Thoughts for Christian Life from book of John
Chapter wise
- By Prithvi /prithvionnet@yahoo.com
John 1
In this Chapter, Apostle John introduced Jesus as the word revealed to world to give light and life; John the Baptist introduced Him as the Son of God; Andrew introduced Jesus to Simon as the expected Christ; Philips introduced Jesus to Nathaniel as the promised one in the law and the prophets. People who have known Jesus personally were involved in introducing Jesus to the near and dear ones. How are we doing in introducing Jesus to others?
John the Baptist played a vital role in history by introducing the expected Messiah to the world. Jesus acclaimed that John the Baptist was the greatest prophet that world has ever known. His inspiring and authoritative messages moved the audiences to greater spiritual heights. Despite living such a higher end life, he chose to have a simple and humble life style. Like his dress, his food was also unusual and ordinary. Life of John the Baptist encourages us to live simple and humble life but powerful life.
John 2
Jesus was invited to a wedding in Cana. He was not known as a miracle worker then. When they ran short of wine (embracement to the host) in the wedding, Mary asked her elder Son: Jesus (her husband would have expired then) to do some thing to solve the unexpected crisis. To everyone’s astonishment, Jesus asked to carry water as replacement for wine. Water was water till it was served but wine when it was served. The glory of Jesus was revealed through this event and the disciples put faith in Him. Servants, when obeyed to the simple instructions of Jesus, Miracles happened. When we trust and obey God, Miracles will follow
When Jesus went through the temple courts in Jerusalem, He found that the temple premises were misused for personal /commercial gains despite providing inconvenience to those who came to worship God and present offerings. Unlike others, who did nothing about the unrighteous behavior of the pseudo spiritual leaders, Jesus did something to rectify the misused/abused religiosity. When we watch things around us going bad, instead of being spectators, we ought to get involved in rectifying the mistakes. It is better to lit one candle than to curse the darkness.
John 3
When the whole group of Pharisees was against the teaching and the authority of Jesus, a notable Pharisee and member of Jewish ruling council (Sanhedrin), Nicodemus acknowledged that Jesus came from God. Despite being a traditional and pious Jew, he was inspired by the new life offered by Jesus Christ.
Jesus emphasized the necessity of being born again (to be adopted as the child of God) to enter the kingdom of God. Being born again refers to becoming new creation, a fresh start by the action of God, freed from a sinful past life and being in new relationship with God through the blood of Christ empowered by the Holy Spirit. Religious traditions and our social status should not become a barrier to learn the simple living truths that God has for us.
The disciples of Jesus Christ were baptizing in Judean country side while John and his disciples were baptizing at Aenon. When John the Baptist was informed about the baptisms given by Jesus and His team, he did not consider it as a threat to his ministry, which he was doing for years, but he stated that Jesus must increase and he must decrease. Glorification of the name of the Lord Jesus should be the focus of our ministry rather than seeking reputation and honour for ourselves.
John 4
Jesus met a Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well at an unusual hour. Jesus had offered living water to her. In the beginning, the woman identified Him as superhuman, then as prophet and finally as Christ. Understanding God is a process. After knowing the Christ, She went back and shared the testimony to her villagers and brought them to Jesus.True encounter with the living Christ always drive us to bring the lost ones towards Him.
Jews and Samaritans (mixed race out of Jews and foreigners) had differences/disagreements regarding the proper place of worship (Jews worshiped in the temple at Jerusalem whereas Samaritans worshiped at Mount Gerizim). Jesus clarified that God is Spirit and is not limited to space and time. God could be worshiped anytime anywhere. Idolizing places of worship is unscriptural.
Jesus went through Samaritan village (Jews used to hate mingling with Samaritans and going through their villages) and met a Samaritan woman living in sin (No respectable Jew would meet such woman) at a public place and won her for the Kingdom of God. The gospel is for every caste and creed, races and nations. As Jesus crossed all barriers to share the good news, we also have to be ready to witness about Christ anytime anywhere.
John 5
There was a lame man on the side of the pool, Bethesda. He was fighting for the restoration of health for 38 years in vain. Jesus gave him new hope and scope in life by healing him. Jesus advised the man to stop sinning lest some thing worse would happen to him. Our sins have direct/indirect impact on our health. The better way to have better life is to cease from Sinning.
There are various explicit testimonies concerning the divine-ship of Jesus Christ. The testimonies include the works of Jesus, the public testimony of John the Baptist, words of God the father (at baptism and at transfiguration) and the written scriptures. Despite these credible testimonies, people refused to come to Jesus to have the eternal life, then. In addition to these sound testimonies, today we have 2000 years of church History and testimonies of millions of lives proving the presence of Jesus Christ. Despite these authentications, why are we still failing to imitate the life style of Jesus and to obey Him in our daily walk?
John 6
The only miracle that is recorded by all the four gospel writers is the miracle of Jesus, feeding five thousand plus with five loaves of bread and two fishes. When Jesus shared the need (to feed the multitude) with disciples, they discussed about the financial inadequacy to solve the problem. Jesus did a miracle with five loaves of bread and two fishes given by a lad. Jesus is sufficient to meet our needs however big and difficult they are. When we give the little blessings that we have to God, God will use it to be blessing to thousands and millions.
Jesus introduced himself as the bread of Life that came from Heaven and gives life to the mankind. Every one who looks unto Jesus and believe in Him will be resurrected and have eternal life. Eating the flesh of Jesus and drinking His blood could refer to accepting Jesus Christ into our lives and becoming united in Him by living a life of faith in Jesus and obedience to God.
John 7
People had different reactions concerning Jesus Christ and His teaching. This chapter talks about five different understandings people had concerning Jesus. The different understandings about Jesus by different persons include Jesus as good man, as deceiver, as demon possessed, as prophet and as Christ. What is our understanding concerning Jesus Christ? Can people around us testify that our life witnesses that Jesus Christ we follow is Christ, Lord and Saviour of us?
Even the brothers of Jesus could not understand Jesus correctly and believe in Him. Being a part of Christian family or a Christian Church does not guarantee that they have sufficient revelation and knowledge regarding Jesus Christ. Knowing about Jesus and knowing Jesus are two different things.
When Jesus was in the temple courts during the feast at Jerusalem, Pharisees plotted to arrest Jesus (they have sent temple guards to arrest Jesus). During that time Nicodemus (secret believer in Christ) risked his reputation and position to speak for Christ.Do we risk anything to stand for Christ in this world which always hates Jesus and His true followers?
John 8
Teachers of the law and Pharisees bought a woman caught in adultery to Jesus to test His attitude concerning the penalty to this lady. To their surprise, Jesus did not condemn her but had compassion on her and forgave her sin, asked her to leave the life of sin. There is scope and hope for deliverance in Jesus from the bondage of Sins. When we look unto Him and depend on Him for the deliverance from the slavery of Sin, He will deliver us.
To the Jews, who believed on Jesus, He urged to hold on to His teachings so that they can understand the truth which can set them free from the slavery of Sin. The only way to experience deliverance from the bondage of sins is to cling to the teachings of Jesus Christ and to start obeying
John 9
Jesus healed a man who was born blind. This incident caused mixed reactions among people concerning Jesus Christ. The neighbors revealed surprise and skepticism, Pharisees expressed unbelief and the parents believed but did not confess the known truth because of fear. Despite all these negative reactions, the healed man stood for the truth and confessed positively about the Christ. What type of response do people see in us concerning Jesus Christ?
John 10
Lord Jesus Christ expressed His uniqueness by calling Himself as the gate, the good shepherd, the Christ, the Son of God. If we belong to Jesus we would know Him and listens to His voice. Since Jesus gave His life for us and we are purchased by God, we are expected to know Him and listen to Him.
Jesus declared Himself as the expected Christ and the only Son of God. He cited miracles as unhampered proof, witnessing His divinity. He did miracles in fathers’ name and we are also empowered by the Holy Spirit to do miracles in the name of Lord Jesus Christ. When we fellowship with God by fearing Him and believing Him, God will manifest His might power and many will be added to His flock through us.
John 11
Jesus was so close to the family of Lazarus, Mary and Martha and loved them. Though Jesus was informed that Lazarus, loved by Him was sick and died, He delayed going there. The sorrows of the bereaved family affected Him emotionally and Jesus wept. Jesus not only loved them and participated in their sorrow, but also had solution for their problem, bringing Lazarus back to life. Sickness and problems can happen to us even if we are close to Him and love Him but that is not the end. Jesus can deliver us from the problems, losses in unexpected ways.
John 12
When Lord Jesus Christ was attending feast hosted by Lazarus and family, Mary poured an expensive perfume (worth a year wage) at the feet of Jesus,. This unusual sacrifice was accepted by Jesus but a disciple of Jesus questioned the need for this sacrificial thanksgiving by Mary. In the similar way, when we give up or sacrifice some things for God, our near and dear ones can raise doubts and disagreements but we have to keep on doing good things, seeking better Christian life.
Jesus said “Whoever serves me must follow me. My father will honour those who serve me“. When we serve Him, we should not get discouraged, when we do not get the desired results for the efforts, we put forward for the extension of His Kingdom. We are responsible to reach out to others and they are responsible to take their decisions. When we do well in the role assigned to us, we will be considered faithful and will be rewarded by God at the right time.
When Jesus was in the world, many believed in Him but did not confess their faith out of fear for Pharisees. They loved praise from men more than the praise from God. Believing in Jesus is one thing and confessing our faith to others by our lips and lifestyle is another thing. Our faith is invalid and incomplete if it does not accompany with action.
John 13
Jesus was close to His disciples. Disciples were really close to Him (A disciple could lean back on Him, Peter could rebuke Him). Jesus took the position of Servant at the last supper and washed the feet of the disciples (The servants in the house were expected to wash the feet of the guests at that time as per the Jewish tradition). As a leader, Jesus was not isolated but could be easily accessible. All Christians, not just leaders, are called to be servants, serving each other, following Jesus’ example in washing his disciples’ feet, and loving our neighbors as ourselves. Good leaders will equip people rather than using them. They will develop people rather than directing them.
John 14
Jesus discussed about the eternal life with His disciples many times. He also gave assurance that He would go back to father, prepare a place for them and would come back to take His followers to inherit the eternal life but He pointed out that those who choose to live eternally with Jesus have to believe in Jesus, know His teaching and obey Him completely. He emphasized that only those who obey His commands will be able to love Him. We talk about loving Jesus but where are we standing in terms of believing Him and obey His commands?
Jesus had promised about sending the Holy Spirit to be with His followers to counsel, comfort and correct them and He had sent Him as promised. He also cautioned that the world would neither know Him nor See Him but the believers in Christ will be taught and would be led by the Holy Spirit towards deeper devotion to Christ. If we do not feel the presence and guidance of the Holy Spirit in our lives, it only implies that we have not come out of the world yet.
John 15
Jesus compared His relationship with His disciples to Vine and the branches. He encouraged them to remain in Him so that they will be fruitful in this life on earth. Remaining in Christ would refer to complete devotion to Christ and obedience to His commands. The true abiding in Christ would bring joy, the heart to love and the prosperity in this life. When our lives and decisions are rooted in Christ, we will exhibit the characters of God, love each other and would have our prayers answered. Where are our roots? - In the world or in God.
John 16
Jesus foretold that His disciples would be persecuted, even killed (the persecutors would do so, thinking that they do favour to God by killing Christians) and this has been happening since then. The teachings of Jesus Christ are as unpopular as it was. The world does not accept the Disciples of Christ because the values and expectations of the world are in contrast to that of God. What do we value in the given life? Do we end up giving up Christian values due to compulsions to compromise on various issues, out of fear and favour for the people of this world?
Jesus foretold that He would send the Holy Spirit after His departure and the Holy Spirit was given as promised. When Jesus was on earth physically, He was limited to certain place but the Holy Spirit is globally present with every believer in Christ. How do we experience the presence of Holy Spirit in our personal lives?
John 17
Just before the crucifixion, Lord Jesus prayed with His disciples, a specific prayer for His disciples and for us, future followers. The important points mentioned in the recorded prayer are: Protection from the evil one; sanctification of His followers and union of His followers among themselves and with God.
As children of God, we are under constant attack from the devil but when we rest and depend on God, we can experience the protection that God promised us.
Personal holiness is challenged by desires of the flesh, worldly values and ungodly expectations and unfortunately, most of us fall along the way. Though exhortations for personal holiness are rare in church pulpits these days, we need to strive to live a holy life, despite all unfavorable situations. When we take positive efforts, God helps.
Today in Christendom, we have more divisions than ever before. We ought to forget the minor issues separating us and have to grow in unity as expected by our Lord.
John 18
The religious leaders arrested Jesus in night and immediately took to houses of the then chief priests: Annas and Caiaphas as there were in hurry to kill Him. Even though the then Roman governor for Judea, Pilate tried to deliver Him, they wanted to crucify Jesus by framing charges against Him. The religious leaders feared that the revolution that Lord Jesus Christ brought in, would take away the crowd from them and so they acted in haste to eliminate Jesus Christ. When we find new leaders coming up in our church or in our ministry, how do we react? Do we try to suppress their influence like the religious leaders or find ways to encourage them?
Peter was aggressive for God, possessed high spiritual knowledge, had sufficient boldness but in the last minute at the time of arrest of Jesus, he failed badly by denying his master. At times, we sail in the same boat. We express ourselves as extra-ordinary persons and angels in front of others but end up falling badly at the time of trial and temptations. But there is a hope in Christ. Jesus is Saviour not only for the penalty of Sins but also for the power of Sins. When we confess truly, rest and trust on Him consistently and take conscious efforts to overcome sins and addictions, we can experience the real victory in our Christian walk.
John 19
As predicted in the scripture, Jesus underwent persecution and suffered in the hands of religious leaders, soldiers and government officials. He was mocked at by placing thorny crown on His head and purple robes on His shoulders. He was hanging on three nails, finding difficult to breathe because of the suffocation due to the weight of the body. He endured every hardship patiently and with forgiving attitude and thereby kept an example for us to follow. The expression of Jesus at the time of persecution and execution is an exhibition of His divine love. God expects us to be carriers of same divine love as we move around with diverse people at our home, work spot and in public.
John 20
Jesus rose again on the third day, as predicted and fore-spoken in the Scriptures. Jesus Himself discussed with the disciples about His resurrection. But after the death of Christ the disciples reacted and feared as if, Jesus Christ was not going to live again. For disciples, it took about 40 days of post-resurrection appearance of Jesus to get convinced that He is alive. Jesus clarified that He is alive through number of convincing proofs. The hope of resurrection and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit propelled the handful of early believers to proliferate and as the result; today we have more than 2 billion people confessing the resurrection of Jesus Christ. We have to live as if we believe in resurrection or else we have to leave Christianity as there is no Christianity without resurrection of Christ
John 21
After the physical departure of Jesus, Peter returned to his old profession (might be to take care of his material needs) along with his colleagues. Their efforts went in vain as they did no have any catch. Understanding their desperation for a big catch, Jesus gave guidelines and they had a miraculous catch. Jesus also has prepared breakfast for them to quench their hunger and thereby He has displayed His love and constant care for His followers.
Then Jesus had a personal interaction with Peter to renew the latter’s love for God. After receiving a clear and concrete confirmation that Peter love God with whole heart, Jesus gave him the responsibility to feed His sheep. One can do a faithful ministry for God only if he/she has the true love for God and His people. What is the motive behind the activities in our ministry? Is it truly out of Love?
