Meditations On Johns Gospel

Meditations on Johns Gospel
Contents:
COMMENTS ON JOHN 1 MEDITATION:.............................................................................................. 2
MEDITATION ON JOHN 1................................................................................................................. 3
COMMENTS ON JOHN 4 MEDITATION:............................................................................................ 12
MEDITATION ON JOHN 4............................................................................................................... 13
COMMENTS ON JOHN 10 MEDITATION:..........................................................................................37
MEDITATION ON JOHN 10............................................................................................................. 38
COMMENTS ON JOHN 11 MEDITATION:.......................................................................................... 41
All Scripture passages are taken from the New International Version (NIV).
By Mark B. Nemzek
c2004
11-23-04
Comments on John 1 Meditation:

11/30/03
During the last five weeks I have had a hard time deciding on what topics the next series of
meditations should be on. Finally I decided meditations on the Character of God would be good.
Then a strange thing happened; every time I would try to begin writing I would hit a stone wall.
Fortunately for me it was figurative as I clearly remember falling off the ladder last year and
encountering the concrete:-)
After struggling to pull it together I sat down last Saturday (Nov 22nd) and had all the verses
starring me in the eye. But I couldn't formulate any responses. Now I've encountered writer's
block before but this was ridiculous. It was like I was being told, 'No,' and I didn't want to hear it.
In frustration I left the computer and went to my prayer place. I picked up the Bible and opened it
to John 1. This was the first time I'd seriously pleaded with our Lord to show me what to do.
As I began reading John 1 the direction for my meditations was placed in front of my nose. I
was/am to write meditations on the Gospels. As soon as I marshaled internal agreement to this
idea there was a relief that spread across my mind and heart. I also realized much to my chagrin,
that up to that point, I'd pretty much told the Lord what I was planning to do. To put it bluntly, I was
preceding him instead of following him. And for his reasons, he allowed blocks to my path.
This isn't the first time I wanted to do good for the Lord, but do it my way. Problem is that when
I'm in front of our Lord I can't see him. And he certainly is not going to bless my direction if it isn't
his direction for me. OK, I'm a slow learner, but I am learning. When Jesus says, 'follow me.' I'll
gladly do it.
Special Note: Each one of these meditations is set up as a question to God, his answer from
scripture, and a simple prayer response. Each little dialogue is presented with three to five minute
quiet time between dialogues. Ive found these meditations to be a joy to construct and an honor
to present each morning at camp.
Id like to continue to share them with you. If you are willing, set aside some quiet time, and let
our Lord minister to the busy person that you are. If for some reason this doesnt fit for you at this
time please send me a note that says, Thanks but not at this time. Ill take you off this
distribution. Either way it is my prayer that our Lord blesses you in the coming days.
NOTE: Some of you may not have received some of the earlier meditations. If you want them
please let me know. They have been on Faith, Love, Truth, Discipleship, Joy, Peace Patience,
Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, Self-Control and others on Christian Character.
11-23-04
Meditation on John 1
Jesus as Word:
Jesus, people frequently wonder if you are God. What should I say to them? You let John
answer that question clearly in the first sentence, of the first paragraph, of the first chapter of his
gospel. John 1:1-5:
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He
was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing
was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light
shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it. (NIV)
Lord, you clearly acknowledge being the Word of God and being God. It is hard to understand
three persons yet one God. As a created being I owe my whole life to you. Help me to find my
life in you.
Jesus as Light:
Jesus, what is your purpose toward us? You have John 1:9-13; give us part of the answer:
The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world. He was in the
world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him.
He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who
received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of
God--children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but
born of God.
Lord, your being sheds light on a world without light. Without you we have no eternal life. You tell
me that when I believe in Jesus Christ I can become a child born of God. Let this be so. Amen!
At Fathers Side:
Jesus, where are you now? In John 1:16-18; you explain rather clearly:
From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another. For the law
was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.
No one has ever seen God, but God the One and Only, who is at the Father's side, has
made him known.
Lord, here again you acknowledge the oneness of God and the separateness of your persons.
Grace and truth come through you. I ask that your grace be my enabler and your truth be my
guide. It is good to know that when I pray to either of you, that because of your oneness, I pray
only to you.
Jesus as Lamb:
Jesus, how was John the Baptist going to recognize you? You give us John the Baptists answer
as testimony in John 1:29-32:
The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, "Look, the Lamb of God, who
takes away the sin of the world! This is the one I meant when I said, 'A man who comes
after me has surpassed me because he was before me.'
I myself did not know him, but the reason I came baptizing with water was that he might be
revealed to Israel." Then John gave this testimony: "I saw the Spirit come down from
heaven as a dove and remain on him.
Lord, when John saw the Holy Spirit descend on Jesus as a dove he would know the Lamb of
God. Thank you for Johns faithful witness.
11-23-04
11-23-04
Jesus as Son:
Jesus, some would accuse us of having three gods. How are we to understand this mystery?
You give us the beginnings of an answer in John 1:33-37:
I would not have known him, except that the one who sent me to baptize with water told
me, 'The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is he who will baptize
with the Holy Spirit.'
I have seen and I testify that this is the Son of God."
The next day John was there again with two of his disciples. When he saw Jesus passing
by, he said, "Look, the Lamb of God!" When the two disciples heard him say this, they
followed Jesus.
Lord, you would have me believe that you are one God. Yet you are the Father, the Son, and the
Holy Spirit; three persons in one nature. And in Jesus you have your God nature and the nature
of man. What a mystery! When we believe in you, you will not be a god we can get our arms
around, you are always bigger than our comprehension. Thank you God, for that!
Jesus as Omniscient:
Jesus, do you possess the power of the Father? Your answer in John 1:45-51; gives us a hint:
Philip found Nathanael and told him, "We have found the one Moses wrote about in the
Law, and about whom the prophets also wrote-- Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph."
"Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?" Nathanael asked. "Come and see," said
Philip.
When Jesus saw Nathanael approaching, he said of him, "Here is a true Israelite, in whom
there is nothing false."
"How do you know me?" Nathanael asked. Jesus answered, "I saw you while you were still
under the fig tree before Philip called you."
Then Nathanael declared, "Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel."
Jesus said, "You believe because I told you I saw you under the fig tree. You shall see
greater things than that." He then added, "I tell you the truth, you shall see heaven open,
and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man."
Lord, Nathanael declared you to be the Son of God, and you accepted it. You demonstrated you
saw him and knew what he was doing before you even met him. You have the knowingness of
God. He was awed as am I. Amen.
mbNemzek 11/26, 11/28, 11/30
11-23-04

12/10/03
Jesus' mother, Mary was a full-grown adult, when Jesus went into his ministry. Yet she
demonstrates a simple, powerful, and childlike faith in the ability of her son to take care of the
situation. In our hi-tech age we tend to have more faith in our gadgets than our faith in God. With
all of the awesome technology we possess today none of us could do for Mary what Jesus did.
In spite of all the techno progress of the last four centuries, along with the corresponding social
development, we still have societies which will enslave others of different faith. We have cultures
that teach their children virulent hatred of others, enough so that the kids will destroy themselves
and others and think God approves.
Lest we think too well of ourselves while we are busy deploring the savagery of others; have you
ever wondered what God thinks of us? We try to pretty everything up on the surface. But every
night children go to bed hungry in this country. We have rampant divorce, murder, corporate theft,
pornography, drug usage, and of course we abort the unborn at rates of kill that makes all the
death from all the wars ever fought look like child's play.
No, we don't even have to have God's view on our culture to realize we ought not be too proud.
All the social and technological progress won't light a flame to the faith of Mary in time of need. As
Christmas draws near, it is my prayer that her faith, be his gift to each one of us in our time of
need. Amen.
11-23-04
Jesus and His Mother:
Jesus, how much did you love your earthly mother? You give a simple and active
answer in John 2:3-5:
When the wine was gone, Jesus' mother said to him, "They have no more wine."
"Dear woman, why do you involve me?" Jesus replied. "My time has not yet come."
His mother said to the servants, "Do whatever he tells you."
Lord, you give us a wonderful example here. Though you told your mom that the time wasnt
right, you demonstrated honor for her. She gave you her explicit trust that you would take care of
the situation. Teach me or bestow within my heart the faith she had.
Jesus Overcomes Nature:
Jesus, what was your first miracle demonstrating? You give your answer in John
2:6-11:
Nearby stood six stone water jars, the kind used by the Jews for ceremonial washing, each
holding from twenty to thirty gallons. Jesus said to the servants, "Fill the jars with water";
so they filled them to the brim.
Then he told them, "Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet." They did
so, and the master of the banquet tasted the water that had been turned into wine. He did
not realize where it had come from, though the servants who had drawn the water knew.
Then he called the bridegroom aside and said, "Everyone brings out the choice wine first
and then the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink; but you have
saved the best till now."
This, the first of his miraculous signs, Jesus performed at Cana in Galilee. He thus
revealed his glory, and his disciples put their faith in him.
Lord, you are the author of a quiet miracle in this scene. Only those with humble station in life
knew you had done something. But those servants and your disciples knew because in that quiet
way they were confronted with a person who could remold the fabric of reality with a word. Help
me to come to the place in life where all I seek is your word.
Jesus Love for his Father:
Jesus, how important is your Father to you? You answer by way of demonstration in John 2:1317:
When it was almost time for the Jewish Passover, Jesus went up to Jerusalem.
In the temple courts he found men selling cattle, sheep and doves, and others sitting at
tables exchanging money. So he made a whip out of cords, and drove all from the temple
area, both sheep and cattle; he scattered the coins of the money changers and overturned
their tables. To those who sold doves he said, "Get these out of here! How dare you turn
my Father's house into a market!"
His disciples remembered that it is written: "Zeal for your house will consume me."
Lord, you know that as soon as men begin to buy and sell things, something happens to their
hearts. Self interest becomes more important than loving and serving your Father. It is like you
are saying that in some places and at some times, We need to be honoring God; plus nothing
else. Help me to seek after the hearts pure motive that you want for me.
11-23-04
Jesus Knows Hearts:

Jesus, did you trust the people in Jerusalem? Your answer in John 2:23-25; is quite plain:
Now while he was in Jerusalem at the Passover Feast, many people saw the miraculous
signs he was doing and believed in his name. But Jesus would not entrust himself to
them, for he knew all men. He did not need man's testimony about man, for he knew what
was in a man.
Lord, you didnt trust the hearts of men then. You knew how fickle they were. It seems we
havent changed. Sometimes, even those who wear your name act in ways that seem no
different from the pagans way. Sometimes, my own heart is compromised. Lord help me; help
us all!
mbNemzek 12/03, 12/06, 12/09, 12/10
11-23-04

12/23/03
Though I've already written my annual Christmas writing I find it amazing that I am presented with
the prospect of completing the meditation on John 3 just before Christmas. It is in this chapter
where we are presented the concept of being 'born again.' Somehow it is quite fitting;
contemplating spiritual rebirth while at the same time focusing on the birth of Christ. Coincidence;
I think not!
This chapter is not only pregnant with the rebirth concept but also filled with the battle between
light and dark; the forces of good and evil. We are always presented with options. Buried in every
decision is the choice to walk in God's light, the darkness of self-centeredness, or worst of all
complying with evil forces.
I've heard some comments on how circumstances seem to make life extremely complicated. It
seems to me that when we are presented with choices we can choose to follow the path Jesus
has laid down for us, we can follow our own way, or we can follow the evil one.
When following Jesus, we love one another as much as is humanly possible, and then some.
Circumstances are as hard for Christians as anyone else, but by having lived the day in God's
love each follower goes to sleep each night with peace in his heart.
When we follow our own path, or that of the evil one; only then do things become complicated. As
we proceed further into the shadow life, misunderstandings turn into deceptions, deceptions into
lies, and lies into confusion. Things become complicated when you no longer remember what
was said to whom, and it was important to remember, because different versions were told to
each person.
As if that isn't bad enough, bitterness and unforgiveness set in and totally occlude the light of
truth; the light of the Son, from cleansing the soul. Yes, life then becomes complicated.
Fortunately, Jesus, through the power of the Holy Spirit, quite literally stands at the door of our
hearts, and knocks. He is always there, to give us new life, if only we will open the door.
When we open that door , to let him in, his peace, love, joy, and wisdom flood in with him.
Forgiveness thaws the heart and reconciliation is ever present. This is what Christmas is really all
about. So, though I don't understand all that had to come about in order for me to write on John 3
at Christmas, I am at peace. The great Orchestrator is weaving the events of history to bring as
many into his kingdom, as will come.
11-23-04
Child of God:
Jesus, what is your reply to those searching for eternal life? Your words in John 3:1-3; are
succinct and clear.
Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a member of the Jewish ruling
council.
He came to Jesus at night and said, "Rabbi, we know you are a teacher who has come
from God. For no one could perform the miraculous signs you are doing if God were not
with him."
In reply Jesus declared, "I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he
is born again."
Lord, I notice you dont chase the Pharisee away just because he is a man of stature and
learning. Yet, you let him know he must be born again if he is to enter your kingdom. It is good to
know that knowledge and means do not automatically exclude one from your kingdom. How are
we to be born again?
Born Again:
Jesus, how is one to be born again? Does one have to earn some special status in life to be
worthy of this new birth? You give part of your answer in John 3:4-8:
"How can a man be born when he is old?" Nicodemus asked. "Surely he cannot enter a
second time into his mother's womb to be born!"
Jesus answered, "I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is
born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit.
You should not be surprised at my saying, 'You must be born again.'
The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it
comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit."
Lord, you let us know that each one of us must have a physical birth and also a spiritual birth.
And you have kept the rebirth out of the control of the hands of men. You have made it so that
we must be totally dependant on you to be reborn into your kingdom. Thank you, lord.
Those Without:
Jesus, of my own strength, can I understand what being born again is all about? The answer you
gave Nicodemus is the same you give me in John 3:9-12:
"How can this be?" Nicodemus asked.
"You are Israel's teacher," said Jesus, "and do you not understand these things? I tell you
the truth, we speak of what we know, and we testify to what we have seen, but still you
people do not accept our testimony. I have spoken to you of earthly things and you do not
believe; how then will you believe if I speak of heavenly things?
Lord, you make it plain that when we live in our own strength we can barely comprehend the
material world and if we cant understand the simple we have no chance of understanding the
spiritual. It seems you were not intending to be critical of Nicodemus so much as you were
explaining the facts. It is almost like when a person is born blind; he can not ever understand
what vision is like. He can only understand that he is missing something. Perhaps it is like that
Lord. Im either living as a child of God or Im without God. All I know when Im without God is
that Im missing something. I can not even know what Im missing. Grant us life Lord!
11-23-04
10
Gods Love:
Jesus, how many people do you want to save? What about the rest? In John 3:16-18; you
describe the situation.
"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in
him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to
condemn the world, but to save the world through him.
Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands
condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son.
Lord, so often we see you as the judge with the big stick. What is less easily seen is that your
own son took the sticks abuse for us. His act of sacrifice is your decision, of mercy over
judgment, for all who will accept him. Since you give us all the ticket home, through our belief
upon your son Jesus Christ, those who refuse the ticket cant get home. You made it so simple it
tends to confound those wise in the worlds ways. Keep me humble enough to accept your way
even when I dont understand it.
Light and Dark:
Jesus, are you condemning the many? In John 3:19-21; you bring clarity to this issue.
This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light
because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come
into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed.
But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what
he has done has been done through God."
Lord, you honor the will of each person. When we choose to live through your grace we become
your children. When we choose the myriad other paths, and set our hearts against you; you
honor that too. You really have made it simple; I can love the truth and live in your light or I can
be lost in the dark. I can live as you designed me, in relationship with you, or I can pretend to
redesign my universe and live separated from you forever.
Johns Testimony:
Jesus, did John the Baptist believe you were the Messiah? In John 3:26-30; you accept John the
Baptists testimony.
They came to John and said to him, "Rabbi, that man who was with you on the other side
of the Jordan-- the one you testified about-- well, he is baptizing, and everyone is going to
him."
To this John replied, "A man can receive only what is given him from heaven. You
yourselves can testify that I said, 'I am not the Christ but am sent ahead of him.'
The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend who attends the bridegroom waits and
listens for him, and is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom's voice. That joy is mine,
and it is now complete. He must become greater; I must become less.
Lord, John says that he is not the Messiah and that his job is to herald your coming. When you
came he was to decrease and you were to increase. He knew first hand that you were Gods
Messiah the fallen world. I accept Johns testimony. Thank you Lord.
11-23-04
11
Sons Life:
Jesus, who are you? You have John the Baptist answer in John 3:31-36:
"The one who comes from above is above all; the one who is from the earth belongs to the
earth, and speaks as one from the earth. The one who comes from heaven is above all.
He testifies to what he has seen and heard, but no one accepts his testimony. The man
who has accepted it has certified that God is truthful. For the one whom God has sent
speaks the words of God, for God gives the Spirit without limit.
The Father loves the Son and has placed everything in his hands. Whoever believes in the
Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God's wrath remains
on him."
Lord, I accept Johns testimony about you. When I accept this, I agree to your truth. I do accept
it. It means that your Son, Jesus Christ, gives the Holy Spirit to believers. And the gift of the Holy
Spirit is limitless. Jesus, it means that I understand that all creation is under your authority; in
your hands, to do with as you please. It means that by believing in you, with my whole being, you
give me eternal life. I am awed! Thank you Lord!
mbNemzek 12/13, 12/16, 12/19, 12/22, 12/23
11-23-04
12

1/04/04
Christmas has come and gone as has New Years Day. Though things have quieted down now,
from the joyous uproar of 14 people in our house to the simplicity of 4, something of the
specialness of Christmas remains. Perhaps it is the elegance of Jesus way of dealing with
people that remains in heart and mind after all have come and gone.
In John 4, Jesus reminds us that every person we meet is our neighbor. With the casual
meetings of people in our lives, the easiest thing to do, and the last thing he wants us to do, is
treat them with pleasant indifference. He demonstrates this when he interacts with the Samaritan
woman as a person to be cared for.
He also shows us that the evangelist sometimes has the easy job. Sometimes it appears that the
evangelist gets the glory for bringing people to the Lord. But Jesus acknowledges that the many
sowers of the word, who obediently share Gods love, yet seldom see the fruit of their labor, are
truly the hard workers in the Lord. Their work is done in love and obedience, often with little
fanfare. God honors the seed depositors.
Jesus also has a word for the miracle chasers of his day and perhaps we would do well to listen.
Today we tend to want it all and we want it now. If God were just a jinn in a bottle everything
would work just fine. Yet God is not our jinn and we Christians all too often act like we are not his
servants. We live in a world of confusion in a church that often emulates the world. The path
Jesus Christ would have us walk is one of salvation, personal consecration (dying to self-will and
living fully yielded to his will), and then abiding in him. The question that each one of us faces
daily is; What will I do? Gods way or mine?
11-23-04
13
Jesus Thirsts:
Jesus, is your salvation for everyone? In John 4:6-9; you demonstrate the barriers you are willing
to break to reach the lost.
Jacob's well was there, and Jesus, tired as he was from the journey, sat down by the well.
It was about the sixth hour.
When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, "Will you give me a
drink?" (His disciples had gone into the town to buy food.)
The Samaritan woman said to him, "You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can
you ask me for a drink?" (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.) (NIV)
Lord, even in the simple transactions of life you cross the social boundaries. Perhaps we should
see it as; Starting with the simple transactions of life we need to cross the social boundaries.
So often we forget the beginning points and try to resolve extreme difficulties without having
exercised common courtesy in the little things of life. Help me to act with kindness to all who
cross my path.
Living Water:
Jesus, is it easy to convey spiritual truth to people? You demonstrate just how hard it is to grasp
the spiritual in John 4:10-14:
Jesus answered her, "If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink,
you would have asked him and he would have given you living water."
"Sir," the woman said, "you have nothing to draw with and the well is deep. Where can you
get this living water? Are you greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well and
drank from it himself, as did also his sons and his flocks and herds?"
Jesus answered, "Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks
the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a
spring of water welling up to eternal life."
Lord, you were trying to convey spiritual life terms to a woman who insists on physical world
issues. She wouldnt see past the physical well and physical water and by doing that she thought
you were handicapped. How much 20th and 21st century baggage do I put in front of you when
you speak to me? Lord, show me how I misinterpret your ways because all of the modern toys
prevent genuine spiritual insight.
Many Thirst:
Jesus, what do you know about the people you talk with? You show us what is secret and what
is made known in John 4:15-19:
The woman said to him, "Sir, give me this water so that I won't get thirsty and have to keep
coming here to draw water."
He told her, "Go, call your husband and come back."
"I have no husband," she replied. Jesus said to her, "You are right when you say you have
no husband. The fact is, you have had five husbands, and the man you now have is not
your husband. What you have just said is quite true."
"Sir," the woman said, "I can see that you are a prophet.
Lord, sometimes I face the realization that there are no secrets from you. As a culture we have
made so much of the right to privacy idea. It is hard to realize that even cherishing such an idea
is anti-Christian. Help me to live, knowing that all my thoughts, words, and deeds will be, and
even now are, exposed to your light.
11-23-04
14
Worship in Spirit:
Jesus, where and how are we to worship? You give beginning insights into the differences
between the Old and New Covenants in John 4:20-26:
Our fathers worshiped on this mountain, but you Jews claim that the place where we must
worship is in Jerusalem."
Jesus declared, "Believe me, woman, a time is coming when you will worship the Father
neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem.
You Samaritans worship what you do not know; we worship what we do know, for
salvation is from the Jews. Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true
worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers
the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth."
The woman said, "I know that Messiah" (called Christ) "is coming. When he comes, he will
explain everything to us."
Then Jesus declared, "I who speak to you am he."
Lord, we are to worship you in spirit and in truth. When my spirit is washed in your Holy Spirit I
am fully able to worship you in truth. You are truth. With respect to worship, physical location is
unimportant and spiritual communion is everything. Help me to remember that I never need to be
in a special place to be in relationship with you.
Spiritual Food:
Jesus, what is spiritual food? You give me a clear answer in John 4:31-34:
Meanwhile his disciples urged him, "Rabbi, eat something."
But he said to them, "I have food to eat that you know nothing about."
Then his disciples said to each other, "Could someone have brought him food?"
"My food," said Jesus, "is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work.
Lord, help me to be aware that at the times when situations in the physical world seem to demand
all of my attention the important concerns of eternal value remain in Gods will.
Sower and Reaper:
Jesus, how does the relationship between the sower and reaper work? In John 4:35-38; you
show us the importance of the relationship between the two:
Do you not say, 'Four months more and then the harvest'? I tell you, open your eyes and
look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest. Even now the reaper draws his wages, even
now he harvests the crop for eternal life, so that the sower and the reaper may be glad
together.
Thus the saying 'One sows and another reaps' is true. I sent you to reap what you have
not worked for. Others have done the hard work, and you have reaped the benefits of their
labor."
Lord, I need to remember that when ever my efforts have contributed to a person becoming one
of your followers you have already used many people as word planters in that persons life. Help
me to realize that through your Holy Spirit, you have used many to save each new person
entering your kingdom.
11-23-04
15
Samaritan Believers:
Jesus, in my everyday life, who should I reach out to? In John 4:39-43; you show me that every
person, who listens, is to be reached out to:
Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman's testimony,
"He told me everything I ever did."
So when the Samaritans came to him, they urged him to stay with them, and he stayed two
days. And because of his words many more became believers.
They said to the woman, "We no longer believe just because of what you said; now we
have heard for ourselves, and we know that this man really is the Savior of the world."
After the two days he left for Galilee.
Lord, help me to remember that every person, put in my path each day, is a person who needs
your touch. Keep my mind clear and my heart open to minister in the way that person needs.
Help me to overcome my prejudices and be willing to work with all persons you bring my way.
Constant Giving:
Jesus, did you ever get frustrated with peoples constant call on your abilities? You give me a
succinct answer in John 4:46-49:
Once more he visited Cana in Galilee, where he had turned the water into wine. And there
was a certain royal official whose son lay sick at Capernaum. When this man heard that
Jesus had arrived in Galilee from Judea, he went to him and begged him to come and heal
his son, who was close to death.
"Unless you people see miraculous signs and wonders," Jesus told him, "you will never
believe." The royal official said, "Sir, come down before my child dies."
Lord, you seemed impatient with a Jewish official, who was not your follower, when he asked for
his sons healing. Yet he was persistent. If you were impatient with a non-believer for seeking
signs and wonders how do you feel about your own followers who want miracles on demand?
Help me to remember that I am your servant and that you are not mine, while understanding I am
to submit everything to you in prayer.
Belief and Miracles:
Jesus, why did you exercise the miracle of healing? In John 4:50-53; you give me one of the
reasons for the healings you did.
Jesus replied, "You may go. Your son will live." The man took Jesus at his word and
departed.
While he was still on the way, his servants met him with the news that his boy was living.
When he inquired as to the time when his son got better, they said to him, "The fever left
him yesterday at the seventh hour." Then the father realized that this was the exact time at
which Jesus had said to him, "Your son will live." So he and all his household believed.
Lord, the miracles you implemented catalyzed people into belief. Belief in you generated the
greatest miracle, the miracle of salvation of a mans soul. When things arent going perfectly my
way and my requests seem to be met with your silence jog my memory about salvation and
eternal life. During the down times help me to remember that you weave all events to the
purification of my souls walk with you and ultimately into stepping into eternity with you. Amen!
mbNemzek 12/25/03, 12/26, 12/27, 12/29 12/30, 1/1/04, 1/03, 1/04
11-23-04
16

1/25/04
Sometimes folks have said to me that Jesus never claimed to be God. After reading John 5 one
can only conclude that Jesus certainly believes he is God's Son. When he heals those who are
impossible to heal and then claims to be doing what his Father is doing he makes it so clear, as to
whom he is, that the Jewish leaders want to kill him.
Today in our politically correct society we are encouraged to accept that all beliefs are equally
valid. However, with just one moment of clear thought, anyone can see this simply can not be the
case. The Islamic belief system holds that Jesus is merely a prophet and not God's Son. The
Christian faith holds that Jesus is the Son of God. It is impossible for both of these beliefs to be
true at the same time.
One would literally have to be insane (pc jargon would probably be rationally impaired) to
maintain both statements as true. Yet all major religions have basic beliefs that contradict one
another in some major fashion. Supposedly, the tolerant thing is to agree each truth is good for
each of the different parties in its own way. However, this is the equivalent to saying there is no
truth. As loving as I desire to be to my friends and family I certainly do not wish to be a liar.
So I am left with the position that is bound to offend some when I say it. But remember I am just
the messenger. It is not I who first said Jesus is the Son of God. He said it. I happen to believe he
is telling the truth. Over two hundred prophecies, written hundreds of years before Christ, point to
Jesus as being the Son of God. No other religion on earth has this kind of historic validity to stand
on.
Having once been a non-believer, for several years in my life, and now being follower of Jesus
Christ; it is my heart's desire that everyone would come to know and love him. I am convinced it is
the only thing that has eternal value. But instead of me carrying on, let's let Jesus have his say in
John 5.
11-23-04
17
Healing Hard Cases:
Jesus, did you pick the people with the easiest infirmities to heal or did you choose the hard
ones? You give me a clear answer in John 5:1-8:
Some time later, Jesus went up to Jerusalem for a feast of the Jews. Now there is in
Jerusalem near the Sheep Gate a pool, which in Aramaic is called Bethesda and which is
surrounded by five covered colonnades. Here a great number of disabled people used to
lie-- the blind, the lame, the paralyzed.
One who was there had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him lying
there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, he asked him, "Do you
want to get well?"
"Sir," the invalid replied, "I have no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred.
While I am trying to get in, someone else goes down ahead of me."
Then Jesus said to him, "Get up! Pick up your mat and walk."
Lord, clearly you chose one of the people with the worst problems when you chose a man waiting
for 38 years. Help me to remember that impossible situations are not major issues for you.
Not Seeing:
Jesus, how willing were the Jewish leadership to see you as the Son of God? In John 5:9-13;
you reveal the hearts of the leadership:
At once the man was cured; he picked up his mat and walked. The day on which this took
place was a Sabbath, and so the Jews said to the man who had been healed, "It is the
Sabbath; the law forbids you to carry your mat."
But he replied, "The man who made me well said to me, 'Pick up your mat and walk.'"
So they asked him, "Who is this fellow who told you to pick it up and walk?"
The man who was healed had no idea who it was, for Jesus had slipped away into the
crowd that was there.
Lord, all too often we cast figurative stones at folks who do something remarkable but they do it
without following the correct process, rules, or regulations. Help me to remember that miracles,
by virtue of being miracles, will always bypass the stated way of doing things. Give me the
flexibility of mind and heart to receive and partake in the unexpected joy that you bring when
arriving into the middle of a situation.
Clear Identity:
Jesus, did you keep your identity secret from the leadership of Israel? You shed light on this
matter in John 5:14-17:
Later Jesus found him at the temple and said to him, "See, you are well again. Stop
sinning or something worse may happen to you."
The man went away and told the Jews that it was Jesus who had made him well. So,
because Jesus was doing these things on the Sabbath, the Jews persecuted him.
Jesus said to them, "My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I, too, am
working."
Lord, you claimed God as your Father and by doing so you equated yourself on the same level as
God. The Jewish leaders hated you for that. I love you for being who you implied you are.
11-23-04
18
Gods Power:
Jesus, were you just some poor itinerant teacher who didnt understand the people and the
times? In John 5:18-21; you give a reply that shows how clearly you understood reality:
For this reason the Jews tried all the harder to kill him; not only was he breaking the
Sabbath, but he was even calling God his own Father, making himself equal with God.
Jesus gave them this answer: "I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself; he
can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son
also does.
For the Father loves the Son and shows him all he does. Yes, to your amazement he will
show him even greater things than these. For just as the Father raises the dead and gives
them life, even so the Son gives life to whom he is pleased to give it.
Lord, you witness that you do what your Father does. You even claim that you have the same
power of life as your Father. Those with vested interests in personal and political power would
have little to do with you. Jesus, even in my down moments, grant me the grace and the courage
to always claim you as my life sustainer.
Gods Authority:
Jesus, what kind of authority do you have? You give me a definitive answer in John 5:22-27:
Moreover, the Father judges no one, but has entrusted all judgment to the Son, that all
may honor the Son just as they honor the Father. He who does not honor the Son does not
honor the Father, who sent him.
"I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life
and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life. I tell you the truth, a
time is coming and has now come when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God and
those who hear will live.
For as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted the Son to have life in himself. And
he has given him authority to judge because he is the Son of Man.
Lord, I do hear and believe you. Without you I was but a wisp of smoke, touching eternitys
surface, only to slide into oblivion. But when I came to you I gained a life of your own, an element
of the old me was there, but it was a me transformed with your own life, filled with an essence fit
for eternity.
Scripture Testifies:
Jesus, who and or what testifies about you? You give me part of the answer in John 5:36-42:
"I have testimony weightier than that of John. For the very work that the Father has given
me to finish, and which I am doing, testifies that the Father has sent me. And the Father
who sent me has himself testified concerning me. You have never heard his voice nor seen
his form, nor does his word dwell in you, for you do not believe the one he sent.
You diligently study the Scriptures because you think that by them you possess eternal
life. These are the Scriptures that testify about me, yet you refuse to come to me to have
life.
"I do not accept praise from men, but I know you. I know that you do not have the love of
God in your hearts.
Lord, the Scriptures you gave through the hearts and hands of Moses, the prophets, and lastly
the apostles were and remain sufficient for all who seek you. They will never be enough to satisfy
those who dont want you or those who desire themselves to be gods. May your Word always be
my light and my fuel to bring me closer to your presence.
11-23-04
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Moses Testifies:
Jesus, who wrote about you in the Old Testament? You give a clear explanation in John 5:42-47:
I have come in my Father's name, and you do not accept me; but if someone else comes in
his own name, you will accept him. How can you believe if you accept praise from one
another, yet make no effort to obtain the praise that comes from the only God?
"But do not think I will accuse you before the Father. Your accuser is Moses, on whom
your hopes are set. If you believed Moses, you would believe me, for he wrote about me.
But since you do not believe what he wrote, how are you going to believe what I say?"
Lord, you say plainly that Moses is a witness to you. Those filled with self life refused to believe,
Moses, the prophets, or you. It is much the same today. Give me the courage and the words to
witness when ever you decide the moment is right. Amen!
mbNemzek 01/06/04, 1/08, 1/14, 1/21, 1/22
11-23-04
20

2/08/04
The Gospel of John is an often misunderstood gospel. Matthew, Mark, and Luke give the
teachings, and narratives about Jesus public ministry. They give us the facts about the man who
is Gods son. They minister to the mind of the believer and unbeliever alike. John, unlike the
other three, gives us the heart of Jesus Christ.
One friend said Johns Gospel was filled with enormously complex theology when compared to
the other three gospels. My reply to that is we need to know about Jesus and we need to know
his heart. It is only when I know Jesus heart for me that I can come close to knowing Gods love
for me. Indeed, Johns Gospel is filled with incomprehensible theology when one tries to
understand it intellectually. Yet when this Gospel is appreciated with my heart I am at peace with
my Creator.
If the Gospel of John is complex John 6 is the most complex of the complex. It is also the heart
of Gods tenure on earth as Jesus Christ.
When Jesus says we must eat his body and drink his blood to have eternal life many of the Jews
found the teaching abhorrent. I suspect many of Jesus own disciples turned away because this
literal truth would be disgusting on the concrete level.
However, it would be the worst mistake I could ever make if I assumed Jesus was only talking
symbolically. If this is symbolic then everything about Christianity is symbolic and our faith is
useless symbolism and has no place in reality.
Fortunately, for us all, Jesus doesnt leave us in this lurch. He tells us his words are spirit and life.
If the spiritual realm exists then he is not talking symbolically he is speaking in spiritual terms.
When I think of eating his body and drinking his blood in spiritual terms I speak about hungering
and thirsting for God as the source of my life. If I do not hunger and thirst for Him with my whole
being how could I ever love him with all my, heart, soul, mind, and strength?
When our desire for Jesus is so strong that we ask for his salvation and lordship we are born
again. His Holy Spirit takes up residence within our own spirits. He brings us eternal life. Our
lives depend on his. In short, he is our fuel for eternity. In this instance feeding on him physically
really means depending on him, and on him, alone for eternal spiritual life.
Dont leave John 6 without getting it. Because getting, it in spiritual terms, means you are his and
he is yours. You have life. If you dont get it, go back and ask him with all your heart, to help you
receive him. In simple terms he is saying, If I am not your fuel for life, you still have not life.
Jesus is the answer.
11-23-04
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Jesus Inquires:
Jesus, what are your thoughts about humanity collectively? You give some insight in John 6:5-9:
When Jesus looked up and saw a great crowd coming toward him, he said to Philip,
"Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat?"
He asked this only to test him,
for he already had in mind what he was going to do.
Philip answered him, "Eight months' wages would not buy enough bread for each one to
have a bite!"
Another of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, spoke up, "Here is a boy with five
small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many?" (NIV)
Lord, you realize that as a group we humans have needs that need to be met. You also realize
that there are negative consequences if you use miracles to feed the people. But you feed us
anyway. Thank you, Lord.
Giving Food:
Jesus, what affect do your miracles have on people? You give your answer in John 6:10-15:
Jesus said, "Have the people sit down." There was plenty of grass in that place, and the
men sat down, about five thousand of them. Jesus then took the loaves, gave thanks, and
distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted. He did the same with the
fish.
When they had all had enough to eat, he said to his disciples, "Gather the pieces that are
left over. Let nothing be wasted." So they gathered them and filled twelve baskets with the
pieces of the five barley loaves left over by those who had eaten.
After the people saw the miraculous sign that Jesus did, they began to say, "Surely this is
the Prophet who is to come into the world." Jesus, knowing that they intended to come
and make him king by force, withdrew again to a mountain by himself.
Lord, you grant a miracle with an intent to show your compassion for all of our needs, even the
physical needs like hunger. Instead of gratitude, all too often the response we give is a selfish
desire to be near the power. We want to make you king and then of course to be close to you. Is
the desire of the Christian really any different today? Do we want to love and be obedient to you
or do we want the miracles and the power you can provide?
Walking on Water:
Jesus, did you allow your apostles to linger in doubt about who you were? You gave them
extreme clarity as to who you are in John 6:16-21:
When evening came, his disciples went down to the lake, where they got into a boat and
set off across the lake for Capernaum. By now it was dark, and Jesus had not yet joined
them.
A strong wind was blowing and the waters grew rough. When they had rowed three or
three and a half miles, they saw Jesus approaching the boat, walking on the water; and
they were terrified.
But he said to them, "It is I; don't be afraid."
Then they were willing to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the
shore where they were heading.
Lord, you executed a miracle to the masses. Then you followed it up with walking on water, a
feat that would be impossible to duplicate. Your apostles were left with awe to hold onto. There
were no props out there on the water so they knew, without any doubt, that you were a man of
supernatural power. In a practical way, they knew you were who you said you were.
11-23-04
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Knowing the Heart:

Jesus, when people pursue with wrong motives, what do you do? In John 6:24-27, you
demonstrate how you try to help them turn toward you:
Once the crowd realized that neither Jesus nor his disciples were there, they got into the
boats and went to Capernaum in search of Jesus. When they found him on the other side
of the lake, they asked him, "Rabbi, when did you get here?"
Jesus answered, "I tell you the truth, you are looking for me, not because you saw
miraculous signs but because you ate the loaves and had your fill. Do not work for food
that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. On
him God the Father has placed his seal of approval."
Lord, you took their crass motives and encouraged them to lift their vision to things of eternity. It
seems you continually do the same with us today. I bring you a concrete need and you
encourage me to review that within the context of eternity. Many of these serious needs then
seem to melt into desires.
Knowing Gods Work:
Jesus, what must people do to please God? You give a succinct response in John 6:28-32:
Then they asked him, "What must we do to do the works God requires?"
Jesus answered, "The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent."
So they asked him, "What miraculous sign then will you give that we may see it and
believe you? What will you do? Our forefathers ate the manna in the desert; as it is
written: 'He gave them bread from heaven to eat.'"
Jesus said to them, "I tell you the truth, it is not Moses who has given you the bread from
heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven.
Lord, it is here where you confound those who seem to have wisdom. Men and women of
means, of yesteryear and today, have always wanted to prove their worthiness to you. The self
sufficient get to walk with you after drinking the cup of humility. The simple are so glad just to be
with you that their gratitude overflows from the cup of love youve given them. I know, Ive drunk
from both cups.
Life Bringer:
Jesus what does a person need to do to gain eternal life? In John 6:33-39, you begin to give your
response to me and to the world:
For the bread of God is he who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world."
"Sir," they said, "from now on give us this bread."
Then Jesus declared, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry,
and he who believes in me will never be thirsty. But as I told you, you have seen me and
still you do not believe.
All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive
away. For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who
sent me. And this is the will of him who sent me, that I shall lose none of all that he has
given me, but raise them up at the last day.
Lord, help me to realize in my core, that you are the bread of life. I cant keep you on the outside
and receive nourishment. Somehow you must be internalized into me for me to gain the life you
have in your self. Lord, keep my hunger for you strong.
11-23-04
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Eternal Life:
Jesus, will you give me, a sinner, eternal life? In John 6:40-44, you throw out the life preserver:
For my Father's will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have
eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day."
At this the Jews began to grumble about him because he said, "I am the bread that came
down from heaven." They said, "Is this not Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and
mother we know? How can he now say, 'I came down from heaven'?"
"Stop grumbling among yourselves," Jesus answered. "No one can come to me unless
the Father who sent me draws him, and I will raise him up at the last day.
Jesus, I choose to look to you and believe in you and I leave with you my trust for eternal life.
Some thought doing this kind of thing was foolish then and no doubt some will think that way
today. Yet you alone remain the answer to lifes primary questions.
Bread of Life:
Jesus, what do you equate your teaching to? You give me a clear answer in John 6:45-51:
It is written in the Prophets: 'They will all be taught by God.' Everyone who listens to the
Father and learns from him comes to me. No one has seen the Father except the one who
is from God; only he has seen the Father.
I tell you the truth, he who believes has everlasting life. I am the bread of life. Your
forefathers ate the manna in the desert, yet they died. But here is the bread that comes
down from heaven, which a man may eat and not die.
I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live
forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world."
Lord, you equate your life teaching to eating food. When I eat, my physical body consumes
matter and has fuel for physical life. When I let you in as Savior and Lord my spirit comes alive.
Yet letting you in is all consuming, you become my fuel for eternal life. This is a hard learning.
Flesh and Blood:
Jesus, would you have me be a cannibal? You give me a clear but uncomfortable answer in
John 6:52-58:
Then the Jews began to argue sharply among themselves, "How can this man give us his
flesh to eat?"
Jesus said to them, "I tell you the truth, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and
drink his blood, you have no life in you.
Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the
last day. For my flesh is real food and my blood is real drink.
Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in him.
Just as the living Father sent me and I live because of the Father, so the one who feeds on
me will live because of me. This is the bread that came down from heaven. Your
forefathers ate manna and died, but he who feeds on this bread will live forever."
Lord, anyone trying to comprehend your words in a purely rational manner would find them
disgusting. You arent saying, Is like, or as if, you are speaking literally. Part of me wants you
to be speaking symbolically but where would real life be then? You are saying we must consume
you or we have no life.
11-23-04
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Spiritual Life:
Jesus, what is difference between physical life and spiritual life? You answer me in John 6:59-63:
He said this while teaching in the synagogue in Capernaum. On hearing it, many of his
disciples said, "This is a hard teaching. Who can accept it?"
Aware that his disciples were grumbling about this, Jesus said to them, "Does this offend
you? What if you see the Son of Man ascend to where he was before!
The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you are
spirit and they are life.
Lord, you bring crystal clarity to those who know you. All too often we concentrate on the
physical when our eyes and hearts need to be dwelling on the spiritual. Our whole physical
selfdom can not generate life only your Holy Spirit can. If we do not hunger and thirst for your
spiritual presence in our lives then; well then, we are no better than dead men walking!
Trust and Betrayal:
Jesus, is betrayal one of the costs to love and trust? You give me an answer to reflect upon in
John 6:64-71:
Yet there are some of you who do not believe." For Jesus had known from the beginning
which of them did not believe and who would betray him. He went on to say, "This is why I
told you that no one can come to me unless the Father has enabled him."
From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him.
"You do not want to leave too, do you?" Jesus asked the Twelve.
Simon Peter answered him, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal
life. We believe and know that you are the Holy One of God."
Then Jesus replied, "Have I not chosen you, the Twelve? Yet one of you is a devil!"
(He meant Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, who, though one of the Twelve, was later to
betray him.)
Lord, you have given me love, peace, and eternal life; that and eternal companionship. When I
claim to love you I am required to share you with others. I am to love them too. Part of the risk of
loving others is trampling and betrayal of my heart. It is a hard business; this making peace
where it is not, this loving others when the payment can be a broken and wounded heart. Even
so, when Ive obeyed, and my heart has been grievously wounded, I walk in your companionship
and in your love for humankind. When my heart is breaking over another brother or sister, I know
your heart for humanity a little better. Amen!
mbNemzek 01/28/04, 1/30, 2/03, 2/04, 2/08
11-23-04
25

2/23/04
John 7 seems to be a transition chapter. As such it is much like the ordinariness of life. Most of
us live lives where we wake up in the mornings, go about our business of the day, and then go
home to dinner and family. It is not the same for everyone but there is some routine in the
ordinary events of life. Yet life with Jesus seems to transform the ordinary into something else
again!
In this chapter, one of the more routine chapters of John, Jesus isnt allowing situations to
degrade into ordinary. He works with the disbelief of his brothers, teaches in the temple,
challenges peoples perceptions, and ruffles the feathers of the leadership. It seems that where
ever Jesus was, the ordinary wasnt.
If you are like me then some of your days may not seem full enough, and some may seem too
full, but most of them seem to have little of eternal significance in them. Could it be that they
might even have been a bit boring? That of course causes me to wonder, Just how much did I
let Jesus direct my life today? Did I remember to spread his love, joy, and even his penetrating
insights into life among those I live with today?
These are the kinds of questions that are uncomfortable to ask myself. They help me realize that
when I fall short of Gods mark for my life, often, it is not in the many wrong things I did, it is in the
many right things that I failed to do. My prayer for me is that I remember to actively share Jesus
and his ways more frequently in my everyday life.
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Jesus Brothers:
Jesus, how did your family deal with you? You show us your brothers response in John 7:3-8:
Jesus' brothers said to him, "You ought to leave here and go to Judea, so that your
disciples may see the miracles you do. No one who wants to become a public figure acts
in secret. Since you are doing these things, show yourself to the world." For even his own
brothers did not believe in him.
Therefore Jesus told them, "The right time for me has not yet come; for you any time is
right. The world cannot hate you, but it hates me because I testify that what it does is
evil.
You go to the Feast. I am not yet going up to this Feast, because for me the right time has
not yet come." (NIV)
Lord, your own brothers didnt understand or believe in you. It must have been a lonely
experience. Perhaps we can use this experience help us when we face the stand alone times
when even our own family seems miles apart.
Gods Teaching:
Jesus, what is it that you are trying to teach us? You clarify in John 7:14-19:
Not until halfway through the Feast did Jesus go up to the temple courts and begin to
teach.
The Jews were amazed and asked, "How did this man get such learning without having
studied?"
Jesus answered, "My teaching is not my own. It comes from him who sent me. If anyone
chooses to do God's will, he will find out whether my teaching comes from God or whether
I speak on my own. He who speaks on his own does so to gain honor for himself, but he
who works for the honor of the one who sent him is a man of truth; there is nothing false
about him. Has not Moses given you the law? Yet not one of you keeps the law. Why are
you trying to kill me?"
Lord, you came to teach your Fathers Way. And in perfect servant hood you did just that. When
ever you place me in the ambassador role please help me to reflect your servant hood.
Legalism:
Jesus, when you walked the earth, what did you think of legalism? You answer this question in
John 7:20-24?
"You are demon-possessed," the crowd answered. "Who is trying to kill you?"
Jesus said to them, "I did one miracle, and you are all astonished. Yet, because Moses
gave you circumcision (though actually it did not come from Moses, but from the
patriarchs), you circumcise a child on the Sabbath. Now if a child can be circumcised on
the Sabbath so that the law of Moses may not be broken, why are you angry with me for
healing the whole man on the Sabbath? Stop judging by mere appearances, and make a
right judgment."
Lord, you pointed out the hypocrisy of religious leaders when they were willing to circumcise a
child on the Sabbath but not allow a healing. A person could be wounded but not healed on the
Sabbath. Love for God and ones neighbor is turned on its head with such reasoning. You saw it
and they wouldnt. But before I cast stones at them, show me Lord where I too violate your
essence with my selfish ways.
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Presenting Truth:
Jesus, when you tried to tell the crowds where you were from or who you were, how did they
respond? In John 7:28-32, you share what their responses were:
Then Jesus, still teaching in the temple courts, cried out, "Yes, you know me, and you
know where I am from. I am not here on my own, but he who sent me is true. You do not
know him, but I know him because I am from him and he sent me."
At this they tried to seize him, but no one laid a hand on him, because his time had not yet
come.
Still, many in the crowd put their faith in him. They said, "When the Christ comes, will he
do more miraculous signs than this man?"
The Pharisees heard the crowd whispering such things about him. Then the chief priests
and the Pharisees sent temple guards to arrest him.
Lord, some tried to kill you and some wanted to believe in you. It is much the same today. Many
in the halls of power want to remove all memories of you in the public place. Then they wring
their hands in despair as the children become heathen killers. Were not so different Lord.
Misunderstandings:
Jesus, did the crowds ever understand you? You allow John 7:33-36, to demonstrate crowd
understanding.
Jesus said, "I am with you for only a short time, and then I go to the one who sent me. You
will look for me, but you will not find me; and where I am, you cannot come."
The Jews said to one another, "Where does this man intend to go that we cannot find him?
Will he go where our people live scattered among the Greeks, and teach the Greeks?
What did he mean when he said, 'You will look for me, but you will not find me,' and 'Where
I am, you cannot come'?"
Lord, when you said things in public you were often misunderstood. Most did not understand that
you were sent from God. Even today many do not understand that you are from God, of God,
and in nature God. In some ways a god way out there is easier to deal with than a God right
here. But then you didnt come here to ensure our ease and comfort.
Spiritual Life:
Jesus, what is the pure essence you desire people to know about you. You give your answer in
John 7:37-39:
On the last and greatest day of the Feast, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, "If anyone
is thirsty, let him come to me and drink.
Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from
within him."
By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were later to receive. Up to
that time the Spirit had not been given, since Jesus had not yet been glorified.
Lord, you told them, and us today, that if we believe in you then your Holy Spirit will dwell in us
and flow through our lives. They were expecting you, the messiah and couldnt grasp it. Today, a
large element of those, who say they believe, have reduced all you did, said, and were to
symbolism and myth. Your Holy Spirit, who testifies to you as truth, can not be in them. You are
just as misunderstood and missing in as many peoples lives today as you were then.
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Mixed Reception:
Jesus, when I tell people about you what should I expect? You let John 7:40-44, represent the
peoples response:
On hearing his words, some of the people said, "Surely this man is the Prophet." Others
said, "He is the Christ." Still others asked, "How can the Christ come from Galilee? Does
not the Scripture say that the Christ will come from David's family and from Bethlehem,
the town where David lived?"
Thus the people were divided because of Jesus.
Some wanted to seize him, but no one laid a hand on him.
Lord, when I speak of you today, I should not be surprised when there are many reactions.
Everything is there, from outright denial, hatred, and indifference, toward the more favorable
responses of extreme gratitude and love for you. When Im among my unbelieving friends I
realize that they do not realize that all life hangs in balance. The urgency that is upon me is not
easily made known to them. It is then that I need the full measure of love, patience, kindness,
gentleness, and mercy.
Timing Control:
Jesus, could the authorities have taken you any time they wanted to? You show where control
resides in John 7:45-49:
Finally the temple guards went back to the chief priests and Pharisees, who asked them,
"Why didn't you bring him in?"
"No one ever spoke the way this man does," the guards declared.
"You mean he has deceived you also?" the Pharisees retorted.
"Has any of the rulers or of the Pharisees believed in him?
No! But this mob that knows nothing of the law-- there is a curse on them."
Lord, evil was alive and well in those days. Even then one of evils deceptions was to believe that
it was in control. Even though you grant free will, when that will is toward evil, the expression of
that evil can only exist within the confines of your given permission. The leaders didnt
understand that then, and in a similar way, those living without your presence in their lives, dont
understand that today. So evil continues to wreak its havoc among us and we believers need to
strive to remember your presence in our lives and be your love to the world.
Minority Courage:
Jesus, were there any supporters for you among the Jewish leadership? In John 7:50-53, you
show there was a little support:
Nicodemus, who had gone to Jesus earlier and who was one of their own number, asked,
"Does our law condemn anyone without first hearing him to find out what he is doing?"
They replied, "Are you from Galilee, too? Look into it, and you will find that a prophet does
not come out of Galilee."
Then each went to his own home.
Lord, I can only imagine the courage it took for Nicodemus to face down the legal assembly. My
prayer is that I too will have the courage to stand for what is right when all are against me. It is so
easy to seek approval in the courts of men and compromise away that which is right. Help each
one of us to stand in your strength.
mbNemzek 2/11/04, 2/15, 2/16, 2/17, 2/21, 2/23
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3/13/04
There have been days in my life when it seemed like everything I said was misunderstood.
Sometimes it would be my poor communication that would start it and sometimes the agendas of
the other persons seemed to cause misunderstandings. Of course these days are accentuated
when I have to communicate with some of the less loved people in my circle of influence.
Combine this with a headache and too little sleep and Im guaranteed to have one of those days
of which Id be ashamed to report on to the Lord. If you are as human as I am you probably
understand. Its a John 8 sort of day.
Put yourself in Jesus place. You come in on the scene and immediately the religious top dogs,
who arent too keen on you, set you up for the fall. They want you to misjudge a woman caught
in sin, a sin which required a copartner, and he just conveniently happened to be missing. So you
tell them to go ahead and stone her but only if they are without sin. Wouldnt it be wonderful to
have come backs like that? Of course embarrassing the religious/political leadership isnt likely to
endear yourself to them, especially since they already dont like you.
And the John 8 sort of day is just beginning!
Now you need to explain to these, less than kindly, folks that the sunset has arrived on their way
of thinking. Not only do they have it wrong, way wrong, but you have to let them know that you
have just the solution to their problem. You let them know, in as tactful way as possible, that you
know that God is really interested in relationship and that he loves them. You know this of course
because you and God are one and the same.
Well this is what a John 8 sort of day is like. No one seems to understand you at all. It doesnt
make any difference if what you say is 100% true or not. The other guys just arent buying it.
Now if you or I had made some of these claims wed deserve some of the lumps we would have
earned. But In Jesus case, the truth was being told. The Old Testament has over 200 prophecies
pointing toward Jesus. However, it just didnt make any difference to the guys who thought they
were running the show.
Well I wouldnt wish a John 8 sort of day on anyone. I certainly wouldnt wish it on Jesus. Yet it is
the John 8 sort of days that brought the truth out, into plain sight, and it was just those sort of
days that led to the crucifixion which resulted in our salvation. So when everything seems to be
going wrong, I can always take consolation in that Jesus persevered, and that since he gave us
his Holy Spirit, I too will make it through. So will you.
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A Fair Response:
Jesus, how did you react when the Pharisees asked you for your judgment about a woman
caught in sin? Your response in John 8:3-8, is clear:
The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They
made her stand before the group and said to Jesus, "Teacher, this woman was caught in
the act of adultery. In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do
you say?" They were using this question as a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing
him. But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger.
When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, "If any one of
you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her." Again he stooped down and
wrote on the ground. (NIV)
Lord, these men came to you without a clue. They wanted to trap you by making you
demonstrate an improper response. Yet they brought only one half of the guilty parties there for
judgment and they never realized youd point out to them that their own sin condemned
themselves. When they realized their own sinfulness, their own pride forced them to leave your
presence.
Second Chance:
Jesus, how do you react to the woman and her sin? You give your answer in John 8:9-11:
At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only
Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there. Jesus straightened up and asked her,
"Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?"
"No one, sir," she said. "Then neither do I condemn you," Jesus declared. "Go now and
leave your life of sin."
Lord, you are the sinless one, yet you did not condemn her. You didnt condone her sin, but you
gave her another chance. Your graciousness, then and now, has made you the Lord of second
chances. Thank you.
Light Testifies:
Jesus, by what authority did you claim to be the light of the world? You clarify this to the Jewish
leaders in John 8:12-16:
When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever
follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."
The Pharisees challenged him, "Here you are, appearing as your own witness; your
testimony is not valid."
Jesus answered, "Even if I testify on my own behalf, my testimony is valid, for I know
where I came from and where I am going. But you have no idea where I come from or
where I am going. You judge by human standards; I pass judgment on no one. But if I do
judge, my decisions are right, because I am not alone. I stand with the Father, who sent
me.
Lord, you say you are the light of the world and that those following you will never be in the dark.
Your Father sent you, He is God, and you are one with Him. May it be that I hold these truths in
my heart and mind forever.
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Fathers Witness:
Jesus, who is your primary witness? You let John 8:17-20, give me your answer:
In your own Law it is written that the testimony of two men is valid. I am one who testifies
for myself; my other witness is the Father, who sent me."
Then they asked him, "Where is your father?" "You do not know me or my Father," Jesus
replied. "If you knew me, you would know my Father also." He spoke these words while
teaching in the temple area near the place where the offerings were put. Yet no one seized
him, because his time had not yet come.
Lord, even today many dont understand that God the Father is your witness. Only when we look
at the fulfilled prophecies do we realize that he was pointing toward you all along. Help me to
remember and understand his witness for and about you.
Sin and Freedom:
Jesus, can a person free himself from sin? In John 8:33-37 you clearly describe the situation as
impossible without your help:
They answered him, "We are Abraham's descendants and have never been slaves of
anyone. How can you say that we shall be set free?"
Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. Now a slave has no
permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. So if the Son sets you free,
you will be free indeed.
I know you are Abraham's descendants. Yet you are ready to kill me, because you have no
room for my word.
Lord, they didnt understand that sin caused separation and separation from God meant no
relationship with God. They didnt fully understand that you wanted to love us and be in
relationship with us. They certainly didnt understand that only through Jesus could right
relationship be established. Do we moderns know any better, I mean do we really know any
better?
Good and Evil:
Jesus, in the war between good and evil is there a middle ground that a person can take refuge
in? You give us a clear answer in John 8:41-45:
You are doing the things your own father does." "We are not illegitimate children," they
protested. "The only Father we have is God himself."
Jesus said to them, "If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and
now am here. I have not come on my own; but he sent me. Why is my language not clear
to you? Because you are unable to hear what I say.
You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father's desire. He was
a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When
he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.
Yet because I tell the truth, you do not believe me!
Lord, ultimately, you are clearly saying there is no middle ground. Either I accept you as my
intermediary to God or I am deceived by Satan. Some would say this seems unfair, and that
there must be some other ways. Yet, you are the truth and you gave your life for us that we might
live. If you are the truth and you demonstrate love personified then the paths that dont lead to
and through you would have to be in error. Lord, keep the beguiling doubts of Satan away from
me and always keep my mind, heart, strength, and spirit focused on your son Jesus Christ.
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Good and Evil:

Jesus, when folks dont see you as the Son of God what will they claim about you? Your answer
is presented in John 8:46-52:
Can any of you prove me guilty of sin? If I am telling the truth, why don't you believe me?
He who belongs to God hears what God says. The reason you do not hear is that you do
not belong to God."
The Jews answered him, "Aren't we right in saying that you are a Samaritan and demonpossessed?"
"I am not possessed by a demon," said Jesus, "but I honor my Father and you dishonor
me. I am not seeking glory for myself; but there is one who seeks it, and he is the judge.
I tell you the truth, if anyone keeps my word, he will never see death."
At this the Jews exclaimed, "Now we know that you are demon-possessed! Abraham died
and so did the prophets, yet you say that if anyone keeps your word, he will never taste
death.
Lord, the Jewish leaders were adamantly against you. Today, your followers are discredited as
being intolerant of other beliefs. Some of those belief systems would claim you to be a prophet.
Some would say you are one among many gods. Mostly we are considered arrogant because we
acknowledge you as the Son of God. it seems we arent so different today, everyone seems too
proud to admit the possibility that only One God exists and that you are the only Plural Singularity
Evil has never been satisfied with just One Way.
Son of God:
Jesus, sometimes people say that you never claimed to be God; is that true? You are very clear
about who you are in John 8:53-59:
Are you greater than our father Abraham? He died, and so did the prophets. Who do you
think you are?"
Jesus replied, "If I glorify myself, my glory means nothing. My Father, whom you claim as
your God, is the one who glorifies me. Though you do not know him, I know him. If I said I
did not, I would be a liar like you, but I do know him and keep his word. Your father
Abraham rejoiced at the thought of seeing my day; he saw it and was glad."
"You are not yet fifty years old," the Jews said to him, "and you have seen Abraham!"
"I tell you the truth," Jesus answered, "before Abraham was born, I am!"
At this, they picked up stones to stone him, but Jesus hid himself, slipping away from the
temple grounds.
Lord, most folks dont understand that you claimed to be one with God when you said, I am! Yet
the Jews understood all too well because they picked up stones to kill you. They knew you were
claiming deity. May each person receive the grace to know you as the Son of God. Amen!
mbNemzek 2/24/04, 2/29, 3/03, 3/06, 3/09, 3/11, 3/12, 3/13
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3/24/04
Indeed, we find the heart of Jesus Christ in the Gospel of John. We know from the gospels that
Jesus values each one of us, so much so that he would die for us. Yet in his infinite majesty he
will not force us to love him. If he did then we would no longer have intrinsic value to him. We do
have to choose but we do not have to choose him.
In the Old Testament we find that it sometimes says God hardens the hearts of certain people.
The picture of God of God turning a person away from himself seems hard to imagine. Wouldnt
that make God cruel, and isnt being cruel equated to sin? Yet we are taught God is without sin.
It is not a possibility for God to be sinless and sinful at the same time. There is a way out of this
apparent contradiction.
If God will not force us to love him, it stands to reason that he will not force us to hate, or be
hardened toward him. But God has determined that each one of us must make the choice. Will
we be for him or against him? So when it seems that God is hardening a persons heart in reality
he is using the circumstances at hand to ensure that the person confront his choices.
This is what we see happening with the Pharisees and Sadducees. Jesus was giving these
leaders every opportunity to choose for him and God and he even presented overwhelming
evidence through the working of miracles. For, the most part, their hearts were hardened instead.
One could say that Jesus was manipulating these men. However, his mere presence would be
enough to ensure that these men would have to choose.
Before we cast stones at the ancient Jewish leadership we need to examine our own culture and
ourselves. We too have the same choices; will we love Jesus or reject him? Within our culture,
some, who want to be called Christians, reject the miracles of Jesus. Some would say that Jesus
never rose from the dead. Some liberals would say that Christianity is intolerant. Some would
say that choosing for abortion and homosexuality could be moral decisions. Some faiths, such as
Islam, reject the deity of Jesus Christ completely. Some of the Islamic beliefs believe the world
would be better off without Christians or Jews. So our world culture today is certainly no better
than it was in Christs time.
But by far the most important concern that John 9 brings us, are the questions we need to ask
ourselves.
Will the love of Jesus Christ be operative through me in all the decisions I make and actions I
take part in?
Or will the decisions and actions, I make, reflect a certain coldness toward God and fellow man?
In everything I think and do will I be moving through life as a better reflection of Gods love or will I
be living for me and mine only?
With each daily decision in life will I ask the question, What would Jesus have me do, and then
do it?
Am I moving toward being like the Pharisee or the man born blind at birth?
Eternity hangs in balance for each one of us as we daily ask these questions and then live out our
answers to them!
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Link to Sin:
Jesus, are all the bad things that happen to me due to my own sin? You give me an explanation
in John 9:1-5:
As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him, "Rabbi, who
sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?"
"Neither this man nor his parents sinned," said Jesus, "but this happened so that the work
of God might be displayed in his life. As long as it is day, we must do the work of him who
sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work. While I am in the world, I am the light of
the world." (NIV)
Lord, this is quite a consolation. So often we live, wondering why bad things are happening and
suspect that we must have done something bad in the past that we havent repented of. It is also
good to know that sometimes bad things happen because Satan is trying to thwart your plan.
Help me to live recognizing your coverage for my sin and to accept it.
Presenting Facts:
Jesus, how will others react when miracles occur and what should I do when I witness one? You
give me a matter of fact presentation in John 9:9-13:
Some claimed that he was. Others said, "No, he only looks like him." But he himself
insisted, "I am the man."
"How then were your eyes opened?" they demanded.
He replied, "The man they call Jesus made some mud and put it on my eyes. He told me to
go to Siloam and wash. So I went and washed, and then I could see."
"Where is this man?" they asked him. "I don't know," he said.
They brought to the Pharisees the man who had been blind.
Lord, many times folks reacted with disbelief. That is understandable since they didnt want to
appear gullible. The man who was healed was very matter of fact in his presentation of what
happened to him. It would seem prudent to present the facts, as we know them and not hype the
event.
Judging God:
Jesus, what was most frustrating about the Pharisees? You have the verses in John 9:14-17,
give your answer:
Now the day on which Jesus had made the mud and opened the man's eyes was a
Sabbath.
Therefore the Pharisees also asked him how he had received his sight. "He put mud on my
eyes," the man replied, "and I washed, and now I see."
Some of the Pharisees said, "This man is not from God, for he does not keep the
Sabbath." But others asked, "How can a sinner do such miraculous signs?" So they were
divided.
Finally they turned again to the blind man, "What have you to say about him? It was your
eyes he opened." The man replied, "He is a prophet."
Lord, they had preconceived notions of God and you couldnt penetrate their armor without
removing their free will. Many had pre-decided you were a sinner because you did miracles on
the Sabbath. It just wouldnt occur to them that Gods will remained operational every day. Help
me to trust your continual presence.
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Blind Leaders:
Jesus, what are the indicators that a heart has become cold? In John 9:18-23, you give me an
answer.
The Jews still did not believe that he had been blind and had received his sight until they
sent for the man's parents. "Is this your son?" they asked. "Is this the one you say was
born blind? How is it that now he can see?"
"We know he is our son," the parents answered, "and we know he was born blind. But
how he can see now, or who opened his eyes, we don't know. Ask him. He is of age; he will
speak for himself."
His parents said this because they were afraid of the Jews, for already the Jews had
decided that anyone who acknowledged that Jesus was the Christ would be put out of the
synagogue. That was why his parents said, "He is of age; ask him."
Lord, when leaders are presented the facts and secondary sources reinforce the facts and they
still refuse to understand, well then, prejudices are alive and well. Help me to discern between
honest skepticism from dishonest skepticism. The dishonest skeptics prejudice will never be
shaken. Lord, keep my skepticism honest!
A Hardened Way:
Jesus, how does a cold heart react when circumstantial evidence points to a miracle? You have
the verses in John 9:24-28, answer.
A second time they summoned the man who had been blind. "Give glory to God," they
said. "We know this man is a sinner."
He replied, "Whether he is a sinner or not, I don't know. One thing I do know. I was blind
but now I see!"
Then they asked him, "What did he do to you? How did he open your eyes?"
He answered, "I have told you already and you did not listen. Why do you want to hear it
again? Do you want to become his disciples, too?"
Then they hurled insults at him and said, "You are this fellow's disciple! We are disciples
of Moses!
Lord, it almost seems that when men have a vested interest in the current way of doing things,
against your Son, they will be highly resistant to repentance. It is almost as if they treasure their
way so much that they are saying, We know we are right so dont you dare bother me with the
facts. Lord, each one of us is that way about something! Please keep me humble in mind and
heart so that I might always be open to your Way.
Concludes Differently:
Jesus, what is the appropriate manner to discuss these miracles with people who just wont see.
You let John 9:29-34, give your straight forward presentation.
We know that God spoke to Moses, but as for this fellow, we don't even know where he
comes from."
The man answered, "Now that is remarkable! You don't know where he comes from, yet he
opened my eyes. We know that God does not listen to sinners. He listens to the godly
man who does his will. Nobody has ever heard of opening the eyes of a man born blind. If
this man were not from God, he could do nothing."
To this they replied, "You were steeped in sin at birth; how dare you lecture us!" And they
threw him out.
Lord, maintaining ones calm under immense pressure is a hard thing to do. Most of us will try for
a compromise. But if we compromise with the truth we necessarily end up with something that is
not true. The healed man accepted Jesus healing and would not contradict that reality. By
saying the man was steeped in sin the Pharisees contradicted Jesus. I too will stay with Jesus!
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Accepting Worship:
Jesus, did you hide your divinity or did people understand you to be one with God? You let the
verses in John 9:35-38, answer:
Jesus heard that they had thrown him out, and when he found him, he said, "Do you
believe in the Son of Man?"
"Who is he, sir?" the man asked. "Tell me so that I may believe in him."
Jesus said, "You have now seen him; in fact, he is the one speaking with you."
Then the man said, "Lord, I believe," and he worshiped him.
Lord, you accepted worship from the man you had healed and you didnt hide your acceptance of
his worship. By doing so, you affirmed that you were and are the Son of God. Amen.
Death or Life:
Jesus, will you have me see? You reference John 9:39-41, to give me an answer:
Jesus said, "For judgment I have come into this world, so that the blind will see and those
who see will become blind."
Some Pharisees who were with him heard him say this and asked, "What? Are we blind
too?"
Jesus said, "If you were blind, you would not be guilty of sin; but now that you claim you
can see, your guilt remains.
Lord, we know, from statements in John 6 through 8, that you equate sight and blindness with life
and death in spiritual terms. By choosing something, other than you, the Pharisees were
choosing to be spiritually blind or dead. Lord, create in me a desire to always choose Jesus.
Amen!
mbNemzek 3/16/04, 3/17, 3/18, 3/21, 3/22, 3/24
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4/09/04
In John, chapters five through ten we find Jesus involved in public discourse. During this time he
is in dialogue with normal folks and the Jewish leadership. He is being straight forward in saying
who he is and he pushes the leaders to make the right decisions about himself. One might even
say he seemed to goad them on.
Throughout this whole dialogue process he is doing miracles, giving honor to God the Father, and
castigating Satan and his followers. He is revealing his heart of gold to those humble enough to
receive him and he is forcing the cold hearted to decide against him.
With all the controversy circulating around the movie, The Passion of the Christ, with some
claiming it is anti-Semitic and others pushing various noxious claims against the movie, we need
to acknowledge what Jesus said in John Ten. He said that he lays his own life down and will take
it up again.
It is true that the Jewish leadership, of the day, is responsible for Jesus death. It is equally true
that the Roman leadership and soldiers agreed and then in fact carried out the crucifixion of
Jesus Christ. However, the overarching truth is that if Jesus hadnt willed to go to the cross the
Jews and the Romans wouldnt have been able to do a thing about it. Humanitys evil (sin)
crucified Jesus but only with his permission.
The Jews and the Romans represented the sinfulness of us all. There is no special selection of
Jewish or Roman evil. Had God chosen otherwise, he could have used Greek or Egyptian
figures to bring about his execution. The fact is, by his own law he had to take the penalty of sin,
which is death (physical and spiritual), upon himself to atone for all the individuals who would
believe in him. If there were no atonement there could be no salvation.
Choosing to take upon himself the penalty for my sin and yours, was a hard price to pay, by this
one triune God; Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. It is amazing that the Lamb of God would offer
himself in my place to give me life. When I try to comprehend this, in my mind and deep in my
bones, the Easter Resurrection Renewal takes on an extraordinary life of its own. Indeed new
meaning has been injected into life, in Jesus name! Amen!
This is indeed something to contemplate, this Good Friday evening, knowing the Resurrection is
coming!
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Knowing His Voice:
Jesus, how well are we to know you? You give me an example of the correct level of closeness
that you believe is needed in John 10:3-6:
The watchman opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own
sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes on
ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice.
But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do
not recognize a stranger's voice." Jesus used this figure of speech, but they did not
understand what he was telling them. (NIV)
Lord, the best way for us to know your voice is to know your Word. You want us to know your
voice so well that we follow you and you alone. Help me to know your word so well that Ill
always know your voice and grant me an obedient heart that I might follow your directions.
Gate of Life:
Jesus, are there many other doorways to eternal life? You have John 10:7-10, voice your
answer:
Therefore Jesus said again, "I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep. All who ever
came before me were thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them.
I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. He will come in and go out, and
find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may
have life, and have it to the full.
Lord, you are clearly saying that all the folks offering different paths to God are thieves and
robbers of eternal life. Help me to understand that though your claim is exclusive, no other way is
legitimate, it is also universal, in that you offer it to all who will listen and follow you.
Good Shepherd:
Jesus, how do we tell the difference between the good shepherd and the thief? You give us your
answer in John 10:-16:
"I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.
The hired hand is not the shepherd who owns the sheep. So when he sees the wolf
coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and
scatters it. The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the
sheep.
"I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me--just as the Father
knows me and I know the Father-- and I lay down my life for the sheep.
I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will
listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd.
Lord, your Son Jesus Christ loves us so much that he chooses to lay his life down for us. He
does what you have asked him to do. Those with less love for us will not do this. Help me to
always remember this distinction when different teachings are presented.
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Life Giving:
Jesus, could the Jewish leadership have taken your life without your permission? You give us a
clear answer in John 10:17-21:
The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life-- only to 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
authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father."
At these words the Jews were again divided. Many of them said, "He is demon-possessed
and raving mad. Why listen to him?" But others said, "These are not the sayings of a man
possessed by a demon. Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?"
Lord, sometimes we forget that you are God. Neither the Jewish nor the Roman leadership could
have killed you without you first allowing it. This doesnt excuse them from their sin but it does
bring clarity to a sometimes muddy issue. The killers were men and you are God. Thank you for
giving up your own life for me.
Confronting Doubters:
Jesus, was it clear to you, who the non-believers were? Your answer is contained in John 10:2229:
Then came the Feast of Dedication at Jerusalem. It was winter, and Jesus was in the
temple area walking in Solomon's Colonnade.
The Jews gathered around him, saying, "How long will you keep us in suspense? If you
are the Christ, tell us plainly."
Jesus answered, "I did tell you, but you do not believe. The miracles I do in my Father's
name speak for me, but you do not believe because you are not my sheep. My sheep
listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.
I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my
hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them
out of my Father's hand.
Lord, they still ask you if you are the messiah or not. Youve told them many times yet they still
dont receive your word on the matter. So, once again, you tell them you are the giver of eternal
life and that if they dont believe in your words then at least they should believe because of the
miracles you have worked. Even so, chosen blindness, is something you will not heal.
Father and Son:

Jesus, did you make your identity crystal clear? In John 10:30-36, you ensure that clarity of your
position is not the issue.
I and the Father are one."
Again the Jews picked up stones to stone him, but Jesus said to them, "I have shown you
many great miracles from the Father. For which of these do you stone me?"
"We are not stoning you for any of these," replied the Jews, "but for blasphemy, because
you, a mere man, claim to be God."
Jesus answered them, "Is it not written in your Law, 'I have said you are gods'? If he
called them 'gods,' to whom the word of God came-- and the Scripture cannot be broken-what about the one whom the Father set apart as his very own and sent into the world?
Why then do you accuse me of blasphemy because I said, 'I am God's Son'?
Lord, they wanted to stone you when you claimed oneness with God. Even though you showed
scripture to collaborate your position, they could not tolerate a man claiming deity. It is much the
same today. Many vehemently deny your deity. What is heartbreaking, is that today, many who
would call themselves Christians, deny your miracles and your unique position as the Son of God.
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Faith or Not:
Jesus, when it comes to truth, what is the bottom line? In John 10:37-42, you point out the two
possibilities:
Do not believe me unless I do what my Father does. But if I do it, even though you do not
believe me, believe the miracles, that you may know and understand that the Father is in
me, and I in the Father."
Again they tried to seize him, but he escaped their grasp.
Then Jesus went back across the Jordan to the place where John had been baptizing in
the early days. Here he stayed and many people came to him. They said, "Though John
never performed a miraculous sign, all that John said about this man was true." And in
that place many believed in Jesus.
Lord, today just as when you walked the earth, you give folks only two choices about yourself and
truth. We can either believe you are who you said you were or we can deny it. Not choosing is
considered denial. What you drove home, to ancient Israel, is that the decision each one of us
must make has eternal consequences.
If you and what you said are the truth and I choose for you and live for you, my eternity will
contain heavenly glory. If you are truth and I choose against you, at the very least, my cup of
regret will be considered forever.
If you and what you said are not the truth and I choose for you and live for you, I will have given
love to others and my life will have been good. If you are not truth and I choose against you, I will
have ended up a selfish man with my life having counted for nothing.
Jesus, I will honor you as the truth and pray for those who choose otherwise. Amen!
mbNemzek 3/30/04, 4/05, 4/07, 4/08, 4/09
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4/25/04
John 11 is about the reality of life and death. Mary and Martha loved their brother and wanted
Jesus to come and heal him when he was alive. Instead Jesus tarried at his then present
location; as if he was waiting for Lazarus too be completely dead. Then he comes to apparently
console the two sisters.
This is real life. We pray with all our hearts sincerity for the healing of a loved one and then he or
she dies. It is such a lonely feeling; this time of apparently unanswered prayer. Like Martha and
Mary, our lament is, Lord if only youd been here he (or she) wouldnt have died. I know because
Ive experienced that very same feeling.
Then there are times when death sneaks up and takes someone or something from us. Just this
last week a friend of mine had his little three pound dog, a friend of many years, lost to the jaws of
a pit bull. It happened in a moments time, and right in his presence, and all his brave efforts
against the pit couldnt bring life back to his little pup.
Now this isnt intended to be a story about a guy and his pup and the unfairness of life. It is about
Jesus Christ. He tells us that he is the resurrection and the life. To me, this means he is not only
the author and sustainer of life but he is the controller of all that is. When Im facing death I want
to be on his side.
Jesus used the situation of Lazarus death to bring people to himself and to bolster the faith of his
disciples. Soon they were going to have to face the death of their master. Only if we remember
his promises with respect to life and death will we have the ability to be undaunted by death.
Those promises are coming up soon in the next few chapters. Meanwhile, with faith, we hold
onto the only one who could face a situation with a man dead in the grave for four days and order
him back to life. The dead man obeyed him and had life again. Imagine that!
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Delayed Departure:
Jesus, do you tell us everything we need to know when we want the information? You allow John
11:5-10, to answer part of this question.
Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. Yet when he heard that Lazarus was sick,
he stayed where he was two more days.
Then he said to his disciples, "Let us go back to Judea."
"But Rabbi," they said, "a short while ago the Jews tried to stone you, and yet you are
going back there?"
Jesus answered, "Are there not twelve hours of daylight? A man who walks by day will not
stumble, for he sees by this world's light. It is when he walks by night that he stumbles,
for he has no light." (NIV)
Lord, Ill admit that sometimes it is very frustrating to get little bits of answers here and there and
now and then. It is as if walking in faith is knowing just barely enough and trusting completely.
Right Timing:
Jesus, do you let us know the right time for appropriate activity? In John 11:11-16, you let us see
part of the answer.
After he had said this, he went on to tell them, "Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep; but I
am going there to wake him up."
His disciples replied, "Lord, if he sleeps, he will get better."
Jesus had been speaking of his death, but his disciples thought he meant natural sleep.
So then he told them plainly, "Lazarus is dead, and for your sake I am glad I was not there,
so that you may believe. But let us go to him."
Then Thomas (called Didymus) said to the rest of the disciples, "Let us also go, that we
may die with him."
Lord, I can only imagine that during every moment in time there must be a few billion factors tied
to one another to keep reality operational. So when I ask my why questions, please accept my
ignorance. It must be like the little boy asking his mom or dad a question when he doesnt have
the capacity to understand the answer. Mom or dad just say, trust me. For all of my impatience
please grant me that kind of faith.
Full Faith:
Jesus, what should I do when confronted with the reality of death? You let John 11:20-27, give
me a clear answer.
When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went out to meet him, but Mary stayed at
home. "Lord," Martha said to Jesus, "if you had been here, my brother would not have
died. But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask."
Jesus said to her, "Your brother will rise again."
Martha answered, "I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day."
Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even
though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?"
"Yes, Lord," she told him, "I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who was to
come into the world."
Lord, when ever I am confronted with the death of a friend, a family member, or my own imminent
mortality I hope my response will be the same as Marthas. I believe you are the Christ, the Son
of God, who was to come into the world. I also believe that God will give you whatever you ask.
And I believe you are the resurrection and the life.
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Love Demonstrated:
Jesus, when there is tribulation where will you be? In John 11:33-38, you show us where you are
when things go wrong:
When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping,
he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled. "Where have you laid him?" he asked. "Come
and see, Lord," they replied. Jesus wept.
Then the Jews said, "See how he loved him!"
But some of them said, "Could not he who opened the eyes of the blind man have kept this
man from dying?"
Jesus, once more deeply moved, came to the tomb. It was a cave with a stone laid across
the entrance.
Lord, it is good to know that when your friends, Mary and Martha, were grieving you were there
sharing in their suffering. It is good to remember when I am going through my darkest moments
you are right there with me.
Gods Action:
Jesus, who has the final say over death? You bring part of your answer into full view in John
11:39-43:
"Take away the stone," he said. "But, Lord," said Martha, the sister of the dead man, "by
this time there is a bad odor, for he has been there four days." Then Jesus said, "Did I not
tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?"
So they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said, "Father, I thank you that you
have heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people
standing here, that they may believe that you sent me."
When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, "Lazarus, come out!"
Lord, you demonstrated rather conclusively that you have authority over all things even death
when you called Lazarus back to life. You turned water into wine, fed thousands with a few fish
and loaves of bread, commanded storms to stop, and you raised the dead. At the time, many
were in awe of you. I am.
Creation Obeys:
Jesus, what happens when you issue a command? In John 11:44-45, you show the results of
your commands.
The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth
around his face. Jesus said to them, "Take off the grave clothes and let him go."
Therefore many of the Jews who had come to visit Mary, and had seen what Jesus did, put
their faith in him.
Lord, your Word is the difference between death and life. When ever I am taking you for granted
please prod my memory with thoughts of Lazarus. Thank you for life!
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Disbelief:
Jesus, what happens when even miracles dont help people believe? You show some of the
responses in John 11:46-48:
But some of them went to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done.
Then the chief priests and the Pharisees called a meeting of the Sanhedrin. "What are we
accomplishing?" they asked. "Here is this man performing many miraculous signs. If we
let him go on like this, everyone will believe in him, and then the Romans will come and
take away both our place and our nation."
Lord, when were confronted with something that scares us and we feel powerless we often bring
it to the authorities. We even expect them to fix the problem. Yet in this situation, the problem of
death was already fixed. Grant your followers keen enough discernment to know your activity
versus the activity of the evil one.
God Reigns:
Jesus, how can good come from evil? In John 11:49-53, you demonstrate just how evil can be
used for the our good:
Then one of them, named Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, spoke up, "You know
nothing at all! You do not realize that it is better for you that one man die for the people
than that the whole nation perish."
He did not say this on his own, but as high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus
would die for the Jewish nation, and not only for that nation but also for the scattered
children of God, to bring them together and make them one.
So from that day on they plotted to take his life.
Lord, when the high priest plotted evil toward your Son, you used his evil intention to bring about
the redemption of humanity through your Sons shed blood. That should be an eye opener to
every one of us. All of the good or evil I do will ultimately be used to your good purposes. Amen!
mbNemzek 4/11/04, 4/14, 4/20, 4/21, 4/23, 4/25
11-23-04
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4/11/04
There are 21 chapters in the book of John. This means we are just past the midway point of what
John had to write about Jesus Christ. The next chapters, nearly half of the book of John, are
dedicated to Jesus final teachings to his disciples, his death, and his resurrection. Even so, the
essentials of following Jesus Christ, or being a Christian, have already been presented.
For every person reading this commentary and these meditations, indeed for everyone alive on
earth, every decision we make, every action we take has eternal consequences. I strongly
suspect that when we face lifes appraisal, before our Lord, there will be no contemplation of
value neutral moments in our lives. We will find that those moments do not exist.
We will find that all of our moments are spent in one of two ways. They are either spent with the
Lord, in appreciative communion with, of, and for him or they are spent separated from him.
When we spend our lives in communion with him we operate the way he designed us to live.
When we operate without him we live outside our design specs and, at best, we dont function
well. It is much like a hammer trying to do the work of a screwdriver. It just doesnt work!
Now if you have followed my reasoning closely you will see Ive said, I can be in communion with
Jesus Christ and share eternal life with him, or I can live by any other ism or philosophy and
simply end up lost for eternity.
Obviously some of you will say Im not being politically correct. But please keep in mind, in as
much as I am accurately paraphrasing Johns gospel, it is not me that you have your argument
with, it is with Jesus himself. Then, if your argument is with him, before you say a thing, think
very carefully; what is more likely, that you are God or that He is the Son of God. A note about
political correctness: If it honors truth, there may be some merit in it but if it does not honor truth
it is irrelevant to the real purposes of life.
Now, some of you reading this are followers of Jesus Christ. That makes you ambassadors of his
kingdom. Are you sharing his message of life with the lost around you or are you sitting on it. I
dont say this to make any one feel guilty, none of you are accountable to me. However, for those
of us who are comfortable Christians, (Im included) we are accountable to the lord and master of
the Universe.
Hmmmmm, the Gospel of John has a way of getting to you. Or at least it sure has gotten to me!
May his blessings reign in your lives this day! mbn
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Heart Giving:
Jesus when is giving the right thing to do? You give me part of the answer in John 12:3-8:
Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus'
feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the
perfume.
But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected, "Why
wasn't this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year's wages."
He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper
of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it.
"Leave her alone," Jesus replied. "[It was intended] that she should save this perfume for
the day of my burial. You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always
have me." (NIV)
Lord, you show us the mind is not the best source for true giving. When our mind contemplates
giving it will always come up with some other more worthy objective, just down the road, or just
around the corner; it will be giving postponed. Giving, as a gift from God, comes when the
moment is presented, and I respond generously from my heart.
Crowd Honor:
Jesus, was it right for the crowd to honor you that Palm Sunday? You let John 12:12-16, give me
a portion of your answer.
The next day the great crowd that had come for the Feast heard that Jesus was on his way
to Jerusalem. They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting, "Hosanna!"
"Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!" "Blessed is the King of Israel!"
Jesus found a young donkey and sat upon it, as it is written, "Do not be afraid, O Daughter
of Zion; see, your king is coming, seated on a donkey's colt."
At first his disciples did not understand all this. Only after Jesus was glorified did they
realize that these things had been written about him and that they had done these things
to him.
Lord, you accepted homage from the crowd on Palm Sunday and it was good that they honored
you. Yet you also knew that it would be a crowd that would condemn you just a few days later. I
cant help but get the feeling that you want the hearts of men and women who will be with you
regardless of the crowd sentiments.
Self Life:
Jesus, you had to die for us; do we have to die to something in our lives? You give a veiled
Jesus replied, "The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. I tell you the truth,
unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it
dies, it produces many seeds. The man who loves his life will lose it, while the man who
hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me;
and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.
Lord, dying to self brings me to the realization that the world does not revolve around me. When I
die, to whats in it for me, and open myself to your Holy Spirits direction, the whole world seems
to change. It is then that I begin to notice the lost and reach out toward them. It is then that I
begin to notice those, in the body of believers, who are in need and give of the gifts you have
given me.
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11-23-04
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God Speaking:
Jesus, are we able to understand your Fathers voice? You have John 12:27-30, give your
answer to this question.
"Now my heart is troubled, and what shall I say? 'Father, save me from this hour'? No, it
was for this very reason I came to this hour. Father, glorify your name!" Then a voice
came from heaven, "I have glorified it, and will glorify it again."
The crowd that was there and heard it said it had thundered; others said an angel had
spoken to him.
Jesus said, "This voice was for your benefit, not mine.
Lord, the crowd was unable to understand your Fathers voice. So you came to us to tell us what
he had to say to us, and many of us still dont listen. If we do not understand his love and we
refuse to understand your love for us, what hope is there?
Jesus Mission:
Jesus, how well did you know your ultimate mission? You give me your answer in John 12:3133:
Now is the time for judgment on this world; now the prince of this world will be driven out.
But I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself." He said this to show
the kind of death he was going to die.
Lord, you knew you would have to die for us and you knew that by doing so the door would be
opened for all who would call upon your name. By dying you would defeat death, the
consequence of sin, and Satan, the author of confusion.
Walk in Light:
Jesus, where can we go without you? Your response in John 12:34-36, sheds light on this most
important life issue:
The crowd spoke up, "We have heard from the Law that the Christ will remain forever, so
how can you say, 'The Son of Man must be lifted up'? Who is this 'Son of Man'?"
Then Jesus told them, "You are going to have the light just a little while longer. Walk while
you have the light, before darkness overtakes you. The man who walks in the dark does
not know where he is going. Put your trust in the light while you have it, so that you may
become sons of light." When he had finished speaking, Jesus left and hid himself from
them.
Lord, without light we can go nowhere. Every step made in darkness is a potential step into the
abyss. It is like making decisions without truth. If I have no truth to start with, then every decision
will end in error. Lord you are truth and light; with your presence in my life I can correctly see the
path ahead and I can choose with wisdom.
Hard Blindness:
Jesus, what will you have me know about those who will not believe? You give me a hard
Even after Jesus had done all these miraculous signs in their presence, they still would
not believe in him.
This was to fulfill the word of Isaiah the prophet: "Lord, who has believed our message
and to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?" For this reason they could not
believe, because, as Isaiah says elsewhere: "He has blinded their eyes and deadened their
hearts, so they can neither see with their eyes, nor understand with their hearts, nor turn-and I would heal them."
Isaiah said this because he saw Jesus' glory and spoke about him.
Lord, knowing your love for the lost who are repentant, I believe your statement is descriptive of
the way things are for those who will not. You will force no one to be with you in heaven and you
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give them over to their own desires when they will to have nothing to do with you. At some point
the hardness of heart sets in and you will not let them have anything to do with communion in
your presence.
11-23-04
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Belief in Light:
Jesus, what does my belief in you mean? You have John 12:42-46, give me your full answer:
Yet at the same time many even among the leaders believed in him. But because of the
Pharisees they would not confess their faith for fear they would be put out of the
synagogue; for they loved praise from men more than praise from God.
Then Jesus cried out, "When a man believes in me, he does not believe in me only, but in
the one who sent me. When he looks at me, he sees the one who sent me. I have come
into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness.
Lord, following you means my path is lit by the truth of your presence. Regardless of what
happens to me during this worldly sojourn, my eternal destiny is imbued with hope. Thanks to
you Jesus, I will never have to face the utter darkness, the place of lost souls.
Without Light:
Jesus, what happens to those who refuse to believe in you? You give a powerful word on this
matter in John 12:47-50:
"As for the person who hears my words but does not keep them, I do not judge him. For I
did not come to judge the world, but to save it. There is a judge for the one who rejects
me and does not accept my words; that very word which I spoke will condemn him at the
last day. For I did not speak of my own accord, but the Father who sent me commanded
me what to say and how to say it. I know that his command leads to eternal life. So
whatever I say is just what the Father has told me to say."
Lord, you sent your Son, Jesus Christ, as your word of light and truth to a dead world. When we
refuse to let light or truth into our lives, darkness and sin take up residence. Choosing darkness
and sin, prevents us from being with you for ever. On that day, when your Son searches our
hearts, may he find reflections of his light and truth in our lives. Amen!
mbNemzek 5/04/04, 5/05, 5/09, 5/10, 5/11
11-23-04
51

5/30/04
John 13 is the beginning place of Jesus farewell message to his chosen. He wanted them to be
prepared for the loss of his physical presence in their lives. He wants to share with them the the
real meaning of being his follower. To the extent that our desire is to follow you, Jesus, this
message is for us too.
For many, there is the temptation to assume that some special knowledge (gnosis) is needed to
live the recipe of life. However, as usual, Jesus confounds the wise and offers a universal
message of humility, serving one another, living with human frailty even betrayal, and
demonstrating love for one another. Though there isnt a special knowledge needed to be a
follower, living out the Christian life is impossible without living in communion with Jesus Christ.
Think about it, living as a humble servant runs counter to Western ideals. Our ideal is to live for
the self. Living to serve others takes humility which is almost a foreign element in our culture;
though every self desires that quality in others! Jesus says humility must start in myself first.
When another strikes us with betrayal or some other harmful behaviors our natural inclination is
to strike back or get revenge. When another person hurts me, forgiveness is not often my first
response unless Im walking closely with my Lord on that day.
As for loving one another as being the primary quality in my life: Well I can honestly say that I
have a long way to go. Unless I fully allow the Holy Spirit to do his work in me and through me I
am inept at being a Christian. Yet this should not be a surprise, since Jesus was saying exactly
that. We cant do it without him.
When we live without God permeating our lives we live imperfectly; all of our flaws will surface
when stress is applied to our lives unless God himself empowers us. So, though it takes no
special knowledge to be a Christian it takes a full willingness to live in relationship with Jesus
Christ. He tells us more about this in the next chapters.
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Being Humble:
Jesus, what is having power supposed to mean to me? You give the beginnings of the answer in
John 13:3-7:
Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from
God and was returning to God; so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and
wrapped a towel around his waist.
After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples' feet, drying them
with the towel that was wrapped around him.
He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, "Lord, are you going to wash my feet?" Jesus
replied, "You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand." (NIV)
Lord, you have all power, yet you exercise it as a servant. Like Peter, I too sometimes find myself
wondering why you express power through servant-hood. Sometimes, I get impatient and want
to take the shortcuts of command and expediency forgetting that I then trample on the free will of
my brothers and sisters.
Being Natural:
Jesus, what is my natural response to your will? In John 13:8-11, you demonstrate a couple of
the responses one may have to your will.
"No," said Peter, "you shall never wash my feet." Jesus answered, "Unless I wash you,
you have no part with me."
"Then, Lord," Simon Peter replied, "not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!"
Jesus answered, "A person who has had a bath needs only to wash his feet; his whole
body is clean. And you are clean, though not every one of you."
For he knew who was going to betray him, and that was why he said not every one was
clean.
Lord, Peter first denied your will for him and then, when that failed, he tried to direct you in how
much more should be done. I shudder to think of how often I ignore your commands, modify your
will, or even take the lead, thereby telling you what should be done. Ive also noticed the problem
seems to be universal. Lord, help me, help us all!
Being a Servant:
Jesus, what do you want your leaders to look like? You give us your clear and strong answer in
John 13:12-17:
When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place.
"Do you understand what I have done for you?" he asked them. "You call me 'Teacher'
and 'Lord,' and rightly so, for that is what I am.
Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one
another's feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.
I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than
the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do
them.
Lord, Ive seen many Christian leaders who do not demonstrate servant-leader characteristics.
And Ive seen few followers desiring those characteristics to be primary in their leaders. Weve all
been so inundated with the strong leader style that we have forgotten what you wanted. Help us
all come to desire your will in this matter. Thank you, Lord.
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God Knows:
Jesus, will there be a betrayal problem among your followers? You have John 13:18-21, give me
the answer that is hard to absorb.
"I am not referring to all of you; I know those I have chosen. But this is to fulfill the
scripture: 'He who shares my bread has lifted up his heel against me.' "I am telling you
now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe that I am He.
I tell you the truth, whoever accepts anyone I send accepts me; and whoever accepts me
accepts the one who sent me." After he had said this, Jesus was troubled in spirit and
testified, "I tell you the truth, one of you is going to betray me."
Lord, I cant begin to imagine why you chose someone who would betray you but I realize your
heart must have been weeping for Judas when he left you. Perhaps you allowed this to help me
realize that ultimate trust should never be put in man, as his weaknesses will frequently let me
down. Even Christian brothers and sisters will fail me as they pursue their own interests. Help
me to be held steady by your peace and joy during those times.
Being a Traitor:
Jesus, does it help me to know who will be the person that will betray me ahead of time? You
have John 13:22-26, give a partial answer.
His disciples stared at one another, at a loss to know which of them he meant. One of
them, the disciple whom Jesus loved, was reclining next to him. Simon Peter motioned to
this disciple and said, "Ask him which one he means."
Leaning back against Jesus, he asked him, "Lord, who is it?"
Jesus answered, "It is the one to whom I will give this piece of bread when I have dipped it
in the dish." Then, dipping the piece of bread, he gave it to Judas Iscariot, son of Simon.
Lord, knowing the betrayer ahead of time serves little purpose unless my intent is to always avoid
those who will betray. But then my life work would become trying to avoid people and I know that
is not your plan for me. The important thing to take from this is that each time I choose my way
and not yours, I betray you. Keep me close to you Lord.
Knowing Deception:
Jesus, how I will know deception? You have John 13:27-30, demonstrate one case of deception
at work.
As soon as Judas took the bread, Satan entered into him. "What you are about to do, do
quickly," Jesus told him, but no one at the meal understood why Jesus said this to him.
Since Judas had charge of the money, some thought Jesus was telling him to buy what
was needed for the Feast, or to give something to the poor. As soon as Judas had taken
the bread, he went out. And it was night.
Lord, every heart abhors a vacuum. Either I am following your call on my heart or I am letting
Satan direct my appetites. Please keep me thirsting for your presence in my life.
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Loving Others:
Jesus, what is the most important thing for your followers to remember? You give me your
answer to this question in John 13:31-35:
When he was gone, Jesus said, "Now is the Son of Man glorified and God is glorified in
him. If God is glorified in him, God will glorify the Son in himself, and will glorify him at
once.
"My children, I will be with you only a little longer. You will look for me, and just as I told
the Jews, so I tell you now: Where I am going, you cannot come.
"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one
another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."
Lord, youve given us the call to be humble servants, to accept betrayal when it comes, even from
friends, and now you say we must love one another even as you love us. It is only this love which
will demonstrate to the world that we are your followers. God, help me, for I am far too weak a
creature to do this without you doing it through me.
Best Intentions:
Jesus, what do my best intentions amount to? You have John 13:36-38, answer this question:
Simon Peter asked him, "Lord, where are you going?" Jesus replied, "Where I am going,
you cannot follow now, but you will follow later."
Peter asked, "Lord, why can't I follow you now? I will lay down my life for you."
Then Jesus answered, "Will you really lay down your life for me? I tell you the truth, before
the rooster crows, you will disown me three times!
Lord, often I am like Peter, when he misunderstands the importance of what you are saying. He
wonders where you are going when you are telling us to love one another. Then you clarify to
Peter, that in his own strength, he will dishonor you. You are trying to show him, and me, that
without, your living presence in our lives we are as base as any pagan. Dear Jesus, be near me
through the day and empower me to do your will. Amen!
mbNemzek 5/17/04, 5/26, 5/27, 5/28, 5/30
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6/18/04
The message in John 3 says we must be born again. It is a message for the inquirer or the new
believer. Now, in John 14, Jesus reveals the secret that has been Gods plan all along. Not only
must we be born again but then as we become mature in Christ we become vessels of the Holy
Spirit. God chooses to indwell each willing believer and will be in constant communion with them.
This is how we were designed and it was now to become a real possibility for each member of the
body of Christ.
Being in communion with Gods Holy Spirit is an incredible honor for the believer and is
impossibility for the non-believer. To the non-believer the very concept may seem irrational. At
best it will appear to be spiritual mumbo-jumbo. However, if spiritual indwelling is true then
appearances count for nothing. Jesus himself, asserts the indwelling is true.
Communicating Gods message and presence to non-believers presents formidable obstacles.
Consider a similar situation: If a person who has good vision walks into a room filled with people
who have been blind from birth what common ground would these people have.
Those without sight dont have a sight reference point. When the visual person describes a
scene containing tall trees with green, orange, and yellow leaves the blind person has little
reference for tall and no reference for color. The blind folks can tell that the sighted person
seems to get around more easily but they cant truly understand why.
This picture is similar to but not exactly the same as a person living without God versus a person
living in relationship (communion) with God. There are few reference points for communication
between the person living without God and the person living in relationship with God. Fortunately
some points of commonality do exist.
When a person loves God whole heartedly and loves his neighbor as himself he will act with care
and compassion toward others. He, or she, will even behave altruistically when it seems
imprudent to act that way. The unselfish behavior of the Christian should be one of the primary
high lights for others to see. The world should be flocking toward Christianity because people like
to be around unselfish people. They have the others interest in mind and they are trustworthy.
When the world doesnt flock toward Christianity in general and Christians in particular the
problem is probably with the Christians. Each Christian needs to ask himself, Am I walking in
loving obedience with Jesus Christ? When I answer that question with a yes I am being an
effective ambassador of Christs reign and I will be reaching out and loving others in a way that
attracts them to God. When I answer that question with a no or a shoulder shrug, I need to
reread John 14, pray, and then choose to let God remold me.
Jesus never said dying to self would be easy. He did say we would never be alone in the
process. And he did promise his followers a future that would literally be without end and filled
with glory!
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New Home:
Jesus, when you leave, where are you going? You give a partial answer in John 14:1-3:
"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father's house
are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a
place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be
with me that you also may be where I am. (NIV)
Lord, you didnt give your disciples a concrete answer as to the location but you did promise to be
preparing a place for them. Because of the many things you said to your followers I know you
were speaking to them and to all who would hear their message. It is hard to imagine the Lord of
the Universe preparing a place for me. But it is my hope!
New Way:
Jesus, what path are we to take through life? In John 14:4-6, you give me the only
path that leads to eternal life:
You know the way to the place where I am going.
Thomas said to him, "Lord, we don't know where you are going, so how can we know the
way?"
Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father
except through me.
Lord, you said to Thomas, and to all of us, that the only way our lives can be lived fully, is through
you. Yes, when I die to self , something of the old me ceases to exist. Yet living through the
divine graces you extend, to one walking with you, is the difference between life and death. It is
like being a little isolated self centered creature always pretending it is in control versus following,
and walking with, the Author of it all, who is in control.
Son and Father:
Jesus, what does the Father look like? You give Philip a clear answer in John
14:7-10:
If you really knew me, you would know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him
and have seen him."
Philip said, "Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us."
Jesus answered: "Don't you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a
long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, 'Show us the
Father'?
Don't you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me? The words I say to
you are not just my own. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work.
Lord, you know there is a secret desire living in my heart to know the Creator. That same seed
lives in each one of us. You tell us we dont have to go far, that all we have to do is look to you.
When I look to you I see one with immense power and yet one who has so much compassion that
you died for me. Thank you!
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Prayers Power:
Jesus, what is the use of prayer? You answer strongly in John 14:11-14:
Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on
the evidence of the miracles themselves. I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me
will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am
going to the Father.
And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father.
You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.
Lord, your answer here seems to indicate that we have super power when we pray. However, in
other places you say that our prayer must be in accordance with your Fathers will before it will be
answered affirmatively. That seems to be a paradox. However, my first prayer is, Show me your
Fathers will and help me to walk in it.
Gods Home:
Jesus, when you leave us physically, will you be leaving us alone? In John 14:15-20, you give us
the promise:
"If you love me, you will obey what I command. And I will ask the Father, and he will give
you another Counselor to be with you forever--the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept
him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you
and will be in you.
I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. Before long, the world will not see me
anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. On that day you will realize
that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you.
Lord, you promise that the Holy Spirit will take up residence in me when I choose to love you.
Your location will no longer be confined to buildings or places but rather in the hearts of the men
and women who choose you. Lord that means we never have to walk alone! Amen!
Loving Obedience:
Jesus, will you make your home in all who call on your name? You clarify your answer in John
14:21-24:
Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves
me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him."
Then Judas (not Judas Iscariot) said, "But, Lord, why do you intend to show yourself to us
and not to the world?"
Jesus replied, "If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and
we will come to him and make our home with him. He who does not love me will not obey
my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent
me.
Lord, you make it very clear that those who love you will obey you. If we obey you only then will
your you and your Father reside in us. Here you have made several conditions to your residing
within our hearts. Hmmmm, loving you means obeying you which in turn allows for you to reside
within us. When the church is anemic today, I wonder if it is because we forgot the love and
obedience part. Help me to walk out your will for my life.
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Holy Spirit:
Jesus, what else will the Holy Spirit do? You give me part of the answer in John 14:25-27:
"All this I have spoken while still with you.
But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you
all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my
peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled
and do not be afraid.
Lord, by name, the Holy Spirit will be my counselor and he will teach and remind me of what you
taught. This means I (every follower) could have a director for my life, if I choose it. Youd be my
confidant, my guide, and my prompter for every life step. Wow! And all have to do is desire it
and walk in loving obedience. May this be so!
Sons Obedience:
Jesus, why are love and obedience linked? In John 14:28-31, you reveal some of the answer:
"You heard me say, 'I am going away and I am coming back to you.' If you loved me, you
would be glad that I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I. I have told you
now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe.
I will not speak with you much longer, for the prince of this world is coming. He has no
hold on me, but the world must learn that I love the Father and that I do exactly what my
Father has commanded me. "Come now; let us leave.
Lord, when you were getting ready to leave your disciples you made it clear to them that your
love for your Father would yield obedience in your behavior. It stands to reason that the Creator
who made everything, and knows all that is and will be, would know what is best for me. The next
time I want to do it my way remind me that the Designer knows my design specs far better than I
do, and help me to have a humble heart.
mbNemzek 6/05/04, 6/13, 6/16, 6/18
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6/26/04
John 15 is most often remembered for the vine and the branches allegory. In a pictorial form he
demonstrates that we need to live through his flow of life in us. The urge in the American culture
is to be your own person. There is almost a cult worship around the self-made person. On one
hand the individual is extremely important in Christianity. Each person is unique and is potentially
a unique expression of Gods life flowing through us.
However, concentration on self in our culture has little to do with God living in or through our
lives. The self-culture turns its collective back on God. In Jesus words this would represent the
branches thrown into the fire because they are Godless. This would also imply that when the
Christian culture emulates the worlds norms it too is fire bound.
This allegory also tells us quite clearly that if we turn our backs on God we are cut off from God.
It also tells us that when we live in Gods will we will be pruned so that the best fruit will come out
of our lives. This means that God directs our lives, we dont, and that we will go through maturing
scenarios (painful) so that we can be effective ambassadors for Jesus Christ. This directly
implies that when I spend my most of my efforts seeking comfort and avoiding pain I am probably
not living an effective life. Please note that I am not saying that we should seek pain but that
each one of us needs to seek Gods will for our life and then live it out with his assistance.
The other important message which drives home the vine-branch message is the command to
love one another in a self-sacrificing manner. It is supposed is to be the defining characteristic of
Christianity. When the vine-branch symbol moves from symbolism to reality in the Christian life
loving one another becomes a possibility.
Jesus gives the key to this message by reiterating what he said in John 14. The Holy Spirit will
come and direct out lives from the inside out. As long as the Holy Spirit indwelling remains a nice
idea or a reverent symbol of religious life we remain separate from God. It is only when we
accept the Holy Spirits reality into our lives that we can live God-empowered lives. Without the
reality of Gods indwelling presence the Christian life is no different from any other life.
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Bearing Fruit:
Jesus, what are our relationships between you and your Father? You give the beginnings of an
"I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that
bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even
more fruitful.
You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. (NIV)
Lord, it seems you are saying our life is through you, or not at all, and that your Father arranges
all the situations in our lives that will mold us in such a way that we will bear pleasing fruit. And
this is true in a unique fashion for each one of us.
Good Works:
Jesus, what is my relationship to you to be like? In John 15:4-8, you give a succinct and clear
response to my question:
Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in
the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.
I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear
much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.
If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such
branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned.
If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be
given you. This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be
my disciples.
Lord, you are stating that you are the source of my life. My life bears fruit while I remain in
relationship with you. Whenever I try to act without you I do things that count for nothing, and
while doing so I accentuate the enmity between us. During those times my heart becomes colder
because it is refusing to be nourished by your love and life. Ultimately, a refusal like that yields
death. Help me to remain in you and trust in your abiding life in me.
Demonstrating Love:
Jesus, when I follow you what will my life look like? Your answer in John 15:9-14, is clear:
"As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you obey my
commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and
remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may
be complete.
My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than
this, that he lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command.
Lord, I remain in your love when I love my neighbors as you have loved me. Grief racks my soul
when I think of my failures in this area. It is so easy to relate to others with something less than
love. Yet it is clear that I will not bear others interests very highly unless I love them in the way
you continue to love me and support me in spite of my many failures. Pour your grace into me
that I may love others as you have loved me. Amen!
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Life Saving:
Jesus, how is my choosing you important? Your answer in John 15:15-16, changes everything:
I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business.
Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made
known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear
fruit-- fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.
Lord, it is not my choosing you but your choosing me that has brought me to life. It was the grace
of your Holy Spirit pouring into my life that gave me the impetus to acknowledge your choice over
my life. This is humbling. It is equally humbling to realize that this grace to accept your choice for
their lives is offered to all who will accept it.
Love One Another:
Jesus, in what ways should we be different from others? You give us a clear but hard answer in
John 15:17-20:
This is my command: Love each other. "If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated
me first.
If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the
world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.
Remember the words I spoke to you: 'No servant is greater than his master.' If they
persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey
yours also.
Lord, when I obey you by loving others, and have it rebuffed, that is when it really hurts. It is easy
to understand others treating me poorly if I had acted toward them with indifference. But when I
have cared for another and receive spite in payment for that care the hurt in my heart sometimes
paralyzes me. It helps me to realize you have also walked through these very circumstances.
Non-Believer:
Jesus, what is the status of those who will not believe in you? You spell it out in John 15:21-25:
They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the One who sent
me. If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not be guilty of sin. Now, however,
they have no excuse for their sin.
He who hates me hates my Father as well. If I had not done among them what no one else
did, they would not be guilty of sin. But now they have seen these miracles, and yet they
have hated both me and my Father.
But this is to fulfill what is written in their Law: 'They hated me without reason.'
Lord, it is sad, actually heart rending, that some will not accept you. Perhaps many dont
understand that when they dont accept you they also reject God. That means they choose
separation from God, who is your Father. Help us all Lord!
The Counselor:
Jesus how will we not be orphaned? Your answer is contained in John 15:26-27:
"When the Counselor comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth
who goes out from the Father, he will testify about me.
And you also must testify, for you have been with me from the beginning.
Lord, by giving us your Holy Spirit you free us from the fear of being alone in the dark night of
eternity. Indeed, your light as creator and sustainer can replace any such fears with your perfect
love. It frees each one of us; it frees me, to love others even as you have loved me. Keep me
aware of the truth and love that sustain me and create in me a willing heart to share it with others.
Amen!
mbNemzek 6/21/04, 6/23, 6/24, 6/25, 6/26
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7/08/04
Jesus takes this whole chapter, as well as the two previous ones, to ensure that his disciples
understand that they will not be left alone. He essentially promises to send the Holy Spirit to live
within the hearts of believers once he has gone to be with his Father. In practical terms this
means we can be in communion with God. When he takes up residence within us we are able yo
live under his direction and in his empowerment.
One of the obvious questions is; If this is such a wonderful deal why isnt everyone battering
down church doors to become a Christian? Perhaps it is because Christians dont appear to be
that different from the run-of-the-mill non-believer. If we dont reflect Jesus Christ in all we say
and do then there will be no compelling reason for others to become Christian.
Perhaps we believe that Jesus was just talking in symbolic terms when he was discussing the
Holy Spirit. If that were the case then Pentecost could never have happened. Yet something did
happen. The scared-out-of-their-wits apostles went through a transformation that changed the
world. It wasnt a symbolic change. People dont die for symbolic change. Yet most of the early
disciples died attesting to the reality of Jesus Christ who was raised from the dead by his Father
and to the reality of the Holy Spirit living within their lives.
However, today it seems that many Christians live as if the Holy Spirit is a concept. We live just
like our neighbors and try to be good people. We live as if tomorrow is no different from today.
We live as if God is to be dusted off on Sundays and then carefully wrapped back up the rest of
the week.
At best this is a sad state of affairs. Over time, western material comfort has wooed us and we
Christians have gradually shifted focus from being Christ centered to being comfort focused and
even self focused individuals. Even when the Holy Spirit lives within us he will not force us to
comply with his will. I believe every one of us needs to ask the question, Will I dedicate my life to
being Christ focused or self focused? And we need to ask this question as if all eternity hangs in
the balance. Some faith persuasions are willing to kill for their beliefs while the ultimate virtue in
Christianity is to lay down your life for another. Will we Christians, once again take the high
ground, and become willing to die for our faith?
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Persecution Norm:
Jesus, when we honor your word will we be loved by those around us? You let John 16:1-4;
answer this most critical question:
"All this I have told you so that you will not go astray. They will put you out of the
synagogue; in fact, a time is coming when anyone who kills you will think he is offering a
service to God. They will do such things because they have not known the Father or me. I
have told you this, so that when the time comes you will remember that I warned you. I did
not tell you this at first because I was with you. (NIV)
Lord, ever since the 1960s, when we allowed our Congress to allow the Supreme Court to
remove references of you from our schools the situation has become more strained for followers
of your Son Jesus Christ. As our tolerance for allowing our courts to disparage your Name
increased Christians have been looked down upon. You told your earliest disciples this would
happen; we shouldnt be surprised.
Promised Counselor:
Jesus, how can your leaving be good for the disciples? You have John 16:5-11; share your
insight:
"Now I am going to him who sent me, yet none of you asks me, 'Where are you going?'
Because I have said these things, you are filled with grief. But I tell you the truth: It is for
your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but
if I go, I will send him to you.
When he comes, he will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and
judgment: in regard to sin, because men do not believe in me; in regard to righteousness,
because I am going to the Father, where you can see me no longer; and in regard to
judgment, because the prince of this world now stands condemned.
Lord, I realize that while you were physically here your Holy Spirit would not perpetually indwell
us. Your designed companionship, to be within each believing person, would not occur until you
left us physically. Yet sometimes I so yearn to sit in your physical presence.
Gods Giving:
Jesus, what will the Holy Spirit give us? You explain some of what the Holy Spirit will give us in
John 16:12-15:
"I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear. But when he, the Spirit of
truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak
only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.
He will bring glory to me by taking from what is mine and making it known to you. All that
belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the Spirit will take from what is mine and
make it known to you.
Lord, I desire the day when Christians willingly receive the truth your Holy Spirit gives to us. I
desire the day when followers realize that your Holy Spirit points to and gives glory to, your Son,
Jesus Christ. I desire the day when those who bear the name of your Son would love Him and
your children more than all other things. I desire the day when we would all accept the
nourishment and life giving direction of your Holy Spirit; to your own glory and to the glory of your
Son, Jesus Christ.
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Being Confused:
Jesus, will there still be times of confusion? You give part of your answer in John 16:16-19:
"In a little while you will see me no more, and then after a little while you will see me."
Some of his disciples said to one another, "What does he mean by saying, 'In a little while
you will see me no more, and then after a little while you will see me,' and 'Because I am
going to the Father'?" They kept asking, "What does he mean by 'a little while'? We don't
understand what he is saying."
Jesus saw that they wanted to ask him about this, so he said to them, "Are you asking one
another what I meant when I said, 'In a little while you will see me no more, and then after a
little while you will see me'?
Lord, there were times when your disciples were very unclear as to what your real intent was
when you said things. It seems, that even though we have the Holy Spirit to guide us there are
still many times when situations remain unclear. I wonder if the clarity remains clouded so that
we learn to lean on you with greater faith.
Grief and Joy:
Jesus, how will our joy or grief compare with the worlds? You give a clear answer in John 16:2022:
I tell you the truth, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but
your grief will turn to joy. A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has
come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is
born into the world. So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and
you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.
Lord, the more the opinion of the culture differs from the truth of your Son, Jesus Christ the more
it will rejoice when Christians are put down. Today many are denigrating your Son and making
fun of everything Christian. Lord, when times are hard, help us to remember there is a time when
the joy will be eternal.
In Jesus Name:
Jesus, what happens when I love you and equate you with your Father? You give me a clue in
John 16:23-28:
In that day you will no longer ask me anything. I tell you the truth, my Father will give you
whatever you ask in my name. Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask
and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.
"Though I have been speaking figuratively, a time is coming when I will no longer use this
kind of language but will tell you plainly about my Father. In that day you will ask in my
name. I am not saying that I will ask the Father on your behalf.
No, the Father himself loves you because you have loved me and have believed that I
came from God. I came from the Father and entered the world; now I am leaving the world
and going back to the Father."
Lord, as my love for you matures, my obedience to you increases. As my obedience to you
matures my walk with you becomes more constant and my way decreases. As my walk with you
grows more constant, my following your Fathers will becomes more real. As my following your
Fathers will becomes full, my walk increasingly becomes a prayer answered moment by moment.
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Final Blessing:
Jesus, when times are hard what do you want me to remember? You give the keys to life in John
16:29-33:
Then Jesus' disciples said, "Now you are speaking clearly and without figures of speech.
Now we can see that you know all things and that you do not even need to have anyone
ask you questions. This makes us believe that you came from God."
"You believe at last!" Jesus answered.
"But a time is coming, and has come, when you will be scattered, each to his own home.
You will leave me all alone. Yet I am not alone, for my Father is with me. "I have told you
these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But
take heart! I have overcome the world."
Lord, you told your disciples that even though they believed they would desert you. This was
before you gave them the Holy Spirit. Yet history has demonstrated that we Christ followers have
often ignored the Holy Spirit. Help me to remember, when I feel forsaken, that through your Holy
Spirit you are standing with me and that the keys to eternity are in your hands.
mbNemzek 7/02/04, 7/03, 7/05, 7/06, 7/07, 7/08
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8/21/04
Jesus spends his years teaching the multitude as well as his disciples about who he is and what
he wants from us. His message is one of love for God and for our neighbors. It is essentially a
message of being in communion with our creator.
In chapters 13 through 17 Jesus changes the focus from teaching for everyone toward giving
instructions for his disciples and those who will follow in their footsteps. In the final hours he
dedicates himself to his chosen. He lets them know that they would not be left alone and that
indeed the Holy Spirit would reside within the hearts of believers.
Then in this final hour, before the trial and crucifixion, he intercedes for the lives of his disciples.
Earlier he had said that there is no greater love than that one lay down his life for another. Now
Jesus is practicing what he has taught. There is little focus on self and much focus on those he
loves.
It is aptly said that the nature of ones true character surfaces under stress. Jesus knew what he
was to face and yet he concentrated on his love for his followers. During his last free evening,
though enwrapped in a finite body, he demonstrates the infinite love of God for his creation.
When I take a moment and reflect on myself as a created being and then attempt a comparison
to the Creator there is no room for self pride. I enter into a deep and abiding awe that his love is
so great for a creation that so frequently spurned him. We are so special to him, and yet our
designed specialness is only completed in communion with him. A being infused with love would
have it no other way!
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Final Prayer:
Jesus, what do you want your disciples to always remember? You give your answer in John
17:1-3
After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed: "Father, the time has come.
Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you.
For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those
you have given him.
Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ,
whom you have sent. (NIV)
Lord, you have granted eternal life to those who would follow your Son. Abba, when we put our
faith in your Son we give him glory because we enter relationship with him. We are designed to
be entities in relationship with you and when we choose yes your design becomes a creation
well done. When my choice for relationship resembles your will you are honored and the glory is
yours.
Giving Glory:
Jesus, how do we give your Father glory? You show us how in John 17:4-6:
I have brought you glory on earth by completing the work you gave me to do. And now,
Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began.
I have revealed you to those whom you gave me out of the world. They were yours; you
gave them to me and they have obeyed your word.
Lord, we give you glory when we honor your Son. I desire to follow your Son. Help me to remain
obedient. Amen.
Personal Protection:
Jesus, how are we to be protected? Your answer is in John 17:8-12:
Now they know that everything you have given me comes from you. For I gave them the
words you gave me and they accepted them. They knew with certainty that I came from
you, and they believed that you sent me.
I pray for them. I am not praying for the world, but for those you have given me, for they
are yours. All I have is yours, and all you have is mine. And glory has come to me through
them. I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming
to you.
Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name-- the name you gave me-- so that
they may be one as we are one. While I was with them, I protected them and kept them
safe by that name you gave me. None has been lost except the one doomed to destruction
so that Scripture would be fulfilled.
Lord, your son, Jesus, asks you to protect us by the power of the name you gave him. It is in
Jesus name that I ask protection for those I remember and love and I ask a similar protection for
myself. Though Satan may batter and even kill our bodies please keep our souls and spirits
protected.
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Truth Protection:
Jesus, when I accept your word, who do I belong to? Your words in John 17:13-19, give me an
assurance:
"I am coming to you now, but I say these things while I am still in the world, so that they
may have the full measure of my joy within them. I have given them your word and the
world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world. My
prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil
one.
They are not of the world, even as I am not of it.
Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.
As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world.
For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified.
Lord, Jesus says your word is truth. His word is good enough for me! As I walk out your plan for
my life may your truth protect me.
Body Unified:
Jesus, was your prayer for more than your immediate disciples? You have your continued prayer
in John 17:20-23, answer my question.
"My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their
message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May
they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.
I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: I in
them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you
sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.
Lord, this part of your prayer both humbles and edifies me. I am humbled when I see that you
were looking far past your original disciples when you prayed for them. I am edified when I
realize that, in your eyes, this sinner is special enough to be redeemed. Lord, I am also
saddened when I realize that we, your current day followers, frequently miss out on your
intercession for our unity. At times our ambassadorship is very dim.
Jesus Desire:
Jesus, where do you want your disciples to be? You give me a partial answer in John 17:24-26:
"Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the
glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world.
"Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and they know that
you have sent me. I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known
in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them."
Lord, I want to be with you. There is a part of me that yearns to be with you, face to face, and to
know you, my maker, without this worldly veil that impedes my vision. Even so, I know there are
others who must be reached and you want me here for the present. Either way this humble soul
is honored.
mbNemzek 8/04/04, 8/14, 8/15, 8/18, 8/21

c 2004
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9/10/04
John 18 begins the passion of Jesus Christ. He knew where he was going and what he would
have to do. We know he had ultimate control because the soldiers fell to the ground when he
admitted who he was. Because he had the redemption work of the cross ahead of him he let
mens sins lead him forward.
When confronted with truth some will strike at it, some will deny it, some will argue lamely for it
and some will accept it. We see all of these positions except acceptance during this trial period.
It is as if everyone flees from the truth in their own particular way.
There are times in life when we are confronted by mortal truth. When one experiences a job loss,
a crippling accident, a friends betrayal or a loved ones death we come face to face with the truth.
Each one of us needs to consider what they will do when faced with lifes hard moments. During
my trial times will I fight it, run away, deny the significance, accept it as a victim or will I have
allowed Jesus enough of a foothold in my life to face the hard times with the Peace of Christ in
my heart and behavior?
Hopefully, the crisis moments are not too frequent in our lives. However, God presents with many
other truth engagement opportunities. He presents us with many witness opportunities to tell the
unsaved about Jesus Christ. Here is the key, when I know another doesnt know about Jesus do
I act as our Lords witness and as an effective ambassador? These moments may not seem life
critical except that Jesus is depending on me to reach out to the lost.
Offering the message of salvation to the lost is not the last of the truth opportunities. We are
instructed to walk in love and forgiveness. One of the best ways to find out if Im doing this is to
look at how I behave to my brothers and sisters in Christ when they let me down or even hurt me.
Do I seek to forgive and be reconciled at my first opportunity or do I try some other measure? For
most of us, this one strikes very close to home. All of us will get many opportunities to offend or
be victims. Each occasion is a chance to let Christ govern my response or to do it my way.
As we go forth from this moment, this anniversary eve or our 9/11 memories and into the coming
days may our Lord increase our awareness of the truth opportunities he is presenting to us. And
may he give us the peace, wisdom and willingness to act as he would have us act.
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Evil Controls:?
Jesus, can evil ever control you? You give a hint of your answer in John 18:3-9:
So Judas came to the grove, guiding a detachment of soldiers and some officials from the
chief priests and Pharisees. They were carrying torches, lanterns and weapons.
Jesus, knowing all that was going to happen to him, went out and asked them, "Who is it
you want?"
"Jesus of Nazareth," they replied. "I am he," Jesus said. (And Judas the traitor was
standing there with them.)
When Jesus said, "I am he," they drew back and fell to the ground.
Again he asked them, "Who is it you want?" And they said, "Jesus of Nazareth."
"I told you that I am he," Jesus answered. "If you are looking for me, then let these men
go." This happened so that the words he had spoken would be fulfilled: "I have not lost
one of those you gave me." (NIV)
Lord, even when the apparent power was against you your enemies could not stand when you
spoke. That one little incident indicates to me that though you never condone evil, by virtue of
honoring free will, you will allow evil to occur. But that evil, though looking powerful, is there only
because you have given us a choice.
The Sword:
Jesus, are we allowed to persuade people by force? You give a clear answer in John 18:10-14:
Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it and struck the high priest's servant, cutting
off his right ear. (The servant's name was Malchus.)
Jesus commanded Peter, "Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has
given me?"
Then the detachment of soldiers with its commander and the Jewish officials arrested
Jesus. They bound him and brought him first to Annas, who was the father-in-law of
Caiaphas, the high priest that year. Caiaphas was the one who had advised the Jews that
it would be good if one man died for the people.
Lord, when you were about to be taken for trial you refused to allow your disciples to mount a
defense. Though we may not infer from this, that self-defense is always impermissible we can
infer that force may not be used in changing others opinions about you.
Truth Telling:
Jesus, when put to the test, who will tell the truth? You give us an indication of the innate
courage of the human heart in John 18:17-20:
"You are not one of his disciples, are you?" the girl at the door asked Peter. He replied, "I
am not." It was cold, and the servants and officials stood around a fire they had made to
keep warm. Peter also was standing with them, warming himself.
Meanwhile, the high priest questioned Jesus about his disciples and his teaching.
"I have spoken openly to the world," Jesus replied. "I always taught in synagogues or at
the temple, where all the Jews come together. I said nothing in secret.
Lord, even Peter, one of your most ardent supporters, lied about knowing you when he was
questioned about you. The only difference between me and Peter, at that time, is your indwelling
Holy Spirit. If I am exposed to a similar situation, my hope is that Ill have the willingness to listen
to His counsel and the courage to be your witness.
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Confronting Truth:
Jesus, how are we likely to behave when we are confronted by the truth? In John 18:21-23, you
show us one of the ways in which we respond:
Why question me? Ask those who heard me. Surely they know what I said."
When Jesus said this, one of the officials nearby struck him in the face. "Is this the way
you answer the high priest?" he demanded.
"If I said something wrong," Jesus replied, "testify as to what is wrong. But if I spoke the
truth, why did you strike me?"
Lord, I feel quite certain that the official who struck you didnt realize what he was doing. That
man was honoring the established system of his day above the Creator of all. By doing that he
clouded his own vision as to whom and where the Creator was. His system, had in fact, become
an idol. We do the same thing today in a hundred different ways. Like that official, my day of
judgement will depend on how much I have honored you versus placing other people and
systems in front of you.
To Witness or Not:
Jesus, will you give us many chances to be your witness? Part of your answer is revealed in
John 18:24-27:
Then Annas sent him, still bound, to Caiaphas the high priest.
As Simon Peter stood warming himself, he was asked, "You are not one of his disciples,
are you?" He denied it, saying, "I am not."
One of the high priest's servants, a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off,
challenged him, "Didn't I see you with him in the olive grove?"
Again Peter denied it, and at that moment a rooster began to crow.
Lord, there are times when I want to cry out, You fool! to Peter when I read this passage. But
then I realize that you give me, and every person like me, literally hundreds of opportunities to
bear witness in your behalf and too often I neglect to act appropriately. So when Im tempted to
call Peter a fool I realize he serves as my mirror.
Worldly Justice:
Jesus, do we deal effectively with the spiritual crisis in our own lives? In John 18:28-32, you
show us how we often handle it:
Then the Jews led Jesus from Caiaphas to the palace of the Roman governor. By now it
was early morning, and to avoid ceremonial uncleanness the Jews did not enter the
palace; they wanted to be able to eat the Passover.
So Pilate came out to them and asked, "What charges are you bringing against this man?"
"If he were not a criminal," they replied, "we would not have handed him over to you."
Pilate said, "Take him yourselves and judge him by your own law." "But we have no right
to execute anyone," the Jews objected.
This happened so that the words Jesus had spoken indicating the kind of death he was
going to die would be fulfilled.
Lord, when the Jewish leadership couldnt figure out how to kill you they appealed to Roman law.
The spiritual crisis of eternity was staring them in the face and they resorted to letting the pagan
law make the decision. It seems that when confronted with huge moral, ethical and spiritual
crisis, all too often, we too resort to the same tactics.
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Misunderstanding the Holy:

Jesus, can those with worldly views understand you? You give part of the answer in John 18:3336:
Pilate then went back inside the palace, summoned Jesus and asked him, "Are you the
king of the Jews?"
"Is that your own idea," Jesus asked, "or did others talk to you about me?"
"Am I a Jew?" Pilate replied. "It was your people and your chief priests who handed you
over to me. What is it you have done?"
Jesus said, "My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent
my arrest by the Jews. But now my kingdom is from another place."
Lord, Pilates primary understanding was that you were not a challenge to the Roman empire. He
was caught in a religious dispute and wanted nothing to do with it. Frequently, when things get
religious, many folks, faithful and pagan alike, get a glazed over look in their eyes and wish they
were elsewhere. I can almost pity Pilate.
Jesus, how will the worldly do when confronted with truth? You have John 18:37-40, give one
example:
"You are a king, then!" said Pilate. Jesus answered, "You are right in saying I am a king. In
fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth.
Everyone on the side of truth listens to me."
"What is truth?" Pilate asked. With this he went out again to the Jews and said, "I find no
basis for a charge against him.
But it is your custom for me to release to you one prisoner at the time of the Passover. Do
you want me to release 'the king of the Jews'?"
They shouted back, "No, not him! Give us Barabbas!" Now Barabbas had taken part in a
rebellion.
Lord, Pilate didnt understand the truth well enough to realize that you were it. But he knew guilt
and innocence well enough to know you were innocent. In this instance his worldly
understanding was much closer to truth than was the understanding of the Jewish leadership. My
prayer is that when confronted by truth and its myriad replicas, you will have granted me
sufficient discernment and Ill choose you every time. Amen!
mbNemzek 8/25/04, 8/31, 9/01, 9/05, 9/06, 9/08, 9/10

c 2004
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10/08/04
This chapter has been hard. Each time I came back to pray and dialogue this scene I knew I
couldnt do it with integrity unless I allowed the meaning of Jesus death to soak in my soul. I
cant go through this chapter unless I go through it with him.
I noticed that I kept finding other things more important and finding it too easy to walk away from
writing. I frequently wanted to dismiss this as writers block. But when I came close enough to be
gently honest with myself I realized that the death of my Lord and Savior is sometimes just too
much for me to handle.
Many who know me think Im very self-controlled, even stoic. But inside my large frame is a man
with a gentle heart. I remember holding a baby rabbit in my hands to give it warmth. Its mother
had left him. It died in my hands as I gently tried to console it and my whole being wept for that
poor little creature as it struggled in lifes last moments. And that was for merely a rabbit!
So when it comes to getting close to meditating on the death of Jesus Christ I feel like I become
undone. Even though I know he rose from the dead, and even though I know this was the plan to
bring about the salvation of our souls, the moment seem so final. Inevitably it seems that, like
Joseph and Nicodemus I have to let him go into the tomb. For a few minutes it seems like the
one I love is gone. And it is unbearable.
But to treat this scripture in the truth and love one needs to put himself into the sandals of those
closest to Jesus. For them, that fateful Friday afternoon, when the most precious person of their
lives, was brutally killed on a cross; well for them it must have seemed like their very reason for
living had just died.
If this particular meditation doesnt seem to flow or even seems discordant at times please forgive
me. It is just that during some of these moments even my peace in Christ seems a bit shaken.
Blessings, mbn
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Guiltless Punishment:
Jesus, is it ever right to punish the innocent? You have John 19:1-5, examine this question:
Then Pilate took Jesus and had him flogged. The soldiers twisted together a crown of
thorns and put it on his head. They clothed him in a purple robe and went up to him again
and again, saying, "Hail, king of the Jews!" And they struck him in the face.
Once more Pilate came out and said to the Jews, "Look, I am bringing him out to you to let
you know that I find no basis for a charge against him." When Jesus came out wearing the
crown of thorns and the purple robe, Pilate said to them, "Here is the man!" NIV
Lord, Pilate saw your innocence and had you flogged. He tried to appease the ones who brought
you to him hoping that theyd be satisfied. Help me to remember that appeasing another persons
evil desires always leads into deeper destruction.
Hatreds Answer:
Jesus, when does coldness of heart become permanent? You answer is demonstrated in John
19:6-7:
As soon as the chief priests and their officials saw him, they shouted, "Crucify! Crucify!"
But Pilate answered, "You take him and crucify him. As for me, I find no basis for a charge
against him."
The Jews insisted, "We have a law, and according to that law he must die, because he
claimed to be the Son of God."
Lord, it seems that coldness of heart becomes fixed when people not only turn their backs on
truth but actually decide to kill the truth. Keep my heart warm.
Confronting Innocence:
Jesus, what power did Pilate have over your life? You have John 19:8-11, give your answer.
When Pilate heard this, he was even more afraid, and he went back inside the palace.
"Where do you come from?" he asked Jesus, but Jesus gave him no answer. "Do you
refuse to speak to me?" Pilate said. "Don't you realize I have power either to free you or to
crucify you?"
Jesus answered, "You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from
above. Therefore the one who handed me over to you is guilty of a greater sin."
Lord, Pilate was a frightened man because he believed he was the only one standing between
you and death. He was frightened because though he wanted you to be free he was more
interested in saving his own skin. He didnt understand his power in eternal terms. Are we any
different?
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Negotiation Ends:
Jesus, when we are separated from God what will we do? You demonstrate one of the answers
in John 19:12-16:
From then on, Pilate tried to set Jesus free, but the Jews kept shouting, "If you let this man
go, you are no friend of Caesar. Anyone who claims to be a king opposes Caesar." When
Pilate heard this, he brought Jesus out and sat down on the judge's seat at a place known
as the Stone Pavement (which in Aramaic is Gabbatha).
It was the day of Preparation of Passover Week, about the sixth hour. "Here is your king,"
Pilate said to the Jews.
But they shouted, "Take him away! Take him away! Crucify him!"
"Shall I crucify your king?" Pilate asked.
"We have no king but Caesar," the chief priests answered.
Finally Pilate handed him over to them to be crucified.
Lord, Pilate let the Jews badger him into the decision to have your Son crucified. He held the
power and abdicated it over to them. If and when Im ever confronted with crowd bile may your
peace and wisdom sustain me.
Truth Proclaimed:
Jesus, did Pilate accomplish anything useful? You give your answer in John 19:17-22:
So the soldiers took charge of Jesus. Carrying his own cross, he went out to the place of
the Skull (which in Aramaic is called Golgotha). Here they crucified him, and with him two
others one on each side and Jesus in the middle.
Pilate had a notice prepared and fastened to the cross. It read: JESUS OF NAZARETH, THE
KING OF THE JEWS. Many of the Jews read this sign, for the place where Jesus was
crucified was near the city, and the sign was written in Aramaic, Latin and Greek. The
chief priests of the Jews protested to Pilate, "Do not write 'The King of the Jews,' but that
this man claimed to be king of the Jews."
Pilate answered, "What I have written, I have written."
Lord, it appears that Pilate did one thing of merit. In a probable attempt to take a swipe at the
Jewish leadership he proclaimed that Jesus was the King of the Jews. Even though he folded in
to the leaders demand that he crucify Jesus he did acknowledge a truth about Jesus Christ.
Jesus is the King of the Jewsand then some!
Trivial Pursuits:
Jesus, did the soldiers who killed you attend to you? You describe their behavior in John 19:2324:
When the soldiers crucified Jesus, they took his clothes, dividing them into four shares,
one for each of them, with the undergarment remaining. This garment was seamless,
woven in one piece from top to bottom.
"Let's not tear it," they said to one another. "Let's decide by lot who will get it."
This happened that the scripture might be fulfilled which said,
"They divided my garments among them and cast lots for my clothing."
So this is what the soldiers did.
Lord, these men were so crass that they gambled for your clothing. Little did they know they
would be fulfilling a prophesy found in Psalm 22:18.
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Concerning Mom:
Jesus, while you were dying, who were you concerned for? You let your concern be known in
John 19:25-27:
Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and
Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved
standing nearby, he said to his mother, "Dear woman, here is your son," and to the
disciple, "Here is your mother." From that time on, this disciple took her into his home.
Lord, even while in the middle of experiencing the most excruciating agony you expressed
concern for your mother. This is love for another in the extreme! But then you always were
extreme when it came to demonstrating love for others!
The End Nears:
Jesus, how did it end? You let John 19:28-30 give a quiet answer:
Later, knowing that all was now completed, and so that the Scripture would be fulfilled,
Jesus said, "I am thirsty." A jar of wine vinegar was there, so they soaked a sponge in it,
put the sponge on a stalk of the hyssop plant, and lifted it to Jesus' lips. When he had
received the drink, Jesus said, "It is finished." With that, he bowed his head and gave up
his spirit.
Lord, you said you were thirsty. After getting a little wine you bowed your head and died. It
seemed anti-climatic yet it seemed so final. And when ever I contemplate this a moment too long
a deep and inevitable weeping stirs though the recesses of my heart.
Death:
Jesus, what happened immediately after you died? You have John 19:31-38 express your
answer:
Now it was the day of Preparation, and the next day was to be a special Sabbath. Because
the Jews did not want the bodies left on the crosses during the Sabbath, they asked Pilate
to have the legs broken and the bodies taken down.
The soldiers therefore came and broke the legs of the first man who had been crucified
with Jesus, and then those of the other. But when they came to Jesus and found that he
was already dead, they did not break his legs. Instead, one of the soldiers pierced Jesus'
side with a spear, bringing a sudden flow of blood and water.
The man who saw it has given testimony, and his testimony is true. He knows that he tells
the truth, and he testifies so that you also may believe. These things happened so that the
scripture would be fulfilled: "Not one of his bones will be broken," and, as another
scripture says, "They will look on the one they have pierced."
Lord, even in your Sons death he is fulfilling a prophesy you gave about him hundreds of years
before. Most people dont realize that your Son Jesus Christ was fulfilling your word even after
he died. Most do not realize that your Word will come to pass even through using the efforts of
hostile enemies. The ultimate evil of humankind was used to usher in the ultimate salvation for
the human race. Even evil could not and will not ever be able stop your plan!
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Heart Broken:
Jesus, was all the Jewish against you? You give a clear answer in John 19:38-42:
Later, Joseph of Arimathea asked Pilate for the body of Jesus. Now Joseph was a disciple of
Jesus, but secretly because he feared the Jews. With Pilate's permission, he came and
took the body away. He was accompanied by Nicodemus, the man who earlier had visited
Jesus at night. Nicodemus brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five
pounds. Taking Jesus' body, the two of them wrapped it, with the spices, in strips of linen.
This was in accordance with Jewish burial customs. At the place where Jesus was
crucified, there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb, in which no one had ever
been laid. Because it was the Jewish day of Preparation and since the tomb was nearby,
they laid Jesus there.
Lord, even among the wealthy and powerful, your Son had followers. It took courage for these
men of means to ask Pilate for your body but they let their courage and love for you overcome
their fears of their fellow countrymen. But Lord, they thought he was dead for good. The spices
and burial cloths were a sign of their grief.
mbNemzek 9/18/04, 9/24, 9/26, 10/03, 10/07, 10/08
11-23-04
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11/06/04
This chapter is all about our willingness to believe in Jesus and the willingness to be a witness to
that belief. In this challenge to witness and exhortation to believe Jesus does some remarkable
things. Most of us dont viscerally understand the plight of women in those days. In most
cultures of the day women were little more than property. Even in the Jewish culture women did
not have many rights and certainly could not be witnesses.
Yet in his resurrection Jesus ensured that Christians would need to be different. He had a woman
be his first witness to his resurrection. Then he told her to go and tell the others. This broke the
society rules. It is important to remember the apostles were no less chosen by Jesus to be his
primary witnesses but he clearly wanted men to understand that women were to be their partners.
It should not be controversial that Jesus would love men and women equally, after all, it isnt man
alone who is the image of God or woman alone who is the image of God. He created us man and
woman to be in his image. So neither man nor woman should be too proud about how godly they
are. At best the singular man or woman can only give us a partial image of godly qualities. When
the two become one we begin to get a picture of the bride of Christ.
Yet to dwell on the man woman issue too much would be a misrepresentation of what Jesus is
trying to convey. His main message is for us to believe and then to witness. Belief alone is not
sufficient. Our belief must become active if we are to influence the world. Our behaviors need to
be obedient to Christ so that other folks see the difference. Our lips and tongues must be willing
to confess Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord so that those same folks know the reason for the
difference.
I certainly understand the show me attitude of Thomas. Yet my prayer for myself is that my faith
become ever more like Marys. May we listen to his gentle yet persistent call with ever-greater
discernment. And then may we follow his call wherever it leads.
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Early Sunday:
Jesus, did your disciples honor you even in your death? You have John 20:1-2, answer my
question:
Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb
and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance. So she came running to
Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one Jesus loved, and said, "They have taken the
Lord out of the tomb, and we don't know where they have put him!" NIV
Lord, Mary came down to visit the place where you were buried. This written version doesnt tell
us why she came, but come she did. Even though she thought you were dead she came to be
near you. Most of us who have lost someone dear, know her feeling. We want to be near where
our loved ones body was last seen. When your body wasnt there she was heartbroken because
she thought someone had stolen your body.
Double Check:
Jesus, how will your disciples react when informed that your body is not in the tomb? You have
John 20:3-9, give us Peters and Johns responses:
So Peter and the other disciple started for the tomb. Both were running, but the other
disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. He bent over and looked in at the strips
of linen lying there but did not go in. Then Simon Peter, who was behind him, arrived and
went into the tomb. He saw the strips of linen lying there, as well as the burial cloth that
had been around Jesus' head. The cloth was folded up by itself, separate from the linen.
Finally the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went inside. He saw and
believed. (They still did not understand from Scripture that Jesus had to rise from the
dead.)
Lord, they wanted to see for themselves. Perhaps they were hoping Mary was wrong or perhaps
they thought she had viewed the wrong tomb. We dont know. We know they confirmed Marys
original observation that you were gone. The unknown seems to reign.
Early Tears:
Jesus, what did Mary do after the disciples, she had informed, went home? Your answer is given
in John 20:10-13:
Then the disciples went back to their homes, but Mary stood outside the tomb crying. As
she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb and saw two angels in white, seated where
Jesus' body had been, one at the head and the other at the foot.
They asked her, "Woman, why are you crying?"
"They have taken my Lord away," she said, "and I don't know where they have put him."
Lord, Peter and John left but Mary stayed and grieved. When she again checked the tomb she
didnt realize the messengers in there were angels. In tears she kept looking for her missing
Lord.
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Being Named:
Jesus, how did Mary realize you were there? You have John 20:14-16, answer my question:
At this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it
was Jesus. "Woman," he said, "why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?"
Thinking he was the gardener, she said, "Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where
you have put him, and I will get him."
Jesus said to her, "Mary."
She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, "Rabboni!" (which means Teacher).
Lord, she didnt realize it was you until you spoke her name. You tell us in another place that
what ever we do or dont to the least of the brothers we do or dont do to you. I wonder how
many times Ive missed out on your presence when I didnt do what you asked me to do. Lord,
call me by my name and help be to always discern your presence.
First Witness:
Jesus, what did you want Mary to do? Your answer for her and for us is in John 20:17-18:
Jesus said, "Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet returned to the Father. Go instead to
my brothers and tell them, 'I am returning to my Father and your Father, to my God and
your God.'"
Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: "I have seen the Lord!" And she told
them that he had said these things to her.
Lord, you told Mary that she wasnt to hold on to you but that she was to go and witness to the
disciples what she had seen. She did it. Grant me the courage to always be your witness.
Together Again:
Jesus, who else did you show yourself to? In John 20:19-23, you give me part of the answer:
On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the
doors locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be
with you!" After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were
overjoyed when they saw the Lord.
Again Jesus said, "Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you." And
with that he breathed on them and said, "Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone his
sins, they are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven."
Lord, you came to them in a locked room but they didnt doubt it was you. You even gave them a
preview of walking in the Holy Spirit. They saw someone whom they had witnessed killed on the
cross and now you were alive. Amen!
Staunch Doubts:
Jesus, did all of your disciples believe? In John 20:24-25, you show that one doubted:
Now Thomas (called Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus
came. So the other disciples told him, "We have seen the Lord!"
But he said to them, "Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the
nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe it."
Lord, Thomas appears to be the sane one. After all, he only wants evidence. His example is so
similar to our western mindset. We want proof or evidence for everything. It is almost as if we
are demanding that you be accountable to us.
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Risen Savior:
Jesus, should we believe in you because of what your disciples witnessed? Your answer is clear
in John 20:26-29
A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though
the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you!"
Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and
put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe."
Thomas said to him, "My Lord and my God!"
Then Jesus told him, "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those
who have not seen and yet have believed."
Lord, Thomas wouldnt believe unless he could touch you. But when he saw you his faith
became alive. You said that those who believed without seeing you were blessed. During these
troubled times we need your blessings. We believe because of your apostles witness and
because you give us the Holy Spirit. Strengthen our belief and make our faith bold.
For Us:
Jesus, who were your gospel writers thinking of when they wrote of their witness? In John 20:3031 you have your friend and apostle John answer:
Jesus did many other miraculous signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not
recorded in this book. But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ,
the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.
Lord, John wrote this witness that I might believe. Before your Son Jesus came your prophets
witnessed forward toward him. After your Son ascended his apostles witnessed about him. With
so many aiming their lives toward your Son Jesus Christ my own aim is to put my life in his
hands. May this conviction always be firm! Amen.
mbNemzek 10/16/04, 10/23, 10/27, 11/01, 11/05, 11/06

C 2004
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11/23/04
The Gospel of John is about Jesus relationships with his disciples. As Ive mentioned to a friend,
Our design specs are such that we are each uniquely designed to be in communion with Jesus
Christ. When ever we want to do something on our own, and then do so, we are operating
outside of the specifications for which we were designed. (My friend is an engineer.)
God will honor our choice when we choose to be without him, but during those times we will
always fall short of the original beauty he has placed within our beings. Without communion, or in
todays terminology, relationship, the best we can be without God is lost souls.
Jesus drives this point home in those last moments with Peter. Peter had denied his Lord three
times and three times Jesus asks him about his love for him. I believe he wants Peter to fully
appreciate the gravity of his position. He wants him to appreciate that without constant
communion with God the best he can bring to the Lord is constant failure.
Before Pentecost (the infilling of the Holy Spirit) comes repentance. Repentance (turning from sin
and toward God) occurs after Ive acknowledged my sin and expressed remorse or sorrow for my
self-centered ways. When Ive done something wrong (it can be anything done outside of my
relationship with God) and I become aware of it I feel a sense of guilt or shame. I become aware
that Im unclean. I then acknowledge my wrongdoing, tell the Lord of my personal sorrow for
what Ive done and ask my Lord for forgiveness, and to be cleansed and given the power to walk
in His ways. When I ask my Lord to empower me to be the person He wants me to be, His Holy
Spirit flows into my life, and when I allow him to, he begins to transform my life into his design.
It seems that Jesus was helping Peter to work through some of these processes so that at
Pentecost Peter would be prepared to leave behind the Peter of old, fueled by Peters strength,
and become the New Peter fueled by Gods strength and direction.
Todays modern and humanist world with its emphasis of personal fulfillment would see some of
these ideas as quaint and even downright repugnant. They forcefully reject the notion of sin as
well as the notion of right and wrong. That means no guilt/shame over wrongdoing, no sorrow
over self-centered behavior, no repentance and certainly no relationship with God.
Yet we arent to despair since the Roman culture was much the same. Life will always come
down to a simple decision; We choose to either live with God or without God. To paraphrase the
ancient Joshua, As for me and my family, we will love the Lord. And may his grace and mercy
assist every person in choosing life.
Blessings,
mbn
11-23-04
84
No Fish:
Jesus, did you things differently after you had risen from the dead? Your answer is contained in
John 21:3-6:
. 3 "I'm going out to fish," Simon Peter told them, and they said, "We'll go with you." So they went
out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.
4 Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was
Jesus.
5 He called out to them, "Friends, haven't you any fish?"
"No," they answered.
6 He said, "Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some." When they did,
they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish. NIV
Lord, after you had risen from the dead, sometimes you did things the same way as you had
done them before. It seems like you are giving them something familiar to hold on to. Never the
less, you made the fish come to them.
Realization:
Jesus, how did your disciples react when they realized it was you. Your reply is contained in
John 21:7-9:
7 Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, "It is the Lord!" As soon as Simon Peter
heard him say, "It is the Lord," he wrapped his outer garment around him (for he had taken it off)
and jumped into the water. 8 The other disciples followed in the boat, towing the net full of fish, for
they were not far from shore, about a hundred yards. 9 When they landed, they saw a fire of
burning coals there with fish on it, and some bread.
Lord, after the miracle, when they realized it was you, Peter did the Peter thing, he just jumped in
the water to get to you. Some things just dont change. I believe that is what you loved in Peter.
He was so willing to respond before everyone else. You needed a man left with the others, who
would be able to respond swiftly to circumstances and lead others to do the same.
Just Breakfast:
Jesus, did you want your disciples to remember you in glory or as a friend? You have John
21:10-14, give me your answer.
10 Jesus said to them, "Bring some of the fish you have just caught."
11 Simon Peter climbed aboard and dragged the net ashore. It was full of large fish, 153, but
even with so many the net was not torn. 12 Jesus said to them, "Come and have breakfast."
None of the disciples dared ask him, "Who are you?" They knew it was the Lord. 13 Jesus came,
took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish. 14 This was now the third time
Jesus appeared to his disciples after he was raised from the dead.
Lord, you always wanted to be real and have fellowship with your friends who happened to be
your disciples. You loved them and wanted them to know how to love freely. That was to be one
of the defining differences between your followers and everyone else. They were to love well and
act on that love.
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The Unexpected:
Jesus, did you demonstrate special concern for Peter? Your answer is in John 21:15-16:
15 When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon son of John, do you truly
love me more than these?"
"Yes, Lord," he said, "you know that I love you."
Jesus said, "Feed my lambs."
16 Again Jesus said, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me?"
He answered, "Yes, Lord, you know that I love you."
Jesus said, "Take care of my sheep."
Lord, there are defining moments in every persons life. For Peter, you took an ordinary
breakfast, as ordinary as a post miracle breakfast can be, and made it into a crossroads moment.
Perhaps Peter didnt know it, at the time, but now that the training was done, you were asking him
if his whole heart was committed to you. He was uncomfortable.
Your Walk:
Jesus, what is so special in your questions of Peter? A picture of your concern is contained in
John 21:17-19:
17 The third time he said to him, "Simon son of John, do you love me?"
Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, "Do you love me?" He said, "Lord, you
know all things; you know that I love you."
Jesus said, "Feed my sheep. 18 I tell you the truth, when you were younger you dressed yourself
and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone
else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go." 19 Jesus said this to indicate the
kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, "Follow me!"
Lord, Peter was hurt when you kept asking the same question and he probably didnt realize that
you were helping him firmly replace his three denials. He probably didnt realize that in addition
to his impetuous zeal, his character would be transformed into a lifetime commitment of following
you. It is the same transformation you desire in each one of us.
Not Him:
Jesus, should we be concerned about your call on another persons life? Part of your answer is
given in John 21:20-23:
20 Peter turned and saw that the disciple whom Jesus loved was following them. (This was the
one who had leaned back against Jesus at the supper and had said, "Lord, who is going to betray
you?") 21 When Peter saw him, he asked, "Lord, what about him?"
22 Jesus answered, "If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must
follow me." 23 Because of this, the rumor spread among the brothers that this disciple would not
die. But Jesus did not say that he would not die; he only said, "If I want him to remain alive until I
return, what is that to you?"
Lord, it is so easy to get into the comparison game. You place a call on my life and immediately I
ask about the other guy. Im sure your answer to me is the same as it was to Peter. The answer
is simple, Dont worry about the other person, just attend to what Ive asked you to do. Help me
to remember that you call on my life is particular to me and that you call on others lives is
particular to them.
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Truth Testified:
Jesus, why was this gospel written? Part of your answer is in John 21:24-25:
24 This is the disciple who testifies to these things and who wrote them down. We know that his
testimony is true.
25 Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that
even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written.
Lord, John wrote these things down as a testimony to you being the truth. His witness is that you
are the Son of God and that without you we are all lost. He shows us that your desire for our
lives is that we be in constant communion with you. We were designed for this kind of life. May
we accept this and may it be so. Amen.
mbNemzek 11/14/04, 11/18, 11/20, 11/21, 11/22, 11/23
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Meditations On Johns Gospel

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Meditations on Johns Gospel