Reading the Gospels in 2026 (7/31) John 12:37-50

Jul31

Read and believe in Jesus

“Many even of the authorities believed in Him, but for fear of the Pharisees they did not confess it so they would not be put out of the synagogue.” John 12:12

The Gospel according to John

REVIEW – Jesus reveals that He knows how He will die (crucifixion), which only shows how quickly the crowd is turning against Him in unbelief. Jesus warns them that “the Light” will be with them only a short time longer … to walk in it while they can … and to believe in the Light. He warns them of the coming darkness, but they don’t understand or care.

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John 12:37-41

After that beginning of taunting, Jesus slips away through the crowd.

Although Jesus has spoken nothing but truth to them and demonstrated sign after miraculous sign, these hard-hearted people “did not believe in Him.” Although prophets of old, as well as John the Baptist, had spoken of Him and pointed to Him as the Messiah of God, they did not, would not, believe.

The gospel writer quotes Isaiah 53:1, “Lord, who has believed what he heard from us, and to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?”

And Isaiah 6:10, “He has blinded their eyes and hardened their heart, lest they see with their eyes, and understand with their heart, and turn, and I would heal them.”


These are hard words for us: that God blinds eyes and hardens hearts in order to prevent understanding, repentance, and salvation. We don’t understand. We can’t understand. We try to make excuses: “Well, they had their chance and turned away…like Pharaoh in Egypt.”

But this was Israel, the chosen people. The seed of the promise to Eve (and the world) runs clear through the Jewish line – Noah, Abraham, Judah, King David, Zerubbabel, until Jesus’ mother, Mary. And yet their hearts were hardened towards Jesus. Hardened by God…but only for a season. In Revelation, we see that their eyes will be opened again, and as a nation they will receive their Messiah.

But for now, in God’s abundant grace, He is going to open the door for His “other sheep” to enter. The lost Gentiles. WE get a chance to SEE with eyes of faith and believe.

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John 12:42-43

“Nevertheless.”

Despite this national closing of eyes and hardening of hearts, “MANY of the authorities believed in Jesus.” Their faith was very weak and hindered by fear. (It wasn’t until after His death that Nicodemus and Joseph stepped forward to reveal their faith and love for their crucified Lord.)

They were afraid of losing their place in the synagogue. (Remember what happened to the man born blind that Jesus healed?) And, sadly, they were afraid of losing the “glory” and honor that came from their position in the eyes of “man.” (Thankfully, we saw Nick and Joe in a better light later, when God’s glory became foremost in their minds.)

But think of the conflict within that these believing authorities struggled with. Think of OUR OWN struggle to speak up in a crowd of our fellows who are unbelievers. WHY, or why, is it so hard? Jesus endured the wrath of God for us. Jesus endured the shame and taunts, and then died a despicable, horrific death. And WE can’t say, “I believe in Jesus, and you should too,” to a few friends?

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John 12:44-50

This last plea of Jesus reminds me of what he said at the Feast of Tabernacles, when He called out, “Ho! If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. Whoever believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.'” (John 7:37-38)

Now, He tells the people of His close connection with the Father. “Whoever believes in Me, believes not in Me, but in Him who sent me. Whoever sees Me, sees Him who sent me.”

And, “The one who rejects Me and does not receive my words has a judge; the WORD that I have spoken will judge him on the last day.”

And, “For I have not spoken on My own authority, but the Father who sent me has Himself given Me a commandment – what to say and what to speak. His commandment is eternal life.”

Repeat John 3:16 to yourself here…

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These were the last words Jesus spoke to the public (in John’s gospel). Now, He gathers his own Twelve (well, eleven), shows them His love, and teaches them the last intimate things they should know about Him and themselves. It begins when they gather together for the Passover supper.

Reading the Gospels in 2026 (7/30) John 12:20-36

Jul30

Read and believe in Jesus

“And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” John 12:32.

The Gospel according to John

REVIEW – On what we now call “Palm Sunday,” Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey (the picture of a peaceful king). Crowds called out Hosanna, and Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord, but did they know what they were saying? Did they truly believe Jesus was their Messiah? The religious authorities were even more determined to arrest Jesus and put Him to death, jealous of his popularity, angered at His exposing their hypocrisy. The tide is going to quickly change … and Jesus knows it.

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John 12:20-26.

Interestingly, as the Jewish officials plot Jesus’ death, and the manic crowds are soon to turn their opinion against Him, some Greeks (Gentiles, probably converted to Judaism and in Jerusalem for Passover) are SEEKING Jesus.

They ask Philip, who asks Andrew, who goes to Jesus. (With this, we get just a peek of the door opening to the Gentiles, as the Jews, “His own people, receive Him not,” and the promise, “but to those who do believe and receive Him, He gave the power to become the children of God.” See John 1:11-12)

Jesus continues with the cost of following Him, starting with His own sacrifice. He compares Himself to “a grain of wheat that falls into the earth and dies,” and then, as with a seed, it abides alone a certain time, but then grows and bears much fruit. (He is speaking of His own death, burial, and resurrection, which will eventually bring in a harvest of both Gentiles and Jews.)

And then Jesus turns the concept to His followers (His disciples and the seeking Gentile Greeks). “If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him.”

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I wonder if these Greeks went away satisfied with Jesus’ answer, stayed around for the horrendous happenings of the next week, heard about/saw His resurrection, and were ones of those who returned to their homes outside of Israel with the message of Salvation through Jesus. I wonder…

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John 12:27-30.

And now, the horror of what is to take place begins to hit Jesus. He will experience physical pain, yes, but greater still is the taking on of the wrath of God for the sins of the world. The SINLESS Savior!

2 Corinthians 5:21
"For OUR sake He made Him to be sin,
who knew no sin,
that in Him,
we might become the righteousness of God."

Philippians 2:5-8
"Have this mind among yourselves, 
which was in Christ Jesus, who, 
though He was in the form of God,
did not count equality with God, 
a thing to be grasped,
but,
made Himself nothing
taking the form of a servant,
being born in the likeness of men. 
And being found in human form, 
He humbled Himself 
by becoming obedient to the point of death,
even death on a cross."

Hebrews 12:2
"...looking to Jesus, 
the founder and perfecter of our faith, 
who for the joy that was set before Him, 
endured the cross, 
despising the shame..."

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“Now is my soul troubled. And what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour?’ But for this purpose I have come to this hour. Father, glorify Your name.”

And a voice came from heaven: “I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.”

But the crowd heard it only as thunder or perhaps an angel speaking.

“This voice has come for your sake, not mine. Now is the judgment of this world; now will the ruler of this world be cast out. And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, I will draw all people to myself!”

Jesus said this to reveal what death He would die (crucified and lifted up on a Roman cross). But the crowd disagreed. (Can you see them beginning to turn from Jesus?) “We have heard from the Law that the Christ remains forever. How can YOU say that the Son of Man must be “lifted up?” WHO is this Son of Man?”

Jesus knows they don’t understand, but urges them that, “The Light is among you for only a little while longer. Walk in the light while you HAVE the light. The darkness is coming and will overtake you.”

“WHILE YOU HAVE THE LIGHT, BELIEVE IN THE LIGHT, THAT YOU MAY BECOME SONS OF LIGHT.”

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And this warning is for us today, too. Jesus will return for those who believe in Him. Waste no time. Believe in Him while you can. Walk in that Light.

Reading the Gospels in 2026 (7/29) John 12:12-19

Jul29

Read and believe in Jesus

“Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!” John 12:13 (Psalm 118:26a)

The Gospel according to John

REVIEW – At Sabbath, in the home of Martha, while they reclined at the meal, young, sweet Mary showed her love for her Master by anointing His feet with expensive oil and wiping them with her hair. Jesus accepted her worship, but sternly rebuked Judas, who claimed the oil was wasted on Him and the money much better spent on “the poor.” Jesus knew his heart, and that he had often stolen money from those very offerings for himself, and told him to “Leave her alone.” — Judas, disgusted, soon left to meet with the Jewish authorities to make his deadly deal of betrayal. Worship or betrayal, there is no middle ground.

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John 12:12-19.

Sunday, the day after Sabbath, Jesus sent two of His disciples to procure a young donkey. He told them where it would be and what to say. (Mark 11:1-9)

Jesus deliberately planned to present Himself to the nation in the manner prophesied in Zechariah 9:9. “Fear not, daughter of Zion, behold, your King is coming, sitting on a donkey’s colt.”

Whether from hype or the natural celebration of Passover, which often involved the waving of palm branches, the crowds following Jesus and those coming out from the city to meet him cut and waved the branches as they sang Hosannas (O Save us!), and “Blessed is He who comes in the Name of the Lord!”

John comments that the crowds were those who had been with him when He called Lazarus out of the tomb and raised him from the dead, and those from the city who’d heard about it and came out to meet Him for themselves.

They met around Jesus in a cacophony of celebration! What shouts of praise! What excitement! The title of “King” was picked up and shouted. “Hosanna – Save us!” was repeated over and over.

Meanwhile the Pharisees groaned and said to each other, “You see that you are gaining nothing. Look! The world has gone after Him.”

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It was just as they feared. Did they look around, expecting at any moment that the Roman guard would appear to quell the mob, to end their rule and take over Jerusalem?

“Shhhh!” “Shut up!” “Be quiet!” they cried among the manic crowds.

They even appealed to Jesus. “Teacher, rebuke them.”

But Jesus answered that if THE PEOPLE were quiet, the STONES would cry out. (Luke 19)

Reading the Gospels in 2026 (7/28) John 12:1-11

Jul28

Read and believe in Jesus

“The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.” John

The Gospel according to John

REVIEW – Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead. A joyous, praise-worthy thing, right? And yet the Jewish authorities seethed at Jesus’ growing popularity. They called a meeting of the Council to decide what to do with Him. “If He keeps growing in popularity, promoting Himself as King, the Romans will come and take away our place (Temple & priesthood) and destroy our nation. WE MUST DO SOMETHING!” And so they put out a warrant for Jesus’ arrest, planning to seize Him and kill Him. Jesus lay low. But now Passover was approaching. The BIG Question was whether He would show up in the Holy City or not.

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John 12:1-3.

Jesus had traveled back to Jerusalem with His disciples on the Friday before Passover, arriving in time for sundown and the beginning of the Sabbath. They are again staying with His friends in Bethany and eating the Sabbath meal with them. Martha is serving (but not complaining this time). Lazarus is reclining with Jesus and his men at the table.

And Mary, who in times past sat at Jesus’ feet listening to Him teach, is again in this position. However, her heart is overflowing with gratitude and love for the Master. As she kneels there, she breaks open a small, very expensive alabaster jar of pure nard. (Nard is an oil extracted from a plant grown in India and imported, so perhaps you can imagine its fragrance…and its cost.)

(Actually, my fave perfume is from India as well and called Shalimar. It’s sugary sweet in fragrance.)

Mary anoints Jesus’ feet with the oil, and wipes it with her long hair, which she has let down. It is an act of pure love flowing from a tender heart.

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John 12:4-8.

A harsh, brittle accusation splits the air as Judas Iscariot gets to his feet. “Why was this ointment not sold for 300 denarii and given to the poor?”

He perhaps points to Mary at Jesus’ feet, her hair tangled and oily, and looks away in disgust. 300 denarii was, after all, the equivalent of a year’s wages for a common laborer.

(John again adds a bit of explanation to his gospel narrative, telling us that, “Judas said this, not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief! And having charge of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it.” )

Jesus knew this, of course, and I can imagine Him looking deep into Judas’s eyes and saying, “Leave her alone.”

Then He explained to the others, “She may keep it for the day of my burial. For the poor you always have with you, but you do not always have Me.”

As soon as he could, Judas left the meal and went to the chief priests in order to betray Jesus to them. And when they heard it, they were glad and promised to give him money. (Mark 14:10-11)

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John 12:9-11.

Somehow = perhaps Judas spread the word = a large crowd of Jews learned that Jesus was there, and they came, not only on account of Him, but also to see the risen Lazarus. So … the official Jews made plans to kill Lazarus again. Even now, many of them were believing in Jesus when they saw Lazarus!

Jesus remained the rest of the Sabbath day (Saturday, until sundown) with Martha, Mary, and Lazarus.

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The next day was Sunday … Palm Sunday.

Reading the Gospels in 2026 (7/27) John 11:45-57

Jul27

Read and believe in Jesus

“You know nothing at all. Nor do you understand that one Man should die for the people…” John11:50

The Gospel according to John

REVIEW – Jesus had finally arrived in Bethany. Lazarus was dead and in the tomb for four days. The sisters led Jesus to the burial cave that had a large stone covering the entrance. Martha protested for only a moment when Jesus said to take away the stone, thinking of decomposition. A simple reminder of seeing the glory of God moved her to obey. After Jesus prayed that the Jews observing would finally believe in Him, Jesus ordered Lazarus to come out of the tomb. And he did, amazing (shocking?) everyone. “Unbind him and let him go,” were Jesus’ words, and also His desire for all those enslaved in sin.

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John 11:45-46

“Many of the Jews who had come to mourn with Mary and Martha saw what happened and believed in Jesus.” (How could they not??) But, as we discovered before, the Jews in Judea/Jerusalem had a ‘divided opinion’ about Him.

“Some of the Jews (who also witnessed the dead Lazarus emerge from the tomb) “went to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done.”

Sheesh! Did they get any “brownie points?”

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John 11:47-53

It seems very casual at first that the Jewish leaders (chief priests/Saducees and Pharisees) called together the 70-member Sanhedrin, but this may be like calling the Supreme Court of the United States together during the summer recess. (Remember it is almost Passover.)

“What are we going to do?” Someone brings up, “This Man is performing many miracles.” (Yes, like raising the dead!)

“If we let Him go on like this … everyone will believe in Him … and the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation!”

(Feel their panic and self-centeredness?)

Then the august high priest, Caiaphas, stands. “You know nothing at all. Nor do you understand that it is better for you that one Man should die for the people, not that the whole nation should perish.”

(John inserts here in his Gospel that Caiaphas ‘did not say this of his own accord, but being high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus would die for the nation, and not for the nation only, but also to gather into one the children of God who are scattered abroad.’)

This was the last prophecy from God for Israel.

So from that day on they made plans to put Jesus to death.

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John 11:54

After raising Lazarus, Jesus stayed the Sabbath with His friends, then on Sunday, He went eastward to the region near the wilderness, to a town called Ephraim, and there He stayed with His disciples.

(NOTE: This town is probably Ephron, located 4 miles northeast of Bethel and about 12 miles from Jerusalem.)

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John 11:55-57.

And so Passover approached. Many people were flooding Jerusalem the week before to be “purified” for the sacred holiday.

They were looking for Jesus and asking one another, “What do you think? Will He come to the feast or not at all?” What if He does? What if He doesn’t?

The chief priests and Pharisees had given strict orders that if anyone knew where Jesus was, he should let them know, that they might arrest Him.

The mood was tense; people were watchful and jittery, guards were extra observant, and the religious leaders sat on pins and needles. Would Jesus try something spectacular? Would Roman soldiers flood their streets and take control?

(They were definitely NOT thinking of the meaning of Passover, and how God saved their ancestors from the death angel with a sacrificial lamb, whose blood stained their doors, allowing them to escape bitter slavery to an evil tyrant. )

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2 Corinthians 5:21

"For our sake 
He made Him to be sin 
who knew no sin, 
so that in Him, we might become 
the righteiousness of God."

Reading the Gospels in 2026 (7/24) John 11:38-44

Jul24

Read and believe in Jesus

“Did I not tell you that if you believed you would see the glory of God?” John 11:40

The Gospel according to John

REVIEW – Jesus has returned with his disciples to Judea, within a couple of miles of Jerusalem. There is danger here, as we will see in the next few readings. However, in obedience to His Father, Jesus has come to do the greatest of His miracles to bring Glory to His Father and to urge people to believe that God sent Him (He’s the Messiah).

His two friends, Martha and Mary, are sorrowing at the loss of their brother, Lazarus, who has died 4 days earlier. Jesus promises Martha that she will see the Glory of God (in the Resurrection) that day, and comforts Mary as He walks with her to the tomb. Jews who have come to commiserate with the women (or something more sinister) watch and judge Jesus.

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John 11:38-40.

At the cave where Lazarus is interred, where a large stone lies across the opening, Jesus, the sisters, and the people stop. They wait and watch Jesus. Again He is moved with indignation at the evidence of sin (death) in His creation.

“Take away the stone.”

The stone not only keeps animal scavengers and grave robbers away, but it also keeps the stench of decomposition inside.

“Lord, by this time there will be an odor, for he has been dead four days,” cautions Martha.

Jesus turns to her and says, “Didn’t I tell you that if you believed you would see the glory of God?”

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John 11:41-43.

Martha looks a moment longer at Jesus and perhaps nods. Then, as the crowd around raises their veils and shawls to cover their noses, Martha instructs several men to remove the stone. After some exertion, it is rolled to the side, leaving the dark open cave. Now, their attention is divided between the cave opening and Jesus. When He speaks, they watch Him.

Jesus looks toward heaven in prayer. “Father, I thank You that You have heard Me. I know that You always hear Me, but I said this so the people standing around may believe that You sent Me.” (That I am the Messiah.)

Then Jesus looked towards the tomb and cried out in a loud voice, “LAZARUS, COME OUT.”

(NOTE: Some say that if Jesus had NOT prefaced His command with Lazarus’ name, every dead person in graves would have been resurrected and appeared. What a sight!)

(But you know, that is EXACTLY what will happen at our Lord’s return. [See John 5:25, 28-29, READ it!] See also 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18, when the dead in Christ shall rise.)

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John 11:43-44.

“Lazarus, come out!” shouted Jesus.

(Did the people all gasp and hold their breaths?? Did Martha and Mary? What did they expect to see??)

“And the man who had died came out, his hands and feet bound with linen strips and his face wrapped with a cloth.”

(NOTE: No, not a mummy. The Hebrews did not wrap their loved ones tightly and all together like the Egyptians. Rather, they wrapped strips of linen around arms, legs, and the torso, layering strong spices in the folds to help counteract the smell. Then a separate cloth was wrapped around the head. Lazarus did not have to “hop” out of the cave entrance; his legs were wrapped separately.)

Nevertheless, he was still “bound” with the cords of death.

“Unbind him and let him go,” said Jesus kindly, and perhaps Martha and Mary did it themselves.

Can you imagine what a glad reunion that was? Hugs, weeping, touching warm, living skin, looking into moist, seeing eyes, and hearing that beloved voice again. WHAT a miracle!

And then, maybe questions … “What was it like?” “Where did you go?” “Did you see God?”

And yes, this is what believers will have to look forward to – reunion with loved ones long passed away. OH, WHAT A JOYOUS PROMISE from Jesus!

Reading the Gospels in 2026 (7/23) John 11:17-37

Jul23

Read and believe in Jesus

“I AM the resurrection and the life.” John 11:25a

The Gospel according to John

REVIEW – Jesus and His disciples are away from Judea and Jerusalem and those who wish to arrest or kill Him. They’ve been there for a couple of months. His disciples are feeling safe. Now a message comes from Mary & Martha, who live less than 2 miles from Jerusalem, telling Jesus about their brother’s serious illness. It’s obvious they want Him to come ASAP to heal him. But Jesus waits two days, until Lazarus dies. (Whoa!) His disciples are shocked when He tells them He’s heading back to Bethany now that Lazarus is dead. What happens there will be for “the glory of God,” “so that the Son of God will be glorified,” and “so His disciples may ‘believe‘.” “Okay,” says Thomas with a sigh. “Let’s go die with Him.”

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John 11:17-20

The setting:

As Jesus nears Bethany, He finds that Lazarus had already been in the tomb FOUR DAYS.

He learns that MANY of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary to “console” them concerning their brother (but also to spy on them…would Jesus come?). Jesus pauses outside the town. Martha hears He is near, and goes out to meet Him.

(Remember Martha is the older, practical sister; she takes care of the statistics of running the house, she’s planned the funeral, including all the food for the visitors, hired the official wailers, and saw to it that Lazarus was properly buried.)

She is brave and seems in control, and yet she is grieving inside.

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John 11:21-27

“Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” It seems like she might have been thinking that, whispering that under her breath, since the moment of Lazarus’s last breath.

(If only. If only. If only. How many times have you and I said that in regret?)

But… something comes to mind. Jesus HAD healed at least two people – from a distance – while in Galilee. (John 4:49-53, the official’s son, and Luke 7:7-10, the centurion’s servant) He “could have” healed Lazarus from across the Jordan. But… Jesus always obeyed the Father, and THIS ultimate healing would bring glory to both Jesus and the Father.

Martha continued her anguish in a more hopeful, respectful way. “BUT even now, I know that whatever You ask from God, God will give you.”

“Your brother will rise again.” (Jesus told her right then He would raise her brother. She didn’t dare to hope for that to happen NOW, but asked about that “future” Day.)

“I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on that day.“ (Yes, Martha had been listening to Jesus’ preaching. He had said many times that He would give eternal life to all who believed, AND would raise them ‘on the last day.’)

“I AM the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in Me … though he were dead … yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me, shall never die.”

(WOW, the DEAD shall live, and the LIVING shall never die!! What an amazing promise!)

“Do you believe this?” (Do WE believe this?)

“Yes, Lord. I believe that You are the Christ, the Son of God, who is coming into this world.”

(You know, her bold statement was every bit as magnificent as Peter’s “You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God.” Matthew 16:16)

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John 11:28-33.

Meanwhile, Martha’s younger, more sensitive sister, Mary, remained in the house, overcome by her grief. Martha ran to her and whispered, “The Teacher is here and is calling for you.”

Jesus remained cautious and outside the town, knowing the hearts of some of the Jews at their home. When Mary heard her sister’s message, she immediately got up and went outside to the place where Jesus was waiting.

(The Jews, sitting with Mary, supposed she was going to the tomb and went out with her, following her. So they observed this next scene.)

Mary fell at Jesus’ feet.

(A comforting place for her – remember she had sat at His feet listening to His teaching while Martha worked and complained, in Luke 10:38-42), and when (later) she would anoint Jesus’ feet and wipe them with her hair, in John12:1-8)

At His feet, Mary cried out the very same thing as Martha. (Had they been repeating this to each other since Lazarus’ death?) “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died.”

Jesus saw her anguish. He couldn’t reason with her as with Martha. Mary cried, clinging to His feet in abject sorrow. (He also saw the group of Jews standing off, weeping too.)

And Jesus was DEEPLY MOVED (angry, outraged, indignant) in His Spirit and GREATLY TROUBLED. He saw the unbelief that “said” death was final, that “disbelieved” in the resurrection that He promised to those who believed. He saw the awful evidence, the pain and sorrow of death that SIN had brought to humans at the fall. And it angered Him.

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John 11:34-37.

“Where have you laid him?” Jesus asked.

“Lord, come and see.”

And seeing the stone cold tomb afar off, JESUS WEPT, a silent weeping. He cried, not from Lazarus’s death for He knew He was about to raise him, but out of grief for a fallen world in which sin had caused such sorrow and grief. (His own creation, so mangled by Satan and sin.)

The group of Jews nearby said, “See how He loved him.”

But SOME of them said, “Could not He who opened the eyes of the blind man also have kept this man from dying? (These were remembering that unheard-of-before miracle of Jesus healing a man BORN blind, back in September at the Feast of Tabernacles. (Had that former blind man, saved by grace, become a fiery testimony for Jesus?)

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And YES, Jesus could have kept Lazarus from dying. But, again, He always did the Father’s will, and THAT was, at this time, that Jesus would be glorified by raising a dead and buried man back to life.

This would “picture” sinners even today who were “dead in their trespasses and sin” being “made alive together with Christ (by God’s grace) and raised up with Him to sit us with Him in heavenly places.” This would show “to the coming ages, the immeasurable riches of God’s grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.” (Ephesians 2:1-9)

Reading the Gospels in 2026 (7/22) John 11:1-16

Jul22

Read and believe in Jesus

“Then Jesus told them plainly, ‘Lazarus has died, and for your sake I am glad that I was not there, SO THAT you may believe.'” John 11:14-15

The Gospel according to John

REVIEW – The religious leaders were divided about Jesus. Most viewed Him as a law-breaker, worthy of death, but a few wondered how a “law-breaker” could do such miracles. They wanted to get it straight from Jesus (“in writing,” if you will). They ask Him, “ARE YOU THE CHRIST?” (Or probably more truthfully, ‘Are you SAYING that you are the Christ?’) Jesus kind of chuckles to Himself. “I’ve told you, and you don’t believe,” (a hundred times!!) “I, and the Father, are one.” That did it. They tried both to stone Jesus and arrest Him. But, not His time, not His hour, and they failed.

And Jesus with his close twelve went far east and north to where His ministry began. Across the Jordan to where John baptized Him and He heard His Father identify Him and tell Him of His good pleasure.” Jesus is basically DONE with His public ministry. Israel as a whole has rejected Him. He will begin now with the final, intimate training of his disciples and close friends.

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John 11:1-6,

It’s a few months later; spring and Passover are approaching. Jesus and his disciples get a message from Bethany (a town near Jerusalem). It’s from the sisters and their brother, whom Jesus loves and has spent many a meal and evening with: Mary, Martha, and Lazarus.

“Lord, he whom You love is ill.”

The sisters believed this was a serious illness, or they probably wouldn’t have sent for Jesus. They expected Him to come and heal their brother. (How old Lazarus was, we are not sure, but probably younger than his sisters, or he would have been named as the head of the house.)

Jesus spoke to His disciples, who were wondering what He would do. “This illness does not lead to death. It is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it.”

So when he heard that Lazarus was ill, He stayed two days longer in that place. The disciples probably sighed with relief, remembering how “hot” Jerusalem was for Jesus at the Feast of Dedication.

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But… did Jesus speak an “untruth” when He said Lazarus’ illness did NOT lead to death? Because we KNOW that Lazarus died, was mourned for, and was buried. No way did Jesus deceive. What Jesus said here is a tremendous comfort for us if we think about it. OUR death is not “final” in Jesus’ eyes either.

Remember when He was preaching about being the “bread of life” (John 6:39-40), He said, “For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in Him should have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day.”

We may die physically, but if we are true believers in Christ and his death for us … we WILL be resurrected to eternal life with Him. Praise GOD! Lazarus was just going to get a little taste of it.

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John 11:7-10.

Just when the disciples were breathing easy again, Jesus announced, “Let us go to Judea again.”

The disciples were confused. “Rabbi, the Jews were just now seeking to stone you, and are you going there AGAIN??”

Jesus answers them a bit cryptically. “Are there not twelve hours in the day? If anyone walks in the day, he does not stumble, because he sees the light of this world. But if anyone walks in the night, he stumbles, because the light is not in him.”

Huh?

As long as Jesus did His Father’s will (i.e., during the daylight period of his ministry when He is able to work), He was safe. The “nighttime” would soon come when His earthly work would end and He would “stumble” (die). For now, He could still safely complete God’s purposes.

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John 11:11-16

The disciples were still digesting what he said about being safe in the daytime of God’s will, when Jesus said, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep, but I go to awaken him.”

“Lord, if he has fallen asleep, he will recover.” It’s true, if a seriously ill person finally falls into a natural sleep, it means he’s getting better. NOW, the disciples thought, Jesus wouldn’t have to go to Judea. But no, they had thought wrong.

“Lazarus has died,” Jesus clarified. “And for your sake I am glad that I was not there, so that YOU may believe. But let us go to him.”

The disciples already believed in Jesus (at least eleven of them did). But Jesus wanted to strengthen their faith in Him as the Messiah and the Son of God before the dire events that would soon happen. (His arrest, trials, death.)

I can almost hear Thomas sigh. Then he said to the others, “Let US also go, that WE may die with him.”

Thomas loved His Lord. If Jesus was going to die at the hands of those mean old Jewish authorities, then he wanted to die with Him. Fatalistic, pessimistic, maybe. But Thomas shows a love that has kept martyrs through the ages firm in their faith. Jesus is my all and all. I will gladly die with and for Him.

Thomas has a couple more big hurdles to go over before we see the last of him. (At the Last Supper, and after Jesus is resurrected.) But he persevered, and his faith was rewarded.

(And, tradition says that Thomas was killed by a spear while preaching the Gospel in India about 40 years later.)

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Back to Lazarus next time.

Reading the Gospels in 2026 (7/21) John 10:22-42

Jul21

Read and believe in Jesus

“” John

The Gospel according to John

REVIEW – Jesus clearly stated that HE was the good Shepherd of Israel. He kept His sheep safe, fed them, and in fact, would lay down His life for them. He also compared Himself to the gate or door into the sheepfold – the ONLY door. There is only one way to safety, to God, to salvation, to heaven, and it is Jesus. Jesus knows that the very authorities who are harassing Him are the ones who will demand His death at the hands of the Roman government, but with power He reminds them that HE is the one with the authority, the power to give up His life. AND, He alone has the power and authority to “take it up again,” or be resurrected to life. A division among the leaders about Jesus is beginning to be apparent. But the evil core will press till they kill Him.

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John 10:22-30.

It’s now about a month or so later, in December. The Feast of Dedication, also called the Festival of Lights, or Hanukkah, is being celebrated.

(NOTE: This is not one of the Feasts that God required Israel to celebrate. In fact, it didn’t even start until 164 BC. In 170 BC, Israel fought against the then Syrian leader, Antiochus Epiphanes, who had captured Jerusalem and defiled the Temple. This Hasmonian family successfully freed the temple and the land from Syrian dominance until 63 BC, when Rome, under Pompey, took control.

This bit of guerrilla warfare was called the “Maccabean Revolt.” However, the Temple needed cleansing and their was but ONE day’s worth of sacred oil to anoint all the holy articles. It would take 8 days to make a new supply and they prayed. God allowed that ONE day’s worth of oil to light the Candlestick in the Temple for the EIGHT days. (This is why the eight candles on a Menorah are lit each night on Hanukkah today, in remembrance of that Miracle.)

Anyway, Jesus was in Jerusalem again. Since it was winter and cold, He was on the eastern side of the Temple under the sheltering “porch,” or colonnade, of Solomon (presumably with His disciples).

Some of the religious authorities approached Jesus, gathered in a circle around Him, and demanded, “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you ARE the Christ (Messiah), tell us plainly.”

Jesus answered them plainly. “I told you, and you do not believe.” Yes, He had. And several times they picked up stones to kill Him for blasphemy. But they wanted to hear His words again, encircling Him as they did, so He couldn’t escape this time.

Jesus tells them that the “works” (miracles) He does in His Father’s name should be enough proof of Who He is. But they can’t “see” that, because they are not “His sheep.” They can’t “hear” His voice calling them to follow Him either. If they DID see and hear… and believe, Jesus said He would give them eternal life, and they would never perish.

Then Jesus said that “His sheep” are safe. “No one can snatch them out of My hand.” And, “No one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand either.” Why? And here is the clincher they were waiting for: “The Father and I are One.”

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John 10:31-39

And the Jews picked up stones to stone Him.

Jesus holds them back with His words. “I have shown you many good works from the Father; for which of them are you going to stone me?”

“It’s not for a good work that we are going to stone you, but for BLASPHEMY, because YOU, being a man, make Yourself GOD,” they answer.

Then Jesus holds them back with what WE think is a very confusing argument. He talks about God calling some unjust judges “gods” (Psalm 82:6), and they know that the scripture can’t be broken; and so what’s the problem with Him calling Himself “the Son of God?”

They are perplexed for a minute, thinking that over.

Jesus continues, “If I am NOT doing the works of my Father, then do not believe me; BUT if I do them, even though you do not believe me, believe the works, that you may know and understand that … the Father is in me, and I am in the Father.”

Again they sought to arrest him, but Jesus escaped from their hands.

Hey, when it is NOT the time for arresting Him, NOTHING can stop Jesus’ escape.

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John 10:41-42.

Because of the increasing hostility, Jesus left Jerusalem and retreated across the Jordan River to where John had been baptizing. (This is where Jesus’ ministry had begun, with His own baptism, the Holy Spirit descending on Him, and the voice of His Father.) Many followed Him there, people who had heard John’s declarations about Him, and they believed in Him.

Jesus remained there until it was time for that “last” journey to Jerusalem near Passover, which would end in His death (and Resurrection).

Reading the Gospels in 2026 (7/20) John 10:1-27

Jul20

Read and believe in Jesus

“I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved…“ John 10:9a

The Gospel according to John

REVIEW – In three parts, Jesus has healed a man born blind, watched as the man’s faith grew under persecution by the Jewish leaders, and then blossomed into true discipleship and worship when he met Jesus face to face.

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John 10:1-6

Jesus continues speaking to the same people from chapter 9: religious leaders (false shepherds) who were blind so they could not lead God’s people; the people listening, whom Jesus refers to as the sheep (all Israel); and the few believers in the crowd (My sheep).

(Israel is often compared to sheep in the Old Testament, with the Lord as their shepherd (Psalm 23:1). “He will tend His flock like a shepherd; He will gather the lambs in his arms (Isaiah 40:11), and promises that one day, “I will give you shepherds after My own heart, who will feed you with knowledge and understanding.” Jeremiah 3:15.)

Jesus tells them, “in a metaphor,” that HE is the Shepherd of the sheep. When He speaks to “His sheep,” they hear him and follow Him. They know His voice and trust Him.

And although the religious leaders knew the O. T. scriptures, revealing that they were NOT the kind of shepherds that pleased the Lord. “They did not understand what Jesus was saying to them.”

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john 10:7-9

Jesus elaborates on the metaphor of sheep and shepherds from a different angle.

“I am the door of the sheep(fold). All who came before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them.”

“I am the door. If anyone enters BY ME, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture.” Jesus is saying that belief in HIM is the only way to be saved. (John 14:5 says it even more clearly, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” )

The door, the gate, the way. There is NO OTHER possible means to be saved except by Jesus and faith in His atoning work on the cross.

Jesus continues to state this even more clearly. “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.”

He compares Himself and His way of shepherding to that of the current and past shepherds of Israel. They were as ‘hired hands,’ not really caring for the sheep, only what they could get from the job. In their case, prestige, admiration, money. BUT, when real difficulty came, they were nowhere to be found, protecting themselves from the “wolves” who attacked the sheep. They were … BAD shepherds!

“I am the good shepherd. I know my own, and my own know me, just as the Father knows Me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep.”

There is personal knowledge between the Good Shepherd and His own. He knows them personally, cares for them (read Psalm 23 again), and will sacrifice Himself for them.

“And I have ‘other sheep’ that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and THEY will listen to my voice.”

Jesus is speaking of most of us, Gentiles, non-Jews. Yes, He has opened His “sheepfold” to include us as well, to any who come to Him by faith.

“So there will be ONE FLOCK, one Shepherd.”

Paul reinforces this truth. In Christ “there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing His riches on ALL who call on Him. For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Romans 10:12.

And also, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all ONE in Christ Jesus. And, if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to promise.” Galatians 3:28-29

Wow, what a promise!

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Then, probably looking straight at those religious authorities who will (in a few months) take Jesus to trial and demand His life from the Roman governor, looking at THEM, Jesus says…

“I lay down my life that I may take it up again. NO ONE takes it from me, but I lay it down of my OWN accord. I HAVE AUTHORITY to lay it down, and I have AUTHORITY to take it up again. I received this from My Father.”

WHEW! I wonder if they stepped back a pace or two at the power of Jesus’ words?

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John 10:19-21.

It’s interesting that “there was again division among the Jews because of these words.“

Many said, “He has a demon, and is insane; why listen to Him?

But others said, “These are not the words of one who is oppressed by a demon. Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?”

This is not the first time that there was division among the authorities.

In John 7:40-52, some were “wowed” by Jesus’ words, and Nicodemus even questions their ire against Him. (We know that both Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea, members of the Sanhedrin, later believed in Jesus and were responsible for burying His body after the crucifixion.)

John 9:16 tells us that at the testimony of the formerly blind man, “Some of the Pharisees said, ‘This man is not from God, for He does not keep the Sabbath.’ But others said, ‘How can a man who is a sinner do such signs/’ And there was a division among them”

Acts 6:7 also says that “a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith” under the apostles’ preaching. (That must have stirred up a hornet’s nest!)

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Anyway, it was much like today. Some will believe in Jesus and receive everlasting life and resurrection on the last day… and some will refuse to believe and forfeit eternal life in heaven for agony in hell… for eternity. Oh, be one of the former ones!!