Why you seek the living among the dead!!

The death and resurrection of Christ are central to Christianity. Christ died for the sins of the world.  Joseph of Arimathea, a  member of the Sanhedrin asked Pilot  the body of Jesus. He was a devout and brave follower of Jesus. He and Nicodemus, who met Jesus at night, hurried to the cross and tenderly removed  the body  of Jesus. Nicodemus brought about hundred pounds of myrrh and aloes for the burial of Jesus' body. This was equal to the spices fit for the burial of royalty. They carefully wrapped Jesus' body in long strips of cloth mixed in the spices and placed the body in the new tomb that belonged to Joseph of Arimathea.  Thus the prophecy of Isaiah 53:9 was fulfilled in the burial  of Jesus' body.Several women observed this process and knew, where Jesus' body was laid(Lk 23:55).

John's Gospel chapter twenty gives the account of  Jesus' resurrection, His appearance to Mary Magdalene,
His ten disciples and  to Thomas. Also it reveals the purpose of this gospel. The resurrection of Jesus is the essential part of the gospel message. Men have tried to honor their heroes by erecting monuments such as pyramids and Tajmahal for the dead. But the tomb of Jesus remains empty There is nothing comparative to this historical fact. Only Christian faith affirms life, hope and immortality. The resurrection  of Jesus was the climax and conclusion of the gospel narrative. It is the crowning miracle of all miracles. The empty tomb was the theme of the early Church. It is the proof that Jesus is the Son of God(Rom 1:4). Christianity stands or falls on the doctrine of resurrection of Jesus Christ. It has the transforming power to change lives. The tearful Mary Magdalene became the joyful witness of Christ. Fearful disciples became the bold preachers of the Gospel. Doubting Thomas became the confident follower.

The original witnesses of resurrection were women(Mk 16:1).  Early morning  Mary Magdalene went to the tomb with spices to anoint the body of Christ. She was wondering that who would remove the stone at the entrance of the tomb.But nothing could stop her from going to the tomb.There is no fear in love. Perfect love drives out fear(1 John 4: 18). Mary found that the body is missing. She run to tell the news to Peter and John. . They entered the tomb, and saw that the body is missing, but was not sure about resurrection(20:9).
Mary returned to the tomb after Peter and John left. Jesus revealed Himself to her.She was told to go and tell the good news to other disciples. This command given to Mary is given to all of us. Then Jesus appeared to all disciples (except Thomas) and gave them the great commission."As my father has sent me, even so I send you".  Only God can forgive sin. But God gave them the authority to proclaim the gospel that include the forgiveness of sin.Jesus also appeared to Thomas and shown him the nail prints of His hands. Thomas immediately acknowledged Jesus' Lordship. His doubt has turned to assurance.Jesus told Thomas that "blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed. What a merciful Savior! Seeing is not believing. Facts are good but faith is better. Those who does not believe, often get stuck in their prideful doubt.

This chapter ends with the purpose of this gospel. The greatest sign found in the gospel is the sign of the resurrection.The empty tomb of Jesus was not hard to prove. If there was a  body in the tomb, it was impossible for the resurrection story to survive. Jews substantiated the fact that tomb was empty because they said disciples have stolen the body of Christ. It was suicidal for disciples to steal the body. where they could hide it?Why they should be killed for it? Women were the first witnesses of this empty tomb. At that time women did not have any voice in that society and were to allowed to bear testimony  in a court of law. Jesus is alive. It is relevant because it answers questions about our past, present and future. There is forgiveness of sin in Him. Our future is secured because He lives. Jesus gives reason for living. Nobody can be neutral to this truth. This Gospel is written so that we may understand the urgency of our choice and believe Christ be saved. Do you know this great Savior? Believe Christ and be saved.

Jesus said"I am thirsty"

The focal point of Christ's earthy life was His death on the cross. The disproportionate chapters in the Gospel account allotted to the final week of His life shows the importance of Christ's death. His death was more than an example of  His obedience to His Father. His death was  not the death of martyr or a death of political criminal.He died for our sins(Rom 5:8). It was the ransom price paid for our redemption. Jesus died in our place as our substitute(Is 53:6; 2 Cor 5:21).  He died to reconcile us to God( 2 Cor 5:18,19).  He died to satisfy the righteous demands of God( Rom 3:25). There is joy in heaven over one sinner who repents(Lk 15:10).  People are of great value to God. Those who do not know Christ are lost in their sins for ever. Christ paid the ultimate price by dying on the cross for their redemption. He came to seek and save those who are lost. So to be found, one must first admit that he is lost.

We have looked at the first four statements of Christ from the cross in our last study. Today I would like to look at the last three statements. Jesus knew that His end is near. To fulfill the Scripture He said"I am thirsty"(John 19:28). Last six hours He was on the cross, wounded,  burning , swollen up and dehydrated. He experienced intense agony  for you and me. This is the only time Jesus spoke of His suffering from the cross. He knows what is physical suffering means. So He is able to help us in our suffering. Do you experience pain in your body. So was Jesus .Are you misunderstood and neglected by dear ones. So is Jesus. In our sufferings, no one can help us like Jesus. He was thirty to fulfill the prophecy that was written a  thousand years before when crucifixion was known to the world(Ps 22:15). He created heavens and earth. Yet heaven denied Him light and earth denied Him water.They gave Jesus vinegar. The one who is the living water became thirty for us. By His death and resurrection Jesus became the smitten rock from where the living water flowed. Those who believe Him will experience His presence through the Holy Spirit and be satisfied.. The living water will flow from them and  they will  become blessing to others.

The sixth statement Jesus made from the cross was "It is finished"(John 19:30). He came through intense suffering and agony. The purpose of His human existence was to do the will of the Father. Now that work is completed. This was the greatest announcement of victory ever made. The decisive battle with Satan is over. By His death He destroyed the devil who had the power of death and released those who were living in the fear of death(Heb 2:14,15).Jesus willingly offered Himself to God. His death met all God's righteous demands. Atonement for our sin was paid in full. What He began, He completed and nothing can be added to it. Believers are complete in Him(Col 2:10).

The seventh and the last statement Jesus made from the cross we find in Luke 23:46. " Father into thy hands I commend my spirit". Having said this Jesus gave up the spirit.. Father is the first and the last word Jesus spoke from the cross.He endured hell on the cross for us and came through it. . Now He calls God as Father in triumph. Jesus died on His own free will. He dismissed His spirit with a loud voice. Usually last words of dying people are weak voice. Jesus last word was loud and victorious. The centurion heard it, gloried God and said certainly this was a righteous man(Lk 23:47). No body died like Jesus( Gal 2:20). Cross is important because of who died there for us. Isaac Watts wrote" When I survey the wondrous cross on which the prince of glory died".  Seeing the cross means, meeting Jesus who died on it. Surveying the cross means, not turning our eyes away from the one who loved us and gave Himself for us. Do you know this great Savior?

"It Is Finished"

Jesus loved us and gave Himself for us. That is the Gospel story. But many people do not know the extend of His love for them. Still Jesus loves them to the uttermost. There was never a love like the love of our dying Savior. The extend of His love is revealed in the seven statements of Jesus from the cross. "Jesus said Father forgive them for they do not know what they do"(Lk 23:34). Our Savior was scourged, mocked, beaten and crucified by His enemies. Our suffering Savior was hanging on the cross, abandoned by all and experiencing excruciating pain in His body and soul. His Father's love was beyond His reach on the cross.Yet He was thinking about us and prayed for you and me. Jesus prayed for them when they had no idea about what they are doing to Him(1 Cor 2:8). He prayed for us because He had compassion on us.When we did not desire any one to pray for us, He prayed. .Jesus prayed for our forgiveness and not for our judgement. He wanted our judgement to fall on Him. You may hate Jesus but He loves you to the uttermost. Only those who are  forgiven  will appreciate the extend of Christ's love. The self righteous are blind to see our Savior's love for them. The greatest sin is the sin against God's love. Yes, Jesus loves us to the end(John 13:1).

Second statement Jesus made from the Cross was "Verily I say unto you, today you shall be with me in paradise"(Lk 23:43).  Jesus was nailed to the cross between two thieves. Christ is always in the center and He alone is able to save sinners from any where. One thief railed at Jesus saying if you are Christ save yourself and us. But the other thief rebuked the one railing and said don't you fear God  even when you are dying? And he asked Christ for salvation and he received it. He was justified and glorified in the same day. Our salvation is based on Christ's work on the cross and not on our good work(Eph 2:8,9). Salvation is by grace alone, faith alone and Christ alone. Christ loves to save sinners. Today you will be with me in paradise. Saved people are not on probation. We serve Jesus because we love Him.  If you are not saved, will you come to Jesus who died for your sins?

John mentions three women who loved the Lord were standing by the cross(John 19:25). one among them was Mary the mother of Jesus. The disciple Jesus loved,John was also there. Jesus saw His mother and said to her "woman behold your son and to John behold your mother(John 19:26,27). Although Mary was His earthly mother, Christ was her Redeemer and Savior. Thus Christ sets an example for us to provide and care for our parents.In this statement we see Christ's humanity and divinity.

The fourth statement Jesus made from the cross was "My God, my God why hast thou forsaken me?( Matt 27:46)Here we see the high cost of our  redemption.From noon until 3:00 P.M. there was darkness. Why Jesus was forsaken?. Because we were not forsaking our sins.Here we see our sin bearer suffering and agonizing for us. Here we see the ugly color of our sin.  On the cross Christ endured our hell. Hell is real as cross. It is a place of  blackness of darkness.On the cross Jesus bore our sin and suffered our judgement. He was separated from the love of God. .Here where the righteousness and mercy of God  met together(Rom 5:8). Also here we see our Savior's total faith in the Father and His plan of salvation.What a picture of hell!!.Will you not flee from hell by receiving Christ today? Those who are saved, let us approach this great God in wonder and worship acknowledging His indescribable love  for us. May God help us!!

"There they crucified Him"

John's Gospel chapter nineteen gives the account of Jesus's trial before Pilot, crucifixion and the burial. From the human stand point this trial was the greatest crime, tragedy and the mockery of Roman law. But from divine stand point it was the fulfillment of the scripture(Act 2:23). Pilot orders Jesus to be flogged, beaten and insulted. The soldiers tortured and forced the crown of throne on His head.  Pilot presented Jesus before Jews saying that 'behold the man". He hoped that Jews would accept this cruel punishment and spare Jesus from execution. But they chanted "crucify  him, crucify him". Jews were so settled in their conviction but were dreadfully wrong.  Pilot again declared Jesus innocent. Pilot would have stood for his conviction. Pilot asked Jesus" where are you from". But Jesus gave no answer. So Pilot  to Him " to me you don't speak?". Jesus replied "you have mo authority over me unless it had been given from above".  Here we see the truth that earthly ruler can only act when God permits. According to the Roman law Jesus was innocent. But the Jews appealed to the law and said that Jesus is guilty of death since he claimed that He is the Son of God. They said if you let go Jesus, you are not a friend of Caesars and Pilot would be guilty of treason against Rome. So Pilot became more fearful  and their fury frustrated  Pilot to the point that he was willing to compromise his conviction and please the people. His wife also told him to do nothing with this innocent man. Pilot was fearful, confused and spiritually blind. Finally Pilot handed Jesus over to Jews to be crucified. What a tortured situation, knowing the right thing and not able to do it because of fear!

Jesus who was weak, beaten and miserable was made to carry His cross by the soldiers. They crucified Jesus between two thieves at Golgotha. Pilot posted a sign over  the cross that reads "Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews." The chief  priest demanded that title be changed.  Pilot refused his demand  and said "what i have written, I have written". Each soldier took one garment but they cast lot for the inner garment because it was seamless and woven in one piece from top to bottom. Thus the scripture was fulfilled(Ps 22:18). Thus Christ is now left hanging naked before the angry mob on the cross. There were some women, including His mother standing near the cross. Though women considered as weak were to look weak before the cross. When Jesus saw His mother, He told John to take care of His mother. Christ example teaches that everyone has a responsibility to take care of his parents. Jesus knew that everything was now fulfilled and said"I am thirsty". He hung on the cross, wounded, burning,swollen up, dehydrated  and bearing the sin for us. This is the only time Jesus spoke of His suffering and also to fulfill the prophecy(Ps 22:15).No one knows suffering more than Jesus and He is there to help us when we need it. He became thirsty and died to quench our spiritual thirst.

When Jesus had received the sour wine, He said"it is finished" and gave up His Spirit.That was the greatest announcement of victory ever spoken. The long night of His suffering is over. He finished the task the Father has given to Him(John 17:4).His death was no accident.Jesus died according to the scripture.  He gave His life as a ransom  for our salvation. By His death He  has redeemed us from the bondage of sin, Satan and death( Eph 1:7). He death satisfied the righteous demands of God(Rom 3:25). He died in our place and the greatest exchange ever happened. (2 cor 5:21). When soldiers came to Jesus, they did not  break His legs because Jesus was already dead. One of the soldiers took a spear and pierced His side. These happened  so that the scripture might be fulfilled( Ps 34:20; Zech 12:10). Even the wicked soldiers were involved in fulfilling the plan of God in the death Jesus. Do you know this Savior who loved  and died for you?

Jesus Said"I came to bring truth to the world"

In the 18th chapter of John's Gospel we see the account of the arrest,denials of Peter and the trials of Jesus Christ. After the high priestly prayer of Jesus, He took His  eleven disciples to the garden of Gethsemane. Judas came there with large number of soldiers to arrest Jesus. What an irony that they came there with torches to arrest the one who is the light of the world. Judas approached Christ with a kiss and it did not surprise Jesus because He was aware of Judas's plan. Jesus came forward and said"whom do you seek"? They said "Jesus of Nazareth". Jesus said "I am he" and thus stated His deity(John 8:58).At this statement those who came to arrest Jesus fell to the ground. Again Jesus asked them whom they seek?.Before they could arrest Jesus, He requested them to let go the disciples. Even in the crucial hour, His concern was not for Himself, but for the disciples. What a Savior!  At this point Peter tried to defend Jesus with a sword and cut off the ear of Malchus. Jesus rebuked Peter and healed the servant. Peter misunderstood how to express his devotion to Christ. Jesus did not need Peter's protection(Matt 26:52-54). He willingly accepted the cup the Father has given to Him. This cup refers to the agony and suffering He endured on the cross. Do you know this Jesus who loved you and gave Himself for you as your Savior?

The temple guards took Jesus to Annas for the preliminary examination. He was the father-in-law of Caiaphas the high priest. Annas had great influence over the Sanhedrin. Caiaphas had already drawn a conclusion about Jesus that it is expedient that one man should die for the people. It was an illegal trial.  Jesus was tried by Annas who was not a high priest. Secondly His trial took place at night. Thirdly Jesus was beaten before he was charged.Fourthly false witnesses were hired to testify against Christ. Jesus went through  three stages of Jewish trials and three Roman trials. He was falsely accused of subversion, opposing paying taxes to Caesar and claiming that He is the king. Jews Sanhedrin considered Jesus guilty but could not legally pass the death sentence on Him. Jews used the method of stoning to execute the criminals So they took Jesus to Roman Governor Pilot. Pilot asks the formal accusation for bringing Jesus before him. Jews had none. Jews wanted  Pilot to pass death sentence on Jesus. So Jesus would be crucified as He predicted( Matt 20:17-19).Pilot asked Jesus"are you the king of Jews?" Jesus said that his kingdom is not political but spiritual(Rom 14:17). He was born to be king. He is the eternal king, the king of kings. Pilot met Jesus and was impressed, but not changed. Many people see Jesus as a good man,humanitarian, promoter of love and teacher of  golden rule. But they miss the opportunity to know Him as their Savior and Lord. He came to bear witness to the truth. Pilot asked Jesus "what is truth?". Pilot failed to understand  that the truth is the reality of God and was standing before him(John 14:6). Although He declared Jesus innocent but feared the angry Jewish leaders. Yet he tried the customary method at Passover to release one prisoner to spare Jesus. But the crowd asked for a robber rather then their king. Pilot tried to place the responsibility of Christ's death on Jews.. But it must be remembered that each person is responsible for his action to Jesus.

In this chapter we read about Peter's denial of Jesus. It was predicted by Jesus(John 13:36-38). Peter was ready to lay down his life for Christ, yet he failed.Is it possible that we could do what Peter did? He was standing with those who arrested his Master( John 18:18). Peter followed Jesus at a distance(Matt 26:58).
Peter sitting among the enemies of Jesus( Lk 22:55). Peter denied Jesus before a servant girl, people and Malchus relative.A mixture of fear, anger and insecurity contributed to Peter's failure.  We are not immune from denying Jesus either. We deny Jesus when we are silent about Him and fail to identify with Him. We also deny Him when our life style  is conformed to the world and do not manifest the transforming work of Christ in our lives(Matt 5:16). Do we attract or repel other to Christ by our attitude and action? Peter remembered the words of the Lord and repented. He went out and wept bitterly. He confessed his sin and the Lord restored him back.  Peter received mercy and grace in times of need. Will you come to Jesus who wants to restore you and use you for His glory?

Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth!

John's Gospel chapter 17 is our Lord's high priestly prayer. Here Jesus was praying for His disciples.  He began and ended the last supper with unity of disciples on His mind. Jesus prayed for Himself,  for the immediate disciples and the future disciples or the entire church(1-5; 6-19; 20-26). Though Christians are born  again by the blood of Jesus Christ, we have different taste and personalities. Christian unity is not uniformity. Our unity is based on what Christ has done for us. Christ wants us to have that essential unity.  It is an organic unity and comes as a result of shared life. We are commanded to give diligence to this existing unity produced and maintained by the Holy Spirit. When we live in peace with God and with one another we can enjoy this unity together.

Jesus was in constant communion with His Father(Mark 1:35). He taught the disciples to pray on an intimate and personal term as "Our Father". Jewish rabbis used to teach their followers to pray but never addressed God in personal term.Jesus lifted up His eyes and prayed. He knew that the hour of crisis had come. He prayed reviewing Father's eternal plan for humanity to find salvation.  The hour that Christ referred to was not only the hour of His death, but also His resurrection and exaltation. Knowing the only true God and Jesus Christ whom God  has sent is eternal life. Christ came to glorify the Father by doing Father's will. He viewed His atoning death as having been completed.  Christ had been given all authority to give eternal life to those who believe in Him. Christ set aside the glory once Had with the Father to save us. Now He prays for the return of that glory.

Jesus knew that His disciples are the treasured gift from the Father and the fruit of His labor(Jn 6:37; 17:6). Christ revealed the Father to them. They accepted His word and believed that Christ came from God. Jesus was confident  of their salvation. Jesus prayed for the protection of the disciples from the wicked one. They are in the world and not of this world. The world system is under Satan and so powerful. While Christ was on earth, He protected them and none of them perish except  Judas by his own  choice. It was a fulfillment of divine prophecy(Ps 41:9). Christ was about to leave the earth and disciples are prone to Satan's deception. There is an unseen warfare going on between God and Satan. Satan is clever, subtle and powerful in his strategies. We are no match for Satan(Rev 12:10,11). He starts enticing us with friendship with the world system. Then we will be corrupted by this world.Then we start loving the world. This will conform us to this world. Finally we will be condemned with the world. Satan can sift us like wheat, but  Christ our high priest intercedes for us(Lk 22:31).Jesus prayed that His joy would fill  His disciples. The world hates them because they believed His word. Jesus did not want the disciples taken out of the world but His purpose would be fulfilled in their lives.

Jesus also prayed for the sanctification of the disciples through His word. This was to make then spiritually healthy and set them apart for His service. To make them vessels fit for His service(2 Tim 2:20,21). He commissioned us to become His witnesses. Christ is our example in commitment and sacrifice for serving God in this world. The process of becoming spiritually healthy is through His Word. This the incorruptible word of truth that accomplishes it purpose(1 Pet 1:23; Is 55:11). Jesus also prayed for the unity of the entire church. It is a purposeful unity whereby the world may see His glory and believe in Him. Also the world would see God's love revealed  through the believers.Jesus wanted that disciples should share His glory and love. He prayed for Himself, for His disciples and for the entire church. He wants us to make Him known to this lost and dying world. To declare God's name is to declare His love.  Is it possible? Scripture says, God is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us(Eph 3:20). May His name be glorified!

Jesus Said "In Me You May Have Peace"

In John's Gospel chapter 16, Jesus warned the Disciples about the persecution they would face in this world. Christ never promised a trouble free christian life. He said "in this world you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart , I have overcome the world".The world would hate, isolate,reject and even kill us, thinking that they are serving God. Christ wanted that the disciples should be informed and prepared for the trials of their faith. Jesus never promised a trouble free,healthy, wealthy and happy Gospel. Christ promised the disciples His peace as part of His blessings. The world can promise peace but can't  deliver it. Only Jesus can deliver the peace because He has overcome the world.

The disciples were sad that Christ was going away. He told them that it was necessary for Him to go so that the Holy Spirit would come.They were not ready spiritually to understand all that Christ wanted to tell them.  The Holy Spirit arrival would convict the world  in three areas. He would convict the world concerning sin by warning about the danger of  not believing in Christ. The ultimate sin we commit is not believing in Christ(16:9).  Without the Holy Spirit, people would never understand the danger of refusing to believe Christ as their Savior.  Conviction of sin often leads to repentance and regeneration.  Secondly the Holy Spirit  convicts the world of righteousness.The World rejected and crucified the righteous one. Jesus Christ. He is the only one who is perfect.  His resurrection and ascension are  the proof that He pleased the Father and accepted by Him(Rom 1:4).The Holy Spirit brings in us a hunger for righteousness that could lead us into repentance and faith in Christ. Thirdly the Holy Spirit will convict the world of the final judgment that comes on those who reject Christ. Satan the ruler of this world is already judged at the cross and his fate is sealed. Those who reject Christ will end with Satan on the final day of judgment(Rev 20:11-15). The Holy Spirit uses the Word of God and the transformed life of Christians to convict the world of it's sin. But people can resist the convicting work of the Holy Spirit. It would be a huge mistake to down play the goodness of God(Rom 2:4).Jesus also promised that,"When the Holy Spirit of truth comes, He will guide believers into all  truth. This promise has it's immediate fulfillment in the writing the New Testament(2 Tim 3:16). Spirit bears witness to our spirit that we are the children of God(Rom 8:16).  The Holy Spirit helps us to understand the Scripture and glorifies Christ in us. Only by the Holy Spirit we can understand  the awesome and praiseworthy attributes of Jesus Christ.

The disciples were confused when Jesus said He would go away very soon and return again. He was referring to His death, the coming of the Holy Spirit  and His final return(Jn 14:3) They would weep over His death but the world will rejoice. But their sorrow will turn to joy at his resurrection. It would be like the pain at the child birth. Since Christ has returned to the Father their prayer should be made in the name of the Son. Now they  pray to God based on the merits of the finished work of Christ and His supreme position The Father will answer our prayers because we are His treasured love gift to His Son. The ultimate purpose of prayer is the glory of God  and the blessing of believers. Only Jesus can give us peace because he overcame the world. The disciple now understood that Christ was speaking to them openly and believed that He came from God.  Jesus told them that they will leave Him alone. Yet the Father is with Him. Jesus Comforted the disciples by promising His peace as they encounter trouble in this hostile world. May the Holy Spirit fill our hearts with Christ and His peace!!

Jesus is the Vine, we are the Branches!!

John's Gospel chapter 15 is all about  Christian relationship. Relationship with Jesus(15:1-11)with one another(15:12-17)and our relationship with the world(15:18-27).Jesus described Himself as the True Vine  and we are the branches. We did not choose Him, but he chose us and appointed us that we should bear fruit and not the other way. Jesus is the life giver. He is the living water,the bread of life and the source of eternal life. Life only flows from Him,  never the other way around. Christians cannot bear fruit unless they have an abiding relationship with the True Vine, Jesus Christ. We become the branches by our new birth, when we believe in Christ Jesus. The connection between  Jesus, the vine and us, the branches, are invisible but real. When we abide or remain in Christ we become fruitful. God the Father is the Gardner and He prunes the branches to bear more fruit.Father cleanses Christians who are bearing fruit to bear more fruit. Cleansing is painful but produces fruit of righteousness and peace(Heb 12:6-11).But every branch that does not bear fruit, He takes away.This verse does not mean that believer can loose his salvation. It should be understood contextually with the exit of Judas Iscariot.We become fruitful as a result of His Word and His love(15:7,10).

As we depend on Christ and guided by His word, our lives will be filled with the fruit of the Spirit(Gal 5:22).We do not  bear fruit in order to be accepted. We abide in Jesus and bear fruit, out of our gratitude for having been chosen.Some one said the secret of fruit bearing is abiding, the secret of abiding is obeying, the secret of obeying is loving  and the secret of loving is knowing.  To those who abide in Him, Christ promises much fruit, answered prayer, love and joy. Jesus said "you are my friends if you obey me". We do not earn  His love or forgiveness.They are given freely. His friendship towards us is constant and real. He does not threaten us to stop loving when we fail, but simply draws us back to Him. What a Savior!. Christ commands us to love one another as He loved us. It is not an emotional feeling but a sacrificial act of giving. Jesus calls His disciples friends. They were chosen and appointed to bring forth fruit. Are we the fruit bearing Christians? Do we love one another?

Christs said that the world would hate us. The world system is under the control of Satan and it can love only those who are of the world. Christians are chosen out of the world and they should expect persecution from the world. We are not of this world, we just passing through. The world rejects us because it rejected Christ and do not know the Father who sent the Son. Even through Christ has performed many miracles among Jews, they rejected Him. They are without excuse for their sin. In fact their rebellion and hatred were fulfilling of  the Old Testament prophecy(Ps 69:4). Christ promised the disciples that they are not alone in this world. He will send the Helper, the Holy Spirit to guide them in all truth and give them the power to bear witness of Christ. Is our life productive, fulfilling and joyful in Christ?  May God help us!!

Comfort For Troubled Hearts

We read the last supper passage in John's Gospel chapter 13 to 17. Jesus rebuked the disciple's lack of humility by washing their feet. They were told that one of them will betray Him soon. Peter had been rebuked. They were challenged to love one another in His absence. They were told that He was going to leave them soon. The disciples felt troubled and uncertain about their future. Yet Jesus told them to not be troubled, then give them hope and comfort to their hearts.Jesus said to them "let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me"(John 14:1). He wanted them to believe the scripture which speaks of His crucifixion and resurrection. They were told that they can believe God's Word because it never changes(Matt 24:35).Then Jesus gave the reason for His departure. He is going to prepare for them a permanent  home in heaven. Your troubles and trials are only temporary. Here the emphasis is not the place but the person of Christ. You will be in the presence of the Lord where there is no more fear, pain, sorrow and separation. Jesus will personally come to escort us to the Father's house.This is our blessed, comforting and encouraging hope(Titus 2:13; 1 Thess 4:18) Also it is our purifying and challenging hope. This hope would motivate us to serve our Lord (1 Jn 3:3; 2:28). Heaven is not a place to plead our case of merits but a prepared place for prepared people. There are not many ways to enter heaven. In verse 6, Jesus made it impossible for us to believe in Him as one of many ways to get to heaven.This exclusive claim of Jesus is hated by many in this pluralistic world. It sounds good but not true. If we don't believe  that Jesus is the only way, we don't believe in one of Jesus'central I Am  claims. "I am the way the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me".

Jesus did not say "I know the way, or I will lead you to the way.  But He said, I am the way". He is the way or no way at all(Jn 10:9).No one can enter heaven by force or by good works but only by believing in Christ.Jesus is the embodiment of the ultimate truth(Jn 8:32). He is also the source of life. He gives life by imparting the Holy Spirit in us and enabling us to have fellowship with the Father. Spiritual life speaks of the quality of life in relationship with God.To know Christ is to know  the Father. His words and works show the unique relationship between the Father and the Son. Christ promised that disciples would be able to do greater work. When Christ's work was limited to a small geographical area, disciples would be able to reach the world with the gospel. They are able to do that because of the intercession. answered prayers and by the power of the Holy Spirit.  The motive of  our prayer should be God's glory and not self glorification. Our prayer should be in agreement with the character and desire of Christ. We should pray in Christ's name. Prayer is an antidote for discouragement.

Jesus promised the Holy Spirit to His discouraged disciples. Holy Spirit  is the comforter, helper and the counselor. He is the one who comes along side to help us in our needs. Christ would go away but the Holy Spirit will be with us for ever.  He is the third person in the trinity. He has the same quality and character of Christ. We see the three persons of Godhead in the baptism of Christ, in the  mode of believer's baptism, in the creation account and in the benediction( Matt 3:16-17;Matt 28:19; Gen 1:26; 2 Cor 13:14).Holy Spirit is the Spirit of truth  who would guides us into all truth. He dwells in us and with us.  He is involved in the inspiration of the Scripture and the rebirth of believers( 2 Tim 3:16; Jn 3:6).All believers have the Holy Spirit and never a time when we get more of Him(Rom 8:; Gal 4:6).. But He gets more of us as we live in obedience to Christ. Holy Spirit makes the Scripture alive in us.

 Disciples are not left as orphans since Christ is with them through  the ministry of the Holy Spirit. Those who love the Lord will obey Him and they will enjoy fellowship with Christ and the Father. Christ promised that the Holy Spirit would teach them all things and cause them to remember the things Christ had taught them.That was fulfilled in the writing of the New Testament. Christ promised His peace to His troubled disciples. This peace is different from the peace the world  offers. As we turn over our fear to God and live in obedience to Him, we can enjoy this peace as our Lord enjoyed when he went to the cross in obedience to the Father. Christ willingly went to the cross in obedience to the Father. He is the sinless Son of God, and Satan had no claim on Him.  Are you troubled in your hearts?Are you fearful of the future? Christ's presence in our life does not mean an absence of problems. Christ  has promised us to carry us through this troubled world. So come to Him in faith and in  prayer!!

As I have Loved You, You Also Are To Love One Another!!

John gives the account of our Lord's private ministry from chapter 13 to 17. During this time He limited His ministry to His disciples. This is the third division of John's Gospel. This is also known as the upper room discourse. The purpose of this was to prepare and encourage the disciples for His departure. The disciples are the followers of Christ. They are of great value as the treasured gift from the Father. Jesus Knew that His appointed time had come for Him to leave His disciples and this world. Having loved them,He loved them to the full extend. Jesus said that  "The Son of Man came here not to be served but to serve and to give my live as a ransom for many"(Mark 10:45).Except Jesus none appealed others to follow their model. He is the pattern for us to follow. Jesus practiced what He preached. He demonstrated the ministry of a servant to His  disciple(13:1-20).The scene was the last supper and  Jesus longed to fellowship with His disciples. But they arrived there arguing among themselves as to who would be the greatest in the coming kingdom(Luke 22:24).
In Jesus time, foot washing was a practical necessity since the roads were dusty and dirty. Usually servants used to wash the feet of guest. The disciples were too proud to perform this menial task.So the all powerful Lord was about to wash His disciples' feet. By this lowly act Jesus demonstrated that true greatness is the greatness of serving others. This was a graphic illustration of Christ's humility, love and compassion.Peter could not bear the humiliation  and prevented Jesus from washing his feet. Peter was only thinking about physical washing. There are two kinds of washing for believers.  One is at the time of our salvation(Titus 3:5).We also need daily washing since our feet get dirty in this sinful world.(1 John 1:7-9).But disciples did not get this  message. Jesus said "If then your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet.Christ did not institute an ordinance of foot washing.Only baptism and the Lord's supper are the two ordinances given to the New Testament Church. They acknowledged  Jesus as their Lord and Teacher. He is the sovereign and the teacher whom they should follow. Jesus said that true joy and blessing come only when we practice a life of humility by serving one another.What is our motivation for service? We should not expect recognition down here(e Lk 17:7-10).We should serve other from a grateful heart. When we arrive the other side of eternity we would hear from our Master"Well done, good and faithful servant".

Jesus warned that a betrayer was among His inner circle(Ps 41:9).The disciples had no clue who that will be, and were very sorrowful. He did not identify him by name but by giving him a piece of bread,dipped in sauce,which was a token of friendship. Even in betrayal, the Lord loved Judas and given given a chance to repent.But Judas was possessed by Satan and he went out to betray Jesus.And it was night. Judas plunged into the darkness of the blackness of sin. He was remorseful but not repentant(Matt 27:3-5). Godly sorrow will lead us into repentance, which realign us with the will and purpose of God. With the exit of Judas, Jesus knew that His death is at hand and by His death He will glorify the Father(Jn 17:4).He also knew that  the Father will glorify the Son by resurrection and ascension.

Christ commands them " to love one another just as I have loved you".It is a new command because Christ fave a new definition to the old command by His death on the cross for His enemies(Lev 19:18; Rom 5:8).It is the sacrificial love that Christ manifested. Jesus said " by this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.It is not through the purity of our theology and knowledge of scripture but by our love for others we make a difference in this world. The disciples had different personalities and temperaments.The primary role of the Holy Spirit is to assist them  to love each other and bring unity among them. That is the only way they could impact the world with the gospel.

 Jesus predicts Peter's denial.Peter wanted to be with Christ where He is going. Jesus said to Peter "you can't follow me now, but you will follow afterward". Peter was ready to die for Christ. Jesus knew all about Peter and predicted that he will deny Him three times before rooster crows.  Perhaps Jesus wanted  to teach Peter that He should find his confidence in the Lord rather than in himself.The Lord know Peter's strength and weaknesses.He who began a good work in Peter will complete the work he started.(John 21:17).This is true in our life also(Phi 1:6). May God help us to remain faithful to Him and love one another!!