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!!

Jesus said "When I am lifted up from the earth,will draw all people to myself"

 The 12th chapter of John's Gospel gives the account of the end of Christ's public ministry. There are six separate sections in this chapter. Mary anoints Jesus at Bethany, Jews plot to kill Lazarus, The triumphal entry of  Jesus on a donkey to Jerusalem, The Greeks seeking Jesus, Jesus predicts His crucifixion, Jesus came to save the world and emerges as the true messiah. It was Passover feast time and added attraction to all that was taking place.Six days before the Passover Jesus came to Bethany, where a dinner was arranged in the house of Simon the leper to thank Jesus for what He has done(Matt 26:6-13).There we see Martha and Mary at their best serving and worshiping Christ. Mary anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped His feet with her hair. It was a costly perfume perhaps saved for her wedding. This was her act of love, devotion and gratitude to the Lord. It also shows her humility and faith in the Lord. It was a timely act that was pleasing to the Lord.  When Judas was critical of the generosity of Mary, Jesus rebuked  Judas. Critical spirit  can crush the heart of others. God demands worship from us and it is costly. Jesus said she will be remembered where ever the gospel is preached. Nothing is wasted if it is given to the Lord  and the house was filled with fragrance. Many believed on Jesus after seeing what He had done to Lazarus. So the religious leaders wanted to kill Lazarus. Believers should expect hostility because this world is not our home, we are just passing through.

Next day(Sunday)Jesus entered Jerusalem on a donkey. In the old testament donkey is a symbol of peace and horse symbol of war.  It was the fulfillment of the prophecy of Zechariah 9:9.There was spontaneous outpouring of praise from the pilgrims, singing Hosanna  to Christ. Thus they acknowledge Jesus as the king of Israel who comes to save them(Ps 118:25,26).The disciples understood the significance of this only after ascension of Christ. Pharisees responded to this by saying " the whole wold has gone after Jesus".

Now the attention is turned from Jews to the Greeks. Greeks proselytes came to Philip, may be he had a Greek name and said "Sir, we want to see Jesus".He consulted with Andrew and they approached Jesus with their request. Faced with all attention Jesus said "The hour has come for the Son of man to be glorified". He was talking about His death and said His death will produce a rich spiritual harvest. In His humanity Christ experienced agony as He approached His death. .But He desired to glorify His Father through His death on the cross. He received the testimony from the Father that His Name has been glorified. He did it through His public ministry and death. Then Jesus said "When I am lifted upon the cross,I will draw everyone to myself".Jesus is the savior of the world. He is the one who suffered the judgement of sin for us. He defeated Satan on the cross(1 Cor 15:54-57).So let us lift Him up by our words and life so that others would  be saved. Jews failed to believe that their Messiah would die. Jesus warned them that they should receive Him as the light of the world. The light would soon be removed and darkness would come upon them.

In spite all the miracles and warnings they believed Him not. They rejected what they saw and believed not what they heard. It was prophesied by Isaiah(Is 6:5-12). God wanted them to believe their Messiah. But  unbelief and hardness of hearts  prevented them from being converted.  Many leaders believed on Christ but were unwilling to confess Him for fear of the leaders.They loved the praise from men more than the prise from God. This was Christ final message to Israel. He came not to judge the world but to save. Those who reject His word will be judged by the same word in the last day. His words are life everlasting. Is Jesus you Savior?
May God help us to know Him personally and worship Him sincerely!!

"I am the resurrection and the life"!!

A casual reader of the Gospels will accept the fact that Jesus performed many miracles. Only one who is equal with God could perform such mighty works. The eleventh chapter of John's Gospel gives a split screen view of the resurrection Lazarus. This the last miracle Jesus did before crucifixion and the highest point in His public ministry.Mary and Martha sent the message to Jesus that Lazarus was dying. Shortly after that Lazarus died and the body was buried the same day. Jesus responded by saying that this sickness is not unto death but for the glory of God. Some time God permits sickness and death in order to reveal His glory. In this case the greater glory was manifested by raising Lazarus than healing him.  Why Jesus who loves them delayed His going and allowed them to go through such difficulty?. Why God permits suffering in our lives? God's presence in this fallen and sinful world does not mean that terrible things would not happen.  David said" it is good for me that I have been afflicted to learn His statues"(Ps 119:71). He allows sufferings to discipline us. Chastening is a training process by which we are warned of our failures and wake us up from spiritual slumber(He 12:11). Also it is for God's glory(John 9:3).God allows suffering not just  for our own good but that we may be able to comfort  others.(2Cor 1:3,4).What should be our attitude towards those who suffer?As Christians we should be willing to help them what ever way we can. Pray for them and be around them. Allow the scripture to comfort them and let the suffering do it's purpose(Jam 1:2-4). God always has some thing better for us.

Jesus delayed two days longer  to go Bethany. He never yielded to human pressure but did all things according to Father's timetable. His timing always brings the best result. Those who are in the will of God do not stumble.  Jesus said Lazarus has fallen asleep.For believers death is often referred as sleep. So by death they enter into a restful conscious life in heaven(Phi 1:23).  At last Jesus arrived  at the home of Mary and Martha  in Bethany.He loved this home and because he felt home there with His friends. Here Jesus did the greatest miracle, raising Lazarus. Mary anointed feet of Jesus here.  From here Jesus made His triumphal entry to Jerusalem.Here we see Martha at her best serving Jesus and Mary worshiping her Lord. Here Jesus assured the grieving Martha that her brother will rise again. Here Jesus made His fifth of the seven "I am" claims. "I am the resurrection and the life".Death is not the last word in the christian vocabulary. Christians may go through death but they will also experience resurrection  when Christ returns (1 Cor 15:54). When Jesus saw Mary weeping He was  deeply moved  in His spirit and wept. This shows His humanity, love and concern for His people. He suffered emotionally and physically to deliver us from sin and death(Heb 2:14,15; 5:7).He is our great high priest who can sympathize with us in our weaknesses(Heb 4:15,16).This offers us comfort and confidence in Lord.

Jesus came to to the tomb and ordered the someone to roll away the stone.  Jesus said to Martha "if you believe you would see the glory of God". World says "show us, then we believe". God says" believe then you would see the glory". Jesus thanked the Father for hearing His prayer. He wanted that the people may believe that Father hast sent Him. Then with a loud voice Jesus said "Lazarus come forth". Lazarus came forth still bound by the grave cloths. Jesus said loose him, let him go. Here we see the picture of a believer made alive in Christ but still bound by the grave cloth of flesh. They need to be set free to serve the Lord. Christ  is able to set us free as we continue in His word(John 8:31,32).  Because of this miracle  many believed in Christ. But the Jewish leaders became angry and planned to kill Jesus. Even the high priest said "Jesus must die so that the nation will live". It was a prophecy about the substituonary death  Christ  going suffer soon. With this incident Christ removed Himself from the public view.  Jesus claimed the closest possible relation with the Father. So Knowing Christ is to know God(John 8:19; 14:7). To see Christ is to see God(John 12:45;14:9). To receive Jesus is to receive God(Mk 9:37).To honor Christ is to honor God(John 5:23).  Do you know this wonderful savior?

I Am The Good Shepherd!!

The tenth chapter of John's Gospel begins with a warning. Jesus warned Jews about false shepherds. They are thieves and robbers. They abandon and abuse the sheep.They are greedy and illegitimate leaders.They claim revelation from God but do not give any evidence of truth. They are trying to lead people while avoiding the door. True leader enters by the door. In this chapter Jesus claimed that He is the door and the good shepherd. He saw the people like sheep, fainted and scattered abroad and without shepherd(Matt 9:36). Sheep usually get lost and prone to follow strangers. Without shepherd they are in danger. Shepherding is hard work. Shepherds  have unique relationship with the sheep. When sheep enters the sheepfold he would hold the rode low at the entrance and allow the sheep to pass under the rode. He make sure whether the sheep needs attention or not. In fact Jesus is the only door into the sheepfold(John 14:6; Act 4:12). Those who enter by Him  will be saved and find strength for present life. David said "the LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want(Ps 23:1). Jacob knew the Lord as the one who has been his shepherd all his life(Gen 48:15).Do you know Him as your shepherd?

Jesus said "I am  the Good shepherd who gives his life for the sheep". Christ gave His life as a voluntary act of sacrifice.He has the power to lay it down and take it back.  He enters the sheepfold  by the authorized gate.He came to do the will of the Father.  He knows sheep by their name.Good shepherd goes ahead of his sheep. He leads them to pastures. His fold includes both Jews and Gentiles.  Jesus warned Jews about religious leaders that they are hired people. They have no love for the sheep and run away in danger. But Jews  did not comprehend the story of shepherd and the sheep. They did not believe Christ because they were not His sheep. But His sheep hear His voice,  He knows them and they follow Him. Jesus said "I will give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father who has given them is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand. I and the Father are one".This passage explains believer's eternal security and assurance of salvation. Security is the fact based on the work of God through Christ. Salvation is always by grace and not by work. We are saved to serve(Eph 2:8-10). Salvation is not initiated by us either. It is not man  reaching out to God but God reaching out to us(Rom 5:6-8). Also salvation is not an after thought of God, but His eternal plan to save us through Christ(1Pet 1:18020; 2Tim 1:9). Assurance is the confident realization that we have eternal life as we hear and follow the Lord in obedience. That gives as the assurance of salvation. Once a person is saved, he is saved forever. God the Father and God the Son are in agreement in believer's eternal security.

Jesus Claiming equality with the Father angered the Jews. They took stones to stone Jesus. They failed to recognize Him by His good work. He challenged them by saying "which of my good work deserve stoning?". They said "You have made yourself equal with God".Christ appealed them to consider His work and  believe Him. But they sought to arrest Him. Jesus escaped from them.  Yet many believed in Him. Do you know this Good Shepherd who loved you and gave Himself for you? Do you enjoy the eternal life that God provided through His Son Jesus Christ? Do you have the assurance of salvation?. May God help us.

I Was Blind Now I See!!

The entire ninth Chapter of the Gospel of John illustrates the claim of Jesus that "I am the light of the world"
This passage tells the story of a blind man whose sight was restored by Jesus Christ. Jesus while walking along saw a man born blind. He is always looking for people, Blind man never requested healing yet the Lord healed him. He knows our need and willing to restore us. Meanwhile the disciples asked Jesus a loaded question. Was the blindness a result of the man's sin or his parents' sin?There was a common belief among Jews that physical  sickness is the result of sin(Ex 20:5). Jesus replied that his blind is not because of some one's fault but an opportunity for God to display His power. In the case of Job, his friends thought that terrible things happened in his life because he offended God. They were wrong and God Himself settled the issue in Chapter 38 to 41. God some times allows sufferings in believers' life to wake us up(Heb 12:3-11).It show He loves us. He uses suffering to accomplish His purpose in our lives(Act 16, Phil 1:12). God saves some from suffering, some through suffering,and some out of suffering.

Jesus told the blind man "go and wash in the pool of Siloam".Perhaps He chose this method to test his faith and obedience.He responded immediately and was healed. Thus proved that He is the light of the world. He was healed on the Sabbath and making clay on Sabbath was illegal. This cause trouble for the healed man. There was confusion and skepticism about his healing. We should never assume that once we are saved  every thing  will be okay. He faced skepticism  from neighbours and religious leaders. They asked his opinion of Jesus. He responded that He is a prophet. Jews refused to admit that and asked his parents whether their son was born blind. Because they were afraid, they wanted their son to speak for himself. Jews wanted that the man would give glory to God and confess that Christ is a sinner. At that time with unshakable conviction the man responded "I know this , I was blind and now I can see!"Highly educated Pharisees could not keep up with the man who was healed. For him it was not an intellectual issue but a moral spiritual issue. In many ways, believers are like this formerly blind man Once were blinded by Satan to see the glorious light of the gospel (2 Cor 4:4). Bur Christ opened our eyes to see our real need  and we responded to Christ. Now we have a story to tell to the nations. We may not be scholars of scripture but like that blind man we can share with others"once I was blind but now I see".

The blind man was excommunicated from the synagogue. But Christ found him and began to meet his needs. He was ready to believe but needs some direction..He responded in faith and worshiped Christ. He started his journey with calling Jesus first a Man(9:11). Then a Prophet(9:17). Then Lord(9:38). Finally Son of Man  and worshiped Him. How is our journey of faith progressing? In contempt religious leaders asked Jesus "are we also blind?". Jesus said to them"if you were blind you would have no guilt, but now that you say, we see, so your guilt remains."Christ came to offer light but they chose to remain blind. They failed to understand that all they needed was Christ. Have you ever thanked Jesus for what He has done for you. Have you received sight by believing in Christ. Are we willing to suffer for our faith in Christ?Jesus promised that He will never leave us or forsake us. Will you come to Him to receive forgiveness,strength and comfort for this journey. May God help us!!