A Study of John

[RETIREDFAN1]

John 1

By: Jim Crews

 

This book was written by John the son of Zebedee and Salome. He was a fisherman by trade. John was the only one of the Apostles of Jesus to die a natural death. He wrote this book around 50. Later in his life he was banished to Patmos by Domitian. Domitian had tried to wipe the Gospel off the planet. According to some historical accounts, he had tried to have John boiled alive in oil. John was unharmed after this attempt, so he was sent away to Patmos where he wrote Revelation. He also wrote three letters which are included by the Holy Spirit in the New Testament. John wrote this book to show that Jesus is God.

 

John 1: 1 - 5

John establishes from the beginning that Jesus, the Word incarnate, is God. He was the agent of creation. Life and light exist in Him. His light shines in the darkness, and cannot be overcome.

 

John 1: 6 - 8

John the Baptist was sent to bear witness about the light, so that all may believe. He was not the light, but he did bear witness about the light.

 

John 1: 9 - 13

The Creator came into the world, but the world did not recognize Him. He came to His own chosen people, but they did not accept Him. To all who did accept Him and believe Him, He gave the right to become children of God. These were born of God. We see this new birth explained by Paul.

Romans 6: 1 - 11

 

John 1: 14 - 18

The Word became flesh and lived among us. God came to be like us and live among us. His glory was seen in the Son. John the Baptist bore witness of this. The Law was given to the Israelites through Moses. Grace and Truth were brought to all humanity by Jesus, the Messiah. He has revealed God to us.

 

John 1: 19 - 23

The Jews sent people to John the Baptist to see if he was the Messiah. John told them he was not. They asked John if he was Elijah or the prophet. He said no. They asked John who he was. He quoted Isaiah 40: 3, telling them he was the voice of one in the wilderness crying for them to prepare the way for the coming Messiah.

 

John 1: 24 - 28

The Pharisees had sent these people to question John. They asked him why he baptized people, if he wasn’t the Messiah, Elijah, or the Prophet. John told them he baptized with water, but the Messiah would baptize with the Holy Spirit. We see this baptism explained by Paul.

Colossians 2: 11 - 13

Titus 3: 4 - 7

 

John said he was not even worthy to untie the sandals of the Messiah. All this took place in Bethany, across the Jordan River, where John was baptizing.

 

John 1: 29 - 34

Jesus came the next day. John told the crowd to behold the Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world. He told them that Jesus is the Messiah he had been speaking about and baptizing people for, so that He could be revealed to Israel. John bears witness to this fact for us.

 

John 1: 35 - 42

The next day, two of John’s disciples heard John call Jesus the Lamb of God, and they began to follow Jesus. Jesus asked them what they were seeking. They asked Jesus where He was staying. He told them to come and see, so they followed Him and stayed with Him until the tenth hour. One of the two was Andrew, Peter’s brother. He went to Peter and told him that they had found the Messiah. He brought him to Jesus, who named him Peter.

 

John 1: 43 - 51

The next day, Jesus went to Galilee. He found Philip, who was from Bethsaida, which was where Peter and Andrew were from. He told Philip to come and follow him. Philip found Nathaniel and told him that they had found the one Moses and the prophets had written about, the Messiah, Jesus of Nazareth. Nathaniel asked if anything good could come out of Nazareth. Philip told him to come and see. Jesus showed Nathaniel that He knew him before he had even come to Him. This brought belief to Nathaniel, who proclaimed Jesus to be the Son of God and the King of Israel. Jesus told him he believed because of Jesus’ miraculous knowledge. He then told Nathaniel that he would see greater things than that. He told Nathaniel that he would see Heaven opened up and angels descending and ascending on the Son of Man.

[RETIREDFAN1]

John 2

By: Jim Crews

 

John 2: 1 - 5

On the third day, there was a wedding in Cana. Jesus, His disciples, and Mary were invited to the wedding. When the wine ran out, Mary told Jesus about the situation. Jesus told her that it was not yet the time for Him to reveal Himself. Mary gave the servants some advice that we should all heed today. She told them to to whatever Jesus told them to do.

 

John 1: 6 - 11

There were six stone water jars there, each holding 20 or 30 gallons. Jesus told the servants to fill them with water. They filled them to the brim. He told them to take some of it and give it to the master of the feast. The master tasted it and it had become wine. He didn’t know where it came from, but the servants did. The master called the bridegroom and complimented him for having served the best wine last. This was His first miracle.

 

John 1: 12

After this, they went to Capernaum and stayed for a few days.

 

John 1: 13 - 17

They went to Jerusalem for the Passover. In the Temple, Jesus found those selling sacrificial animals to the people. He also found money changers. He made a whip of chords and drove them all out of the Temple with their animals. He poured out their coins and turned over their tables. He rebuked them for having made His Father’s house a common market. His disciples remembered the prophecy of this.

Psalm 69: 9

 

John 1: 18 - 22

The Jews asked Jesus for a sign. They wanted proof that He was the Messiah, because they knew the prophecies, too. He told them to destroy this Temple and He would rebuild it in three days. The Jews misunderstood Him, saying that it had taken 46 years to build the Temple and ridiculing Him for claiming to be able to rebuild it in three days. They didn’t know that He was talking about His death and resurrection on the third day. When it happened later, the disciples remembered this.

 

John 1: 23 - 25

While He was in Jerusalem, many people believed Him, especially when they saw the signs and miracles He was performing. He didn’t entrust Himself to them, though, because, being God, He knew every single one of them better than they knew themselves.

[RETIREDFAN1]

John 3

By: Jim Crews

 

John 3: 1 - 8

Nicodemus was a Pharisee and on the Sanhedrin. He came to Jesus secretly at night and told Him that he knew Jesus was from God, because of the signs that He did. Jesus told Nicodemus that unless people are born again, they cannot see the Kingdom of God. Nicodemus, not understanding this, asked Jesus how one would be born again. Would one enter the womb for a second time? Jesus told him that to be born again, one must be born of water and of the Spirit. This is the only way to enter the Kingdom of God. Things born of the flesh are of the flesh. Things born of the Spirit are of the Spirit. We should not marvel that we must be born again. How are we born again, of water and of the Spirit? When we obey the command to be immersed in water to have our sins washed away.

Acts 2: 38

Acts 22: 16

Romans 6: 3 - 4

Colossians 2: 11 - 13

Titus 3: 4 - 7

 

John 3: 9 - 15

Nicodemus asked Jesus how these things could be. Jesus asked Nicodemus how he could be a teacher of Israel and not recognize what is happening right in front of him. Jesus told him that He and the disciples were teaching the things that they knew, but he would not receive their teaching. Jesus had told him earthly things and he had not believed, how, then, could he possibly believe heavenly teachings? No one has ascended into Heaven. However, the Messiah had come down from Heaven to be lifted up as the sacrifice for the sins of humanity. Whoever believes in Him should have eternal life.

 

John 3: 16 - 21

God loved the world so much that He sent the Son as the sacrifice for our sins. Those who believe should not perish, but should inherit eternal life. God sent the Son to save the world, not to condemn it. Those who believe is not condemned. Those who do not believe stand condemned because of their lack of belief. This, then, is the judgment. The light has come into the world and was walking among them at that time. People, though, live darkness rather than light. In the darkness, their evil works stand secret. The light exposes the evil. Those who do what is true come to the light so their works can be seen as being carried out in God.

 

John 3: 22 - 24

After this, Jesus and His disciples went into the Judean countryside and were baptizing people. John was baptizing at Aenon, near Salim, because there was plenty of water there. This was before John had been imprisoned.

 

John 3: 25 - 30

A discussion arose between some of John’s disciples and a Jew over purification. They came to John and told him that Jesus was now baptizing, too, and all the people were beginning to follow him instead of John. John answered that everything we have comes from God. He told them that he had already taught them that he is not the Messiah, but the one sent before Him. John’s joy was now complete, and he would fade into the limelight while Jesus would increase.

 

John 3: 31 - 36

He who comes from above is above all. He who comes from the earth is from the earth and speaks in an earthly way. He bears witness to what He has seen and heard, but no one receives His testimony. Whoever does receive His testimony is sealed with the absolute fact that God is true. Jesus utters the words of God, who gives His Spirit without measure. The Father loves the Son and has given Him all things.

 

Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life. Whoever does not OBEY the Son shall not see life. The wrath of God remains on those. This clearly ties faith with obedient works.

Luke 13: 3

Matthew 10: 32 - 33

Mark 16: 16

Revelation 2: 10

James 2: 14 - 26

[RETIREDFAN1]

John 4

By: Jim Crews

 

John 4: 1 - 6

When He heard that the Pharisees had heard that Jesus was baptizing more people than John, He left Judea and went to Galilee. Jesus didn’t baptize anyone personally, but His disciples did. This in no way indicates that baptism is not necessary for salvation. He came to Sychar in Samaria to the place where Jacob’s well was located. Jesus was tired from the journey and rested by the well.

 

John 4: 7 - 15

A Samaritan woman came to draw water, and Jesus asked her for a drink. His disciples had gone into the town to buy food. The woman couldn’t believe a Jew was even talking to her, because Jews had nothing to do with Samaritans. Jesus told her that if she knew who she was speaking to, she would ask and He would give her living water. She, in her lack of understanding, asked how He could give her living water when He didn’t even have anything to draw water from the well. Jesus told her that everyone who drinks of the well water would thirst again, eventually. Whoever drank of the water He was giving would never thirst again. He was bringing the water of eternal life. The woman asked for some of this water.

 

John 4: 16 - 26

Jesus told her to bring her husband. She said she had no husband. Jesus said she was right, she had 5 husbands and the man she was with now was not her husband. The woman thought Jesus was a prophet since He knew so much about her. She told how the Samaritans had worshiped on the mountain, but the Jews say the only place to worship God was in Jerusalem. Jesus told her soon people would worship the Father in spirit and in truth as He desired to be worshiped. He sought such people to worship Him. Since God is a spirit, those who worship Him must do so in spirit and in truth. The woman said she knew the Messiah was coming to show them all truth. Jesus told her that He is the Messiah.

 

John 4: 27 - 30

The disciples came back and were amazed He was talking to the woman, but didn’t ask any questions about it. The woman went to town and told everyone that it was possible that the Messiah was outside of town by the well.

 

John 4: 31 - 38

The disciples were urging Jesus to eat, but He told them He had food that they knew nothing about. They took Him literally, but Jesus explained His food was to do the will of the Father Who sent Him. He said they shouldn’t say there are four months until harvest.

He told them the fields were ripe for harvest, talking about teaching the Gospel to those in desperate need of hearing it.

 

John 4: 39 - 42

Many Samaritans believed in Him because of the woman's testimony that He had told her everything she had ever done. They asked Him to stay, and He stayed for two days. Many more believed because of His word. They were totally convinced that Jesus is the Messiah.

 

John 4: 43 - 45

After two days, He left for Galilee. He had testified that there is no honor for a prophet in his hometown. He was welcomed in Galilee because they had seen what He had done at the feast in Jerusalem.

 

John 4: 46 - 54

He came back to Capernaum, where an official whose son was ill heard He was there. He asked Jesus to heal his son. Jesus did. As he was returning home, his servants met him and told him his son was recovering. He asked the hour the recovery began, and it was at the exact time Jesus had said his son will live. He believed with all his household. This was the second sign Jesus had done when He had come to Galilee from Judea.

[RETIREDFAN1]

John 5

By: Jim Crews

 

John 5: 1 - 9

Jesus went to Jerusalem for a feast of the Jews. There was a pool with five roofed colonnades located by the Sheep Gate. It was called Bethesda. Many invalids lay there. One man had been an invalid for 38 years. Jesus saw him and knew this. He asked the man if he wanted to be healed. The man told Jesus he had no one to put him into the pool when the water was stirred up. Jesus told the man to pick up his bed and walk. The man was immediately healed. This was on the Sabbath Day.

 

John 5: 10 - 17

The Jews said to the man that it was the Sabbath, and thus, unlawful for him to be carrying his bed. He told the Jews that the man who had healed him told him to take up his bed and walk. The Jews asked him who it was, but the man who had been healed did not know. Jesus had withdrawn by then, because a crowd had gathered. Afterward, Jesus found the man and told him to sin no more, so that nothing worse would happen to him. This is why the Jews persecuted Jesus, because He did these things on the Sabbath. Jesus said the Father was working, so He would work.

 

John 5: 18

The Jews were also wanting to kill Jesus because He called God His own Father, which made Him equal to God.

 

John 5: 19 - 24

Jesus told them He could do nothing on His own. What He had seen done by the Father, He did. The Father loves the Son, and He would do even greater works than they had seen so far. Father and Son give life. The Father judges no one. He has given judgment to the Son, so that all may honor the Son as they do the Father. Whoever does not honor the Son, does not honor the Father. Whoever hears and believes the words of Jesus will have eternal life. This person does not come into judgment, but passes from death to life.

 

John 5: 25 - 29

The hour is now here when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God and live. The Father has life in Himself, and has granted the same to the Son. The Son has been given authority to execute judgment. The hour is coming when all who are in the tomb will hear His voice and come out. Those who have done good to the resurrection of eternal life. Those who have done evil to the resurrection of judgment.

 

John 5: 30 - 47

He could do nothing on His own. As He hears, He judges. His judgment is just, because He seeks the will of the Father, and not His own will. However, if He were the only one bearing witness about Himself, His testimony is not true. He has the proper number of witnesses required by the Mosaic Law. Witness one was John the Baptist, from whom they went out into the wilderness to hear about the coming Messiah. Witness two is the Father. The works that Jesus is doing bear witness that He was sent from the Father. They have never heard His voice or seen His form, and they don’t have His Word abiding in them because they don’t believe the One He had sent. Witness three is the Scriptures. They search the Scriptures because they think in them they will find eternal life. However, the Scriptures bear witness about Him but they refuse to come to Him so that they might find eternal life. His glory doesn’t come from the people. He knows they don’t have the love of God inside them. He came in the name of His Father, and they don’t receive Him, but if someone comes in his own name, that person would be received. How can they believe, when they receive glory from one another, but reject the glory that comes from God? Jesus won’t accuse them to the Father. Moses, on whom they had set their hope,  would do that. If they believed Moses, they would believe Jesus, because Moses wrote about Jesus. If they don’t even believe Moses, they will never believe Jesus.

[RETIREDFAN1]

John 6

By: Jim Crews

 

John 6: 1 - 15

A large crowd was following Him as Jesus went away to the other side of the Sea of Galilee, because they saw the signs He was doing and His healing of the sick. He went on a mountain and sat down with His disciples. The Passover was nearing, and Jesus saw the large crowd. He asked Philip where they would buy bread. This was a test, because Jesus knew what He was going to do for the crowd. Philip said they didn’t have enough money to get much food. Andrew told Jesus there was a boy there with five barley loaves and 2 fish, but doubted the ability to feed so many with just that. Jesus told them to have the people sit down. There were 5000 men in this crowd. He took the loaves and the fish, blessed them, and had the disciples pass them around. Everyone had eaten their fill, and Jesus had the disciples gather up the scraps. They gathered 12 baskets full. When the people saw the sign, they proclaimed that Jesus was indeed the prophet who had come into the world. He perceived that they were about to seized Him and make Him king, so Jesus went onto the mountain alone. Here, Jesus demonstrates His power to create.

 

John 6: 15 - 21

When evening came, His disciples got into a boat to cross the sea, but Jesus had not yet joined them. The sea was rough because a strong wind was blowing. When they had rowed about four miles, they saw Jesus coming to them, walking on the water, and they were scared. He told them it was Him, and they shouldn’t be afraid. They were glad to take Him onto the boat, and they were immediately transported to their destination. Here, Jesus demonstrates His power over the physical laws of the universe.

 

John 6: 22 - 24

The next day, the crowd saw that the disciples had gone. They also knew Jesus didn’t get in the boat with them, but He was gone, too. Other boats had joined them. When they saw that Jesus was gone, too, they got into boats and went back across the sea.

 

John 6: 25 - 34

When they found Him on the other side of the sea, they asked Jesus when He had arrived. Jesus told them they only sought Him because they got their bellies filled. Instead of working for food that perishes, they should be working for food that brings eternal life. He was giving them this food.

God had set His seal on Jesus. They asked what they must do, to be doing the works of God. He answered that the work of God was that they believe the Son. They asked Jesus what sign He would perform so that they might see and believe Him. They said their fathers ate manna in the desert as a sign. Jesus told them that manna didn’t come from Moses, but it came from God. Jesus told them He is the bread from God, who comes down from Heaven and gives life to the world. They asked Him to give them this bread always.

 

John 6: 35 - 40

Jesus told them He is the bread of life. Whoever comes to Him shall not hunger, whoever believes in Him shall not thirst. They had seen Him, but still did not believe. All that the Father gives Him will come to Him, and whoever comes to Him will not be cast out. Jesus came to do the will of the Father. The will of the Father is that Jesus will not lose any that God gave Him, but they will rise up on the last day. The will of God is that everyone who looks upon the Son and believes Him should have eternal life, and He will raise them on the last day.

 

John 6: 41 - 51

The Jews grumbled because He claimed to be the bread of life come down from Heaven.

 

They knew His earthly father Joseph, and they knew Mary, so they asked how He had come from Heaven? Jesus told them not to grumble to themselves. No one can come to Him unless they are drawn to Him by the Father. We know this happens when we hear the Word.

Romans 10: 17

 

The prophets wrote that everyone would be taught by God. This happens through the Bible. Everyone who has heard and learned from God, comes to Jesus. Jesus is the only one who has seen the Father. Whoever believes has eternal life. He is the bread of life. Their fathers ate manna in the wilderness, yet died eventually. Jesus is the bread from Heaven. Those who eat of it will not die. The bread that He gave for the life of the world was His flesh. This occurred when He willingly gave His life on the cross as the sacrifice for our sins.

 

John 6: 52 - 59

The Jews were taking him literally, and disputed among themselves as to how they could eat His flesh. Jesus told them unless they eat His flesh and drink His blood, they have no life in them. Whoever does, He will raise up on the last day to eternal life. Jesus taught these things in the Capernaum synagogue.

 

John 6: 60 - 65

Many of the disciples heard this and gave up. It was a hard saying for them to comprehend, so they didn’t even try to grow in knowledge of the Truth, which is HOW we eat the bread of life and drink the blood. Jesus knew their thoughts and confronted them with more teaching. He asked if they took offense to this? What then would they do when they saw Him ascending back to Heaven? Life comes from the Spirit, not from the flesh. The words Jesus had spoken were spirit and life. Some did not believe, and Jesus knew from the beginning who these people were. He also knew who it was who would betray Him. This was why He told them that no one could come to Him unless it was granted by the Father.

 

John 6: 66 - 71

After this, many disciples turned back and stopped following Him. Jesus asked the twelve if they were going to join this group who had left. Peter answered Him, asking where else would they go. Jesus has the words of eternal life. They believed Him and had come to recognize that He is the Messiah. Jesus told them He had chosen them, the twelve, but one of them was a devil. This was in reference to Judas Iscariot.

[RETIREDFAN1]

John 7

By: Jim Crews

 

John 7: 1 - 9

Jesus travelled around in Galilee. He wouldn’t go to Judea, because the Jews there were seeking to kill Him. His brothers wanted Him to travel to Jerusalem for the Feast of Booths. This was so that His disciples there could see His signs, and He could be revealed to the world. His brothers did not believe Him yet, either. Jesus told them His time had not yet come, but their time is always here. The world hates Jesus because He testifies about the evil works that are there. He told them to go to the feast, but He would not, because His time had not yet come. He remained in Galilee.

 

John 7: 10 - 13

After His brothers went to the feast, Jesus decided to go anyway, just in private and not publicly. The Jews were looking for Him at the feast. Some proclaimed that He was a good man, while others claimed He was leading people astray. Their fear of the Jewish leaders kept them from speaking openly about Him.

 

John 7: 14 - 24

About the midpoint of the feast, Jesus went into the temple and began to teach.  The Jews marvelled at His knowledge, since He had never been formally educated by one of their schools or one of their teachers. Jesus told them the things He taught came from the Father, and not from Him. Anyone who chose to do God’s will would know that the teaching came from God and not from Jesus’ own authority. The man speaking from his own authority is doing so, seeking his own glory. Jesus is seeking to glorify God, and in doing so, speaks complete Truth. Moses had given them the Law, yet none of them kept it, because they were seeking to kill Him. The crowd answered that He must have a demon, since they weren’t seeking to kill Him. Jesus said He did one miracle on the Sabbath, and they sought to kill Him. However, males were circumcised on the Sabbath and the Law was not broken. Yet Jesus healed a man’s entire body on the Sabbath and they condemned Him. Don’t judge by appearances, but judge by righteous judgment.

 

John 7: 25 - 31

Some of the people began saying that here was the man the Jews were seeking to kill, speaking openly, and they say nothing to Him. Could it be that they know He is the Messiah? Yet, they questioned themselves from their ignorance of Scripture, claiming they knew where Jesus was from, but no one would know where the Messiah came from. Scripture, though, plainly says where the Messiah would come from.

Jesus taught them that He came from God. They were seeking to arrest Him, but no one could lay a hand on Him because it was not yet time. Many of the people believed that He is the Messiah despite the Jews.

 

John 7: 32 - 36

The Pharisees heard the crowd saying these things and they sent guards to arrest Jesus. Jesus told the crowd He would be with them only for a little longer, then He would be gone to a place where they could not find Him, nor could they go. The crowd began asking whether He would go to the dispersed Jews in Greece and teach them?

 

John 7: 37 - 39

On the last day of the feast, Jesus stood up and cried out that if anyone thirsts, they should come to Him and drink. Whoever believes in Him, as Scripture says, out of Him shall flow rivers of living water. This was in reference to the Holy Spirit, who would come upon them after Jesus glorification.

 

John 7: 40 - 44

When they heard these words, some said He really was the prophet. Others said He really is the Messiah. Some claimed the Messiah would come from Bethlehem, not from Galilee, not knowing that Jesus had been born in Bethlehem. They were divided, but no one arrested Jesus.

 

John 7: 45 - 52

The guards came back to the chief priests without Jesus and were questioned as to why they hadn’t arrested Him. They told the chief priests that no one had ever spoken like Jesus speaks. The Pharisees asked had they been deceived, too. Then, they used a logical flaw, claiming that since none of the Pharisees believed Jesus, they shouldn’t believe Him either. They said this crowd that doesn’t know the Law is accursed. Nicodemus, who was one of them, but had spoken to Jesus in person, asked them did the Law judge a man before first giving him a hearing? They were sarcastic with Nicodemus, too, asking if he were a Galilean as well. No prophet comes from Galilee.

 

[RETIREDFAN1]

John 7: 53 - John 8

By: Jim Crews

 

John 7: 53 - 8:11

Each of them went to their own house, but Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. Early in the morning He went to the temple and began to teach. The scribes and Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in adultery in order to test Jesus. They properly quoted the Mosaic Law, which said this woman must be stoned. Jesus began writing on the ground. What He wrote is not revealed, but we can speculate that it may have been the sins of all those accusing the woman from the contextual clues. As they continued to ask Him, He said that whichever one of them who was without sin should cast the first stone. He began writing on the ground again. The crowd dispersed, leaving only Jesus and the woman. Jesus asked where her accusers had gone, and did no one condemn her. She said no one did. Jesus told her He didn’t either. She was to go and sin no more.

 

John 8: 12 - 20

Jesus spoke here, giving on of His I AM statements. He said He is the light of the world. Those who follow Him would not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. The Pharisees said that since He was bearing testimony about Himself, it was not true. Jesus told them that even though He bore testimony about Himself, it was indeed true.

He know where He comes from and where He is going. They do not. They base their judgment upon fleshly things. He judges no one. Even if He does judge, though, it’s true, because He is not alone judging, but the Father who sent Him judges as well. In the Law, the testimony of two people was considered true. Jesus bears witness about Himself, and the Father bears witness as well. The Pharisees asked Him where was His Father. Jesus told them they didn’t know Him or the Father. If they knew Jesus, they would know the Father. He spoke these words in the treasury as He taught in the temple. No one arrested Him because it was not yet His time.

 

John 8: 21 - 30

He told them He was going away, and they would seek Him, but they would die in their sins because where He was going, they could not come. The Jews asked among themselves if He were going to kill Himself since He had said He was going to where they couldn’t come. He told them straight out that He is not from this world, but from above, while they are from here below. He told them that they would die in their sins, because unless they believe that He is the Messiah, they would die in their sins. They asked Him who was He? Jesus told them that He had been telling them that from the beginning.

 

He has much to say about them and much to judge, but the Father who sent Him is True, and Jesus declares to the world what He has heard from the Father. They did not understand that He had been talking about God. So He told them that when they had lifted Him up, then they would know who He is. He does nothing on His own authority, but speaks as the Father taught Him. The Father is with Him and does not leave Him alone, because He always does the things that are pleasing to God. Many in the crowd believed.

 

John 8: 31 - 33

Jesus told those who believed Him that if they abide in His word, then they are truly His disciples. They would know the truth, and the truth would set them free. They answered Him pridefully, claiming that they were children of Abraham and had never been enslaved to anyone. Evidently they had forgotten the
Assyrian and Babylonian captivities.

 

John 8: 34 - 38

Jesus told them that everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin. The slave doesn’t stay in the house forever, but the Son does. If the Son sets us free, we are free indeed. He knows they are all descended from Abraham, but they seek to kill Him because His word finds no place in them. He speaks of what He has seen from His Father, God, and they do what they have heard from their father, Satan.

John 8: 39 - 47

They answered this by saying Abraham was their father. Jesus told them that if they were indeed Abraham’s children, they would be doing what Abraham did, which was obey God. Instead, they seek to kill the One who is proclaiming to them Truth that He heard from God. This is totally opposite from what Abraham did. They are doing the works of their father, Satan. They decided that since they couldn’t win the argument, they would begin personal attacks on Jesus. They said they were not conceived in sexual immorality, implying that Jesus had been. They then claimed that their father is God. Jesus told them if God were their father, they would love Him, because God had sent Him. They don’t understand what He is saying because they don’t want to hear it. They are of their father the devil, who was a murderer from the beginning, and who speaks nothing but lies. Satan is a liar, and the father of lies. Because Jesus speaks the Truth, they don’t believe Him. He asks which of them convicts Him of sin? He tells Truth, so why don’t they believe Him? Whoever is of God, hears God’s Word. The reason they don’t hear, is because they are not of God.

 

John 8: 48 - 59

The Jews then accused Him of being a Samaritan and demon possessed. Jesus said He was not demon possessed. He honored the Father, while these Jews dishonored Him. He doesn’t seek His own glory, but there is One who does, and He will judge.

He promises that anyone who keeps, that is obeys His words, that person will gain eternal life. The Jews thought they had Him here. They said this proved He was demon possessed, because Abraham and all the prophets had died, and had not lived eternally. They asked Him if He thought He was greater than Abraham and the prophets, all of whom had died. Jesus told them that if he were to glorify Himself, it would be useless. Instead, it is the Father Who glorifies Him. The same God who they claim to follow. They don’t know Him, but Jesus does. If He were to claim that He didn’t know God, He would be a liar like these Jews. However, He does know God and He obeys God. Abraham rejoiced that he would see His day. He saw it and was glad. The Jews derisively told Him He wasn’t even fifty years old yet, and He had seen Abraham. Jesus told them that before Abraham was, I AM, definitely claiming to be Deity. They picked up stones to throw at Him, but Jesus was gone from there.

 

[RETIREDFAN1]

John 9

 

John 9: 1 - 7

He passed by and saw a man who was blind from birth. His disciples asked Jesus who had sinned to cause this, the man or his parents? Jesus answered that neither one had caused it, but it was so that the glory of God could be shown through him. They must work the works of light while it is day, because night swiftly approaches. As long as Jesus is in the world, He is the light of the world. He then spit on the ground and made mud with His saliva. He put this on the man’s eyes and told him to go wash in the pool of Siloam. The man did, and returned with his vision.

 

John 9: 8 - 12

The man’s neighbors saw him and were wondering how he had regained his sight. He told them that Jesus had healed him. They asked where Jesus was, but the man did not know.

 

John 9: 13 - 17

They brought the man to the Pharisees, because it was a Sabbath day when Jesus healed him. The Pharisees questioned how he had regained his sight, and he told them. The Pharisees then claimed that Jesus couldn’t be from God because He didn’t keep the Sabbath.

Jesus did keep the Sabbath, but in the way God intended, and not following the perversions of the traditions of the Pharisees. Others claimed that Jesus couldn’t be a sinner because of the great signs that He performed. There was division among them. They asked the man what he thought, and he told them he thought Jesus was a prophet.

 

John 9: 18 - 23

The Jews didn’t believe this man had been blind and regained his sight. They questioned the man’s parents. His parents said they knew he had been born blind and never had sight. They didn’t answer as to how he had regained his sight. They were afraid of the Jews, who had threatened to expel anyone who claimed Jesus was the Messiah. They told the Jews their son was of age, they should question him.

 

John 9: 24 - 34

The Pharisees confronted the man again, and told him that Jesus was a sinner. The man answered that he really didn’t care one way or the other, he had been blind, but now he could see. They questioned the man once again. The man was obviously growing tired of them, because he asked them if they were so interested in Jesus because they wanted to become disciples. The self righteous Pharisees told the man he was a disciple of Christ, but they were disciples of Moses. They said God had spoken to Moses, but they don’t know where Jesus came from. The man was indignant with the Pharisees, saying that they claimed they didn’t know where Jesus came from, yet still spoke against Him as a sinner. They knew that God doesn’t listen to sinners, but only to those who obey Him. Never since the Creation has anyone ever restored sight to a blind man until then. If Jesus wasn’t from God, He couldn’t have done this. The arrogant, self righteous Pharisees then attacked the man, saying he had been born in utter sin and would think he could teach them?  They cast him out of their presence.

John 9: 35 - 41

Jesus heard about all of this and found the man, asking him if he believed in the Son of Man. This man asked Jesus who that was. Jesus told him that He was the Son of Man. The man believed Jesus and worshiped Him. Jesus told the man He had come into the world for judgment, so that those who couldn’t see would, and those who could see would not. Some of the Pharisees heard this and asked Him were they blind. Jesus told them if they were, they would not be guilty, but since they claimed to be able to see, they were fully guilty.

[RETIREDFAN1]

John 10

By: Jim Crews

 

John 10: 1 - 6

Jesus begins a discourse by telling those listening that whoever enters the sheepfold in any other way than the door is a thief and a robber. The one who enters by the door is the shepherd. The gatekeeper opens up for him, and the sheep recognize his voice and follow him. They won’t follow a stranger, they’ll run from him, because they don’t know the voice of strangers. Jesus used this figure of speech with them, but they didn’t understand what He was teaching them.

 

John 10: 7 - 18

Jesus tried again. He told them He was the door, in one of the great I AM discourses recorded for us by John. All who came before Him were thieves and robbers, and the sheep didn’t listen to them. Anyone who enters through Him will be saved. Thieves come only to steal and destroy. Jesus came to bring abundant life. He then begins another of His I AM statements. He is the good shepherd, who lays down His life for His sheep. Hired hands won’t go that far, instead, they’ll run away at the first sign of trouble, leaving the flock to the wolves. He cares nothing for the sheep, because he is a hired hand. Jesus, though, is the good shepherd. He knows His sheep just like He and the Father know one another.

 

He lays His life down for His sheep. He has sheep that are not of this fold which He must bring in. Here, He speaks of the Gentiles. There would be one flock and one shepherd. The Father loves Him because He lays His life down willingly for His sheep. No one takes His life, He willingly gives it, and will take it up again. His Father has given Him this authority. What Jesus speaks of here it how the Levitical priesthood had failed in their duty, because they were just hired hands, and they allowed the wolves to take the sheep. He will give His life willingly to bring salvation to those who will believe and obey Him. He will also rise from the dead once again.

 

John 10: 19 - 21

The Jews were divided because of His words. Many said that He had a demon, or that He was insane. Others, though, said these weren’t the words of a demon, because a demon couldn’t heal the blind. This shows another reason why miracles are necessary in order to show that something truly comes from God.

 

John 10: 22 - 30

It was winter, and the Feast of Dedication was taking place in Jerusalem. Jesus was walking in the Colonnade of Solomon in the Temple. The Jews gathered around Him and asked how long He would keep them in suspense? They wanted Him to come right out and say He is the Messiah. Jesus answered that He had told them, but they did not believe.

The works He was doing in the name of the Father bore witness to the fact that He is the Messiah, but they don’t believe Him because they are not His sheep. His sheep hear His voice and follow Him. He gives them eternal life, and no one will snatch them from Him. His Father is greater than all, and no one will be able to snatch them from His Father, either. He and the Father are One. This clearly shows what John was writing to show: Jesus is part of the Godhead. He is Deity. He is God, the Son.

 

John 10: 31 - 39

The Jews picked up stones to throw at Him. Jesus asked them for which of the good works He had shown through the Father were they going to stone Him for? Their answer showed their continued ignorance. They said they were stoning Him for blasphemy because He had clearly elevated Himself to the level of God, while He was just a man in their eyes. This again, demonstrates what John was trying to show to counter the gnostic heretics: Jesus was both God and man at this time. Flesh and Spirit. Jesus quoted them some Scripture, where it was written that they were gods. If God called those to whom His word came “gods” who were they to say that the Son, who God sent into the world, was blaspheming? He told them if He were not doing the works of the Father, then don’t believe Him. However, since He was doing these works, they should believe the works.

Then they would understand and know that the Father is in Him, as He is in the Father. He and the Father are One. Once again they tried to arrest Him, but He slipped away.

 

John 10: 40 - 42

He went across the Jordan to the place where John the Baptist had been immersing people before. He remained there. Many came to Him and said John did no sign, but everything John had said about Jesus was true. Many believed in Him there.

[RETIREDFAN1]

John 11

By: Jim Crews

 

John 11: 1 - 4

Mary, the one who anointed Jesus with ointment and wiped His feet with her hair, sent word to Him that her brother Lazarus was ill. When Jesus got the message, He said that the illness would not lead to death, but would instead lead to the glorification of God and the Son.

 

John 11: 5 - 16

Jesus loved Martha, Mary, and Lazarus. When He heard of Lazarus’ illness, He remained two more days in the place where He was. After this, He told the disciples they were going to Judea again. The disciples were concerned, asking Jesus had He forgotten that the Jews there were seeking to kill Him. Jesus asked if there were not twelve hours in the day? The ones who walk in the light don’t stumble, because they see the light of the world. The ones who walk in darkness stumble. This meant that nothing would happen to the disciples, because the Jews would not be capable of doing anything at this time. After saying this, He told them that Lazarus had died. They didn’t understand, because Jesus told them Lazarus slept, and they thought he would recover if he were only asleep. Jesus had to tell it straight out that Lazarus was dead, so they could understand. He told them for their sake He was glad He was not there, so that they might believe. He told them they were heading that way.

Thomas told the rest that they should follow, so that they could die with Him. This shows doubts in Thomas, as he thought the Jews were going to kill them, despite what Jesus had just got finished teaching about light and darkness.

 

John 11: 17 - 27

Bethany was two miles from Jerusalem, and many of the Jews had come to console Mary and Martha. Lazarus had been in the tomb for 4 days when Jesus arrived. Martha went to meet Jesus, but Mary remained in the house. Martha told Jesus if only He had been there, then Lazarus would not have died. She then said that even now, whatever Jesus asked from God would be granted. Jesus told her Lazarus would rise again. Martha said she knew he would rise again in the last day. In another of His I Am statements, Jesus told her He is the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in Him, though they die, shall live again. Everyone who lives and believes in Him will never die. He asked Martha if she believed this. Martha told Him that she did indeed believe that He is the Messiah, the Son of God, who was prophesied to come into the world.

 

John 11: 28 - 37

Martha then told Mary that Jesus was there seeking her. She rose quickly and went to meet Him. Jesus was still waiting at the place where Martha had met Him.

The Jews who were there consoling her thought Mary was going to the tomb again, so they followed her. Mary saw Jesus and told Him that if He had been there, Lazarus would not have died. When Jesus saw her and the Jews weeping, He was deeply moved in His Spirit and greatly troubled. This shows that He was God and man at the same time, which is what John was trying to show in order to counter the gnostic heretics of his day. He asked where Lazarus had been laid to rest. They told Him to come and see. Jesus wept. Some of the Jews saw how much Jesus had loved Lazarus and commented on it. Others, though, asked if He could make a blind man see, could He not have kept Lazarus from dying?

 

John 11: 38 - 44

Jesus, deeply moved, came to the cave which was serving as Lazarus’ tomb. A stone lay against it. Jesus told them to take away the stone. Martha said there would probably be an odor, because Lazarus had been dead for four days. Jesus told her that if she believed, she would see the glory of God. The took away the stone and Jesus spoke to the Father. He thanked the Father for having heard Him. He knows the Father always hears Him, but He spoke this so that the people who were there would know and believe that the Father had sent Him. When He said these things, He commanded Lazarus to come out of the tomb. Lazarus walked out, still in his funeral clothing. Jesus told them to unbind him and let him go.

John 11: 45 - 53

Many of the Jews saw this and believed that Jesus is the Messiah. Some, though, went to their Pharisee masters and told them what had taken place. The chief priests and Pharisees met to try to decide how to handle this, because Jesus did many great signs. This was taking away their political power. They earned the destruction that came in 70 AD. It was Caiaphas’ idea to kill Jesus. From that day forward, they planned to kill Him.

 

John 11: 54

Jesus knew this, and He no longer walked openly among the Jews. He stayed in the region near the wilderness, in a town called Ephraim, with His disciples.

 

John 11: 55 - 57

The Passover was approaching, and many went to Jerusalem to cleanse themselves for that feast. They were looking for Jesus and wondering if He would come to the feast or not. The chief priests and Pharisees had given word that anyone who knew where He was should tell them, so that they could arrest Him.  

 

[RETIREDFAN1]

John 12

By: Jim Crews

 

John 12: 1 - 8

Six days before the Passover, Jesus went to Bethany where Lazarus was, and they prepared a dinner for Him there. Martha served and Lazarus was one of the men reclining at the table. Mary took some expensive ointment and anointed Jesus’ feet, wiping His feet with her hair. The house was filled with fragrance and perfume. Judas Iscariot asked why they hadn’t sold the ointment and made money for the poor. He didn’t really care about the poor. Judas was in charge of the money, and a thief, who helped himself from the til whenever he chose. Jesus told them to leave her alone. The poor will always be with us, but He was soon to be gone from the Earth.

 

John 12: 9 - 11

When the large crowd of Jews heard that Jesus was there, they came to see Him and Lazarus, whose fame had spread since Jesus had risen him from the dead. The chief priests conspired to kill Lazarus, too, because many of the Jews were believing Jesus and turning away from them.

 

John 12: 12 - 19

The next day, the large crowd heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. They took palm branches and went to meet Him, giving Him the reception they would give a visiting king. In fulfillment of prophecy, Jesus rode in on a young donkey. The disciples didn’t understand these things right then, but after Jesus was glorified they came to understand. The crowd made the Pharisees even more jealous, as they talked among themselves about how futile their efforts had been so far.

 

John 12: 20 - 26

There were some Greeks among the worshippers who came to Philip and asked if they could see Jesus. Philip told Andrew, and Andrew told Jesus. Jesus told them His time to be glorified had arrived. If a grain of wheat doesn’t fall into the ground and die, it remains alone. However, when it does, it produces fruit. Whoever loves life will lose it, since we all die. Whoever hates life in this world will keep life eternally. Anyone serving Jesus must follow Him. Those who do, will also be honored by the Father.

 

John 12: 27 - 36

Jesus soul is troubled because he knows what is about to happen. He came for this very reason. He glorified the Father’s name. A voice from Heaven was heard saying it had been glorified and will be glorified again. The crowd thought they heard thunder.

Others said an angel had spoken to Jesus. Jesus told them the voice came for their sake, not His. Now the world will be judged and the ruler of this world cast out. This is in reference to Satan. When He is lifted up, He would draw all people to Him. He said this to show how He was going to die. The crowd answered Him that from what they had been taught of the Law, the Messiah would be eternal. How could He then say that the Son of Man would be lifted up? They wanted to know who the Son of Man was that He was talking about. They had been trained in the errors of the Pharisees and other Jewish teachers who didn’t even understand the Law or the Prophets. Jesus told them the light was with them for only a short while. They should walk in the light and not in darkness. Those who walk in the dark, don’t know where they are headed. While they had the light, they were told to believe in the light in order to become sons of light. When Jesus said these things, He left and hid Himself from them.

 

John 12: 37 - 43

Though He had done many signs among them, they still did not believe Him. This was in fulfillment of two prophecies made by Isaiah. Isaiah said these things because he saw glory and spoke of Him. Despite the amount of unbelief, many did believe, including many of the authorities. However, their fear of the Pharisees kept them from confessing.

 

They didn’t want to be put out of the synagogue. They loved the glory that comes from men more than the glory that comes from God.

 

John 12: 44 - 50

Jesus cried out that whoever believes in Him, believes in the Father who sent Him. Whoever saw Him, saw the Father. He came into the world as light, so that whoever believes would not remain in darkness. Those who hear His words and don’t obey won’t be judged by Him at that time. He came the first time not to judge, but to save. Those who don’t believe and obey will be judged by the Word they have chosen to ignore. He speaks by the authority of the Father who sent Him.

 

[RETIREDFAN1]

John 13

By: Jim Crews

 

John 13: 1 - 11

Jesus knew His hour of departure from the world was at hand. He loved His disciples to the very end. During supper, when the devil had already entered into Judas Iscariot, Jesus knew that His time to return to God was coming up soon. He rose from the supper and began to wash His disciples feet. Peter questioned Him about this when He got to Him. Jesus told Peter he didn’t understand it now, but He would soon. Peter told Jesus He would never wash his feet. Jesus told Peter if He doesn’t wash him, he has no share with Him. This goes today. If we are not washed clean by His Blood through our obedience to His command to be baptized, we have no share with Him. Peter then told Jesus to not only wash his feet, but his hands and head also. Jesus told Peter the one who is washed need only cleanse their feet. He told the apostles that they were cleansed, except for one, because He knew Judas would betray Him.

 

John 13: 12 - 20

When He finished, He asked them if they had understood. They call Him teacher and Lord, and they are right. However, their teacher and Lord had humbled Himself and washed their feet. This was His example to them to remain humble and be servants, not masters. He told them they would be blessed in all that they did if they understood these things and do them. However, this was not for all twelve, because He knew Judas would betray Him. He was telling them this now, so that when it happened, they would know that He is the Messiah. Those who receive the ones He sends, receive Him and the Father.

 

John 13: 21-30

After saying this, Jesus was troubled and got into greater detail about the upcoming betrayal. He told them straight out that one of them would betray Him. John was sitting by Jesus, so Peter motioned for him to ask Jesus which one it would be. John asked Him, and Jesus told him it would be the one He handed the morsel to after He had dipped it. He dipped it and gave it to Judas Iscariot. After Judas took the morsel, Jesus told him to make it quick. No one knew why He had told Judas this. Since Judas was in charge of the moneybag, they thought Jesus was telling him to buy food for the feast or to give some to the poor. After receiving the morsel of bread, Judas left. It was night.

 

John 13: 31 - 35

When Judas had gone, Jesus began teaching the remaining eleven. He told them now was the time for His glorification, and the glorification of God. He told them He was about to be gone. They would seek Him, but they couldn’t go to where He was going yet. He gave them a new commandment. They were to love each other just as He had loved them all. This is how all people would know they were His disciples.

John 13: 36 - 38

Peter asked Jesus where He was going. Jesus told him that where He went, they could not follow, but they would follow eventually. Peter asked why he couldn’t follow Jesus where He was going. He boasted that he would lay his life down for Jesus. Jesus told Peter he would deny even knowing Him three times that night.

[RETIREDFAN1]

John 14

By: Jim Crews

 

John 14: 1 - 7

Jesus is continuing to speak and address His comment to the eleven. He tells them to believe in Him and in the Father. He tells them there are many rooms in His Father’s house. He is going to prepare a place for them, and He will come again and take them there. He told them they know the way to get where He is going. Thomas interjects that they don’t know where He is going, so how could they possibly know the way. Jesus tells them He is the way, the truth, and the life, and no one comes to the Father except through Him. If they know Him, they know the Father, and had seen the Father when they saw Him. There is no other way to eternal life except through the Messiah. The way doesn’t go through Mohammed. The way doesn’t go through Joseph Smith. It’s not through Buddha. It’s only through obedience to the Gospel, as revealed in the pages of the New Testament.

 

John 14: 8 - 11

Philip told Him to show them the Father, and it would be enough. Jesus asked had He been with them so long, and they still don’t know Him. Whoever has seen Jesus, has seen the Father. He is in the Father, and the Father is in Him. The words Jesus speaks come by the authority of the Father, who dwells in Him and does His works.

He told them to believe that the Father was in Him and He in the Father. If not, at least believe the works they had seen. This continues to show us that Jesus is Deity. He is God the Son. God walked among His creation at this time, so He could bring salvation to all who believe and obey.

 

John 14: 12 - 14

Whoever believes in Him will do the works that He does, and even greater, because He is going to the Father. Whatever they asked in His name, or by His authority, He will do for them so that the Father might be glorified in Him.

 

John 14: 15 - 17

To love Him is to obey Him. If you claim to love God, but don’t obey Him, you are a liar. Simple as that. Jesus then promises the eleven that they will receive miraculous help from the Holy Spirit after He is gone. This promise was to the eleven, and not to anyone today. We have the Word.

 

John 14: 18 - 24

He won’t leave them as orphans. It wouldn’t be long until He was gone and the world would not see Him again, but they would. They would know, then, that He is in the Father and the Father is in Him. He was in them as well. Those who have His commandments and obey them are the ones who love Him. The person who loves Him will be loved by the Father.

The other Judas asked Him how He would manifest Himself to them and not to the world. Jesus answered that if anyone loves Him, they will obey Him. The Father and Him would come to those who did this and make their home with them. Those who don’t love Him, won’t obey Him. This comes from the Father.

 

John 14: 25 - 31

Jesus told them He spoke these things while He was with them physically. The Holy Spirit was going to teach them all things and bring remembrance to all that they had witnessed during His ministry. This promise was to the eleven. No one today has this promise. We have all we need revealed through the scriptures. Anyone claiming any new revelation had better be able to back it up by performing a legitimate miracle, or they are liars. He is bringing them peace. They should not let the world trouble them, nor should they be afraid. He told them He is going away, and He would come to them. They should have rejoiced because He is going to the Father. He is telling them before it happens, so that when it does, they will believe. He wouldn’t talk to them much longer, because Satan was coming. Satan has no claim on Jesus. Satan couldn’t touch Him if He didn’t allow it to happen, but He does as the Father commanded Him. He has to be the sacrifice and He knows this. He does it so that the world may know He loves the Father. Obedience to God demonstrates our love for Him. That is the only way to demonstrate our love for Him. Jesus told them to get up. They were leaving there.

[RETIREDFAN1]

John 15

By: Jim Crews

 

John 15: 1 - 11

Here is another of the I Am discourses by Jesus, showing that He is Deity. He tells them He is the true vine, and the Father is the vinedresser. Every branch that doesn’t bear fruit, He takes away. Every branch that does bear fruit is pruned so that it can bear more. He has cleansed the eleven because of the Word He has spoken to them. They are to abide in Him, as He abides in them. The branch can’t bear fruit unless it is on the vine. They can’t bear fruit unless they are in Him. He is the vine, His disciples are the branches. As long as we abide in Him, meaning His teachings, we will bear fruit, because apart from Him we can do nothing. Anyone who doesn’t abide in Him is thrown away like a branch and withers. These are gathered and thrown into the fire to burn. If we abide in Him, we can ask what we wish, and it will be done for us according to His will. He told them they glorify the Father by bearing much fruit and thus proving they are His disciples. He loves them as the Father loves Him.We are to abide in His love. He then tells us how. If we keep His commandments, we will abide in His love, just as He has obeyed the Father and abides in His love. He speaks these things so that their joy can be full.

 

John 15: 12 - 17

He gives them the commandment to love one another as He has loved them. There is no greater love than that of someone willingly dieing for a friend. We are His friends if we do as He has commanded us. No longer are we servants, but friends. He has revealed to them directly, and to us through the word, all that He has heard from the Father. They didn’t choose Him, He chose them and appointed them to go and bear abiding fruit. Whatever is asked of the Father by the authority of Christ will be given. He commands these things so that we will love one another.

 

John 15: 18 - 25

If the world hates them, they should realize that it hated Him first. If we are of the world, the world will love us as one of its own. He has separated them, and us, from the world, therefore the world hates us. He reminded them that He said a servant is not greater than his master. They persecute Him, and they will persecute His disciples. He tells them that those who kept His word will keep theirs. They will persecute them because they don’t know the Father, Who sent Him. Had He not come and spoken to them, they would not be guilty of sin. This is because they wouldn’t have been able to persecute Him or His disciples.  Since He did come, they have no excuse for their sins. Whoever hates the Messiah, hates the Father as well.

 

If He had not done all the mighty works among them, they would not be guilty of sin in what they were about to do to Him and His disciples. However, they have seen the miracles and still hate Him and the Father. This fulfills the word written in their Law, which prophesies that they would hate the Messiah without cause.

 

John 15: 26 - 27

When He sends the Holy Spirit from the Father, He would bear witness about Jesus. They would also bear witness, because they were with Him from the beginning of His ministry.

[RETIREDFAN1]

John 16

By: Jim Crews

 

John 16: 1 - 4

He lets the eleven know that He is telling them all these things so that when the persecution begins, they won’t fall away. They are going to be put out of synagogues. People who kill them will think they are serving God. Paul was one of these. They would do these things to them because they don’t know the Father or the Son. He wants them to remember being told this when it begins.

 

John 16: 5 - 11

He didn’t tell them these things at first, because He was with them. Now, He was going back to His home in Heaven. Since He told them, sorrow had entered their hearts. He tells them the truth, anyway. It is advantageous to them when He goes away, for then the Holy Spirit will come to them. When He came, He would convict the world concerning righteousness and sin and judgment. Concerning sin, because they don’t believe in Jesus. Concerning righteousness because the Son is returning to the Father and they won’t see Him again. Concerning judgment because the ruler of this world, Satan, is judged.

 

John 16: 12 - 15

He still has a lot to tell them, but they wouldn’t be able to bear hearing it all then. When the Holy Spirit came to them, He would guide them in all truth because He speaks what He hears from the Father and He will declare to them the things that are to come. He will glorify the Son, because He will take what is the Son’s and declare it to them. All that the Father has is the Son’s, so the Holy Spirit will be giving them things from the Father.

 

John 16: 16 - 24

In a short while, they would see Him no longer, then they would see Him again. This puzzled the disciples, who questioned among themselves the meaning. Jesus knew what they wanted to ask, so He answered them. He told them they would weep and lament, but the world would rejoice. They would be sorrowful, but their sorrow would turn to joy. Like a woman giving birth is sorrowful during the process, but joyful afterwards. They have sorrow now, but He would see them again and then they would be joyful. In that day, they would ask nothing from Him, but whatever they asked from the Father in His name would be given to them. Up until then, they had asked nothing in His name. Now, they should ask and receive so that their joy could be filled.

 

John 16: 25 - 28

Up until then, He had spoken to them figuratively. Soon, He will tell them straight out about the Father. In that day, they would ask in His name, but He wouldn’t not have to ask the Father on their behalf, because the Father loves them since they have loved the Son and believed that He came from the Father. He had come from the Father into the world, now He is leaving the world to return to the Father.

 

John 16: 29 - 33

The disciples responded that now He was speaking plainly and not figuratively. Now they know that He knows all things and do not need to question Him. This is why they believe He came from the Father. Jesus told them the hour was coming when they would be scattered to their own homes and would leave Him alone. He is not alone, though, because the Father is with Him. He says these things to them so that they may have peace. In the world they would have tribulation, but He has overcome the world.

[RETIREDFAN1]

John 17

By: Jim Crews

 

John 17: 1 - 5

When Jesus had spoken these words, He prayed to God. The hour for glorification of Father and Son had arrived. He has been given authority over all flesh, and authority to give eternal life to all the Father has given Him. Eternal life is that they know God the Father and the Son. Jesus glorified God on Earth by completing the plan He had been sent to complete. Now the Father would glorify Him in His own presence with the glory He had before creation.

 

John 17: 6 - 19

He has manifested the Father to those given to Him by the Father, the eleven. They have kept God’s word. Now they know everything Jesus has given them is from God. Jesus has given them the words that came from God, and they have accepted these words and now know in truth that Jesus came from God. He is praying for the eleven, not for the world, because the eleven have been given to Him. He is no longer in the world, but they are. He prays that the Father will watch over the eleven and that they remain as one, just as Father and Son are One. While He was with them, not one was lost except Judas, who fulfilled prophecy. He asks the Father to keep the eleven from Satan. The eleven are not of this world, either.

 

He asks that they be sanctified in the only truth that exists in this universe: God’s Word. Just as the Father had sent Him into the world, He now sends the eleven into the world. He now consecrates Himself for their sake, so that they can be sanctified in truth.

 

John 17: 20 - 26

He now not only asks for the eleven, but for everyone who believes and obeys the word they teach. He asks that all Christians be one, like He and the Father are One. This is so the world may believe that God sent Him, and loves them. He asks the Father to allow those He has been given to be with Him where He is and to see the glory God has given Him because God loved Him since before creation. Even though the world doesn’t know God, Jesus does, and those He has been sent by the Father, the eleven. He made the name of the Father known to them, and will continue to do so, that the love of the Father will be in them, and He may be in them.

[RETIREDFAN1]

John 18

By: Jim Crews

 

John 18: 1 - 11

After speaking these words to His disciples, Jesus went with them to a garden near the brook Kidron. Judas, the betrayer, also knew the place, and knew that Jesus and His disciples often met there. With a band of soldiers, some officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, Judas went there to betray Jesus. Jesus already knew what was going to happen, so He stepped forward and asked the mob who they were looking for. They told Him they were looking for Jesus of Nazareth. When He told them He was who they were seeking, they drew back and fell on the ground. He asked them again, and they told Him. He told them they had Him, to let the rest go. This was to fulfill the prophecy that stated He wouldn’t lose any of His followers at this time. Peter drew his sword and cut off the ear of Malchus, the High Priest's servant. Jesus told Peter to put away his sword, that this was all the will of the Father.

 

John 18: 12 - 14

The mob arrested and bound Jesus. First they took Him to Annas, the father-in-law of Caiaphas, who was the High Priest that year. It had been Caiaphas who had advised them that they should sacrifice Jesus to save themselves from Rome.

 

John 18: 15 - 18

Peter and John followed Jesus. Since John was known to the high priest, he entered the courtyard. Peter remained outside the gate. John went out and vouched for Peter, who was then allowed inside. The servant girl asked Peter if he were on of the disciples. Peter denied being one. The servants and officers had made a charcoal fire because it was cold, and Peter was standing there with them warming himself.

 

John 18: 19 - 24

Annas then questioned Jesus about His disciples and His teaching. Jesus told him that He had kept nothing secret. He had taught openly in the synagogues and the temple. He told him to ask those who had heard His words. They knew what He taught. One of the officers struck Jesus because of his answer. Jesus told him if He were lying, call Him a liar. If not, why did he strike Him? Annas then sent Jesus, still bound, to Caiaphas the High Priest.

 

John 18: 25 - 27

Peter was still standing and warming himself when they asked him again if he were one of Jesus’ disciples. He denied it. One of Malchus’ relatives saw Peter and asked if he had seen Peter in the garden with Jesus. Peter again denied this. At once, the rooster crowed.

 

John 18: 28 - 32

They then led Jesus from the house of Caiaphas to the governor’s office. It was early morning. The Jews didn’t enter the governor’s office so they wouldn’t be defiled for Passover. Pilate went outside and asked them what they were accusing Jesus of. The only answer they gave was that if Jesus were not doing wrong, they wouldn’t have brought Him to Pilate. Pilate told them to take Jesus and judge Him by their own law. The Jews told him it was not lawful for them to put anyone to death. This was to fulfill what Jesus had prophesied as to the type of death He would suffer.

 

John 18: 33 - 38a

Pilate entered his headquarters and asked Jesus once again if He were the king of the Jews. Jesus asks Pilate if he asks this of his own accord, or did someone lead him to ask it. Pilate said he wasn’t any Jew. He said Jesus’ own people had delivered Him over to be judged by the Romans. He then asked Him what it was He had done to receive this sort of treatment. Jesus answered that His kingdom was not of this world, because if it were, His servants would fight for Him. Pilate then asked Him if He were a king. Jesus told Pilate it was him who said Jesus was a king. The purpose He was born and the purpose He came into the world was simply to bear witness to the Truth. Everyone who is of the Truth, listens to His voice. Pilate then asked what is truth?

John 18: 38b - 40

Pilate then went back outside and told the Jews that he found no guilt in Jesus at all. There was a custom that he would release a prisoner at Passover. Did they want him to release Jesus? They said no, they wanted Barabbas released instead. Barabbas was a robber.

[RETIREDFAN1]

John 19

By: Jim Crews

 

John 19: 1 - 11

Pilate took Jesus and had Him flogged. The Roman soldiers twisted a crown of thorns and put it on His head, along with placing a purple robe on Him in mockery of Him. They struck Him with their hands and hailed Him derisively as the king of the Jews. Pilate tried with the crowd once again, proclaiming to them that he had found no guilt in Jesus. He brought Jesus out in the crown of thorns and the robe and told them to behold the man. The Jews called out for him to be crucified. Pilate told them to take Him and crucify Him themselves, because he had found no guilt in Jesus at all. The Jews said Jesus had proclaimed Himself the Son of God, and by their law should die. This frightened Pilate even more. He questioned Jesus as to where He came from. Jesus would not answer. Pilate arrogantly told Jesus that only he had the authority to release Him or kill Him. Jesus told Pilate he would have no authority at all over Him had it not been given to him from above. The ones who delivered Him to Pilate were the greater sinners.

 

John 19: 12 - 16a

From then on, Pilate tried to have Jesus freed, but the Jews said if he didn’t crucify Him, that Pilate was no friend of Caesar, since Jesus had declared He was a king, going against Caesar.

 

Pilate heard this and had Jesus brought out and placed on the judgment seat. Pilate told them to behold their king. The Jews cried out to have Him crucified. Pilate asked should he crucify their king? The Jews, for probably the only time ever, said they had no king but Caesar. Pilate washed his hands of the entire situation and had Jesus delivered over to be crucified.

 

John 19: 16b - 22

They took Jesus to Golgotha where He was crucified between two other men. Pilate had the inscription “king of the Jews” placed over His head. It was written in Aramaic, Latin, and Greek. The Jews wanted that changed to “he claimed he was king of the Jews” but Pilate wouldn’t change it.

 

John 19: 23 - 27

The Roman soldiers divided his garments, but His tunic was in one piece, so they gambled to see who would get it. All of this was in fulfillment of Psalm 22. Jesus’ mother, her sister, Mary the wife of Clopas and Mary Magdalene were there by the cross. When Jesus saw His mother and John, He placed the care of Mary into the hands of John.

 

John 19: 28 - 30

Jesus knew all was finished. To fulfill scripture, he said He was thirsty. He was given sour wine.

After this, He proclaimed that it was finished and died. The Old Testament was now fulfilled and done away with.

 

John 19: 31 - 37

This was the day of preparation. So that the bodies wouldn’t be still on the cross on the Sabbath, the Jews asked that the legs might be broken so they would die quickly and could be taken away. The soldiers broke the legs of the other two, but when they got to Jesus, they saw He was already dead, so they didn’t break His legs. One of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear and blood and water came out. John saw and bears witness to all of these things. They were done in fulfillment of prophecy.

 

John 19: 38 - 42

Joseph of Arimathea, who was secretly a disciple of Christ because he feared the Jews, asked for the body of Jesus so he could place it in his own tomb. Pilate gave him permission. Nicodemus brought myrrh and aloe to anoint the body with for burial. They bound His body in linen cloth and laid it in the tomb.

 

[RETIREDFAN1]

John 20

By: Jim Crews

 

John 20: 1-10

On the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early in the morning, while it was still dark. She saw that the stone had been removed from the tomb. She ran to Peter and John and told them that someone had taken the body away. Peter and John ran to the tomb, John being the faster runner got there first. They saw the linen cloths but no body was there. They did not yet understand the scripture that prophesied the resurrection.

 

John 20: 11 - 18

Mary Magdalene was weeping outside the tomb when she saw two angels. They asked her why she was weeping and she told them because someone had taken the body and she didn’t know where it was. When she had said this, she turned and saw Jesus standing there, but she didn’t know it was Him. Jesus asked her who she was seeking? She thought He was the gardener, so she asked him if he had carried the body away to please tell her where it was. Jesus then revealed to her who He was, and told her to tell the eleven and tell them He was ascending to the Father. She went to the eleven and told them everything she had seen and heard.

 

John 20: 19 - 23

On the evening of that very same day, ten of the apostles were locked away in a room and scared of the Jews. Jesus appeared among them and wished peace unto them. He showed them His hands and His sides. They were glad when they saw Him. Jesus told them that as the Father had sent Him, so He is sending them. When He said this, He breathed on them and told them to receive the Holy Spirit.

 

John 20: 24 - 25

Thomas was not with them when Jesus came. The others told him they had seen Jesus, but he would only believe if he saw for himself.

 

John 20: 26 - 29

Eight days later, all of them including Thomas were inside once again. Though the doors were locked, Jesus appeared among them again and wished them peace. He had Thomas feel His nail scarred hands and His spear pierced side. He told Thomas to believe. Thomas did believe, calling Jesus his Lord and his God. Jesus told him he believed because he had seen Him. Blessed are those who have not seen this, yet still believe.

 

John 20: 30 - 31

There were many things Jesus did which were not recorded. The things recorded for us in the New Testament were done so in order that we may Jesus is the Messiah, and by believing, we might have eternal life with Him.

[RETIREDFAN1]

John 21

By: Jim Crews

 

John 21: 1 - 3

Jesus revealed Himself once again to seven of the apostles at the Sea of Tiberias. The seven decided to go fishing, so they went out that night in a boat, but didn’t catch anything.

 

John 21: 4 - 8

At daybreak, Jesus stood on the shore, but they didn’t know it was Him. He asked if they had caught any fish. They told Him no, so He told them to cast their net on the right side of the boat and they would find some. They did, and caught so many that it was hard to haul in the net. John told Peter that it was Jesus. When Peter heard this, he put on his outer garment, jumped in and swam to the shore. The rest of them drug the net to the shore.

 

John 21: 9 - 14

When they got out on land, there was already a charcoal fire with some fish and bread waiting for them. Jesus told them to bring some of the fish they had just caught. They had caught 153 large fish. Jesus told them to come and have breakfast. They didn’t dare to ask Him who He was, because they knew He was the Lord. Jesus gave them some bread and fish. This was the third time He appeared to them.

 

John 21: 15-19

When they had finished, Jesus asked Peter did he love Him more than these. Peter answered that he did. Jesus then told Peter to feed his lambs. He asked Peter again, and he said yes. He told Peter to tend His lambs. He asked Peter a third time, which grieved Peter, who told Him that He was the Lord and He already knew all things. Jesus told him to feed his sheep. He told Peter when he was young, he used to dress himself and walk wherever he wanted. However, when he was old, he would stretch out his hands and another would dress him and carry him where he didn’t want to go. This was to show the type of death he would suffer to glorify God. We know from the Roman records that Peter was crucified upside down in AD 69. After this, he told them to follow Him.

 

John 21: 20 - 23

Peter turned and saw John and asked about his future. Jesus said if it was His will that John remain until He comes, that was His business. Peter should follow Him. So the saying then spread that John wouldn’t die. Jesus never said that. He said that IF it were His will, John wouldn’t die. He was teaching Peter to mind his own business.

 

John 21: 24

John tells us that it is he who has written this record for us, and we know his testimony is true.

 

John 21: 25

There were many other things that Jesus did. John uses hyperbole and says that he thinks the world couldn’t hold all the books that would have to be written to tell everything that happened.