of His life (Luk_2:46-47).

7:16
In other words, Jesus does have a “formal education” (see notes on Joh_7:15). His
training comes from God, the Father. There is no better professor. We too may be
taught by God (Job_35:10-14, Job_36:22, Psa_71:17, Isa_48:17, Joh_6:45, Joh_16:13,
1Co_2:13, 1Th_4:9, 1Jo_2:27, 1Jo_5:6), if we are willing to attend the classes (see
notes on Joh_7:17).

7:17
When you are doing the will of God, you are closer to Him and can discern what is truly
of Him and from Him (Psa_25:5, Joh_8:32). Pilate asked Jesus (Joh_18:38), “What is
truth?” The Holy Spirit will lead you into what is true (Joh_14:17, Joh_15:26,
Joh_16:13).

7:18
Jesus is righteous, that is, He is in complete right-standing with God. His motives are
driven by a pure heart that seeks to glorify the Father. If one teaches to receive honor
from other people, the motive, and thus what they teach, can be suspect. Seeing though
that the motives of Jesus are pure and true, and what he teaches does not serve to
glorify Himself, the doctrine He teaches must also be pure and true.

The wonderful thing is, that by accepting Jesus' truth and submitting to His teachings,
we are given His righteousness (see notes on Joh_2:6, Joh_3:18, Joh_16:10,
Joh_17:25).

7:19
The Jews (see notes on Joh_1:19) glorified Moses as a great prophet, and they
compared Jesus' miracle of feeding the multitude (Joh_6:1-15) to the Manna from
Heaven miracle performed during Moses' ministry (Joh_6:30-32). They thought Jesus'
food miracle paled in comparison to Moses' food miracle (Joh_6:41). They saw ample
reason to believe Moses was a prophet from God, but they thought Jesus to be only the
son of a carpenter (Joh_6:42). Jesus reminded them that their great Moses gave them
the Law and then He questioned their sincerity by pointing out that all of their belief in
the greatness of Moses and the truth of the Law didn't appear to be motivation enough
for them to keep the commandments.

They obviously doubted Jesus' assertion that they were indeed law breakers. To prove
their sinfulness to them, Jesus used the Law and pointed out that their desire to kill Him
made them murders already in their hearts (Mat_5:21-22, 1Jn_3:15). Since killing is
against the Law (Exo_20:13), they were breaking the Law. The Law shows us that we
are sinners (Rom_3:20, 1Co_15:56, Jas_2:9, 1Jn_3:4). To break the Law of God is to
sin against God (Gal_3:10, Jas_2:10, Jas_4:17).
7:20
Writing “the people” instead of “the Jews” showed that John was talking about regular
Israelites in this verse and not the Jewish leadership (see notes on Joh_7:1 and
Joh_1:19). The Jewish leadership (the Jews) was indeed seeking to kill Jesus (Mar_3:6,
Joh_5:16, Joh_7:25). Although some of the people were aware of the murder plans
(Joh_7:25), most of the people said Jesus was talking crazy, demon-possessed kind of
talk (Mat_17:15-18, Mar_5:2-15). They didn‟t want to kill Him.

7:21
Notice how Jesus ignored their question and stayed on task in His response. He replied
not to the people (see notes on Joh_7:20), but to the Jews (see notes on Joh_1:19)
whose hearts were full of darkness. The “one work” referred to His healing of the man
on the Sabbath in Joh_5:2-16 (see also Joh_7:23).

7:22
By saying, “Moses gave you circumcision” Jesus meant that Moses included it in the
Law (Lev_12:3), because the ordinance was much older than Moses. Abraham
practiced it (Gen_17:10-14). The Jewish people kept the Law too, which said the
circumcision should take place on the eighth day... even if the eighth day fell on a
Sabbath day.

7:23
Jesus appealed to their logic. Does it seem consistent that they would think nothing of
breaking the Sabbath, a day that even God observes (Gen_2:2, Exo_20:11) to keep
something Moses wrote, and yet they are deeply concerned that a man was made
completely healed on the Sabbath by the Son of God?

7:24
Things aren't always as they appear at first glance. Often it is wise to not act upon first
impressions, because with more information, preferably Spirit led, comes better
decisions that are rooted in fair and balanced appraisals … not emotions. Emotionally
based decisions are soulish in nature (see notes on Joh_5:42) and are not guided by
the Spirit. Judgments made from soulish desires to fulfill the whims of the flesh are
carnal and typical of our old sinful nature before we came to Christ. Prayerfully inquire
of the Lord instead, and be led by the Spirit (Rom_8:14, Gal_5:18), then you will make
good judgments.

Notice that it is all right to make righteous judgments as led by the Spirit. We are to
judge whether something is appropriate or good or right (Mat_7:16-20, Phi_4:8).
However, there is a difference between making righteous judgments and being
judgmental (Mat_7:1, Luk_6:37, see notes on Joh_2:24, Joh_8:14, Joh_12:47, and look
at 1Co_4:3).

7:25
Some of the people were aware of the plot by the Jewish leadership (see notes on
Joh_1:19) to kill Jesus (Mar_3:6, Joh_5:16, Joh_7:25), but others were not (see notes
on Joh_7:20). To those whom had been made aware that Jesus was a man sought by
the authorities, it seemed incredible that He would come out in the open and then draw
attention to Himself (Joh_7:26) by teaching in such a public gathering (see notes on
Joh_7:2).

7:26
The Jews would normally have not only said something to Jesus, they would've seized
Him. Remember that they wanted to kill Him (Joh_7:1), and they had been looking for
Him at the feast (Joh_7:11). Why had they not arrested Jesus?

It wasn't fear of the people's response that restrained them from taking Jesus. Actually,
the people were afraid of the Jews (Joh_7:13). It was as if the Jews didn't yet have
courage to take Him. The Holy Spirit was protecting Jesus from seizure, because it
wasn't yet time for His arrest (Joh_7:30). However, the Jews' hesitation caused the
people to wonder if the Jews actually were beginning to believe that Jesus was the
Messiah.

7:27
Having reason to wonder if the Jews were starting to believe Jesus was the Christ (see
notes on Joh_7:26), the people quickly judged the matter as well. They concluded that
they knew Jesus and where He came from, and no one would know what the Messiah's
origins were (see notes on Joh_6:42). Since they knew Jesus, the people decided He
couldn't be the Christ.

The people didn't understand the scriptures which plainly foretold where the messiah
would come from (Isa_9:6, Isa_11:1, Jer_23:5, Jer_30:21, Mic_5:2).

7:28
Some of the Jerusalem people (Joh_7:25) were contending that since; they know Jesus
is the son of a carpenter, and they know where He grew up, and they are familiar with
His family, He couldn't be the Messiah (see notes on (Joh_7:27). Consequently, Jesus
challenged them with the question, “So... you think you know me and where I'm from?”
He added that He came, because someone sent Him. They may not have believed
Jesus (Joh_6:36, Joh_8:45-46, Joh_10:38, Joh_12:44, Joh_16:9), but they would
believe the one that sent Him (Joh_3:17, Joh_5:23-24, Joh_5:30, Joh_5:36-38,
Joh_6:38-44, Joh_6:57, Joh_8:16-18, Joh_8:29, Joh_8:42, Joh_10:36, Joh_12:49,
Joh_14:24, Joh_17:21, Joh_20:21). The trouble is... they don't know God, the Father
(Joh_8:19, Joh_8:55, Joh_14:7, Joh_15:21-24, Joh_16:3, Joh_17:25). If they knew
God, they would have believed in Jesus and found eternal life (Joh_17:3, 1Co_15:34,
2Co_4:3-6, 2Th_1:8, 1Jo_5:12).

Lots of people yet today think that they know Jesus. They believe they have a pretty
good understanding about Jesus and that their belief is enough (see notes on
Joh_3:15). True belief though translates into obedience (Joh_14:15, Joh_15:10,
Rom_1:5, Rom_6:16, Rom_10:16, 2Co_10:5-6, 1Pe_1:2, 1Jo_2:3, 1Jo_3:22, 1Jo_5:2-
3, Rev_14:12). Believers change (Rom_12:1-2, Rom_13:12, 2Co_5:17, Eph_4:22,
Col_3:8-9, 2Ti_2:19). Many pretended believers that think they are good enough will be
disturbed to discover the results of their fallacy (Psa_6:8, Mat_7:22-23, Mat_25:41,
Luk_13:27).

7:29
However, Jesus told some of the people in Jerusalem (Joh_7:25) that were challenging
His authority to say and do the things He had already accomplished (see notes on
Joh_7:27), that He knows the one that sent Him, because He came from His house (...
and He didn't mean Joseph's). They didn't know the Father (see notes on Joh_7:28),
but Jesus does.

7:30
Jesus' words grabbed hold of their cold, hardened hearts, and they wanted Him to stop
(Joh_7:19, Joh_8:37). They desired to make Him stop, and they were hungry for His
blood. As the Lord sent an angel to restrain the mouths of the lions who desired to
consume the prophet Daniel (Dan_6:22), so to our God restrained the sin ravaged
beasts that would tear Jesus asunder. Although their arms were still capable of causing
death, they found themselves unable to do so. To them, it was inexplicable. To us that
believe; it was the protection of God.

7:31
Having doubted Jesus to the point of desiring to kill Him for blasphemy (Joh_7:30, and
see notes on Joh_5:18), and finding themselves in some miraculous way unable to do it
(see notes on Joh_7:30), many people changed their minds about Him.

7:32
Seeing that the people were unable to take Jesus (see notes on Joh_7:30), but were
now beginning instead to turn towards belief in Him (see notes on Joh_7:31), the Jews
(see notes on Joh_1:19) sent the police to take Him.

7:33
Speaking to the Jewish leadership, Jesus prophetically proclaimed that He would die
soon enough, but not yet (Joh_7:30). Notice how He told them that they won't take Him
either. He will freely go.

7:34
He would go back to His Father (Joh_7:33). No one comes to the Father except through
Jesus (Joh_14:6). Since they don't believe in Him, they could not go where He went to.

7:35
They asked, “What is He talking about?” They wondered if He was planning on fleeing
Palestine to escape the Jews (see notes on Joh_1:19). Funny thing is... He was
standing right in front of them. He wasn't running, and He wasn't hiding.
They thought too He might be motivated to flee into the Gentile nations and teach
Jewish people in those lands. They hadn't even considered though that He had come to
the temple that day to teach the people there. He wasn't interested in leaving yet.

7:36
They asked the same question again. See notes on Joh_7:35.

7:37
Jesus had come to the feast in the middle of it (Joh_7:14). The feast was seven days
(Lev_23:34, Deu_16:13-17), and then a celebration on the eighth day (Lev_23:36), so
He came about the third or fourth day. On the eighth day, Jesus stood in the temple and
shouted, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink.”

7:38
Jesus was likely referring to Zec_14:8. He had already told the Samaritan woman at the
well in Joh_4:14, that He will fill us with living water. The point though is that we won't
just contain it. It will flow out of us. There must be an outlet as well as an inlet. With no
flow, water grows stagnant and becomes useless in sustaining life.

7:39
Spoke what? “Out of his belly shall flow.” What shall flow? The Holy Spirit will flow.
From this verse then we learn that,
The Spirit was given after Jesus was glorified (Act_2:1-4).
The Spirit is given to all believers (see note on Joh_3:15 for what a believer is).
Once given, the Spirit is intended to flow out of the believers and affect those in
unbelief around them. This flow of the Spirit between believer and nonbeliever is
intended to quench the spiritual thirst of one wasting away in the drought of their
lives without Christ (Isa_44:3, Isa_58:11, Eze_37:11, Joh_4:14, Joh_7:37).
The Spirit resides in the belly of the believer.

For water to be living; there must be a flow (see notes on Joh_7:38).

For more on receiving the Holy Spirit, see notes on Joh_20:22.

7:40
Note that just Jesus' words about the flow of the Spirit to a people not yet filled with the
Spirit (see notes on Joh_20:22) caused some to believe Him to be Christ (Joh_7:41). If
not the Christ, at least the great prophet they understood would come before the
Messiah (see notes on Joh_1:21).

7:41
Their question was rooted in a lack of knowledge about Jesus‟ birth and formative years
as well as spiritual discernment. Although there was no specific prophecy about the
Christ hailing from Galilee, there were other places Jesus was associated with that were
referenced in prophecies. Actually, there were various prophesies indicating that the
Messiah would come from different places. It is true, for example, that it was prophesied
the Christ would come from the seed of David (Psa_132:11, Isa_11:1, Jer_23:5) out of
Bethlehem (Mic_5:2), and Jesus did (Luk_2:11 and see notes on Joh_1:11). It was also
foretold the Messiah would come out of Egypt (Hos_11:1), and Jesus fulfilled that one
too (Mat_2:13-15).

Although they could see that Jesus‟ impressive miracles made Him appear Christ-like
(Joh_7:31), their prejudice against the Galileans hindered their acceptance of Him as
the Christ (Joh_1:46, Joh_7:51). If ignorance causes unbelief, truly then people do
perish for a lack of knowledge (Hos_4:6). Be careful not to let prejudice and social
snobbery hinder your receipt of the truth. Truth is truth no matter who brings it, and
God‟s chosen are His chosen regardless of where they come from or what they have
done in the past (1Co_1:27).

7:42
See notes on Joh_7:41.

7:43
Often times the truth will cut between belief and disbelief separating the wicked from
those humbled enough to repent (Mat_10:34). Even families can become divided over
belief in Christ (Mat_10:34-36, Luk_12:51-53) or how to worship Him.

7:44
Some of them wanted to take Him and kill Him, but they didn't. Was it because they
feared what the rest of the people would do? Did they fear judgment from the ruling
Roman authorities? No, they were too amazed to take Him (Joh_7:45-46). Look and
see how Jesus' very words contained power of such a kind as to actually influence even
His enemies to not do what they were predisposed to do and naturally inclined to do.

What had He said that was so significant (Pro_18:21)? In Joh_7:37-38 He had spoken
of Himself as the source of living water. His words, words of truth and light, had broken
through the dark barriers in their hearts and exposed their parched souls. Consequently,
they felt thirsty for more. Killing Jesus then would be like throwing dirt and rocks into a
well containing the precious water they had found (Gen_26:15, 2Ki_3:25).

7:45
The Jews (see notes on Joh_1:19) were waiting for the officers' return with Jesus in
chains, but they were disappointed to find the officers without Him.

7:46
See notes on Joh_7:44.

7:47
Shocked and dismayed that the officers the Jews (see notes on Joh_1:19) sent to carry
out their order (in the hopes that they might keep this teacher from infecting more
people with what they saw as blasphemous doctrine taught by a radical law breaking
rabbi – see notes on Joh_5:10, Joh_5:12) was now themselves mesmerized by this
man, they proclaim their ignorance and declare their unbelief by categorizing the
officers' actions as the result of crafty deception. The Jews thought the truth was
deception and lies were the truth (Isa_44:20, Jer_13:25, Amo_2:4, Rom_1:25,
Jam_3:14).

7:48
The Jews (see notes on Joh_1:19) saw their knowledge of the law as wisdom to discern
what is true (Pro_3:7, Pro_26:12, Isa_5:21, Isa_29:14-19, Joh_9:41, Rom_1:22,
Rom_11:25, Rom_12:16, 1Co_3:18-20, Jam_3:13-18), but it was them that were
deceived (Mat_22:29, Tit_3:3); not the ones that believed in Jesus (1Co_1:20-21,
1Co_3:19). The Pharisees' (see notes on Joh_8:3) “spirituality” wasn't enough to save
them (1Co_14:37).

7:49
The Jews (see notes on Joh_1:19) actually had convinced themselves that followers of
Jesus were deceived (see notes on Joh_7:48) to the point of falling into a curse.

7:50
Nicodemus had exhibited a genuine curiosity for the ways of Jesus (Joh_3:1-4). It is
right and wholesome to act upon one's belief and defend the Lord's good name.

7:51
Jesus' accusers used the Law in Joh_7:48-49 to say those that believe in Jesus are
foolish, unlearned and deceived by someone that twists and perverts the law. However,
Nicodemus used that same Law to defend Jesus and asked for due process according
to the Law (Deu_1:17, Deu_17:8-11, Deu_19:15-19).

The Jews (see notes on Joh_1:19) had used the Law to say that the believers in Jesus
were foolish compared to them (see notes on Joh_7:48), but the book of wisdom said to
make judgments without a good hearing of the issues is foolish in Pro_18:13.

7:52
Having come face to face with their own foolishness and mistake concerning the law
(see notes on Joh_7:51), they resulted to personal attacks on both the individual that
pointed out their error and on Jesus. It is an attempt to diminish the credibility of
Nicodemus' defense of Jesus by supposing that the only reason for the support is the
sharing of country. Jesus said it best in Mat_22:29.

7:53
Apparently, their tactic (see notes on Joh_7:52) didn't work, and Nicodemus' argument
carried the day. They decided to break up the meeting and table the matter for a later
time (Mat_27:1-2, Mar_15:1, Luk_22:66, Joh_11:47).
 Chapter 8
8:1
He went to the Mount of Olives for the night. Jesus might have been lodging at Lazarus'
house which was in Bethany on the eastern side of the mountain (Mat_21:17, Mar_11:1,
Luk_19:29, Joh_11:1). Bethany was not far from Jerusalem (Joh_11:18). It was only
fifteen furlongs away. A furlong is six hundred feet.xvii Fifteen furlongs would be nine
thousand feet or slightly over 1.7 miles. With Bethany not even two miles from
Jerusalem, Jesus had a history of retreating to Bethany rather than spending His nights
in the city of David (Mar_11:11, Joh_18:2).

He could have also been spending the night in the Garden of Gethsemane (Mat_26:36,
Mar_14:32) which was on the other side of the Mount of Olives (Luk_22:39-40).
Gethsemane was another place Jesus would often resort to (Joh_18:2). Interestingly,
the word Gethsemane means “oil press.” xviii Olives would be pressed to extract olive
oil. Olive oil was the base for the holy anointing oil (Exo_30:22-25), which was a symbol
of the Holy Spirit (Exo_30:31-33). On the night of Jesus‟ arrest, He was pressed in the
Garden of Gethsemane (Luk_22:44), and we were able to receive the anointing of the
Holy Spirit (2Co_1:21, Heb_1:9, 1Jn_2:27).

Truly, the Holy Bible is deep and profound. Surely, there could never have been anyone
other than God able to inspire such a rich and intricate fabric of wisdom and truth
(Psa_119:160, 1Pe_1:24-25).

8:2
The “early in the morning” phrase is from the Greek word orthros, which means, “dawn
(as sun-rise, rising of light).” xix So, Jesus came to the temple at daybreak. Look at our
Lord and see how He would want to use all available time well.

As soon as the people noticed Him, they gathered around Him. Jesus could have spent
the precious time He had left enjoying thrilling adventures and seeing the sights of
interest, but He chose instead to invest the time in people interested in His teachings.
So the day begins, and the scene opens, with the Son of God sitting with common man
and taking the time to teach him of heavenly things.

8:3
About the “scribes:”
There were no printing presses or Bible bookstores. To get copies of the scriptures, the
scrolls had to be copied by hand. It was an occupation, and those employed to do it
were called “scribes.” Historically, scribes were closely affiliated with the priests
(2Sa_8:17, 2Sa_20:25, 2Ki_12:10, Neh_13:13). Additionally, scribes were teachers of
the people (Mat_7:29). Since they copied the scriptures, the scribes were very familiar
with them. Scribes were held in high esteem (Mar_12:38, Luk_20:46), and they had
authority (Act_6:12). The scribes had influence among the people, and Jesus would
need to address their behaviors and attitudes.

About the “Pharisees:”

Pharisee means “separatists,” from the word parash, which means to separate. xx Paul
was a Pharisee before his conversion, and his separatist views must have comfortably
agreed with revelations he was subsequently given by the Holy Spirit such as,
1Co_5:13, 1Co_5:11, 2Co_6:17, Eph_5:10-11, Rom_16:17, and 2Th_3:6. The
Pharisees were evangelistic, and they would seek to make converts to their
interpretation of scripture (Mat_23:15). They taught about the law and Godly things, but
they were more focused on outward signs of what they viewed as righteousness rather
than the inward condition of the heart (Mat_23:23-27). A Pharisee would think he was
better than anybody else (Mat_23:5-6, Luk_18:11). The Pharisees were also a political
party and a force within the governmental system of the Israelites (Mat_12:14,
Mar_3:6). They sought to protect the Law from corruption and misinterpretation, and
they tried to correct Jesus on several occasions regarding His violations, as they saw it,
of the Law (Mat_9:11, Mat_12:1-2, Mat_12:10, Luk_6:7, Joh_9:16).

So, here we have two groups of people known for their knowledge of the scriptures and
their commitments to keep the Law of Moses unaffected by new thinking or changed in
any way. They were, if looked at by today's standards, preachers. They were religious
leaders that oversaw religious goings on in the places of worship. They were the
pastors of Jesus' day. However, this scene took place not in a courtroom but in the
courts of God‟s temple. These preachers were acting like both police and prosecutors.

The scribes and Pharisees behaved as though they were prosecutors that had a
suspect and all the evidence they needed to have her convicted according to the law.
On the other side of the scene, we have Jesus whose very purpose was to fulfill the
Law and save mankind (Mat_5:17); the one thing the Law could never do (Act_13:39,
Rom_8:3). The Law accuses (Rom_3:20, Rom_7:9, 1Co_15:56, 1Jn_3:4)– Jesus saves
(Joh_3:14-17, Rom_8:2, Gal_4:4-5).

The tranquil scene of a teacher with His class (Joh_8:2) had been turned into that of a
court room. On one side is the prosecution spouting violated law. On the other side,
there was the defense. In this trial though the defense is argued by the Law giver
Himself, and how can anyone stand against His pure logic and reasoning?

8:4
“The very act,” they said, as if to emphasize what she was caught doing. Not that they
heard of her eating the cookie only, or that they merely saw the crumbs (the left over
evidence), but she was caught with her hand in the proverbial cookie jar. They had her
“dead to rights.” They were saying, “The prosecution rests.” Now it was the defense's
turn.

8:5
They used the Law found in Deu_22:21-24 to condemn her. Interestingly, the Law they
referenced called for them both (her and the man) to be stoned. Where was he? Why
wasn't the man she had been caught with drug into this court and thrown before God
and accused in front of all the people?
She had broken the Law. The Law said that she should die. The accusers asked, “What
do you say?” If Jesus said, “Stone her,” it would seem as though he was overstepping
his role as a teacher and stepping into the ancient role of the Israelite Judges of old. If
he said, “Let her go,” he would appear to be lax and soft on moral corruption and sin
and thus promote a climate of lawlessness. They believed they had him in a no-win
situation. Yes, what would he say?

They don't get it. God is right in front of them. They missed the awe, because they were
focusing on the Law. Don't miss the awe of God right where you are either. Is there a
law that you‟ve submitted yourself to that has stolen your focus away from the Fulfiller of
the Law? Keep your eyes upon Jesus. Your efforts to do anything but trust Him are
useless to save you or give you righteousness (Gal_2:21, Gal_3:21-22, Phi_3:9).

8:6
The Jews (see notes on Joh_1:19) were trying to trap Jesus into saying something
worthy of death, so they could justify killing Him (see notes on Joh_5:12), but Jesus
didn't say anything. He didn't respond right away at all. The disciples must have become
anxiously disturbed by his silence. “Say something,” they must have thought. “Why
doesn't He say something? He's usually very good in situations like this. This is a tough
one though. Maybe He's stuck. Maybe, He doesn't know what to say.

When we are personally struggling for answers, we can feel the need to hear from God.
Sometimes though, our answer from God is in His silence. Learn to be still (Psa_4:4,
Psa_46:10, Psa_84:4) and trust Him (Pro_3:5).

Don't fail to notice that Jesus would go down into the dirt and draw in the sand. Yet He
is God, and He suffered Himself to be made dirty, He who is perfectly clean and without
blemish (1Pe_1:19, 1Jn_1:5).

8:7
They didn't ask only once. Upon realizing that Jesus was choosing to ignore their query
in favor of doodling in the dirt, “they continued asking Him.” How frustrating it must have
been to have made a perfectly good and cogent argument based in the Law (see notes
on Joh_8:5) only to have the effort fall on what appears to be deaf ears (Joh_8:6).
“Perhaps,” they must have thought, “we should repeat the question.” Still, there was no
answer. “What do you say?” they insisted.

“He lifted up himself,” -- a picture of the crucifixion. He would be lifted up on the cross
and redeem the lost, as this woman surely was, from their sins (Joh_3:14-15, Joh_8:28,
Joh_12:32). She didn't deserve it. I didn't deserve it. You didn't deserve it either.

Why do we cast stones of condemnation at others? We have our own sins. Let each
person have grace enough to seek God's forgiveness without the judgmentalism rooted
in self-righteousness and pride. How beautiful this challenge from our Lord. No one is
perfect (Ecc_7:20, Rom_3:19-23). We all need grace (Rom_3:9, Rom_11:32, Gal_3:22,
1Jo_1:8-10).
8:8
Jesus was continually willing to stoop down to where people were hurting (see notes on
Joh_8:6 and Joh_13:5). This woman was wounded in her sins and sitting there in the
dirt of the floor full of pain and guilt and regret and fear. Jesus got down where she was.
She was dirty in her sinful nature, and He made Himself dirty in the same environment
as she found herself. It was what He did at the cross.

Think of it. The very finger of God that had written the Law on the tablets of stone before
the eyes of Moses (Exo_31:18), now clothed in flesh and blood, writes again. Moses
saw God‟s finger write the Law in stone that it might be given to those made of dust
(Gen_3:19) to help the people see what was the will of God (Exo_24:12, Deu_4:14).
This time the finger is in dust confronting those that used the Law to twist and thwart the
will of God.

The ways of God are beautiful and artistic and poetic and philosophically deep. How
incredible it must have been to witness such a display of humility and grace. Let us
even now be blessed to see God's mercy through John's eyes.

8:9
The word “conscience” is used thirty one times in our Bible (all New Testament) and
here are the verses (Joh_8:9, Act_23:1, Act_24:16, Rom_2:15, Rom_9:1, Rom_13:5,
1Co_8:7, 1Co_8:10, 1Co_8:12, 1Co_10:25, 1Co_10:27-29, 2Co_1:12, 2Co_4:2,
1Ti_1:5, 1Ti_1:19, 1Ti_3:9, 1Ti_4:2, 2Ti_1:3, Tit_1:15, Heb_9:9, Heb_9:14, Heb_10:2,
Heb_10:22, Heb_13:18, 1Pe_2:19, 1Pe_3:16, 1Pe_3:21). It was used once in the plural
(2Co_5:11).

This verse is the first time “conscience” was used, although the concept was referred to
in the Old Testament (Gen_42:21, Ecc_7:22).

What a perfect example of conscience. It is the picture of our Lord with the Scribes and
Pharisees when the woman caught in adultery was accused before Jesus (Joh_8:3-5).
Their conscience convicted them while they stood in the presence of God, having heard
from God Himself, while God wrote the Word with His finger as He had done on Mount
Sinai. Sure, they were convicted. Who wouldn't be?

“Conscience” is from the Greek word suneidesis, pronounced soon-i'-day-sis, and it

means “co-perception, that is moral consciousness.” xxi It is, “a prolonged form of
suneido, pronounced soon-i'-do, which means, “to see completely, to understand, to
become aware, and to be conscious.”xxii

Convicted comes from the Greek word elegcho, pronounced el-eng'-kho, which means,
“admonish... tell a fault, rebuke, reprove.” xxiii

So, our conscience communicates to us (or our spirit selves). It appears to be the
middle ground between the Holy Spirit and our spirits. It is our spiritual nervous system,
if you will. Our physical nerves tell us when something is hot and therefore will harm us.
When we sense the possibility of burning our finger, we immediately pull it away from
the source of danger. Likewise, our conscience warns us of spiritual harm. It doesn't tell
us when we might hurt ourselves, but rather when we are in danger of hurting our
relationship with God.

The conscience isn't merely a mental aspect of our makeup, because we see in
Rom_2:15 and Tit_1:15 that the mind, heart and conscience are all separate things. A
person can still act mentally and make decisions even while their conscience is dead or
has been desensitized. So, the conscience has its own separate function in the soul
(see notes on Joh_5:42), i.e., as a reinforcement of what is right. It is the “N” (signifying
true north) on the moral compass we use to guide our actions in this life.

I believe its pull or force in our lives is in ratio to our relationship or closeness with the
Lord. As our relationship with Him is developed, the more effect the conscience has in
our spirits or the better or stronger our moral compasses becomes (1Ti_4:2, Rom_1:28,
Eph_4:19). In 1Co_8:7, we see that the conscience can be either strong or weak. The
synapse between the Holy Spirit and our spirits either functions well, or there is not a
strong connection. A weak conscience is defiled (Tit_1:15), or doesn't function as it
should, and the connection between us and God is poor.

These men in the temple that day were religious folk. They were proud of their
relationship with God. They knew the scriptures. They had invested a great deal of
personal time in the pursuit of both knowing the Law and living it out in their everyday
lives. Having perceived that their actions were in danger of hurting their relationship with
God, they gave up the idea of stoning the woman and simply left the temple.

Interestingly, they left one at a time in order of age. This may be because the older you
are, the more opportunity you've had to offend God. It is more likely though, since
opportunity to sin isn't dependent upon available time but rather on what one chooses to
expose one's self to, that the older devout Jews had exposed themselves to the
scriptures to a greater degree and were more easily and quickly influenced by their
conscience.

After everyone else had gone, Jesus was alone with the woman. Notice that
somewhere between being sat down in Joh_8:3 and the end of this verse, the woman
had stood up.

8:10
Jesus had been bent over, in some way or another, writing on the ground (Joh_8:8).
Joh_8:6 in the KJV used the phrase “stooped down.” The whole advent of Christ on the
Earth in human form was a stooping down. He had stooped to our level. Here He was,
stooping again. This time Jesus stooped down to where a woman was. She had been
caught “in the very act” of adultery (Joh_8:4). She was ripe with sin and the despair of
her public shame. However, the spectacle had not caused the Lord to rise above it all in
divine indifference to the flaw laden exhibition of her lust driven weakness. Instead,
Jesus gets dirty too.

After all the plaintiffs leave, Jesus ceased His writing on the ground, and He stood up
(Joh_12:32). Look at the image. He went to the ground. He arose. He freed the sinner
and encouraged her to walk in newness of life (Joh_8:11). It is the same with every
believer. In Christ alone, we should place our trust (Pro_3:5). It is only He and His
resurrection power than can bring us up from the ground in which were too are buried
and free us to walk according to the Spirit (Eze_36:27, Rom_8:1, Rom_8:4, Gal_5:16,
Gal_5:25) as a new creature (2Co_5:17). Through Him, we that were once dead in sin
are born again into everlasting life (Joh_3:14-17).

8:11
The crowd of her accusers had all left the area of the temple she and Jesus had been in
(Joh_8:9), and they went to the Treasury (Joh_8:20). Jesus and the woman were now
alone (Joh_8:10), and He spoke to her. His words challenged her to reassess her
situation. Her circumstances only moments before had seemed hopeless. Her life
choices had caught up with her, and she was humiliated and shamed. Jesus told her
that He didn't condemn her though, and He commanded her to stop sinning on purpose.
She was free. She was saved. She had declared that Jesus is Lord.

I remember when I heard the voice of Jesus speak into my spirit words of life and hope.
I too had humiliated and shamed myself, and those that cared about me, by my choices.
I too had expected the stones of people's disapproval to justly fling in my direction. It
seemed I had very little hope, and I knew I deserved every wretched minute of my
plight. But, Jesus didn't condemn me. He spoke gently to me and called me back from
the darkness and into His light. He didn't slay me. He forgave me, and then He
encouraged me to go on with my life. Praise God! Hallelujah!

8:12
The Scribes and Pharisees had gone into the Treasury area of the temple (Joh_8:20)
and left Jesus and the woman alone (Joh_8:9). After setting the woman free (Joh_8:11),
Jesus turned again His attention to the religious leaders. Since they had slipped into the
Treasury, Jesus went into that area too and spoke with them.

He said that He is “the light of the world” (Joh_1:4-9, 1Jo_1:5). If you want to rise up out
of the dark tombs of your lives, follow Him. You who are dead in the darkness of your
sins (Joh_12:46), He can make you alive and able to walk in the light (see notes on
Joh_11:9).

8:13
Jesus claimed to be the “light of the world” (Joh_8:12). According to Mosaic Law, claims
couldn't be verified by only one person's word (Deu_17:6). The Pharisees (see notes on
Joh_8:3) argued that since He doesn't have anyone else to back-up His claim, it can't
be verified and therefore could rightfully be rejected.
8:14
In Joh_8:14-18, Jesus gave His exceptions to the rule the religious leaders had
referenced (Joh_8:13) regarding claims (see Deu_17:6):
First, by virtue of Himself alone, He is reason enough to believe what He says,
because He has knowledge they can't possibly have (Luk_23:34, Joh_4:32,
Joh_5:42, Joh_8:55, Joh_13:7).
Secondly, we condemn people based on our mortal, physical and temporal
concerns rather than forgive them as we have been forgiven (Mat_18:23-35).
The word “judge” in this passage is from the Greek word “krino,” pronounced
kree'-no, and it means, “by implication to try, condemn, punish.” xxiv He doesn't
condemn anyone (Joh_8:15), and the case in point shows that He didn't
condemn the adulterous woman that day either (Joh_8:11). Given that He is able
to rise above our mortal limitations and love everybody equally, He has exhibited
moral superiority and can therefore be trusted and believed.
Third, not that He does condemn, but if He did condemn it would be righteous
and just for Him to do so, because He only does what Father God sent Him to do
(Joh_4:34, Joh_5:30, Joh_6:38). Additionally, He would have been fully within
the Law, and His own standard of having no sin, to stone the woman earlier
(2Co_5:21, Heb_4:15, 1Pe_2:22, 1Jo_3:5).
Finally, He is not alone in His claim, because the Father is with Him (Joh_8:29,
Joh_10:30, Joh_16:32).

8:15
See notes on Joh_8:14.

8:16
See notes on Joh_5:31, Joh_8:14.

8:17
See notes on Joh_8:13-14.

8:18
See notes on Joh_8:14.

8:19
Jesus' mortal father wasn't there. Consequently, Jesus appeared to be relying on a
back-up witness that wasn't there to back up His claim (see notes on Joh_8:13-14) ... or
so the Pharisees thought. However, He spoke of His Father in Heaven (Joh_14:7,
Joh_15:24).

8:20
Convicted by their conscience, the Scribes and Pharisees left the area of the temple
Jesus and the woman had remained in (Joh_8:9), and they went into the Treasury. After
Jesus sent the woman away, He evidently also went into the Treasury where the
religious leaders had retreated (Joh_8:11-12).
John added that no one tried to seize Jesus. It was as though the Jews (see notes on
Joh_1:19) wanted to, but they were restrained. The Spirit restrained them, because
there was more work yet to be done.

8:21
How horrible for them. Imagine the Lord God Almighty prophesying over you that you
will not be allowed to go into Heaven. Jesus told them they would die without
forgiveness of their sins, and sinful man cannot enter into Heaven (Rom_3:23,
Rom_6:23, Rom_14:12, 2Th_1:7-9, Rev_21:8). The good news for us is ... we can be
saved (Joh_3:15-17, 2Co_5:21, 1Ti_1:15).

8:22
Notice how they seemed to have simply missed the part about them dying in their sins.
Also notice how they automatically accepted that Jesus was talking about dying when
He said, “I go my way.” They assumed however, since they think He's talking about His
own death, He planned to commit suicide. The Pharisees (see notes on Joh_8:3)
believed in a spiritual life and the resurrection (Act_23:8). Obviously, they thought they
were going to heaven. So, if Jesus is talking about His own death, and He wouldn't go
to Heaven where they believed they will be, then He must be planning to commit
suicide. The Pharisee believed, as do many in the Christian church, that those who
commit suicide will not go to Heaven.

See notes on Joh_5:24 about spiritual life compared to physical life.

8:23
This verse does damage to the notion of some that there is a pre-life for all spirits. A
pre-life existence would mean that we were in Heaven with God before we were put into
a mortal body, but Jesus tells us in this verse that that is only true in His case. He, that
is, His spirit, is from Heaven. We were always from this world. Our spirits were created
and placed into our physical bodies here on Earth. Incredibly though, the Lord gives us,
through Jesus, the opportunity to be with Him for eternity (Joh_14:6).

8:24
Jesus already said in Joh_3:14-17 that salvation from eternal death due to sin is
available through Him to all those that believe. Believe what? That He is the Lamb of
God that takes away the sins of the world (Joh_1:29). In other words, believe in Him.

8:25
If by “from the beginning” He meant from the start of this conversation, He told them that
He was the “light of the world” (Joh_8:12). He could have meant from the beginning of
His ministry on Earth (Joh_3:19) or perhaps THE beginning (Gen_1:3, Joh_1:1-5).

8:26
Jesus could spend a lot more time preaching to their cold sin-laden hearts, but His
focus needed to be on the mission at hand, that is, to save the whole world. His ministry
on Earth was to say and do only what the Father sent Him to say and do (Joh_5:19,
Joh_12:49, Joh_14:10).

8:27
They must have wondered though who “him” is.

8:28
Not all of them had to wait until the crucifixion in order to understand, because some
were converted as soon as He said these things (Joh_8:30). However, Jesus was
prophesying here that upon seeing how He will conduct Himself on the cross, the Jews
(see notes on Joh_1:19) will be able to see that what He is saying is true. Knowledge of
truth though is still not enough reason to repent and believe. There must be a
conversion. See notes on Joh_8:26.

8:29
The Father is always with Jesus (Joh_10:30, Joh_16:32), because Jesus is always
faithful (Heb_11:6) to what the Father directs Him to do (Joh_4:34, Joh_5:19, Joh_5:30,
Joh_6:38, Joh_12:49, Joh_14:10, Joh_17:8). God doesn't leave Jesus, and the Lord will
not leave us (Deu_31:6-8, 1Sa_12:22, Psa_37:28, Isa_41:10, Heb_13:5). If we are
without God, it is because we left Him through our lack of faith (Job_21:14, Job_22:17,
Psa_18:21, Jer_17:5, Heb_3:12, Heb_10:38, Heb_12:25).

8:30
Remember that Jesus was speaking to the Scribes and Pharisees (Joh_8:3, Joh_8:13-
14). He was speaking to the Jewish leadership (see notes on Joh_1:19), and “many” of
the leaders were converted that day to belief in Jesus. However, it was difficult to show
Christian belief openly in those days (Joh_7:13). Regardless of the consequences
though, we mustn't be ashamed to declare our faith in Him (Mat_10:32-33) or His
gospel (Rom_1:16, 2Ti_1:8).

8:31
Jesus spoke to these new believers (see notes on Joh_8:30), but really He was
reaching through time and space to all those that believe. He told them and us to stay in
the word. Read the scriptures. Learn of Him. One must renew their mind (Rom_12:2).
We need to change our responses to things. We were once the servants of sin
(Joh_8:34). We couldn't help ourselves (Rom_7:14-15). We were in bondage to our
sinful nature and lusts (Pro_5:22, Act_8:23, Rom_6:6-23, Rom_7:14, Rom_7:25,
Rom_8:15, Gal_4:3-6, 2Pe_2:19, 1Jo_3:8-9). Abiding in the word (see notes on
Joh_15:3) reveals to us the truth about our slavery and defeat, and the word gives us
the keys to freedom and victory (Act_17:11, Rom_10:17, Gal_5:1, Eph_5:26, Eph_6:17,
Col_3:16, 1Th_2:13, 1Ti_5:17, 2Ti_2:9, Heb_4:12, Heb_6:5, Jas_1:21-23, 1Pe_1:23-25,
1Jn_1:1, 1Jn_2:14).

8:32
If we abide in His word (see notes on Joh_8:31, Joh_15:3) we abide with Jesus, and
Jesus is the truth (Joh_14:6). Through His truth we find liberty (Psa_119:45, Isa_61:1,
Luk_4:18, Rom_8:21, 2Co_3:17, Gal_5:1, Gal_5:13, 2Ti_2:25-26, Jam_1:25,
1Pe_2:16).

8:33
They were indeed blind. It is as though they had forgotten or refused to acknowledge
that they were in bondage to Rome. Anyway, only moments before they believed on
Him. Suddenly, because of a saying that is hard for them to understand, they question
God.

Don't be too hasty in judging them though. Many of us have done the same sort of thing.
Many of us have encountered circumstances that were hard to understand and caused
us to question the Lord. Still, their wavering faith in Jesus had historic underpinnings.

Note how they placed too much confidence in their station as the chosen people of God.
It was as though they thought their sinfulness could be overlooked, because they were
heirs of the promise to Abraham (Mat_3:9, Luk_3:8). It was as though, regardless of
their circumstances or place in their contemporary political structure, they were above it
all. Their transcendence of the reality of their condition isn't due to a sure faith in the
Lord Himself, but in merely the covenant the Lord made with their ancestor. They
believed they didn't need a redeemer, because they already have through Abraham's
righteousness a “get out of jail free card.”

8:34
The Jews‟ (see notes on Joh_1:19) faith seemed to be placed more in their standing
with God as His chosen people than in God and their personal relationships with Him
(see the notes on Joh_8:33).

Jesus set the record straight and clear. Your ancestor's righteousness only gets you so
far. It may entitle you, through the favor of the Lord, to certain blessings you otherwise
don't deserve (2Ki_20:6), but ultimately everyone will have to stand before the judgment
seat to answer for themselves (Ecc_12:14, 2Co_5:10). So, Jesus said, “whosoever.”
That means ... everyone (Rom_3:23, Rom_5:12, Jam_3:2, 1Jo_1:8-10). A sinner is a
sinner whether Jew or gentile (Act_10:34, Rom_3:23).

Once one sins, and it takes only once, he is enslaved to sin and captivated by a lust for
more gratification. Only acceptance of what Christ did at the cross, and a submittal to
Jesus as Lord, brings freedom from sin and its ultimate eternal consequences and
ramifications (Isa_3:11, Eze_18:4, Eze_18:20, Gen_3:19, Rom_6:23, Gal_6:7-8,
Jam_1:15).

8:35
Any servant serves at the will of the master. The relationship is not a permanently
binding social contract, and the servant can be sent away or choose to leave the
service. The servant is the servant only so long as the master retains the servant.
However, a son has a lasting relationship with his father. The father\son biological
connection can't be terminated by the will of the father or the son. Even if the
relationship is severed, even if the son is sent away or chooses to leave, the son is still
the genetic offspring of his father.

Jesus is not a servant to sin as we are (Joh_8:34), and He has more than a
servant\master relationship with God. He is the only begotten Son of God (Joh_3:16).
His connection with the Father is permanent.

8:36
Before becoming adopted children of God (Rom_8:15, Rom_8:23, Rom_9:3-5, Gal_4:5,
Eph_1:5), we were servants to sin (see notes on Joh_8:34, Joh_8:35). Jesus never
sinned (2Co_5:21). Jesus is free from sin and enjoys full favor from the Father
(Mat_3:17, Mat_17:5, Mar_1:11, Luk_3:22, 2Pe_1:17). He has the authority and the
right (Mat_28:18, Luk_4:36, Joh_5:22, Eph_1:20-21), as the Son, to set the servant of
sin free (Isa_61:1, Joh_17:2, 2Pe_1:2-4). When Jesus sets us free from sin, we are
free!

8:37
In one sentence Jesus summed up the dissatisfaction of God in the children of Israel.
His people have put the word into their minds, and even on their bodies (Exo_13:16,
Deu_6:4-9, Deu_11:18-21, Mat_23:5), but they have not committed His word into their
hearts. They have studied the Law, but they have missed the intent behind the Law
(Joh_3:10, Mat_23:23). God, and their relationship with God, has been reduced to
legislative constructs forming mores that govern their everyday lives. However, they
love their society more than they love their God, and they see no problem even killing
anything that poses a threat to their way of life... even if it is God Himself.

8:38
Jesus told the Jews (see notes on Joh_1:19) that He said only what He has learned
from His father (Joh_5:19, Joh_12:49-50, Joh_14:10), but they do what they have
learned from their father (1Jo_3:8-10). His father is God, the Father. Their father is the
devil (Joh_8:44).

8:39
The Scribes and Pharisees (Joh_8:3) are indeed the descendants of Abraham by seed,
but they have not inherited from Abraham his righteousness nor his love for God
(Joh_8:37). They don't act like Abraham. Abraham was a man of faith and believed God
(Gal_3:6-7). They act like they are the offspring of the devil (Mat_13:38, Joh_8:44).

8:40
Jesus essentially told the Scribes and Pharisees (Joh_8:3) that he was not lying to
them. Everything He had said to them was the truth. They may not have liked hearing it,
but it was the truth. Abraham didn't try to kill someone simply because that person told
him a truth that was unpleasant to hear (Gal_4:16), and the truth Jesus was telling them
had come directly from God, the Father (see notes on Joh_8:38). Their actions and
reactions didn‟t match up with their spiritual heritage (Joh_8:39). They may have
physically descended from Abraham, but, unlike their ancestor, they were spiritually lost
(Joh_8:44).

8:41
By this statement, we see that the Jews (see notes on Joh_1:19) had come to
understand that Jesus had been talking about spiritual fathers (see notes on Joh_8:40).
They then sought to transcend Jesus' example of Abraham as a spiritual father, since
Abraham is a physical person, with their own rebuttal that they didn't look at a man but
to God Himself. They argued that they practiced their religion they received from God,
and so they were legitimate offspring of their spiritual father, God, and they are not the
illegitimate children of Abraham or any other man.

8:42
They escalated their argumentative premise to God Himself as their father (Joh_8:41).
Jesus responded by returning to His original point (Joh_8:19) utilizing their new frame of
the debate. If they were children of God, they would abide in God‟s word and keep His
commandments (Joh_15:6-7). Since Jesus is the word in the flesh (Joh_1:14), they
would seek to abide with Him. Jesus is God and was from God (Joh_1:1-3). If they too
were from God, their behavior would be different (see notes on Joh_8:40). If they were
from God and loved God, they wouldn‟t seek to kill Jesus (see notes on Joh_5:16,
Joh_7:1, Joh_7:20, Joh_7:25); they would love Him. However, they do not love Jesus,
so how can they say they love the one who sent Him?

8:43
Jesus asked the Scribes and Pharisees (Joh_8:3) a rhetorical question, “Why can't you
understand what I'm saying?” Then He gives the answer. They can't receive His word,
because it seems too foreign and strange to them (Joh_6:60). He brought words from
God the Father (Deu_18:18, Joh_12:49-50), and they weren't really from God as they
supposed (Joh_8:47).

8:44
Ouch! They claimed to be children of God (Joh_8:41), but Jesus tells them that they
acted like children of the devil. The devil is a liar, and the father of lies. Jesus adds, “…
there is no truth in him.” When the devil lies, he simply is doing what has become
natural for him. Besides being a liar, the devil is a murder, and they were seeking to kill
Him (Joh_8:37).

Jesus had asked them to abide in His word (Joh_8:31), but the devil didn't abide in the
truth (“abode not”) and neither did they.

8:45
See notes on Joh_8:40, Joh_8:44.

8:46
Can anyone prove that Jesus had sinned? If He was therefore sinless, He must have
been speaking the truth. If He told the truth and did not lie, why then did they not believe
what He told them? Perhaps, they didn't really hear and understand what He was
saying (Joh_8:47).

8:47
Jesus had simply asked them to continue in His word (Joh_8:31) so that they might
become free from their sinful nature (Joh_8:32), but they argued with Him about their
nature. They contended that they weren't inherently evil, because they are descendents
of Abraham (Joh_8:39). This contention was escalated to a claim that they were actually
children of God as well (Joh_8:41). Jesus pointedly informed them that they acted like
children of neither Abraham (Joh_8:40) nor of God (Joh_8:42). They behaved like
children of the devil (Joh_8:44-46). To finish His case, Jesus concluded in this verse
that they won't abide in His word, because they are not yet fully converted (Luk_22:32).

They may believe (Joh_8:30-31), but they still think like people conformed to the old
covenant. They need their minds renewed (Rom_12:2). A believer in Jesus is one that
puts complete trust in and full confidence in Jesus' word (see notes on Joh_3:15).
However, their initial belief turned into doubt, and they began to argue with God. Have
you ever doubted God? Did you argue with Him? It is natural to doubt. Even people very
close to God have doubts (Mat_14:31). When you doubt God, don't believe your doubts.
Doubt can rob you of victory over the big obstacles in your life (Mar_11:23).

8:48
What happened to their belief (Joh_8:30)? The result of doubts unchecked can render
the heart hardened against God. A God-defensive heart can find no fault in themselves
or threat to themselves by accusing God. To call Him a Samaritan was to separate Him
from the Jewish people (Joh_4:9), and make Him out to be less than they were. Besides
the cut-down of not being one of them, they added that He must be possessed by a
devil. See how sudden a heart softened by the truth can be rendered into stone
because of doubt. See notes on Joh_8:47.

8:49
Notice that He didn't even answer the accusation that He is a Samaritan. However, their
suggestion that God can be controlled by the devil required a response. They
dishonored Him, that is to say, they blasphemed Him. Jesus' response is that by serving
God it is obvious He isn't controlled by God's enemy (Mat_12:25, Luk_11:17).

8:50
Jesus had said that His ministry is neither about Him nor from Him (Joh_5:19).

8:51
Jesus spoke of Spiritual death. See notes on Joh_5:24 about spiritual life compared to
physical life.

8:52
The Jews (see notes on Joh_1:19) brought their case back to the accusation that Jesus
must have a devil (Joh_8:48). How could any sane person claim their teachings could
keep people from dying? However, Jesus‟ proclamation was truthful and not demon
inspired. Their thinking was limited into terms of physical life and physical death. Jesus‟
doctrine transcended the natural boundaries of this temporal world. Jesus was speaking
of spiritual death (see notes on Joh_5:24 about spiritual life compared to physical life).
Those that follow Jesus will not taste of the second death (Rev_21:8).

8:53
The Jews (see notes on Joh_1:19) were asking the same question the Samaritan
woman at the well had asked (Joh_4:12). They thought Jesus was boasting and making
Himself out to be greater than any man that has ever lived, and the children of Israel
had some impressive people in their history. Although they misunderstood the point of
spiritual life Jesus was making (see notes on Joh_8:52), they also were missing the
significance (see notes on Joh_1:10, Joh_2:23, Joh_8:5) of Jesus' stature among men
(Luk_2:52). They were missing the awe.

8:54
Some people put forth the assertion that Jesus never actually claimed to be the Son of
God. However, Jesus openly admitted that He is the Son of God (Joh_9:35-37,
Joh_10:36). Jesus also acknowledged that He was the Messiah too (see notes on
Joh_4:36, Joh_17:3).

8:55
The Jewish leaders believed they knew God and were from Him, but neither is true (see
notes on Joh_8:39, Joh_8:42, Joh_8:44). If they were speaking the truth, they would
keep God's commandments as Jesus does (1Jo_3:10, 3Jn_1:11).

8:56
Here Jesus told us that Abraham was given a prophetic vision of the future how through
his own seed the world would receive the Christ (Gen_12:3, Gal_3:8, Gal_3:16), and it
made Abraham exceedingly glad.

8:57
Jesus, in His low thirties at this point in His physical ministry, was obviously not in His
fifties. By pointing out the obvious, they were scoffing at Jesus' argument essentially
saying Jesus' statement is laughable. Abraham lived centuries before this discussion
and had been dead long before the days of Jesus upon the Earth. However, although
Jesus did see Abraham (Joh_8:58), He hadn't yet said He saw Abraham. Even though
many generations separated the time of Abraham and the time of Jesus, Jesus was
saying that Abraham prophetically saw the time of Christ (Joh_8:56).

Interestingly, forty two generations had come and gone between the times of Abraham
and Jesus (Mat_1:17). There are Biblical students that believe a generation is forty
years (Psa_95:10). Others think that a Biblical generation is seventy years, because we
are given seventy years to live (Psa_90:10). The fact is; the length of a generation can
vary, because some people live longer than other people, as in the genealogy of Jesus.
The use of the word generation in Mat_1:17 simply illustrates that each descendant
came after his father.

The point of argument over lengths of generations ultimately rests in attempts to

determine approximate dates or times associated with prophetic events. For example,
Jesus said that the generation that sees the parable of the fig tree come to pass will
also see the return of Christ (Mat_24:30-35). If the fig tree is Israel, and Israel's rebirth
on May 14, 1948, is the fulfillment of the parable, then we are in the last generation. If
that were true, it would be indeed interesting to nail down a length of time in a
generation. However, we must also remember what Jesus said next ... only God the
Father knows when Jesus will return (Mat_24:36).

Generations have come and gone, and we don‟t know how many are left yet to come.
The unbelievers and misled religious people, like these Jews (see notes on Joh_1:19)
who scoffed at even the true Christ, will scoff at us who follow Him (Joh_15:20). Ridicule
from scoffers though is a sign that we are in the last days (2Pe_3:3, Jud_1:18).

8:58
Jesus had never said He saw Abraham ... they had said that (Joh_8:56-57). However,
Jesus takes their argument based in ridicule (see notes on Joh_8:57) and goes beyond
even Abraham. He told them that He existed before Abraham.

“I am,” referred back to what the Lord called Himself when talking with Moses
(Exo_3:14). The Lord also used this term to Abraham (Gen_15:1, Gen_17:1). To the
Jews (see notes on Joh_1:19), this was a bold-faced blasphemy.

8:59
Believing Jesus was guilty of a most grievous blasphemy (see notes on Joh_8:58), they
felt compelled to stone Him to death. However, after taking their eyes off of Him long
enough to gather the rocks, they couldn't find Him. John told us, “Jesus hid himself.” We
don't know how He hid Himself, but it wasn't by hiding in a secret place. Jesus wasn't
hiding somewhere, because He walked right through the middle of the crowd.
Incredibly, He was hiding right before their eyes.

Chapter 9
9:1
John continued in this verse as though Jesus was still moving after disappearing from
the view of the temple crowd (Joh_8:59). However, His disciples seemed able to see
Him (Joh_9:2). Jesus may have been invisible to the Pharisees but not His disciples, or
this verse may take place a little while after Joh_8:59.

Regardless of how the Lord left the temple or how many people could actually perceive
his departure, on the way out Jesus noticed the blind man. He had been passing by, as
though He planned to continue on His way. When Jesus saw the blind man though, He
saw the plan of God concerning the man‟s handicap (Joh_9:3), and He stopped.
9:2
The disciples assumed the blindness was a result of punishment for sin, and this line of
thinking had a scriptural base (Exo_20:5, Exo_34:7, Lev_20:5, Num_14:18,
Num_14:33, 1Sa_15:2-3, 1Ki_21:29, Job_21:19, Psa_109:14, Isa_14:21, Jer_32:18).
Since the assumption of guilt was presumed, the only question that remained was,
“Who is guilty?” However, Jesus pointed out, although heredity does plays a role, our
ancestor's sins aren't always the prevailing factors (Joh_9:3). Additionally, Eze_18:20
informed us that our ancestor's sins will not be held against us, if we are in right-
standing with God (see notes on Joh_7:18).

9:3
Sometimes we don't know why we must suffer the things we are dealing with (see notes
on Joh_5:6). God has His reasons. You may suffer most of your life in some way, but
one encounter with Jesus can change everything (Joh_5:9). In fact, your
healing\deliverance may be the very thing that convinces someone else that God is real
and kind and active and able to save them as well.

9:4
Since part of God, the Father's, plan while Jesus was on Earth consisted of healing this
man for the glory of God (Joh_9:3), Jesus stopped what He was doing and did what the
Father sent Him to do (see notes on Joh_12:44, Joh_17:8). He was doing the “works” of
God. He was working, even though it was the Sabbath (Joh_9:14).

Since part of God the Father's plan while Jesus was on Earth consisted of healing this
man for the glory of God (Joh_9:3), Jesus stopped what He was doing and did what the
Father sent Him to do (see notes on Joh_12:44, Joh_17:8). He was doing the “works” of
God. He was working, even though it was the Sabbath (Joh_9:14).

Although the Jewish people saw the Sabbath as not a proper time for work, Jesus saw
His whole time in ministry as day-time. It is proper to work at day-time, because the
world is lit by the sun and we can see (see notes on Joh_11:9). Jesus is the “light of the
world,” and the world was illuminated by the presence of the “son.” We were once in
darkness, but now we see! Thanks to the brightness of the Son of God in the world
through His Holy Spirit to the glory of God, the Father.

9:5
See notes on Joh_8:12 and Joh_9:4.

9:6
Jesus said that this healing would manifest the works of God (Joh_9:3). Sometimes the
works of God appear messy to us. Sometimes God doesn't do things as neatly as we
would like. Sometimes our healing is proceeded by an even worse condition. However,
the whole process serves to anoint our situation with just the right mixture of God-
created salve, which He applies at just the right time. His time may not be our time. His
way may not be the way we imagined for ourselves.
9:7
Of course, who wouldn't want to wash off their face mud made from spit and dirt as
quickly as possible? Imagine the blind man's distress and confusion. He was begging,
which is how he received money. A man passes by. He hears the man stop and, with
some other men, talk about the origin of his condition as though he isn't actually there.
The next thing he hears is the man that was answering questions about him spits on the
ground (Joh_9:6). Everyone's quiet as the blind man hears the other man mixing the dirt
and spit. Without warning the man begins smearing the spit-clay into his eyes. Now it's
not like the dirt in the eyes can make him go blind. He already is blind. However, it's just
gross (see notes on Joh_9:6).

The blind man washes off the mixture, and he comes back healed. He can see! The dirt
had been washed away, and a new and better condition had been given to him
(2Co_5:17). He had been blind... now he sees.

9:8
Once we have a true encounter with Jesus, our neighbors, and those that know us best,
will not be able to miss the change in us. Our old nature will have been cleansed, and
we will exhibit a new nature (2Co_5:17). True believers change. After our conversion,
the way we do things will be different than the way we did things (Rom_6:4-6,
Eph_2:10).

9:9
When Jesus changes you, you will look enough like the person you've always been, but
in other ways you will seem totally different. Those that knew the blind man before now
saw a man that looked similar to the man they knew, but this man couldn't be him. This
man can see. How is that possible? Jesus!

As the formally blind man testifies to his neighbors that Jesus changed him (Joh_9:11),
so too we should tell the people that know us that “I am he.” I was blind, but now I see. I
am the same person you knew before, but not really the same anymore (Gal_2:20).
Amen!

9:10
After you meet Jesus, people will want to know what happened to you. How did you
change? What did you do?

9:11
Those changed by the power of God should willingly share with anyone that asks that it
was Jesus whom made all the difference. This man testified of the events that changed
him. After his healing, he had a testimony that declared the goodness and power of
Christ.
9:12
After we share our testimony about what Jesus has done in our lives, people may want
to know how they can find Him also. We need to have an answer. We need to be able
to lead them to Christ.

9:13
They brought the healed man to the religious leaders of the day (see notes on Joh_8:3).
Without seeking the Lord themselves, the people sought their answers from whom they
viewed as God's representatives. They were wondering how this miracle could be, and
was it of God (Joh_9:16)?

9:14
To do a miracle was doing a work, and no one was supposed to being doing any work
on the Sabbath (see notes on Joh_5:10, Joh_5:12, Joh_7:22-23, and Joh_9:4).

9:15
The Pharisees (see notes on Joh_8:3) didn‟t sincerely ask about the reported miracle of
God's handiwork in question, but instead were seeking further proof of what they
already believed, that is, that Jesus was a Law breaker (see notes on Joh_5:12) and in
league with the devil.

9:16
Jesus told us that believing in Him would cause people that were once bound together
to sever their ties to one another (Mat_10:34-36, Luk_12:49-53). John had already
shown us this in Joh_7:12 and Joh_7:43. Therefore, we shouldn‟t be surprised by the
division among the people over what Jesus was doing. However, to call Jesus a sinner
(see notes on Joh_5:12) is the height of arrogance and pride and foolishness. Unlike
anyone else whom ever lived, Jesus never sinned (2Co_5:21, Heb_4:15, 1Pe_2:21-24,
1Jo_3:5). We know that Jesus performed the miracles through the power of God
(Act_10:38).

9:17
If I were blind from birth until a man touched me, and, after His touch I suddenly began
to see, why would I not give a good report? Why then do you suppose that the Jewish
leadership asked the happy man, in the hour of his miracle, what he thought? In the
next verse we see that they didn't even believe the man was blind in the first place.

9:18
It is as though the Jews (see notes on Joh_1:19) thought that Jesus had previously
consorted with the supposed blind man to hoax the people into believing that He is a
prophet. As proof of their assumption, they call in the healed man's parents to testify as
to whether he was indeed blind from birth (Joh_9:19). The extent to which they are
willing to go to destroy Jesus' reputation among the people speaks to both their belief
that Jesus is a fake and their fear of His ability to change their way of life (see notes on
Joh_8:37).
9:19
They asked the parents as though they too were involved in the plot to deceive the
people, “who ye say was born blind.” They asked the parents as though the parents
knew how the man now sees, even though they weren't with him during the miracle.

9:20
The parents testified to two things in their statement; they are the man‟s parents, and
the man in question was indeed blind from birth. They were saying that there was no
deception on their part or the part of their son.

9:21
In Joh_9:20, the parents spoke to what they knew was true. In this verse, they admitted
though that although their son now was able to see, they hadn't any idea how the
miraculous change occurred. Therefore, they suggested that the Jews (see notes on
Joh_1:19) leave them out of it. It wasn't as though their son was still a child anyway.

9:22
The healed man's parents obviously had come to believe, through this incredible
miracle given to their own son, that the man who performed it must be the Christ. They
were concerned that the Jews (see notes on Joh_1:19) would might ask them if that is
what they thought. If they confessed their new faith, they may have been
excommunicated (see notes on Joh_12:42) as the Jews have already threatened the
people (Joh_7:13).

9:23
See notes on Joh_9:21-22.

9:24
The Jews (see notes on Joh_1:19) were essentially saying, “It couldn't be Jesus that
healed you. Don't go around exalting a sinner (see notes on Joh_5:12, Joh_9:16) to the
status of a prophet (Joh_9:17). It is God that healed you... not this man that rubbed mud
in your eyes.”

Notice that the Jews gave God the credit for their conclusion. Note how they project
humility and essentially said that they wouldn't have such wisdom and discernment if it
hadn't been granted by the grace and gift of God. Obviously, not everyone that claims to
have Spiritual giftings actually has been anointed to walk in such power (Act_20:29,
2Co_11:3-4, Gal_1:7, 1Ti_4:1, 1Ti_6:3-5, 2Ti_3:13, 2Pe_2:1, 2Jo_1:7, Rev_2:2).
Moreover, giving God credit isn't sufficient reason enough to believe the supposed
revelation was God inspired (Jer_29:8-9, Mat_7:15-16, Mat_24:4-5, Mat_24:23-26,
Mar_13:21, Luk_21:8, Rom_16:18, 2Pe_2:1). Test (2Ch_32:31, Job_12:11-12,
Lam_3:40, Luk_12:57, Rom_16:19, 1Co_14:29, 1Th_5:21) all reported divinations and
Spiritual manifestations (1Jo_4:1) according to the Holy Spirit within you (Deu_4:36,
Neh_9:20, Rom_1:3-4, 1Co_3:13, Eph_2:2-5, Eph_3:16-19, 1Pe_1:10-12, 1Pe_4:6,
2Pe_1:19-21, 1Jo_4:5-6) and God's Holy Word (Psa_119:9-11, Pro_6:23, Isa_35:8,
Mat_22:29, Mar_12:24, Act_17:11, 2Ti_3:15-17, 2Ti_4:2, 2Jo_1:10).
Of course, there are those who are sincere, but sincerely wrong (Isa_9:16, Isa_28:7,
Jer_23:13, Jer_23:32, Hos_4:12, Mic_3:5). If you discover someone following a lie, pray
for them and convert them to the truth (Job_42:8, 2Ti_2:25, Jam_5:14-15, Jam_5:19-20,
1Jo_5:16).

9:25
The healed man testified to the only truth that is sure at that point in his mind. “I cannot
speak to the condition of Jesus' heart,” the man is saying, “but I know that Jesus
changed me” (see notes on Joh_9:8-12).

9:26
The Pharisees had already asked him the same thing two times (Joh_9:10, Joh_9:15).

9:27
The healed man stuck to his story and expressed his frustration at receiving the
redundant questioning (see notes on Joh_9:26). Additionally, he teased them with a
chiding question, “Do they secretly want to be Jesus' disciples too?” In his words is a
confession that he is now a disciple of Christ.

9:28
The Pharisees, recognized the healed man's confession (Joh_9:27) and accepted that
he was now a disciple of Jesus. However, they denied any association with or belief in
Jesus on their part. “As for us,” they were saying, “We follow the teachings of Moses.”

9:29
They acknowledged that God was with Moses and God called Moses and God anointed
Moses to be a great prophet. However, the Pharisees saw Jesus as just another fellow
trying to make a name for Himself. The problem was that this “fellow” had demonstrated
the ability to work miracles and perform wonders (Mat_4:24, Mat_8:16, Mat_8:27,
Mat_12:15, Mat_14:19-27, Mar_4:41, Luk_4:40, Luk_6:19, Luk_8:25, Joh_2:11,
Joh_2:23, Joh_3:2, Joh_6:2, Joh_7:31, Joh_9:16, Joh_21:25, Act_2:22). They didn't
quite know what to do about their Jesus problem (Joh_11:47). The correct response
would have been to believe in Him (Joh_12:37).

9:30
The man changed by the miraculous power of Christ started preaching. The man that
was once blind began to witness to those still walking in darkness (Joh_1:5, Joh_8:12,
Joh_12:46, 1Jo_1:6). He appealed to the Jews‟ (see notes on Joh_1:19) willingness to
accept the goodness of God, seeing that the Lord had anointed Moses (see notes on
Joh_9:29) to do great things on behalf of the people, and asked them to consider that
this same God may also have anointed Jesus (Act_10:38) to do a “marvelous thing” on
his behalf.
9:31
The healed man knew a little scripture. He had obviously already been made aware that
God may choose not to hear the prayers of sinners (Psa_66:18, Pro_15:29, Mic_3:4),
but the Lord is attentive to the prayers of the righteous (Psa_34:15-17, Psa_145:18-20).

9:32
Apparently, not only did the healed man know scripture (see notes on Joh_9:31), but he
also knew enough history to confidently make a cogent argument based in a historical
perspective that is supportable enough to ring true. Jesus knows how to pick them.

9:33
The healed man presented his closing argument in the debate. Since God hears Jesus
and supports Jesus' ministry with signs and wonders, Jesus must be called by God to
do what He was doing. It is the same argument Nicodemus, a ruler and teacher among
the Pharisees, made in Joh_3:2.

9:34
The Pharisees accepted the likes of Nicodemus teaching them (see notes on
Joh_9:33), but not this formerly blind beggar. Their intellectual snobbery culminated in
throwing the man with no formal education out. “They cast him out” likely meant that
they excommunicated him from Jewish worship in the synagogues (see notes on
Joh_9:22). To a Jew, getting cast out was a serious matter. Where could one that was
cast out go to worship as a Jew? It would be like being marooned on a deserted island.

9:35
The man had been “cast out” (see notes on Joh_9:34), because he refused to discount
Jesus' hand in the miracle that resulted in his ability to see (Joh_9:17, Joh_9:30-33) for
the first time in his life (Joh_9:2, Joh_9:32). Additionally, his parents had told the Jewish
leadership that their son was on his own (Joh_9:21). It was as though he was suddenly
alone in the world. He had been healed, but the blessing of an incredible miracle was
quickly followed by the blessing (Mat_5:10-12, 2Co_12:10) of religious persecution
(Luk_21:12, Joh_15:20, Act_7:52, 1Co_4:12, 2Co_4:8-10, 2Th_1:4, 2Ti_3:12).

The healed man had been shunned and rejected for Christ‟s sake, but Jesus didn't want
him to feel abandoned without hope and something to believe in. After being forsaken
by the Jews, the man must have wondered how he would worship the God of the Jews.
Jesus presented the solution; worship God through worshipping the Son of God, and in
Joh_9:35-37 Jesus admitted to being the Son of God (see also notes on Joh_4:26,
Joh_5:18, Joh_8:54, Joh_17:3). The healed man may not have been able to be a Jew
anymore, but he could be a Christian and follow Jesus.

When Jesus was made aware of the man's excommunication, He sought him out. Upon
finding the man, Jesus gave him something new in which to place his trust. I thank the
Lord that He sought me out. I too felt alone in the world. I too felt like I didn't belong. I
didn‟t know what to believe or if what I was going through would matter to anyone at all.
I was blind and walking in darkness. I needed a healing. I needed a savior. I needed
something to believe in and cling to. I needed someone to love me even though it
seemed everyone else had forsaken me (Psa_27:9, Heb_13:5). Jesus was my answer.

9:36
Sometimes we just aren't sure what or whom we can believe in. Most of what had
previously mattered to the healed man‟s religious worldview before having an encounter
with Jesus had been altered. He could no longer publicly worship as a Jew (see notes
on Joh_9:35), but he knew the power of God had given him sight (Joh_9:17, Joh_9:33).
The Jews (see notes on Joh_1:19) had rejected him (Joh_9:34), but God had helped
him. How then could the Jews be right with God? If the Jewish leaders were wrong, he
couldn't believe what they said anymore. What then should he believe?

Jesus had offered the Son of God as the source (Joh_9:35) for true worship (Joh_4:23-
24) and a worthy place to entrust belief. Strengthened in confidence of Jesus by having
experienced His power, he only had one remaining question, “Who is the Son of God?”
“Show me who you say the Son of God is,” he was saying, “and I will believe you and
worship Him” (Joh_9:38).

In times of doubt and confusion we too can be uplifted into confident faith by
remembering the good things the Lord has done for us. When our belief is shaken, we
need the wisdom to ask God for encouragement and direction (Mar_9:24, Luk_17:5).

9:37
After experiencing the power of God through Jesus' hands (Joh_9:6), the healed man
was asked by Jesus if he believed on the Son of God (Joh_9:35). Accepting Jesus as a
prophet of God (Joh_9:17), the man was willing to believe what Jesus told him
(Joh_9:36). The Lord rewarded the man's faith with a type of revelation rarely recorded
in our Bibles. Jesus gave the man a verbal declaration directly confirming His divine
origins (see notes on Joh_4:26, Joh_5:18, Joh_8:54, Joh_17:3).

9:38
Jesus had asked the healed man if he believed on the Son of God (Joh_9:35). The man
didn't know who that was, but he would believe it was whomever Jesus identified as
such (Joh_9:36). Jesus acknowledged Himself as the Son of God (Joh_9:37), and the
man believed in Him. Once he believed ... he worshipped.

Our response to belief in Jesus ought to be love expressed through worship in

thankfulness and gratitude going forward in a new life characterized by service
(Rom_12:1, Eph_6:7, 1Ti_6:2, Rev_2:19) and brotherly affection towards others
(Rom_12:10, 1Th_4:9, Heb_13:1, 2Pe_1:7-9). How else can we respond? It is what
comes naturally to those forgiven (Luk_7:47). In short, our lives become a form of
worship.

9:39
Jesus spoke to the man that was blind about spiritual blindness and those, such as I
was, walking around in darkness. Before Christ saved me, it was as though I was sleep
walking through life. I acted awake. I made decisions. I bumped into things. I seemed
alert, but I was unable to function as I should. I was in the dark not even aware that true
life was available to those in the light of day (Rev_22:16, Luk_1:78-79).

Jesus is the light of the world (Joh_1:4-5, Joh_9:5), and He awakes us from our sleep
(Joh_5:21). We need not be zombies merely moving through life but really dead
(Act_26:23). We can be made truly alive by the power and mercy and grace of God
(Rom_8:11, Eph_2:1-5, Col_2:13). The zombie can be shown his condition and see his
need for God. The Holy Spirit reveals to us our true nature, and we realize that we are
blind (1Co_13:12). Once we turn from our old ways and submit ourselves to Jesus'
control over our lives, then we are free to walk in the light of life (Joh_8:12). Then, as
this blind man did, we can declare, “I was blind, but now I see” (Joh_9:25).

9:40
The Pharisees (see notes on Joh_8:3) believed they were not in darkness (Luk_11:35).
They thought they were in the light provided by the Law given to them through Moses
(Mat_23:2, Mar_12:26-27, Joh_1:7, Joh_5:45, Joh_6:32, Joh_9:29), but the true light of
life (Joh_8:12) comes only through belief in Jesus as the Christ (Joh_12:46).

9:41
In order to be saved by Christ, we must first admit that we are lost without Christ
(1Jo_1:8). We must confess (1Jo_1:9) that we are sinners (1Jo_1:10) walking in
darkness (see notes on Joh_9:40) and in need of the light (Rom_10:9).

Confession is what the “C” stands for in the acronym C.R.A.S.H. which helps to teach a
“Crash Course” about the gospel. The Crash Course is as follows:
C. Confess

R. Repent
We must confess, but we must also repent (Mar_1:14-15). Notice how
repentance is a two part action. True repentance is not just being sorry for your
sins, but it means that there is also a change of conduct. David said that after he
considered his behavior, he turned around (Psa_119:59). That turning is
repentance. Peter told us that the Lord doesn't want us to perish (Joh_3:16), but
He wants us all to repent (2Pe_3:9). “All” means you too (see notes on
Joh_10:2). It means everybody ... without exception ... “all.” You must confess
and you must repent.

A. Accept
One may confess that he is a sinner and even repent of his sins, but if he hasn't
accepted the teachings (Joh_12:48) in the Bible as applicable to his life, if they
seem too foreign or unapproachable or unbelievable (1Co_2:14), then such a
one is not yet fully converted. Such a person has not completed the C.R.A.S.H.
course. Such a one is in the case of many that thought the Lord's teachings were
too hard (Joh_6:60) and simply walked away (Joh_6:64-66). One can't walk away
 from Jesus and still get to Heaven (Luk_12:42-48, Heb_10:26, Heb_10:38,
2Pe_2:20-22). One must turn to Him and accept Him.

S. Submit
Submit to the Lord and His teachings (Isa_55:3). Let Him be Lord over your life
(Heb_12:7). Begin to obey (Luk_6:46)!

C,R,A, & S ... now “H.”

H. Holy Spirit
Once saved, the true believer ... not those false converts, but a true believer ... is
given the Holy Spirit (1Co_12:13). With the Holy Spirit we are given everything
we need to stay in the light (Gal_5:22-23, 2Pe_1:3). Also, the Holy Spirit is given
to us as proof that we are indeed saved (2Co_1:22, Eph_1:13-14).

That's the C.R.A.S.H. Course. Next time you are told by some misled soul, “I believe in
God, so I'm not worried.” Remember that belief, as we think of belief (see notes on
Joh_3:15) is not enough. Give them the C.R.A.S.H. Course in the gospel. Inform them
that they must confess that they are sinners, repent from their sins, accept the
teachings of the Bible, submit to Jesus as Lord over their lives and they will receive the
Holy Spirit which is proof of our salvation.

True belief equals a change for the better in their conduct. It means walking according
to the Spirit (Rom_8:1-5, Rom_8:14, Gal_5:18, Eph_3:16-19, 1Pe_4:6) and not going
around fulfilling the desires of their old sinful nature (Rom_12:2, Rom_13:12, 1Co_7:17,
Eph_2:1-3, Eph_4:22-24, Col_3:8-14). True conversions are identifiable by the fruit of
the Spirit (Gal_5:22-23) exhibited in their daily lives (Mat_7:16-20, Mat_12:33,
Luk_6:44). They “believe.” That‟s great, but are they changing? Are they becoming
more like Jesus and growing closer to Christ?

Chapter 10
10:1
Jesus revealed to them, through the familiar imagery of a shepherd, that he is the only
way to the Father (Joh_10:7, Joh_14:6).

10:2
Jesus comes to us (Joh_5:45). Jesus has no hidden agenda. He comes to us clearly
and His intentions are pure and transparent. The purpose and aim of Christ is for us to
do the will of His father (Mar_3:35, Joh_4:34, Joh_5:30, Joh_6:38). It is the will of God
that we turn to Him, live for Him and lead others to Him (Rom_12:2, Gal_1:4, Col_4:12,
1Th_4:3-4, Heb_10:36, 1Pe_2:15, 1Pe_4:1-2).

10:3
The “porter” is a “warden” or “watcher of the gate.” xxv
We may be penned up here in this life, corralled by our circumstances and conditions,
fenced in by what we perceive as our limitations, but Jesus is our warden, and He is
able to release us into freedom (Joh_8:36). He knows the way out (Joh_14:6), and He is
able to deliver us (Jdg_10:15, 1Ch_16:35, Psa_79:9, Dan_3:17, 2Co_1:10, Gal_1:4).

10:4
Jesus will send us out of our safe pastures and into the dangerous world (Mat_10:16,
Mar_6:7, Luk_10:2-3, Joh_13:20, Joh_20:21), but we don‟t go without guidance. Our
shepherd (Joh_10:11) goes before us and shows us the way (Joh_10:14). We follow
Him and the way He taught us (Joh_14:6). We hear and are familiar with His voice
(Joh_10:27). We do what He tells us to do (Joh_7:17).

10:5
If one studies physical money extensively, he will learn the intricate details of it and
become an expert. Even the texture of it will be familiar to the expert, and he will be able
to discern quickly any counterfeit from real currency. All of the expert's senses will be
tuned toward the “real deal.” Similarly, we need to become so familiar with Jesus that
we can easily discern His ways. Be a sheep of Jesus and know His voice, discern His
touch, and follow His promptings. When another Jesus (2Co_11:3-4), a counterfeit
Jesus, tries to lead you astray, run from him and do not follow him.

10:6
There are times, even when we know the Lord's voice and discern that the word we
received is from Him, that we hear His voice but we fail to understand the message.

10:7
Jesus began to clarify what He had been saying (Joh_10:1-5) by telling them that He
was the door (Joh_10:9, Joh_14:6, Eph_2:18).

10:8
Those familiar with the voice of the Lord, those that have a close personal relationship
with God, are not fooled by false messiahs (see notes on Joh_10:5).

10:9
Jesus is the door (Joh_10:1, Joh_10:7). He is the only true way to the Father
(Joh_14:6). Coming to the Father by Jesus results in salvation from our sins (Joh_3:17,
Act_4:10-12, Act_16:31, Rom_5:9, Rom_10:9), and any one finding themselves in
Christ will be at rest (Mat_11:28-29, Heb_3:18, Heb_4:3, Heb_4:9-11).

10:10
The enemies of the sheep are enemies, because they seek to harm the sheep for their
own reasons. They are predators, wolves and lions looking for something to devour
(1Pe_5:8). They are thieves plotting to rob (Rev_12:4) the Good Shepherd (Joh_10:14)
of His flock. Our enemy is the great thief, the devil (Eze_22:25, Zec_3:1, Mat_13:39,
Eph_6:11). The devil seeks to devour the flock of God. He only hurts us, because by
hurting us he hurts God.
Jesus cares for His flock (Joh_10:11), because the flock is His and belongs to Him only
(Joh_10:12). He is willing to die for the flock (Joh_10:15). God, the Father so loved us
too that He gave Jesus for us (Joh_3:16). This is why the devil seeks to harm us, the
sheep, because by causing us pain (the ones God so greatly cares for) he indirectly
hurts God. The devil has no power against God, nor can he ever hope to have a direct
victory over the Lord, but if he can destroy the ones that God loves, he causes God
pain.

The devil, that king of robbers, comes only to mankind then with the intention of hurting
God by stealing our peace (Joh_14:27, Joh_16:33, Rom_14:19, Rom_15:13,
2Co_13:11, Eph_6:15, Php_4:7, Col_3:15, Heb_12:14, Jas_3:18, 1Pe_3:11, Rev_6:4),
killing our joy (Ezr_6:22, Neh_8:10, Est_9:22, Psa_16:11, Psa_27:6, Psa_32:11,
Psa_35:27, Psa_51:12, Psa_126:5, Pro_12:20, Isa_12:3, Isa_35:10, Isa_51:11,
Isa_61:3, Isa_61:7, Jer_31:13, Hab_3:18, Mat_25:21-23, Joh_15:11, Joh_16:22-24,
Joh_17:13, Rom_14:17, Gal_5:22, Jas_1:2, 1Pe_1:8, 1Jn_1:4, and destroying our
relationships (Mal_2:15-16, 1Jn_3:14, 1Jn_4:20-21).

10:11
King David, when he was but yet a young shepherd boy tending his father's flock of
sheep did willingly put his own life on the line to fight predators (1Sa_17:34-36). David
was a good shepherd (Eze_34:23). Likewise, Jesus was willing to give his own life to
save His Father's sheep ... (Joh_10:15, Joh_10:17). He didn't want any to be lost to the
enemy (Mat_18:11, Luk_15:4-7, Luk_19:10, Joh_17:12, Joh_18:9). The Lord is our
shepherd (Psa_23:1).

10:12
Many organizations today have profit sharing plans and stock purchase options and the
like to promote a sense of ownership in the company and the company's results. They
have learned what Jesus said over two thousand years ago is true. If one owns an
interest in something, one is more likely to protect the thing and ensure that it flourishes.
An owner will give of himself to shield the thing he owns. An employee doesn't feel the
same motivation as the owner. After all, the owner's things don't belong to the
employee. “They aren't my sheep. It isn't worth dying over.”

10:13
See notes on Joh_10:12.

10:14
See notes on Joh_10:12. Jesus owns the sheep. They are His. He has an invested
interest in the wellbeing and safety of what is His. He is a good shepherd, because He
is willing to do whatever it takes to ensure the care of His flock (see notes on
Joh_10:10). He is familiar with them, and they know Him. They come to Him for food
(Joh_6:33-51) and help.

10:15
As Jesus is familiar with the flock He tends and the flock is familiar with Him (see notes
on Joh_10:14), Jesus and the Father are very familiar with each other. Jesus is willing
to protect and defend the sheep from harm with His own life, if necessary. So too, the
Father is willing to give His own son for the sheep (Joh_3:16-17).

10:16
Jesus came first to the Jewish people (Mat_10:5-6, Mat_15:24), but later the gospel
would go out to other pastures (the gentiles ... Act_13:46, Act_18:6, Act_28:28), and
then there would be one big flock (Rom_12:5, 1Co_10:17, 1Co_12:12-13, 1Co_12:20,
Col_3:15) that is neither Jew nor gentile but all of them believers and followers of the
great shepherd (Rom_1:16, Rom_15:5-13, Gal_3:28, Col_3:11), Jesus (Isa_63:11,
Heb_13:20, 1Pe_2:25).

10:17
We know that Father God, as any good father would, loves His Son regardless of what
the Son does (Luk_3:22). Our Heavenly Father, who is perfect (Deu_32:4, 2Sa_22:31,
Psa_18:30, Mat_5:48) and the embodiment of love (1Jn_4:8, 1Jn_4:16), loves
unconditionally and would have rescued His Son from any harm should the Son
requested it (Mat_26:53). Additionally, Jesus said that the Father loved us as He loves
His Son (Joh_17:23), and we have done nothing deserving of God's love. He loved us
while we were yet sinners (Rom_5:8).

Obviously, the fact that Jesus was willing to die is not the only reason the Father loves
Him. It is, however, the supreme promulgation of His love.

10:18
Jesus was saying that He would physically die (Joh_10:17), but it won't be because
somebody took His life from Him (Joh_19:10-11). His death will be a willing sacrifice,
and it would be on His terms. He would decide to give up His life (Luk_23:46), and He
has the power to overcome the consequences (1Co_15:55). Notice how He gave up His
physical life (Psa_31:5), and He announced His life's end (Joh_19:30). The power to
control His own destiny was given to Him by God the Father (Mat_28:18, Rom_13:1).

Interestingly, in Joh_19:11, Jesus said that God gave Pilate the power over Him. When
did Pilate get the power and authority? It was in the Garden of Gethsemane when Jesus
prayed, “nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt,” that Jesus handed back over the
power to the Father (Mat_26:39). Jesus gave the power our Heavenly Father gave Him
back to the Father, and God the Father gave the power to do with Jesus as he pleased
to Pilate.

10:19
See notes on Joh_7:43 and Joh_9:16.

10:21
Jesus had heard this argument before (Joh_7:20, Joh_8:48, Joh_8:52).
10:21
Some were convinced that Jesus was teaching the truth, although it was hard to
understand (Mat_13:14, Joh_6:60). Further supporting their faith were the obvious
miracles that they knew from scripture would be evidence of God's involvement
(Isa_35:5-6, Mat_11:3-6).

10:22
See 1Ki_8:63-66 and 2Ch_7:5-10 on the Feast of Dedication.

The Feast of Dedication was a religious celebration to commemorate the dedication of

the temple and alter (Hag_2:18), and it was observed in the ninth month of the Jewish
calendar,xxvi although the actual temple dedication occurred on the seventh month
(2Ch_5:3). Heavy rains would typically occur from the seventh month through the ninth
month (Ezr_10:9, Ezr_10:13, Son_2:11), and winter began on the ninth month
(Jer_36:22).

The dedication of the second temple is found in Ezr_6:14-25, and that ceremony took
place in the first month (Ezr_6:19).

10:23
Sometime between the end of His comments in Joh_10:18 to this verse, Jesus left the
Jews (see notes on Joh_1:19) to argue amongst themselves (Joh_10:19-22), and He
took a quiet walk in the temple grounds through Solomon's porch (1Ki_7:6).

10:24
Jesus had left the people in order to enjoy some time alone in the House of God (see
notes on Joh_10:23), but the people interrupted His solitude to press Him with their
concerns. They wondered if He is the Christ. They wished He would just tell them
plainly whether He was claiming that title. Perhaps they still wouldn't believe, but at least
they'd know for sure where Jesus stood on the matter. They had doubts, but they
blamed Jesus for their doubts.

Have you ever wished that God would plainly reveal Himself to you? If you could only
see a vision of God, as others have done in the Bible, then you would definitely believe.
Such a vision would alleviate all your doubts. We all have doubts. Not being sure of
everything is ... human. It is natural for us to doubt. Doubting our knowledge and
understanding of how things are leads to discoveries that improve our lives and
promotes progress. To doubt is natural, but when it comes to God, never believe your
doubts or doubt your beliefs.

10:25
He had told the people, in several different ways and on more than one occasion, that
He was the one (see notes on Joh_8:54). Joh_8:24 is just one example of Jesus plainly
saying “I am he.” In Joh_5:18, we see that the Jewish leadership sought to kill Jesus,
because He had said things that implied He was equal with God. Jesus had even
inferred He was the Son of God (Joh_3:14-17, Joh_5:19). Later He plainly admitted to
being the very Son of God in Joh_8:54 and Joh_9:35-37. So, He had told them, but
they hadn't believed Him.

Even if one didn't believe Him, surely the works that He did (Mat_4:24) testified to the
fact that He was anointed by God (Joh_3:2, Joh_5:36, Joh_7:31, Joh_10:38,
Joh_14:11, Act_2:22, Act_10:38). After all, He did the works in the name of God, the
Father, and not to glorify Himself. The sad truth is, despite the miracles, they still didn't
believe (Joh_12:37).

10:26
See notes on Joh_10:25 and Joh_10:4.

In Joh_6:37, Joh_6:65, we read that the Father chooses the sheep that will be
numbered among the flock and gives them to the Great Shepherd, Jesus (Eph_1:4,
2Th_2:13-14, 1Pe_1:2). So, when Jesus said that He had come to save the lost sheep
of the house of Israel (Mat_15:24), it is to seek and find those that the Father has
chosen (Joh_8:47, Joh_12:37-40, Rom_11:7-8). There is a choosing, an election, and
those chosen are the elect of God (Rom_9:11, Rom_11:5, Rom_11:28, 1Th_1:4,
2Pe_1:10). Even if these Jews to whom Jesus is speaking were of the House of Israel
and descendants of Abraham, they were not of God's elect. They are not of the flock
given to Jesus by the Father, and He tells them so (Joh_8:21).

For more study on the elect see; Isa_42:1, Isa_45:4, Isa_65:9, Isa_65:22, Mat_24:22,
Mat_24:24, Mat_24:31, Luk_18:7, Rom_8:33, Col_3:12, 2Ti_2:10, Tit_1:1, 1Pe_1:2,
1Pe_5:13, 2Jn_1:1, 2Jn_1:13.

10:27
God, the Father's, elect (see notes on Joh_10:26) are the sheep given to Jesus
(Joh_6:39, Joh_10:29, Joh_17:2), and they are the ones that recognize the Spirit of
Jesus' voice even now. The chosen sheep belong to God and are known of the Lord
(2Ti_2:19). They listen and obey the prompting of their shepherd (Joh_17:6-11).

10:28
See notes on Joh_1:29, Joh_10:27.

No one can deceive a disciple of Christ into leaving Christ, if the follower is listening to
the Shepherd (Deu_33:3, 2Ti_1:12). To leave Christ is to be separated from God, and
the thought of separating from God is repugnant to a Christian. Separation from God is
spiritual death (see notes on Joh_5:24) and a return to our putrid ways before the Spirit
changed us (Pro_26:11, 2Pe_2:21-22). True followers desire and are thankful to be in
Jesus' hand, or connected with Christ, which is spiritual life. Those that are spiritually
alive will not perish (see notes on Joh_3:15-16) in the second death Rev_21:8).

10:29
God is able (Mat_3:9, Rom_11:23, Rom_14:4, 2Co_9:8), and there is no greater nor
none other able enough to overcome the will of the Father (Joh_6:39-40).
10:30
Jesus was saying that the Father and the Son are united in every way (Joh_1:1,
Joh_5:23, Joh_14:9, Joh_16:15, Joh_17:21, 1Jo_5:7).

10:31
This is not the first time the desire to stone Jesus caused people to pick up rocks
intended to be flung in His direction (see notes on Joh_8:59).

10:32
Jesus framed the situation in the positive, and He showed to us His approach towards
events He encounters. From this verse, we see how positive God is. We see how He
looks for the good and how optimistic He is. He could have come from the negative and
asked, “What have I done so wrong that you would stone me?” Additionally, He asked
them to look at the positive. He asked them to focus on the good rather than the
negative, as they understand it.

10:33
All too often the tendency of our nature is to focus on what we judge to be wrong. In
their judgment, Jesus was guilty of gross blasphemy, because He talked as if He were
God's own son. The thing was, He is God's own son. He spoke rightly and truly and said
only those things that would help, according to the will and nature of the Father (see
notes on Joh_8:38).

See notes on Joh_10:32.

10:34
Jesus quoted Psa_82:6, in which David, inspired by the Holy Ghost (2Pe_1:20-21),
called the sons of men “children of the most High” and “gods.” Interestingly, in
Psa_82:5, David made it clear that he was speaking to humans that “will not
understand” and “walk on in darkness.” These to whom Jesus was speaking would not
understand (Joh_10:39, and see notes on Joh_10:32), and they were walking in
darkness (Joh_9:40-41).

10:35
See notes on Joh_10:34. It is God's word to say we are children of God, and God's
word cannot be a lie (Isa_45:23, Isa_55:11, Mat_24:35, Luk_16:17). However, Jesus
used the words, “Scripture cannot be broken.” Jesus is the Word (see notes on
Joh_1:1-5). He is the living Word or scripture in Human form (Joh_1:14). Since Jesus is
the Word in human form and Scripture cannot be broken, Jesus cannot be broken (see
notes on Joh_19:36).

Look in this verse and see how scriptures are threads of truth going seemingly in many
directions, and for awhile it appears to make a visible pattern. However, even with our
greatest efforts at concentration, we are incapable of keeping up. Unfortunately, our
perception is clouded by our limited understanding. The intricate design, woven together
by the Spirit of God using the threads, is so incredibly complex and rich and beautiful
that we are humbled in the realization that we know little of nothing (1Co_13:12). If one
had the ability to step back from our limited scope enough to see the entire holy and
perfect blanket that scripture becomes, one would view not only the image of Jesus, but
Jesus Himself.

10:36
The Father has sanctified Jesus. The word “sanctified” was translated from the Greek
word hagiazō (pronounced hag-ee-ad'-zo), and it means, “to make holy, that is,
(ceremonially) purify or consecrate, (mentally) to venerate.” xxvii Thayer's Greek
Definitions adds, “… to separate from profane things and dedicate to God.” xxviii So, the
Father has separated Jesus from anything stained with guilt and sin. God the Father
made Jesus holy, and He regards Him with respect and reverence.

If God has sanctified Jesus, how could Jesus be guilty of any sin, much less blasphemy
against the One that holds Him in such high esteem? Is it because He said, I am the
Son of God?” How could it be blasphemy though to agree with scripture (Psa_82:6,
Joh_10:34-35)? The problem is that they do not understand the scriptures properly
(Mat_22:29) or God's power (Mar_12:24-27) and willingness (Heb_3:10) to save.

10:37
If Jesus acted ungodly or rebelled against God, there would then be reason to suspect
what He says. The reason for their unbelief is that their hearts were hardened against
Him (Joh_12:37-40).

10:38
He appealed to their reason, because their hearts were hardened against Him (see
notes on Joh_10:37). The works Jesus had done did cause some to believe (Joh_3:2,
Joh_10:41). Unfortunately for others though, in some cases entire cities, the works
didn't move them to faith at all (Mat_11:20-24).

See notes on Joh_10:25.

10:39
See notes on Joh_10:31.

Exactly how Jesus “escaped” was not revealed to us. However, He repeatedly
demonstrated the ability to avoid seizure before His time (Luk_4:29-30, Joh_7:30,
Joh_7:44, Joh_8:59).

10:40
The encounter with a curious but agitated crowd had escalated into an angry mob in
Jerusalem at the temple (Joh_10:22-24). Jesus had gone there in the first place to be
alone in Solomon's Porch. This time, Jesus puts more distance between Himself and
His distracters (Joh_3:26), and there He stayed for awhile. He retreated to Bethabara
(Joh_1:28).
10:41
Jesus' good works (Act_10:38) moved many people to belief (Mat_4:23-25), and His
miracle working power still does. They even believed what The Baptist had told them
(Joh_3:29-36), because of the works.

10:42
See notes on Joh_10:41.

Chapter 11
11:1
Lazarus was Mary's and Martha's brother (Joh_11:19). He was sick (2Ki_20:1), and his
illness brought a sudden death only two days after Jesus heard of Lazarus' condition
(Joh_11:6).

John mentioned that this Lazarus is from Bethany, because Jesus had spoken of
another man named Lazarus (Luk_16:20).

11:2
It was also Mary that spent quality time with the Lord (Luk_10:39), but Martha was t0o
preoccupied by household chores and only complained to Jesus about Mary's laziness
(Luk_10:40). Later, Martha would again be serving in the house when Mary would lavish
Jesus with her worship (Joh_12:1-3).

One other record of a woman anointing Jesus' feet is in Luk_7:37-40, and another
woman would anoint Jesus' head instead of His feet (Mat_26:6-7). Interestingly enough,
in both of the other circumstances involving women anointing Jesus, neither woman is
mentioned by name, and the houses are owned by men named Simon. In Matthew,
Simon was a leper and lived in Bethany. In Luke, Simon was a Pharisee and lived in
Nain (Luk_7:11).

11:3
Their message was persuasive in tone and was meant to appeal to His emotional
attachment towards Lazarus (Joh_11:5), as though He might need extra motivation to
leave His work of healing others in favor of healing His friend (Joh_11:11). They had
highlighted Jesus' affection for Lazarus. He did love the whole family (Joh_11:5), but the
word for love used in Joh_11:5, is the same used in Joh_3:16 (see notes on Joh_11:5).
The whole family or the “whole world” indicates a broader love than the word used in
this verse.

The word for “lovest” is from the Greek word phileo, pronounced fil-eh'-o, and it means,
“to be a friend to (fond of [an individual or an object]), that is, have affection for
(denoting personal attachment, as a matter of sentiment or feeling; while G25 is wider,
embracing especially the judgment and the deliberate assent of the will as a matter of
principle, duty and propriety ...” xxix Jesus loved them all, but Lazarus had become a
good personal friend to our Lord. Jesus loves us too, but we can have a deep and
meaningful personal relationship with Him as well.

11:4
Of course ... Lazarus did die (Joh_11:14). Jesus didn't mean that Lazarus wouldn't die.
He meant that the death of Lazarus would not be the end of Lazarus' Earthly life,
because Jesus intended to raise Lazarus from the dead (Joh_11:23). Jesus meant that
Lazarus' sickness was intended not to bring him to death but to glorify the Lord through
the incredible miracle of Lazarus' resurrection in front of a crowd of witnesses
(Joh_11:45).

See notes on Joh_11:32.

11:5
Jesus “loved” this family. “Loved” is from the Greek word agapao, and it means “to love
(in a social or moral sense).”xxx Thayer's Greek Definitions adds, “… to welcome, to
entertain, to be fond of, to love dearly.” xxxi Jesus' love for Martha and her siblings was a
close social friendship. It is the same word used of Jesus' affection towards the Apostle
John (Joh_13:23, Joh_19:26, Joh_21:7, Joh_21:20).

11:6
We know Jesus was in Bethabara, as we last saw in Joh_10:40, because John the
Baptist had baptized at Bethabara (see notes on Joh_1:28). Lazarus‟ home was in
Bethany (Joh_11:1). Obviously, Lazarus‟ sisters‟ pleas to Jesus‟ emotional attachment
to His friend (see notes on Joh_11:3) wasn‟t reason enough to motivate Him into
urgency regarding their brother. He was in no hurry to leave Bethabara in order to go to
Bethany.

Sometimes God doesn‟t answer our prayers as quickly as we‟d like. We feel like He
should respond immediately and intervene miraculously as soon as we finish our
prayers. We are His adopted children, after all (Rom_8:15-17, Gal_4:5, Eph_1:5).
However, our Heavenly Father has a complete and undiminished macro view which
includes all things. Our micro worldviews are incapable of understanding how the
threads of our lives immediately around us fits into the intricate and complicated full
tapestry woven by our artistic Creator God. Being a part of the whole, we are simply too
close to the picture to see things as they really are.

Our Lord always cares for us; although we may not perceive His caring. Given His
affinity for their family (see notes on Joh_11:5), to Lazarus‟ sisters, Jesus‟ delay must
have seemed bizarre and uncompassionate. If Jesus had come earlier, surely He would
have saved Lazarus from death (Joh_11:21). When you are waiting for answers to
prayer, don‟t be offended with God (Mat_11:6, Luk_7:23). The delay we experience may
be used to affect a lot of good and bring much glory to the Lord (Joh_9:3, Joh_11:4),
and our inability to perceive the whole picture is even more reason to trust the one who
does.
Learn to trust Him with H.O.P.E (Psa_37:7, Psa_42:5, Psa_146:5). Learn that, no
matter how things appear, we can Hold On Patiently Expecting. Lean on Him who
understands all things rather than trying to figure out the whys of adversity and trouble
(Pro_3:5). Praise the Lord, not only in the midst of your pain (2Ch_20:15-22, Act_16:23-
26, Rom_5:1-7) but because of your pain (Psa_103:1-5, Rom_1:21, Rom_8:28,
2Co_12:10, Eph_5:4, Eph_5:20, Phi_4:6, Col_3:15-17, Col_4:2, 1Th_5:18, Heb_13:15,
Jam_1:2-3). Keep your faith rooted in Christ (Job_19:23-27, Col_2:7), and trust the
Spirit of Christ to help you endure even what seems to be wrongful suffering
(Psa_119:49-50, Zep_3:19, Phi_1:29, 1Pe_2:19, 1Pe_4:19). Be so close to God, and
love God so much, that the quality of your relationship with Him doesn't depend upon
your situations (Job_1:20-21, Phi_4:11, 1Ti_6:6-9, Heb_13:5-6). Be resolved that even
death cannot break your trust in Him (Job_13:15, Dan_3:16-18) or separate you from
the Lord (Rom_8:35-39). Keep full confidence in Christ (Phi_4:13). Give yourself over to
the realization that whatever your situation is, Almighty and Everlasting God will help
you through it (Psa_37:5, Psa_115:11, Psa_121:1-2, Isa_12:2, Isa_26:3, Isa_41:10-20,
Jer_17:7, 2Co_4:16-18).

11:7
Bethany was just outside Jerusalem, and both towns were in Judea (Mar_11:1,
Mar_11:11, Joh_11:18, Act_2:14). Bethany would eventually be the place from which
Jesus would ascend into heaven before His disciples‟ eyes (Luk_24:50-51).

11:8
Jesus and His disciples had gone to Bethabara (see notes on Joh_11:6) to let things
cool down in Judea (Joh_10:30-40). Consequently, the disciples evidently were not
privy to the message of Lazarus' illness (Joh_11:3). When Jesus first suggested that
they should all return to Judea, they responded negatively and reminded Him about the
vehement Jews (see notes on Joh_1:19). They were afraid that they might all be stoned
(Joh_11:16), should they return to Judea right away. Besides, the latest angry mob
scene was not the first time that people had picked up stones with the intention of
stoning Jesus (Joh_8:59).

11:9
Jesus was teaching us that:
It is night to them that are in darkness (1Sa_2:9, Job_5:14, Psa_82:5,
Psa_107:10, Psa_143:3, Pro_4:19, Isa_50:10, Isa_59:9, Jer_23:12, Mic_3:6,
Mat_6:23, Luk_2:8, Joh_1:5, 2Pe_2:17, 1Jn_2:9-11).
Jesus is a “waker” of those that sleep (2Sa_22:10, Job_12:22, Psa_18:28,
Psa_119:25, Psa_119:50, Psa_119:107, Psa_119:154, Psa_143:11, Isa_42:6-7,
Mat_4:16, Joh_3:19, Joh_5:1, Joh_6:63, Act_26:18, Rom_4:17, 1Co_15:45,
Col_1:13).
The night time of death is over (Job_28:3, Dan_12:2, Rom_13:12, 1Co_15:36,
Eph_2:1, Eph_2:5, Col_2:13, 1Jn_2:8 ).
It is time to awaken (Deu_5:23, Isa_9:2, Isa_60:1-3, Isa_52:1-2, Eph_5:14).
Jesus has shown us the way to life (2Sa_22:29, Psa_119:105, Job_29:3,
Isa_42:16, Dan_2:22, Mic_7:8, Luk_1:79, Joh_3:16, Joh_5:24, Joh_6:27,
 Joh_8:12, Joh_6:47, Joh_11:26, Joh_12:46, Joh_14:6, Rom_6:22, 2Co_4:6,
1Ti_1:16, 1Pe_2:9).
Darkness can be cast aside in favor of the light (Deu_30:19, Jos_24:15,
Psa_80:18, Psa_107:14, Psa_119:88, Pro_8:36, Isa_5:20, Luk_11:35, Joh_6:40,
Joh_12:35, 2Co_6:14, Gal_6:8, Eph_5:8-11, 1Th_5:4-7, 1Jn_1:6).

See notes on Joh_8:12 and Joh_9:4.

See 1Jn_1:5.

11:10
Jesus was not talking about natural light from the sun. He was talking about spiritual
light from the Son (see notes on Joh_1:4-5, Joh_1:9-10, Joh_9:4, Joh_9:39-41, and
Joh_11:9). Speaking of any man walking in darkness, Jesus did not say, “There is no
light on him.” He said, “There is no light in him.” If the light of the world is not in us, we
are walking in darkness (Pro_4:18-19).

11:11
Jesus called Lazarus “our friend,” not just His, but the disciples' friend as well. Lazarus'
family and Jesus' team had all become close and valued their relationships one with
another (Joh_11:16).

Jesus also calls Lazarus' death merely a “sleep.” Lazarus was truly physically dead
(Joh_11:14), but it would be as though he were only sleeping (Mat_9:24, Mar_5:39,
Luk_8:52), because Jesus was going to awaken him back to physical life (Psa_4:8,
Joh_5:25-29, 1Co_15:51, Eph_5:14).

For more on the difference between physical life and spiritual life, see notes on
Joh_5:24.

11:12
When we are sick, we are often encouraged to get plenty of rest. It only made sense to
the disciples that they shouldn't disturb Lazarus' sleep and hinder his recovery.
Additionally, perhaps they felt it necessary to comfort Jesus by saying the sleep will do
Lazarus good (Joh_11:13).

11:13
Sometimes Jesus would speak of life and death in either physical or spiritual terms, and
it was difficult for His listeners to always easily discern exactly to what He was referring
to (Joh_3:16, Joh_3:36, Joh_5:21, see notes on Joh_5:24-25, Joh_6:35, Joh_6:50-58,
Joh_8:22, Joh_8:51).

11:14
At times, Jesus would couch His points in words chosen to bring the intended message
in a gentle way that would be more easily accepted but hidden from those not yet ready
for it (Mat_13:10-13). At other times, the message required a blunt frankness, and
Jesus wouldn‟t speak with any ambiguity (Joh_16:29). At this point in their discussion,
the disciples needed to know that Lazarus was dead.

11:15
Jesus was glad, because His love for Lazarus would have moved Him to heal His
friend. If Lazarus had been healed from his illness though, it would have been only one
of many such miracles that Jesus had already performed. Lazarus' death moved his
recovery to a whole new level. It is one thing to be raised up from a sick bed after being
told to pick up your bed and walk (Joh_5:8), it is quite another to rise from your tomb
after being told to “come forth” (Joh_11:43). Watching Lazarus' physical resurrection
from the dead would expand the faith of His disciples (Joh_2:11, Joh_14:10, Joh_20:30-
31), and increasing their faith made Him glad.

When we increase our faith (2Co_10:15), it makes the Lord glad as well (Heb_11:6).
We tend to focus on what we have to go through, but God's focus is on what we
become having gone through it. We may wonder why we have a trial. We may wonder
why we haven't experienced deliverance (Mat_11:2-6). We want our struggle to be
transformed into peace, but the Lord wants to use the struggle to change something in
us. Having been changed through the power of God and seeing His hand at work in our
lives, our faith in His goodness and love towards us grows (Gal_5:6). Loving Him is
easier for us, once we perceive His incredible love of us, and loving God is all he wants
from us (Exo_20:3-6, Deu_5:7, Deu_6:5, Mat_22:37, Mar_12:30, Luk_10:27).

We may be torn and tattered from our spiritual battles, but the scars are our medals of
honor reminding us of our victories through Christ over the enemy. Let our past
struggles serve only to embolden us, having conquered our foe before (Rom_8:37), as
we move onward realizing that Christ is still on our side (Rom_8:31, Phi_4:13).

11:16
Thomas and Didymus mean the same thing. xxxii Thomas is translated from the Aramaic
word for twin and Didymus is Greek for twin. Apparently, in Greek circles, Thomas was
referred to as Didymus (Joh_20:24, Joh_21:2).

Thomas' proposition that they return to Bethany despite the dangers (Joh_11:7-8) was
evidence of his personal love for Lazarus.

11:17
It appears that upon entering Jerusalem (Joh_11:18), Jesus immediately heard the four
day-old news of Lazarus' death and burial. The fact that the news was still being
broadcast beyond Bethany (see notes on Joh_11:18) four days after the entombment
was evidence of Lazarus' fame in the area.

11:18
See the notes on Joh_8:1 for more information about the distance between Bethany
and Jerusalem.
11:19
Typically, the Apostle John would use the term “the Jews” in his gospel referring to the
Jewish leadership (see notes on Joh_1:19). There is now therefore no reason to
suppose that John was simply referring to Lazarus' relatives or other concerned fellow
folk from the Jewish people in this verse.

Jesus had experienced many problems with “the Jews,” and most recently “the Jews”
had wanted to stone Him (Joh_11:8). It was likely the same sort of people that were
comforting the bereaving family.

Perhaps, the Jews were using the death of Lazarus as bait. They might have thought,
“We don't need to go after Jesus. Lazarus' funeral will bring Him to us.” Be careful to not
assume that all acts of kindness conferred by what appear to be religious people are
motivated only by love (Mat_10:16, Jam_1:26-27).

11:20
We see from Luk_10:38-42 that Martha was a self motivator aggravated by any
apparent lack of motivation in others, in particularly her sister, Mary. Martha valued
positive and productive movement when things were needed to be done, and she
moved quickly towards Jesus.

Mary wasn't as quick to move as Martha, and she preferred the quiet stillness of sitting
in mediation over the nervous and anxiety filled actions that produced more stress
(Luk_10:39). Jesus once told Martha that Mary's way was better (Luk_10:41-42), so let
us learn from her example (Psa_46:10).

11:21
She spoke the truth (see notes on Joh_11:15). However, Martha's truth was heavy with
blame and accusation. We don't always understand the plans of God. His ways don't
always match what we would prefer. When things don't go the way we'd like though, we
need to learn not to blame God (Luk_7:23).

There is the story of the man whose son was very sick. The man prayed, “Dear Lord,
please heal my son. He is my only son. Please don't let him die.” His prayer was full of
faith, and the man believed that God would indeed work a miracle on his son's behalf.
Soon the son died. The boy's father was so upset at God. “Why didn't you heal my son?
Where were you when my son died? Then he heard the voice of the Lord speak within
his spirit, “The same place I was when mine died.”

Our view is limited and clouded by our interpretation of reality (see notes on Joh_11:6).
God alone sees the “Big Picture,” and He is in control. Praise God!

11:22
Her statement showed her faith in the power of God working through Jesus. Essentially,
she was saying that she believed if Jesus asked God to raise her brother from the dead,
God would do it. However, she seemed hesitant to ask Jesus frankly for what she
wanted (Jam_4:3). In His compassion for Martha and her brother (Joh_11:3) and in
obedience to the plans of God (Joh_11:4), Jesus answered her heart's cry (Joh_11:23)
despite her timidity (Jas_1:6-7).

God has plans to help you too and give you the desires of your heart. Knowing how
much He loves us (Joh_3:16), and how much He would give to us (Mat_7:11,
Luk_11:13), why should we approach Him timidly (Heb_4:16)?

11:23
Jesus knew what Martha meant and what she wanted despite what she chose to say
(see notes on Joh_11:22). He assured her that He would give the desire of her heart.

11:24
Martha didn't understand that Jesus was prophesying not about the final resurrection on
the last day (1Th_4:13-15) but of Lazarus' resurrection that very day (see notes on
Joh_11:23).

11:25
What a beautiful statement of the redemptive plan directly from the lips of God. Before
we came to Christ, we were dead in our sins (Rom_7:8, 2Co_1:9, 2Co_5:14-15,
Eph_2:1-3, Col_2:13 1Ti_5:6). We were cut off from communion with the most High
(Rom_8:7, Rom_11:22, Eph_2:12-17, Eph_4:18, Col_1:21, Jas_4:4), and we were
spiritually dead (see notes on Joh_1:4, Joh_5:24).

Although Jesus would Himself be raised up from physical death (Joh_20:1-9, Act_1:3,
Act_2:23-32, Act_13:30, Act_25:19, Rom_4:24, 1Co_15:4, Gal_1:1), thus providing us
hope for our own physical resurrections (1Co_15:20), Jesus spoke here of spiritual life
(Rom_6:11-13, Rom_7:16, Rom_8:10, Eph_5:14). We may be dead in our sins, but we
can be born again (Joh_3:3, Rom_6:4, Rom_8:11, Rom_11:15, Col_2:12, 1Th_5:6-10,
1Pe_1:23, 1Pe_4:6) through belief in Christ Jesus (Joh_3:15-16, Joh_3:36).

The rebirth from spiritual death into spiritual life everlasting is a resurrection of the most
forgiving and merciful sort (Psa_103:8-11, Dan_9:9, Mic_7:18-19, Rom_2:4, Rom_5:15-
20, Rom_9:23, 2Co_5:14-15, Eph_1:7, Eph_2:4-6). Through mercy and grace, Jesus
was about to show the divine power of almighty God at work in His ministry, in that He is
able not only to resurrect the physically dead but the spiritually dead as well (see notes
on Joh_5:21). Praise is to our God and savior Jesus Christ.

11:26
Jesus spoke of spiritual life and spiritual death (see notes on Joh_5:24, Joh_11:13,
Joh_11:25). Many martyrs, the first of which was Stephen (Act_7:59), died a physical
death believing with all their hearts in the Lord Jesus Christ (Act_6:8). However, like
Stephen, those that believe in Jesus will never spiritually die (2Co_13:4, 1Jo_5:11-12).
11:27
A worried and anxious father once said to the Lord, “I believe, help thou mine unbelief”
(Mar_9:24). Believing in Jesus isn't always easy. When the sun shines and all is well in
your life, belief comes easier than when you are suffering through a storm. Build your
faith on the firm rock of Jesus' teachings therefore, that your belief will be able to
withstand the crashing forces of life's challenges (Mat_7:24-27, Luk_6:46-49).

Notice what Martha said she believed. She said, “I believe that thou art the Christ, the
Son of God, which should come into the world.” Notice also that the Lord didn't
comment on her declaration. Peter had made a similar statement of faith (Mat_16:16),
and Jesus emphasized the importance of that revelation (Mat_16:17-19). Since no one
can say Jesus is Lord without a personal revelation from God (1Co_12:3), why was
Martha's statement of faith essentially ignored?

Having come to the knowledge of the Lord, we need to stand strong in our conviction
(Eph_6:13-14, 2Th_2:15) and not stagger in unbelief because of a blow from life
(Rom_4:20). Unbelief, even doubt unchecked, can infect the heart of a believer and
cause one to turn from God (Heb_3:11-14). Turning away from God is to fall into the
grossest of error (Heb_4:11, 2Pe_3:17). Sadly, Martha made her statement, and then
she turned from the Lord (Joh_6:66) and went away (Joh_11:28).

11:28
There is no record of Jesus having asked for Mary. There are those that will say they
were sent by the Lord with a message, but they were not. Having spoken with the Lord
does not give one authority to speak for the Lord. Saying that Jesus is your master does
not make it so.

11:29
Mary preferred a slower pace (see notes on Joh_11:20), but notice how “she arose
quickly,” when she learned that Jesus called for her.

11:30
Before proceeding on to Lazarus' grave, Jesus apparently decided to rest where Martha
had met Him. The family likely desired to have Jesus come as quickly as possible, but it
appeared that He was in no hurry at all (Eze_18:29, Isa_55:8-9, Hos_14:9).

Jesus had delayed His return to Bethany and allowed four more days to pass by after
Lazarus had been entombed (Joh_11:17) before arriving just outside the city
(Joh_11:18). Once Jesus arrived, there had been enough time for,
People to reach Martha with the news that Jesus was on His way towards her
house (Joh_11:20),
Martha to get to Jesus after hearing of His approach (Joh_11:20),
Martha to have a conversation with Jesus (Joh_11:21-27),
Martha to go back to the house and tell Mary Jesus was asking for her
(Joh_11:28),
 Mary to get to Jesus after hearing that He called for her to come to Him
(Joh_11:29),
“Yet,” after all this time, Jesus is still not where it appears that He is needed
most.

Sometimes we don't understand why He doesn't just answer our prayer right now (see
notes on Joh_11:6). Some will wonder why the Lord allows them to suffer, when He
could have healed them at anytime ... preferably immediately. The family and friends of
Lazarus suffered, but it was all for a reason (Joh_11:4, Joh_11:15). Since we often only
partially perceive the reason we may have gone through a problem after the matter has
been resolved (if at all), an ordeal can seem random and without any cause. But, we
know that everything happens for a reason (Ecc_3:1, Rom_8:28), and we mustn't blame
God (see notes on Joh_11:21).

11:31
Did they want to weep at the grave with her, or were they wondering if Jesus would be
there (see notes on Joh_11:19)? They must have wondered, “What would cause Mary
to move so quickly? Was she going to go where Jesus was?”

11:32
Sometimes we suffer, and we don't understand why the Lord seems to not hear our
requests for healing (see notes on Joh_11:6). We wonder why He didn't answer.
Perhaps it was for purposes only God understands (Joh_11:4).

11:33
See now how it was that the Jews (see notes on Joh_1:19) came with her after seeing
her leave the house so quickly (see notes on Joh_11:31).

The site of Mary in pain and the Jews sobbing right along with her, actually made Jesus
angrily perturbed. The word “groaned” was translated from the Greek word,
embrimaomai, and it means, “(to snort with anger), to have indignation on, that is,
(transitively) to blame, (intransitively) to sigh with chagrin, (specifically) to sternly enjoin:
- straitly charge, groan, murmur against.”xxxiii

Jesus knew the hearts of the Jews (see notes on Joh_6:43). He was not deceived by
their outward show of empathy for Mary and her family, and it disturbed Him. The word
“troubled” was translated from the Greek word tarasso, and it means, “to stir or agitate
(roil water): - trouble.”xxxiv

John tells us that Jesus didn't show His agitation. Jesus kept His anger inside. John
wrote, “… he groaned in the spirit.” Jesus kept His emotions inside until they called Him
Lord (Joh_11:34). Upon hearing their declaration of submission to His control over their
hearts, but knowing their true nature (Mat_9:4, Mar_3:5, Luk_5:22), He wept
(Joh_11:35).

See Heb_8:10 and Heb_10:16.

11:34
See notes on Joh_11:33.

Not everyone that calls Jesus Lord has actually gave Him that kind of authority in their
lives (Mat_7:21, Mat_25:11, Luk_6:46, Luk_13:25). Notice how He made no comment
about their sobbing. There was no expression of sympathy. In a matter-of-fact sort of
way simply asked, “Where is the body?”

11:35
It wasn't Mary's sincere tears that caused Jesus to mourn with her (see notes on
Joh_11:33 and Joh_11:34). Jesus knew of her tears before she cried them (Joh_1:48).
It was a false humility led by religious pride and displayed by people among “the Jews”
(see notes on Joh_1:19) with inwardly wicked hearts that pierced the heart of Jesus and
made Him weep for their lost souls (Job_30:25, Isa_33:7, Jer_9:1, Jer_13:17,
Jer_22:10, Luk_23:28).

Jesus would cry another time, and it was also because of the religiously pious Jewish
leadership that was leading His people astray (Luk_19:38-41). It is the wickedness of
heart (Mar_3:5) in the souls of those filled with unbelief that has consistently grieved
God (Gen_6:6, Psa_95:10, Isa_63:10, Joh_11:38, Heb_3:10).

11:36
Once again, the Jews (see notes on Joh_1:19) didn't understand. They thought Jesus‟
tears were due to sadness at the loss of His friend and the pain He felt because of that
loss, but they were wrong. His tears were not because of His loved one's death (see
notes on Joh_11:35). The grave was about to be opened (Joh_11:41) and the dead
brought back to life (Joh_11:44). Why would Jesus cry over the loss of His friend, when
a joyous resurrection was about to radiate a new day of hope into the dark hour of His
friend's family?

11:37
Look at the trouble making, pot stirring snakes hissing regret and resentment. It is one
thing to have your own heart hardened, but it is double your shame to contribute to the
hardness of another's heart.

11:38
Again, the inward wickedness of people's hearts (see notes on Joh_11:37) had stirred
up righteous anger within the spirit of our Lord (see notes on Joh_11:33). How did He
react? He continued on to perform the task assigned to Him that day. Jesus was
undeterred, and He arrived at the tomb of His friend.

Often times, when we are called by God to do His will in a situation, people speak things
into our lives that the enemy would use to distract us from our mission. Additionally,
there was a stone in the way. Besides the voices mudding the waters around us, there
can be big barriers blocking our way to the place we need to go.
11:39
It is important to learn from not only what Jesus has said to us, but also from what He
has shown us as well. Jesus told us to speak to the barriers and they will be removed
(Mat_21:21, Mar_11:23). We may have our own heavy stones blocking us from
achieving what we are called to do and hindering the people God wants to affect from
seeing His glory (see notes on Joh_11:38). Even though we are told our work stinks,
even if we are told we aren't good enough, even if we are told that there are good
reasons not to proceed with our plans, we need to keep the faith (Joh_11:40, 2Ti_4:7).

11:40
See Joh_11:25-26 and notes on Joh_11:39.

11:41
Early in Jesus' ministry those around Him wishing to see the miraculous learned not to
hinder His work (Joh_2:5), and they took away the stone despite their reservations.
Having the barrier between Jesus and the dead removed, He turned His eyes toward
home. With His gaze fixed in His father's direction, He begins a short prayer.

Notice that He didn't say much at all. Notice how beautifully plain the prayer is
(Joh_16:25). It is uncomplicated, modest, unadorned and unpretentious. Jesus, our
example, told us to keep our prayers plain and from the heart (Mat_6:5-7), and full of
belief (Mat_7:7-11, Mat_21:22, Mar_11:24, Joh_14:13, Joh_16:23-27) and addressed to
our Father in Heaven (Luk_11:2).

He begins with thanks (Mat_15:36, Mat_26:27, Luk_22:19, 1Co_15:57, Eph_5:4,

Eph_5:20, Col_3:17, 1Th_5:18, 1Ti_2:1, Heb_13:15, Rev_11:17). Jesus thanked the
Father for already hearing Him, and He puts it in the past tense. Perhaps, He had been
praying inwardly for the resurrection of Lazarus as He approached the tomb.

11:42
Jesus said that He knows that the Father always hears His prayers, and He had likely
already thanked the Father for hearing Him about resurrecting Lazarus (see notes on
Joh_11:41). This outwardly vocal prayer was for the benefit of those that heard it and
later those that read it (Joh_9:31, Joh_10:37-38, Joh_20:31).

11:43
(See notes on Joh_5:25)

The Lord gave a shout (Num_23:21, Psa_47:5, Jer_25:30) quickening His dead friend
into resurrection (Psa_71:20, Psa_119:25, Psa_143:11, Joh_5:21, Rom_4:17,
Rom_8:11), and one day soon He shall shout again, and all the dead friends of Christ
shall be resurrected (1Th_4:16). The Lion of Judah (Hos_5:14, Rev_5:5) roared, and
the hyena of death gave up its prey and fled. If Jesus had not called out Lazarus by
name, surely His shout would have sparked the final resurrection right then.
See also Jos_6:5, Ezr_3:13, Zec_9:9.

11:44
We were once dead (Rom_5:12, Rom_7:8, Rom_8:6, 2Co_4:12, ), because of sin
(Rom_5:21, Rom_6:16, Rom_6:23, Rom_7:13, 1Co_15:56, Jas_1:15), but now we have
been resurrected and are born again (Joh_3:3, Rom_6:4, Rom_8:2, 1Pe_1:23). Having
been raised from the dead (2Ti_1:10, 1Jn_3:14), we need to be released from our
“grave clothes,” our “old nature” (Rom_6:6, Eph_4:22), that we constantly yielded to
before (Rom_6:13).

If you are still caught up in sin, let Jesus set you free from the things that bind you
(Joh_8:36). Let Him roar into your dead situation (see notes on Joh_11:43) and
resurrect you from the dark tomb of sin and death. Let His light guide you to everlasting
life (Joh_3:16).

11:45
Having seen a person call a dead man back to life would get just about anybody's
attention. It would spark feelings of belief in even the hardest of hearts, but this
temporary “belief” reaction to Jesus' miracles had occurred before (Joh_2:23, Joh_6:14,
Joh_7:40-41). However, as is the case in Joh_8:30, belief isn't always steadfast
(Heb_3:11-14, and see notes on Joh_11:27).

Once we believe, in order to gain the final prize (1Co_9:24, Php_3:14), we need to
continue with the Lord in faith believing until the end (Heb_3:6). Unfortunately for some,
life's blows and painful trials cause their hearts to be hardened against the Lord, and
they fall into unbelief (Heb_3:15-19). Take a stand for Christ, but don't let the winds of
life blow you over (Gal_5:1, Eph_6:13-14, Php_4:1, 2Th_2:15).

11:46
Some of “the Jews” mentioned in Joh_11:45 were likely Pharisees (see notes on
Joh_8:30), since the Apostle John consistently spoke of the Jewish leadership when
using the reference “the Jews” (see notes on Joh_1:19, Joh_7:20). Perhaps, some of
those that went to the Pharisees were scribes, Chief Priests, or Sadducaean members
of the Jewish leadership. “The Pharisees” could also mean the council (Joh_11:47), so
it is possible, and likely, as I have said, that part of “the Jews” that went to assemble the
Pharisaean Council were Pharisees themselves.

With their hearts hardened against Jesus and His ministry to the point of seeking His
death on several occasions (see notes on Joh_7:1, Joh_8:59, Joh_11:53), imagine the
uproar in their council having to face the news that this Jesus had now raised a man
from a four-day entombment. Jesus had indeed been glorified (Joh_11:4).

11:47
Once the Council had been assembled (see notes on Joh_11:46), their most immediate
concern was Jesus' obvious abilities. How should they respond to their perplexing
dilemma of what they saw as a sinner (see notes on Joh_5:12, Joh_9:16) that can even
raise the dead (Joh_11:44)?

11:48
The Council agreed that they needed to do something about their problem with Jesus,
but they were at a loss to determine an effective solution (see notes on Joh_11:47).
However, they believed that they had to do something. If they didn't stop Jesus, it
seemed probable that eventually even Rome would see Him as a threat. In order to
arrest the further development of what would likely be by then a significant number of
Jesus disciples; Caesar might squash the movement by eliminating their right to a
Jewish state entirely. Therefore, they needed Rome to see a separation between Jesus
and the Jews (see notes on Joh_1:19), and Jesus needed to be stopped before his
ministry got out of hand.

Later the Jews would have Pilot, a Roman Governor (Mat_27:2), kill Jesus for them by
highlighting the fear that Caesar could make a determination that Jesus is a threat
(Joh_19:12-15).

11:49
There were two High Priests at that time; Caiaphas and Annas (Luk_3:2, see notes on
Joh_3:1).

11:50
“The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few ... or the one.” Obviously, from
this verse, it is evident that the above thought expressed in the famous quote from
“Spock” didn't originate in the 1982 motion picture, “Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan.” xxxv
Still others think this quote is old and from some famous philosopher. The thought does
have its origins in an ancient text, but it wasn't spoken by a great philosopher. The
thought came to us from Caiaphas, the High Priest mentioned in Joh_11:49-50.

11:51
What a dark heart within the chest of Caiaphas that caused one of the High Priests (see
notes on Joh_11:49) serving the people of God to pursue the death of the Son of God?
How outrageous that a High Priest would advocate the elimination of one anointed by
the Holy Ghost (Act_10:38), for the perceived peace and tranquility of continued
bondage to an occupying invader of their country? How perverted it is to use a prophetic
utterance against the very fulfillment of prophecy (Mat_5:17)?

11:52
What a twisted web the High Priest weaved (see notes on Joh_11:51). Caiaphas'
prophecy echoed the prophetic words of Isaiah in Isa_49:6, and he made Jesus'
proposed death out to be the spur that might initiate the prophesy‟s fulfillment. It is
twisted, because Jesus is the lifter up of the children of Jacob (Gen_49:10, Isa_9:6,
Jer_30:21), the restorer of a scattered Israel (Isa_11:10-12, Isa_49:18, Isa_56:8,
Isa_60:4, Eze_11:16-17, Eze_34:12, Jam_1:1), the light to the gentiles (Isa_55:5,
Rom_3:29), and the salvation for all the Earth (Mat_25:31-34, Joh_12:32, Eph_1:9-10,
Eph_2:14-17, Col_1:20-23, 1Jn_2:2). Jesus didn't initiate the fulfillment ... Jesus was
the fulfillment (Mat_5:17, Mat_24:34, Mar_1:15, Mar_14:49, Luk_4:21, Luk_21:22,
Luk_21:32, Luk_24:44, Joh_19:28, Act_13:29). Jesus' death wouldn't be in fulfillment of
Caiaphas' will or his purposes, but it was the will of God from the beginning (Eph_3:10-
11).

11:53
Before this event, the Jewish leadership had thought to kill Jesus (Joh_5:18, Joh_7:1,
Joh_7:19, Joh_8:44, Joh_8:59, Joh_10:39), and they had even picked up stones to do
it. However, until now, they had never made the intent to kill Him an official edict from
the counsel (Psa_2:2, Psa_31:13, Psa_71:10, Jer_11:19).

11:54
Ephraim was a city in northern Judea, in the ancient land of Canaan, named after the
second son of Joseph (Jos_16:1-10). It was on the edge of the wilderness, and Jesus
resorted there with His disciples. He left open-air preaching and large gatherings where
the Jewish leadership would have more opportunity to take Him. It was not yet His time.

11:55
John had used the phrase, “the Jews' passover” before (Joh_2:13). In this case, it
seems even more poignant. It was “the Jews” that controlled the religious goings on and
affairs of the Palestinian people, and it was “the Jews” (see notes on Joh_1:19) that
sought to kill Jesus (Joh_11:53).

Jesus and His disciples had left the metropolitan area of Jerusalem and Bethany for the
quiet country setting of Ephraim (Joh_11:54). John told us that the Jews (see notes on
Joh_1:19) were speculating as to whether Jesus too would come down out of the
countryside into Jerusalem for the Passover festivities (Joh_11:56).

11:56
The Jews (see notes on Joh_1:19) had hoped there would have been an opportunity to
take Jesus when He returned to the home of Lazarus (see notes on Joh_11:19 and
Joh_11:31). However, Jesus had shaken their confidence, and their resolve to end His
ministry was hampered by the incredible and miraculous physical resurrection of a man
that had been dead for four days (Joh_11:47). After their meeting where they decided to
stop Him in order to save their way of life (see notes on Joh_11:48), they were hoping
that the Passover would present another chance to take Him (see notes on Joh_11:55).

They looked for Jesus and didn't locate Him among the people, so they gathered in the
temple to discuss what to do if He didn't come to the feast.

11:57
There had been an edict with full consent by both of the Chief Priests (see notes on
Joh_11:49) and the Pharisaean Counsel (see notes on Joh_11:46) to arrest Jesus.
 Chapter 12
12:1
Jesus had been resorting in the small country town of Ephraim (see notes on
Joh_11:55), because the Jews (see notes on Joh_1:19) were plotting to arrest Him
(Joh_11:54). They had wondered if Jesus would come down out of the country to attend
the Passover feast in Jerusalem (Joh_11:56). If He did, perhaps they could use the
opportunity to arrest Jesus there (Joh_11:57). However, Jesus went to Bethany and
visited Lazarus before attending the feast in Jerusalem.

See notes on Joh_2:13 about the Passover.

This verse helps to establish a time line (see notes on Joh_20:17) regarding Jesus' final
days leading up to His death at Calvary.

12:2
At Lazarus' family home, Jesus was treated to a supper made by His friends. As was
her usual behavior, Martha served (Luk_10:40). Mary would typically want to sit at
Jesus' feet (Luk_10:39), but she wasn't at the table as would be expected. Although
Mary‟s absence seems unusual, we learn the reason why she wasn‟t in attendance in
verse three (see notes on Joh_12:3). Mary wasn‟t there, but Lazarus was mentioned as
one of the people eating with Jesus.

How incredible though. A man that was dead for four days only a short time ago
(Joh_11:17) was listed as one of the people sitting at the table with Jesus. He had been
dead for four days and had likely begun to stink of rotting flesh (Joh_11:39), but Jesus
had brought him back to life (Joh_11:43). The formerly dead showed signs of life and
was enjoying time with Jesus.

We disciples too were once spiritually dead, but we are now reborn. Our former
existence stunk with the smell of sin and death (Psa_115:6, Ecc_10:1, Isa_3:24,
Amo_5:21, Jam_1:15), and, by any reasoning, our decay should have continued.
However, the natural course of deterioration had been interrupted by the saving power
of Christ. We now should show signs of life and enjoy time with the Lord also.

12:3
Mary wasn't at the table with Jesus (see notes on Joh_12:2), because she had been
retrieving an expensive (Joh_12:5) “ointment of spikenard.” Joh_12:5 told us it was
worth at least three hundred pence. A pence was equal to a day's wages (Mat_20:2), so
one would have to work almost a year, and save every bit of the income, in order to buy
it.

Spikenard is a compound word made up of two words, spike and nard. Spike is from the
Greek word “pistikos,” which means “genuine.” xxxvi This wasn't an imitation nard or a
cheap generic version of nard. This was the genuine article. Nard is from the Greek
word “nard,”xxxvii and nard comes from the Hebrew word “nêrd,”xxxviii which means
“aromatic.” Apparently, it had such a strong aroma that the scent could be detected
throughout the home.

Jesus would later wash the feet of His disciples on the night of His arrest, but this
moment was for Him. Mary anointed His feet with the expensive unguent, and then she
wiped it off with her hair. People must've been able to detect the scent on Mary for days
afterward. Imagine, everywhere that she went she carried with her the aroma of her
service towards Jesus. Mary blessed Jesus, and, as a result, she shared the same
aroma with Christ for days.

What do you smell like? Do you reek of selfishness or of service?

Mary's gift was reminiscent of a similar gesture recorded in Luk_7:36-45, and four days
later another woman poured expensive anointment on Jesus‟ head in the house of
Simon the Leper (Mat_26:1-10, Mar_14:1-9).

12:4
It could have been Martha, but it was one of The Twelve (see notes on Joh_20:24) that
objected to the lavish treatment Mary was offering to the Lord (Joh_12:5). Incredulously,
one of The Twelve would deny his master the worship Jesus deserved in favor of the
money he could personally gain from it (Joh_12:6). Judas would later betray Jesus
openly to the Jews (see notes on Joh_1:19), but he was already turning on Him in his
heart. Later, it would also be money that would motivate Judas to betray Jesus and
cause him to hand over the messiah to torture and death (Mat_26:15).

Judas was a pretender. He pretended to be the friend of the poor, and he pretended to
be Jesus' friend (Luk_22:48), but he would sell out even the priceless master of the
universe for just a little cash (Zec_11:12-13).

12:5
A pound of any anointment is significant, but this spikenard was also “very costly.” To
Judas, it seemed a waste to simply use it all at once on one man's feet (Joh_12:4-5).
Judas' objection, although couched in a caring rational towards those that are needy,
was actually based in greed (Joh_12:6).

Four days later, Judas would witness a similar act wrought upon Jesus by another
woman (Mat_26:1-13, Mar_14:1-9) and seeing the “waste” a second time in a matter of
a few days would trigger his resolve to betray his master (Mat_26:14-16, Mar_14:10-
11).

Notice too how the objection to the lavish display of worship had spread from Judas into
some of the other disciples on that second occasion. It was only Judas that expressed
his dismay about the “waste” at supper with Lazarus (Joh_12:4-5), but in Simon's home
there would be more voices joining the chorus of dissent (Mat_26:8-9, Mar_14:4-5). Be
careful and watchful, because objections to acts of ministry, especially those that are
intended to bless ministers of the Gospel, can multiply in a body of believers as a virus
infects its human host.

12:6
Judas, the appointed treasurer of the group, had been pilfering from the ministry's
funds. His theft had been so complete that there was nothing left in the treasury. Jesus
had given trust over the money to Judas, and Judas betrayed that trust (Luk_6:16).
Judas' betrayal of Jesus had begun much earlier than the night our Lord was kissed in
the Garden of Gethsemane (Luk_22:48), and Judas' treachery was consistently over
money (Mat_27:9, 1Ti_6:10).

Be mindful that not everyone who says they are for the poor actually mean it. How much
of the money contributed to the cause of the needy are they really taking for
themselves? It is a problem as old as sinful man.

12:7
Jesus told Judas that Mary had been saving the expensive spikenard for anointing
Jesus' body in preparation for burial. Why then would she use it before He was dead?
We may plan to bless some people later on, but there is no time like right now. She
decided it was best to pour out her praise while He was yet with her (Joh_12:8).

Notice also that Mary not only perceived that Jesus had prophesied of His own
upcoming death, but had acted in faith upon her belief in what He had said to the point
that she secured and then preserved the anointment for His embalmment. Jesus said
that His death was the reason. We need not wonder if Mary fully understood the
prophetic statements of her Lord. It is enough to know that she put her faith in Jesus‟
word.

Mary showed a progressive kind of faith. She had seen through faith's eye the near
future, and she had acted upon it. Then she showed an aggressive kind of faith. She
moved forward with her plan to anoint the Lord despite her original timetable.

Be flexible in ministry. Be willing to adjust your plans, but not your faith.

Another woman would anoint Him on the head in preparation for burial four days later
(Mat_26:6-13, Mar_14:3-9). Consequently, Jesus had been anointed head to toe
(Isa_1:2-6).

12:8
Judas wasn‟t really interested in helping the poor (see notes on Joh_12:7). Still, even if
your heart is sincerely focused on loving others, don‟t let even your work in serving the
poor come before your personal relationship with Jesus. Don't let your ministry for Jesus
come between you and Jesus.
12:9
There started to be a strong movement towards belief in Jesus among the Jewish
leadership, because of the Lazarus resurrection (Joh_11:45, Joh_12:11). Some of the
believing Jews came to Jesus, but they were also curious to see the living, breathing
miracle still functioning as if Lazarus had never died.

Many people will be curious to see if our resurrection sticks too. Will we slip back into
death, or will we continue to live with and for Jesus?

12:10
Their hearts were so drenched in delusion that perceiving other Jewish leaders moving
towards Jesus (see notes on Joh_12:9) didn't cause them to consider change also.
Instead, they thought of eliminating not only Jesus but Lazarus as well. Walking in
darkness, the Chief Priests were manipulated to fulfill the wishes of the one who seeks
to kill (Joh_10:10). All martyred believers in Christ are killed because of their potential
damage to the devil's dominion over the hearts of unbelievers, and the desire to destroy
believers often comes in the guise of protecting the status quo (Joh_12:11).

12:11
See notes on Joh_12:9-10.

12:12
The day before, Jesus had been in Bethany spending the evening with Lazarus and his
family (Joh_12:1-2). There had been many Jews there too (Joh_12:9-11). Perhaps
many people were privy to hearing Jesus' plans to return to Jerusalem the following
day.

12:13
Jesus had reached celebrity status. His fame, and the stories of the works He had done,
had sparked a gathering of fans upon hearing of His plans to be on the road to
Jerusalem (Joh_12:11).

There was scriptural support in the Law for the use of palm branches to celebrate
before the Lord (Lev_23:40), and the people wanted to rejoice over what the Lord had
done so far through the ministry of Jesus. As He approached, they shouted salutations
as if He were a King ... their king. The people had thought to make Jesus king before
(Joh_6:15). They perceived though that this king came in the name of the Lord.

12:14
The people had been calling Jesus “King of Israel” (Joh_12:13), and John referred back
to a prophecy in Zec_9:9, where Jesus' entrance into Jerusalem on that day had been
foretold. John wrote that Jesus had found the colt, but the other three gospels give more
details (Mat_21:1-7, Mar_11:1-7, Luk_19:29-35).

The word “found,” by the way, was translated from the Greek word heurisko,
pronounced hyoo-ris'-ko, and it means, “to find (literally or figuratively): - find, get,
obtain, perceive, see.” xxxix Jesus perceived the colt was tied, and He obtained it through
the obedience of the two disciples He had sent to get it.

12:15
John quoted Zec_9:9. See notes on Joh_12:14.

12:16
John admitted that he and his brethren didn't understand what was happening then, or
its significance, nor its fulfillment of past prophecy. At the time, it must have seemed
very gratifying to at last see their master receive the acclaim and recognition they
believed He deserved. It wasn't until later, “when Jesus was glorified,” that the bigger
picture began to come into view.

Often times we don't fully understand the purposes or the full impact of what is going on
around us until much later. The saying that “hind sight is 20-20” is proof of our
incompetence to grasp at the time exactly what is happening around us or even to us.
We really do walk in a kind of blind faith that we somehow are in control over our own
destinies. Later on, we recall events and realize we were merely bumping into things
and haphazardly stumbling through our lives. Since our days are a chronology of one
groping step after another in the fog of our own rational, it is better to trust in the Lord
(Pro_3:5).

12:17
The significance of this statement is that John wrote these words. Why do I say that? If
John was still alive, it is reasonable to presume that there were others also that had
seen the same events and were yet living when these words were circulated among the
people. The words were not refuted as a false claim, but they were supported as a
matter of record. It actually happened!

12:18
The people, not “the Jews” (the Jewish leadership -- see notes on Joh_1:19, Joh_7:1,
Joh_7:20), came to see this great miracle worker. Perhaps they hoped to see
something great that day as well, and they joined Jesus as soon as He descended from
Bethany (Joh_12:1) at the Mount of Olives (Luk_19:37).

12:19
The Pharisees, the conservative party of the Palestinian leadership (see notes on
Joh_8:3), began to turn on each other. They pointed the blame for their inability to
squelch or halt the Jesus movement at one another. Regardless of whose door the fault
must rest at, the movement appeared to be unstoppable. Their exasperation is evident
by their exaggeration of Jesus' following. A multitude of people were indeed there, and
there were also some Greeks throwing palm branches as well (Joh_12:20), but the
whole “world?”

Having Greeks among the worshipers was evidence though that the movement was
spreading into even other cultures. The threat presented by Jesus' apparent willingness
to change the current system was now infiltrating other parts of the Roman Empire.
Their fear caused them to protest the exuberant display of His followers, and they
suggested He silence the mob (Luk_19:39).

The chastising of Jesus from the leaders of His own people struck at His heart once
again, because of their inward wickedness and deceit. As His troubled heart had earlier
precipitated tears due to their treachery near the grave of His friend (see notes on
Joh_11:35), Jesus cried over their unbelief (Luk_19:40-44).

12:20
The Greeks had come to Jerusalem not to see Jesus, but to worship with the Jewish
people at Passover. They were evidently not Jewish people living abroad. They were
foreign converts to Judaism. Having learned of Jesus however, they were caught up in
the excitement and celebration of His entry into the holy city and had joined the throng
in throwing palms before the Lord (see notes on Joh_12:19).

12:21
Why would the Greeks at the scene come to Philip? Why didn‟t they approach Peter or
James or John? There were other Galileans among The Twelve (see notes on
Joh_20:24).

Perhaps, the answer lies within the fact that John mentioned Bethsaida. Although others
in The Twelve were also from Bethsaida (Joh_1:44), an important event took place
there in which Jesus highlighted Philip. It was at Bethsaida that Jesus miraculously fed
the multitude with very little food (Luk_9:10-17). With all those people present, Jesus
chose Philip to ask how they could afford to buy enough bread to feed so many
(Joh_6:5-7). The Greeks may have thought to ask Philip, because they were familiar
with his closeness to the Lord.

Another factor adding to their comfort level with approaching Philip rather than any of
the others may simply have been his Greek name. Philip shared the same name as
Alexander the Great's father. xl

12:22
Spurred by Greek inquirers (see notes on Joh_12:21), Philip consulted with Andrew and
got Andrew to approach Jesus with him. He likely went to Andrew, because Philip and
Andrew had come from the same town (Joh_1:44), they both bore Greek names and
they had been together with Jesus at the great Feeding of the Multitude miracle in
Bethsaida (Joh_6:5-10).

12:23
Philip and Andrew came with the message that Greeks had asked to see Jesus
(Joh_12:21). Some lesser men might have gloried in the international fame, but Jesus
had another message. He was indeed to be glorified, but not through acclaim or
recognition. His message was that “redemption draweth nigh” (Luk_21:28). His
glorification would come from the Father (Joh_17:5), whom Jesus sought to glorify
(Joh_17:1-4).

At the beginning of His ministry Jesus said it wasn't yet His hour (Joh_2:4). Later on, He
felt it necessary to repeat the same observation to His brothers in Joh_7:6. Now, having
entered into His final days, Jesus declared that the time was at hand.

12:24
In other words, if Jesus didn't go through with His mission, He could continue dwelling
on the Earth. However, He was separated from His home and His Father in Heaven,
and He was alone upon the Earth (Mat_8:20, Luk_9:58). He was the only seed of God
(Joh_3:16). However, if He goes through with the plan to be the seed that dies and is
planted into the Earth, he will be the first among many brethren (Rom_8:29, Col_1:15-
18). Christ was the firstfruit (1Co_15:20-23).

12:25
Having foretold His upcoming death through the metaphor of the wheat seed
(Joh_12:24), Jesus gave His reasoning in answer to the as yet unasked question, “Don't
you want to live?”

12:26
If Philip and Andrew had been cautious about whether or not Jesus would want to
acknowledge or accept the company of gentile enthusiasts, this statement alleviated all
such concerns. To His all inclusive saying, “if any man,” He added, “let him follow me.”
Going further still, Jesus told them that any servant of Christ, essentially Jew or Greek
(Rom_1:16, Rom_10:12, Gal_3:28, Col_3:11), will be glorified by the Father (Col_3:24).

12:27
Jesus used the same word, “troubled,” that John used in Joh_11:33 to describe Jesus'
agitation due to the mourners over Lazarus. In that earlier verse, “groaned” was coupled
with “troubled” to illustrate Jesus' indignation at the scene. Here though, Jesus isn't
angered. His emotions were simply stirred up, and in telling us so, He revealed His
human frailty (2Co_13:4).

His mortal life was coming to an end (Psa_88:3). He would be put to death (1Pe_3:18).
It was to be a painfully torturous death (Luk_24:26, Act_17:3, 1Pe_2:21-23). He was to
be humiliated (Isa_53:3, Mat_27:25-31, Luk_18:32, Luk_23:11, Luk_23:36, Gal_6:7),
beaten (Luk_22:63-64, Joh_18:22), whipped (Mat_27:26, Mar_15:15, Joh_19:1),
forsaken (Mat_26:40, Mat_26:56, Mat_27:46, Mar_14:37, Mar_14:50, Mar_15:34,
Luk_22:54-60, Joh_16:32) and then nailed to a tree (Psa_22:16-17, Mat_27:35,
Mar_15:24, Joh_19:18, Act_5:30, Act_10:38-39, Gal_3:13, 1Pe_2:24).

Perceiving the end bothered Him, but why should He quit now that it was getting hard?
He was born to die (Heb_2:14). What He is about to face is the whole point of His time
on Earth as a man.
12:28
Jesus declared His intent to do the will of the Father to the glory of the Father, and He
submitted Himself as an instrument of the Father's glory. He had thought of His own
looming pain (see notes on Joh_12:27), but Jesus changed His focus from His own
situation to the will of the Father and the glory of His name. In response to that act of
obedience and that declaration of commitment, the Father chose to speak in an audible
voice before everyone present directly to His Son (see notes on Joh_12:29).

In the Father's reply is a great truth. All of creation is both full of His glory and glorifies
Him (Isa_6:3). However, Jesus spoke of glory to the Father's name and so too does the
reply. Jesus came in the father's name (Joh_5:43). By glorifying the Son, the Father is
glorified also (Joh_13:31-32, Joh_17:4-6).

The audible voice from heaven itself glorified the Son (2Pe_1:17), and the Father gave
the Son glory through His voice on three occasions; at His baptism (Mat_3:17), His
transfiguration (Mat_17:5), and by His reply in this verse. This glorification of the Son
was to encourage Him as He faced the cross (Heb_2:9).

12:30
Although the words spoken encouraged Jesus, the Father could have simply spoken to
His spirit, and it would have been indiscernible by the people standing there. Since it
was heard by everyone, the message was intended for all of us. The message brings to
us all the glory of Christ (see notes on Joh_12:28).

With the record of God's reply, together with all creation, we have enough evidence of
the glory of God to be inexcusable and it leaves us unable to claim ignorance before the
judgment throne (Rom_1:20).

12:31
The world has been judged and found guilty of sin against God (Rom_3:19). The
punishment for sin is death (Rom_6:23). Each sin is enough to bring death (Isa_3:11,
Jas_1:15), but we have only one life in which to pay the penalty. We have more death
than life to exchange for it (Jas_2:10). Therefore, we are unable to redeem ourselves.
Only the life of the Lamb of God will do (Joh_1:36). Jesus is our redeemer (Tit_2:13-14).
His life covers all the debt (Mat_18:32).

Long before Christ came into the world, the devil was cast out of Heaven (Eze_28:16,
Luk_10:18, Rev_12:9-10) together with a third of the angelic host (Dan_8:9-12,
Rev_12:4, Rev_12:7-9). These once powerful heavenly beings were forced to roam the
Earth in a fallen condition (Job_1:7, Job_2:2, 1Pe_5:8), but they were still allowed
authority and power, and they established governments amongst themselves
(Eph_6:12). The devil himself bears titles that exhibit his offices (Eph_2:2). One of these
offices is the “prince of this world,” or the “god of this world” (2Co_4:4). Adam and Eve
was given the Earth to rule over (Gen_1:26-30), but they gave the devil this authority in
exchange for the forbidden fruit (Gen_2:16-17). Consequently, the devil wasn‟t lying
when he told Jesus it had all been given to him and he could give it to whomever he
wished (Luk_4:6).

The good news is that Jesus overcame the devil, and the devil's kingdom now belongs
to Christ (Rev_11:5, Rev_12:11). He cast out the devil and his authority, and the
kingdom is now for us again (Mat_12:28, Mar_1:15, Luk_9:2, Luk_11:20, Joh_3:3,
Act_8:12, Act_14:22), because we share “joint heir” status with Jesus (Rom_8:17,
Rev_3:21, Rev_21:7).

12:32
Jesus' statement is beautiful and prophetic and profound, but it also hints of the struggle
already rising within Him as to final scene of His physical life on Earth. He said, “… if,”
as though there are conditions. The implication is that He had not yet fully committed to
the inevitable (Heb_5:8). Later He will plainly seek an alternative, if at all possible, to the
gruesome and humiliating spectacle He must suffer through (Mat_26:39, Mat_26:42,
Mar_14:36, Luk_22:42). Thankfully He submitted to the plan, laden with misery and
pain, to obtain the joy on the other side (Heb_12:2).

Jesus would soon be lifted up from the Earth on a cross (Joh_3:14, Joh_8:28,
Mat_27:35, Mar_15:24, Joh_19:18), and that same imagery thousands of years later
still compels the lost to consider Him (Rom_2:4, 2Co_7:10).

12:33
Jesus was prophesying about not only His death but the method that would be used to
kill Him (see notes on Joh_12:32).

12:34
Many had come to believe Jesus was the Christ (Joh_11:45). If Jesus was the Christ,
and the Christ will never die (Isa_9:7, Dan_7:14, Dan_7:27), they reasoned, then Jesus
isn't the “Son of man.” “Who then, was this other person,” they wondered?

12:35
In Joh_12:34, it is obvious that they still didn't understand. They required a light to
illuminate their darkness (Mat_4:16, Luk_1:79, Joh_11:9-10, 1Co_4:5, Eph_5:13-14,
2Ti_1:10, 1Jn_2:10). Jesus is the light (Luk_2:32, Joh_1:4, Joh_1:9, Joh_8:12,
Joh_12:46, Act_26:13-18, 1Jn_1:5, 1Jn_2:8, Rev_21:23, Rev_22:5), and He was right
there with them (Joh_1:5, Joh_9:5, 1Th_5:5). His time on Earth was now coming to an
end. Jesus encouraged them to make certain they are in the light (Act_26:23, 2Co_4:6,
2Co_6:14, 1Pe_2:9, 1Jn_1:7, 1Jn_2:9), so that His death would not destroy their faith.
Why would one willingly walk in darkness after having walked knowingly in the light
(Joh_3:19, Eph_5:8)?

12:36
Christ will abide forever (Psa_72:17-19, Psa_145:13, Heb_1:8, 2Pe_1:11), so there is
no need to walk in darkness. One needs only to accept His light through belief (by
reliance on and placing full confidence and trust in Him ... see notes on Joh_3:15-16).
Once accepting Jesus‟ light, walk in it (Eph_5:8) and be children of the light rather than
darkness (1Th_5:5). Be true believers full of true belief.

After telling the people His time on Earth was short, Jesus gave them an example of
what He was talking about. By hiding Himself, Jesus showed them a moment without
the physical presence of God. Jesus spoke, and then He departed (Mar_16:19,
Luk_24:50-51, Act_1:9).

12:37
Now we see how transient feelings of belief can be. Some of the people once believed
in Jesus because of the miracles (Joh_2:23, Joh_6:2, Joh_7:31, Joh_9:16, Act_2:22),
but despite the miracles ... their feelings of belief had not translated into true belief (see
notes on Joh_12:36). Miracles are not reason or motivation enough to compel lasting
change. There must be a miracle worked within our own hearts (Luk_8:12, Act_8:37,
Rom_10:9-10, Heb_3:12).

12:38
The scripture John referred to was Isa_53:1, which is the first few lines of an entire
section describing Jesus (Isa_53:1-12). Isaiah had prophesied about Jesus, and His
prophetic vision, given to him by the Holy Spirit (2Ti_3:16, 2Pe_1:20-21), was fulfilled.
All true revelation from God must be brought about (Joh_10:35, Act_1:16, 1Co_15:3-4).
God's word is true (Rom_1:24-25, Rom_3:7). God does not lie (Num_23:19, 1Sa_15:29,
Tit_1:2, Heb_6:18), and, regardless of our perceptions, the truth of holy utterance
remains the same (Mal_3:6, Mat_5:18, Heb_13:8).

12:39
Since God had said in His word that they wouldn't believe (Isa_53:1, see notes on
Joh_12:40) they couldn't believe. For them to believe would have made God a liar
(Num_23:19, 1Sa_15:29, Hab_2:3, Luk_21:33, Rom_3:4, Tit_1:2, Heb_6:18, Jam_1:17)
and His word untrue (see notes on Joh_12:38).

12:40
Isaiah prophesied in scripture that they wouldn't believe (Isa_6:9-10, Isa_44:18), and his
prophesy was fulfilled by the Lord Himself (see notes on Joh_12:39) through hardening
their hearts and blocking their perception so that they even missed the awe of God right
in front of them (see notes on Joh_1:10).

12:41
Isaiah was given the grand gift of looking into his future and seeing through the eye of
faith things that would happen during the life of Christ (see notes on Joh_12:38). Isaiah
even saw the glory that was Jesus. He didn't miss the awe (see notes on Joh_1:10).

12:42
Some of the Jewish leadership did believe, but they would not admit their beliefs openly
for fear of excommunication (Luk_6:22, Luk_20:15, Joh_9:22, Joh_9:34, Joh_16:2). The
majority party, the Pharisees (see notes on Joh_8:3), were in control over the decision
making process regarding Jesus, since the council wrote an official warrant for His
arrest (Joh_11:47-53).

Jesus had already warned us all about succumbing to our embarrassment and putting
personal pride before our relationship with Christ (Mat_10:32, Luk_12:8-9). How could
anyone be embarrassed that they know the King? If others laugh at you or ridicule you
or belittle you on account of your belief in what they see as foolish, be a fool for Christ
and be glad that you were found worthy to suffer for His name sake (Mat_5:10-12,
Luk_6:22, Act_5:41, Phi_1:29, 1Pe_4:12-16).

12:43
Standing by itself, John's statement alone shows the ludicrous and out of balance
thinking of the lost (Pro_19:3, Pro_24:9, Lam_2:14, 1Co_3:19, Eph_4:22-23). Imagine
loving it when your neighbor tells you, “good job” more than when the Lord and creator
of all things says, “Good job.” How ridiculous is that?

Some may find it hard to believe that God would honor any mortal with praise. However,
there is honor that comes from God (Joh_5:44), and the Lord actually is proud of the
faithful (Heb_11:16). Imagine being someone God calls His friend (Jas_2:23). To further
highlight this, there is the record of God in Heaven speaking with pride and appreciation
about an Earth dwelling mortal man's behavior to our enemy, the devil (Job_1:6-8,
Job_2:3).

I am not ashamed of my relationship with Christ, and I enjoy wearing Christian t-shirts
that express my identification with the Master. Imagine the Lord going to His dresser
and selecting a “Steve” t-shirt to wear on a particular day and show all who view it that
He is proud to be my God. God's glory needs no greater covering than the light He
projects, but it is a thought that gives me joy.

Since God does give those that are imperfect praise, I would rather live in such a way
that brings honor to Him and have His admiration, than walk in darkness and bring upon
myself unnecessary shame.

12:44
Since Jesus came in the Father's name and does and says only what the Father told
Him to do (Joh_4:34, Joh_5:30, Joh_6:38) and say (Joh_12:49, Joh_14:10, Joh_17:8),
belief in Jesus is indeed belief in the Father also. Belief in one is belief in the other
(Joh_14:7-9), and unbelief in one is disbelief in the other (Joh_15:24), because the two
are one (Joh_10:30, Joh_17:22 ... the Holy Spirit also 1Jn_5:7) and have spoken to us
about the each other (Mat_3:17, Mat_17:5, Joh_5:37, Joh_8:18).

12:45
After Jesus said this, Philip would soon ask Him to show them God, the Father, anyway
(see notes on Joh_14:9). What Jesus said is what Jesus meant. The Son looks like the
Father (Phi_2:6). God, the Father, is a spirit (see notes on Joh_4:24), and Jesus, the
Son, Is a representation of the Father in the flesh (Joh_1:14). To look on Jesus‟ body of
flesh was to see what the Father would look like if He had flesh.

12:46
Even though the light was with them (see notes on Joh_12:35-36), some were still in
darkness (see notes on Joh_12:10), because they didn't believe in Him (Joh_12:39).

12:47
Jesus' ministry was to save (Mat_1:21, Mat_18:11, Luk_9:56, Luk_19:10, Joh_3:17,
Joh_12:47, 1Ti_1:15) the lost. He brought mercy (Mat_9:13, Luk_1:70-78, Rom_11:30-
32, Eph_2:4-5, 1Ti_1:16, Tit_3:5, 1Pe_1:3, 1Pe_2:10) and a new era of grace
(Joh_1:14-17, Act_15:11, Rom_1:4-5, Rom_3:24, Rom_4:16, Rom_5:1-2, Rom_5:15-
21, Rom_12:6, 1Co_1:4, 2Co_8:9, Eph_1:7, Eph_2:5-7, Eph_4:7, 2Th_2:16, Tit_2:11,
Heb_7:25, 1Pe_1:10-13, 1Pe_5:12). The pressing weight of the law is no longer
looming over us (Mat_11:30), because we are now under grace (Rom_6:14).

Although the KJV uses the word “judge” in this verse, the original Greek word meant
more like “condemn.” It was the Greek word krino, pronounced kree'-no, and it means,
“Properly to distinguish, that is, decide (mentally or judicially), by implication to try,
condemn, punish: - avenge, conclude, condemn, damn, decree, determine, esteem,
judge, go to (sue at the) law, ordain, call in question, sentence to, think.” xli

The word “condemn” is more consistent with the sentiment expressed by Jesus in
Joh_8:10-11, and His statement in Joh_8:15 (krino was used in this verse too). There
will be a time when Jesus will judge and condemn and pass sentence (see notes on
Joh_5:22), but for now we are under grace.

12:48
His words are gifts to us (Jas_1:21). We hear His word (Mar_4:20) and faith is
measured out to us (Rom_10:17, Rom_12:3). Through faith, we are able to believe
(2Ti_3:15). Through belief, we are able to be saved (Joh_3:15-16, Joh_6:40, Act_10:43,
Act_13:39, Rom_1:16, Heb_11:6) from the judgment we deserve. Belief through faith to
salvation is possible by means of hearing His word (Act_15:7, Rom_10:14, 1Co_1:18-
21, Col_1:5-6, 1Th_2:13, Jas_1:18, 1Pe_1:23).

Salvation is also a gift from God (Joh_4:10, Act_10:43, Rom_5:13-17, Rom_6:23). As

are all gifts, gifts from God are of little use to us until they are accepted and received
(Mat_21:22, Mar_9:37, Mar_10:15, Luk_18:42, Luk_19:12, Act_26:18, 2Co_11:4). We
cannot receive what has not been given to us (Mat_19:11, Joh_3:27), and everything
we have is by His grace (1Co_4:7). Grace (see notes on Joh_12:47) itself is a gift from
the Lord (Rom_5:17, Eph_2:8, Eph_3:7, Eph_4:7), and all perfect gifts are from God
(Jas_1:17).

12:49
By saying, “I have not spoken of myself,” Jesus informed us that He was just a
representative of the Father. Everything He said and did came directly from God, the
Father (Deu_18:18, Isa_51:16, Joh_5:30, Joh_6:38, Joh_7:16-17, Joh_8:26-28,
Joh_8:42, Joh_12:50, Joh_14:10, Joh_15:15, Joh_17:8).

12:50
Jesus did and said only as He was directed or commanded by the Father (see notes on
Joh_12:49). Since Jesus' words were full of truth that leads to life everlasting through
faith (see notes on Joh_12:48), the Father's commandment was indeed “life
everlasting.”

Chapter 13
13:1
Jesus had consistently marked His ministry, since His first miracle (Joh_2:1-4), with the
time stamp of “not yet.” He knew at that marriage in Cana that His “hour is not yet
come.” Jesus knew when the time had “not yet” come, and He knew towards the end of
His Earthly ministry “that his hour was come.”

John doesn't speak of an ending of existence. Jesus would live on (Mat_26:61,

Mar_14:58, Joh_2:19). Jesus knew that He was going to leave the Earth as a man and
return to Heaven as the victorious Son of God (Rom_8:34, Eph_1:20-22, Col_3:1,
Heb_1:2-4, Heb_8:1, Heb_10:12, Heb_12:2, 1Pe_1:21, 1Pe_3:22). His task would be
over. Mission accomplished (Joh_19:30).

Jesus did the whole thing, because He (Joh_13:34, Joh_15:9, Joh_15:10, Joh_15:13,
Rom_8:37, Eph_5:25, Tit_3:4, Rev_1:5) and the Father love us (Joh_3:16, Rom_5:8,
1Jo_4:9, 1Jo_4:10).

Notice too that the Passover Meal (see notes on Joh_2:13) had ended, but it was still
“before the feast of the passover” (Joh_13:2). That is because, during the Passover
festival period, there were two significant eating times; the Passover Meal and the Feast
Day of the Passover (Lev_23:5-6). John points this out at Jesus' trial too (Joh_18:28).
The Passover Meal had already been eaten, but the Jews were still waiting to “eat the
passover.”

Although John didn't mention it, there is an amazing story in the other gospels about
how the room for the Last Supper was secured (Mat_26:17-19, Mar_14:12-16,
Luk_22:8-13). Everything Jesus ever needed was provided for Him, and He continually
relied on prophetic insight from the Father into how to proceed forward (Joh_8:28).

13:2
“Supper” refers to what we call “The Last Supper.” It was that intimate time the Lord
spent with His disciples the night of His arrest breaking bread and drinking wine
together (Mat_26:26-30, Mar_14:22-26, Luk_22:15-20). We listened and we obey the
words of our Lord, Jesus Christ, and we still partake of the “Lord's Supper” thousands of
years later (1Co_11:23-26), as did the first body of believers (Act_2:42).
The holy time that evening between Christ and His disciples was invaded by Satan. The
Devil put betrayal into the heart of Judas (Luk_22:3), and Judas didn't take the thought
captive (2Co_10:5). It grew from a foothold (Eph_4:27) to a stronghold (2Co_10:3-4)
without Judas exercising self control (1Th_4:4). Once a stronghold had been
established in the soul of the traitor, he felt compelled to betray his master (see notes
on Joh_13:27).

The devil has not changed the basic attack model he has used since evil was found in
him (Eze_28:15). Even now we too have this same enemy (Psa_55:3, Psa_143:3,
Mat_13:39, Luk_8:12, Luk_10:19, Eph_6:11, 1Ti_3:7, 2Ti_2:26, Rev_2:10, Rev_12:9),
and he looks to take a foothold into our lives (1Pe_5:8).

Also note that Judas' father was Simon Iscariot (Joh_6:71, Joh_13:2, Joh_13:26). We
don't know anything more about him. Some wonder if Judas' father was the same man
as Simon the Leper (Mat_26:6, Mar_14:3) or Simon the Tanner (Act_9:43, Act_10:6,
Act_10:32).

13:3
Jesus knew who He was (Mat_11:27, Mat_28:18, Luk_10:22, Joh_3:35, Joh_17:2). He
was not torn about His origins or His future. He didn't doubt that He was part of the
Godhead (Joh_10:30, Joh_17:11, Joh_17:22). The devil had tried to muddy those
waters (Mat_4:1-11), but Jesus had always stood firm in His knowledge of the truth.

13:4
Jesus' time in mortal flesh was a lying aside of His kingly robes and vestures of divinity
(see notes on Joh_13:3) and a taking of servant's covering in order to serve
(Luk_12:37). It was a humbling of Himself (Luk_14:11, Luk_18:14) that those lower than
Him might be glorified with Him (Rom_8:16-17, Eph_2:6, Col_2:13, Col_3:4, 2Ti_2:12).
We will be glorified, but only He will ultimately be exalted (Isa_2:11-17).

13:5
Only a few days before (Joh_12:1), Jesus was the one having His feet washed
(Joh_12:3). Four days later (Mat_26:2, Mar_14:1), another woman would anoint His
head (Mat_26:7, Mar_14:3), and the disciples He was serving on this occasion
murmured about the service to Him then (Mat_26:8-9, Mar_14:4-5).

It is a beautiful scene. It is a beautiful picture of His sacrifice. Jesus poured out His
blood to cleanse us from the sin we have soiled ourselves with (1Co_6:11, Heb_10:22,
Rev_1:5, Rev_7:14), and He wiped away our iniquities through the bruises to the
servants' flesh in which He was covered (Isa_53:5). We were completely healed.

13:6
Often times we are swept up in feelings of unworthiness, in the light of Jesus‟ goodness
towards us.
Peter knew he wasn't worthy of such humility by his Lord (Luk_5:8), and he was
troubled by such a reversal of how things ought to be. Perhaps, he might have thought;
in some way he didn't fully understand ... the others might be worthy. It was as though
Peter was willing to accept Jesus' act of service upon the others as an incredible
spectacle to witness. However, when Jesus put the bowl at Peter's feet, he recoiled at
the realization that the Master intended to wash his feet also.

13:7
Jesus essentially affirmed to Peter that He knew Peter didn't understand (see notes on
Joh_13:6). Jesus told him also that Peter's confusion would be cleared up later on
(Joh_12:16, Joh_14:26, 1Co_13:2, Jas_1:5).

We don‟t have to know everything, and all of the answers to every one of life‟s
questions need not be revealed to us. Realizing that we are finite and incomplete, let us
trust the only one who is perfect and unimpaired. We can operate on faith believing all
things work together for our good (Rom_8:28), and we can do so on a need-to-know
basis. Let us just accept that our God, who does all things well (Mar_7:37), might
indeed have it all well in hand.

13:8
Peter's objection had roots of guilt and shame (see notes on Joh_13:6), but also a
sense of his place compared to Jesus' place (Mat_16:16, Mar_8:29, Joh_6:69,
Act_10:25-26).

Jesus did everything as He was told to do it by the Father. This act of service was also
then a commandment from the Father. To not be a part of what the Father commanded
would separate Peter from Jesus and the Father, because Jesus only does what the
Father tells Him (see notes on Joh_12:44).

13:9
The thought of being outside of Jesus' presence had become unimaginable to Peter
(Mat_16:21-22, Mar_8:31-32). Peter's thinking was that if this act of washing his feet by
Jesus made him a part of Jesus, then surely the more of Peter Jesus washed ... the
bigger the part he would have. Peter's logic and child-like acceptance of the Lord's
words, regardless of his previous objections and feelings having seen Jesus humble
Himself before the other Apostles, is not only understandable but an inspiration as well.

Indeed! Give me more of you Lord. Fill me with your presence from head to feet.

13:10
Apparently in those days, their manner of bathing didn't affect their feet. Jesus used
their practice of bathing as an illustration. Most of the Apostles were “clean,” or in right-
standing with God through belief in Jesus (see notes on Joh_7:18), but one part of them
was not clean. The unclean part was Judas, whom Jesus knew was going to betray Him
(Joh_6:64, Joh_6:70).
The part of their bodies that was physically unclean was their feet (Isa_59:7,
Rom_3:15), and Judas would use his to run off and betray Jesus (Joh_13:30).

13:11
See notes on Joh_13:10.

13:12
From Joh_13:7, it is evident that Jesus fully recognized that they didn't understand. His
question was a rhetorical one to set up the points He was about to make in Joh_13:13-
20.

13:13
It was and is and shall always be fitting and proper and right to address Jesus as both
Master and Lord. Although both words seem to be similar in meaning in twenty first
century English, they were quite different in first century Greek. “Master” is from the
Greek word didaskalos, pronounced did-as'-kal-os, and it means, “an instructor
(generally or specifically): - doctor, master, teacher.” xlii “Lord” is from the Greek word
kurios, pronounced koo'-ree-os, and it means, “(supremacy), supreme in authority, that
is, (as noun) controller, by implication Mr. (as a respectful title): - God, Lord, master,
Sir.” xliii

Jesus was saying that He is the supreme teacher. He is the authoritative doctor of all
knowledge (Joh_16:30, Joh_21:17). There was no one more qualified to instruct them
than Jesus. They were receiving their credentials from the highest professor.

13:14
It is true that, If Jesus isn't “too good” to wash His disciples feet, then His disciples
shouldn't think themselves “too good” to wash each other's feet. However, Jesus took it
to another level.

In the KJV, Jesus said they “ought” to wash each others' feet. The word “ought” was
translated from the Greek word opheilo opheileo, pronounced of-i'-lo of-i'-lo, and it
means, “(through the idea of accruing), to owe (pecuniarily), figuratively to be under
obligation.” xliv In other words, Jesus was saying that it was now their obligation to
observe the practice of foot washing. They may not feel like doing it, but they owed it to
the Lord. In doing and saying so, Jesus initiated a new ordinance.

As in the cases of The Lord's Supper or Communion (Luk_22:19, 1Co_11:24-25) and

water baptism (Mat_3:14-15, Mat_28:19), the Lord told His disciples to practice foot
washing (Joh_13:14). Moreover, Jesus' command (Joh_14:15, Joh_14:21, Joh_15:10)
to repeat the practices He established as ordinances were followed by the first century
church. Early Christians practiced baptism (Act_2:41, Act_8:36-39, Act_10:47-48,
Act_16:33, Rom_6:3-5, Col_2:11-12, 1Pe_3:21), communion (1Co_10:16) and foot
washing (1Ti_5:10).
Since we Christians today are His disciples, and the first century Christians practiced
ordinances Jesus commanded His disciples to do, we also “ought” to do likewise (see
notes on Joh_13:16). How can we not do what our Lord commanded us to do?

Additionally, notice what Jesus didn't say. He didn't say, “If I then, your Lord and Master,
have washed your feet, ye also ought to serve one another.” If He were merely giving
an example of Christian service, why didn't He say, “… ye also ought to serve” one
another?

13:15
By washing the feet of His disciples, Jesus showed them by example what He was
commanding them to do (see notes on Joh_13:14). Every ordinance Jesus gave us to
observe by commandment, Jesus did it also by example. Jesus was baptized
(Mat_3:16, Luk_3:21). Jesus participated in the first communion (Luk_22:19,
1Co_11:24-25). Jesus washed His disciple‟s feet (Joh_13:5).

13:16
Jesus serves the Father (Joh_5:30). Service to Jesus is therefore service to the Father
(Joh_14:21, Joh_15:10). Service to others is service to Jesus (Mat_18:5, Mat_25:34-40,
Mat_25:40), and also honors the Father to the glory of the Father (Mat_5:16).

We “ought” (see notes on Joh_13:14) to follow Jesus' example, and do as He has

commanded us to do, in foot washing as in all things (Joh_14:23). He is greater than we
(Mat_10:24, Luk_6:40). Having submitted to His Lordship, it is enough for us to pattern
our lives according to His teachings (Mat_10:25).

See also Pro_14:31, Pro_19:17.

13:17
True happiness (Deu_33:29, Psa_144:15, Psa_146:5, Pro_16:20, Jas_5:11) and
blessing (Psa_106:3, Psa_112:1, Psa_119:1, Luk_12:37-38) comes from obedience to
God (1Co_7:19, Rev_22:14).

13:18
This verse tells us that more are called than what are actually elected. Jesus called
many people to follow Him, but some walked away (Mat_8:19-22, Mat_19:20-25,
Luk_9:57-65, Luk_18:22-23). Although the Lord chose (Joh_6:70-71) all of The Twelve
(see notes on Joh_20:24), Judas was not one of the elect (Col_3:12, 2Ti_2:10, Tit_1:1,
1Pe_1:2). Jesus had always known what was in their hearts (Joh_2:25, see notes on
Joh_6:43, Joh_6:64-66).

Having stated that He understood what was happening in the heart of Judas, Jesus
referenced the fatidic words in Psa_41:9. He was aware of both the prophetic scriptures
concerning Him and the hearts of all people (Joh_16:30, Joh_21:17). He knew Judas
was about to betray Him (Joh_13:11, Joh_17:12).
13:19
Jesus repeatedly left clues pointing to His calling and divinity through His use of
miracles, foreknowledge, and clairvoyance into the hearts of others (see notes on
Joh_6:43). The later fulfillment of His prophesies would stand as proof that our belief is
well founded.

See notes on Joh_13:18.

13:20
If Jesus calls someone into service and sends that person to do a task, the task is done
in proxy for the Lord. Since the person represents the Lord during his service, our
acceptance of the servant is acceptance of the Master. Rejection of the Lord's servant
and proxy is therefore rejection of the Lord. That is why David would not harm Saul
(1Sa_24:4-10, 1Sa_26:9, 1Sa_26:16, 1Sa_26:23, 2Sa_1:14-16).

13:21
The word “troubled” is the same word John used in the eleventh chapter of his gospel
where we saw Christ agitated over phony love (see notes on Joh_11:33). Judas too was
wicked within his heart and posing as one of the pure in heart. Hypocrisy agitates the
Lord (Job_8:13, Job_13:16, Job_17:8, Job_27:8, Job_36:13, Isa_32:6, Mat_6:2-5,
Mat_7:4-5, Mat_15:7-8, Mat_22:18, Mat_23:13-39, Mat_24:51, Mar_7:6, Mar_12:15,
Luk_11:44, Luk_12:1, Luk_12:56, Luk_13:15).

From all the verses listed above, it is obvious how the Lord views hypocrisy. After all,
Jesus is concerned mostly with matters of the heart (Mal_4:6, Mat_12:35, Mat_15:18-
19, Mar_7:21, Act_28:27, 2Co_3:3, Eph_6:6, Heb_4:12, 1Pe_3:4). The lost have
hardened their hearts against God, and even their goodness is hypocritical (1Ti_4:2).
Therefore, let us be honest in our hearts (Jas_3:17, 1Pe_2:1) and sincerely go about
our activities in true Christian love (Joh_13:34-35, Joh_15:12-17, Rom_12:10,
Rom_13:8, Gal_5:13, Eph_4:2, 1Th_3:12, 1Th_4:9, 1Pe_1:22, 1Jn_3:11, 1Jn_3:23,
1Jn_4:7-12, 1Jn_1:5).

Notice how John used the word “testified.” He didn't say prophesy, although the event
had not yet happened. Testified speaks to the omniscience of Christ. He had already
been there when Judas betrayed Him, although it hadn't yet happened in their time.
Jesus had seen the events in the future and now was with His disciples in their time as
a witness to what was come. He truly is the Alpha and the Omega (Rev_1:8-11,
Rev_21:6, Rev_22:13), and He has been at both the beginning (Joh_1:1-2) and the end
(Rom_10:4).

13:22
Unfortunately, we often will look to each other for confirmation or validation or
reassurance. However, our best source of all these things is Jesus. In this case, each
disciple doubted that he was the betrayer, but they wondered which disciple it was
going to be.
13:23
When situations arise that make other disciples doubt (see notes on Joh_13:22), lean
on Jesus for support (Pro_3:5).

John wrote of himself in this verse, because John was that disciple whom would cuddle
up to Jesus (Joh_21:20-24). By laying his head on Jesus' breast, John reached a level
of intimacy with the Master that was never spoken of before or since. Think of it. John
could actually lean in and hear the very heartbeat of God. He had made it into the
Holiest of Holies (see notes on Joh_2:14) and developed a close, personal relationship
with Christ.

13:24
Peter asked John to ask Jesus, because Peter thought that Jesus preferred John over
the others (Joh_21:20-22). “Perhaps,” Peter could have thought, “Jesus might give the
answer more readily to „the disciple whom Jesus loved.‟” Later on, Peter would come to
understand that Jesus didn't favor one over the other at all (Act_10:34). Eventually,
Peter would realize that we all can be as close to God as we want to be (Act_10:35,
1Pe_1:17).

God doesn't play favorites (Deu_10:17, 2Ch_19:7, Mat_22:16, Luk_20:21, Rom_2:11,

Gal_2:6, Eph_6:9).

13:25
John asked Jesus who it was, because Peter had asked him to (see notes on
Joh_13:24).

13:26
Jesus answered the question verbally, and then He showed the answer by doing what
He had just said. The traitor was Judas Iscariot.

13:27
The GNT put Joh_13:27 this way, “As soon as Judas took the bread, Satan entered into
him. Jesus said to him, “Hurry and do what you must!” It was right to say “must.” Judas
felt he must turn Jesus over to the authorities. He had been possessed, and he was
compelled to do it by the devil.

Notice that John didn't say “a demon entered into him.” He said, “Satan entered into
him.” The devil didn't leave this possession to just any of his demonic hoard. Satan's
plan of destroying the Lord God Almighty through a betrayal by one of The Twelve (see
notes on Joh_20:24) would require no chance for error. To decrease the possibility of
failure, Satan did it himself.

Also note that the devil entered into Judas after Jesus handed him the sop. It is as
though Jesus handed Judas over to Satan as He handed Judas the sop. Moreover,
Jesus may not have been even speaking to Judas after the devil possessed him. Jesus
might have been talking to the devil inside the traitor. Satan entered into Judas, and
“Then” Jesus spoke to him.

13:28
The other disciples didn't understand why Jesus spoke to Judas or what He meant.
Jesus might have given Judas a specific assignment known only to Judas. Some of
them passed off the instruction “do quickly,” as a something to do with the ministry's
finances, since Judas was the treasurer for the group (see Joh_13:29).

However, Jesus may not have been even speaking to Judas (see notes on Joh_13:27).

13:29
Some, not all, of the disciples thought the direction given by Jesus had to do with their
finances (see notes on Joh_13:28), although Jesus had given significant clues as to
what was really going on (Joh_13:21, Joh_13:26).

Some people involved in Christian ministry – even some of them officers and leaders –
are not fully converted to the faith (see notes on Joh_13:35). They may participate in
ensuring the effective implementation of the outreach's good works, but inwardly they
really don't believe. Be careful that those who would be leaders in the church actually
share our faith (1Ti_3:1-10, 1Ti_5:21-22, 2Ti_2:2; Tit_1:5-9). The struggle for belief
must have already been won before hands are laid on a potential leader.

A sure belief will also be challenged, and Satan will still try to bring a leader with a true
heart down (Luk_22:31). There will be pressure to fall and fail at our calling, but we
must press back, and keep the prize in mind (Php_3:14, 2Ti_4:7).

13:30
The devil can't tolerate the presence of God that floods everything with goodness and
light. Motivated by a hatred and an abhorrence of the light (Joh_3:20), and not by a
willingness to obey, the possessed disciple left immediately as the Lord had
commanded him to do (Pro_1:16, Isa_59:7).

13:31
Jesus was not glorified because He was born into the world as a man, although that too
was a sacrifice (Joh_1:14, Rom_9:5, Gal_4:4, Phi_2:6-8, 1Ti_3:16, Heb_2:14-17,
Heb_10:5). He was glorified, because He suffered and died for our sakes according to
the will of the Father (Isa_53:10-12, Luk_24:26, Joh_5:30, Joh_14:13), to the glory of
the Father (Joh_17:1-6, Act_3:13, Phi_2:11, 1Pe_1:21, 1Pe_4:11).

13:32
Jesus did the will of the Father, and God glorified Him (see notes on Joh_13:31).
Incredibly, if we glorify God by doing His will also, we can share in the glory of Christ
(Joh_17:21-24, Rom_8:17).
13:33
Jesus spoke to them as a father speaks to his young ones saying, “Little children …”
With love and tenderness He told them the truth. Little children feel safe when the
parent is there. If the parent leaves, the child is fearful and sad. Jesus is about to leave
them for a little while, and, as little children, they will feel lost and alone and scared.
They had come to depend on Him (Joh_6:66-68).

Jesus had said the same thing to the Jews (see notes on Joh_1:19) a couple of times
(Joh_7:34-36, Joh_8:21). Many of the Jews would die in their sins and never live in
Heaven (Joh_8:24), but the eleven left in the room that heard these things have eternal
life (Joh_3:15-16). Therefore, the eleven can't come with Jesus now, but, unlike the
Jews, they will go to be with Him later (Joh_13:36).

13:34
Feeling the love and affection with which Jesus had just spoken to them (see notes on
Joh_13:33), the words “as I have loved you” must have seemed very significant. Still,
Jesus was preparing to show them even greater love (Joh_15:13). Jesus loved them
and us so much that He gave everything to all that believe and follow after Him
(Joh_3:36, 1Jo_5:11-13). He asks us then to do as He did (Luk_9:23) and be willing to
love others with a love that gives of one's self (Joh_15:12, Joh_15:17, Act_20:35,
Rom_12:10, Rom_12:20, Gal_5:13-14, Gal_6:10, Eph_5:2, Phi_2:1-5, Col_3:12-13,
1Th_3:12, 1Th_4:9, Jam_2:8, 1Pe_1:22, 1Pe_3:8-9, 2Pe_1:7, 1Jo_2:10, 1Jo_3:10-23,
1Jo_4:7-11, 1Jo_4:21, 1Jo_5:1).

13:35
There are pretenders that frequent the body of Christ (see notes on Joh_13:29) and say
they walk with the Lord, but their hearts are far from Him (Isa_29:13, Mat_7:21-22,
Mat_15:8, Mar_7:6). True Christians are easily discerned by their love for others
(Mat_7:16, Mat_7:20, 1Th_3:12, 1Jn_2:5). Let our love be a light shining as a testimony
to the unbeliever (Mat_5:16, Luk_11:33) that we believe and follow after Jesus
(Heb_10:24, 1Jo_3:10).

Jesus has told us to love one another, therefore we ought to do what He has told us to
do (Luk_6:46).

13:36
Jesus had told the disciples that He was going somewhere, and they wouldn't be
allowed to go with Him (Joh_13:33). Peter had been following Jesus for years. He didn't
see why he couldn't continue going with Him. So, Peter asked Jesus where was this
place that would prevent him from following along as usual. Jesus assured Peter that he
would (not could) follow Him to that place later.

13:37
Still not knowing where it was that Jesus was going (see notes on Joh_13:36), and only
knowing he could come later, one question remained in Peter's mind, “Why can't I come
now?” Peter suggested to Jesus that he would have value as a body guard, if he were
allowed to come along on Jesus' trip. It was as though he were saying, “Anyone who
would seek to harm you would have to get through me first, and I'm willing to put my life
on the line to protect you.”

13:38
Peter had declared his willingness to protect Jesus even with his own life (see notes on
Joh_13:37). Jesus replied, “Really?” Then Jesus proclaimed one of the most famous
prophecies of all time. To save himself from death, Peter will deny that he even knew
Jesus ... not only once, but three times ... before the night was over (Mat_26:69-74,
Mar_14:66-68, Luk_22:55-60, Joh_18:17-27). Peter would deny Him, not years from
then, but that very night.

We are so arrogant and boastful and willing to make declarations about matters we
don't understand and we have no control over. How do we even know that we will be
able to take our next breath? Given our frailties and handicaps, how can we honestly
say we will do anything at all? All our plans and goals are subject to His will (Act_18:21,
Rom_1:10, Rom_15:32, 1Co_4:19, 2Ti_1:1, 2Ti_2:25, Heb_6:3, Heb_10:9, 1Pe_3:17,
1Pe_4:19), and we can't even exist apart from His permission (Job_12:10, Job_33:4,
Job_34:13-15, Psa_104:29, Isa_42:5, Dan_5:23, Act_17:24-28, Col_1:17). That is why
we are told to humbly recognize and verbally confirm that we will be able to do our plan
only if God is willing that we should do so (Jam_4:14-15).

Chapter 14
14:1
Peter was “troubled” (same word John had used in Joh_11:33), due to the thought of
Jesus leaving them (Joh_13:33). However, Jesus had told Peter that they would come
to where He was going later on (see notes on Joh_13:36). Jesus was speaking to Peter,
but His words apply to every believer. Jesus said it, therefore we can believe it. We
believe God, the Father. We ought also to believe God, the Son.

14:2
To the question of where Jesus was going (Joh_13:33), Jesus answered, “my Father's
house.” A house is a place where one may choose to make his abode. Where does God
dwell? God dwells in Heaven (1Ki_8:30, 1Ki_8:39, 1Ki_8:43, 1Ki_8:49, Psa_11:4,
Psa_123:1, Ecc_5:2, Dan_2:28, Mat_5:16, Mat_5:45, Mat_5:48, Mat_6:1, Mat_6:9,
Mat_7:11, Mat_7:21, Mat_10:32-33, Mat_12:50, Mat_16:17, Mat_18:14, Mat_18:19,
Mat_23:9, Mar_11:25-26, Luk_11:2, Joh_6:51, Col_4:1, 1Jn_5:7, Rev_4:1, Rev_11:19).
Although God has chosen Heaven as His habitation and capital, God is also
omnipresent, that is to say, He is everywhere at all times, and there is nowhere that He
is not there also (1Ki_8:27, 2Ch_6:18, Psa_139:8, Isa_57:15, Jer_23:23-24, Mat_18:20,
1Co_3:16, Eph_2:22, Rev_14:10).

Additionally, Jesus talked about “many mansions” within His “Father's house” (compare
Jesus' statement with 2Co_5:1-4). Jesus said that He is going there to prepare a place
for us. We will get our reward in heaven Mat_5:12, Mat_6:20, Mat_16:19, Mat_18:18,
Mat_19:21, Mar_10:21, Luk_6:23, Luk_18:22, Col_1:5, 1Pe_1:14, and there will be a
place designed just for each and every person. Hallelujah!

14:3
Jesus had told them He was going away (Joh_13:33). While He is gone, He will prepare
a place for us (Joh_14:2). How will we get to the place He has prepared for us? He will
come back to get us (Psa_49:15, Mat_24:27-44, Mat_25:27, Mat_26:64, Mar_13:26-36,
Mar_14:62, Luk_21:26-28, Joh_14:28, 1Co_1:7, 1Co_15:23, 1Co_15:51-52, 1Th_2:19,
1Th_3:13, 1Th_4:16-17, 2Th_2:8, Jas_5:7-9, 2Pe_3:2-12), and we will be with Him
there ( Isa_35:10, Isa_60:19-20, Joh_17:24, 2Co_5:8, Phi_1:23, 2Th_2:1, Rev_7:14-17,
Rev_21:3-4, Rev_22:3-5).

The good news about their heavenly house was not intended for the apostles only,
because it applies to all believers (see notes on Joh_3:15), that is, true followers of
Christ (Joh_12:26).

14:4
Jesus told them He was going to where His Father is (Joh_14:2), so they knew where
He was going. They also knew the way to the Father (Joh_10:7-10), but Jesus would
make it plain and clear in Joh_14:6.

14:5
Thomas hadn't been paying attention and wasn't exercising spiritual discernment
(1Co_2:14), because Jesus had already told them the answers to both of Thomas‟
queries (see notes for Joh_13:33 through Joh_14:4). To alleviate any confusion or
misunderstandings regarding what Jesus had been telling them though, the Lord gave
us the beautifully comforting and bold statement found in Joh_14:6.

14:6
This verse in our Bible is one of the most often quoted passages of scripture. The
statement, from our Lord Himself, is plainly understood, elegantly simple and yet deeply
profound. It was a bold statement, and there was none like it from any other religious
leader or holy man. No one had ever dared to proclaim that God was His Father, and
that He was the only way to God.

Moreover, all other religions don't have a plan for salvation. There is no eternal hope.
Some offer one life after another life in an ever going circle of pain and suffering. Some
offer enlightenment, but there is no purpose given for the exaltation other than self
glorification or self actualization. One would think that an enlightened person would be
less concerned with self. Some offer only religious rituals and traditions and repetitious
pious acts for the here and now, but there is no telling how many times one must bow to
this or pray facing in that direction or do so and so many acts of service to gain the way
to God. There is no plan.

However, Jesus boldly said, “I am the way.” To that incredible declaration He added,
“No one will be allowed to live with God except those that accept me as the way to
God.” All other “ways” are lies, but Jesus is the true way (Joh_1:17, Joh_15:1,
Joh_18:37-38, 1Jo_5:20). All other ways lead to death (Pro_14:12, Pro_16:25,
Isa_35:8-9, Mat_7:13, Act_4:12, Eph_2:18, Phi_3:18-19, 2Th_1:8-9, Heb_7:25,
Heb_10:19-20, Rev_20:15), but His way leads to life (Mat_7:14, Joh_1:4, Joh_3:15-16,
Joh_3:36, Joh_5:25-29, Joh_6:33, Joh_6:40, Joh_6:57, Joh_10:28, Joh_11:25-26,
Joh_20:31, 1Jo_5:11-13).

See notes on Joh_5:24 for the difference between physical and spiritual life and death.

14:7
Jesus had said the first part of this verse before to the Pharisees (Joh_8:19). To His
original statement Jesus added that they will know the Father from that point on, and
they have seen the Father (see also Joh_12:45). Joh_1:18 declares that no one has
seen the Father except Jesus, but Jesus has revealed Him to us through His words and
deeds (Joh_10:38, Joh_14:10-11, Joh_15:24).

14:8
Philip's response to Jesus' statement in Joh_14:6 revealed that he, and likely most
others in The Twelve (see notes on Joh_20:24), didn't yet understand Jesus'
representation of the Father (see notes on Joh_14:7). Philip said that they'd be satisfied
if they had a visual revelation of the Father, but Jesus is a physical manifestation (see
notes on Joh_14:9) of the spiritual God (Joh_4:24, 2Co_3:17, 1Ti_1:17).

14:9
Others had asked Philip to show them Jesus (Joh_12:21), and he asked Jesus to show
him the father (Joh_14:8).

Jesus had proclaimed loudly, in front of many witnesses, that to see Him is to see the
Father (see notes on Joh_12:45). Philip had seen Jesus almost on a daily basis for
three years and looked into His face (2Co_4:6). Jesus' mortal countenance had been
fashioned in Mary's womb to look like what God, the Father, would look like in fleshly
form (2Co_4:4, Col_1:14-15, Heb_1:1-3). When Philip saw Jesus, he saw God Himself.
Those who looked upon Christ were able to see in the flesh what cannot be seen in the
spirit by fleshly eyes (Exo_33:20, Joh_1:18, 1Ti_6:16).

14:10
Jesus was saying, “Don't you believe what I've said to you?” Jesus had spoken about
His unification with the Father before (see notes on Joh_7:29, Joh_10:30, Joh_10:38,
Joh_14:1, Joh_14:9), and He would speak of it again (Joh_14:11, Joh_17:8, Joh_17:21-
23). Jesus said only what the Father told Him to say (see notes on Joh_7:16, Joh_8:38,
Joh_12:49, Joh_17:8), and He did only what the Father told Him to do (see notes on
Joh_5:19, Joh_5:36, Joh_6:38, Joh_9:4).

14:11
Jesus said, “Believe me.” We can trust Jesus to tell us the truth, because He is the truth
(Joh_14:6), and He said and did only what the Father told Him to say and do (see notes
on Joh_14:10). However, if what He said to us is still hard for us to believe, let the
incredible miracles that Jesus performed declare His standing with God (Mat_4:24,
Joh_10:38, Act_2:22, Act_10:38).

See notes on Joh_10:25.

14:12
As a motivation to believe what He said, Jesus gives a promise of greatness to the
believers. Jesus assured us that His works would be repeated by those that believe in
Him (see notes on Joh_3:15). Incredibly, He added, “and greater works than these shall
he do.” “Greater?” Yes greater, because Jesus did the redemptive work of His own
sacrifice for our salvation, we are now allowed to be a part of bringing others into the
body of Christ. There is no greater miracle than the salvation of one that is lost, and
many of those miracles happened at one time (Act_2:41, Act_2:47, Act_4:4, Act_6:7,
Act_13:48, Act_16:31-34, Act_21:20).

Once Jesus is with the Father in Heaven, His sacrificial act would be done (Joh_19:30),
and He would be the glorified risen Lord (Eze_39:13, Joh_12:16, Joh_12:23, Act_3:13-
15). The exalted resurrected Christ is able to assist us in any way that we need through
the Holy Spirit (Joh_7:39, Act_4:10, Rom_7:4) in order that we may to go into the entire
world spreading the gospel (Mar_16:15).

14:13
What an incredible promise! Jesus said that once He is with the Father (Joh_14:12), He
will do what we ask Him to do. He put only one condition on the promise; if we ask it in
Jesus' name. He put no limits either. He said, “whatsoever.” He added, as though to
give us some rational for such kindness (Psa_31:21, Psa_117:2, Isa_54:8-10, Rom_2:4,
Eph_2:7, Tit_3:4), that doing so would glorify the Father through the Son's abilities that
the Father had given Him. God is love (1Jn_4:8, 1Jn_4:16) and His love is
demonstrated through giving of Himself to others (Joh_3:16).

The promise was so unimaginable and extraordinary that Jesus repeated the thrust of it
again in Joh_14:14. It is as though He was saying, “I'm telling you the truth, and I mean
what I say ... anything at all ... just ask it in my name, and I will do it.”

14:14
See notes on Joh_14:13.

The use of Jesus' name is the holy insignia that secures our prayer's passage through
the Lord's heavenly grounds, into the holy courts (Psa_100:4) and straight to God's
throne (Heb_4:15-16). Saying His name prayerfully is the seal of approval upon our
petition (Joh_16:23-26). Just the sound of His name is the highest form of praise and
worship (Php_2:10).
14:15
If our Earthly father took us into a store and promised to give us anything that we want
(see notes on Joh_14:13-14), and all we have to do is ask, our natural reaction would
be to say, “I love you.” Our Lord's response is to say, “prove you love me through your
obedience to me (1Sa_15:22, Mar_12:33-34, Joh_14:21-24, 1Jo_2:3-5, 1Jo_5:2-3).”

See notes on Joh_15:10.

14:16
Jesus would be going away to the Father (Joh_13:33, Joh_14:2-3). His leaving needn't
worry them though, since they will do great things due to Jesus' departure (Joh_14:12).
Why? His reunification with the Father in Heaven secures access to the holy favor of
God (see notes on Joh_14:13-14). Jesus will also pray to the Father for them
(Isa_53:12, Rom_8:27, Rom_8:34, Heb_7:22-25). On Jesus' behalf, the Father will send
the Holy Spirit (Joh_14:26) to comfort the believer through a sure testimony within us
(Joh_15:26) that Jesus is still with us (1Ki_8:57, Psa_27:9, Pro_18:24, Heb_13:5).
Actually, we couldn't have the Holy Spirit unless Jesus went back to the Father
(Joh_16:7).

14:17
“Spirit of Truth” is another name for the Holy Spirit (Joh_15:26), as is “comforter”
(Joh_14:16, Joh_14:26, Joh_16:7) and Eternal Spirit (Heb_9:14). Jesus referred to the
Holy Ghost as the Spirit of Truth, because He will reveal “all” the truth to us (Jer_31:33,
Joh_16:13, 1Th_2:13, Heb_8:10, 1Jo_2:20 ) and teach (Rom_8:14, 1Co_2:11-13,
Gal_5:22-23, Eph_4:21-235, 1Jn_2:27) us how to live.

Before the advent of the Holy Spirit in the house where Jesus' disciples were waiting
(Act_2:1-4), the Spirit was only “with” us and “on” us (Psa_51:11, Num_24:2,
1Sa_10:10, 1Sa_11:6, 1Sa_19:20-23, 2Ch_15:1, 2Ch_24:20, Eze_11:24, Mat_3:16).
After that glorious day of Pentecost, the Spirit was released into us (Isa_63:9-12,
Mat_5:6, Rom_8:9, 1Co_3:16, 2Jo_1:2). There were only three exceptions, and each
instance involved John the Baptist. The Baptist was filled with the Holy Spirit before he
was even born (Luk_1:13-15). This incredible anointing of the Holy Ghost prior to the
day of Pentecost spoken of in Act_2:1-21 gave John the Baptist a special highlight by
Jesus among all the prophets (Mat_11:11, Luk_7:28). Zacharias, John the Baptist's
father, referred to John as the “Prophet of the Highest” (Luk_1:76). The overflow from
his anointing affected both his mother (Luk_1:41) and father (Luk_1:66-80), and they
too were filled with the Holy Spirit.

14:18
Jesus told the disciples that He was going away (Joh_13:33), but the Holy Spirit would
come to comfort them (Joh_14:16-17). To that He added, “I will come to you” again (see
notes on Joh_14:3).
14:19
After His resurrection, the world would no longer see Him openly among them, but He
would appear to His disciples (Mat_28:8-10, Mat_28:16-20, Mar_16:1-8, Mar_16:14-18,
Luk_24:13-51, Joh_20:11-30, Joh_21:1-23, Act_9:3-7, 1Co_15:3-9). Jesus also
appeared to Saul\Paul (Act_1:2-9, Act_22:6-11, Act_22:17-21, Act_26:12-19) and to
Stephen (Act_7:55-56).

Besides just preaching Christ and Him crucified for our sins, remember His resurrection.
Since He had power over death, believers are confident that we too will be resurrected
into eternal life (Isa_26:19, Joh_5:28-29, Rom_6:5, Rom_8:11, 1Co_6:14, 1Co_15:16,
1Co_15:20-22, 1Co_15:51-57, 2Co_4:14, Phi_3:21, Col_1:18, 1Th_4:14-17, 1Pe_1:3,
Rev_1:5).

14:20
When Jesus said, “At that day,” He meant on Resurrection Day (see notes on
Joh_14:19). Before that day, they must act in faith believing, but on that day, they will
know (1Co_13:12). What will they know? They will perceive and understand how
interconnected the family of God is.

14:21
Jesus repeated the message in this verse three other times during the conversation
(Joh_14:15, Joh_14:23, Joh_14:24). Obviously, it is important that we perceive and
understand the meaning of the Lord's admonition.

Having the Bible, and being able to read what Jesus said to us, is a wonderful gift of
God (Psa_19:7-11, Psa_119:9-11, Psa_119:97-104, Pro_6:23, Mat_13:52, Rom_15:4,
Heb_4:12, 2Pe_1:19-21, Gal_3:22, 2Ti_3:16). What good is any gift to us though if,
even after we have received it, we never use it (Mat_7:24-26, Luk_6:47-49, Joh_9:31,
Jas_4:17)? Moreover, who would receive a precious gift from someone they love and
then throw the gift away (Mat_13:46)? If you love the person, you keep the gift precious.
If someone mishandles it, you say, “Be careful. That was a gift from my loved one.” A
sure sign that we love Jesus and we appreciate His gift to us through the word, is that
we treasure the word.

Still, having the gift and keeping it precious is only admiring something that has a use
beyond household decoration. It is a waste of a valuable resource to keep the resource
but never utilize it for what it was designed to do. God's gift to us of the word is meant to
be used daily (Mat_6:11, Luk_11:3). He didn't give it to us to simply adore it, or worse;
to hide it away somewhere to be safe (Mat_5:15-16, Mar_4:21, Luk_8:16, Luk_11:33).
His words are tools that can truly help us to do life better. Our having the
commandments is only part of God's intention though. We are to do what He told us to
do in His word (Mat_7:24, Luk_6:47, Gal_3:12).

All of this comes with a promise. If we have His commandments, and we keep them, He
will reveal Himself to us and make Himself real to us. If you want to see Jesus, study
His word and put it into every day practice.
14:22
There were two disciples who were called Judas; Judas Iscariot, the betrayer\traitor,
and Lebbaeus Thaddaeus (Mat_10:3). Lebbaeus Thaddaeus also went by;
“Thaddaeus” (Mar_3:18), “Judas the brother of James” (Luk_6:16, Act_1:13) and simply
“Jude” (Jud_1:1). This Judas is Jesus' half brother (Mat_13:55, Mar_6:3). So, Jesus‟
surname from Joseph was Thaddaeus.

One of Judas' other brothers, James, was not one of the two James listed in the twelve
disciples\apostles (1Co_15:5-8), but Paul identified him in the office of an apostle
(Gal_1:19). James later became the leader of the Jerusalem church (Act_12:17,
Act_15:13, Act_21:18, Gal_2:12).

Although Joh_7:5 tells us that some of Jesus' half brothers didn't even believe in Him at
first, we know Judas had become one of the twelve disciples Jesus set apart as
Apostles (Mat_10:2-5, Mar_3:14-19, Luk_6:13-16), and The Twelve (see notes on
Joh_20:24) are spoken of prior to Joh_7:5 in Joh_6:67 and Joh_6:70-71.
Developmentally, Judas had come a long way as a believer well before most of his
other siblings, excluding James of course. In this verse, Judas addressed Jesus as
“Lord.” However, Judas' question illustrated how much he still didn't understand (see
notes on Joh_14:21). He believed in Jesus, but he had a lot to learn.

In the Bible we have record of four other men named Judas. There was a man named
Judas in Jesus' linage (Mat_1:2). There was a “Judas of Galilee” that is listed as a false
messiah (Act_5:37). At Damascus, the blinded Saul was found by Ananias in the house
of a man named Judas (Act_9:11). Additionally, a prophet named Judas was sent
together with Paul, Barnabas, and Silas to the gentiles in Antioch, Syria and Cilicia with
an epistle from the church in Jerusalem (Act_19:1-32).

14:23
See notes on Joh_14:21, Joh_15:10. To the earlier statements regarding keeping His
words, Jesus added “make our abode with him.” He chose a word that depicts living
under the same roof. He could have said, “we will abide with him.” In other words, “stay
with him.” He chose instead to make the relationship more intimate. He chose to say
that we will live together (Isa_61:10, Isa_62:5, Mat_25:1, Rev_21:2, Rev_21:9).

14:24
For loving Him and keeping His sayings, see notes on Joh_14:21.

For His words coming from the Father, see notes on Joh_8:38, Joh_12:44, Joh_14:10.

14:25
Jesus had prophesied to them so that later they'd remember and believe (Joh_14:29).
14:26
The things that Jesus taught them were not always immediately understood by His
hearers (Mat_13:13, Mat_15:17, Mat_16:11, Mar_8:21, Luk_8:10, Joh_8:43). Later, the
Holy Ghost would help them and will help us both to recollect and to better understand
what He had said (Joh_2:19-22, Joh_12:16, Act_11:16). The Holy Spirit's help to us is
indeed a comfort to us (see notes on Joh_14:18).

14:27
Jesus had told His disciples He was leaving them (Joh_13:33). The thought of Jesus
leaving troubled them (Joh_14:1). They didn't know where He was going or how to
continue following Him after He was gone (Joh_14:5). Jesus consoled them with the
revelation that the Holy Ghost would come after He was gone to comfort them
(Joh_14:6, Joh_14:18) and continue teaching them the truth (Joh_14:17, Joh_14:26).

The peace that Jesus left with them is the Holy Spirit (Gal_5:22-23). Before Jesus left
them, they didn't understand all His teachings (see notes on Joh_14:26). Once they
received the Holy Spirit, they received the fruit of the Spirit. In the fruit of the Spirit is a
peace that makes the human need to understanding everything irrelevant (Php_4:7).
With such a peace, there is no reason to be troubled or afraid.

People in the world are lost and deluded. They think they are having fun, from time to
time, but they have no real peace. The fun turns to hangovers, stains on the floor,
broken things, damaged relationships, and emotional scars. Is that peace? That is the
peace the world offers, but Jesus offers the Holy Spirit.

14:28
See notes on Joh_14:27.

14:29
See notes on Joh_14:25.

14:30
Jesus' quality discussion with His disciples was filled with information and revelation
(Joh_13:31 - Joh_16:33), but the time for long conversations with them was about to be
over. He was preparing to go pray with the Father before His arrest (Luk_22:44).

Jesus had called the devil the “prince of this world” before (Joh_12:31), and He would
again (Joh_16:11).

14:31
He decided to press forward through the passion (Act_1:3), so we would see how much
He loved God, the Father. His love for the Father is evident by His obedience to the
Fathers' commandment to Him (1Sa_15:22, 1Co_7:19, Rev_22:14). His Father tells
Jesus what to do (see notes on Joh_12:49), and Jesus told His disciples what to do
(Luk_6:46, Joh_13:34, Joh_13:17).
 Chapter 15
15:1
Jesus spoke of Himself as the light (Joh_8:12, Joh_9:5, Joh_12:46), the bread
(Joh_6:32-35, Joh_6:48, Joh_6:51, the door (Joh_10:7-9), the good shepherd
(Joh_10:11-14), the Son of God (Joh_8:54, Joh_9:35-37, Joh_10:36), the resurrection
and the life (Joh_11:25), Master and Lord (Joh_13:13) and the way (Joh_14:6). In this
verse, Jesus is the “true vine.” He is not an imitation or merely the branch off the true
vine, but he is the vine planted by God, the Father Himself (Psa_80:15-19, Isa_53:2,
Eze_17:22-24). We, the people of God, are the branches (Isa_5:7, Isa_60:21,
Hos_10:1) growing out of the “BRANCH” (Zec_3:8, Zec_6:12, Isa_11:1, Jer_23:5,
Jer_33:15), Jesus.

God, the Father, takes care of the vineyard (Isa_27:3, Isa_58:11). A husbandman is “a
land worker, that is, farmer.” xlv God, the Farmer, wants us to bear fruit (Joh_15:5,
Joh_15:8).

15:2
One of a vineyard farmer's (see notes on Joh_15:1) many tasks, is to prune the vines.
Unproductive or corrupted branches with their bad seed are cut off (Gen_6:3,
Gen_17:14, Lev_18:29, Lev_22:3, Num_15:31, 1Ki_9:7, Job_11:10, Job_18:16,
Job_24:24, Psa_12:3, Psa_37:28, Pro_2:22, Isa_9:14, Isa_18:5, Eze_17:9, Mat_3:10,
Mat_7:9, Luk_3:9, Luk_13:6-9, Joh_15:6, Rom_11:22, Heb_6:8), and fruitful ones are
trimmed to eliminate waste and encourage new growth (Psa_51:7-13, Isa_27:9,
Mat_3:12, 1Th_5:23, 1Th_5:24, Tit_2:14, Heb_6:7, Heb_12:10).

When we are born again, we are grafted into “the true vine” (Rom_11:17-24, Jas_1:21).
Grafted into the body of Christ (Rom_7:4, 1Co_12:12-27, Col_2:19, Heb_3:13), and
now a part of the vine, if we abide in Christ (Psa_37:9, Psa_37:34, Joh_15:4-5), if we
don't give up and leave the body, we will grow and produce the fruit of the Spirit in our
lives (Joh_15:4, Gal_5:22-23, Phi_1:11).

Part of the Christian growing process involves “pruning.” The Lord will purge us of
things that He doesn't want in our lives, and He will encourage us to grow and change
and produce more fruit (2Ki_19:30, Isa_37:31, Isa_60:21, Eze_17:8, Eze_17:23,
Joh_15:8).

Are souls the fruit of which Jesus spoke? The fruit we are to bear is the fruit of the Spirit
(Gal_5:22-23, Eph_5:9, Col_1:5-6, Heb_12:11, Jas_3:18). Souls are the natural result
of bearing fruit, because our fruit will glorify God (Joh_15:8). If the fruit of our lives lifts
up Jesus, people will be drawn to Christ through our example (Joh_12:32). If we have
no fruit, the lost will find more reason for excuse through us to avoid the cross.

15:3
The scriptures have the power to purge us of our sinful ways (Mat_13:23, Mar_4:20,
Luk_8:15, Joh_1:14, Joh_17:17, Act_10:44, Act_12:24, Act_19:20, Rom_10:17,
Eph_1:13, Eph_5:26, 1Th_2:13, 1Ti_4:5, 2Ti_2:15, Heb_1:3, Heb_4:12, Jas_1:18-22,
1Pe_1:23, 1Pe_2:2, 1Jn_2:14, Rev_3:10) and leave the new transformed self
(Psa_51:10, Eze_18:31, Eze_36:26, Rom_12:2, 2Co_5:17, Eph_4:22-24, Col_1:21,
Col_1:22, Col_3:10, 2Ti_3:16-17, Tit_3:5).

15:4
How can anything that is cut off from its source bear fruit? The power both to live and
bear fruit comes from the root of the vine. The root is the source, and Jesus is our
source (Isa_11:1-10, Rom_15:12, Rev_5:5, Rev_22:16). Alone and cut off we can do
nothing (Joh_15:5, Rom_11:18), but we can do all things through Christ (Phi_4:13).

It won't always be easy. There will be suffering (Rom_8:17-18, 2Co_1:6-7, Php_1:29,

1Th_3:4, 2Th_1:5, 2Ti_2:12, 2Ti_3:12, Jas_5:10, 1Pe_2:20, 1Pe_3:14, 1Pe_4:16,
Rev_2:10) and persecution (Mat_5:10-12, Mat_10:22-25, Joh_15:19-21, Joh_16:33,
1Co_4:12, 2Ti_3:12,) and tests of our faith (Heb_11:32-38). Tribulation causes many to
quit and they break themselves from the vine. In the face of trouble though, stay grafted
into Christ (Act_14:22, Col_1:22-24, 1Th_3:3-4, 1Pe_5:9-10). Stay vitally connected to
our source, Jesus Christ.

15:5
See notes on Joh_15:1-4.

Jesus said, “… without me ye can do nothing.” Although it is true that without the Lord
giving us physical life we couldn't do anything on Earth as mortal people, in this verse
Jesus wasn't talking about physical abilities. He didn't mean you would cease to
function, for we too were once branches not grafted to the vine, and we still did things.
Jesus was talking about spiritual life and activities (Act_17:28).

Spiritually speaking, as far as the ability to do anything consequential in the kingdom of

God, that is, to bear fruit, we are insufficient without Christ (Job_8:11-13, 2Co_3:5). If
we try to exhibit the fruit of the Spirit without the help of the Spirit, we will fail miserably.
Our flesh is too weak to produce true fruit (Mat_26:41, Mar_14:38, Rom_8:3-4,
Gal_5:17), but His grace, through the Holy Spirit, supports us with the power to do His
will (2Co_3:5, 2Co_12:9-10, Eph_3:16, Col_1:10-12).

15:6
A vine branch's purpose is to bear fruit. The branch cut off from the vine is unable to
bear any more fruit, and it withers in death (Job_8:11-13). Separated from Christ, we
are as worthless as cut off branches (see notes on Joh_15:5). Those who are cut off
from Christ are spiritually dead (see notes on Joh_5:24), and they are not fulfilling their
purposes.

A branch that has separated itself from the vine, and the source of life (see notes on
Joh_15:4), deserves a withering death. However, since God's mercy and kindness are
unfailing, He will still gladly recover the repentant backslidden sinner and graft them
back into the vine (Rom_11:23).
15:7
The incredible promise that anything we ask will be done for us was accompanied with
an “if.” “If” we want our requests fulfilled, then fulfill His request and abide in Him
(Joh_15:4), and commit the scriptures into your mind and heart (Joh_15:3).

The “if” is historically consistent with the Lord's promises. Even the promise of salvation
comes with an “if.” We can be saved from sure destruction, “if” we confess Jesus and
believe (Rom_10:9). Don't foolishly focus on the promises of God, and forget the “ifs.”
The “if” part of God's promise is what God is requiring of you.

15:8
God, the Father, will handle all branches on the vine (Joh_15:1). If we abide in Christ,
as a good branch abides on the vine, we will bear fruit (Joh_15:4-5, Rom_6:22,
Gal_5:22-23). Some branches bear more fruit than others (Mat_13:8). However,
branches not bearing fruit at all will be cut off (Mat_3:10, Joh_15:6, Heb_6:8).

Branches bearing fruit will be pruned to promote new growth and more fruit (Joh_15:2).
When we, as fruitful branches, produce abundant fruit, the Father is glorified (Mat_5:16,
Rom_15:5-6, Php_1:11).

Jesus said to His disciples, “so shall ye be my disciples.” Were they not already His
disciples? Yes, they already were His disciples (Joh_2:2, Joh_3:22, Joh_4:31, Joh_6:3,
Joh_6:60-66, Joh_7:3, Joh_9:2, Joh_11:7, Joh_13:5, Joh_13:23). What then did Jesus
mean? Jesus' words were spoken in the future tense ... “shall ye be,” because
discipleship today doesn't necessarily mean discipleship tomorrow. Some choose to
walk away (Joh_6:66, Joh_12:4, 1Jn_2:19). To continue as a disciple of Christ is to
continually abide in Him and His word.

How does one become a disciple of anyone else? One listens to the teacher's words
(Joh_15:3), takes the teachings to heart (Joh_8:31, Joh_15:7) and puts the lessons into
practice (Joh_13:35). Jesus told us to abide in Him by continually doing these things.

15:9
God, is love (1Jn_4:8), and God, the Father, loves Jesus (Joh_3:35, Joh_5:20,
2Pe_1:17). Those around the area when Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist had
heard a voice from heaven declaring the Father's love for His son (Mat_3:17, Mar_1:11,
Luk_3:22). Peter, James and John had heard a similar declaration of the Father's love
for Jesus at another time (Mat_17:5, Mar_9:7, Luk_9:34-35). Consequently, the
disciples didn't doubt the Father's love for Jesus.

With such a sure knowledge of the love relationship between Jesus and the Father,
Jesus encouraged His disciples to continue as a part of the Holy Family (Rom_8:15-17,
Gal_4:6, Tit_3:7, Jas_2:5) and stay on the vine (Joh_15:4). Love is the tie that binds the
grafted branches to the vine (1Jn_4:16). Love God (Deu_6:5, Deu_10:12, Deu_11:1,
Deu_11:13, Deu_11:22, Deu_19:9, Deu_30:6, Deu_30:16-20, Jos_22:5, Jos_23:11,
Neh_1:5, Dan_9:4, Mat_22:37, Mar_12:30, Luk_10:26-28, 2Th_3:5), and love one
another (Joh_13:34-35, Joh_15:12, Joh_15:17, Rom_12:10, Rom_13:8, Gal_5:13,
Eph_4:2, 1Th_4:9, Heb_10:24, 1Pe_1:22, 1Pe_3:8, 1Jo_3:11, 1Jo_3:23, 1Jo_4:7-11,
2Jo_1:5).

15:10
Love is the force that binds us to the vine (see notes on Joh_15:9). If we love Jesus, we
will do as He instructed us to do (Joh_14:15), and loving and obeying Him is what helps
us to abide in Him and He in us (Joh_14:23, Joh_15:4).

15:11
Jesus found joy in the midst of looming trouble (Luk_24:26, Joh_12:24, Joh_12:32,
Act_2:25-28, Heb_12:2, 1Pe_1:11), and the Lord's joy is our strength (Neh_8:10). We
receive His strength as we abide in Him (Psa_16:11, Joh_15:4-5, Joh_15:7-8). As we
abide in Him we abide in the Spirit (see notes on Joh_15:5), and joy is part of the fruit of
the Spirit (Gal_5:22-23).

15:12
See notes on Joh_15:10.

God is a spirit (Joh_4:24, 2Co_3:17) whose essence is an all consuming fire (Deu_4:24,
Eze_1:26-28, Eze_8:2, Heb_12:29, Rev_1:14-16) of love (1Jn_4:8, 1Jn_4:16). When
we love, we share in the divine nature (2Pe_1:3-4). That is why we are commanded to
love (Lev_19:34, Deu_6:5, Mat_22:37-40, Mar_12:30-31, Luk_10:27-28, and see notes
on Joh_15:9).

15:13
The disciples were told to love one another (see notes on Joh_15:9) as Jesus loved
them (Joh_13:34-35, Joh_15:12). Jesus loved them so much that He was about to die
in their place. Our love towards one another ought also to be a sacrificial love that gives
of ourselves for the greater good (Rom_12:10, Gal_5:13, 1Pe_1:22, 1Jn_4:11-12,
1Jn_5:2).

This is true power; the incredible power to love without limits (Joh_10:17-18). Jesus‟
demonstration of awesome love made our adoption by the Father into the family of God
possible (Rom_8:29, Heb_2:11-15, Rev_1:5-6). Jesus' death and burial was a planting
(Joh_12:24) of Holy Seed (Gal_3:16) to produce an abundant harvest of God's children
(Rom_8:16, Gal_3:26, 1Jn_3:10) that would all bear fruit (see notes on Joh_15:1).

15:14
See notes on Joh_15:12-13.

He called His disciples friends (Joh_15:15). Notice that there was an “if” (see notes on
Joh_15:7).
15:15
An employer would likely not share confidential secrets with an employee, unless the
employee became a friend of the employer. The disciples had become Jesus' friends,
and we tell our friends what we wouldn't share with everyone else. The stronger and
more dependable the friendship, the deeper and more intimate our disclosures become.

Jesus had held nothing back, and he told them everything the Father had told him to
say.

15:16
Their ordinations are written about in Mat_10:1-6, Mar_3:14-15, Luk_6:13). The purpose
for their being chosen (Joh_6:70, Joh_15:19) and ordained was to produce a harvest
(Mat_9:37, Mar_4:29, Joh_4:35), and the ultimate aim is that the harvest isn't lost
(Mat_13:3-35, Mar_4:3-20, Luk_8:5-15).

The harvest isn't just new converts to the faith. To harvest a crop is to cut it off from the
root and separate it from the field. Believers are suppose to stay grafted to the root
(Joh_15:4-6), and we are needed in the field (Joh_17:15). What then is the harvest?
The harvest is fruit. We are to bear fruit in our lives (Joh_15:2). What fruit? The fruit of
the Spirit (Gal_5:22-23). By living a life of abundant fruit produced by the Spirit, God is
lifted up and glorified (Joh_15:8). The glory of God attracts new believers (Joh_12:32).
Therefore, we know that a harvest of souls is the natural byproduct of living a spirit filled
life. We are told to go into the world and preach the gospel (Mar_16:15). Our fruit of the
Spirit laden lives are a loud broadcast of God's redemptive power to change those that
were once lost (Pro_4:18, Isa_49:9-10, Mat_5:14, Rom_2:19-20, Eph_5:8-14, Phi_2:15,
1Th_5:5).

At the end of this verse is a great key. We pray, as people that worship different God's
also pray. However, our prayers to our God do not fall upon ears of clay or wood or
stone or even gold (1Ki_18:26-29, Psa_115:4-8, Psa_135:15-17, Isa_37:19, Isa_46:6-7,
Hab_2:18, Dan_5:23, Hab_2:19). The Christian and the Jew pray to the very real God
(Exo_3:14-15, Deu_4:35, Isa_45:5-21, Psa_46:10, 1Co_8:4) of Abraham. The Christian
though has been given the key to the heavenly storehouse, and our prayers, spoken in
Jesus' name (see notes on Joh_14:13-14), carry the weight of favor and grace from the
Father afforded to Christ Himself (see notes on Joh_16:23-24).

15:17
See notes on Joh_15:9-13.

Note that it isn‟t an option to love others. It is a commandment.

15:18
It is comforting to know during times of persecution and prejudice, that Jesus was hated
first for teaching what we now believe. When hated then (Mat_5:11, Mat_10:22,
Mar_13:13, Luk_6:22), we know that we are not alone in our pain. Jesus went through it
too (Isa_53:3, Joh_7:7, Joh_15:25, 1Jo_3:13), and He is with us even now (Deu_31:6,
Pro_18:24, Joh_15:14, Heb_13:5). When we suffer for His sake, we share in His
sufferings (Phi_3:10).

15:19
We believers are still in the world, that is, on the Earth, and we are needed among the
lost (Joh_17:15), as lights in the darkness (Mat_5:14). Otherwise, at the moment of our
conversion we would have been translated directly into Heaven.

We are on the world, but we no longer belong to the world (Job_19:15, Eph_1:3-11,
1Pe_2:9-11). We were citizens of Earth, and a human kingdom here upon the Earth, but
now we are citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven (Act_2:39, 2Co_5:1, Eph_2:12,
Eph_2:19, Php_3:20, Col_1:21, Heb_12:22-23). We are aliens in a foreign land
(Psa_119:19), and the natives hate us. Our ways are not their ways (1Co_6:9-11,
1Co_12:31, Eph_2:1-3, Col_1:21, Tit_3:1-7, 1Pe_1:11-16, 1Pe_4:1-4).

15:20
Jesus reminded His disciples of what He had told them in Joh_13:16, and He added
that we will be persecuted (Act_7:52, 1Co_4:12, Gal_5:11, 2Ti_3:12). If you were never
persecuted for being a Christian, your never were a Christian. Believers will suffer for
their faith (Act_5:41, Act_9:16, 1Co_12:26, 2Co_11:20, Rom_8:17, Php_1:29,
1Th_2:15, 1Th_3:4, 2Th_1:5, 2Ti_1:11-12, 2Ti_2:12, Heb_11:25, 1Pe_3:14, 1Pe_4:16-
19, Rev_2:10).

15:21
See notes on Joh_15:20.

15:22
Wages are paid as a result of a legal agreement between employer and employee.
When the employee performs functions under the authority of the employer, the
employer MUST pay the previously agreed upon wage for performance of the function.
Since we are subject to God and are under His ultimate authority, everything we do is
done under His authority. When we make the decision to sin, we agree to accept the
consequences that MUST be paid according to the law. The wages of sin is death
(Rom_6:23, 1Co_15:56, Jas_1:15). Unfortunately, when Adam and Eve sinned, we all
inherited their reward for sin ... death (Rom_5:12, Rom_5:19). We are born in sin, and
we all sin (Ecc_7:20, Rom_3:9, Rom_3:19, Rom_3:23, Rom_11:32, Gal_3:22, 1Jo_1:8-
10).

Mankind has been in sin since the Garden of Eden (Rom_5:13-14). Sin is breaking the
law of God (Jam_2:10, 1Jn_3:4), regardless of whether one knows it or not. Sin,
therefore, isn't born when the law of God is known, it is revealed (Rom_3:20, Rom_7:7).
Without the law sin was dead (Rom_7:8), but even in the Garden of Eden there was law
(Gen_2:17). So, what did Jesus mean then when He said, “If I had not come and
spoken unto them, they had not had sin?”
By hating Him without cause (Joh_15:25), they were breaking the law (Jas_2:9,
1Jn_2:9-11, 1Jn_3:15, 1Jn_4:20). They might have tried to obey every bit of the law, as
they knew it, before He came (Mat_19:18-21, Mat_23:23, Luk_11:42, Luk_18:19-22),
but now they were guilty of hating Jesus. They would have been innocent of hating
Jesus, had He never come and said the things that stirred their anger (Mar_12:12,
Joh_7:7, Joh_7:25, Joh_8:37-40, Joh_10:38-39, Joh_15:24), but now they hated Him.

According to the law, we are to love God (Deu_6:5). By hating Him they broke the
greatest commandment of all (Mat_22:36-38). Since both Moses and Jesus had told
them about the law of love, the sin of their hatred had been revealed to them. Their sin
was fully exposed, and Jesus said, “… now they have no cloak for their sin.”

Without even being born in sin, which they were, they broke the law and deserved to die
by hating Jesus, but, and thank God, He was there to set them and us free from the law
of sin and death (Act_13:39, Rom_8:2, Gal_2:16, Gal_3:10-13).

15:23
The two, Father and Son, are one (Joh_12:45, Joh_17:11, Joh_17:22, Col_2:8-9,
1Jn_5:7). To believe the one, is to believe the other (Joh_5:24, Joh_12:44, Joh_14:1).
To receive the one, is to receive the other (Mar_9:37, Joh_5:23, Joh_13:20). To love the
one, is to love the other (Joh_8:42, Joh_14:23, 1Jn_5:1-2). However, to hate the one, is
to hate the other also (Luk_10:16, 1Th_4:7-8).

15:24
See notes on Joh_15:22.

15:25
Everything prophesied about Jesus in the scriptures had to be fulfilled (Luk_21:22,
Luk_24:44, Act_3:18, Act_13:29), because God is not a liar (Num_23:19, 1Sa_15:29,
Tit_1:2, Heb_6:18).

The “they hated me without a cause” scriptures Jesus referred to are in the book of
Psalms (Psa_35:19, Psa_69:4, Psa_109:3).

15:26
See notes on Joh_14:17.

Some hate Jesus without cause (Joh_15:25), because they are in darkness (Mat_4:16,
Joh_1:4-5, Joh_3:19), and because of disbelief (Luk_22:67, Joh_3:12, Joh_4:48,
Joh_5:37-38, Joh_5:47, Joh_6:36, Joh_8:24, Joh_8:45-46, 2Co_4:4, 2Th_2:9-11). They
are lost (Joh_8:12, Joh_12:35, 2Co_4:3). For some of the lost, their disbelief will be
broken through the conviction of the Holy Spirit (Joh_16:7-9, Act_2:36-37, Act_11:16).
15:27
The Apostles were certainly “special witnesses,” in that they lived and walked with
Jesus since the beginning of His public ministry and could personally testify of His
mighty works (Luk_1:2, 1Jo_1:1-3). However, we all serve as witnesses of what He has
done for each of us personally (1Co_14:24).

Chapter 16
16:1
During this conversation, Jesus had told His disciples that He would be leaving them
(Joh_13:33, Joh_14:2, Joh_14:28). Additionally, He told them they would be hated
(Joh_15:18-19) and persecuted (Joh_15:20) for His sake. Although He promised them a
comforter to teach them and encourage them after He was gone (Joh_14:16-18,
Joh_14:26-27), what Jesus told them about the future was unexpected. Whatever their
hopes and dreams for their futures were with Christ before, they were finding out that
there would actually be difficult trials and troubles ahead.

When things don't go our way, and we think that the Lord should have kept us safe from
harm, it is easy for us to blame God. Jesus told them in advance how it would be after
He was gone, so that they would continue in the faith (Joh_14:29) and wouldn't be
surprised when it happened. If we are paying attention, the Lord will give us advance
warning of upcoming difficulties. With such a good and caring God, how can we be
offended by Him?

Our God does care for us, but sometimes we doubt whether God really is watching out
for us. After John the Baptist's arrest (Mat_14:3), he began to doubt Jesus. While in
prison, John sent messengers to Christ asking if Jesus was the one after all (Mat_11:2-
3, Luk_7:17-20). Jesus responded by pointing out the miracles done in the Father's
name (Mat_11:4-5, Luk_7:21-22), and then He said that we will be blessed if we are not
offended in Him during troubles (Mat_11:6, Luk_7:23). Doubts can come naturally, but
we can trust God and not believe our doubts (see notes on Joh_8:47). Remember all
the good things the Lord has done for us.

16:2
To the tribulations Jesus already foretold them they would experience (see notes on
Joh_16:1), he added that they would be excommunicated from Jewish affiliation and
killing them would then be seen as a purging of God's people.

16:3
See notes on Joh_16:1-2.

People who truly know the Lord, love Him and those whom He loves (Joh_8:42,
Joh_13:35, Rom_13:9, Jas_2:8, 1Jn_4:11, 1Jn_4:12). With the love of God in our
hearts, how could we persecute anyone (1Jn_4:20)?

16:4
See notes on Joh_16:1.

16:5
Wait a minute... Peter asked Him in Joh_13:36, and Thomas was interested, as we see
in Joh_14:5. What then did Jesus mean, “none of you asketh me?” Well, Jesus had said
again in Joh_14:28 that He was leaving, but no one had asked again, because they
were less concerned about Jesus' leaving than they were about their own upcoming
troubles (Joh_16:1, Joh_16:6).

16:6
See notes on Joh_16:5.

16:7
The disciples didn't want Jesus to leave them, but He explained that it was both
necessary and advantageous to them and their mission (Joh_16:8-9) that He go.

Apparently, the Holy Spirit would not be inside us (Joh_14:17) while Jesus was among
us (Joh_7:39) and until Jesus sent Him (Joh_15:26, Luk_24:49). Also, Jesus wouldn't
send the Holy Spirit until He went back to the Father.

16:8
Jesus had told His disciples that the Holy Spirit was the comforter (Joh_14:16,
Joh_16:7), testifier (Joh_15:26, Act_5:32, Act_15:8, 1Jo_5:6-10), and teacher
(Joh_14:26, 1Co_2:13, 1Jo_2:27). To those ministries in the lives of believers
(Mat_16:17, Joh_7:39), He added that the Spirit would also serve to strike remorse in
the hearts of the unbelievers (because of their sins), show them true righteousness
(because they think that they are good) and enlighten them about the consequences of
continuing in sin (because they don't fear God).

16:9
Jesus had shown them their sins (Joh_1:4-5, Joh_3:18-21), but they didn't believe Him
(Joh_8:24, Joh_8:46).

16:10
Jesus was righteous (in right-standing with God) and an example to all of us
(Rom_3:25-26, Rom_5:17-21, Rom_10:4, 2Co_5:21, Php_1:11, 1Pe_2:21-24,
2Pe_2:20-24, 1Jo_2:1). Unfortunately, many in the world will not believe in Jesus or
follow His example (see notes on Joh_16:9), but the Holy Spirit will put the
righteousness of Christ within the hearts and upon the deeds of all those who do believe
(Rom_14:17, Gal_5:5, Eph_5:9, Php_3:9, 1Jn_1:9).

See notes on Joh_3:18 and Joh_7:18.

16:11
See Joh_12:30-32.
Satan, that great deceiver and the father of lies (Joh_8:44), is judged continually and is
constantly found full of sin and devoid of righteousness. His evil is widespread, and his
influence over the hearts of men has kept him in authority over them.

A ministry of the Holy Spirit is to reveal the deception (Isa_25:7, 2Co_3:13-16),

convince the captive that he\she is in sin (see notes on Joh_16:9), that they can be free
(Joh_8:36) and made the righteousness of God (see notes on Joh_16:10).

16:12
Jesus told us a lot, but we need to understand how to put it all into action. We need to
apply it to our everyday lives. How do we live day-to-day lives in the flesh without Him
here to teach us how to do it right through what He meant? We can learn some things
right away through reading a little of His word, i.e., the Bible (Heb_5:13, 1Pe_2:2).
However, as we grow in Christ, we need more information to further our development
(Heb_5:12-14). We learn about abiding on the vine (see notes on Joh_15:1-9) in stages
(Isa_28:10, 2Co_3:18) as we are ready for it (1Co_3:2, Heb_5:13-14, 1Pe_2:2-3). The
Apostles were not yet ready to hear some of what they would need to know.

Jesus is with the Father, but the Holy Spirit is here (Act_2:1-4), and the Spirit teaches
us what we need to know (Joh_16:13).

16:13
See notes on Joh_14:17, Joh_15:26.

The Holy Spirit will teach us and guide us throughout our lives with Christ (see notes on
Joh_16:12). He will do and say, as Jesus did (see notes on Joh_12:44), only what the
Father tells Him to do and say. It is as though the Holy Spirit continues Jesus' teaching
ministry in an intrapersonal way.

Part of what the Spirit shows us is the prophetic (Joe_2:28, Act_2:17-18, 1Co_12:9-10,
1Co_12:28, 1Co_14:29-31.

16:14
The Holy Spirit is sent by the Father and will do and say what the Father tells Him to do
and say (see notes on Joh_16:13). Through the ministry of the Holy Spirit, Jesus is
glorified, and the Lord's presence is verified (Joh_15:26, 1Co_2:9-10, 1Jo_4:13,
1Jo_5:6).

By saying, “he shall receive of mine,” Jesus didn't mean that He would tell the Spirit
what to say (Joh_16:15). He meant that the Holy Spirit would receive information from
the same source as Jesus had; the Father.

16:15
See notes on Joh_16:14.
The Father has given His son and heir authority over everything in His kingdom
(Joh_3:35, Joh_13:3, Joh_17:7). Jesus' princely rights are not surprising to us and
make perfect sense to us. What amazes us is that the Father would adopt us
(Rom_8:15, Gal_4:4-5, Eph_1:5) and make us joint-heirs with Christ (Rom_8:16-17
2Co_5:18, 2Pe_1:3).

Some people ask, “How could a loving God send people to hell?” The movie, “The Bind
Side,” was released in 2009 which told the story of Michael Oher. Mr. Oher had been
“adopted” by the Touhy family of Memphis Tennessee. One of thirteen children, whose
father was in prison and whose mother was fighting a drug addiction, Michael Oher had
been neglected and pushed aside by his community. With the love of, and acceptance
into, the Touhy family, Oher blossomed. He went on to graduate from the University of
Mississippi, and he was drafted into the NFL on the first round. Those who witnessed
the movie saw the incredible results of love undeserved through the willingness of the
Touhys to adopt a hopeless stranger.

God has shown us His matchless love, in that He willingly adopts even the most
undeserving of us and takes us into His home, because He actually does love us. He
doesn't want anybody to go to Hell (2Pe_3:9). Accordingly, He sent His own son to die
so we wouldn't have to go to Hell (Joh_3:15-16).

16:16
Jesus was going to die, but He was going to be resurrected (Mat_12:40, Mat_27:62-63,
Mar_8:31, Mar_14:58, Joh_2:19, Act_4:33). In the tomb He would not be seen by the
disciples, but they would soon see Him as the risen Lord (Act_1:22, Act_2:32, Act_3:15,
Joh_20:19-28).

However, Jesus was speaking of their deaths. After He would go to the Father, they
wouldn't see Him until they too would die and go to the Father (Joh_14:2-3, Joh_14:19).
They would, as shall all of us, experience the resurrection in their own bodies
(Isa_26:19, Joh_6:39, Act_24:15, Rom_6:5, Rom_8:11, 1Co_15:13, 1Co_15:42,
1Th_4:13-14). Jesus was the firstborn from the dead (1Co_15:20-21, Col_1:18,
1Pe_1:3).

16:17
They began to ask one another if the other understood what Jesus had said, because
they did not. It is as though Peter, for example, might have asked Andrew, “Do you get
it?”

Jesus' statement though was plainly understood given other things He had said before
(see notes on Joh_16:16).

16:18
Smaller, interpersonal conversations between pairs of disciples (Joh_16:17) began to
break out into open discussion in the room. However, the discussions were still in hush
tones, because otherwise they would have been easily heard by Jesus (Joh_16:19).
16:19
Although the disciples had been quietly discussing (see notes on Joh_16:17-18) Jesus'
last remarks (Joh_16:16), the Lord knew what was on their hearts (see notes on
Joh_6:43).

16:20
Jesus' death will bring sorrow to those that love Him (Mat_9:15, Mar_16:10, Luk_24:15-
17, Joh_20:11, Joh_20:20), but His enemies will celebrate their supposed victory
(Mat_27:39-42, Mar_14:11, Mar_15:29-32, Luk_22:5-6). His disciples will grieve the
loss, but Jesus will rise after having been in the grave only a little while (Joh_16:19). At
the sight of the risen Lord, their hearts will again be full of gladness (Psa_30:11,
Mat_28:8-9, Luk_24:52).

Additionally, enemies of Christ, and those that despise the message of the cross, will be
glad when His apostles suffer (Isa_66:5, Act_5:41, Rom_5:2-3, 1Pe_1:6-8).

16:21
Jesus would labor through the pain and grief of His passion (Act_1:3) to receive with
exceeding joy the birth of new children into the family of God (Isa_61:7, Mic_4:10,
Heb_12:2).

16:22
See notes on Joh_16:20-21.

16:23
His disciples were used to asking Jesus questions hoping that He'd enlighten them.
Before they asked this time what He meant moments before (Joh_16:16), Jesus
explained it to them (Joh_16:19-28). Additionally, Jesus told them that, after He is gone,
they should ask for what they need from the Father ... not Him. He said to pray to the
Father (Mat_6:6-9, Luk_11:1-2), but added to ask the Father for your needs in Jesus'
name (see notes on Joh_14:13-14, Joh_15:16).

16:24
The disciples would ask things from Him or from the Father (see notes on Joh_16:23),
but they had never asked the Father in Jesus' name. Jesus instructed them to use His
name when they pray to the Father, and He motivated them to do so with a promise of
answered prayers and full joy.

16:25
Their understanding of Godly things was hampered by their physical limitations
(1Co_13:11-12). However, when they too go to Heaven, they would see the Father
clearly.

16:26
Since His ascension into Heaven, Jesus has been with the Father making intersession
for those that believe in Him (Isa_53:12, Rom_8:34, 1Ti_2:5, Heb_7:25). However,
when we too go to be with the Father, we will no longer need an intercessor between us
and the Father. The Father loves us and will hear our petitions directly from us
(Joh_16:27).

16:27
See notes on Joh_16:26.

16:28
“Again,” because Jesus had already told them He was preparing to leave Earth and
return to Heaven (Joh_8:14, Joh_13:33, Joh_14:1-3, Joh_14:12, Joh_14:19, Joh_14:28,
Joh_16:5, Joh_16:16). However, the disciples hadn't quite grasped that His whole life
had been a mission from God, and that He was sent into the world to begin the work.
This clear summary of the Son's advent tore the veil, and they were finally able to see
(Joh_16:30).

The disciples were still in denial though about the timing of Jesus' departure from Earth.
The mission was in its final hour, and Jesus tells them so in Joh_16:32.

16:29
It was Jesus' custom to veil His lessons in parables and proverbs (Mat_13:10-13,
Mat_13:34-35, Mat_21:45, Mat_22:1, Mar_3:23, Mar_4:10-11, Mar_4:33, Mar_12:1,
Luk_8:9-10, Joh_16:25).

16:30
See notes on Joh_16:28-29.

16:31
See notes on Joh_16:28.

16:32
Jesus' disciples will all run away (Zec_13:7) and leave Him to face the trial and
scourging without them (Mat_26:56, Mar_14:50).It will comfort Jesus to know though
that the Father is with Him.

At the end of Jesus‟ physical life on Earth, when the sins of all of us were placed upon
Jesus as the Lamb of God, the Father withdrew Himself from the sin stained man on the
cross. At that moment, when the Father's presence was no longer sensed, Jesus cried
out in agony over the spiritual death (separation from God ... see notes on Joh_5:24,
Joh_11:25) He experienced (Mat_27:46, Mar_15:34). The spiritual death of Christ was
prophesied about in Psa_22:1. Jesus' spiritual resurrection (reunification with God, a
“quickening” ... Psa_119:25, Psa_119:37-40, Psa_119:93, Joh_6:63, 1Co_15:36,
Eph_2:1-5, Col_2:13, 1Pe_3:18) was prophesied about in Psa_16:10 and referred to in
Act_2:27. Give glory to the only true and living God, and to His Son, Jesus. Praise His
holy name.
16:33
The bad news is; we will experience trials (Mat_13:21, Luk_21:12, Rev_2:10) and
troubles (Mat_23:34, Act_14:22, 2Co_12:10, 1Th_3:4, 2Th_1:4) and persecutions
(Mat_5:44, Joh_15:20, Act_8:1, 2Ti_3:12). The good news is; we can have peace even
in the middle of our tribulations (Mat_5:10-12, Joh_14:27, Rom_5:3, Rom_8:35,
Rom_12:12, 2Co_1:4, 2Co_4:9, 2Co_7:4, Php_4:7).

Actually, having tribulation is an indication that we are His (Phi_1:29), and we were
found worthy to suffer for Jesus' name sake (Act_5:41, Jam_1:2-4). Therefore, glorify
God at all times. Glorify Him when He blesses you, and praise Him when you are tried
(Psa_71:8, Psa_71:14-15, Isa_24:15, Act_16:25, Eph_5:20, Col_3:17, 1Th_5:18).

Notice that Jesus said, “I have overcome the world.” He didn't say, “When I am done
with what I am about to do, I will have overcome the world.” Jesus spoke as though He
were already in the future. In the present, speaking of the future, He said, “ye shall have
tribulation.” He then adds, “but be of good cheer.” When? When they experience the
tribulations He was prophesying about (1Pe_4:16). During tribulation, it will comfort us
to know that we serve a risen Lord that has overcome the world (Psa_34:1).

Our Lord sees past the here and now. He looks at all things in all times at every
moment. With His glorious vision focusing on our behalf, we are wise to trust Him and
foolish to doubt Him. Why do we look at our situations and study our situations, as
though with our limited understanding we can perceive an answer? God‟s vantage point
is the only clear view at how things really are. Give it all over to His capable hand.

Chapter 17
17:1
The entire seventeenth chapter is a prayer by Jesus to His Father on behalf of believers
(see notes on Joh_17:9).

Notice three things:

Note that the Lord lifted His eyes and looked toward Heaven (Psa_25:15,
Psa_121:1, Psa_123:1-2, Psa_141:8, Isa_38:14) as He began the prayer. There
were other times Jesus had done the same thing (Mat_14:19, Mar_6:41,
Mar_7:34, Luk_9:16, Joh_11:41).

Note also the simple statement, “the hour is come.” Although Jesus had said
similar things to those around Him (Joh_12:23, Joh_16:32), this is a recognition
directly between Father and Son that the time has arrived to fulfill their purpose.

Thirdly, Jesus prayed for resurrection and exaltation back into His Heavenly
habitation (Joh_17:5). The risen Jesus would be to the glory of God, the Father
(Phi_2:9-11).
17:2
God, the Father, sent His Son and gave Him all knowledge, power and authority
(Mat_11:27, Mat_28:18, Luk_10:22, Joh_3:35, Joh_5:22-27, Joh_13:3, Joh_16:15,
1Co_15:27, Eph_1:20-22, Phi_2:9-11, Col_1:16-19, Heb_2:8, Rev_17:14, Rev_19:16)
to act as His representative on the Earth (Psa_2:6-9, Isa_9:6-7, Dan_7:14, Mat_17:5,
Mar_12:6, Luk_1:32-33, Joh_17:8, Joh_17:18, Heb_1:2, Heb_2:3) and complete the
work (see notes on Joh_17:4).

The purpose (Joh_3:17, Joh_6:39-40, Joh_10:29) for the mission (Mat_18:11,

Luk_9:56, Luk_19:10, 1Jo_4:14) was to make eternal life (that is, spiritual life, see notes
on Joh_5:24) possible to all whom believe (Joh_3:15-16).

17:3
Although God is incomprehensible to us who are in our mortal bodies, we believers
seek to learn more about the one that gave us eternal life and His ways. We once were
lost. We were alienated from God (Eph_2:12-14, Eph_4:17-18, Col_1:21) and ignorant
of Him, but now we are determined to know Him (Php_3:10-11). We learn more about
God as we grow closer to Christ (2Co_4:6-7, Eph_1:17-19, Eph_3:17-19).

Jesus called Himself “Jesus Christ.” By doing so, He identified Himself as, and openly
admitted that He is, the Messiah, the Anointed One (see notes on Joh_4:26). Jesus also
acknowledged He was the Son of God (see notes on Joh_5:18, Joh_8:54).

17:4
Jesus had not yet gone to the cross, nor had He yet said, “It is finished” (Joh_19:30),
but He said, “I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do.” Throughout the
prayer, Jesus spoke about “the work” and what He had accomplished (Joh_17:6,
Joh_17:8, Joh_17:12, Joh_17:14, Joh_17:18, Joh_17:22, Joh_17:26).

17:5
Jesus prayed that the Father would restore Him to the glory He enjoyed before coming
to Earth as a man (also see notes on Joh_17:1). He is about to be further humiliated,
but He is looking beyond the upcoming shame to the joy of reunification with the Father
in Heaven (Heb_12:2) and His followers (Joh_17:11, Joh_17:13, Joh_17:20-22,
Joh_17:24).

17:6
Jesus had consistently maintained that everything, including Himself, belongs to the
Father (Mat_11:27, Luk_10:22, Joh_3:35). The Father is love (1Jn_4:8, 1Jn_4:16), and
love gives (Joh_1:16, Joh_3:16, Rom_6:23, Rom_8:32, 2Co_9:15, Jas_1:17). His love
for us is evident, because He manifested Himself to even us through the person of
Jesus (Joh_1:14, Joh_1:18, Joh_14:7-9, Joh_15:24, Joh_17:26, 2Co_4:6, Phi_2:6,
Col_1:15, Heb_1:3, 1Jo_5:20).

17:7
See notes on Joh_17:6, Joh_17:8.
17:8
Jesus had made it clear before that He only did and said as He had been directed by
the Father (see notes on Joh_14:10, Joh_14:24). To the apostles' credit, they had
received the words (Mar_4:20, 1Th_2:13, Jas_1:21). The words from God had become
faith (Rom_10:14-17,) enough (Rom_12:3) to believe (Joh_16:30, Act_15:7, 1Co_1:18-
21, Col_1:5-6, 1Th_2:13, Jas_1:18, 1Pe_1:23).

17:9
God loves the world (Joh_3:16), and Jesus on Earth was God in a mortal body
(Col_2:8-9) in and among the world (Joh_1:14). This prayer (see notes on Joh_17:1),
however, was for those believers left behind after Jesus went back to the Father in
Heaven.

17:10
The Father and the Son are one (Joh_17:22), and they share (Joh_17:6) in one
another's glory (Joh_17:5).

17:11
Jesus was preparing mentally for His arrest, trial, torture and crucifixion. In His heart,
however, He had already moved beyond the pain and humiliation to the reunification
with the Father (Heb_12:2). Frosting on the cake would be that none of the eleven
remaining apostles become lost like Judas (Joh_17:12), and they would all join together
with God in Heaven.

Jesus prayed that we be one as He and the Father are one (see notes on Joh_17:21).
Did He mean He wants us all to inhabit one body? No. Does that mean He wanted us to
be able to exhibit different incarnations like God does? No. The three (Mat_3:16,
Mat_28:19, 2Co_13:14, 1Jn_5:7) personages of the Godhead (Act_17:29, Rom_1:20,
Col_2:9) are one (Deu_6:4, Joh_10:30, 1Co_8:4-6, 1Ti_2:5, 1Ti_3:16), not just in their
glory and power and authority, but they are united in purpose as well. They agree with
each other to accomplish the will of God, all three being God, which was laid out before
the foundations of the world (Mat_13:35, Mat_25:34, Joh_17:24, Eph_1:4, Heb_4:3,
Heb_9:26, 1Pe_1:20, Rev_13:8, Rev_17:8).

17:12
Judas was the only one of The Twelve (see notes on Joh_20:24) lost, and his fall was
prophesied about in Psa_41:9, Psa_55:12-15, and Psa_109:6-19. The fulfillment of
prophesies concerning Judas' betrayal was referred to in Act_1:16-20.

17:13
Jesus was praying in preparation for His final hours (see notes on Joh_17:1). John, and
likely some of the others, was allowed to hear the prayer, because John included it in
his Gospel. Jesus allowed them to hear the prayer, so they would later recall what He
had said and be joyful (Joh_15:11). However, Jesus was joyful over their hearing it too
(Joh_3:29).
17:14
We believers in Christ adhere to what Jesus said (Joh_17:8). Since the world hates
Jesus, they hate those that follow Him (Joh_15:18-21, 1Jn_3:11-13). This explains why
you have been persecuted. If you have not been persecuted, you must not be truly
following Him (see notes on Joh_15:20).

17:15
Even though we are hated simply for following the Lord and doing what is right (see
notes on Joh_17:14), we are needed in the world as lights in the darkness (Mat_5:14-
16, Eph_5:8, Php_2:15).

Although we are in the world, we must not allow the evil of this world to get inside of us.
A boat is made to be in the water. Its purpose is to get from one location to another. The
boat must stay afloat cutting a course through the waters towards a destination.
Therefore, a ship must be in the water to be effective as a vessel. It travels on the
water. It is rocked back and forth by the water's waves. It is in, and surrounded by,
conditions and elements that could sink it and thus ruin its effectiveness. In order to be
useful, it must be effective, but not affected.

If the environment around it is allowed to get inside the vessel, it will sink. A sunken
vessel is useless. Likewise, we are in the world and are called to be effective in it, but
not become affected by it (Rom_12:2, Gal_1:4). We are to be in the world and not allow
the world to get in us.

17:16
See notes on Joh_17:14-15.

17:17
To sanctify is to acknowledge something or someone as set apart from that which is not
godly (1Th_5:23). In other words, to sanctify a thing is to consider and declare that it is
dedicated to God and not suited for evil works (Exo_28:41, Exo_40:13). Jesus prayed
that our ways might be set apart from the evil ways of the world.

The word of God is the truth that sanctifies us (Joh_15:3, Eph_5:26; 2Th_2:13;
Jam_1:21; 1Pe_1:22, 1Pe_1:23). His words are gifts to us. We hear His word and faith
is measured out to us (Rom_10:17). Through faith, we are able to believe (2Ti_3:15).
Through belief, we are able to be saved from the judgment we deserve (Joh_3:15-16).
Once we are saved, God begins to mold us into what He wants us to become. We are
to be different than unbelievers. The difference should be noticeable.

We are admonished in Jam_1:21 to “… lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of

naughtiness.” To “lay apart” is to let go of what Jesus was talking about in Joh_15:2 and
Joh_15:6. Part of the process of our spiritual growth involves pruning undesirable
aspects of our thoughts, words and behaviors out of us. Jesus told us that the Father
would do the pruning, and James told us to let go of the thing the Father cuts off of us.
We need to view what the Father wants out of our lives as an unwanted branch that is
hindering our growth. That's a branch that needs pruning. It needs cut off, and we need
to let go of anything in our lives that isn't bearing fruit.

What is the fruit I am speaking of? Our lives should exhibit the fruit of the Spirit
(Gal_5:22-23) and not our old sinful ways. How do we get rid of our wicked behaviors,
bad attitudes, and nasty thoughts? How do we stop acting like the world and continue
acting like Jesus has taught us to act? Empowered by the Holy Spirit, we must renew
our minds, in order to be transformed (Rom_12:2). A renewed mind contributes to new
behaviors (Psa_23:7), and others will be able to see the change that has happened in
us. They will be able to perceive that we are set apart from everybody else.

We have been saved spiritually. We need to work out our salvation (Php_2:12). Our
spirits are saved. It is the soul that needs help. The soul is a container for our emotions,
our ego, our memories and our thought life (see notes on Joh_5:42). The soul is one
part, but we are three part beings; spirit, body and soul (1Th_5:23). After being
spiritually born again, the spirit is willing, the flesh is weak (Mat_26:41), and our souls
need saved (Jas_1:21). Our spirit has been changed, but our soulish part is a mess.

What can help us? The word! The word is effective (Heb_4:12), and it goes to work
within us to sanctify us (1Th_2:13).We need to receive and welcome the word. The
word of God is a great gift to us, but what good is any gift, if we don't receive it? And,
what good is any gift that we receive, if we never welcome it and we never use it
(Mat_16:26)?

17:18
Jesus was sent on a mission from the Father (1Jo_4:14, and see notes on Joh_8:26,
Joh_13:1, Joh_16:28, Joh_17:2), and we are sent on a mission from Christ (Mat_28:19,
Mar_13:10, Mar_16:15, Luk_24:46-48, Joh_15:16, Joh_20:21, and see notes on
Joh_4:38).

17:19
The word sanctifies us (see notes on Joh_17:17). Jesus can sanctify Himself, because
He is the word in the flesh (Joh_1:1-14). Moreover, since the truth sanctifies
(Joh_17:17), and Jesus is the truth (Joh_14:6), Jesus can sanctify Himself.

17:20
See notes on Joh_17:9.

17:21
Through this verse in Jesus' prayer (see notes on Joh_17:1), Jesus reveals to us the
relationship between Him and the Father. They are one (see notes on Joh_10:30). The
Father is in Jesus, and Jesus is in the Father.

We believers are to be “in Christ” (Rom_8:1-2, Rom_8:39, 1Co_1:30, 1Co_15:22,

1Co_1:21, 2Co_2:14, 2Co_5:17-21, Gal_6:15, Eph_1:10, Eph_2:6, Eph_2:10-13,
Eph_3:6, Col_1:28, 2Ti_2:10, 2Ti_3:12-15, 1Pe_5:14), and Christ is in us (Luk_17:21,
Joh_6:56, Joh_14:17, Joh_14:23, Joh_15:4, Joh_17:23-26, Rom_8:10, Gal_2:20,
Gal_4:19, Eph_3:17, Col_1:27, Col_3:11, 1Jo_4:4, Rev_3:20).

If we are in Christ, and Christ is in the Father (Col_3:3) and the Father is in Christ
(Joh_14:10-11, Joh_14:20, Joh_17:23, 2Co_5:19, Gal_3:17, Eph_1:20), then we are in
the Father and Son and one in purpose with the Father and the Son (see notes on
Joh_17:11, 2Co_2:16, Php_2:5, 2Ti_1:9). Likewise, believers are one with another
(Rom_12:4-5, Rom_15:5-6, 1Co_3:8, 1Co_10:17, 1Co_12:12, 1Co_12:20, Gal_3:28,
Eph_4:25, Php_2:2, 1Pe_3:8).

If we strive to stay one in purpose with God, we will behave godly (Lev_11:44-45,
Lev_19:2, Lev_20:7, Lev_20:26, 2Co_7:1, Eph_4:22-24, Php_1:27, Col_1:9-10,
1Th_4:3-4, 1Pe_1:16), and the world will see the effect of Jesus discipleship in our lives
(Mat_5:16, 1Co_14:25, 2Co_13:11, Phm_1:6, 1Pe_2:12, 1Pe_3:1, 1Pe_3:16).

Of course, we will still make mistakes (1Ki_8:46, 2Ch_6:36, Job_15:14, Job_25:4,

Psa_130:3, Pro_20:9, Ecc_7:20, Isa_53:6, Isa_64:6, Gal_3:22, Jam_3:2, 1Jo_1:8-10).
We will still fall short (Rom_3:23). When you stumble, get back up. Don't use your past
as justification for staying like you have always been. “Oh that's just the way I am. I've
always been a hot head.” That may have been true before you met Christ, but He gives
to those that believe in Him the Spirit (see notes on Joh_20:22). The Spirit gives to us
everything we need to change (Gal_5:22-23). We may have been a certain way, but
through Christ we no longer need to stay that way.

17:22
Jesus shares His glory (Joh_17:5) with us (1Co_3:23, 2Co_3:18). The Father then
allows us into Himself (1Jo_1:3), because we are glorified together with Christ
(Rom_8:17, Eph_2:5). Without Christ, we cannot share in the glory of God (Isa_42:8,
Isa_48:11). Being unified through grace (Joh_1:16) with the Godhead (see notes on
Joh_17:11), we share also in their oneness (see notes on Joh_17:21).

In this verse Jesus prayed, given the above, that we may be one in purpose (Rom_12:5,
Rom_15:6, 1Co_10:17, 1Co_12:12, 1Co_13:11, Php_1:27, Php_2:2, Php_3:8) as we
are one with the Godhead and they are one (Deu_6:4, Job_23:13, Joh_10:30, 1Jn_5:7).

17:23
See notes on Joh_17:22.

When those that are still lost see the lives of those changed by the power of the Spirit
(Gal_5:22-23) and the sanctification of the word (see notes on Joh_17:17) through the
renewing of the mind (Rom_12:1-2), they see evidence of the love of God (Joh_3:16) in
living flesh. Knowing then how we might affect others through the testimony of our own
lives, and knowing the consequences of sin from which we have been saved, we are to
work our salvation from the inside outward (Rom_2:7, 1Co_9:24-27, Gal_6:7-9,
Php_2:12, 2Pe_1:5-10, 2Pe_3:18) where the world might see the change and be
motivated to seek salvation themselves (Mat_5:16, Joh_15:8, 2Co_9:12-15, 2Th_1:11-
12, 1Pe_2:12, 1Pe_4:14, Php_2:13-15).

17:24
Jesus added to what He had said in Joh_17:5 by asking the Father (see notes on
Joh_17:1) for His desire that the disciples be allowed to live with Him in Eternity and
become eye witnesses of His heavenly majesty.

17:25
God is righteous, and we are unrighteous (Rom_3:9-10, Rom_3:23). The unrighteous
shall not inherit the kingdom of God (1Co_6:9, 1Co_15:50, Gal_5:19-21). The only hope
we have that we shall be saved from the fate of the world is faith in His grace
(Act_15:11, Eph_2:5-8, Rom_5:17, Rom_5:21, 2Ti_1:9), by which we gain right-
standing with God (see notes on Joh_7:18) through Christ (Rom_3:22, Rom_8:10,
Rom_10:4, 1Co_1:30, Gal_2:21, Php_1:11, Php_3:9, 2Pe_1:1, Heb_6:12, Rev_21:7).

17:26
Notice how Jesus spoke like His Father, as seen in Joh_12:28.

Jesus came in the name of the Father speaking of His love towards man (Joh_3:16).
The love of the Father towards His son is an obvious assumption. What Jesus showed
us is amazing to those that believe. That same love, the Father's love for His only son,
can be poured out upon us and into us through the Son (Rom_8:16-17).

Chapter 18
18:1
Jesus had finished the prayer recorded in the previous chapter (see notes on
Joh_17:1). After the prayer, He took His disciples to the Mount of Olives, in the Garden
of Gethsemane (see notes on Joh_8:1), to pray (Mat_26:36, Mar_14:32, Luk_22:39-46)
and wait for Judas (Mat_26:47-50, Mar_14:43-46, Luk_22:47-48, Joh_18:2-8,
Act_1:16).

Along the way, they had to cross over the brook Cedron. The word “Cedron” is from the
Hebrew word Kidron. This verse is the only place we find Cedron, but Kidron is used in
ten different verses. The base definition of the word is, “to be ashy, that is, dark colored;
by implication to mourn (in sackcloth or sordid garments): - be black (-ish), be (make)
dark (-en), X heavily, (cause to) mourn.” xlvi

Why would John mention that Jesus crossed Cedron? Is there some significance to the
event? I think so.

When Jesus passed over the brook, He knew the time for death had come (1Ki_2:37).
The Lamb of God (Joh_1:29, Joh_1:36), without blemish or spot (1Pe_1:19), was about
to be blackened with the sins of the world. Lambs were sacrificed in the temple. We are
the temple of God (1Co_3:16-17, 1Co_6:19, 2Co_6:16). The sacrifice of our High Priest,
Jesus (Heb_2:17, Heb_4:14-15, Heb_5:1, Heb_5:9-10, Heb_6:20, Heb_7:22-29,
Heb_8:1-10, Heb_9:6-28, Heb_10:20-22, Heb_13:9-15), allows us the opportunity to
have the Spirit of God come into us and take our sins away. All of this, and the
association with Kidron, were prophetically pictured in 2Ch_29:16. We were blackened
with sin, but His blood washes us white as snow (Isa_1:18, Eph_2:13, Heb_10:19,
Rev_1:5, Rev_7:14).

Also note that David crossed the same brook on his way to the Mount of Olives weeping
over the rebellion of Absalom (2Sa_15:30). We were in rebellion against God
(Deu_31:27, Jos_22:22, 1Sa_15:23, Pro_17:11, Rom_5:10, Rom_8:7, Eph_2:12), and
Jesus felt sorrow over us (Job_6:2-4, Psa_88:1-3, Psa_116:3, Isa_53:3, Isa_53:10,
Mat_26:38). Continually, one can see the Old Testament indeed testifying of Jesus.

Additionally notice, since one man's fall occurred in a garden and brought sin upon all
mankind through seeking fleshly and soulish gain for himself, it is fitting that another
man should face the task in a garden of taking away all the sins of mankind upon
himself seeking spiritual gain for everyone else. See how God sets everything right
again.

18:2
See notes on Joh_8:1.

John explained how it was that Judas figured out where Jesus could be found.

18:3
Notice how the Jews (see notes on Joh_1:19) left the ugly business of Jesus' arrest to
one of Jesus' own disciples. They empowered Judas with not only the authority to serve
the warrant, but with an armed escort that gave him force enough to carry out the task.
The “band of men and officers” were his gun in the holster that would ensure less
resistance.

They came into the garden “with lanterns and torches and weapons.” It was the
proverbial angry villagers coming to capture the “monster.” It was the grossest
absurdity.

18:4
Jesus knew exactly what was going to happen next, but He proceeded through the
mission anyway, as the Father had willed it (Luk_22:42). Just as David ran towards the
giant (1Sa_17:48), Jesus didn't run from the call. He went forward towards His purpose.

As we see from Joh_1:38, the first words John recorded from Jesus were in the form of
a question, “What seek ye?” From the beginning of His Earthly ministry to the beginning
of the end of it, Jesus was in the business of asking people to consider their direction.
What are you after? What is it you want? Who are you following? Are you running from
your purpose or towards it? When David considered his ways, He turned to God
(Psa_119:59).
Jesus knew exactly what was going to happen next, but He proceeded through the
mission anyway, as the Father had willed it (Luk_22:42). Just as David ran towards the
giant (1Sa_17:48), Jesus didn't run from the call. He went forward towards His purpose.

18:5
When the Holy Spirit asks us to consider our ways, and what is it that we are after, we
need to answer, “Jesus of Nazareth.” These lost souls knew the right answer, but they
sought Him for the wrong reason. Even now, people come looking for Jesus as a source
of something other than salvation. They want something other than God and God alone,
but it is God alone that is the true source of everything. He is the great I Am (Exo_3:13-
14), and Jesus answered them with the same words He had spoken to Moses.

John told us that Judas didn't leave after finding Jesus in the garden. We know, from the
other gospels, that Judas had one last thing to do; approach Jesus and kiss Him
(Mat_26:47-49, Mar_14:43-45, Luk_22:47-48).

18:6
Many Christians still debate whether being “slain in the spirit” is Biblically supported.
Were there documented cases of people “falling out” backwards under the power and
anointing of God in the Bible? Charismatic meetings report such instances occurring
today, and others don't believe that God works that way in the church.

Although I personally have as yet to enjoy such an experience, John documented a

case of an entire “band of men” that were pushed “backward, and fell to the ground”
having encountered the incredible power of our Lord's presence.

Be careful not to dismiss or speak evil of those things that may indeed be driven by the
Holy Ghost (Mar_3:22-30). Why risk speaking offensively about the Holy Spirit of God
(Mat_12:31-32, Luk_12:10)?

18:7
They were on the ground, stunned, and under the incredible influence of God's
incomparable presence. Jesus could have simply turned and walked away. The band of
men was powerless to stop Him. However, Jesus allowed them to shake off the effects
of His anointed person (Joh_18:6) and mentally regain their original intent by repeating
His question (Joh_18:4).

18:8
While the “band of men” (Joh_18:3) were still affected (see notes on Joh_18:7), Jesus
suggested that they take Him and let His disciples go. This thought was so profoundly
planted into their thinking that they did let the disciples go (Mat_26:56, Mar_14:50),
despite one disciple's attempted murder of a legally appointed officer of the authorities
(Joh_18:10).
18:9
Jesus had given His concerns about His own torture and death over to the Father
(Mat_26:39, Mar_14:36, Luk_22:42). Death eventually comes for us all, but there was a
prophetic request (Joh_17:9-11) in Jesus' prayer (see notes on Joh_17:1) that the
Father preserve the apostles while Jesus remained upon the Earth (see notes on
Joh_17:12). Instead of worrying about Himself, Jesus was protective of His disciples.

18:10
Peter had a sword with him, but so did noticeably one of the other disciples (Luk_22:38,
Luk_22:49). Jesus actually wanted the group to have at least one sword (Luk_22:36),
perhaps so that some lessons could be taught. The first, that to sow by slashing results
in reaping slashes (Mat_26:52). Secondly, to illustrate through real-life drama a picture
of what He was about to do.

Notice John's omission of Jesus healing Malchus (Luk_22:50-51), but his inclusion of
the servant's name. To John, the servant's name was more important than the
incredible healing performed right in front of the officers (Joh_18:3) that had come to
arrest Jesus. Why did John tell us the servant's name was Malchus?

Malchus had come to where the apostles were as a servant of the High Priest, and
Jesus had come as a servant (Mat_20:27, Mat_23:11, Mar_10:44, see notes on
Joh_13:3-5) of the Most High God. Malchus' name means “king” or “counselor.” xlvii
Jesus is both Counselor (Isa_9:6) and King (Psa_72:11, Jer_23:5-6, Zec_9:9-10,
1Co_15:25, Eph_1:21-22, Phi_2:9-11, 1Ti_6:15, Rev_17:14, Rev_19:16). The Malchus
of kings was about to be cut off from mankind and land in the dirt (Isa_53:9, Mat_27:58-
60, Mar_15:43-46, Luk_23:50-53, Joh_19:38-42, Act_13:29, 1Co_15:3-4) just as that
servant's ear did. Ears are meant to hear the word (Rom_10:16-17), and Jesus is the
word (Joh_1:1-14).

So Jesus, who is God (Isa_7:14, Mat_1:23, Joh_1:1, Joh_5:18, Php_2:6, 1Ti_1:17,

1Ti_3:16, Tit_2:13, Heb_1:8), resurrected the ear from the ground and restored it to life
at the head of the body. God, the Father, would also raise up Jesus from the ground
(Act_2:23-24, Act_2:32, Act_3:15, Act_3:26, Act_10:40, Act_13:28-30, Act_17:31,
Rom_4:24, Rom_6:4, Rom_8:11, 1Co_6:14, 2Co_4:14, Gal_1:1, Col_2:12, 1Th_1:10,
Heb_13:20, 1Pe_1:21) and establish Him at the head of the body (Eph_4:15-16,
Eph_5:23, Col_1:12-18).

John wanted us to see how, even at the end of His ministry; Jesus continually said and
did things that illustrated for us the gospel story. The King came as a servant to be cut
off for us.

Also note that John tells us which side of the head was physically affected, the right
side, and Jesus' place is at the right hand of the Father (Psa_110:1-4, Mat_22:43-45,
Mat_26:64, Mar_14:62, Mar_16:19, Act_2:34-36, Act_5:31, Act_7:55, Rom_8:34,
Eph_1:20, Col_3:1, Heb_1:3, Heb_10:12) in the Godhead (Act_17:29-32, Rom_1:19-24,
Col_2:8-9, 1Jo_5:7).
Additionally, John told us it was Peter that cut off the ear. The other gospel writers didn't
tell us which one did it. Jesus had called Peter “Satan,” when Peter tried to convince
Jesus not to go through with God's plan (Mat_16:23, Mar_8:33, Luk_4:8), and it was the
devil that took a swipe at the Godhead by trying to cut off Jesus (Isa_53:8, Jer_31:15-
16, Dan_9:26, Zec_13:7, Mat_2:16, Mat_4:1-11, Mat_13:39, Act_13:10, 2Co_2:11,
Eph_6:11-12, 1Pe_5:8, 1Jn_3:8).

The Bible is so incredibly rich in design and wisdom that no mere man could have
invented it from mortal imagination. This one verse alone boggles our thinking, and the
hidden truths laced through it are as veins of gold running through the mine of God‟s
word. One only need dig into the vast passages illuminated by the light of the Holy Spirit
to reveal its richness. Glory to God! Be wise and accept the value of the Bible‟s
treasures.

18:11
Although John did not bring it up, the other gospels told us that Jesus prayed in the
garden (Joh_18:1) and asked the Father if He would take “the cup” (Psa_116:13,
Jer_25:17, Hab_2:16, Mat_20:22, Mar_10:38-39) from Him (Mat_26:36, Mar_14:36,
Luk_22:42). See also notes on Joh_12:27. Having prayed through and received the
victory over His uncertainty, He was not about to give into it. Consequently, Jesus told
Peter to put the sword away. Peter had drawn the sword to protect his master, because
he thought that was what Jesus wanted (see notes on Joh_18:10). However, Jesus
wanted only what the Father wanted, and He reminded Peter that we reap what we sow
(Mat_26:52). It is better to take up the will of God and perish while being in His will.

Jesus was not here for war with Rome or the Jews (Luk_6:27-31, Luk_9:55-56,
Joh_10:10). He was here for war with our real enemy, the devil (Isa_27:1, Rom_16:20,
Col_2:15, Heb_2:14, 1Jn_3:8, Rev_20:2-3, Rev_20:10).

18:12
Jesus had just openly admitted His willingness to accept the role in God's salvation plan
that was assigned to Him (Joh_18:8 and Joh_18:11). Emboldened by Jesus' humility
and that he had not yet disappeared (Luk_4:30, Luk_24:31, Joh_5:13, see notes on
Joh_8:59, Joh_10:39), the “ban of men” (Joh_18:3) grabbed hold of Him and made Him
their captive.

18:13
See notes on Joh_3:1 and Joh_11:49. From this verse we learn that Caiaphas was
Annas' Son-in-law. Notice how bizarre it was. There could be nothing more chaotic than
to subvert the divine order of power in the universe. The created took control over the
creator. However, in the throes of their ultimate anarchy, they insisted on doing
everything in “proper” order, and they recognized the authority of the elder High Priest
first.
Even today, the devil still masks his depraved plans in the guise of proper order and
respect for precedent. Don‟t be fooled by religious governing bodies that seek to subvert
God‟s anointed under the auspices of doing things right and protecting traditions and
valuing history. True priorities always are guided by the Holy Ghost and God‟s word.
Right is always right, and it never seeks to overturn the divine. Look and see how
rebellion against God has been the devil‟s way (Isa_14:12-14, Eze_28:12-16, 2Pe_2:4,
Rev_12:7-10).

18:14
John reminded us of what he wrote about in Joh_11:49-52.

18:15
Peter followed Jesus as the Lord was led by the band of men (Joh_18:3) to Annas'
palace, and fear of what the mob might do next was growing rapidly in his heart.

John didn't tell us who the other disciple was that followed Jesus too. It could have been
any disciple and not necessarily one of the eleven remaining apostles. Many
commentators suppose the other disciple was John, since he regularly wouldn't refer to
himself by name in his gospel (see notes on Joh_13:23). Additionally, John was the one
disciple at Jesus' crucifixion (Joh_19:26). However, there is no known connection
between John, a Galilean (Luk_5:10, Joh_21:2) fisherman (Mat_4:21, Mar_1:19-20) by
trade, and the High Priest.

An alternative identification of the unnamed disciple is Judas Iscariot. Judas didn't

repent or feel remorse until Jesus had been condemned to die, and Judas was still
present at the sentencing (Mat_27:3-5). Since Judas was at both the arrest and the trial,
it is reasonable to presume that he followed Jesus to Annas' palace.

Notice how John didn't say the other disciple was with Peter, only that he followed along
too. We don't have to suppose Judas' connection to the High Priest (Mat_26:14,
Mat_26:47, Mar_14:10, Mar_14:43), or his acceptance enough to be allowed into the
palace. Additionally, Judas was already with the men that came to arrest Jesus
(Joh_18:2-3). It would only make sense that he'd follow along. The need for his guiding
(Act_1:16) the band of men was over, and, should he have chosen to remain with them,
he likely would have been reduced to following the company.

If both Judas and Peter were quietly trailing the party, it is plausible they would have
seen each other along the way. After Judas had been allowed inside the palace with the
men he had led to the garden, he could have returned to the entrance and vouched for
Peter (Joh_18:16). Moreover, the fact that one disciple could get into the palace and
one disciple could not further supports the “another disciple” being Judas proposition.

18:16
Peter was locked out of the palace, but “another disciple” was allowed in (Joh_18:15).
This “other disciple” was also recognized by the woman guarding the door as a person
in authority. How could a disciple of the accused renegade rabbi (Jesus) be accepted as
someone to be trusted? Peter, a Galilean, was a known part of Jesus' followers
(Joh_18:17, Joh_18:25-26), and he was kept out. The woman knew the “other disciple,”
and he was let in.

Judas Iscariot could have been the “other disciple” (see notes on Joh_18:15), because
the woman guarding the door would have likely seen Judas leaving the palace leading
the “band of men” (Joh_18:3) given to him by the High Priest.

18:17
Some assume that the woman assigned to answer the door of the palace recognized
Peter as a disciple, because she heard his Galilean accent. However, John records
Peter saying nothing to the woman until Peter went past her as he entered the palace.
His only words were to answer her question.

The other gospels tell of Peter only answering questions too (Mat_26:69-73, Mar_14:66-
69, Luk_22:56, Luk_22:58). One man speaks of Peter's accent only after hearing Peter
answer questions (Mar_14:70, Luk_22:59).

By answering, “I am not,” Peter fulfilled one third of Jesus' three step prophesy
(Mat_26:34, Mar_14:30, Luk_22:34, Joh_13:38). Peter denied Jesus despite Jesus
warning him before the events took place that denying Jesus had eternal consequences
(Mat_10:33). We reap what we sow (Job_4:8, Hos_8:7, Hos_10:12, 2Co_9:6, Gal_6:7-
8), and sin results in death (Rom_5:12, Rom_5:21, Rom_6:23, 1Co_15:56, Jas_1:15).

It is natural to fear death, but we should not be bound by our human nature. Death
comes for us all. Fear of death is both the love of life and trepidation over the unknown.
We believers have learned from the word that; we should not concern ourselves with
death (Isa_8:12-13, Isa_41:10-14, Isa_51:12, Jer_1:8, Mat_10:28-31, Mat_10:39,
Mat_16:25, Mar_8:35, Luk_9:24, Luk_12:4-7, Luk_17:33, Joh_12:25, Joh_14:1,
Joh_14:27, Act_18:9-10, Act_20:24, Act_21:13, Rom_8:35-39, 2Ti_4:6-8, Heb_11:35,
1Pe_3:14, Rev_2:10), and our future is known (Act_14:22, Rom_8:17, Phi_1:28,
2Th_1:4-8, 1Th_4:17, 2Ti_2:12, 1Pe_4:13-16, Rev_20:6).

18:18
Undeterred by having already been recognized as one of Jesus' disciples at the door
(Joh_18:17), it is bewildering that Peter was willing to further risk exposure by standing
with officers that likely seen him as he cut off one of their company's ears only a little
while earlier (Joh_18:26). It is as though he was in shock and unable to think well. Much
like people gather at the scene of an accident to watch the goings on, he simply
proceeded through the course of the unfolding events so he wouldn't miss anything
(Mat_26:58).

18:19
Having established that two of Jesus' disciples were nearby (Joh_18:16), John turned
his attention to the trial taking place inside the palace, and we see the High Priest
questioning Jesus about His disciples.
Inside the palace grounds, Peter indeed had good cause to be concerned about his
relationship to Jesus. He was in the lion's den pretending to be a lion, so that they
wouldn't turn on him and devour him too. If a lion snipped at him, he would have to face
the rival and roar (Mat_26:73-74, Mar_14:70-71).

Sometimes our intentions may be noble and pure of heart, but we find ourselves in
situations that strain our faith beyond the threshold of our barrier to sin. In those times, it
is best to simply turn away and leave the temptation to defile yourself rather than stay
and fall into the pit of sin. When Joseph found that he was trapped in a situation beyond
his ability to control himself, he ran away from it (Gen_39:11-12).

18:20
Jesus wasn‟t intimidated by His situation. He was ready to take His stand (see notes on
Joh_18:19). He didn't disappear (Joh_10:39, see notes on Joh_8:59).

“The Jews” Jesus referred to were the people He was responding to (see notes on
Joh_7:20). They knew exactly what He had taught. What they were after was a matter-
of-record show proving their justification for killing Jesus. It was a kangaroo court,
because they had intended to kill Him for some time (Mar_3:6, Joh_5:16-18, Joh_7:1,
Joh_7:19, Joh_7:25, Joh_7:44, Joh_8:59 and see notes on Joh_5:12).

18:21
In other words, “You know very well what I have taught, so ask yourselves.” Jesus' reply
was viewed as disrespectful towards the High Priest (Joh_18:22) and unconcerned
about His situation. However, Jesus is the King of Kings (1Ti_6:13-15, Rev_17:14,
Rev_19:16), and He spoke as a king before a judge that pretentiously sat in judgment
over Him.

18:22
The officer saw only an accused man standing before the High Priest who sat in
judgment on the bound prisoner (Joh_18:12). There was no fear in Jesus' voice or
concern over His plight (see notes on Joh_18:21). Jesus' response was received as
contempt of the court, and such disregard for the High Priest's authority must be
challenged. There must be order in the court or chaos will reign, so the officer slapped
Him.

18:23
Jesus spoke directly to the officer that slapped Him. He asked him to justify his actions
in the light of truth. One day we too will be in the presence of Christ and answer for our
assault on God's law (Ecc_12:14, Mat_12:36, Luk_12:2, Act_17:30-31, 1Co_4:5,
2Co_5:10, Rom_2:16, Jud_1:14-15, Rev_20:11-15) and thus His authority to rule over
us. Unlike the officer, we will have a response, and it will be a confession that Jesus is
Lord (Rom_14:11-12, Phi_2:11).
18:24
There were two High Priests that year (Luk_3:2, Joh_18:13, Act_4:6).

18:25
Apparently, Peter hadn't left the fire (Joh_18:18) since immediately after his first denial
(see notes on Joh_18:17). This denial was Peter's second of the three.

18:26
So, this gentleman was related to the man Peter took a sword to, and he had witnessed
it. One would most certainly not forget what the assailant looked like only a little while
after he had victimized your relative. Although it had been dark in the garden, the black
of night had been alleviated by both torch and lantern light (Joh_18:3). Now the
darkness was broken by the glowing light of the fire, and, although the man couldn't be
certain under such conditions, he was almost positive Peter was the culprit he had seen
in the garden.

18:27
Given the situation (see notes on Joh_18:19 and Joh_18:26), all Peter knew to do was
deny Jesus once again. Of course, this denial was the third and final step of fulfilling
Jesus' prophecy (Joh_13:38). After the third denial, the cock crowed just as Jesus
predicted.

18:28
Their concern about “the passover” was not related to the Passover Meal (see notes on
Joh_2:13). The meal part of the Passover Festival had already taken place (Joh_13:2).
However, they didn't want to miss the still upcoming Feast Day (see notes on
Joh_13:1), due to being “unclean” or “defiled.”

Unclean
Entering a Gentile's house that had leavened bread in it would have broken their
Passover observance (Exo_12:8, Exo_12:15-20, Exo_13:7, Exo_23:15,
Exo_34:18, Lev_23:6, Deu_16:3, Eze_45:21).

Defiled
The “hall of judgment” was where Pontius Pilate (Mat_27:2, Joh_18:29), as
Governor over Judea (Mat_27:2, Luk_3:1, Luk_23:24, Joh_19:10), would hold
court (Joh_18:33, Joh_19:13). The hall, therefore, was a place where foreigners
dwelt. It was customarily unlawful for a Jew to go into the house of a foreigner
and socialize with them (Lev_18:24-30, Deu_7:1-18, Ezr_9:10-12, Joh_4:9,
Joh_4:27, Act_10:28), because to do so would expose oneself to their sinful
practices. If exposed to the foreigner's sin, one would be defiled and unable to
participate in the Passover Feast.

18:29
Learning that the Jewish leadership had brought a man to the Judgment Hall, and
knowing that Jews couldn't enter the hall (Joh_18:28), Pilate went out to where they
were. Since it was Jews upset at a Jew, Pilate wondered why he was being brought into
the matter (see notes on Joh_18:31).

18:30
Pilate had asked them the charge against Jesus (Joh_18:29). They responded by
calling Jesus an “evil doer.” What is evil to a Jew is not necessarily evil to a Roman, so
Pilate assumed Jesus had only broken the Law of Moses (see notes on Joh_18:31).

18:31
Pilate's first question was to determine whether the disturbance was due to a violation of
Roman law (Joh_18:29). Having determined that it was an internal Jewish affair (see
notes on Joh_18:30), Pilate was uninterested in dealing with a matter of contention
related to Mosaic Law between the Jewish leadership and one of their people.
Consequently, the Governor gave them permission to go away and deal with their
violated law in any way they saw fit.

Notice how they had already sentenced Jesus to death on the cross (see notes on
Joh_18:32), but they had no authority under Roman rule to carry it out. They needed
Pilate (see notes on Joh_18:28) to do it.

18:32
Jesus said He would be “lifted up” (Joh_3:14-15, Joh_12:32-33). The Romans crucified
people. The Jews stoned people (Exo_17:4, Lev_20:2, Lev_20:27, Lev_24:14,
Lev_24:16, Lev_24:23, Num_14:10, Num_15:35, Deu_13:10, Deu_17:5, Deu_21:21,
Deu_22:21-24, 1Ki_21:10, Luk_20:6, Joh_8:3-9, Joh_10:31-33, Act_14:5, Act_7:59,
Act_14:19). So, in order for Jesus' prophesy to be fulfilled, the Jews had to get the
Romans to execute Him.

18:33
Although John didn‟t clarify why; Pilate perceived reason enough to judge the matter,
because the Jews accused Jesus of subversion against the empire and calling Himself
a king (Luk_23:2).

18:34
Jesus asked Pilate if he was becoming interested in Him for reasons other than the
accusations against Him. Jesus, knowing the hearts of all men (Jer_17:10, Mat_9:4,
Joh_2:24-25, Joh_6:43, Act_1:24, Heb_4:13, Rev_2:23), saw the conflict within Pilate.
Pilate's soul was fighting his spirit's growing attachment to Jesus' story.

18:35
Pilate responded to Jesus' query (see notes on Joh_18:34) by bringing the question
back to the topic Pilate had logically applied himself to, i.e., “Do you consider yourself
King of the Jews?” Pilate was saying, “I'm not a Jew. Caesar is my king. You are a Jew,
and your own people have accused you of treason against my king.”
Pilate was trying to think with his head. He was logically maneuvering through a political
minefield that the Jews had laid out before him, but Jesus was concerned with his heart.
Jesus was asking Pilate if he was aware that his mind was loyal to Caesar, but his heart
was turning towards Christ.

Herod had heard reports about Jesus prior to meeting Him (Luk_23:8). Pilate also had
likely been apprised of Jesus' ministry and the incredible miracles and Jesus' message
of love and hope before he met Him personally. The stories and reports must have
helped to touch Pilate's heart, and he was being pulled towards the Master. Having
acquired only positive intelligence about Jesus' dealings with everyone except the
Jewish leadership, the governor asked Jesus if there was anything He had done that
Pilate wasn't aware of.

18:36
Jesus responded to Pilate's political concerns (see notes on Joh_18:35) and told Pilate
that He wasn't interested with human politics and titles of dominion over one part of the
Earth. Jesus' authority and rule is permanent (Psa_45:6, Isa_9:7, Dan_2:44, Dan_7:14,
Dan_7:27, Mic_4:7, Luk_1:33, Heb_1:8, Rev_11:15) and transcends temporary kings
and kingdoms that are here today and gone tomorrow.

18:37
Although Jesus had turned the questioning back onto Pilate's heart (see notes on
Joh_18:34-36) rather than physical kingdoms, He had used the words “my kingdom” in
His previous statement. Consequently, and avoiding the truth that was swelling within
his heart, Pilate turned the line of questioning back to Earthly politics and asked, “So
you admit that you are a king.”

Undaunted by Pilate's continued attempts to have his mind dominate his heart, Jesus
told Pilate that his heart was hearing the truth of Jesus' message. Even Pilate's wife
was being called into the light (Mat_27:19).

The Lord was looking past the time they were in and preparing the heart of Rome to
receive the gospel. Rome would be the Holy Spirit‟s catalyst propelling the church, one
surge at a time, into the future. Every wave was once a ripple, and the tsunami of God‟s
love was already moving out from Palestine to wash over the entire world.

18:38
Pilate admitted that his heart was seeking the truth, and Jesus is the truth (Joh_14:6).
However, having done a work within Pilate's heart, Jesus was content and ended the
conversation by giving no reply (Isa_53:7, Mar_15:3-5).

Pilate had heard and perceived enough to understand (Mat_27:18) that Jesus was no
threat to the political authority of the empire (see notes on Joh_18:34-37). Seeing no
reason to fear Caesar's wrath by releasing Jesus, Pilate declared his intention to let Him
go (Joh_18:39). The governor would repeatedly seek buy-in from the Jews to let Jesus
go (Joh_19:4, Joh_19:6, Joh_19:12, Joh_19:14-15, Act_3:13).
Although John didn't document Herod's role in the prosecution of Jesus, it was at this
time that Pilate sent Jesus to Herod (Luk_23:4-7). Obviously, Pilate thought he might
have discovered an easy way out of the Jews' plot to involve him in this Jesus affair.
Herod questioned Jesus, but Jesus never said a word to him (Luk_23:8-9).

Perhaps, if Jesus had defended Himself, Herod, like Pilate, might have contemplated
letting Jesus go too. In order that all things prophesied about Him might be fulfilled
though (Luk_21:22, Luk_24:44, Joh_19:28), Jesus had to be returned to the governor
(see notes on Joh_18:31-32). Apparently the Jews, who had escorted Jesus to Herod,
unwittingly attempted to facilitate prophetic events by inciting Herod's wrath as well as
Pilate's (Luk_23:10). Finally, disappointed by having seen no miracle nor having heard
any answers from Jesus at all, Herod sent Jesus back to Pontius Pilate (Luk_23:11).

18:39
Apparently, as one way of keeping peace between the occupying powers of Rome and
the occupied people of Palestine, a prisoner of the people's choice would be released
during every Passover festival (Mat_27:15, Mar_15:6, Luk_23:17, see notes on
Joh_2:13 about the Passover). Pilate reminded them that he had not yet released a
prisoner that year, and he appealed to their part of the standing social contract hoping
they would show mercy to Jesus as Rome shows mercy to their people.

Some believe Pilate's use of the title “King of the Jews” was a sarcastic ridicule of Jesus
and the Jews. However, given the tone of the conversation between the governor and
Jesus (Joh_18:33-38), it isn't likely that Pilate would have intended derision. Pilate may
have simply reminded the people why he was judging this matter in the first place (see
notes on Joh_18:29-33).

18:40
Governor Pilate had offered Jesus as a candidate for release according to the ongoing
custom during the Passover festival (Joh_18:39), because he found Jesus to be an
innocent man and no threat to Rome (Joh_18:38). However, the Jewish leadership
stirred up the people to ask for Barabbas' release instead of Jesus' (Mat_27:20,
Mar_15:11, Act_3:13-14).

The irony of Barabbas versus Jesus is putrid. Jesus was a good man (Act_10:38), and
innocent of harm towards any person, the government or God (Mat_27:4, Mat_27:19,
Mat_27:24, Mat_27:54, Luk_23:40-41, 1Pe_1:19), but Barabbas was a thief, a murderer
and a rebel against Rome (Mar_15:7, Luk_23:19).

The release of Barabbas and the execution of Jesus instead, is the irony of the cross in
full view. Jesus died, and we are set free (Psa_105:20, Isa_58:6, Joh_8:32, Joh_8:36,
Rom_6:18, Rom_8:2, 1Co_7:22, 1Co_9:1, Gal_3:13, Gal_4:31, Gal_5:1, Eph_4:8,
Col_1:13, Jas_1:25, Rev_5:9). He didn't deserve to die, but He died instead of us
(Isa_53:6-12, Mat_20:28, Mat_26:28, Mar_14:24, Joh_3:16, Rom_3:24-26, Rom_4:25,
Rom_5:6-21, 1Co_15:3, 2Co_5:21, Eph_1:7, Eph_5:2, 1Ti_2:5-6, Tit_2:13-14,
Heb_9:12-15, Heb_9:28, Heb_10:10, 1Pe_1:18-19, 1Pe_2:24, 1Pe_3:18, 1Jo_2:2,
Rev_1:5). More incredible is that through His pain and suffering, we are granted
blessings (Isa_53:5, Rom_4:7-8, Gal_3:8, Eph_1:3, Heb_7:6-7, Jas_1:12, Rev_14:13,
Rev_19:9, Rev_22:14). It is incredible, because we all are Barabbas.

Chapter 19
19:1
Pilate had originally wondered what the Jews' justification for bringing Jesus before the
governor was (Joh_18:29). After some questioning, Pilate determined that the charge
was an internal Jewish matter of Mosaic Law, and he told the accusers to deal with
Jesus themselves (Joh_18:31). The Jews, however, were intent on killing Jesus
(Joh_19:6) and accused Him of undermining the Roman Empire (Luk_23:2), so Pilate
questioned Him (Joh_18:33-38). Jesus' answers affected Pilate (1Ti_6:13), and the
governor declared his intention of letting Jesus go free (Luk_23:14-16, Joh_19:12,
Act_3:13).

Pilate then discovered a possible way to avoid dealing with the condemnation of Jesus,
and he sent Him to Herod. (Luk_23:4-11). Herod didn't help though, and he sent Jesus
back to Pilate (see notes on Joh_18:38). The governor, painted into a political corner,
was then forced to make a decision regarding the case against Jesus.

Jesus had been bound (Joh_18:12), but He was still only a defendant charged with
violating the Jewish codes of conduct. Since Herod refused responsibility in the case,
Jesus was once again in Pilate's Judgment Hall (Joh_18:28, Joh_18:33, Joh_19:9) and
protection, but Jesus wasn't under Roman arrest until the Jews accepted Barabbas
(Mat_27:20-21, Mar_15:11, Luk_23:18, Joh_18:40) and Pilate “took Jesus.”

Pilate “took” Jesus, that is, he admitted responsibility of dealing with the charge of
sedition against Rome and sent the Galilean Prophet to be “scourged.” To be scourged
was to be whipped with a scourge. Scourging was such a painful and horrific penalty
(Psa_129:3) that it could result in eliciting any confession the torturer was wishing to
hear (Act_22:24). Although Romans scourged Christ, the use of scourges was not a
Roman invention. Scourging was part of the Mosaic Law (Lev_19:20), and the Jews
were familiar with it before their occupation by Rome. Ironically, Jesus had made a
scourge to clean out the temple (Joh_2:15), and, picturesque of the crucifixion of the
Lord, the created was turned upon the creator.

19:2
After scourging Jesus (Joh_19:1) beyond recognition (Isa_52:14), they were still
sadistically determined to inflict further humiliation and pain. The soldiers ushered our
Lord to the Praetorium (Mar_15:16) where they invested the time and effort to braid
thorny branches into a circle designed to fit Jesus' head. The blood drunk band then
carried out their evil depiction and forced the crown of thorns onto the Messiah's head.
The concocted effigy of majesty buffooned wasn't complete though until they secured a
purple robe, perhaps the one Herod had given Him (Luk_23:11), and put it on His
shoulders.

With their bloody art of a king vestured in a crown and royal purple robe standing before
them, they began to antagonistically taunt and scoff at Him (Psa_22:6-8, Psa_35:16,
Psa_69:19-20, Pro_17:5, Isa_49:7, Isa_53:3, Mic_5:1, Mat_27:29, Joh_19:3). Jesus
had prophesied about the mocking Romans (Mat_20:19, Mar_10:34, Luk_18:32). It is a
fearful thing to mock the almighty God (Gal_6:7).

Added to the unimaginable pain of the thorny crown already setting the nerves in His
scalp aflame, the soldiers beat Him on His head with a reed (Mat_27:29-30). The
unchecked brutality continued with slaps across the face (Mic_5:1, Joh_19:3), pulling
hair out of His beard (Isa_50:6), and they spit on Him in disgust (Job_30:10, Mar_15:19,
Luk_18:32).

19:3
Their salute was made in jest (Psa_35:15-16, Jer_20:7, Mat_27:29, Mar_15:17-18,
Heb_12:2-3), and the level of their ridicule was sickening (see notes on Joh_19:2). They
felt no pity towards a man already seriously injured by torture (Psa_22:6, Psa_69:19-20,
Isa_50:6, Isa_52:14, Isa_53:2-5).

19:4
Upon receiving word that the soldiers were finished scourging Jesus, Pilate went back
out to where the Jews were waiting (see notes on Joh_18:29). Having their attention,
the governor wanted them to see the results (Joh_19:2) of Jesus' punishment
(Luk_23:16, Luk_23:22, Joh_19:1) and he summoned the guard to bring Jesus out.
“Surely,” Pilate must of thought, “when they see the scourge's marks (Psa_129:3,
Isa_52:14), they will accept it as enough.” Pilate had found Jesus innocent (Joh_18:38,
Joh_19:6), and he wanted to let Jesus go (Luk_23:20, Joh_19:12, Act_3:13). However,
the Jews had persistently shouted in anger for Jesus' crucifixion (Mat_27:23,
Mar_15:13-14), and Pilate was trying to avoid a possible riot (Mat_27:24, Mar_15:15).

19:5
See notes on Joh_19:4.

“Behold the man” as though Jesus could barely be recognized any more (Isa_52:14).
Yes, this is the same man. You may not be able to tell any more, but this is Jesus.

19:6
When Jesus came out (see notes on Joh_19:4) and the Jews saw the carnage from the
torture (see notes on Joh_19:2-3) they were not satisfied. They still wanted Jesus
crucified. However, Pilate believed Jesus was a good man and not deserving of
execution (Joh_18:38). The governor told them that if they wanted Jesus crucified so
badly, they could do it themselves.
19:7
Although Pilate was obviously unimpressed (see notes on Joh_19:1) with the Jews'
concerns over violation of Mosaic Law (Lev_24:16), apparently they thought it might
undermine the governor's confidence in Jesus if he knew Jesus had said some
seemingly ridiculous things about Himself.

19:8
If the Jews thought that telling Pilate Jesus said He was the Son of God would sour the
governor's opinion of Jesus (see notes on Joh_19:7), it backfired. Since Pilate's wife
had dreamed warnings about Jesus (Mat_27:19), and Pilate could find nothing wrong
with the Galilean (Joh_18:38), it added to Pilate's unease over Jesus' case to learn He
claimed divine beginnings.

To a Roman aristocrat, whose familiarity with Greek mythology was likely and whose
emperor claimed divinity, hearing tales of human sons or incarnations of gods was not
an alien concept.

19:9
Pilate's question went directly to the heart of his concern (see notes on Joh_19:8). He
didn‟t want to know the place of Jesus‟ birth. He wanted to know the source of Jesus‟
birth. The governor was aware that Jesus was a Jew from Palestine, but Pilate was
asking Jesus if He were from a god. Perhaps Jesus chose not to respond, because if
Jesus had answered Pilate and given the truth about Himself, Pilate might have
released Him despite the Jews' wishes. Jesus didn't want released (Mat_26:51-54). He
wanted to go through with God's will (Mat_26:39, Mar_14:36, Luk_22:42, Joh_12:27,
Joh_16:7).

19:10
Pilate was frustrated. The Jews frustrated him, and now this Jesus, from whom he was
looking for cause enough to release, was giving him the silent treatment. “You were
talking,” Pilate must have thought, “Why are you now not answering me? I'm trying to
help you!”

19:11
In Joh_10:18, Jesus said that “no man,” not even Pilate, had the power to take Jesus'
life. The authority to slay the Lamb of God (see notes on Joh_1:29) came from God
(Isa_53:7-12) and rested in Jesus alone. Pilate may not have been made aware of
everything Jesus had taught, but Jesus gently tells him that the trial is itself a gift from
God (Joh_3:16, Jas_1:17).

Pilate must have been concerned that if he had anything to do with the death of God's
son (see notes on Joh_19:8), he'd bring an offended God's vengeance upon his own
head. Besides, Pilate had already given the order to scourge Jesus (Joh_19:1), and the
battered and ridiculed frame of an innocent man was standing before him as the result
(see notes on Joh_19:2-3). Surely, if it were true that Jesus was of divine origins, Pilate
had sinned in the eyes of God.
Our compassionate savior comforted the besieged governor by telling him that,
although he bore some responsibility, the greater guilt belonged to those that delivered
Jesus in chains to Pilate and had consequently put both Jesus and Pilate into this
situation. The “he that delivered me” is a compound responsibility shared by more than
one individual. Caiaphas, Judas, the “band of men,” (Joh_18:28) the Sanhedrin, the
mob outside (Act_3:13), and even Satan (Luk_22:3) were guilty of the highest treason.

19:12
Pilate had been convinced (see notes on Joh_18:38, Joh_19:11) by Jesus' testimony
(1Ti_6:13) that all charges should be dropped, and he wanted Jesus set free. Upon
hearing Pilate's intention of letting Jesus go, the Jews reminded the governor of the
original reason Pilate had agreed to hear the matter (Joh_18:33). They accused Jesus
of treason against the sovereign ruler over the empire (Luk_23:2).

19:13
Apparently, outside of the “hall of judgment” (Joh_18:28) there was a paved outer court
with a “judgment seat” from which the governor would make official declarations. John is
the only gospel writer to mention “the Pavement” or “Gabbatha.”

19:14
The day of “preparation of the passover” is Passover Eve or the day before Passover.
The “sixth hour” is noon. John mentioned how close the Passover was, because the
Jews would never allow crucifixions to blemish a holy Sabbath Day during the Passover
(Joh_19:31). The timing of events was then causing some urgency to get things moving
along. If Jesus was to be crucified, it would have to begin as quickly as possible.

See notes on Joh_2:13 about the Passover.

19:15
The Jews (Joh_19:12) stuck with the tactic that seemed to work with Pilate; they
brought Caesar into it (Luk_23:2, Joh_18:33). They yelled for Jesus to be condemned
and put to death (Psa_94:21, Mat_27:22-23, Mar_15:13-14, Luk_23:18, Act_3:14).
Pilate answered them with a question, “Shall I crucify your King?” Whether Pilate
intended to ridicule the Jewish leadership with the image of a beaten and bloodied King
or not is uncertain, but given Pilate's strong desire to let Jesus go (see notes on
Joh_18:35, Joh_18:38, Joh_18:40, Joh_19:1, Joh_19:4, Joh_19:6, Joh_19:10), it is
unlikely that the governor was making further sport of Jesus (see notes on Joh_18:39).

Interestingly, Pilate knew that the Jews were fully capable of using the Caesar card and
yet he opened the door for them to use it again anyway. Perhaps, Pilate had already
decided it was best to bring this matter to its ultimate conclusion sooner rather than later
(see notes on Joh_19:14).
19:16
Pilate had assumed responsibility for Jesus' case when he “took” the charges against
Him under consideration as judge (see notes on Joh_19:1). However, it was evident
that Pilate's decision in the matter held little weight with the agitated mob. Order must
be maintained. As the governor, Caesar would surely hold Pilate to account for an
uprising that sprung from the grounds of his own house. As Caiaphas had once noted,
regarding this same Jesus (Joh_11:48-51), “it is expedient for us, that one man should
die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not.”

Under the circumstances, Pilate finally acquiesced to the Jews' demands and agreed to
have Jesus crucified. As a sign of his unwillingness to bear association with approval for
the death sentence however, Pilate ceremoniously washed his hands of the entire
unbefitting and disturbing spectacle (Psa_26:6, Psa_73:13, Mat_27:24).

Having finished his role as judge (see notes on Joh_18:33) in the case before him,
Pilate turned Jesus over to the soldiers (Joh_19:23-24) again. The four soldiers
(Joh_19:23) “took” custody of Jesus and made Him begin to bear the cross He would be
crucified on along the route to Golgotha (Joh_19:17), also called Calvary (Luk_23:33).

19:17
Jesus bore the cross as far as He could. Somewhere along the route to Golgotha
though, having been severely beaten (see notes on Joh_19:2-3), He became unable to
continue the uphill trek under the weight of the cross without aid. The soldiers
conscripted a passerby named Simon to assist in carrying the cross for\with Jesus
(Mat_27:32, Mar_15:21, Luk_23:26). Whether Jesus walked ahead as Simon carried
the entire cross after Him or Simon carried the tail end of the cross is uncertain. What is
important remains; Jesus walked to Calvary like a lamb to the slaughter (Isa_53:7,
Jer_11:19, Act_8:32).

The chosen site for the crucifixion was the “place of a skull.” Golgotha became a vivid
metaphor depicting the gloom intended by our enemy (Mat_13:10, Joh_13:27,
Act_13:10). A skull is the dead remains of what was a living head separated from a
body. Jesus is the head of the church body (Eph_1:22-23, Eph_4:15-16, Eph_5:23,
Col_1:18), and for awhile (Mat_12:40, Mar_8:31) it appeared as if the head was dead
and permanently separated from the body (Mat_27:50, Mat_27:66, Mar_15:37,
Mar_15:45-47, Luk_23:46-56, Joh_19:30, Joh_19:38-42). Without the head, there are
no more words of life (Joh_6:63, Joh_6:68), no hearing (Rev_9:20) from God, the
Father (Joh_5:30), no smelling of our prayerful offerings (Rev_5:8, Rev_8:3-4) and
there is no vision (Pro_29:18).

19:18
The Jewish leadership got what they had wanted (Mar_15:13-14, Luk_23:21, Joh_19:6,
Joh_19:15). They watched as the soldiers (see notes on Joh_19:16) crucified the
colossal threat to their religion (Joh_11:48-51, Joh_12:19). The great crescendo of the
redemptive course had begun. Jesus was nailed to a cross (Joh_12:32, Gal_3:13,
1Pe_2:24), and He was giving Himself for the sins of us all (Isa_53:4-6, Isa_53:9-12,
Mat_20:28, Mar_10:45, Joh_6:51, Rom_3:24-26, Rom_8:3, 1Co_5:7, 2Co_5:15-21,
Gal_1:4, Eph_1:7, Eph_5:2, 1Ti_2:6, Tit_2:14, Heb_9:12-14, 1Pe_1:18-19, 1Pe_3:18,
1Pe_4:1-2, 1Jo_2:2, 1Jo_3:16, 1Jo_4:10, Rev_1:5, Rev_5:9).

The plan that had been laid out before the foundations of the world (Pro_8:19-23,
Mic_5:2, Mat_25:34, Rom_16:25-26, Eph_1:4, Eph_3:9-11, Col_1:26, 2Ti_1:9-10,
Tit_1:2-3, Heb_9:26, 1Pe_1:18-21, Rev_13:8, Rev_17:8) was being played out for the
world to see. It was both incredible and horrific. The innocent was being slain in place of
the wicked (Psa_94:21, Isa_59:7, Jer_22:17, Mat_27:4). Man would be free from sin
and death (Rom_5:21, Rom_8:2, 1Co_15:56-58), because Jesus conquered both of
them at Calvary. Everything was happening according to what had been prophesied
(Mat_5:18, Mat_21:4, Mat_26:51-56, Mar_14:49, Luk_21:22, Luk_24:44, Joh_18:32,
Act_3:18, Act_13:29).

Although Jesus‟ crucifixion had been foretold, nothing could prepare one for the hideous
scene blatantly displayed for all passersby. As a result of the torture, Jesus had been
disfigured and considerably weakened (Psa_22:15-17, Psa_102:3-5, see notes on
Joh_19:5, Joh_19:17). The bright and morning star (Rev_22:16) had been reduced to a
bloody remnant of a man (Isa_52:14). The King of Glory (Psa_24:7-10, Jam_2:1) had
been hung up to bleed out, as if He were a piece of meat in a butcher‟s shop. Barely
alive, He struggled for each breath and looked down from the cross to see some of
those for whom He was dying make further sport of Him (Psa_31:11-13, Psa_35:15-21,
Psa_69:7-12, Psa_109:25, Lam_1:12, Mat_27:39-42, Mar_15:29-32, Luk_23:39,
Joh_19:24, Heb_12:2, 1Pe_2:23). Despite their ignorance (1Co_2:8) and inexplicable
disregard for Jesus' worth, He loved them and sought forgiveness for them in the middle
of His suffering because of them (Luk_23:34, 1Pe_2:20-23).

Jesus had been placed center stage, but He didn't get the stage to Himself. Our Christ
shared the moment with two thieves (Mat_27:38, Mar_15:27-28, Luk_23:32-33).
Although John didn't include some of the interactions Jesus had with the other two men
during His crucifixion, Luke showed us how Jesus saved a man even while He was
suffering for and with him (Luk_23:39-43).

Look down with Him now. Instead of looking up at the cross, look down from the cross
and see the lost as He sees them. He loves them. They are like lost sheep that have
gone astray (Psa_119:176, Isa_53:6, Jer_50:6, Eze_34:6-16, Mat_12:11, Mat_18:12,
Luk_15:4, Joh_10:15), and He wants to save them from themselves. With Jesus' love
for them in our hearts, we are commanded to “go into all the world and preach the
gospel” to the lost (Mar_16:15, Luk_24:46-47, Joh_20:20, Rom_10:12-15, 1Co_1:17).
Jesus doesn't want them to perish (1Ti_2:3-4, 2Pe_3:9), and we shouldn't either
(Lev_19:18, Mat_22:39, Mar_12:31, Rom_13:9, Gal_5:14, Jas_2:8).

19:19
The Title Sign was not simply a means to sneer at the Jews (see notes on Joh_18:39).
It was written in the three most used languages (Joh_19:20) in Palestine (see notes on
Joh_4:3). The sign signaled to Caesar, and all witnesses that might tattle to Caesar
(Joh_19:12), that such is the fate of any who would be king besides the emperor
anywhere under Pilate's jurisdiction. Pilate had made it abundantly clear that the only
reason Jesus was crucified is the claim that Jesus said He is king (Mat_27:37,
Mar_15:26, see notes on Joh_18:33, Joh_18:35, Joh_19:12).

Notice that John said, “Pilate wrote a title...” He didn't say, “Pilate ordered a title written.”
Perhaps Pilate's feelings were so strong on the matter that he took the time to
personally make the sign. It seems that even the Jews were aware that Pilate wrote the
sign (Joh_19:21). However, although he may have filled out the title himself
(Joh_19:22), Pilate had the soldiers nail the sign to the cross (Mat_27:35-37).

19:20
Many people read the sign as Pilate had intended (see notes on Joh_19:19).

19:21
Apparently, both Caiaphas and Annas (Luk_3:2, Joh_18:13, Joh_18:24) came before
Pilate. Their concern was due to the semantics of the sign. They maintained that Jesus
wasn't truly the King of the Jews, and He wasn't crucified for being one. Jesus was
crucified, because He had said He was King of the Jews (see notes on Joh_19:19).
They didn't ask; they “said.” They didn't suggest or request a change to the sign; they
commanded, “Write not...”

19:22
The High Priests' mistake was to speak presumptuously that Pilate had acted according
to their directives in crucifying Jesus. Although the order of execution had been given in
large part to avoid an uprising (Mat_27:24, Mar_15:15), the governor was not about to
allow anyone to usurp his authority a piece at a time. Pilate was the proxy for Caesar in
the Palestinian providence, and he required appropriate respect. They thought they
could come back with further direction and manipulation of the governor‟s fear of
Caesar, but their boldness was a blunder of protocol and an overestimation of their
political clout. The sign had actually dealt with the Caesar factor (see notes on
Joh_19:19).

Pilate tells the High Priests that he wrote the sign, and the sign won't be changed. With
one bold stroke of the tongue, the governor reasserted and affirmed his power and
authority to exclusively oversee Palestine.

19:23
A small detachment of four soldiers was assigned to the crucifixion detail at Calvary that
day. Apparently, perhaps as a perk of the grizzly duty, the crucified person‟s belongings
could be obtained by the attending executioners. Jesus had been scourged and spit on
(see notes on Joh_19:1-2). Sometime between His arrest (Joh_18:12) and His torture,
He had been stripped and His clothes collected. The bundle was preserved until it could
be returned to the defendant, and Jesus wore His own clothes to Golgotha (Mat_27:31).
To the Roman soldiers, a Jewish prophet's celebrity would likely not be enough reason
to collect a souvenir, and Jesus' ministry was ending in shame (Mat_27:39, Mar_15:29,
Heb_12:2). Moreover, there is no mention of how the two thieves' (Mat_27:38,
Mar_15:27-28, Luk_23:32-33, Joh_19:18) clothes were dealt with, so Jesus must have
had desirable garments. To keep peace between the soldiers, a fair division of Jesus'
apparel was allotted to each.

Jesus' garments that day consisted of five parts. Four parts had been divided between
the soldiers, but there was one additional piece. His coat was special. It was one piece
of fabric woven into a shirt with no seams at all. Today such a shirt would still be special
(see notes on Joh_19:24).

19:24
The coat was so fine that even hardened soldiers couldn't bear to see it destroyed.
Rather than rip it into four parts (see notes on Joh_19:23), they decided to gamble for it
(Psa_22:18, Mat_27:35, Mar_15:24, Luk_23:34). Ironically, the true treasure had been
ripped (see notes on Joh_19:2-5, Joh_19:17), but they were more concerned with the
present's wrapping than the present (Joh_1:12, Joh_3:16, Joh_4:10, Joh_6:32-33,
Joh_10:11, Joh_14:27, Act_8:20, Act_11:17, Act_17:25, Rom_5:15-18, Rom_6:23,
1Co_3:5-7, 1Co_15:57, 2Co_9:15, Gal_1:4, Gal_2:20, Eph_1:22, Eph_2:8, Eph_4:7,
Eph_4:8, Eph_5:25, 1Ti_2:6, 1Ti_6:17, Tit_2:14, Heb_6:4, Jas_1:5, Jas_1:17, Jas_4:6,
1Pe_4:10, 1Pe_5:5, 1Jn_5:10, Rev_22:5).

Although the shirt was something to be highly prized, it wasn't reason enough to believe
that Jesus was monetarily wealthy. It was likely a gift. Jesus is the Son of God
(Mat_8:29, Mat_14:33, Mat_27:43, Mat_27:54, Mar_1:1, Mar_3:11, Mar_15:39,
Luk_1:35, Luk_4:41, Luk_8:28, Joh_1:34, Joh_1:49, Joh_3:16-18, Joh_5:25, Joh_9:35-
37, Joh_10:36, Joh_11:4, Joh_20:31, Rom_1:4, 2Co_1:19, Gal_2:20, Heb_4:14,
1Jn_4:15, 1Jn_5:5, 1Jn_5:10, 1Jn_5:20, Rev_2:18). As the Son of God, Jesus could
claim and use all of God's wealth (Heb_1:2), and God owns everything (Deu_10:14,
1Ch_29:11-16, Job_41:11, Psa_24:1, Psa_50:10, Psa_104:24, Jer_27:5, Hag_2:8,
1Co_10:26-28, Col_1:16). However, as we see from Moses (Heb_11:24-27), the ability
to claim and actually making the claim are two different things (Zec_9:9, 2Co_8:9).

Jesus chose to not live in a large house (Mat_8:20). He was raised in a carpenter's
home (Mat_13:53-55, Mar_6:1-3), so Joseph continued working even after the wise
men's gifts (Mat_2:11). Jesus and His apostles took contributions to their ministry
(Luk_8:1-3), and even those funds were gone (Joh_12:6). The disciples were worried
about money (Mat_6:24-30, Mat_26:8-9, Mar_14:4-5, Luk_12:22-29, Joh_12:4-6). On
the day that Jesus fed the multitude, the ministry hardly had anything in the treasury
(Mar_6:37, Joh_6:7).

The disciples were not wealthy (Luk_18:28-30), and the ministry had to borrow things.
They didn't buy the donkey and colt Jesus rode into Jerusalem on and with
(Mat_21:1-5, Mar_11:1-8, Luk_19:29-36, Joh_12:12-15).
 They used a donor's house for the Last Supper (Mat_26:17-19, Mar_14:12-16,
Luk_22:8-13).
The body of Jesus was buried in a rich man's tomb that was donated
(Mat_27:57-60, Mar_15:43-47, Luk_23:50-56, Joh_19:37-42).

Jesus chose to be poor as an example (Joh_13:15, 1Pe_2:21) of humility (2Ch_7:14,

Job_22:29, Pro_15:33, Pro_16:19, Pro_18:12, Pro_22:4, Isa_57:15, Mat_5:5, Mat_18:4,
Mat_23:12, Mar_9:35, Jas_4:6-10, 1Pe_5:5-6) and faith for His disciples (Mat_7:9-11,
Mat_10:8-12, Luk_11:11-13, Luk_22:35). They didn't even have enough money to pay
their taxes (Mat_17:24-27). Jesus told us the truth, and He told us to not seek monetary
wealth (Mat_6:31-33, Mat_6:19-21, Mat_19:20-24, Mar_10:21-25, Luk_12:15-21,
Luk_18:22-25) instead of God.

19:25
Many people acquainted with Jesus were watching the hour of our salvation from a safe
distance (Luk_23:49), but John listed the ones that loved the Lord enough to cast aside
fear and stand with our savior. The small group that gathered around the cross had
stayed back in the crowd for awhile too (Mat_27:55-56, Mar_15:40-41), but love and
faith had drawn them to be with Jesus in His final moments.

Although John didn't list himself as one of the bold believers, he was at the cross with
them (Joh_19:26). Since we can't be certain who all was in the group or their
relationship to each other, it is enough to know that some loved Him enough to stand
with Him (Mat_26:40, Mar_14:37).

19:26
With His body racked in throbbing pain and the sins of every person weighing down His
perfect and spotless conscience, His thoughts turned away from the agony within Him
to the woman that had given Him love and comfort and care. Mary would miss Jesus so.
She had other sons to help take care of her after Jesus went back to the Father, but
there would be a void in Mary's motherly heart that would ache to hold Jesus in her
arms. Jesus knew that John would help to fill her arms and heart, because John too
would miss the savior's embrace (see notes on Joh_13:23).

19:27
When everyone was powerless to take care of Jesus, He still was thinking of how He
might care for others (Mat_20:28, Mar_10:45, Luk_23:34, Eph_5:2). John would miss
the close physical contact with his Lord, and Jesus offered His mother as a substitute
(see notes on Joh_19:26). John and Mary would help to fill each others' arms and
hearts that would both miss Jesus.

19:28
With the sins (Isa_59:2) of every person placed upon Jesus (Isa_53:6-12, 2Co_5:21,
1Ti_2:6, Heb_9:28, 1Pe_2:24) the Father severed the spiritual tie between them
(Psa_22:1, Mat_27:46, Mar_15:34), lest He too become defiled in sin. Jesus, who
tasted of and was and had possessed the living water of spiritual life (Joh_4:14), was
now thirsty (Psa_22:14, Joh_4:15) in the desert of sin and death (Deu_21:22-23,
Rom_8:2, Jas_1:15). He experienced, as we all do (Heb_4:15), a spiritual thirst.

Everything had happened according to the scriptures which prophesied of Jesus and
the things that must transpire because of Him (Mat_26:54, Luk_18:31, Luk_22:37,
Luk_24:44). With His work as mortal man at an end, all that was left to do was to
declare His condition, i.e., “I thirst,” (Psa_69:21) and die upon the cross (Joh_19:30).

19:29
The soldiers' wanton cruelty towards Jesus had been obscene (see notes on Joh_19:2-
3). Apparently, there was little room for pity upon people from an occupied land snared
in the Roman judicial system, so one must wonder why a pitcher of sour wine had been
set at Golgotha (Psa_69:21).

It was sour wine. It was wine that would have been thrown out, if there had been no
other use for it. Saving the wine to give it to the crucified must of somewhat eased their
conscience's though. Care had been taken to not only preserve the wine, but ensure it
made it to Calvary. Additionally, a hyssop stalk long enough to reach the executed
man‟s mouth from the ground, and a sponge was all in place to deliver the wine. The
difference between the sadistic torture and the merciful kindness of offering wine is
schizophrenic. Perhaps the motive was simply to keep the condemned men hydrated
thus prolonging their suffering.

They had offered the wine soaked sponge at the end of a hyssop pole (Mat_27:48,
Mar_15:36). The hyssop were unwanted (2Ki_17:15, Psa_118:22, Isa_53:3, Jer_8:9,
Mat_21:42, Mar_8:31, Mar_12:10, Luk_9:22, Luk_17:25, Luk_20:17, Joh_1:11,
Joh_12:48, Act_4:10-11) growths (Isa_11:1, Jer_23:5, Jer_33:15, Zec_3:8, Zec_6:12)
springing out of walls (1Ki_4:33). Ironically, it was pieces of hyssop that were used by
the Jews to sprinkle blood (Lev_14:4-6, Psa_51:7, Heb_9:19) and water (Num_19:18) in
purification rituals (Heb_9:22-23), and this hyssop was used during the final purification
sacrifice (Joh_19:30, Eph_2:13-19, Tit_2:14, Heb_9:12-14, Heb_13:12). Hyssop was
first mentioned in the Bible as the instrument by which the Hebrews were to apply the
Passover Lambs' blood to their doorposts (Exo_12:22), and Jesus was the Lamb of God
(Joh_1:29, Joh_1:36, 1Co_5:7, Rev_5:6, Rev_7:17, Rev_14:10) whose blood
(Mat_26:28, Mar_14:24, Luk_22:20, Joh_6:53-54, Act_20:28, Rom_3:25, Rom_5:9,
Eph_1:7, Col_1:14, Col_1:20, Heb_9:13-15, Heb_10:19, Heb_13:11-12, Heb_13:20,
1Pe_1:19, 1Jn_1:7, 1Jn_5:8, Rev_1:5, Rev_7:14, Rev_12:11, Rev_19:13), sprinkled
(Heb_9:19-28, Heb_10:22, Heb_12:24, 1Pe_1:2) upon the doorposts of our hearts
(Psa_51:7, Psa_51:10, Jer_4:11, Eze_18:31, Eze_36:25-27, Mat_5:8, Mar_12:30,
Act_15:9, Rom_2:29, Rom_10:10, Eph_6:6, 1Ti_1:5, 2Ti_2:22, Jas_4:8, 1Pe_1:22,
1Jn_3:3, 1Jn_3:21), saves us from eternal death (Joh_3:15-17, Joh_5:24, Rom_5:10,
Rom_5:17-21, Rom_6:9-11, Rom_6:23, Rom_8:2, Rom_8:38-39, 1Co_15:21-26,
1Co_15:54-57, 2Co_1:9-10, 2Ti_1:10, Heb_2:14-15, Rev_1:18, Rev_21:8).
19:30
“It is finished,” that is, the work of salvation was done and sin's dominion over man's
destiny was at an end (Lam_4:22, Dan_9:24, Rom_5:10, 2Co_5:18-19, Col_1:20,
Col_2:14, Heb_9:26, Heb_10:14, Heb_12:2, 1Jo_3:8). Praise God! Thank you Jesus!

Jesus' death on the cross was the final sacrifice for our sins. Sin was defeated, and
everything needed to conquer sin had been completed. Soon His resurrection would
vanquish death and the grave as well (Act_2:24, Rom_1:3-4, Rom_5:14, Rom_6:9,
1Co_15:54-57, Eph_2:5-6, Heb_2:14-15, Heb_7:25, 1Pe_1:3-12, Rev_1:18).

After He had shouted the great declaration of victory, “It is finished” (Mat_27:50,
Mar_15:37), He said, “Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit” (Psa_31:5,
Luk_23:46), and He died for us (Joh_15:13, Rom_5:8, 1Co_15:3, 1Th_5:9-10,
1Pe_3:18). Jesus' time in physical life had been spent in submission to God, the Father,
and His last words were ones of resignation completely to God's control. He had given
His life (Mat_20:28, Joh_10:15, Joh_15:13, Rom_5:8, Eph_5:2, 1Pe_3:18, 1Jn_3:16,
Rev_5:9) and then He gave His spirit over to the Father (Mat_10:28).

19:31
With their focus towards not offending God through marring the holy Sabbath (see notes
on Joh_19:14) with cursed men left hanging on trees (Deu_21:22-23, Act_5:30,
Act_10:39, Act_13:29, Gal_3:13), the Jews asked Pilate to have the legs of each man
broken (only John included this in his gospel). Apparently, the crucified victim would
need his legs to push upward and relieve the pressure on his lungs in order to get a
breath. Breaking the legs would facilitate a quicker death, but it still might take a little
while (Mar_15:44). Ironically, of course, the greater offense was the brutal hard-hearted
betrayal of their God by seeking the death of His only begotten son.

19:32
Accommodating the Jews' request (Joh_19:31), Pilate sent orders to have the
executioners break the legs of those being crucified that day. The soldiers began by
breaking the legs of the thieves first.

Since their feet had been nailed to their crosses (Psa_22:16, Luk_7:44-47, Luk_24:39,
Joh_12:3-7), the legs couldn't be broken by twisting them. Something, perhaps the
hammer used to drive the nails or the mallet used to secure the cross in the ground,
was likely slammed against the legs with enough force to snap the bone. The practice
was another view of the twisted Roman sensibilities. They would mercifully speed the
torturous end of the executed man's pain, not by killing them suddenly, but by inflicting
more pain in the form of blunt trauma.

19:33
Breaking the legs of a man nailed to the cross would ensure a quicker death (see notes
on Joh_19:31), and the soldiers broke the legs of the thieves (Joh_19:32). Obviously, it
was assumed that crucifixions would take a long time to accomplish the executions, and
there wasn't much time before the Passover (Joh_19:14). However, Jesus “was dead
already.” Based on his experience with crucifixions past, when Pilate learned how
quickly Jesus had died, he too was surprised (Mar_15:44).

The torture (see notes on Joh_19:2, Joh_19:5, Joh_19:18,) had taken its toll and
significantly weakened Jesus. The scourging rips and cuts had likely caused such a loss
of blood that Jesus was barely alive for the grueling trudge up the hill of Calvary (see
notes on Joh_19:17). Consequently, Jesus died relatively quickly, and, like the Paschal
Lamb (Exo_12:46), none of His bones were broken (Joh_19:36).

19:34
The soldiers were ordered by Pilate to break the legs of those on the cross that day to
speed up their deaths (see notes on Joh_19:31-32), but Jesus “was dead already” (see
notes on Joh_19:33). One of the four soldiers (see notes on Joh_19:23) stabbed Jesus
in His side (Zec_12:10, Joh_19:37, Joh_20:27, Rev_1:7) with the intention of verifying
His death.

Jesus, the fount (Zec_13:1) of living water (Jer_2:13, Joh_4:10, Joh_7:38), was poured
out for us (Exo_4:9, Psa_22:14), and His blood saved us (Act_22:16, Rom_3:24-26,
Rom_5:9-11, Eph_1:7, Eph_2:13-16, Col_1:13-14, Heb_9:14-18, Heb_9:22, 1Pe_1:18-
19, 1Jo_1:7, Rev_5:9). The mixture (1Jo_5:6) of blood and water sprayed out from Him
and sprinkled upon the Earth rededicating the house of men to the Lord (Lev_14:51-52).

19:35
John, the writer of this record, was an up-close eye witness of Jesus' crucifixion (see
notes on Joh_19:25-26), and he declared that he was telling us the truth. His gospel is
not the result of distorted recollection or exaggerated tales. He remembered clearly
what happened, and he took the time to write it down that we might believe (Joh_20:31,
1Jo_5:13).

We believe through reading John's testimony, because any prayerfully meditative study
into the Gospel of John will illuminate Jesus and reveal His existence to our hearts (see
notes on Joh_14:21) stimulating faith enough to believe (Rom_10:17) without having
actually seen Him (Joh_20:29).

19:36
See notes on Joh_10:35.

The scriptures referenced by the Apostle John in this verse are likely Exo_12:46 (which
referred to the symbolic Paschal Lamb sacrificed at Passover) and Psa_34:20. Jesus is
the sacrificial Lamb of God (see notes on Joh_1:29, Joh_1:36).

19:37
The scripture that John was referring to is Zec_12:10. It is another example of Jesus
and the happenings spurred by Jesus' presence that ultimately fulfilled prophecies
(Mat_5:18, Mat_21:4, Mat_26:51-56, Mar_14:49, Luk_21:22, Luk_24:44, Joh_18:32,
Joh_19:28, Act_3:18, Act_13:29).
19:38
Joseph was “a disciple of Jesus.” He was a believer and his soul had been illuminated
by Jesus and his teachings (Mat_27:57-58, Luk_23:50), but he kept his light hidden
(Mat_5:15, Luk_11:33). Jesus' crucifixion was a significant reason and supportive
rational for continuing a secret relationship with Christ in order to avoid a similar fate.
There was reason to fear not only Pilate but the Jews as well (Joh_7:13, Joh_9:22,
Joh_12:42, Joh_20:19). However, Joseph took a chance (Mar_15:43). It was a covert
attempt though, because he wanted to minimize the risk. His perilous exposure was
rewarded with Pilate's approval, and he secured Jesus' body (Luk_23:53).

I wonder if Pilate's days were always as busy as they were during the episode with
Jesus. Did his days fill with people wanting his judgment and/or his approval on some
matter? With such a contentious population of religious people that thought they were
better than their occupiers, probably so. The Jews had come to him, after he had given
them what they wanted (Joh_19:16), only to complain about the sign nailed to the cross
(Joh_19:21). It seems to me, Pilate exhibited significant patience and tolerance. In this
case, “Pilate gave him leave.” Joseph of Arimathaea was given the gift of continued free
movement by Pilate, as though Joseph might have just as easily been taken into
custody.
19:39
Joseph wasn't the only believer among the Jews (Joh_8:30-31, Joh_11:45, Joh_12:11,
Joh_12:42). Nicodemus' love for Jesus had compelled him out of the shadows of night
(Joh_3:1-2, Joh_7:50) and brought him into the open light of fellowship. Joseph
supplied the shroud and the tomb (Mat_27:59-60, Luk_23:53, Mar_15:46), but
Nicodemus joined him with ointments and they prepared the body together (Joh_19:40).
Their love for Jesus was not displayed sparingly. A hundred pounds of anything is a lot.

19:40
See notes on Joh_19:39.

One great facet of Christianity is how believers from various traditions keep elements of
their culture while adapting to the ways of the kingdom of God. The two Jews, new to
the faith, prepared Jesus four burial the only way they knew how. They prepared to bury
a practicing Jew in the manner customary to His people.

19:41
Apparently, on the same track of land that contained Calvary there was a cemetery with
well kept grounds (Joh_20:15). Among the grave sites there was at least one as yet
unused plot. The tomb was carved out of the rock (Isa_22:16, Luk_23:53) and a large
stone was there to be placed over the opening (Mar_15:46, Mat_27:60).

19:42
The burial had to be done quickly (see notes on Joh_19:31), so it was fortunate that
Joseph's tomb (Mat_27:60) was close by. Jesus' body was put into the grave
(Psa_49:14, Psa_88:5, Psa_89:48, Isa_14:19, Isa_53:9, Eze_31:15, see notes on
Joh_19:41), but it would only be for as short time (Psa_30:3, Psa_49:15, Hos_13:14,
1Co_15:55).

Pilate assigned some guards to ensure that the tomb was undisturbed by Jesus'
disciples (Mat_27:65). The thinking was that perhaps they might try to steal the body
and claim Jesus had been resurrected (Mat_27:63-64) as He had prophesied
(Mat_12:40, Mat_26:61, Mat_27:40, Mar_8:31, Mar_14:58, Mar_15:29, Joh_2:19).

Chapter 20
20:1
Before sunrise Mary Magdalene, Mary the Mother of James, Salome (Mar_16:1), and
Joanna (Luk_24:10) came to be near their Lord. They expected to be separated from
Him by a barrier made of stone (Mar_16:2-3), but the wall dividing them had been taken
away (Mat_27:51, Mar_15:38, Luk_23:45, 2Co_3:14, 2Co_3:16, Heb_6:19, Heb_10:20,
Eph_2:14). They thought she had come before sunrise, but the Son had already risen.
The darkness (see notes on Joh_18:1) had been dispelled by the light of the world
(Joh_8:12, Joh_9:5, Joh_11:9).

The women had prepared the spices and anointments on Friday, and they patiently
waited until after the Sabbath to come to the tomb (Luk_23:56). When it was allowed,
they started on their way. Their love for Jesus had motivated them, and they never
stopped to consider things logically. Along the way, it occurred to them (Mar_16:3); they
had everything prepared, but how will they be able to apply the mixtures? How could
they expect to get to Jesus' body? There was a large stone in their way. Logic dictated
that they ought to stop and rethink their plan, but they were compelled forward anyway.
Regardless of the obvious obstacle, they continued moving towards Jesus. Continue on
your walk, and trust the Lord (Pro_3:5). Nothing, no matter how large it may appear, can
separate us from Jesus (Rom_8:35-39).

There had been an Earthquake, and it was followed by the appearance of an angel who
rolled the stone away from the mouth of the grave (Mat_28:1-4). The angel informed the
women that Jesus had risen (Mat_28:5-6, Mar_16:6, Luk_24:6) and instructed them to
quickly go and tell His disciples about it (Mat_28:7-8). What the women would never
have been able to do with their abilities alone, was done for them through the power of
God working on their behalf. Often times, we can struggle to work out things for
ourselves with no hope on our own of success. Let your faith in God move the mountain
for you (Mat_17:20, Mat_21:21).

20:2
Mary ran, because she was told to do so by an angel of the Lord (see notes on
Joh_20:1). She found Peter and John (see notes on Joh_13:23), and she told them that
the body had been taken away. The angel said Jesus had been resurrected just as
Jesus prophesied (Mat_28:6), and he told her to tell the disciples about it. However, she
made it sound as though the body had been carried away instead.
The Lord calls us to tell the story of what Jesus has done for us, but we must ensure
that the story is told correctly. The good news of Christ's resurrection power should be
carefully handled as a great treasure. The wealth of the gospel is in the undistorted and
undiluted truth of the message, and in distributing the bounty of it we must never end up
preaching another Jesus (2Co_11:3-4).

Mary did what she was told to do, but she didn't say what she was supposed to say.
Doing one half of the mission leaves it half undone. God is a God of completeness
(Gen_2:1, 1Ch_28:20, Joh_4:34, Joh_5:36, Joh_17:4, Joh_19:30, Rom_9:28, Col_2:10,
2Ti_4:7, Heb_12:2, Rev_10:7), and those that serve Him must serve Him completely.
There can be no short cuts. There can be no alternatives. What God tells us to do, we
must do. What God tells us to say is exactly the message that must be delivered
(Luk_4:43, 1Co_9:16, Gal_1:8).

20:3
Peter and John hurried to the sepulcher (see notes on (Joh_20:4), because Mary
Magdalene (Joh_20:1) had made it sound like Jesus' body had been stolen during the
night (see notes on Joh_20:2).

20:4
John and Peter had raced off together towards the tomb (Joh_20:3), but eventually
John outpaced him and arrived at the tomb first.

20:5
John didn't go in, but Peter did (Joh_20:6). It was like Peter to plunge in ahead of the
others (Mat_14:22-33). John was stunned, and he stood at the entrance grappling with
the situation. Jesus had risen. It looked as though Jesus was no longer there, so He
must no longer be dead. He must have thought, “Is it possible? Is this what Jesus
meant?” All that remained in the tomb were the grave clothes Jesus had been buried in
(Joh_20:7). Belief in the Lord's resurrection was swelling within him, but he still wasn't
sure.

When we are uncertain of things, when we aren't positive as to the voice of God, we
need to ensure that we don't stoop to using sources other than the Holy Spirit. Even
Christians will fiddle around with astrology, magic 8-balls, clairvoyants and other things
that allow us to peer into the unknown. However, the Holy Spirit will lead us to the truth
of a matter (Psa_25:5, Joh_16:3), and it is Him upon which we can always rely.

20:6
Although Peter didn't arrive at the tomb first, he was the first disciple to venture into it
(see notes on Joh_20:5). It was a picture of the resurrection day to come (Mat_22:31-
32, Act_23:6, Act_24:15, Act_24:21, 1Co_15:12, 1Co_15:13, 1Co_15:21, Phi_3:11,
Heb_6:2). After the resurrection of the dead (Dan_12:2-3, Mat_13:40-43, Luk_20:32-36,
1Co_15:40-44, 1Co_15:50-54, Phi_3:19-21, Heb_9:27, 1Pe_1:3-5), those that were first
shall be last (Mat_19:28-30, Mat_20:16, Mar_9:35, Mar_10:28-31, Luk_13:23-30).
When we leave this world to be with the Lord (2Co_5:6-8), we shall leave with no
Earthly remnants or entanglements (Job_1:21, Psa_49:17, Ecc_5:15-16, Luk_12:20-21,
1Ti_6:7). The clothes we were in will be left behind, and we shall go before the Lord
clothed in righteousness (2Ch_6:41, Psa_17:15, Psa_132:9, Isa_61:10, Rom_3:22,
Rom_14:17, 2Co_3:18, 2Co_5:1-4, Gal_3:27, Phi_3:9).

20:7
Whether Jesus was released from the grave wrappings by the Holy Spirit, by Himself or
by angels is left untold. What really matters are the glaring details that are clear:
Jesus had risen.
The last of the wrappings from this Earth had been taken off Him.
The cloth wrapped around the face (Joh_11:44) of Christ had been removed and
set aside (Psa_67:1-2, 2Co_4:3-7), and it possible for us to see the unveiled face
of God (Hab_2:14, Joh_14:9, 1Co_13:9-12, 1Co_15:45-49, 2Co_3:13-18). We
who were once the enemies of God (Rom_8:7, Jam_4:4) have been made the
friends of God (Exo_33:11, Joh_15:15, 2Co_5:18-21, Eph_2:15-16, Heb_4:16,
Jam_2:23).

20:8
John had already stooped down and looked into the tomb (Joh_20:5), and he had seen
the abandoned grave clothes Jesus had been wrapped in (Joh_20:6). Additionally, John
noticed the detail of the clothes separated from the napkin (Joh_20:7), but he hadn't
been able to see the entire sepulcher. Perhaps there was something left behind by
raiders as evidence of tampering. Perhaps the body was lying in a dark corner or up
against a wall and hidden from view. Finally, John entered the grave, and he saw no
sign of Jesus or any tampering. Jesus had simply left the tomb. When John went in and
looked around, he remembered what Jesus had said, and he believed (Joh_2:21-22).
The obvious absence of Jesus ushered in the presence of belief, because of His word
(Rom_10:17).

20:9
The scripture John referred to was Psa_16:10, as is verified in Act_2:25-32. Although
Peter and John still couldn't discern the prophetic relevance of what Jesus had done,
they would come to realize the significance of His ministry (Luk_24:44-46, 2Co_4:3-6).

20:10
Having nothing left to see at the tomb and no immediate reason to stay where the
authorities quite likely would soon take an interest (Mat_27:62-66, Mat_28:1-4), they
returned to the safety of their homes (Joh_16:32). Later that night they would assemble
together with other disciples behind closed doors (Joh_20:19).

20:11
Jesus was no longer in the tomb. Mary (Joh_20:1) was told that Jesus had risen
(Mat_28:5-6, Mar_16:6, Luk_24:6), but she believed the body had been taken away
(Joh_20:2, Joh_20:13). She had seen Him crucified (Joh_19:25), and she had seen Him
buried (Mat_27:58-61). Still confused over the events, the only certainty was that she
missed her Lord. Struggling over the things she witnessed, her heart ached once again
for Jesus, and she cried.

An angel invited her to look into the tomb earlier (Mat_28:6), and she had went into it
with some other women (Luk_24:1-3). Having seen Peter and John both look and then
go into the tomb (Joh_20:5-8), she decided to look in again and see for herself.
“Maybe,” she must of thought, “I missed something earlier. Maybe, something has
changed.”

20:12
Angels were coming and going. Peter and John had both just been in the tomb
(Joh_20:5-8), and there is no record that they had seen any heavenly visitors in the
sepulcher.

20:13
She had been told the Lord had risen (see notes on Joh_20:1), but she still seemed to
be confused (see notes on Joh_20:2). In addition to the empty tomb, she had seen
angels and heard declarations about Jesus' resurrection from the heavenly messengers
but she couldn't believe it.

Sometimes, even a revelation sent from Heaven can be distorted by our unwillingness
to accept it. Belief (see notes on Joh_3:15) requires that we move beyond our human
soulish reasoning (Pro_3:5) and receive with gladness the word of the Lord (Mat_13:20,
Luk_8:13, Mar_4:16).

20:14
How many of us have seen Jesus in a situation, but we didn't realize His hand in it until
later? Sometimes the Lord's presence is standing there, right in front of us, but we carry
on unaware and oblivious. I have even begged for Him to reveal himself to me, and He
already had. While I spoke with Him and pleaded for the reassurance His face would
offer, His arms were already wrapped around me and his spirit comforted me. It is good
and profitable that we seek His face, but to see it ... learn to be still and perceive His
answer (Psa_46:10).

20:15
Guessing Jesus was the grounds keeper made logical sense, because the tomb was in
a garden (Joh_19:41). However, what often seems cogent to human thinking during
ordinary events doesn't always prove valid reasoning when God is involved (Psa_92:5,
Isa_55:8, Eze_18:25-29).

Jesus had died. Mary was an eyewitness to her master's death (Joh_19:25). She knew
He had been placed in the now empty tomb (Joh_20:1). Surely the gardener was well
aware of the goings on in the garden. She didn't answer what seemed to her to be a
silly question, “Whom seekest thou?” She ignored the query and responded with a
request for information as to Jesus' whereabouts.
She was crying, because she didn't know where Jesus' body was. There was no reason
for tears. She had been told that Jesus had risen (see notes on Joh_20:13), but she
went on acting as though the body was merely missing (see notes on Joh_20:2). Jesus'
questions made perfect sense. Why cry when she should be filled with joy? Why seek
His dead body when His resurrected body stood before her full of life (Luk_24:5)?

When the Spirit asks you questions that are meant to steer you in the right direction, are
you answering the questions posed to you, or are you stubbornly requesting information
that will assist you in going your own way?

20:16
Mary Magdalene (Joh_20:1) didn't recognize Jesus' presence, or His voice when He
addressed her as He would any woman (Joh_20:14-15), but she immediately perceived
it was the Lord when He called her by name. Before she heard Jesus say her name, it
was still Jesus. She had kept from looking Him in the face although He was with her and
he spoke to her. She was unwilling to reckon what she heard as the voice of God until
He said her name.

Perhaps we too have missed what God had to say to us, because we were unwilling to
accept that it had been the voice of God? Not realizing that God is indeed with us
doesn't change the reality that He is. Jesus is Immanuel, God with us (Isa_7:14,
1Ti_3:16, 2Jo_1:2), and He challenges us (see notes on Joh_20:15) to move past our
feelings and look beyond our situations. Although He will call us by name (Joh_10:3),
we need not hear Him call our name to believe it was He that spoke to us (Joh_10:27,
Joh_18:37). Learn to perceive the promptings of the Holy Spirit (Psa_25:5, Psa_43:3,
Jer_31:33-34, Joh_14:17, Joh_14:26, Joh_16:13, 1Co_2:10-13, Eph_4:21, 1Th_2:13,
Heb_8:10-11, 1Jo_2:20-27).

On another note, some try to pervert the relationship between Mary Magdalene and
Jesus into a sexually charged one of lovers. A careful analysis of this verse debunks
those theories. If Mary had a physically intimate relationship with Jesus, or even a
flirtatious courtship with Him, why would she address Him as “Master?” If they were
more intimately involved than teacher and disciple, one would think she would have
called out something like ... “oh darling,” “my love,” or at least “honey.” She called Him
“Rabboni,” because that's what he was to her. She did not miss her lover. She had
missed her Master.

Mary was simply one of Jesus' disciples. Many of His disciples would follow Him and be
with Him as much as they could. However, Mary wasn't “the disciple whom Jesus loved.
(Joh_19:26, Joh_20:2, Joh_21:7, Joh_21:20)” John was given that distinction (see
notes on Joh_2:14, Joh_13:23-24).

20:17
When Mary Magdalene (Joh_20:1) realized it was Jesus she had been speaking with
(see notes on Joh_20:16), she must have reached out towards Him in some way,
because Jesus forbade her to touch Him. Jesus didn't want to be touched, because He
had not yet went into Heaven and met with God, the Father. Apparently upon returning
to Heaven, Jesus would meet with the Father in a resurrected body unsoiled by
corruptible hands.

Jesus told Mary to go and tell the apostles that He was going to Heaven and meet with
God. Jesus met with His apostles later that evening (Joh_20:19), and He didn‟t forbid
them to touch Him, and He actually seemed to invite them to inspect His body
(Joh_20:20). So sometime between the encounter with Mary in the garden and the
meeting with the apostles (see notes on Joh_20:20), Jesus had ascended into Heaven
as the conquering hero and met with God, the Father. What an event that must of been!

Also note that Jesus said He had not yet ascended into Heaven. He had died on the
night before the annual Sabbath of the Passover Festival (Lev_23:26-32) or the High
Sabbath (Joh_19:31). Jesus had risen early the day after the regular Sabbath
(Joh_20:1), so He had been dead, as He had prophesied (Mat_12:40, Mat_16:21,
Mat_17:23, Mat_20:19, Mat_26:61, Mat_27:39-40, Mat_27:63-64, Mar_8:31, Mar_9:31,
Mar_10:34, Mar_14:58, Mar_15:29, Luk_9:22, Luk_18:33, Luk_24:6-7, Joh_2:19-22),
three days and three nights (Luk_24:19-21, Luk_24:46, Act_10:39-40, 1Co_15:4). After
all, it is clear that our Lord defined a day as a twelve hour period (Joh_11:9) and the
night following the day (Gen_1:5, Gen_1:14-18, Gen_8:22). There were two Sabbaths
that week, as Mat_28:1 bears out in Greek plural of the word.

Time Line:
Wednesday (first night) - Jesus had been crucified on Wednesday, not “Good Friday”
as tradition suggests. He died during the ninth hour or about 3:00 PM (Mat_27:46-50,
Mar_15:34-37, Luk_23:44-46), and He was buried that same day (Mat_27:57-62,
Mar_15:42-47, Luk_23:52-54, Joh_19:42).
Thursday (first day & second night) – The annual High Sabbath.
Friday (second day & third night) – The day after the annual High Sabbath, when
people could work, women bought spices so they could anoint Jesus (Mar_16:1).
Saturday (third day) – The weekly regular Sabbath, when the women rested after
buying the spices on Friday (Luk_23:56). Jesus arose from the dead at the end of the
Sabbath or after sunset on Saturday (Mat_28:1, Joh_20:1).

See Time Line Graph below:

 Thursday Friday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday

6 days before 5 days before 2 days before 1 day before 1 day before Annual Sabbath Women bought Sabbath Day Resurrection Day
Passover Feast Passover Feast Passover Feast Passover Feast Annual Sabbath (John 19:31 and spices (John 20:1)
Leviticus 23:26-32) (Mark 16:1 and Jesus arose at
Jesus went Triumphant Jesus at Last Supper Jesus before Luke 23:56) the end of the Women brought
to Bethany entry into Simon the (John 13:1-2) Pontius Pilate Sabbath Day or spices to the
(John 12:1) Jerusalem Leper's house (John 18:28) early Sunday tomb
(John 12:12) (Matthew 26:2-6 Jesus arrested morning (Luke 24:1)
and Mark 14:6) (John 18:12) Jesus before (Matthew 28:1)
Herod Tomb Empty
Jesus before (Luke 23:4-11) (Luke 24:2-3,
Annas Luke 24:12,
(John 18:13) Day of Jesus' John 20:5-7)
Crucifixion
Jesus before (John 19:16-18) Resurrection Day
Caiaphas was three days
(John 18:24) Jesus died after Jesus' death
(John 19:30) (Luke 24:21)
Night ended
with cock crow Passover Feast
(John 18:27) (John 19:14)

Jesus buried
(John 19:38-42)

1st night in the 1st day and 2nd 2nd day and 3rd 3rd day in the
tomb night in the tomb night in the tomb tomb

Fulfillment of Jesus' Prophesy

(Matthew 12:40)

If Jesus had been crucified on “Good Friday” and arose Sunday morning, then He is a
false prophet and a liar. God forbid that we affix such a judgment to the Holy Lamb of
God. No, He spoke the truth. He said three days and three nights, he meant three days
and three nights, and He indeed was dead three days and three nights. He didn't mean
partial days and nights. He meant what He said, as in the case of Jonah (Jon_1:17,
Mat_12:40).

While Jesus was on the cross, He said to one of the thieves crucified with him, “Today
shalt thou be with me in paradise” (Luk_23:43). Obviously “today” is not the same as
three days and three nights later, and Paradise and Heaven are not the same place.
Jesus said to the thief “today,” but he said to Mary three days and three nights later that
He hadn't yet ascended to His Father. God, the Father abides in Heaven (Mat_5:16,
Mat_5:45, Mat_6:1, Mat_6:9, Mat_7:11, Mat_7:21, Mat_10:32-33, Mat_12:50,
Mat_16:17, Mat_18:10, Mat_18:14, Mat_18:19, Mat_23:9, Mar_11:25-26, Luk_11:2).
Jesus had been in paradise, but He had not yet gone to Heaven.

Death is not a sleep until the resurrection, as some take the scriptures to mean. While
Jesus' body lie dead in the tomb, He was still alert and moving as a spirit and preached
to the other spirits in prison (Eph_4:7-11, 1Pe_3:18-20, 1Pe_4:6). What good would it
have done to preach to those that are blissfully unaware and overcome by their “dirt
nap?” He is Lord overall (Act_10:36, Act_10:42, Eph_1:20-23, Phi_2:9-11). What good
would it be to be the Lord of the dead, if the dead need not be Lorded over (Rev_6:9-10,
Rev_20:12)? He is not the Lord over souls suspended in a death coma. He is the Lord
of both the living and the dead (Rom_14:9).

One other note; Mary was sent to go and tell a message to the apostles or special
messengers. This call to service was a mission placed upon a woman directly by the
Lord Himself. Obviously, women can be used by God to witness of Jesus and preach
the good news.

20:18
Unlike how she handled the first commission given to her by an angel (see notes on
Joh_20:2), Mary Magdalene relayed the message that Jesus told her she was suppose
to tell. Notice how God will give second chances and still ask us to serve Him after we
make mistakes.

20:19
Later Sunday evening the disciples gathered together. They probably wanted to discuss
the reports regarding angelic visitations (Mar_16:5, Luk_24:4-7, Luk_24:23, Joh_20:11-
13), the open (Mat_28:2, Mar_16:1, Luk_24:2) and empty tomb (Luk_24:3, Luk_24:12,
Joh_20:5-7), and Mary Magdalene's (Joh_20:14-17) and Cleopas' (Luk_24:18) and
another disciples' encounters with Jesus Himself (Luk_24:13-31). However, the Jews
had just insisted on (Mat_27:22, Mar_15:12-15, Luk_23:2-5, Joh_19:6, Joh_19:12,
Joh_19:15) and secured the execution of Jesus, the disciples' Master. Logic suggested
that, if they were seen together, they too may be targeted by the Jews and quite
possibly arrested next. To shield them from immediate view, they had met behind
closed doors.

They had legitimate cause for concern. They were justified in their assessment of the
political and religious opposition's zeal to squash any movement that endangered the
status quo (Joh_12:19). Jesus had warned them that they too would be hated
(Joh_15:18) and persecuted (Joh_15:20). He had prophesied that they would be
arrested (Mat_10:18, Mat_24:9) and excommunicated (Joh_16:2). The only question
that remained was, “When?”

In the midst of their dread filled sense of impending doom, Jesus joined them. There He
was! Alive! He had risen, and He was standing there in the room with them. It is as
though He didn't even use the door. They were all gathered around, and He simply
appeared in the middle of them. They were terrified of the Jews and anxious about the
future, but Jesus said, “Peace be unto you.” “Relax,” He was saying. “I am here.”

20:20
Hearing Jesus' voice likely had the same affect on the disciples that it had had on Mary
Magdalene (Joh_20:16-17), but they were not forbidden to touch Him as she had been.
Instead He showed them his hands and side as if to say, “Go ahead and touch me. See
for yourselves that it is I. Are not these hands ones that have been nailed? Remember
that your Lord's side was pierced by the Roman soldier (Joh_19:34). See that I still carry
the evidence that it is indeed I.”

Mary had been told that she couldn't touch Jesus, because He had not yet been to the
Father (Joh_20:17). Later His disciples were not forbidden, we can infer that Jesus had
been to the Father since His encounter with Mary in the garden and was ready to revisit
the Earth as the resurrected Lord. Actually, Jesus had been to the Father in the short
time between telling Mary she couldn't touch Him in the garden and meeting her with
some other women when they were on their way from the tomb to the disciples
(Mat_28:9). See our God and how He is not limited by the restrictions of time.

The disciples had been saddened by His arrest, torture and death (Luk_24:17), but
having seen living physical proof of his resurrection, they were happy. Such a statement
seems obvious. Of course they were sad before, and of course they were glad to see
Him alive and well. Why would John make a point of telling us so?

Jesus had said, “Peace be unto you,” but they were not yet filled with peace. They were
not being led by the Spirit. They were being led by their emotions. Sadness is an
emotion. Happiness is an emotion. Emotions come and go like winds blowing across
prairie grass. We are not to be like reeds shaken in the winds of our emotions
(Mat_11:7, Luk_7:24, Eph_4:14, Jam_1:6-8). We are not to allow ourselves to be ruled
by our feelings (Psa_37:8, Pro_14:29, Pro_19:11, Ecc_7:9, Rom_8:1, Rom_8:14,
Rom_12:21, Gal_5:18, Eph_4:26-32, Tit_2:11-14, Jam_1:19, 1Pe_1:13, 1Pe_5:8).
Peace is a part of the fruit of the Spirit (Gal_5:22-23). They were emotionally happy to
see Him, but He wanted them to be led by the Spirit into peace. So, He told them again,
“peace be unto you” (Joh_20:21). Next, He breathed on them and told them to,
“Receive ye the Holy Ghost” (Joh_20:22).

His impartation of the Spirit upon them would comfort them and give them peace
enough until they were filled with the Spirit (Act_2:1-4).

20:21
They were not at peace (see notes on Joh_20:20). They were behind closed doors
(Joh_20:19) and locked into an emotional soup of fear, sadness, anger, guilt, and
dread. Anxiety was the main course, and they were starved for peace (Pro_15:15).
Jesus had told them not to worry about things (Mat_6:25-34, Mat_10:19, Mar_13:11,
Luk_10:41-42, Luk_12:22-29, Rev_2:10) but things didn't seem to have fared to well for
Him. Jesus' peace hadn't saved Him from arrest, torture and death (Mat_16:21,
Mar_8:31, Luk_9:22, Luk_17:25, Luk_24:46, Act_3:18, Act_26:22-23). What good would
peace do them then?

However, they hadn't yet understood the power of peace. Jesus had willingly accepted
His cup (Mat_26:39-42, Mar_14:36, Luk_22:42) in peace (Psa_38:13, Psa_94:19,
Isa_53:7, Luk_23:34, Act_8:32, Heb_12:2), and His disciples would eventually, through
the comfort of the Holy Spirit, be able to accept theirs as well. Even if they were to suffer
(Act_5:41, Act_9:16, Rom_8:17, 2Co_1:6, 2Co_11:20-21, Gal_5:11, Gal_6:12,
Phi_1:29, Phi_4:12, 1Th_3:4, 2Th_1:5, 2Ti_1:12, 2Ti_2:12, 2Ti_3:12, 1Pe_2:20,
1Pe_3:14, 1Pe_4:16-19), they became prisoners of hope (Zec_9:12) rather than their
negative emotions (1Pe_3:4).

They and we were and are to be at peace knowing that we have a job to do. Jesus was
sent into the world, and so are His disciples (see notes on Joh_6:57).
20:22
Jesus breathed (Gen_2:7, 2Sa_22:16, Job_4:9, Job_33:4, Job_34:12-15, Job_37:10,
Psa_18:15, Isa_2:22, Isa_11:4, Isa_30:33) on them to impart an Holy Ghost anointing,
as though the Spirit was within Him and He could dispense portions of the Spirit as
naturally as breathing (Job_27:3, Isa_40:7, Isa_42:5). Incredible are the lungs of God
that move the breath of God and from which are expelled suns and stars and the entire
universe (Psa_33:6, Psa_148:1-5, Joh_1:1-3, Heb_11:3, 2Pe_3:5). Our breath can
snuff out a candle, but the breath of the Lord both creates and stirs up the galaxies.

When Jesus breathed on the disciples, they were anointed or covered (Isa_30:1) with
the Holy Ghost, as were many people before the Day of Pentecost (Jdg_3:10,
Jdg_6:34, Jdg_11:29, Jdg_14:6, Jdg_14:19, Jdg_15:14, 1Sa_10:6, 1Sa_16:13-14,
2Sa_23:2, 1Ki_18:12, 2Ch_20:14, Psa_51:11, Isa_61:1, Eze_11:5, Mic_3:8, Mar_12:36,
Luk_2:25-26, Act_1:16, Act_28:25, 2Pe_1:21), but they were not filled (Act_6:3,
Act_6:5, Act_7:55, Act_11:24, Act_13:9). “On” or “upon” or “covered” or even “in” are
not the same things as “filled.” Only Jesus (Isa_63:11, Luk_4:1) John the Baptist
(Luk_1:15), and John's father (Luk_1:67) and mother (Luk_1:41) were full of the Spirit
before the special Day of Pentecost.

Why would the disciples later be told by Jesus to go and wait for the Holy Spirit
(Luk_24:49, Act_1:2-5), if they already “received” Him when Jesus breathed on them?
The answer is that; Jesus was covering them with the Holy Ghost, but later they would
be filled with the Holy Spirit. They had only had a drink in Joh_20:22, but they would
later get their fill (Zec_9:15).

When one receives salvation, one receives a Holy Ghost portion (Act_2:38, Act_8:12-
17, Act_19:2, Gal_3:2, Eph_1:13-14, Eph_4:30). The Holy Ghost helps the new believer
begin the Christian walk, and He helped the disciples until the day of Pentecost when
they were “filled” with the Holy Ghost (Act_2:1-4). The Holy Ghost had come upon them
(Act_2:3) and baptized them with a new anointing. This second baptism (Act_2:3-4) was
different than the first (Joh_20:22), because the Holy Ghost didn't stop at covering them.
The Spirit filled them (Act_2:4). The first anointing was but a drink (see notes on
Joh_4:10), but the second was an infilling.

After that initial infilling baptism with the Spirit, many were filled (Act_4:31, Act_6:3,
Act_6:5, Act_7:55, Act_9:17, Act_11:24, Act_13:9, Act_13:52, Act_15:8). The Holy Spirit
is now available to all those that believe (Joh_7:38-39, Rom_8:9, Gal_3:14, Eph_1:13,
1Jo_4:15), obey the Lord (Act_5:32, 1Jo_3:24), love their neighbors (1Jo_4:12,
1Jo_4:16) and ask the Father for the Spirit (Luk_11:13). The Spirit need not merely be
on us or with us; He may now be in us (Joh_14:17, Rom_8:11, 1Co_3:16, 1Co_6:19,
2Co_6:16, Eph_2:21-22, 2Ti_1:14) and fill us. It is God's will that believers be filled with
the Spirit (Eph_5:18).

Some think that every believer is filled with the Spirit at the moment of salvation, and
they point to 1Co_12:13 to support their theology. However, one should note from
1Co_12:13 that at the point of salvation one only gets a “drink.” Even logic tells us, and
as we've seen from Zec_9:15, there is a difference between a spiritual drink and a
spiritual filling. Although both portions are put within the believer, it is better to be full
rather than to simply get a drink.

Others point to Mar_16:17-18 and say that one need only believe to qualify for gifts of
the Spirit, thus further supporting the notion that the infilling of the Holy Ghost comes at
the moment of salvation. Jesus said in Mar_16:17, “These signs shall follow them that
believe.” “Follow,” because the believer is on a journey of change. These signs don't
occur all at once upon conversion. They are incrementally implemented along the way
after one submits to the Lord. One would see these signs as they follow a believer's
growth. However, one would not necessarily see all the signs, nor would they
necessarily be in the order in which Jesus listed them.

There is much theological debate over the role of the Holy Spirit and His influence in the
affairs of both the Godhead and mankind. Since He is “in” us, some argue that there
should be a consistent sign, shown in all those filled, produced in us and exhibiting out
from us that would demonstrate to us and others that we are indeed filled. The sign that
is typically accepted, among those seeking a particular sign, is speaking in tongues.

Is the gift of tongues the standard by which we have proof of the infilling of the Holy
Spirit? Having the “gift of tongues” is one of the gifts of the Spirit (1Co_12:10), and it
may be given, as all the gifts of the Spirit, with an infilling portion of the Spirit. However,
speaking in tongues is not the only gift of the Spirit (1Co_12:1-31), nor is it the only
proof of the infilling of the Holy Spirit (1Co_12:1-31, Rom_12:3-8, Eph_4:3-15,
1Pe_4:10-12). There were people that spoke with boldness about Christ upon being
filled with the Spirit (Act_4:31, Act_14:3) for example, but there was no mention of
tongues. Even Paul, who later made it clear that he had the gift of tongues (1Co_13:1,
1Co_14:18), didn't speak them immediately upon receiving the Holy Ghost (Act_9:17-
18).

It should be noted though that at the special Day of Pentecost “all” those assembled
were filled and “all” of them spoke with tongues (Act_2:4). However, that is not to say in
every case “all” are filled each time the Spirit fills someone in a room. Neither should we
then expect “all” to speak in tongues when they are filled. We know that the Lord deals
with each person separately. Different gifts are given to different people (1Co_12:10,
1Co_12:30), but, regardless which gift is given, when one is filled by the Spirit, the gift
bestowed is evidence of the believer's infilling (1Co_12:7). Each gift is desirable
(1Co_14:1, 1Co_14:12).

As with all gifts of the Spirit in the church, the gift of tongues can be mishandled. Be
careful to operate in the gifts given to you by the Holy Spirit as we have been directed
by the Holy Spirit in the word. Our gifts should be used only as directed in the Bible to
edify the body and maintain order in the church (1Co_14:1-40, Eph_4:11-13). However,
this is not to say that we should throw the baby out with the bath water. There are other
believers that would avoid or disapprove of speaking in tongues today as though the gift
died with the apostles, but the Bible is clear that the practice should not be forbidden
(1Co_14:39). The same is said of prophesying in 1Th_5:20. The gift of tongues, as all
the gifts of the Spirit, are given by God to help the church ... not divide its members
(1Co_1:10, 1Co_12:13, 1Co_12:25, Eph_4:11).

We were created by Christ (Joh_1:1-3). Our creation is only significant though in that we
were given life. The life in us was given by the breath of God, and we became living
creatures (Gen_2:7). When Adam fell, he became spiritually dead, but he remained
physically alive. Our spiritual lives ended with Adam‟s at the fall, and our physical lives,
as Adam's was, are plagued by a slow descent into death. Fortunately for us, Jesus
came to make us spiritually alive (Joh_10:10, 1Co_15:45). Jesus breathed on his
disciples, and, in so doing, He gave them new spiritual life. The breath of God had
made man a living creature, and the breath of God made man a new creature. Praise
God!

That breath ushered in the New Covenant infused with the power of Christ's
resurrection and was able to lift us out from among the dead even while we are yet alive
(Phi_3:10-11). Every believer since then has been given the Spirit to be in them. We are
baptized with the Spirit, and He cleanses us in Christ's righteousness. His Spirit has
regenerated our spirits (Joh_6:63, Rom_8:11, 1Co_15:45, Eph_2:1-5, Col_2:13, Tit_3:5,
1Pe_3:18) and made us new creatures (Mat_9:16-17, Rom_8:10, 2Co_5:17, Gal_6:15,
Eph_4:22-24, Col_3:9-10). We are born again (see notes on Joh_3:5, Joh_3:5) by the
breath of God.

The breath Jesus blew out in Joh_20:22 was not merely for the ten remaining apostles,
Thomas not being with them that evening (Joh_20:24), but it was for all the disciples
(Luk_24:33). Even now, His disciples are breathed upon and made new creatures
according to the new covenant sealed in the blood of the Lamb. It wasn't a one-time
impartation. It was a perpetual manifestation of the Holy Spirit at work in the lives of
those that believe.

As delineated above, the Holy Spirit has historically been given to believers in two
significant different portions; Drink and Filling. The chart below illustrates the differences
in the portions highlighted.
 Holy Ghost Baptism

Portion: Drink Portion: Filling

Zec 9:15, Joh 4:10, Joh 7:37, John 20:22, 1Co 10:4, 1Co 12:13 Zec 9:15, Act 2:4, Act 4:31, Act 9:17, Act 13:52, Eph 3:19, Eph 5:18

Function: Baptized into Spiritual Life Function: Baptized into Power

Act 11:12-13, 1Co 12:13, Gal 3:26-27, Eph 1:13, Tit 3:4-6 Zec 4:6, Act 1:8, Act 2:16-19, Act 8:19, Act 10:38, Eph 3:20, 2Ti 1:7

Purpose: To Change Purpose: To Serve

Eze 36:27, Rom 12:2, 2Co 3:18, Eph 4:23, 2Ti 3:16-17, Tit 2:12 Mat 25:21, Rom 1:1, Rom 7:6, Gal 5:13-17, Eph 6:7, Heb 9:14

Results: Results:
Born again Trample and Shame the Enemy
John 3:5-6, Act 2:38, Rom 8:2, 1Co 6:11, Gal 4:29, 2Th 2:13-14 Zec 9:15-17, Zec 10:5, Mal 4:2-3, Luk 10:19, Rom 16:20, 2Co 10:3-5
Joined to the Body of Christ Work of the Ministry
Rom 12:5, 1Co 6:17, 1Co 12:13, Eph 3:5-7, Eph 4:3-4, Col 2:19 1Co 2:4, 1Co 9:18, Eph 3:5-7, Eph 4:12, Phi 2:13, Col 1:25-29, 1Th 1:5
Implanted with Fruit of the Spirit Wonders and Miracles
Hos 14:8, Joh 15:5, Joh 15:16, Rom 6:22, Phi 1:11 Act 6:8, Act 8:6, Act 19:11-12, Rom 15:19, 2Co 12:12, Rev 11:3-6
Led by the Spirit Impartation
Psa 143:10, Joh 14:26, Rom 8:1-15, 2Co 10:3, Gal 5:16-25, Phi 3:3 Act 8:17-18, Act 9:17, Act 13:2-4, Act 19:6, 1Ti 4:14, 2Ti 1:6, Heb 6:2

Evidence: Exhibiting Fruit of the Spirit Evidence: Operating in Gifts of the Spirit
Mat 7:16-20, Mat 12:33, Luk 6:43-45, Luk 8:15, Rom 7:4-6, Act 2:1-4, Act 10:44-46, Rom 12:6-8, 1Co 12:1-31, 1Co 14:1-12,
Eph 5:9-11, Col 1:10, Jam 3:12 Eph 4:1-16, Heb 2:4

Although there are two different portions, it doesn't necessarily follow that there is a
particular order of the portioning. One may be filled before one gets a drink, or one may
receive a filling and not even know what happened until later. Let's not make a law and
say, “This must happen before that happens.” Let us instead agree to let God be God
and accept that he deals with each believer as He sees fit.

One part of the body is not given gifts that the other is not and is therefore holier than
the other or more saved than the other. God is no respecter of persons (Act_10:34).
The left arm can carry the same anointing as the right. It is only that some members feel
more comfortable using gifts than do other members. But, cut off the right arm, and the
body learns to adapt by using the left arm. Soon the left arm is operating in the same
gifts as the right, but something is missing. Why though should we limit the church to
only partially reaching her potential? Let us not cut off one entire arm of the body in
order that the rest learn to move without it. Each member of the body should be using
their full portion of the anointing, thus causing the entire body to excel.

20:23
We believers, regardless of office or gifts, cannot forgive sins. The remission of sins
comes only through belief (Act_10:43) in the shed blood (Heb_9:22) of Christ
(Mat_26:28). However, through faith in His blood, we stand in His righteousness
(Rom_3:22, Rom_8:10, Rom_10:4, 2Co_11:15, Gal_2:21, Phi_1:11, Phi_3:9,
Heb_11:7) and have His right to declare the good news of the remission of sins and the
grace-filled tolerance of God (see Rom_3:25). In the next verse of Romans (Rom_3:26),
Paul exercises Jesus' right to declare that all whom believe are justified through their
belief. Paul said so, through the power of the Holy Spirit (2Ti_3:16, 2Pe_1:19-21,
2Pe_3:15-16), and it is so.

Note though that Paul didn't make the declaration through his own authority. In fact, it
wasn't Paul that made the declaration, but Christ in Paul (Joh_14:20, 2Co_13:3-4,
Gal_2:20, Rev_3:20). Paul spoke boldly through the power of the Holy Spirit in him.
Jesus breathed on His disciples and gave them a drink portion of the Holy Spirit (see
notes on Joh_20:22). Once they were endowed with the Holy Spirit's power, and
covered in the blood of the lamb, He told them that they could act in authority and
declare with certainty that the remission of sins had indeed been bestowed (Mat_16:19,
Mat_18:18, 1Ti_1:20). Jesus was empowering them, and us, to accomplish, in His
name, His commission (Mat_28:18-20, Mar_16:15-16, Luk_24:45-47).

20:24
There may have been another disciple named Thomas in the room, but the apostle
named Thomas, also called Didymus (see notes on Joh_1:45), was not present. By
using the term, “the twelve,” John identified the apostle Thomas rather than the disciple
Thomas.

Note too how the apostles, as a group were given a name, “The Twelve.” Since there
were only eleven apostles remaining (Luk_24:33), Judas having killed himself
(Mat_27:5, Act_1:18), it is clear that John was referring to the apostolic unit as “The
Twelve.” The term, The Twelve, was used by the other gospel writers as well
(Mat_26:14, Mat_26:20, Mat_26:47, Mar_4:10, Mar_6:7, Mar_9:35, Mar_10:32,
Mar_11:11, Mar_14:10, Mar_14:17, Mar_14:43, Luk_8:1, Luk_9:12, Luk_18:31,
Luk_22:3, Luk_22:47, Act_6:2). Paul used the term too (1Co_15:5). Even Jesus used
the term (Mar_14:20).

20:25
What an incredible declaration; “We have seen the Lord.” Millions of Christians would
love to see a revelation of the risen Christ. How glorious would it be to look upon Jesus
with one's own eyes? Imagine too Thomas' disappointment at hearing all these disciples
excitedly telling him what he had missed. What he had been doing that prevented him
from joining the other disciples is not known. Perhaps he had been catching up on some
personal business he had neglected in favor of following Jesus every day.
Unfortunately, whatever it was, Thomas had missed God.

Many times our everyday lives distract us from what is truly important. Ten thousand
years from now what happens today won't matter at all. However, it is easy to place our
focus on the tasks at hand rather than keep our view on an eternal perspective. It is
easy to stay home on a Sunday morning and relax or get some things done around the
house, but what did we miss out on by not joining in with other believers? Perhaps
you've been seeking God's face on a matter dear to your heart, and, when you stayed
home, you too missed God.

Because Thomas responded to their reports about Jesus' appearance to them the way
that he did, he has been despairingly referred to as “Doubting Thomas.” Thomas knew
these people and their characters. Surely there was at least one of them he could trust
to tell the truth no matter what. Surely one of them wouldn't make up such a story or go
along with the crowd. Faced with so many consistent reports, he had plenty of reason to
believe them.
However, he chose to rebel against the obvious truth and not accept on faith their
sincere reports. He chose instead to rely on physical proof. He wanted a Jesus he could
touch, not just a testimony; no matter how reliable the source. Many people yet today
miss God, because they refuse to accept the testimonies from sincere and truthful
witnesses of the Lord's presence in their lives.

20:26
Eight days after Jesus had appeared to His disciples (Joh_20:19) on the evening of His
resurrection (Joh_20:1), He came to them again. Like before, the disciples were behind
closed doors, and Jesus greeted them with words of peace. This time Thomas was with
them, and the first thing the Lord did was address Thomas' need for physical proof
(Joh_20:27).

20:27
Although Jesus was not physically present when Thomas set the benchmark for
verifiable proof of Jesus' resurrection (Joh_20:25), He once again showed His ability to
know what's in the heart of men (Jer_17:10, Mat_9:4, Mar_2:8, Mar_3:5, Luk_5:22,
Luk_16:15, Luk_24:38, Heb_4:12-13). Jesus didn't belittle Thomas' faithless
declaration, He simply answered the challenge and gave him the opportunity to handle
the risen Christ (1Jo_1:1).

20:28
What else can one say after a personal encounter with He who framed the universe
(Joh_1:1-3) and conquered even death and the grave (1Co_15:54-55)? Jesus is both
Lord and God (Psa_45:11, Isa_40:9-11, Mat_4:7, Luk_4:12, Act_2:36, Act_7:59,
Act_11:17, Rom_5:11, Rom_8:39). At the mention of just His name, one day all will give
him the glory that is due Him (Rom_14:10-12, Phi_2:10-11). Let us then give Him glory
even now. Let us praise His name in faith believing without sight. Let us glorify Him
having never touched Him. Let us honor His word and the testimony of His faithful
witnesses.

20:29
Many unbelievers would quickly turn to believers having seen Jesus. “Seeing is
believing” to most people, but Jesus wants us to believe without seeing. He wants us to
accept His truth through faith not through sight (Rom_8:24, 2Co_4:18, 2Co_5:7,
Gal_3:11, Heb_11:1, 1Pe_1:8).

20:30
It is enough that we know through his witnesses that Jesus lives (see notes on
Joh_20:28). Our faith is not placed in a dead leader. We worship a living God who died
for us. It is a glorious paradox that can only be truly appreciated through faith (see notes
on Joh_20:29). We have the word, and we believe through faith resulting from exposure
to the word (Rom_10:17). We need not know what other signs Jesus did in front of the
disciples that night. We have enough to believe.
20:31
Do you believe? Is your study of the Gospel of John just an academic exercise to
increase your knowledge of scriptures? If so, you've missed the point (see notes on
Joh_20:30). More importantly, you've missed God (see notes on Joh_20:25). Let go of
your doubt. Put your unbelief aside in favor of acceptance. Your confidence in Christ will
be well placed. Belief (see notes on Joh_3:15) in Him gains us eternal life. Stop relying
on your human understanding (Pro_3:5).

Look up into the sky. Look out across the ocean to the horizon line. Look down into the
grass and see the multitude of textures and bugs. Look at your own body and behold
the wonders of its abilities and form. God's handiwork testifies that there is a God
(Deu_4:19, Job_31:26-28, Psa_19:1-3, Act_14:17, Rom_1:20-21).

The scriptures also exhibit God's hand. Look through these Notes on the Gospel of
John and see how rich the Bible is in truth and wisdom. No mortal man could have
written even the Gospel of John by himself. The scriptures are scriptures, because they
are inspired by God (2Ti_3:16, 2Pe_1:21). I said “are” and not “were,” because the Holy
Spirit still inspires those that read them.

Chapter 21
21:1
After Jesus had appeared to his disciples a second time within a closed room
(Joh_20:19, Joh_20:26), and allowed Thomas the opportunity for physical contact
(Joh_20:27), He appeared to them out of doors on the beach (Joh_21:4). It was the
shore of the Sea of Galilee. A good portion of Jesus' Earthly ministry took place around
the lake, so it is fitting that John's last recorded meeting between Jesus and His
disciples took place in the familiar setting.

21:2
As the disciples would resort in fear to closed rooms (Joh_20:19, Joh_20:26), they
would come and go (Luk_24:33, Joh_20:24) sometimes leaving small groups at a time.
On this occasion, there were at least seven disciples together. We don't know what they
discussed, how long they had been together or how they had passed the time, but Peter
decided it was time for him to leave (Joh_21:3).

21:3
Peter decided, “That's it. I'm not sitting around this room any more. I'm going fishing.”
Peter had left his nets (Mat_4:17-19, Mar_10:28, Luk_18:28) to follow Jesus. In other
words, he had quit his job and simply walked away from his old life. However, his new
life had been wrapped up in spending all his days in the presence of Jesus. Now, even
though Jesus had risen from the dead, Jesus would come and go. It wasn't the same.

This had been one of those times when Jesus had been gone awhile, and, although
Peter missed Him, he wasn't about to sit there anymore and wait for another visit. Peter
wanted things to be the way they were, and they weren't. Perhaps he'd find some
solace and comfort in returning to his old life.

Maybe it has been awhile since you've felt the presence of the Lord. Don't quit your new
life and go back to your old life though. Not every moment with Jesus is spiritual
ecstasy. There are high times, but there are also low and lonely feeling times. During
those lonesome times, we don‟t need to find solace in our old comfort zones. We have
the Comforter (Joh_14:16, Joh_14:26, Joh_15:26, Joh_16:7). The Lord need not be
with us, He is in us (Joh_14:17, 1Jo_4:4)! He will never leave us (1Ki_8:57, Psa_27:9,
Heb_13:5). We are not completely alone.

21:4
Six of Jesus' disciples had followed Peter (Joh_20:3) to the Sea of Galilee (Joh_20:2)
where they had gone fishing all night and caught nothing. After an unproductive night of
work, Jesus came with the morning (2Pe_1:19, Rev_22:16). Sometimes we are in our
lives, without a clear vision, working in the dark, and not accomplishing our goals. We
may have unsure footing, and the waves of life may be churning below our efforts. Just
when it seems that it is hopeless, remember that Jesus is there, and He stands on solid
ground. His vision is lighted by His own glory, and He is able to accomplish with ease
what we may continually struggle at. You don't have to see Him clearly to know that he
is there. Believe!

21:5
Once they realized it was Jesus, He began to speak to them. First, he asked a question,
“Children, have ye any meat?” Their answer, “No,” was a two-letter summary of their
problem (Mat_5:37, Jam_5:12). Jesus' response was to provide a solution; not by doing
it for them, but by giving instructions that if followed would result in a bounty beyond
their expectations (Joh_21:6, 1Co_2:9, Eph_3:18-21).

Jesus called them “children (1Jo_2:13).” He holds His disciples in esteem, and he wants
to provide for them and meet their needs. It is comforting to know that we are under the
protection and supervision of a loving God.

It is intriguing to consider that as a resurrected being, the Lord Jesus still partook of
food (Luk_24:41-43). Since we shall have resurrected bodies like His (Job_19:26,
Psa_17:15, 1Co_15:48-55, Phi_3:21, 1Jo_3:2), remarkably we too shall still enjoy
pleasurable tastes and sensations (Psa_16:11, Psa_36:8, Isa_25:6, Mat_8:11,
Mat_26:29, Luk_14:15, Luk_22:29-30, Rev_2:7, Rev_19:9).

21:6
Sometimes our best efforts fail to produce the results we were looking for, and we
struggle to do what the Lord can accomplish with ease. It is better then, to follow his
direction. All of our wisdom and experience may tell us, “This is how it is done.” Peter's
crew (Joh_21:3) cast their nets on the left side all night, because that was the way they
fished. Their way didn't always work for them (Luk_5:4-8), and doing things our way
doesn't always work for us either.
Jesus told them to break with the usual and do the opposite. What He wanted those
disciples to do didn't make any sense to them. They casted their net on the left side of
the boat, because that was what they usually did. The usual feels comfortable, but it is
that very comfort which can keep us from obtaining God's best for us.

The disciples must have wondered, “How could our casting the net on the right side
work, if casting on the left side hadn't worked?” Were the fish following along hiding on
the right side of the boat watching as the net was lowered each time on the left side? If
God says it, what we view as ridiculous is in reality completely reasonable and sensible
(Isa_55:8, Eze_18:25-29, Hos_14:9).

21:7
John (see notes on Joh_13:23) told Peter that the man on the shore (Joh_21:4) was
Jesus. Jesus was back with them again (see notes on Joh_21:3). Peter missed Jesus
so much that he couldn't wait for the boat to be brought to shore. He grabbed his
clothes and jumped into the sea. Why Peter was naked doesn't matter. Perhaps it was
to save his clothes from unnecessary spoiling. Regardless of the reason for Peter's
nudity, he didn't want the son of God to see him that way.

Peter's shame of his nakedness before God reminds us of Adam's attempt to cover
himself before the Lord (Gen_3:7-10). Before sin, there was no shame (Gen_2:25), but
sin brings awareness of reason for shame before a holy God (Exo_20:19, 1Sa_6:20,
Job_40:4, Isa_6:5, Luk_5:8).

Every Christian brings the Spirit of God with them everywhere they go. Within each
believer is the only true and holy God. Our presence and godly example of living lives
led by the Spirit ought to prick the unbeliever's soul with the shameful knowledge of their
sinful condition before the perfect God. Not that we are gods or have become divine.
We are imperfect vessels, but we are vessels (1Th_4:3-4) used by the Lord. We are not
divine, but we share in the divine nature (2Pe_1:3-4). We are not children of God as
was Christ, but we have the spirit of adoption (Rom_8:15) and are joint heirs with Christ
(Rom_8:17).

God grant us the strength both to do and to say those things that pertain to godliness
(1Ti_4:7-8, 1Ti_6:6, 2Pe_1:6, 2Pe_3:11) and become lights in the darkness showing the
way to salvation.

21:8
This wasn't the first time they fished in the shallows (Luk_5:2-6), and it also wasn't the
first time Peter had been the only one to leave the boat and go to Jesus (Mat_14:25-
29). On this night they had been fishing about only a hundred yards out, and Peter
jumped off the boat and swam back to shore while the rest stayed in the boat and
struggled back with the net full of fish.
I want to be excited to go where Jesus is like Peter was. I don't want to stay in the boat
and worry about my net of fish (see notes on Joh_20:25). I hope I have the wisdom to
see that I only have the fish because Jesus blessed me with them. Whatever your fish
are, sometimes you have them and sometimes you don't, but it is better to have Jesus
who supplies all our needs (Psa_23:1, 2Co_9:8-11, Eph_3:20, Phi_4:19).

21:9
Jesus had asked these disciples earlier if they had any meat (Joh_21:5), and they
didn‟t. They had no meat, because they hadn't caught any fish. Jesus helped them by
providing a resolution (Joh_21:6). Let‟s look at the direction Jesus gave them.

Notice how that Jesus didn‟t just make the desire of their hearts appear. He told them
the solution, and they had to actually implement the idea on their own. Jesus didn't
become their magical genie and poof their wishes into reality. They had to accept his
direction on faith and put it into action. Once they did that, the results (Joh_21:11) were
beyond their expectations (Eph_3:20).

They wanted a respectful catch of fish to show for the time they had invested, but they
had nothing to show for their efforts. Jesus didn't give them the fish; He told them how
to get the fish. All their work produced no results (Joh_15:5), but one more effort using
Jesus' guidance netted what they had been hoping for. Jesus proved once again that
through Him we can do all things (Phi_4:13).

When God partners with us, not simply does for us, but joins our efforts through our
faith and love, great things are accomplished. Seeing the results of activated and
energized faith (Gal_5:6), we know that it could not have been done through our effort
alone; it had to be God.

Once they had more fish than they had desired, and they were done with the job at
hand, they came to where Jesus was. He had been waiting for them. They had been
trying to catch fish and had been unable to catch any fish after trying all night. Jesus not
only had fish, but the fish were cleaned and on the grill. Additionally, he had fresh bread
for them.

Why do we continually struggle through our lives working hard to accomplish what the
Lord can do for us with ease? He will even clean it up for us and prepare it just the way
we like it. Not only that, He will provide a little something extra too.

Notice also how Jesus, after having served mankind His greatest effort through his
passion and death, was still willing to serve. He had conquered the grave and was now
the glorified Christ, but He was still willing to stoop over a hot grill and serve others.

21:10
Jesus already had a good meal of fish cooking and all provided for them (Joh_21:9), but
he asked for some of their fish too. He wanted them to see how their efforts were not a
complete waste of time, because he can take what we achieve, even though we only
achieved it through His grace, and combine it with what He provides to superabundantly
produce something that will more than satisfy us (Mal_3:10, Eph_3:20).

21:11
It was Peter's idea to go fishing (Joh_21:3), so Peter went back to the boat and pulled
the net to shore. Apparently, they counted the fish. It would have been enough to say
“there were so many.” By giving us the exact number of fish though, John revealed how
impressive the total was to the experienced fishermen. Adding to what seemingly was a
miracle, that is, the number of fish caught, the size of the fish and the fact that the catch
immediately occurred only after the Lord's involvement (see notes on Joh_21:6,
Joh_21:9), was the incredible occurrence of such a weighty haul without tearing the net
(Luk_5:4-8).

21:12
Seeing someone you know who died and was buried but is now alive and standing right
in front of you would be confusing. Physical resurrection is not normal in our experience.
The disciples had seen it before (Mat_27:52-53, Mar_5:39-42, Luk_7:12-17, Joh_11:43-
44), but never to someone they had watched die. Some of the disciples then may have
wondered, “Is this really Jesus, or is he an imposter?” If the doubt had occurred to them,
they knew better than to believe the doubt (Mat_14:31, see notes on Joh_10:24).
Incredible as it was, Jesus was truly alive and well and visiting with them (Act_10:41).

21:13
Notice John wrote that Jesus came to them. He asked them to come to Him
(Joh_21:12), but apparently they were awe struck. They didn't come to Him, but they
didn't run away either. The only movement shown at all was by Peter when he had
returned to the boat (Joh_21:11). They just stood where they were. So, Jesus took the
food to them.

We think that we need to pursue God. We think we have to find God. We think we have
to go where God is or we might miss God, but Jesus is relentless (Psa_23:6). He
pursues us. We think we have to do things on our own the only way we know how (see
notes on Joh_21:9), but He wants to teach us His ways (Isa_55:8). We think we have to
be in God's house to get His provision, but he will go where we are to provide for us.

21:14
John used the plural “disciples,” because he meant it was the third time Jesus appeared
to a group of disciples belonging to The Twelve (see notes on Joh_20:24). Jesus
appeared to Mary in the garden, but none of The Twelve was with her at the time
(Joh_20:10-17). The other two appearances where some of The Twelve were present
are recorded in Joh_20:19-25 and Joh_20:26-29.

21:15
In this passage (Joh_21:15-17), on the third time Jesus had showed himself to the
disciples after His resurrection (Joh_21:14), Jesus says something similar to Peter three
times. They had eaten a dinner of fish and bread (Joh_21:9) prepared and served by
the Lord Himself (Joh_21:13). Having Peter fed, Jesus begins by asking Peter to feed
His lambs.

Jesus was saying, “If you love me ... prove it, and you can prove it, by feeding my young
sheep.” In the King James Version, Jesus said “feed” three times (Joh_21:15,
Joh_21:16, Joh_21:17). On the first and the third times the word “feed” is from the
Greek word bosko, which means, “to pasture ... to graze.” In Joh_21:16, “feed” is from
the Greek word poimaino, which meansxlviii, “to tend as a shepherd (or figuratively
superviser).” xlix

In Joh_21:15, Jesus spoke of the new, young and immature Christians ... “my lambs.” In
both Joh_21:16 and Joh_21:17, Jesus referred to the more mature followers as ... “my
sheep.” Notice in Joh_21:15, Jesus said only to feed the young ones. Let them graze at
their own speed in the pasture of the word. Don't try to rule over them or supervise
them. Different followers mature at different rates. The shepherd, led by the Holy Spirit,
must discern when the lamb has matured enough to receive direction from a leader.
Many new converts, as yet unwilling to receive instruction, have left the church in order
to be free. Unfortunately, they were unable to feed themselves, and their faith died.

In Joh_21:16-17, Jesus spoke of the more mature Christians. They can be led, because
they have received enough nourishment from the word to understand that the shepherd
has their best interest at heart. They have learned that the shepherd has been placed
over them for their benefit. They have come to realize that following Biblically sound
instructions actually brings more freedom. However, the shepherd is to continue feeding
them as well (Joh_21:17).

21:16
See notes on Joh_21:15.

21:17
It bothered Peter that Jesus would repeatedly question his love for the Lord (see notes
on Joh_21:15). He sincerely did love Jesus, and he knew Jesus could discern that.
What Peter was still unable to perceive though was Jesus' message of connecting
service to the flock with the shepherd's love for Jesus. The two are inseparable. If the
shepherd doesn't truly love Jesus, the flock will not truly be led in the ways of the Lord.
It would be the blind leading the blind (Mat_15:14, Luk_6:39).

21:18
What Jesus said is generally true, as a matter of life's course. However, Jesus was
revealing a deeper truth wrapped in the usual. Jesus was telling Peter how Peter would
die (see notes on Joh_21:19).

21:19
Jesus said, “Follow me (Joh_13:36),” and Jesus died on the cross (Joh_12:33,
2Pe_1:14). Whether Peter was crucified or not hasn't been proven, but the “thou shalt
stretch forth thy hands” statement could be used to support such a conclusion.
Regardless of what would actually end Peter's life, or in what way he would die, Jesus
assured him that it would only happen after a long life of service in the kingdom
(Joh_21:18). Jesus told Peter he would die when “thou shalt be old.”

21:20
Sometime after they had eaten (Joh_21:15), Jesus had begun walking with Peter as
they talked. Peter might have heard footsteps or simply felt the urge to turn around, but
after Jesus said, “Follow me,” Peter turned around to see if anyone was following them
then. Apparently, although there may have been other disciples following too
(Joh_21:23), John (Joh_21:24) was right behind them.

John referred to himself (Joh_13:23-26, Joh_19:26, Joh_20:2, Joh_21:7, Joh_21:24) as

“the disciple whom Jesus loved.”

21:21
By asking Jesus about John's future, Peter revealed his jealousy over the closeness of
Jesus' relationship with John. The question's implication, and perhaps even the tone,
carried a stinging inference that Jesus would show favoritism in even how each of the
disciples met their deaths. Peter understood, from what Jesus had said (Joh_21:18),
that he would die like Jesus did (Joh_21:19), and he thought Jesus' admiration of John
would ensure that John would be shielded from torture. Later on, Peter would come to
understand that God loves every one of us (Act_10:34), and each of us can be as close
to Jesus as we want to be.

21:22
Concerned over his own future (see notes on Joh_21:21), Peter wondered what was in
store for John. Since he had denied Jesus (Joh_18:17, Joh_18:25, Joh_18:27), and we
reap what we sow (Job_4:8, Hos_10:13, 2Co_9:6, Gal_6:7-8), Peter offered no
objection to Jesus' prophesy about his future as though he felt he deserved what was
coming to him. John though had boldly been at the cross with Christ holding Jesus'
mother as she agonized over her son's condition (Joh_19:26-27). “Surely,” Peter must
have thought, “unlike me, John deserves to avoid a horrific death.”

Jesus responded to Peter's jealous inquiry by taking the possibilities to another level.
What if John doesn't even have to die? What if Jesus decided to let John live until He
comes back to receive His church? Jesus was saying, “What happens to John doesn't
affect what happens to you, so don't worry about it. Instead, do what you are called to
do.”

21:23
Peter apparently told other disciples what Jesus had said about John (Joh_21:22), and
the rumor was distributed that Jesus said John wouldn't die. However, inspired by the
Holy Spirit (2Ti_3:16, 2Pe_1:21), John clarified what Jesus said as if to say, “As in the
case of all men (Gen_3:19, 2Sa_14:14, Job_14:5, Job_30:23, Psa_89:48, Ecc_3:20,
Ecc_9:5, Ecc_12:7, Rom_5:12, Heb_9:27), I too must die.”
Perhaps John did die. Perhaps his death and transformation to a resurrected man was
so instantaneous (1Co_15:51-53) that he never tasted of death. Perhaps he still walks
the Earth and serves Christ here until Jesus' return as a resurrected, immortal man. We
may not know what became of John until we gather together with the other saints in
glory. It is a mystery (Deu_29:29, 1Co_4:1).

21:24
Through this verse and Joh_21:20, we not only understand that it was John following
Peter and Jesus, but we also see that John is the follower described as “the disciple
whom Jesus loved.”

John wrote, “… and we know that his testimony is true.” I asked myself, “Do I know his
testimony is true?” “Know” is such a strong word. Do I believe it is true? Yes, of course I
do. Do I think it is true? Yes, because of my belief. How can I “know” though? How does
anyone know that anything in the Bible is true?

I know it is true in the same way I know everything else that I hold to be true. I started
out with faith believing, but then I felt the Lord's presence. I have personally
experienced His life transforming power, and I have changed through knowing Him. I've
seen the results of His answers to my prayers. I've heard His Spirit's inner voice gently
speak to my spirit. I am a witness to the reality that Jesus lives and the gospel is true.

21:25
Jesus used the time that He had effectively. He packed so much into His three plus
years of ministry that the gospel writers had a buffet of incredible happenings from
which they could select different reports to serve us. John, inspired by the Holy Spirit
(2Ti_3:16), chose those things recorded in his gospel that would help us to believe
(Joh_20:30-31). Although what we have is definitely enough, my love for Jesus and
interest in what He both did and said causes a desire to have been told about other
things He had done. We don't know everything Jesus did here among us, but we do
know everything He did was good (Act_10:38).

In the end, it is appropriate that we don't know everything Jesus did (Job_26:14). John
said the world couldn't contain the books it would take to record it all, and Jesus is too
great to be contained. His glory is beyond our ability to fully realize it. We are small, and
He is so infinitely large, that mysteries only increase our acceptance of His divinity.
Rather than doubt, let us hold fast to our faith and understanding of His goodness and
grace towards us. Let us believe and be saved.
Bibliography
 Bibliography

i
James Strong, S.T.D, LL.D., Strong’s New Exhaustive Concordance Of The Bible (Nelson Reference, Updated Edition,
1996), Appendix: A Concise Dictionary of the words in the Greek/New Testament with their Renderings in the King
James Version, G# 3708.
ii
Taken from the hymn “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus” by Helen H. Lemmel. Worship His Majesty Hymnal (Gaither
Music Company, Inc., 1987).
iii
Strong, G# 2786.
iv
Strong, G# 4100.
v
Strong, G# 4965.
vi
Strong, G# 2147.
vii
Joseph H. Thayer, Thayer's Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament: Coded with Strong's Concordance
Numbers (Hendrickson Publishers; Rei Sub edition, 1996), G# 2147.
viii
Strong, G# 2227.
ix
Thayer, G# 2227.
x
Strong, G# 2588.
xi
Strong, Appendix: A Concise Dictionary of the words in the Hebrew Bible with their Renderings in the King James
Version, H# 3824.
xii
Strong, G# 5590.
xiii
Strong, H#5315.
xiv
Strong, G# 1271.
xv
Strong, G# 2479.
xvi
Strong, G# 2334.
xvii
Thayer, G# 4712.
xviii
Strong, G# 1068.
xix
Strong, G# 3722.
xx
Strong, G# 5330.
xxi
Strong, G# 4893.
xxii
Strong, G4894
xxiii
Strong, G# 1651.
xxiv
Strong, G# 2919.
xxv
Strong, G# 2377.
xxvi
Flavius Josephus, The Complete Works of Josephus (Kregel Publications, 1960), 260.
xxvii
Strong, G# 37.
xxviii
Thayer, G# 37.
xxix
Strong, G# 5368.
xxx
Strong, G# 25.
xxxi
Thayer, G# 25.
xxxii
Strong, G# 2381 and G# 1324.
xxxiii
Strong, G# 1690.
xxxiv
Strong, G# 5015.
xxxv
Dir. Nicholas Meyer, Star Trek 2: The Wrath of Khan, (Paramount Pictures, 1982).
xxxvi
Strong, G# 4101.
xxxvii
Strong, G# 3487.
xxxviii
Strong, H# 5373.
xxxix
Strong, G#2147
xl
Bruce M. Metzger, Michael D. Coogan, editors, The Oxford Companion To The Bible, (Oxford University Press,
1993), 19.
xli
Strong, G#2919.
xlii
Strong, G#1320.
xliii
Strong, G#2962.
xliv
Strong, G#3784.
xlv
Strong, G#1092.
xlvi
Strong, H#6937.
xlvii
Strong, G#3124, H#4429, H#4428, H#4427.
xlviii
Strong, G#4165.
xlix
Strong, G#1006.