John 1:1-18 (Study/Quiet Time)
What does the phrase “In the beginning” remind you of?
It may remind you of Genesis 1:1.
It is no coincidence that John1:1 starts the same; using the same words (translated). The Apostle John is making a direct connection to Creation of Heaven and Earth with what he calls the Word.
Who is the Word? John 1:1-5 will make no sense if you can’t answer this question. If you need more help read John 1:14-18. If you’re still stuck, then think about the purpose of the Gospels. Who are they about?
Does this help make things clearer?
In the beginning was Jesus, and Jesus was with God, and the Jesus was God. Jesus was with God in the beginning.
Through Jesus all things were made; without Jesus nothing was made that has been made. In Jesus was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it.
There came a man who was sent from God; his name was John [the Baptist]. He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all men might believe. John [the Baptist] was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light. The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world.
Jesus was in the world, and though the world was made through Jesus, the world did not recognize Jesus. Jesus came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who received Jesus, to those who believed in his name, Jesus gave the right to become children of God- children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God.
Jesus became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
John [the Baptist] testifies concerning Jesus. John cries out, saying, "This was Jesus of whom I said, 'He who comes after me [John] has surpassed me because he was before me.'" From the fullness of Jesus grace we have all received one blessing after another. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God, but God the One and Only, who is at the Father's side, has made him known.
Here is another mind bender: Who is the One and Only? If you can’t answer this, then again your understanding may not be clear. If you can answer it you still maybe confused.
No one has ever seen God the Father, but Jesus the One and Only, who is at the Father's side, has made God the Father known.
Does this help?
John 1:19-28 (Study/Quiet Time)
Who was greater Jesus or John the Baptist?
Of course you answered Jesus, but if you were to ask Jesus Himself that question I think He would of answer John. Not because He was being humble, but because He loved and respected Jesus. In a way there would be no Jesus if there were no John. Don’t think that because John the Baptist was imprisoned and be-headed early in the Gospels He was a minor Character. John perhaps is Jesus true co-star.
Are you ready?
Our story begins with the question, “John the Baptist. ARE YOU THE CHRIST?”
John answered “NO. I am not the Christ.”
Then John is asked “Are you Elijah or a Prophet?”
John answered “No and No”
Finally John is asked “Then who are you?”
John answered “I am the voice of one calling in the desert, 'Make straight the way for the Lord.’” John’s response to the last question is the fulfillment of Isaiah Prophecy (Isa40:3).
Now let’s go behind the story. Why would the Jews of Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to question him? I let you speculate an answer for that, but what I want you to take into consideration are several things.
One: John had drawn their attention. Who’s attention? The Jews of Jerusalem, priests, Levites and later King Herod attention. This would be like drawing the attention of the FBI, politicians and the President of the United Stated.
Two: John the Baptist Ministry was strong. He took to heart he was to PREPARE THE WAY. Several of Jesus’ disciples were first John’s; that’s why all it took was a “follow me” command for Philip (Jn1:43) to become Jesus’ disciple. Even after the death of both John and Jesus, John’s disciples are encountered by Paul on the road to Ephesus (ACT19).
Three: John was asked specific question with the consideration he may have answered yes. They thought he could have been Jesus, Elijah, or a prophet. It is interesting to note what Jesus did say about his friend. (Mat11:7-14)
Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John: … what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. 10This is the one about whom it is written: " 'I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.’ I tell you the truth: Among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing, and forceful men lay hold of it. For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John. And if you are willing to accept it, he is the Elijah who was to come.
It is everything that John the Baptist did not claim about himself.
John 1:19-28 (Study/Quiet Time)
Part II
Did the Jews of Jesus’ day believe in reincarnation?
According to John1:21 they believe in reincarnation. Why would they ask a man if he was a man who lived 1000’s of years ago. They must have thought he was a Prophet of old come back. The last book of the Old Testament tells the people the Lord would send Elijah to them (Malachi 4). So they clearly believed in reincarnation.
Here is a hard question to answer; what if in one life you’re saved, but in the next life you’re a thief, murdered, rapist and such, will you go to heaven? The answer is ‘NO’.
There is no reincarnation. Job 7:9b-10: he who goes down to the grave does not return. He will never come to his house again; his place will know him no more. Heb 9:7 man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment
So what is the real answer for why they asked if John the Baptist was Elijah?
Well like most conversations, the last thing you hear is what sticks in your head. The book of Malachi suggests Elijah would return. And he did.
One: (Luke 9:29-31) While Jesus was praying Elijah and Moses appeared with Jesus.
Two: (Mark 9:1-13) another version of Elijah and Moses appearance, shortly afterwards Jesus, Peter, James, and the Apostle John are walking down the mountain. (Starting in vs.11)
And they asked him, "Why do the teachers of the law say that Elijah must come first?"
Jesus replied, "To be sure, Elijah does come first, and restores all things. Why then is it written that the Son of Man must suffer much and be rejected? But I tell you, Elijah has come, and they have done to him everything they wished, just as it is written about him." (However I think Jesus was speaking of John the Baptist here in vs. 13)
Three: (Revelation 11) A co-worker of mine has suggested that one of the ‘Two Witnesses’ in Revelation is in fact Elijah. I’m not smart enough to draw any conclusions about that yet.
John 1:26-34 (Study/Quiet Time)
Did Jesus learn how to baptize from John the Baptist?
Yes. Before Jesus’ disciples baptized John held the title ‘Baptist’. It is important to note that John repeatedly stated, "I baptize with water." In verse 33b John the Baptist describes the difference between his baptisms and from the one Jesus would talk about in the Gospel of John chapter 3.
Vs33b …the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, 'The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is he who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.'
Jesus was called many things. Earlier in Chapter one he was called the ‘Word’. Now he is being called the ‘Lamb of God’. Why?
Well the answer is right after John the Baptist calls him the Lamb of God in Verse 29.
“Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” The Old Testament teaches that the blood of animals, such as a Lamb, could be offered for the forgiveness of sin. Another use of blood from lambs was used to save the Israelites from the pledge of the First Born during their captivity in
John 1:35-51 (Study/Quiet Time)
Has Jesus called you?
The four men that Jesus called to be His disciples at the end of John chapter one, accept with relative ease. They were convinced (or at leased accepted the possibility that) Jesus was the Messiah. Today many people clam to accept that Jesus is the Messiah, but has Jesus called them?
Lets make this personal. Do you believe Jesus is the Messiah (or at least accept the possibility)? Do you feel Jesus is calling you? These are huge questions! Most Christian religions make their money on these questions. But this is not a religious question; this is a personal question (that isn’t even really being asked be me). It is being asked by the One that is calling.
Is Jesus calling you?
These men answered the call with their life and for those that would accept, Jesus is asking the same. (Mark 8:34b-36)
"If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it. What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul?”
See the answer Jesus wants is not a verbal ‘Yes’, it is an answer demonstrated through the way you live your life. (Not to devalue what you say. Mat12:34 For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks.)
So is Jesus calling you? How did you answer? How will you live?
Most Christian books would end the lesson there, but we are only beginning. For those that said ‘yes’ hang on to your seat. For those of you that may still be on the verge, I hope you have the courage to continue reading into chapter two, because like Jesus said: “You shall see greater things than that. I tell you the truth, you shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of
Awesome!
John 2:1-11 (Study/Quiet Time)
Have you put your faith in Jesus?
I think people can get upset when they are asked to put their faith in the unseen. They want proof. Heck, even the apostles needed to see a miracle before the Bible says they put their faith in Him (vs. 11). So why is it so much to ask for a miracle, before being asked to put your faith in the unseen?
If you are reading this, then you are experiencing a miracle. If you were born, then you experienced a miracle. It is perspective. However that may not be enough proof. Enough proof to believe science, but not to believe in a Creator.
(I apologize if I’m demonstrating sarcastic Christian bias)
I do believe in the logical. Science many times proves the existence of God (again that may be perspective). There are many things prove the existence of God, but what may be proof to me may not be to you.
So the only real question I can answer is why I believe. The answer is I have put my faith into action; How I live my life is a reflection of my belief. It’s not just going to church, it is the desire to see peoples lives changed. It’s not just being a good father, but thanking God for the opportunity to know that joy and love. I connect being a father and being a disciple of Jesus in so many ways.
Not that my life is perfect. Notice I didn’t say I connect being a husband and a disciple of Jesus. I did at one time, but now I divorced. I don’t have anything clever to say about that, only to add I need God through those times.
I need God all the time. That’s what I know. And I wish I could articulate better.
One late thing, Jesus went on to do many more miracles. Many we will read about later. Many people witnessed these miracles. However, the miracles and Jesus’ life would not be enough to even convince them.
One: Act1:3 After his suffering (being hung on a cross and then raised from the dead), he showed himself to these men and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the
He had lived his whole life, done numerous miracles, and taught about Father God and Heaven so elegantly; yet the Acts1:15 says only 120 believers were in
Two: Matthew 27:22
"What shall I do, then, with Jesus who is called Christ?" Pilate asked.
They all answered, "Crucify him!"
Some of these were the people were the people he had feed, healed, taught, and loved. These were the recipients of the miracles. Where is the faith they should of had because of these proofs?
Three: Mark 14:10-11 Then Judas Iscariot, one of the Twelve, went to the chief priests to betray Jesus to them. They were delighted to hear this and promised to give him money. So he watched for an opportunity to hand him over.
One in Jesus’ own crew backstabbed Him, ultimately setting the stage for his death.
There is reason to believe, but not everyone will accept. Jesus knew this and still went to the Cross for those who would put their faith in Him.
Have you put your faith in Jesus?
Anger (Lesson)
Gal 5:19-21 NIV
The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the
Q. Is anger a sin?
Most people will most likely answer yes to this question, because we recognize anger as an ugly emotion.
Q. Is ‘fits of rage’ anger?
Again, yes may be a likely answer, but they are different in the sense of control one possesses when expressing each of these feelings. A fit of rage can be an expression of selfishness or loss of composure, where as it is possible to maintain poise when angered.
Q. Is anger a sin?
No. Anger is not a sin.
James 1:19-21 NIV
My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.
The bible says be ‘slow to anger’ and not ‘don’t get angry’. It also goes on to explain how we should act and why. Anger has it place, however humility has its place as well.
Q. Did Jesus Sin?
SIDENOTE: Answer by
John 2:13-19 NIV
When it was almost time for the Jewish Passover, Jesus went up to
His disciples remembered that it is written: "Zeal for your house will consume me."
Then the Jews demanded of him, "What miraculous sign can you show us to prove your authority to do all this?"
Jesus answered them, "Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days."
A. Jesus did not have a ‘fit of rage’. He was fulfilling prophecy and expressing ‘zeal’ for his Father’s house. It is easy to confuse Jesus’ actions in John 2 as anger, but in fact it was zeal. I like to look at it like football. You get all pumped up. You team is playing for its school, hometown, or city. They go out there and hammer the other team to win for your organization, but you still respect the other team. It was like God was pulling a Ray Lewis, “Will you PROTECT this house”. Jesus was protecting His Fathers house with the zeal of the prophets.
Ps 69:9 NIV
for zeal for your house consumes me,
and the insults of those who insult you fall on me.
John 2:12-17 (Study/Quiet Time)
Not Your Jesus
Jesus is not some skinny weak Caucasian gentleman, with silky long hair, a beard, and a white robe that could be used in a Clorox advertisement. He does miracles, but not magic tricks were doves spontaneously fly from the palms of his hands cupped together. Children didn’t follow him everywhere he went. Jesus has been inaccurately commercialized.
Jesus was the first born of several siblings. His father, Joseph, is believed to of died when he was about 30, leaving him responsible for the family via Jewish custom. He is believed to of been a carpenter, a manual labored job. He was a real man.
These verses also show he was intense. These verses show he was no punk. This is the real Jesus.
During one of the greatest Jewish celebrations, in the holiest city, with all his family and friends, outside the most revered worship place; Jesus calmly braids together cords forming a whip. With confidence he walks into the temple cords and CRACK! He drove out cattle and sheep! Not his own, but that of greedy, corrupt, salesmen’s. Throwing over solid wood tables and coinage, not some folding plastic table and paper money, He was on fire.
"Get these out of here! How dare you turn my Father's house into a market!"
Jesus love for His Father outweighed and concern for His personnel image.
WWJD
How do you like Him now?
Have you ever wondered how you can trust that Jesus is who He said He is?
The people demanded to know by what authority Jesus had to clear the Temple Courts. “What miraculous sign can you show us to prove your authority?”
Then Jesus gave an answer that proves He is who He says He is. “Destroy this body, Kill Me and see if I won’t come back in three day, fully raised from the dead”. Now that’s a miracle!
We see that at the time the disciples didn’t understand Jesus’ response to the Jews, but after the Resurrection they would recall this event. These events would be the bases for their Faith in the Scriptures and in the words Jesus spoke.
It is the same today for those who believe Jesus did rise from the dead. It is the foundation of the Christian Faith. This miracle gives validity to Jesus’ Authority and proves He is the Messiah, the Son of the Living God.
But Jesus would not entrust himself to them, for he knew all men
Can Jesus truly trust you? Have you been a trustworthy follower?
I remember who I am. As a man I know Jesus couldn’t trust me. I know I have let many people down and I’m sure I’ve let God down. I know God know who I am. He knows who you are as well. Yet he died for us. Knowing the evil we are capable of. Knowing the failure we have created. He still died for us. He died for all of mankind. (Acts 4:11-12)
He is “‘the stone you builders rejected,
which has become the capstone. Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.”
Does this convict you? That will you were still a sinner He died for you.
John 3:1-21 (Study/Quiet Time)
How can you be born again? And what does it mean?
This is the same question Nicodemus had for Jesus. Nicodemus was an educated man by title and position, being both a Pharisee and a member of the Jewish ruling council. Nicodemus was obviously drawn to Jesus and his teachings, but being a Pharisee may have presented a challenge openly conversing with Jesus. The Pharisees, teachers of Jewish Law, were threatened by Jesus’ bold still of preaching style. Perhaps that’s why this meeting took place at night.
Jesus declared, “I tell you the truth, no one can see the
Jesus’ teaching on re-birth has been debated in the religious world. This makes sense, because we are talking about salvation. Salvation is the fuel to any religion. So you need to ask yourself several questions for this all to come together.
One: How many religions are there? Christian; Muslim; Hindu; etc.
Two: How many sub-divisions of religion are there? Catholic; Protestant; Lutheran; etc.
Three: How many teaching of salvation do they preach?
The problem is that many times religions twist the scriptures to fit their theology. Of course there is going to be a debate about Salvation and here are the consequences?
One: A fit all theology. ‘Your truth is your truth’. ‘All paths lead to salvation’. Etc.
Two: War- The Crusades; Holly Wars; Jihad; Etc.
Three: Forces you to examine the scriptures.
I hope you choose number three.
John 3:1-21 (Study/Quiet Time)
Part II
I don’t want you to think I took the easy way out by not explaining what I thought this section of scripture met. I hoping that you had an opportunity to examine the passage and that my explanations will coincide with what you read.
Belief vs. Baptism
Belief wins. You must believe, but you must also be baptized. What good would it do to be baptized if you don’t believe? What good would it do you to say you believe, but don’t obey?
To be Born Again is to be born of water and Spirit. There is a flesh birth, a physical birth and there is a Spirit birth, a spiritual birth by the Holy Spirit. (The capital S in Spirit identifies Him as an entity.)
Now, the debate comes from the phase ‘water and Spirit’. Some say the water is a reference to amniotic fluids during a physical child birth and others say a spiritual act of being baptism. Don’t waist your time, it doesn’t matter. Those that would say it is not a reference to baptism don’t practices baptism and that is there real argument, “You don’t have to be baptized.” And those arguments are wrong, but let’s not get a head of ourselves.
We must believe. Jesus told Nicodemus that as one of
I tell you the truth, we speak of what we know, and we testify to what we have seen, but still you people do not accept our testimony. I have spoken to you of earthly things and you do not believe; how then will you believe if I speak of heavenly things? No one has ever gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven—the Son of Man.14Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the desert, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life.
John 3:16 is probably the most famous verse in the whole Bible. The scripture in John Chapter 3 are some of the strongest word in the Bible. There is a warning, “whoever does not believe stands condemned already”. If anything is clear from all these words it is you must BELIEVE!
If you feel I haven’t answered what born again means, your right. It means to die to your old self and be born in God’s Spirit. You will still look as old as you do now physically, but you’ll know you’re refreshed and different. People will notice the differences just like they notice the wind, they don’t know where the wind comes from or where it is going and so it will be with you.
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