John 15:9-14 "I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love. When you obey me, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father and remain in his love. I have told you this so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow! I command you to love each other in the same way that I love you. And here is how to measure it, the greatest love is shown when people lay down their lives for their friends. You are my friends if you obey me."
Jesus loves me the way a father loves his son, the way God loves his son Jesus. By obeying Jesus, I remain in his love. Jesus models this by being obedient to God, even to the point of dying on the cross for our sins. When Jesus was on earth, he did not fall into temptation, even though he had plenty of opportunities. However, God is perfect. I am not. Unfortunately, I have messed up and have many mistakes in which I regret. When I am obedient, Jesus promises that I will be filled with his joy. The times I have done the right thing, I do feel the joy of the Lord. In fact, when I'm really on track, my joy will overflow. On the other hand, when I don't do the right thing, I feel guilty and terrible afterwards. Maybe at the time, I'm glad. But then later, I feel bad. Jesus is challenging me to show my love to him by obeying him. In fact, he goes on to say that if I obey him, he will call me his friend.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Saturday, January 19, 2008
The Counselor
John 14:15-17
If you love me, obey my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor, who will never leave you. He is the Holy Spirt, who leads into all truth. The world at large cannot receive him, because it isn't looking for him and doesn't recognize him. But you do, because he lives with you now and later will be in you.
The true test of whether or not we love God is by obeying him. To do the right thing is harder than it seems. It is like the classic scenario of the devil on one shoulder and the angel on the other shoulder whispering in our ear what we should do. Sometimes doing the right thing is harder than doing what we want because it feels good to do what we want. Unfortunately, I have not done the right thing at times and have regretted it. For whatever reason, I was caught up in my own selfish ways and it was easier to do the wrong thing than to do what is right. However, if I love God, I will obey him. When I come to these situations that seem tempting, I have to think about what is right. For example, let's talk about Gossip, seemingly harmless and everyone does it. But is it the right thing to do? No. Sometimes, I don't even realize I am gossiping. What would people think if I said, "We shouldn't be talking about someone when they aren't here"? They would mock me. It's easier just to be stay and laugh and make comments than it is to walk away.
Jesus promises us the Holy Spirit for those who believe and love God. At this point the counselor had not been given to mankind. Jesus was God in the form of man and the Holy Spirit would not come until after Jesus left and returned to heaven. The Holy Spirit is referred to as the counselor, one who will lead us in truth. While Jesus was present, he was the truth, now the Holy Spirit has taken his place and lives in those who believe. Notice how it says, the Holy Spirit will never leave us. Even when we sin, the Holy Spirit is with us always. That is why we feel the grieving of the Holy Spirit in us when we do wrong.
If you love me, obey my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor, who will never leave you. He is the Holy Spirt, who leads into all truth. The world at large cannot receive him, because it isn't looking for him and doesn't recognize him. But you do, because he lives with you now and later will be in you.
The true test of whether or not we love God is by obeying him. To do the right thing is harder than it seems. It is like the classic scenario of the devil on one shoulder and the angel on the other shoulder whispering in our ear what we should do. Sometimes doing the right thing is harder than doing what we want because it feels good to do what we want. Unfortunately, I have not done the right thing at times and have regretted it. For whatever reason, I was caught up in my own selfish ways and it was easier to do the wrong thing than to do what is right. However, if I love God, I will obey him. When I come to these situations that seem tempting, I have to think about what is right. For example, let's talk about Gossip, seemingly harmless and everyone does it. But is it the right thing to do? No. Sometimes, I don't even realize I am gossiping. What would people think if I said, "We shouldn't be talking about someone when they aren't here"? They would mock me. It's easier just to be stay and laugh and make comments than it is to walk away.
Jesus promises us the Holy Spirit for those who believe and love God. At this point the counselor had not been given to mankind. Jesus was God in the form of man and the Holy Spirit would not come until after Jesus left and returned to heaven. The Holy Spirit is referred to as the counselor, one who will lead us in truth. While Jesus was present, he was the truth, now the Holy Spirit has taken his place and lives in those who believe. Notice how it says, the Holy Spirit will never leave us. Even when we sin, the Holy Spirit is with us always. That is why we feel the grieving of the Holy Spirit in us when we do wrong.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
"My Father's House"
John 14:2-6
Jesus said, "There are many rooms in my Father's home, and I am going to prepare a place for you. If this were not so, I would tell you plainly. When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am. And you know where I am going and how to get there."
"No, we don't know, Lord," Thomas said. "We haven't any idea where you are going, so how can we know the way?"
Jesus told him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me."
Jesus is telling the disciples about heaven. Jesus will prepare the place for us in heaven. It is hard to imagine what Heaven is like because no one has ever been there, except John. Even John had a difficult time describing what he saw when he wrote the book of Revelations. However, the purpose of this passage is not to describe heaven, but to describe how to get to heaven. Jesus is there now, preparing heaven for us. When he returns, he will come get us and bring him to heaven with him. Thomas and the others didn't understand how to get to heaven, even though Jesus had told them before. Regardless, Jesus makes it very clear how to get to heaven. He told them, "I am the way, the truth and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me." He made it very clear that the ONLY way to get to God is through Jesus. Many people think that you can work you way to heaven or if you believe in God you can go to heaven. However, the Bible tells us that the ONLY way to heaven is by accepting Christ into your heart. It is through Jesus, we get to heaven.
Jesus said, "There are many rooms in my Father's home, and I am going to prepare a place for you. If this were not so, I would tell you plainly. When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am. And you know where I am going and how to get there."
"No, we don't know, Lord," Thomas said. "We haven't any idea where you are going, so how can we know the way?"
Jesus told him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me."
Jesus is telling the disciples about heaven. Jesus will prepare the place for us in heaven. It is hard to imagine what Heaven is like because no one has ever been there, except John. Even John had a difficult time describing what he saw when he wrote the book of Revelations. However, the purpose of this passage is not to describe heaven, but to describe how to get to heaven. Jesus is there now, preparing heaven for us. When he returns, he will come get us and bring him to heaven with him. Thomas and the others didn't understand how to get to heaven, even though Jesus had told them before. Regardless, Jesus makes it very clear how to get to heaven. He told them, "I am the way, the truth and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me." He made it very clear that the ONLY way to get to God is through Jesus. Many people think that you can work you way to heaven or if you believe in God you can go to heaven. However, the Bible tells us that the ONLY way to heaven is by accepting Christ into your heart. It is through Jesus, we get to heaven.
Jesus Predicts Peter's Denial
Jesus was metaphorically discussing his death and how he will soon be leaving the disciples. They didn't understand until after his death what he was referring to. This conversation was recorded at the end of John 13.
In the discussion, Peter said, "Lord, where are you going?"
And Jesus replied, "You can't go with me now, but you will follow me later."
"But why can't I come now, Lord?" he asked. "I am ready to die for you."
Jesus answered, "Die for me? No, before the rooster crows tomorrow morning, you will deny three time that you even know me."
This verse is important because of what will happen. I will write about that when I get to that verse.
However, this verse is important. Peter didn't know what he was saying when he said "I am ready to die for you." I wonder how many American Christians would die for Christ. I wonder how many people, if pushed, would run or deny Christ, like Peter was going to do. In some countries, even today, Men and Woman have been killed for their faith and even tortured. I wonder how many Christians are willing to loose everything for Christ.
In the discussion, Peter said, "Lord, where are you going?"
And Jesus replied, "You can't go with me now, but you will follow me later."
"But why can't I come now, Lord?" he asked. "I am ready to die for you."
Jesus answered, "Die for me? No, before the rooster crows tomorrow morning, you will deny three time that you even know me."
This verse is important because of what will happen. I will write about that when I get to that verse.
However, this verse is important. Peter didn't know what he was saying when he said "I am ready to die for you." I wonder how many American Christians would die for Christ. I wonder how many people, if pushed, would run or deny Christ, like Peter was going to do. In some countries, even today, Men and Woman have been killed for their faith and even tortured. I wonder how many Christians are willing to loose everything for Christ.
Friday, January 11, 2008
The Resurrection
John 11:35 says, Jesus told her (Martha), "I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die like everyone else, will live again. They are given eternal life for believing in me and will never perish. Do you believe this, Martha?" The question could be restated, "Do you believe this, (fill in your name).
Jesus said this to Martha after her brother Lazarus died and was buried for some time. He performed this miracle so that the people would believe that he was the Messiah, from God. Only God could raise someone from the dead. Jesus is God, therefore, Jesus raised him from the dead. Before Jesus performed this miracle, he said the above words to Martha, Lazarus's brother. Basically this verse is saying that if we believe in Jesus, we will have life eternal with him. The controversy still exists today in regards to where we go when we die. A lot of people think every good person goes to heaven. But here, Jesus clearly states that those who believe in him will live.
I believe in Jesus, that he is the son of the living God and through him, I can be saved. God is good.
Jesus said this to Martha after her brother Lazarus died and was buried for some time. He performed this miracle so that the people would believe that he was the Messiah, from God. Only God could raise someone from the dead. Jesus is God, therefore, Jesus raised him from the dead. Before Jesus performed this miracle, he said the above words to Martha, Lazarus's brother. Basically this verse is saying that if we believe in Jesus, we will have life eternal with him. The controversy still exists today in regards to where we go when we die. A lot of people think every good person goes to heaven. But here, Jesus clearly states that those who believe in him will live.
I believe in Jesus, that he is the son of the living God and through him, I can be saved. God is good.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
The Good Shepherd
John 10:14 Jesus said, "I am the good shepherd; I know my own sheep, and they know me, just as my Father knows me and I know the Father. And I lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep, too, that are not in this sheepfold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice; and there will be one flock with one shepherd."
Growing up in sheep country, where our ranch was surround by sheep, this verse has additional meaning to me.
God's people know his voice. In this context, he is referring to the Jews as his people. "I lay down my life" means he died on the cross for his people. But the best part is when he says, I have other sheep too. He is referring to the "Gentiles", or the non-Jews, such as myself. The cool part is that when Jesus brings in the non-Jews into his sheepfold, they also hear his voice. I do hear God speak to me. Not audibly, but through his word and through other people. God is amazing.
On the contrary, those who don't know God, don't hear him, they have no clue. That is why they don't understand who God is because they can't hear him unless they accept him.
Growing up in sheep country, where our ranch was surround by sheep, this verse has additional meaning to me.
God's people know his voice. In this context, he is referring to the Jews as his people. "I lay down my life" means he died on the cross for his people. But the best part is when he says, I have other sheep too. He is referring to the "Gentiles", or the non-Jews, such as myself. The cool part is that when Jesus brings in the non-Jews into his sheepfold, they also hear his voice. I do hear God speak to me. Not audibly, but through his word and through other people. God is amazing.
On the contrary, those who don't know God, don't hear him, they have no clue. That is why they don't understand who God is because they can't hear him unless they accept him.
Sunday, January 6, 2008
The Truth Shall Set You Free
John 8:32"And you will know the truth, and truth will set you free." 34 "I assure you that everyone who sins is a slave of sin. 35 A slave is not a permanent member of the family, but a son is part of the family forever. 36 So if the Son sets you free, you will indeed be free."
Jesus said, "I am the truth". (John 14:6). Jesus is the truth, then if you know Jesus, he will set you free. Free from want? The bondage of sin, addictions, obsessions or whatever else keeps you in bondage. Many people reject Christ because they don't want to be bound by rules and they want to be free to do whatever they want. The irony of this all is that the very reason people want to be free is what keeps them in bondage. For example, people smoke for many reasons, one reason is rebellion. But ask someone who wants to quit smoking how difficult it is. The addiction becomes the bondage. They become a slave to cigarettes. The same applies to any addiction, such as alcoholism, gambling, lust, gossip, shopping.
"I want to do what I want to do" comes with a cost. Think about it. Going back to the example of cigarettes, which are not only addictive, the habit is expensive. Even if the addiction or habit or obbssession doesn't cost money, it cost time. Being addicted to the computer, for example, is one I can admit to. It doesn't cost me any money, but it does consume my time. If I am not careful, I can waste hours on the computer, when I should be spending my time more effectively.
On the contrarty, being set free by the truth, is free. It is a free gift from God. Unfortunately, many people don't accept the gift. Many people are in denial that they are in bondage. How many times have you heard someone say, "I can quit anytime." I've said those words. Once we recognize that we have an addiction or a bad habit, we step out of denial. So, we admit we have a bad habit. Do we WANT to be free from the bad habit, or do we like the bondage we are in? Why do we stay in harmful, addictive behavior at such a high cost? Sometimes the cost is so high, people have lost everything; family, homes, jobs. But yeat they continue in the remain in the bondage of their addiction.
Jesus said, "I am the truth". (John 14:6). Jesus is the truth, then if you know Jesus, he will set you free. Free from want? The bondage of sin, addictions, obsessions or whatever else keeps you in bondage. Many people reject Christ because they don't want to be bound by rules and they want to be free to do whatever they want. The irony of this all is that the very reason people want to be free is what keeps them in bondage. For example, people smoke for many reasons, one reason is rebellion. But ask someone who wants to quit smoking how difficult it is. The addiction becomes the bondage. They become a slave to cigarettes. The same applies to any addiction, such as alcoholism, gambling, lust, gossip, shopping.
"I want to do what I want to do" comes with a cost. Think about it. Going back to the example of cigarettes, which are not only addictive, the habit is expensive. Even if the addiction or habit or obbssession doesn't cost money, it cost time. Being addicted to the computer, for example, is one I can admit to. It doesn't cost me any money, but it does consume my time. If I am not careful, I can waste hours on the computer, when I should be spending my time more effectively.
On the contrarty, being set free by the truth, is free. It is a free gift from God. Unfortunately, many people don't accept the gift. Many people are in denial that they are in bondage. How many times have you heard someone say, "I can quit anytime." I've said those words. Once we recognize that we have an addiction or a bad habit, we step out of denial. So, we admit we have a bad habit. Do we WANT to be free from the bad habit, or do we like the bondage we are in? Why do we stay in harmful, addictive behavior at such a high cost? Sometimes the cost is so high, people have lost everything; family, homes, jobs. But yeat they continue in the remain in the bondage of their addiction.
Saturday, January 5, 2008
The Light of the World
Jesus said to the people, "I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won't be stumbling through the darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life." John 8:12
Jesus is the light of the world. In a previous blog, I wrote about how sin occurs in the darkness. Not many people sin in public. They hide their sins. Jesus is not only speaking figuratively, but he is speaking on a spiritual level. He often used metaphors in his teaching because those who know God, understood what he was saying. Jesus is the light, but he is also the way to God. In John 14:6 Jesus says, "I am the way, the truth and the life, no man comes to the Father but by me." If we follow the light, Jesus, it leads to life, which is basically saying those who follow Jesus are going to Heaven. The contrast of life is death. Death means total separation from God, which is ultimately, Hell. The choice here is life or death. In order to have life, you must follow Jesus, who is the light of the world and will lead you to life, eternal life. There is a promise here. If you follow Christ, you won't stumble through the darkness.
In my own life, I notice when I take my eyes off of Christ, those are the times I stumble. When I become self absorbed into my own desires, eventually I fall down. It is a process. Everyday, I have to committ to follow Christ and not my own desisres. Everyday, I need to turn my eyes on him. Sometimes it is harder to follow Christ because then I have to set aside my own selfish desires. The the outcome is so much more rewarding.
Jesus is the light of the world. In a previous blog, I wrote about how sin occurs in the darkness. Not many people sin in public. They hide their sins. Jesus is not only speaking figuratively, but he is speaking on a spiritual level. He often used metaphors in his teaching because those who know God, understood what he was saying. Jesus is the light, but he is also the way to God. In John 14:6 Jesus says, "I am the way, the truth and the life, no man comes to the Father but by me." If we follow the light, Jesus, it leads to life, which is basically saying those who follow Jesus are going to Heaven. The contrast of life is death. Death means total separation from God, which is ultimately, Hell. The choice here is life or death. In order to have life, you must follow Jesus, who is the light of the world and will lead you to life, eternal life. There is a promise here. If you follow Christ, you won't stumble through the darkness.
In my own life, I notice when I take my eyes off of Christ, those are the times I stumble. When I become self absorbed into my own desires, eventually I fall down. It is a process. Everyday, I have to committ to follow Christ and not my own desisres. Everyday, I need to turn my eyes on him. Sometimes it is harder to follow Christ because then I have to set aside my own selfish desires. The the outcome is so much more rewarding.
Thursday, January 3, 2008
Woman Caught in Adultry
Chapter 8 4:-11
"Teacher," they said to Jesus, "this woman was caught in the very act of adultery. The law of Moses says to stone her. What do you say?"
They were trying to trap him into saying something they could use against him, but Jesus stooped down and wrote in the dust with his finger. They kept demanding an answer, so he stood up again and said, "All right, stone her. But let those who have never sinned throw the first stones!" Then he stopped down again and wrote in the dust.
When the accusers heard this, they stopped away one by one, beginning with the oldest, until only Jesus was left in the middle of the crowd with the woman. Then Jesus stood up again and said to her, "Where are your accusers? Didn't even one of them condemn you?"
"No, Lord," she said.
And Jesus said, "Neither do I. Go and sin no more."
I love this passage. Jesus saw through their trickery. I just want to know where the man was. They brought the woman, but where was the man? Who was the man? If this was adultery, then someone was married. Was she or he married, or both? What was he writing in the sand? Many people have speculated that he was either writing the names of the people in the crowd or perhaps even sins committed by people in the crowd. No one knows. Regardless, the older, wiser people left first. I love this passage because Jesus forgave the woman. Jesus came to save, not to condemn John 3:17 says, "God did not send his Son into this world to condemn it, but to save it."
God uses the sinners, not the self righteous to do his work. First of all, the self righteous have alternative motives, such as that of the Pharisees, who brought this woman to Jesus. Most of these people try to make themselves look good to others and are more concerned by what others think about them that what Christ thinks. For the sinner, they have the most to be thankful for. Adultery is one of the big "No" "No's". It's ok to tell a white lie, but to commit adultery, "Shame". However, the story of the woman caught in adultery was used here.
I know what it feels like to have people throw stones at me because I've made mistakes. Not the physical stone, but verbal stone. It's not a good place to be. It hurts when people judge. They don't know my heart. When people judge, they become self-righteous. I used to be like a Pharisee, self righteous and proud. Hey, I have a minor in Bible, I was raised in a Christian home. But God allowed me to be the one to be on the ground with people throwing verbal rocks at me because he wanted to teach me about judging others. I try very hard not to judge other people who are making bad choices because I've been there. Thank God, I found a safe place where other people who have been there helped me get up. The hardest part was that the people who had the rocks in their hands, judging me, called me their friends. Ouch. Their words still ring in my head. Those friendship have been strained. But, I've made new friends, friends I can be real with. Friends who still love me, even when I mess up.
I had a discussion about the mistakes I made with a friend. We were discussing the choices another friend had made, which had many similarities as my own. My friend was telling me how this woman was not respected anymore because of her bad choices. I reminded my friend that I had made some similar mistakes. My friend said, "Yes, but you got up. I respect you for that." It likes Jesus said, "Go and sin no more." I guess that's what I did.
"Teacher," they said to Jesus, "this woman was caught in the very act of adultery. The law of Moses says to stone her. What do you say?"
They were trying to trap him into saying something they could use against him, but Jesus stooped down and wrote in the dust with his finger. They kept demanding an answer, so he stood up again and said, "All right, stone her. But let those who have never sinned throw the first stones!" Then he stopped down again and wrote in the dust.
When the accusers heard this, they stopped away one by one, beginning with the oldest, until only Jesus was left in the middle of the crowd with the woman. Then Jesus stood up again and said to her, "Where are your accusers? Didn't even one of them condemn you?"
"No, Lord," she said.
And Jesus said, "Neither do I. Go and sin no more."
I love this passage. Jesus saw through their trickery. I just want to know where the man was. They brought the woman, but where was the man? Who was the man? If this was adultery, then someone was married. Was she or he married, or both? What was he writing in the sand? Many people have speculated that he was either writing the names of the people in the crowd or perhaps even sins committed by people in the crowd. No one knows. Regardless, the older, wiser people left first. I love this passage because Jesus forgave the woman. Jesus came to save, not to condemn John 3:17 says, "God did not send his Son into this world to condemn it, but to save it."
God uses the sinners, not the self righteous to do his work. First of all, the self righteous have alternative motives, such as that of the Pharisees, who brought this woman to Jesus. Most of these people try to make themselves look good to others and are more concerned by what others think about them that what Christ thinks. For the sinner, they have the most to be thankful for. Adultery is one of the big "No" "No's". It's ok to tell a white lie, but to commit adultery, "Shame". However, the story of the woman caught in adultery was used here.
I know what it feels like to have people throw stones at me because I've made mistakes. Not the physical stone, but verbal stone. It's not a good place to be. It hurts when people judge. They don't know my heart. When people judge, they become self-righteous. I used to be like a Pharisee, self righteous and proud. Hey, I have a minor in Bible, I was raised in a Christian home. But God allowed me to be the one to be on the ground with people throwing verbal rocks at me because he wanted to teach me about judging others. I try very hard not to judge other people who are making bad choices because I've been there. Thank God, I found a safe place where other people who have been there helped me get up. The hardest part was that the people who had the rocks in their hands, judging me, called me their friends. Ouch. Their words still ring in my head. Those friendship have been strained. But, I've made new friends, friends I can be real with. Friends who still love me, even when I mess up.
I had a discussion about the mistakes I made with a friend. We were discussing the choices another friend had made, which had many similarities as my own. My friend was telling me how this woman was not respected anymore because of her bad choices. I reminded my friend that I had made some similar mistakes. My friend said, "Yes, but you got up. I respect you for that." It likes Jesus said, "Go and sin no more." I guess that's what I did.
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
Knowing God
I read chapter 7 from John today and the verses that stood out to me where 17-18 "Anyone who wants to do the will of God will know whether my teaching is from God or is merely my own. Those who present their own ideas are looking for praise for themselves, but those who seek to honor the one who sent them are good and genuine."
John 6:44a says "For people can't come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them to me." God draws us to him. I believe he knows our hearts and those who are seeking him, God will draw to Jesus. For example, I have friend who was an atheists. One day he got up on a Sunday morning and told his wife, "We are going to church". Now he loves the Lord. When he told me this story, I replied, "God was drawing you to him." I love that about God.
John 7:17 talks about how those who know God will understand the teaching of Jesus. It is God's spirt in us who bears witness in the spirit of others. If you are a Christian, have you ever had the feeling someone you just met is a Christian? It is the same way with God's teaching. Those who know God, understand his word, while those who do not know God, don't understand unless God reveals himself to that person.
John 6:44a says "For people can't come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them to me." God draws us to him. I believe he knows our hearts and those who are seeking him, God will draw to Jesus. For example, I have friend who was an atheists. One day he got up on a Sunday morning and told his wife, "We are going to church". Now he loves the Lord. When he told me this story, I replied, "God was drawing you to him." I love that about God.
John 7:17 talks about how those who know God will understand the teaching of Jesus. It is God's spirt in us who bears witness in the spirit of others. If you are a Christian, have you ever had the feeling someone you just met is a Christian? It is the same way with God's teaching. Those who know God, understand his word, while those who do not know God, don't understand unless God reveals himself to that person.
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
Bread of Life
John 6:32-38 says,
Jesus said, "I assure you, Moses didn't give them bread from heaven. My Father did. And now he offers you the true bread from heaven. The true bread of God is the one who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world."
"Sir," they said, "give us that bread every day of our lives."
Jesus replied, "I am the bread of life. No one who comes to me will ever be hungry again. Those who believe in me will never thirst. But you haven't believed in me even though you have seen me. However, those the Father has given me will come to me, and I will never reject them. For I have come down from heaven to do the will of God who sent me, not to do what I want."
This passage holds so much. I only took a portion of the passage, which consists of pretty much all of chapter 6. It starts off talking about Moses and the Israelites who were walking in the wilderness. Basically it starts of discussing the physical symbolism of bread. Then it switches to the spiritual symbolism of the bread; comparing and contrasting the physical and spiritual meaning of bread of life.
In the physical aspect, physical bread provide nutrition such as sustaining life in the desert for 40 years. God provided manna from heaven to the Israelites. Then the passage switches to the spiritual aspect. As humans, we have a void in our life that needs to be filled. We are hungry to fill the void. We can fill it with junk food, that goes right through us, or we can fill it with real food, which is the word of God. Jesus said, "I am the bread of life. No one who comes to me will ever be hungry again." When we fill our lives with Jesus, he fills the void in our lives. He makes our life complete. God has sent Jesus from heaven, like he sent manna from heaven, to fill our void. Unfortunately, people would rather live off of junk food, that never satisfies, than to accept Jesus, who satisfies.
Taking this a step further, the bread of life is the symbolism that is used in communion. The Israelites did not wonder in the desert just to wonder. God had a purpose to teach them obedience. Now, we can learn from their lesson.
Lastly, the passage talks about the promise made by Jesus. Those who reject the bread, will turn from God. But those who accept the bread, Jesus will NEVER reject them. Obedience comes up once again as Jesus talks about how he does the will of God, not to do what he wants, but what God wants us to do. This is the example Jesus sets before us. Sometimes we want to do what we want to do. But if we follow Jesus' example, we do what God wants us to do. This is hard sometimes. Our flesh gets in the way and we want to do what we want to do. Paul talks about this in Romans 6. But if we are to be obedient to God and to reap his blessings, then we need to do what God wants us to do.
Jesus said, "I assure you, Moses didn't give them bread from heaven. My Father did. And now he offers you the true bread from heaven. The true bread of God is the one who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world."
"Sir," they said, "give us that bread every day of our lives."
Jesus replied, "I am the bread of life. No one who comes to me will ever be hungry again. Those who believe in me will never thirst. But you haven't believed in me even though you have seen me. However, those the Father has given me will come to me, and I will never reject them. For I have come down from heaven to do the will of God who sent me, not to do what I want."
This passage holds so much. I only took a portion of the passage, which consists of pretty much all of chapter 6. It starts off talking about Moses and the Israelites who were walking in the wilderness. Basically it starts of discussing the physical symbolism of bread. Then it switches to the spiritual symbolism of the bread; comparing and contrasting the physical and spiritual meaning of bread of life.
In the physical aspect, physical bread provide nutrition such as sustaining life in the desert for 40 years. God provided manna from heaven to the Israelites. Then the passage switches to the spiritual aspect. As humans, we have a void in our life that needs to be filled. We are hungry to fill the void. We can fill it with junk food, that goes right through us, or we can fill it with real food, which is the word of God. Jesus said, "I am the bread of life. No one who comes to me will ever be hungry again." When we fill our lives with Jesus, he fills the void in our lives. He makes our life complete. God has sent Jesus from heaven, like he sent manna from heaven, to fill our void. Unfortunately, people would rather live off of junk food, that never satisfies, than to accept Jesus, who satisfies.
Taking this a step further, the bread of life is the symbolism that is used in communion. The Israelites did not wonder in the desert just to wonder. God had a purpose to teach them obedience. Now, we can learn from their lesson.
Lastly, the passage talks about the promise made by Jesus. Those who reject the bread, will turn from God. But those who accept the bread, Jesus will NEVER reject them. Obedience comes up once again as Jesus talks about how he does the will of God, not to do what he wants, but what God wants us to do. This is the example Jesus sets before us. Sometimes we want to do what we want to do. But if we follow Jesus' example, we do what God wants us to do. This is hard sometimes. Our flesh gets in the way and we want to do what we want to do. Paul talks about this in Romans 6. But if we are to be obedient to God and to reap his blessings, then we need to do what God wants us to do.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)