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Supplemental Notes:
The Gospel
of
John
compiled by
Chuck Missler
2012 Koinonia House Inc.
Acknowledgments
These notes have been assembled from speaking notes and related
materials which had been compiled from a number of classic and con-
temporary commentaries and other sources detailed in the bibliography,
as well as other articles and publications of Koinonia House. While
we have attempted to include relevant endnotes and other references,
we apologize for any errors or oversights.
The complete recordings of the sessions, as well as supporting dia-
grams, maps, etc., are also available in various audiovisual formats
from the publisher.
Session Listing

John Introduction and John 1:1-14
Introduction. Hermeneutical Caveats. Structure of the Gospels and the
Uniqueness of J ohns. The Pre-existent One. More than Metaphors:
Logos, Light, and the Metacosm. Dimensionless Constants.
John 1:15-51
J ohn the Baptist. The date of J esus birth. (Parenthetical notes on the
identity of the Two Witnesses of Rev 11.) The frst converts.
John 2
The frst miracle. The wedding at Cana. The water of purifcation (from
the Ashes of the Red Heifer). The frst Passover. Cleansing of the Temple.
John 3
The meeting with Nicodemus at night. Born Again? The Serpent lifted
in the wilderness. The last testimony of J ohn the Baptist.

John 4 - 5
The Woman at the Well in Samaria. The healing of the noblemans son.
J ohn 5 is a key chapter with some of the strongest argu ments for the
deity of J esus Christ.
John 6
The feeding of the 5,000. The Bread of Life. J esus walks on water.
John 7
J esus at the Feast of Tabernacles. Rivers of Living Water. Pharisees
Unbelief.
John 8
The woman caught in adultery. J esus the Light of the World. A heated
exchange with the Pharisees.
Session Listing

John 9
J esus heals the man born blind. A look at Spiritual Blindness. Why
Do Christians Have Trials?
John 10
J esus the Good Shepherd. Eternal Security. J esus rejected by the J ews.

John 11
The death and raising of Lazarus. The plot against J esus by the chief
priests and Pharisees.
John 12
J esus anointed at Bethany. The triumphal entry into J erusalem. The
Son of Man must be lifted up.
John 13
J esus washes His disciples feet. He foretells His betrayal. A New
Commandment.
John 14
J esus is the Way, the Truth, and the Light. The promise of the Holy Spirit.
John 15 - 16
J esus is the True Vine. Our relationship with Him, with one another,
and with the World. The work of the Holy Spirit. The worry of the
disciples. J esus says, I have overcome the world.
Session Listing

John 17
The longest recorded prayer of our Lord. Jesus prayer for Himself; prayer
for His disciples. J esus prayer for all believers, and for unity and union.
John 18
The betrayal and arrest of J esus. The Garden. J esus brought before
Annas, Caiaphas, and Pilate.

John 19
Jesus sentenced to die. The crucifxion. Jesus side pierced. The burial
of J esus.

John 20
The Resurrection of J esus Christ. J esus appears to Mary Magdalene
and his disciples.
John 21
The last miracle in J ohns Gospel. Peters restoration. Feed my sheep.
The commission and the cross.
The Gospel of John
Session 1: John 1:1-14
Our Agenda: Session 1
Introduction: Hermeneutical caveats
Why did John write this Gospel?
Structure of the Gospels
Its uniqueness among the Four
The Pre-existent One (Jn 1:1-14)
More than Metaphors: Logos, Light, and the Metacosm
A fnal surprise: Dimensionless Constants
Introductory Caveats
Hermeneutical Presuppositions
Integrity of Design; Extraterrestrial Origin
Relevance of Details; Yots and Tittles (Mt 5:18)
Absence of Synonyms; Resolving Power
The Berean Challenge
The Boundaries of Reality

Integrity of Design; Extraterrestrial Origin
1) We have in our possession an Integrated Message System: 66
separate books penned by 40 different individuals over a couple
thousand yearsin which every detail is anticipated by deliberate,
skillful, design!
2) And which demonstrates that its origin is from outside our time
domain.
One Integrated Design
The New Testament is in the Old Testament concealed; the Old Testa-
ment is in the New Testament revealed. A message integrated at both
the macrolevel as well as the microlevel
Relevance of Details; Yots and Tittles
Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not
come to destroy, but to fulfl. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven
and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law,
till all be fulflled.
Matthew 5:17,18
These are the strongest words on verbal inspiration & infallibility!
(Even hidden encryptions depend upon the precise order of the letters!)
Absence of Synonyms; Resolving Power
The Berean Challenge: The Boundaries of Reality
Our objective is to equip you to be a self-feeder: come to your own
informed views. We will share why we hold certain perspectives, but
only as an interim aid; your protection against error is the whole
counsel of God.
These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received
the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily,
to prove whether those things were so.
Acts 17:11
The most challenging part? ...all readiness of mind.
Readiness =getting rid of the baggage of misconceptions and disinfor-
mation; shedding our erroneous presuppositions!
Part (b): Search the Scriptures: The Bible is the only reliable
source for the real truth.
Yod

Tittles
...search: anakrino: to investigate, examine, enquire into,
scrutinize, sift, question; specifcally in a forensic sense of a judge to
hold an investigation; to judge, estimate, determine (the excellence or
defects) of any person or thing.
Part (a): Readiness of mind: Misconceptions and prejudices from
inaccuracies and myopia about Reality, erroneous science, et al.
The Boundaries of Reality
For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly
seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal
power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse.
Romans 1:20
Augustines Challenge

In essentials, Unity
In non-essentials, Liberty
In all things, Agap
Why Was Johns Gospel Written?
And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples,
which are not written in this book:But these are written, that ye might
believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye
might have life through his name.
J ohn 20:30,31
Seven Signs (Miracles) of Jesus
1. Changing water into wine in Cana J n 2:111
2. Healing an offcials son in Capernaum Jn4:4654
3. Healing an invalid at the Pool of Bethesda J n 5:118
4. Feeding the 5,000 near the Sea of Galilee Jn 6:514
5. Walking on the water of the Sea of Galilee J n 6:1621
6. Healing a blind man in J erusalem J n 9:17
7. Raising dead Lazarus in Bethany Jn 11:145

Seven I AM Statements of Jesus
1. I AM the Bread of Life Jn 6:48
2. I AM the light of the world J n 8:12
3. I AM the door J n 10:9
4. I AM the good shepherd Jn 10:11
5. I AM the resurrection and the life J n 11:35
6. I AM the way, the truth, and the life Jn 14:6
7. I AM the true vine J n 15:1
[J esus also laid claim on each of the seven furnishings of the Taber-
nacle1) Door, 2) Altar of sacrifce, 3) Washing (laver), 4) Menorah
(light of the world), 5) Golden altar (prayers), 6) The Ark, and 7) The
Mercy Seat.]
John, the Person
Boanerges =sons of thunder, a nickname given to J ames and J ohn,
the sons of Zebedee, by the Lord (Mark 3:17). The name seems to de-
note a fery and destructive zeal that may be likened to a thunder storm.
He was a mans man. (Not the wimpy, feminine-type featured by
Renaissance artists). We will get to know him much better as we travel
with him over the sessions ahead (dont confuse the two J amess...
Yakovs, actually).

J ohn was a member of the inner three (with J ames and Peter), He
was assigned the custodianship of Maryand the only Apostle who
died a natural death.
J ohn, Zebedees son, was Peters co-worker in J erusalem during the
early years of the church (Acts 3:1-4:23; 8:14; 12:1-2). Further, John was
called one of the reputed pillars of the J erusalem church (Gal 2:9).
The J erusalem church was led by the apostles, and J ohn, Peter, and
James the brother of Jesus, often took the initiative ( Acts 3:1; 4:3-21;
8:14-24; 15:7-11, 13-21).
Outline of the Book

The Pre-existent One Jn 1:1-14
(Examination of Key Metaphors)
J ohn the Baptist J n 1:15-36
Call of Disciples J n 1: 36-51
Book of Signs Jn 2 - 11
The Final Week Jn 12 - 21
Note: J ohns Gospel covers 21 days of 3 years of ministry; virtually
half of Johns Gospel is devoted to the Final Week1/3 (247 verses
of 879) are devoted to one 24-hour period!
John 1
1] In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was
God.
2] The same was in the beginning with God.
Before time: we now know that time is a physical property; it varies
with mass, acceleration, and gravity. God is outside our time domain
Before the world was created, the Word already existed properly
represents the Greek,
...the Word: The Logos: a title. Though the Greek term Logos may
be rendered Word, it would be wrong to think it indicates primarily
a grammatical or lexical unit in a sentence. Greek has two other terms
which primarily identify individual words, whether they occur in a list
or in a sentence. The term Logos, though applicable to an individual
word, is more accurately understood as a meaningful expression; that
is, a message, a communication, or a revelation.
More Than a Metaphor: Logos
Information Science is now at the vanguard, and the foundation of Phys-
ics (Quantum Mechanics) and Biology (Microbiology, DNA, et al.).
Evoutionists cannot explain the source of information The highest title
of Deity is the Logos. Truth is when the Word and Deed become one.
The heavens declare the glory of God; and the frmament sheweth
his handywork. Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto
night sheweth knowledge. There is no speech nor language,
where their voice is not heard. Their line is gone out through all the
earth, and their words to the end of the world.
Psalm 19:1-4
Heavens (pl): J esus created everything, including the angels.
E,.|.e creation from nothing. The word is in the aorist tense, mean-
ing already done at a specifc point in time (1 Cor 8:6; Gen 1:1; Col
1:16,17; Eph 3:9).
But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah saith, Lord, who hath
believed our report? So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by
the word of God. But I say, Have they not heard? Yes verily, their sound
went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world.
Romans 10:16-18
Psalm 19:3 is quoted by Paul as the reason Israel had no excuse for the
rejection of the Gospel.
...and the Word was with God: Was: Imperfect .| implies continu-
ous existence (vs. coming into being).
With = pros Mutual fellowship and intercommunication; close
personal relationship.
God: Elohim is plural; in Hebrew, that requires three.
3] All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that
was made.
For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in
earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or
principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:
And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.
Colossians 1:16,17
...consist: sunistao sustained, held together, established.
God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past
unto the fathers by the prophets,Hath in these last days spoken unto
us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom
also he made the worlds; Who being the brightness of his glory, and
the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word
of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the
right hand of the Majesty on high;
Hebrews 1:1-3
4] In him was life; and the life was the light of men.
5] And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.
...light of men: I am the light of the world (J n 8:12; 9:5).
...comprehended: katelaben: The term used is in the aorist active
indicative: darkness has not overtaken or extinguished the light (aorist:
never one instance).
6] There was a man sent from God, whose name was J ohn.
7] The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through
him might believe.
8] He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light.
[Not J ohn, the Apostle: J ohn, the Baptist]
John (the Baptist)
He was the last of the Old Testament prophets (Lk 16:16), but also the
frst herald of the New Testament (Mt 3:1; Mal 3:1; Isa 40:3). We will
focus on him in the next session...
The Apostles Summary
a) Light will invade the dominion of darkness.
b) Satan the ruler and his subjects will resist the light, but they will
be unable to frustrate its power.
c) The Word will be victorious in spite of opposition.
More Than a Metaphor: Light
9] That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.
10] He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.
He was crucifed on a cross of wood; Yet he made the hill on which
it stood
11] He came unto his own, and his own received him not.
12] But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the Sons of
God, even to them that believe on his name:
...his own received him not: The tragedy of Israels history
...Sons of God: New creations, direct from God Himself. The term
for angels in the OT: direct creations of God
13] Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the fesh, nor of the will of
man, but of God.
J esus will expand on this in J ohn 3. (Predestination issue: deferred until
J ohn 6, 10, 17...)
14] And the Word was made fesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory,
the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
...dwelt: Eskenosen: Tabernacled (Ex 26; Lev 26:11; 2 Sam 7:6; Ps
78:67). A deliberate pun on the wilderness dwelling placeevery detail
speaks of the Messiah)
...beheld: inspected.
...glory: Shekinah.
...only begotten: the absolute uniqueness of J esus.
Tabernacle
Gods dwelling place with men:
Temporary
Humble; outwardly unattractive
Center of the Camp
Place the law was preserved
Place of sacrifce
Place where priests fed
Place of worship
Mercy Seat = The Propitiation for our sins.
Ark of the Covenant = Our Sin Bearer.
Golden Altar = Intercession for us.
Table of Shewbread = I AM the Bread of Life.
Menorah = I AM the Light of the World.
Door = I AM the Door.
Compare the three statements of John 1:1 and John 1:14:
In the beginning was the Word v.1
And the Word was made fesh v.14
And the Word was with God v.1
And the Word dwelt among us; v.14
And the Word was God; v.1
Full of grace and truth. v.14
Two Key Metaphors ?
e,e; Logos, Word phos, Light
More than metaphors? Metaphors reign where mysteries reside
Metaphors can often be masquerades to hide the fact that there are
underlying mysteries we have yet to resolve.
e,e; Logos
More than a metaphor
The Pre-existent One:
Creator of the MetacosmAnd all else: the Macrocosm, the
Microcosm, et al
Something More
Following the fall of man, creation has been subjected to futility and
bondage (Gen 3:17-19; Rom 8:20-22). To reveal Himself more clearly,
the Creator has given us His Word.
His Word is pure (Ps 119:140; Prov 30:5).
God puts His Word above His Name! (Ps 138:2).
When speaking of creation, David uses Elohim. But of His personal
revelation, His Word, 7 times David uses the covenant name, YHWH.
Creation is now under the curse: Revelation (and Redemption) is by
His Word. He that hath seen me hath seen the Father (Jn 14:9). How
do you discover God? By learning about J esus.
Light
Also, more than a metaphor.
One of the continuing mysteries in physics
The Paradox: waves or particles? Non-locality?
The Source of life!
The Hologram as a model?
Constants of physics
Genesis 1:3: The frst quote of God in the Bible was Let light be.
The Wave/Particle Duality
In 1906, J . J . Thomson won the Nobel Prize for proving electrons were
particles. In 1937, his son was awarded the Nobel Prize for proving
electrons were waves.
The wave/particle duality remains the central paradox in quantum
physics. There is now compelling evidence that quanta only manifest
as particles when we are looking at them!
This requires wave behavior cooperative behavior as a composite
organism
The World of Quantum Physics
It is non-causal and non-deterministic: Everything is probabilistic
in some very strange ways.
Nothing is real; we cannot say anything about what things are doing
when we are not looking at them.
Reality is non-local: every particle in the universe is somehow
connected.
Non-Locality
1964: John Stewart Bell, CERN, Geneva, formulated a mathematical
approach to demonstrating non-locality: The Bell Inequality.
1982: Alain Aspect, Jean Dalibard, and Grard Roger at the
Institute of Theoretical and Applied Optics, Paris, conducted a
landmark experimentThe Two-Particle Experiment: Twin photons
from heating cesium atoms with lasers, each traveled in opposite
directions through 6.5 meters of pipe to special polarization analyzers.
Filters switched in 10 nanoseconds, 30 nanoseconds less than the 13
meters of travel between them. Photons did demonstrate non-locality.
Light: The Source of Life!
Their line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to
the end of the world. In them hath he set a tabernacle for the
sun, Which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, and
rejoiceth as a strong man to run a race. His going forth is from
the end of the heaven, and his circuit unto the ends of it: and
there is nothing hid from the heat thereof.
Psalm 19:4-6
Photosynthesis
Photosynthesis means To build with light and is the process by
which green plants and certain other organisms use the energy of light
to convert carbon dioxide and water into the simple sugar glucose. All
life derives from Light (1st quote)
Plants are sugar factories that produce millions of new glucose molecules/
second. Most plants produce more glucose than they use and store it as
starch and other carbohydrates in roots, stems, and leaves. Each year
photosynthesizing organisms produce about 170 billion metric tons of
extra carbohydrates, about 30 metric tons for every person on earth.
The Hologram as a Model?
[I personally had the opportunity to visit Emmett Leith, the scientist
who took the concept of the hologram and added the technology of the
laser to help create three-dimensional photography, in his laboratory
at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, in 1964, while exploring
their potential for the numerical control of machine tools for Ford
Motor Co.]
True Light : John 1:9
The Bible itself is like a hologram: Every key doctrine is spread throughout
the Scriptures: the information is distributed upon all available band-
width... Precept on precept, here a little; there a little (Isa 28:10,13).
Thus, it is immune to hostile jamming... It is evidence of supernatural
deliberate design... Yet (in natural light): it has no form nor comeliness
that we should desire it (Isa 53:2). When illuminated with the light
that created it, it unfailingly provides us with an image: Christ! On
every page
Metacosmic Addendum: Holographic Universe?
The main architect of this astonishing idea includes one of the worlds
most eminent thinkersUniversity of London physicist David Bohm,
a protg of Einsteins and one of the worlds most respected quantum
physicists.
Bohms work in plasma physics in the 1950s is considered a landmark.
Earlier at the Lawrence Radiation Laboratory, he noticed that in plasmas
the particles stopped behaving like individuals and started behaving as
if they were part of a larger and interconnected whole.
Moving to Princeton University in 1947, there too he continued his work
in the behavior of oceans of particles, noting their highly organized
overall effects and behaving as if they knew what each of the untold
trillions of individual particles were doing.
Bohms sense of the importance of interconnectedness, as well as years
of dissatisfaction with the inability of standard theories to explain all
of the phenomena encountered in quantum physics, left him searching.
While at Princeton, Bohm and Einstein developed a supportive re-
lationship and shared their mutual restlessness regarding the strange
implications of current quantum theory.
Bohms interpretation of quantum physics indicated that at the sub-
quantum level location ceased to exist. All points in space become
equal to all other points in space, and it was meaningless to speak of
anything as being separate from anything else. Physicists call this
property nonlocality.
Many physicists remain skeptical of Bohms ideas. Among those who
are sympathetic, however, are Roger Penrose of Oxford, the creator of
the modern theory of black holes; Bernard dEspagnat of the University
of Paris, one of the leading authorities on the conceptual foundations
of quantum theory; and, Cambridges Brian J osephson, winner of the
1973 Nobel Prize in physics. J osephson believes that Bohms implicate
order may even lead to the inclusion of God within the framework of
science, a view which J osephson supports.
The Search for Gravity Waves: GEO 600
Gravitational waves are extremely small ripples in the structure of
space-time caused by astrophysical events like supernovae or coalescing
massive binaries (neutron stars, black holes). They had been predicted
by Albert Einstein in 1916, but not yet directly observed.
The GEO600 project aims at the direct detection of gravitational waves
by means of a laser interferometer of 600 meter arms length. The GEO
600 is a gravitational wave detector located near Sarstedt (South of
Hannover), Germany. This instrument, and its sister interferometric
detectors, are some of the most sensitive gravitational wave detectors
ever designed. They are designed to detect relative changes in distance
of the order of 10
-21
, about the size of a single atom compared to the
distance from the Earth to the Sun. (!)
Mystery Noise
On J anuary 15, 2009, it was reported in New Scientist that some yet
unidentifed noise that was present in the GEO 600 detector measure-
ments might be because the instrument is sensitive to extremely small
quantum fuctuations of space-time affecting the positions of parts of
the detector.
This claim was made by Craig Hogan, a scientist from Fermilab , on
the basis of his theory of how such fuctuations should occur motivated
by the holographic principle.
Apparently, the gravitational wave detector in Hannover may have
detected evidence of a holographic Universe!
Can GEO600 hear the quantum noise of space-time?
Are we living within a holographic Universe?
Are space and time grainy?
Are the distant galaxies only a virtual illusion? (See graphic on
next page)
A Literal Fulfllment Coming?
And the stars of heaven shall fall, and the powers that are in heaven
shall be shaken.
Mark 13:25, Matthew 24:29
Dimensionless Constants
There are two dimensionless constants of the Universe: Pi, and the
Natural Logrithms, Log
e
. is well known to all of us familiar with Eu-
clidian geometry; e is equally well known to those who have traveled
in more advanced mathematics. Other constants vary depending upon
the measuring system used (Metric, English, et al.).
There are two foundational verses on the Creation: Genesis 1:1 and
J ohn 1:1.
John Napier (Mathematician, 1550-1617)
Activist for the Reformation and Protestant affairs in Scotland
Discoverer of Logarithms: Natural or Napaerian Logarithms
Log
e
, Ln.
Use of decimal point in fractions.
e (Mathematics)
The number e is most commonly defned as the limit of the expression
(1 +1/n)
n
as n becomes large without bound. This limiting value is
approximately 2.7182818285 The number e forms the base of natural,
or Naperian, logarithms. It appears in the exponential function, e
x
, the
only function having a rate of growth equal to its size. In the language
of calculus, the only function having a derivative equal to itself. It
therefore is the fundamental function for equations describing growth
and many other processes of change.
Natural (Naperian) Logarithms

In wave mechanics, X =Ae
kt
In electrical theory, Q(t) =Qe
-t/RC
In advanced math, e
x
=Cos x +Sin x
where =
Distribution of prime numbers: A(x)=x/log
e
x
It is defned by e = lim (1 +1/n)
n
n
It is usually approximated by 2.718281828
Constants Changing?
Our reality is but a shadow of a larger reality.
Scientifc American, J une 2005, p.57-63
What the Bible has said all along (Heb 11:3; 1 Cor 15:44-49).
Next Session
Prepare by studying J ohn 1 (the entire chapter). Prepare by reading Mat-
thew 17 and Revelation 11. Matthew 17: The Transfguration; Revelation
11: The Two Witnesses (J ohn was present at both!).
Discussion Questions*
1) Did God create the universe in 6 days?
2) What are evidences of God as a Trinity?
3) What is the difference between eternity and having unlimited time?
4) What is the relevance of the difference?
5) Why are there four Gospels? How do they differ?
6) How is light more than a metaphor?
7) Are there boundaries to our physical reality? How are they
relevant?
8) What is the evidence for the Metacosm?
9) Is there life on other planets? Is it sinful or sinless?
10) How would that be dealt with?
*For home groups: Universal agreement is not essential: where two
people agree, one is probably redundant! [Cf. Augustines Admonition:
In essentials, Unity; In non-essentials, Liberty; In all things, Agap]

The Gospel of John
Session 2: John 1:15-51
Review
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the
Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were
made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.
J ohn 1:1-3
Informational Science is now at the vanguard, and foundation of:
Physics (Quantum Mechanics).
Biology (Microbiology, DNA, et al.).
Evoutionists cannot explain the source of information
The highest title of Deity is the Logos.
Truth is when the Word and Deed become one.
In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth
in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.
John 1:4,5
Johns Summary
a) Light will invade the dominion of darkness.
b) Satan the ruler and his subjects will resist the light, but they will
be unable to frustrate its power.
c) The Word will be victorious in spite of opposition.
There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. The same
came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through
him might believe. He was not that Light, but was sent to bear wit-
ness of that Light.
J ohn 1:6-8
John (the Baptist)
He was the last of the Old Testament prophets (Lk 16:16), but also the
frst herald of the New Testament (Mt 3:1; Mal 3:1; Isa 40:3).
That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into
the world. He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and
the world knew him not.
J ohn 1:9,10
He was crucifed on a cross of wood; yet he made the hill on which it
stood
He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as
received him, to them gave he power to become the Sons of God, even
to them that believe on his name:
J ohn 1:11,12
...his own received him not: The tragedy of Israels history
But as many as received him: The only New Testament use of re-
ceive in this sense (re: receiving Christ).
...Sons of God: New creations, direct from God Himself. The term
for angels in the OT: direct creations of God
John = Child: teknon (tikto, beget);
Paul = huios, sonship, adoption.
(J esus will expand on this in J ohn 3. The predestination issue will be
deferred until J ohn 6, 10, 17...)
Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the fesh, nor of the
will of man, but of God. And the Word was made fesh, and dwelt
among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten
of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
John 1:13,14
Session 2: John 1:15-25
15] J ohn bare witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom I spake, He
that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me.
John: Five months older? John 8:56, 58
He was before me Micah 5:2
When was John the Baptist born?
Date of John the Baptists Birth
Elisabeth, J ohns mother, was a cousin of Mary and the wife of a priest
named Zacharias who was of the course of Abijah. (Priests were di-
vided into 24 courses and each course offciated in the Temple for one
week, from Sabbath to Sabbath.)
When the Temple was destroyed by Titus on August 5, 70 A.D., the frst
course of priests had just taken offce. Since the course of Abijah was
the eighth course, we can track backwards and determine that Zacharias
ended his duties on J uly 13, 3 B.C.
If the birth of J ohn took place 280 days later, it would have been on
April 19-20, 2 B.C., precisely on Passover of that year. As Augustus
died on August 19, 14 A.D., that was also the accession year for Tiberius.
J ohn began his ministry in the 15th year of Tiberius Caesar. If J ohn
was born on April 19-20, 2 B.C., his 30
th
birthday would have been April
19-20, 29 A.D., or the 15
th
year of Tiberius.
J ohns repeated introduction of J esus as The Lamb of God is inter-
esting if J ohn was indeed born on Passover of that year. This seems to
confrm the 2 B.C. birth date and, since John was fve months older, this
would also confrm an autumn birth date for Jesus.
Elisabeth hid herself for fve months and then the Angel Gabriel an-
nounced to Mary both Elisabeths condition and that Mary also would
bear a son, who would be called J esus.
Mary went with haste to visit Elisabeth, who was then in the frst
week of her sixth month, or the fourth week of December, 3 B.C. If
J esus was born 280 days later it would place the date of his birth on
September 29, 2 B.C.
If J esus was born on September 29, 2 B.C., it is interesting to note that,
in that year, this was also the First of Tishri, the day of Yom Terurah,
the Feast of Trumpets.
[Note: There are many conjectures about the probable birth date of our
Lord. This is only one of many: but it seems to be a feasible one that
also reconciles with other chronologies.]
16] And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.
17] For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by J esus Christ.
Grace is Gods favor and kindness bestowed on those who do not
deserve it and cannot earn it. If God dealt with us only according to
truth, none of us would survive; but He deals with us on the basis of
grace and truth.
charis Grace
The kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man...not by works
of righteousness which we have done (Titus 3:4,5). It is, therefore,
constantly set in contrast to the law, under which God demands righ-
teousness from man, as, under grace, He give righteousness to man
(Rom 3:21,22; 8:4; Phil 3:9). Law blesses the good; grace saves the
bad. Law demands that blessings be earned; Grace is a free gift (Deut
28:1-6; Eph 2:8; Rom 4:4,5).
In J esus Christ, grace and truth reach their fullness; and this fullness
is available to us.
Truth =when the Word and the Deed become one.
We are saved by grace (Eph 2:89)but we also live by grace (1 Cor
15:10)and depend on Gods grace in all that we do.
18] No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom
of the Father, he hath declared him.
1) No man hath seen God at any time,
2) The only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father,
3) He hath declared him.
Three re-expressions from v.14. 1) No one has seen God: only mani-
festations of Him (cf. John 4:24: God is spirit).
Yet, did not Isaiah say, My eyes have seen the King, the Lord
Almighty? (Isa 6:5)
God in His essence is invisible (1 Tim 1:17).
He is One whom no one has seen or can see (1 Tim 6:16).
But John 1:18 means no one has ever seen Gods essential nature.
God may be seen in a theophany or anthropomorphism but His inner
essence or nature is disclosed only in J esus.
Triplets
In the beginning was the Word v.1
And the Word was made fesh v.14
No man hath seen God at any time; v.18
And the Word was with God v.1
And the Word dwelt among us; v.14
The only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the
Father, v.18
And the Word was God; v.1
Full of grace and truth. v.14
He hath declared Him. v.18
19] And this is the record of J ohn, when the J ews sent priests and Levites from
J erusalem to ask him, Who art thou?
20] And he confessed, and denied not; but confessed, I am not the Christ.
The J ews is the authors title for the citys leaders. (Much misunder-
standing has resulted from failure to grasp this synecdoche.)
Three-fold anticipation:
Messiah Mic 5:2; Isa 9:6,7
Elijah Mt 11:14; 17:10,11
Prophet of Moses Deut 18:15-18
Messianic expectations:
Simeon Lk 2:25-35
Anna Lk 2:36-38
[Triumphal entry] Ps 118; Dan 9:25; re: Lk 19:38-44
21] And they asked him, What then? Art thou Elias? And he saith, I am not. Art
thou that prophet? And he answered, No.
...Art thou that prophet?: The Prophet of Moses (Deut 18:15-18).
Future Roles: Moses and Elijah
Three were expected: Jn 1:20-21

1) Messiah
2) Elijah (confusion) Mt 11:14; 17:10,11
(J ohn the Baptist not Elijah) J n 1:21; Mt 17:11
3) Moses Deut 18:15-18
All three denied by J ohn the Baptist
J ohn the Baptist had an Elijah-type ministry. He appeared on the scene
suddenly and even dressed like Elijah. He sought to turn people back
to God as Elijah did in his day.
And Malachi had predicted that Elijah would return before Messiahs
coming (Mal 4:5). Therefore many speculated that John was Elijah.
22] Then said they unto him, Who art thou? that we may give an answer to them
that sent us. What sayest thou of thyself?
23] He said, I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way
of the Lord, as said the prophet Isaiah.
Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway
for our God.
Isaiah 40:3
24] And they which were sent were of the Pharisees.
25] And they asked him, and said unto him, Why baptizest thou then, if thou be not
that Christ, nor Elias, neither that prophet?
The Pharisees numbered about 6,000 and were very infuential. They
held a strict interpretation of the Law and embraced many oral traditions.
The Pharisees were the only minor group to survive the J ewish war of
66-70 A.D., and their teachings formed the basis for Talmudic J udaism.
26] J ohn answered them, saying, I baptize with water: but there standeth one among
you, whom ye know not;
27] He it is, who coming after me is preferred before me, whose shoes latchet I
am not worthy to unloose.
Shoes
Burning Bush (Ex 3:5; Act 7:33);
Mt. Sinai: Ten Commandments (Ex 19:12,13);
Joshuas Visitor (Josh 5:15);
Boazs Marriage License (Ruth 4:7,8);
John the Baptists respect (Mt 3:11; Mk 1:7; Lk 3:16; Jn 1:27; Acts
13:25).
28] These things were done in Bethabara beyond J ordan, where J ohn was baptizing.
Bethabara: House of Passage. With the current arrangement with
J ordan, this is where weve been baptizing our groups lately
29] The next day J ohn seeth J esus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb
of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.
And Abraham said, My son, God will provide himself a lamb
for a burnt offering (Gen 22:8).
This also proves that Gain was wrong and Abel was right.
Abel brought a lamb in accordance to Gods instruction.
30] This is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man which is preferred before
me: for he was before me.
31] And I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore
am I come baptizing with water.
32] And J ohn bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a
dove, and it abode upon him.
33] And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said
unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on
him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost.
J ohn does not record J esus baptism in his gospel. (cf. Isa. 11:2; Mark
1:10).
...like a dove: Later at Pentecost, 50 days after J esus resurrection, the
baptism with the Holy Spirit brought in a new Age (Acts 1:5; 2:1-3),
the Church Age, the Age of the Spirit (cf. 1 Cor. 12:13).
34] And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God.
35] Again the next day after J ohn stood, and two of his disciples;
36] And looking upon J esus as he walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God!
37] And the two disciples heard him speak, and they followed J esus.
38] Then J esus turned, and saw them following, and saith unto them, What seek
ye? They said unto him, Rabbi, (which is to say, being interpreted, Master,)
where dwellest thou?
39] He saith unto them, Come and see. They came and saw where he dwelt, and
abode with him that day: for it was about the tenth hour.
40] One of the two which heard John speak, and followed him, was Andrew, Simon
Peters brother.
41] He frst fndeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the
Messiah, which is, being interpreted, the Christ.
Andrew, one of the two disciples who followed Jesus, was the frst pro-
claimer of J esus as the Messiah. Andrew appears two more times both
times he was bringing someone to Jesus (Jn 6:4-9; 12:20-22).
The unnamed disciple is commonly held to be J ohn the son of Zebedee,
a brother of J ames and author of this Gospel.
Two pairs of brothers (Simon and Andrew, J ames and J ohn) who were
fshermen were called by Jesus (Mk 1:16-20).
42] And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld him, he said, Thou art
Simon the son of J onah: thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation,
A stone.
He knew the mans character and destiny. J esus gave him the Aramaic
name Cephas. Peter is the Greek translation of Cephas (rock).
Simons name in Hebrew was probably Simeon (Acts 15:14; 2 Pet 1:1).
43] The day following Jesus would go forth into Galilee, and fndeth Philip, and
saith unto him, Follow me.
44] Now Philip was of Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter.
Though the frst disciples were from Galilee, Jesus had called them
in J udea where they were with J ohn the Baptist. On His way north
to Galilee, He called Philip to be His disciple. Philips hometown of
Bethsaida was on the northeast side of the Sea of Galilee. Also Andrew
and Peter were born there.
45] Philip fndeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him, of whom
Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, J esus of Nazareth, the son of
J oseph.
46] And Nathanael said unto him, Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth?
Philip saith unto him, Come and see.
...Moses in the law, and the prophets...: Philips testimony to Nathanael
stressed that J esus is the Promised One of whom Moses (Deut 18:18-19;
cf. J n 1:21, 25) and the prophets (Isa 52:13-53:12; Dan 7:13; Micah
5:2; Zech 9:9) wrote. [Cf. Emmaus road, Lk 24:27.]
47] Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and saith of him, Behold an Israelite indeed,
in whom is no guile!
48] Nathanael saith unto him, Whence knowest thou me? Jesus answered and said
unto him, Before that Philip called thee, when thou wast under the fg tree, I
saw thee.
Psalm 139 elaborates on the theme of Gods knowledge of a persons
life in every detail.

49] Nathanael answered and saith unto him, Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou
art the King of Israel.
...thou art the King of Israel: Cf. Ps 2:2,6,7. At one point in His
ministry, the crowds wanted to make J esus King, but He refused them
(Jn 6:15ff). He did present Himself as King (Jn 12:10ff). He affrmed
to Pilate that He was born a King (J n 18:3337).
50] J esus answered and said unto him, Because I said unto thee, I saw thee under
the fg tree, believest thou? thou shalt see greater things than these.
51] And he saith unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Hereafter ye shall see
heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son
of man.
This would appear to be a prophecy of the Transfguration (Mt 17:1-8;
Mk 9:2-8; Lk 9:28-36), which appears to be a staff meeting discussing
the Second Coming (with an extremely provocative attendance list!).
The Two Witnesses Revelation 11
1) Three were expected: J n 1:20, 21
Messiah Mal 3:1-3, 5,6
Elijah Mal 4:5,6
Moses Deut 18:15-18
John the Baptist: I am not. Jn 1:19, 20; Mt 11:14; 17:10-11
2) Two ministries were unfnished:
Moses Num 20:7-12 Deut 3:26-28
Elijah: 1 Kgs 19:13-16; 2 Kgs 2:11
[Elijah, 8 miracles; Elisha, 16; =double portion.]
3) One wasnt necessarily Enoch:
Appointed once to die? Heb 9:27
General rule; but there have been exceptions:
Lazarus Jn 11
Jairus daughter Mk 5; Lk 8
Widow of Nains son Lk 7
Enoch wasnt Jewish (Pre-Abraham). The witnesses are
Jewish.
5) Unique Powers, Miracles:
Elijah:
Fire from heaven: 1 Kgs 18:37; 2 Kgs 1:10, 12
Shut heaven from rain; 1 Kgs 17:1 (3 1/2 years dura-
tion in NT only; cf. Lk 4:25;
J as 5:17)
Moses:
Water into blood: Ex 7:19;
All manner of plagues; Ex 8-12.
Mystery: Why did Michael
contend with Satan for the
body of Moses? Jude 9; Deut 4:5, 6
4) Staff Meeting during the Transfguration? (Mt 17:1-8; Mk 9:2-
8; Lk 9:28-36).
Subjects discussed included:
Jesus spoke of His Crucifxion Lk 9:31
His Sufferings and Glory 1 Pet 1:10-12
His Second Coming 2 Pet 1:6-18
Staff Meeting Location?
Is this mountain the same location as Moses sepulchre
and Elijahs departure? (Mt 17:20).
Elijahs translation across J ordan, east of J ericho (2 Kgs
2:1-14)
Moses sepulcher at Beth-Peor, at the base of Mt Nebo
(Deut 34:1,6).
The Transfguration was not in Galilee (Mk 9:30).
Next Session
Prepare by studying J ohn Chapter 2 and Two Events: 1) The Changing
of the Water to Wine: Why the third day? How is this signifcant?
What was distinctive about the water used? What does the Red Heifer
have to do with it? 2) The Cleansing of the Temple: Lessons?
Discussion Questions
1) Which is your favorite Gospel? Why?
2) Were any of these metaphors meaningfully clarifed? Logos? Light?
Darkness? Grace?
3) How have any of these impacted you personally?
4) Has the perception of the Metacosm been useful or relevant to you
personally?
5) How have these fundamental concepts impacted you personally:
Creation? Redemption?
6) Why (or how) is baptism important to you?
7) What is the difference between being saved and being called?
8) What has been the most helpful lesson from these frst two sessions?
The Gospel of John
Session 3: John 2
Why Was Johns Gospel Written?
And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples,
which are not written in this book:But these are written, that ye might
believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye
might have life through his name.
J ohn 20:30,31
Key Metaphors

Metaphors can often be masquerades to hide the fact that there are
underlying mysteries we have yet to resolve.
e,e; Logos, Word
phos, Light
charis Grace
The more you study the Gospel of John, the more you fnd evidences of
design. Chapter One introduces J esus as the Lamb of God, an offering
for sin. Chapter Two explores two major events:

1) The Changing of the Water to Wine
2) The Cleansing of the Temple
John 2
1] And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of
J esus was there:
2] And both J esus was called, and his disciples, to the marriage.
This frst of His miracles also favoured the institution of marriage.
(More on this later) But why the third day?
Third Day (of Genesis)
Day One: Darkness: Let there be light And it was good.
Second Day: Waters separated (no it was good statement): Earth
emerges from watery grave...
Third Day =Double Blessing: And it was good (twice!) Cf. Gen
1:9-13. The third day is knownamong Jewish circlesas the day of
double blessing. Thus, J ewish weddings are usually done on a Tuesday
(the 3
rd
day of the week)...but there may also be more mysteries hiding
behind this metaphor
3] And when they wanted wine, the mother of J esus saith unto him, They have no
wine.
4] Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet
come.
gunai: Woman; a wife, a betrothed; actually an expression of
respect and affection; not one of abuse. The choice over meter
(the word for mother) indicated to Mary she could not exercise ma-
ternal authority over His Messianic work.
...the mother of J esus: Never by name in this gospel(!); J ohn was
given stewardship over Mary by J esus at the Cross, and maybe calling
her Mary was odd for him.
Seed of the Woman was the frst mission statement of Jesus Christ in
the Scriptures, found in Genesis 3:15.
Mine hour: This phrase is used eight times in this Gospel. In the
frst three, emphasis is on the hour not having yet come. There comes
a specifc time when His hour has come! (cf Jn 2:4; 7:30; 8:20; 12:23;
12:27; 16:32; 17:1).
Absence of J oseph: Most commentators believe he had died. Six
disciples were presentthose mentioned in the previous two days:
two brothers, Andrew, and Peter; two brothers: J ohn, and J ames; and
Philip, and Nathanael (J esus half-brothers unbelief: J n 7:2-5).
5] His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it.
6] And there were set there six waterpots of stone, after the manner of the purify-
ing of the Jews, containing two or three frkins apiece.
Firkin: A goatskin measurement of 6-8 gallons; 2-3 frkins would
equal between 12-24 gallons of wine each. (6X)
[Note purifying as the intended application we will come back to
this subsequently.]
7] Jesus saith unto them, Fill the waterpots with water. And they flled them up to
the brim.
8] And he saith unto them, Draw out now, and bear unto the governor of the feast.
And they bare it.
Governor of the feast: architriklinoi, the chief of the banquet hall
with three couches.
The Agricultural Calendar
Grapes were harvested in the Autumn. No refrigeration available, so no
grape juice was available in the spring (i.e. Passover, et al.)
9] When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and knew
not whence it was: (but the servants which drew the water knew;) the governor
of the feast called the bridegroom,
Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto
his servants the prophets.
Amos 3:7 (KJ V)
10] And saith unto him, Every man at the beginning doth set forth good wine; and
when men have well drunk, then that which is worse: but thou hast kept the
good wine until now.
He tasted the water that had turned to wine: it was excellent wine. The
best saved to the last
11] This beginning of miracles did J esus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth
his glory; and his disciples believed on him.
This beginning of miracles: This was Jesus frst miracle; therefore,
no childhood miracles.
...manifested forth his glory: Also an allusion to Transfguration?(John
1:14).
A Closer Look
Remember, the Old Testament period ends with J ohn the Baptist. The
Law and the Prophets were until J ohn (the Baptist); cf. Mt 11:13; Lk
16:16. (Some Bible commentators believe that the order of events in
J ohn are not chronological, but lay out the spiritual history of Israel.)
Regeneration of the Believer
1) Six water pots; empty; stone.
2) Purifying religion empty.
3) Command of Christ: flled.
4) Good wine.
5) New beginning of miracles.
6) Manifested His glory.
7) Fruit: many believed on Him.
Candidate parallels, application, etc. J ohns Gospel writes about the state
of J udaism: its failure; the ignorance of the Sanhedrin (J n 1:26 whom
ye know not). The wine had been given out: Wine = Joy (Ps 104:15;
J ude 9:13). Six waterpots: Six is the number of man or incomplete.
Stone; not gold or silver, and empty. (Does this sound like you and me?)
Waterpots alude to empty religion; they were used for the purifying of
the Jews. They are flled at the commandment of Christ. The result?
New wine. The manifestation of His glory.
The Marriage
God uses the marriage to communicate his most intimate truths. We
have probably studied marriage in its:
Biological basis: Procreation Role
Psychological basis: Sharing Lifes Journey
Sociological basis: The Root of Society
Most of us have never studied marriage in its spiritual basis: The super-
natural basis of marriage (Eph 5:25). God gave us two rules, one for each:

1) To the woman, let the man be in charge;
2) To the man, love the woman supremely.
Isnt it amazing that we cant even follow just one rule?
...after the manner of the purifying of the J ews: What water was used?
A Closer Look: Water of Purifcation?
Background insert: The ashes of the Red Heifer (Num 19 ). Strange and
widely misunderstood. It is not a sacrifce nor an offering.(The cur-
rent search for them continues in preparation for rebuilding the Temple.)
The Red Heifer: Numbers 19
1] And the LORD spake unto Moses and unto Aaron, saying,
2] This is the ordinance of the law which the LORD hath commanded, saying,
Speak unto the children of Israel, that they bring thee a red heifer without spot,
wherein is no blemish, and upon which never came yoke:
3] And ye shall give her unto Eleazar the priest, that he may bring her forth without
the camp, and one shall slay her before his face:
...heifer: This is the frst time (an offering?) is to be a female animal.
4] And Eleazar the priest shall take of her blood with his fnger, and sprinkle of
her blood directly before the tabernacle of the congregation seven times:
5] And one shall burn the heifer in his sight; her skin, and her fesh, and her blood,
with her dung, shall he burn:
6] And the priest shall take cedar wood, and hyssop, and scarlet, and cast it into
the midst of the burning of the heifer.
7] Then the priest shall wash his clothes, and he shall bathe his fesh in water, and
afterward he shall come into the camp, and the priest shall be unclean until the
even.
8] And he that burneth her shall wash his clothes in water, and bathe his fesh in
water, and shall be unclean until the even.
9] And a man that is clean shall gather up the ashes of the heifer, and
lay them up without the camp in a clean place, and it shall be kept for
the congregation of the children of Israel for a water of separation:
it is a purifcation for sin.
10] And he that gathereth the ashes of the heifer shall wash his clothes, and be
unclean until the even: and it shall be unto the children of Israel, and unto the
stranger that sojourneth among them, for a statute for ever.
11] He that toucheth the dead body of any man shall be unclean seven days.
12] He shall purify himself with it on the third day, and on the seventh day he shall
be clean: but if he purify not himself the third day, then the seventh day he shall
not be clean.
Why on the third day? How is this signifcant? Does this connect
with the third day of J ohn 2:1?
13] Whosoever toucheth the dead body of any man that is dead, and purifeth not
himself, defleth the tabernacle of the LORD; and that soul shall be cut off from
Israel: because the water of separation was not sprinkled upon him, he shall be
unclean; his uncleanness is yet upon him.
14] This is the law, when a man dieth in a tent: all that come into the tent, and all
that is in the tent, shall be unclean seven days.
Something deeper may being taught here
15] And every open vessel, which hath no covering bound upon it, is unclean.
16] And whosoever toucheth one that is slain with a sword in the open felds, or a
dead body, or a bone of a man, or a grave, shall be unclean seven days.
17] And for an unclean person they shall take of the ashes of the burnt heifer of
purifcation for sin, and running water shall be put thereto in a vessel:
18] And a clean person shall take hyssop, and dip it in the water, and sprinkle it
upon the tent, and upon all the vessels, and upon the persons that were there,
and upon him that touched a bone, or one slain, or one dead, or a grave:
19] And the clean person shall sprinkle upon the unclean on the third day, and on
the seventh day: and on the seventh day he shall purify himself, and wash his
clothes, and bathe himself in water, and shall be clean at even.
20] But the man that shall be unclean, and shall not purify himself, that soul shall
be cut off from among the congregation, because he hath defled the Sanctuary
of the LORD: the water of separation hath not been sprinkled upon him; he is
unclean.
21] And it shall be a perpetual statute unto them, that he that sprinkleth the water of
separation shall wash his clothes; and he that toucheth the water of separation
shall be unclean until even.
22] And whatsoever the unclean person toucheth shall be unclean; and the soul that
toucheth it shall be unclean until even.
Ashes of the Red Heifer
A red cow, free from any defects, and never been yoked; it was slain
outside the camp, in the presence of the high priest, who then dipped his
fngers in the blood and sprinkled it seven times in the direction of the
Sanctuary; then the carcass was burned in his presence: the hide, fesh,
and blood, as he also added cedar-wood, hyssop, and scarlet to the pyre.
Another man, ceremonially clean, gathered up the ashes and stored them
in a clean place outside the camp to be used in preparing the water of
purifcation. All involved washed themselves and their clothes, and
remained ceremonially unclean until sunset.
The ashes were dissolved in fresh water which was sprinkled on those
who were contaminated by contact or proximity to a dead body. The one
so contaminated remained unclean for seven days; and was sprinkled
on the 3
rd
and 7
th
day; and was clean after the sunset on the 7
th
day.
All who touched the water or the unclean person were unclean until
sunset. Anyone who neglected to observe this law was deprived of
religious privileges for he defled the Sanctuary of YHVH.
This is not a sacrifce nor an offering. A most problematic ritual
in many respects. Why the emphasis on the third day? How is this
connected to defling the Sanctuary (the Tabernacle or the Temple)?
For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprin-
kling the unclean, sanctifeth to the purifying of the fesh: How much
more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered
himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works
to serve the living God?
Hebrews 9:13,14
These ceremonial waters were thus available to deal with ritual require-
ments substantially distant from the Temple in J erusalem; hence, their
availability in the Galilee, Cana, et al.
Current searches for a suitable red heifer: In recent years, the Temple
Institute thought to have identifed two candidates, one in 1997 and
another in 2002; however, later found each to be unsuitable. During a
March 2010 radio interview a Temple Institute representative claimed
that there is now defnitely a kosher red heifer here in Israel.
John 2
12] After this he went down to Capernaum, he, and his mother, and his brethren,
and his disciples: and they continued there not many days.
Capernaum
J esus travels to Capernaum (Kafar-Nahum, village of Nahum): a fenced
town (as opposed to an unfenced village) on the north shore of the Sea
of Galilee. It is located on a major trade route from Damascus and the
interior of Asia to the Mediterranean Sea.Capernaum probably served
as the J ewish capital of the Galilee, as Tiberias was the Roman capital
of the region.
Cleansing of the Temple: John 2:13-25
13] And the J ews passover was at hand, and J esus went up to J erusalem,
Passover was one of three feasts compulsory for male J ews (Deut 16:16):
1) The Feast of Unleavened Bread (Passover, Feast of Firstfruits, &
Feast of Unleavened Bread were collectively called Passover)
2) The Feast of Weeks
3) The Feast of Tabernacles
...passover: First of four Passoversnot to be confused with another
cleansing of the temple just before His death (Mt 21:22,13; Mk 11:15-
17; Lk 19:45-46 ). This is His frst visit as the Messiah.
14] And found in the temple those that sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the
changers of money sitting:
...in the temple: Hieron; Outer Court; a place of Gentile worship
(itself a J ewish failure; God intended all nations) vs. Naos Sanctuary
or Temple Proper (J n 2:19,21).
...changers of money: Roman coins with the image of the Emperor
(vs. Jewish coins). Coins for the Temple were specifc. Money changers
were necessary; they were just in the wrong placea place of worship.
15] And when he had made a scourge of small cords, he drove them all out of the
temple, and the sheep, and the oxen; and poured out the changers money, and
overthrew the tables;
16] And said unto them that sold doves, Take these things hence; make not my
Fathers house an house of merchandise.
...my Father: Not Our Father: J esus Christ is portrayed here as
infexibly righteous. Most people have the impression that Jesus was
only meek, gentle and compassionate. Here we see him in a different
lightas the wrath of the lamb! and the day of vengeance of
our God (Cf. Isa 61:2).
17] And his disciples remembered that it was written, The zeal of thine house hath
eaten me up.
The zeal of thine house...: Quoting Psalm 69
18] Then answered the J ews and said unto him, What sign shewest thou unto us,
seeing that thou doest these things?
19] J esus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I
will raise it up.
...in three days: Later misquoted at His trial in the fnal week (Mt
26:61; Acts 6:14).
20] Then said the J ews, Forty and six years was this temple in building, and wilt
thou rear it up in three days?
...Forty and six years: Herods temple was actually a massive renova-
tion of Zerubbabels temple built during the days of Nehemiah. The
reconstruction of this temple began in about 18 B.C. and was continued
until 63 A.D.
46 years would imply that this occurred about 28 A.D.
If Jesus was born in 2 B.C. (as per some reckonings), this
would make Him about thirty, or of priesthood age.
21] But he spake of the temple of his body.
Yet, seven times the Scriptures also declare, Ye are the Temple of God.
(1 Cor 3:9-17; 1 Cor 6:19; 2 Cor 6:16; Eph 2:20,21; Heb 3:6; 1 Pet
2:5; 1 Pet 4:17).

But he answered and said unto them, An evil and adulterous generation
seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign
of the prophet Jonah: For as Jonah was three days and three nights
in the whales belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three
nights in the heart of the earth.
Matthew 12:39,40
Hebrew hermeneutic: Pattern is Prophecy:
Three Days
New Life on the 3
rd
Day Gen 1:9-13
Abrahams Offering Isaac Gen 22:4; Heb 11:19
Jonah and the Great Fish Jonah 1:17; Mt 12:40
Tolah worm Psa 22:6
Rahabs Counsel J osh 2:15-18
The Wedding at Cana J ohn 2:1; Num 19
Israels Petition of Repentance Hos 5:15 6:2
22] When therefore he was risen from the dead, his disciples remembered that he
had said this unto them; and they believed the scripture, and the word which
J esus had said.
23] Now when he was in J erusalem at the passover, in the feast day, many believed
in his name, when they saw the miracles which he did.
...the feast day: Heortei, a term which came to refer not only to
Pascha (J n 2:13).
24] But Jesus did not commit himself unto them, because he knew all men,
25] And needed not that any should testify of man: for he knew what was in man.
Israels spiritual status:
Blinded Priesthood John 1:19-26
Joyless nation John 2:3
Desecrated Temple John 2:16
Observations (Re: Ashes of Red Heifer)
Third Day emphasized as a critical aspect
Linked with the Temple (of His body?)
A ritual of separation from death (~> Life?) Not a sacrifce or
offering itself
Takes advantage of a past (symbolic) death
Jesus as our High Priest
Ye are the Temple of God
Seven times declared (#1-5 by Paul; #6-7 by Peter)
1) 1 Cor 3:9-17
2) 1 Cor 6:19
3) 2 Cor 6:16
4) Eph 2:20,21
5) Heb 3:6
6) 1 Pet. 2:5
7) 1 Pet 4:17
And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your
whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the com-
ing of our Lord Jesus Christ.
1 Thessalonians 5:23
Manifesting our tripartite design:spirit, soul, and body (in that
order). And only the Word of God can discern the distinction between
the frst two (Heb 4:12).
For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any
twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and
spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts
and intents of the heart.
Hebrews 4:12
Thus: Psychology is doomed to frustration (thats why you need the
Designers Manual).
One cannot discern the architecture of an infnite state machine only
from its external behaviour.
J ohn Von Neumann, Theory of Automata
Greatest Commandment
And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with
all thy soul, and with all thy might.
Deuteronomy 6:5
Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy
heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
Matthew 22:37
But How? Heart? Soul? Mind? What do these really mean? If we
are to keep the Great Commandment, we need to know what these
basic elements are
Nan spent several decades of research, tracking down every usage
of every related Hebrew and Greek words and her discoveries are
the foundation of her foundational trilogy: The Way of Agape, Be Ye
Transformed, and Faith in the Night Seasons.
The Real You
The real you is software, not hardwareself-modifying, history-
dependent, space transcendent. The real you has no massyou are not
restricted to our physical time dimension. You are eternalwhether
saved or not! Where will you spend it? Eternity is a long time (John
will deal with this in the next session)
Next Session
Prepare by studying John Chapter 3 and Numbers 21: the Brazen Serpent.
Where is this strange remedy explained in the Old Testament? How is
this signifcant apologetically? (Apologetics, from Greek ,
speaking in defense, is the discipline of defending a position through
the systematic use of reason; Cf. 1 Pet 3:15).
Discussion Questions
1) Why did J esus turn the water into wine?
2) What is the signifcance of the water that was used
3) How do you feel about the use of wine in Communion?
4) Is there any connection between the Ashes of the Red Heifer and
the cleansing of the Temple in this chapter?
5) What other examples relate to the third day?
6) What aspects of our personal architecture has had the most impact
on your daily life?
7) What were the most practical lessons of this session?

The Gospel of John
Session 4: John 3
Background: Numbers 21The Brazen Serpent
This was your preparation assignment. It may surprise you that this is
an extremely provocative opportunity apologegtically! So lets review
this strange remedy that God employed in Numbers 21
Where is this strange remedy explained in the Old Testament? How is
this signifcant apologetically?
4] And they journeyed from mount Hor by the way of the Red sea, to compass
the land of Edom: and the soul of the people was much discouraged because
of the way.
5] And the people spake against God, and against Moses, Wherefore have ye
brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? for there is no bread, neither
is there any water; and our soul loatheth this light bread.
8] And the LORD said unto Moses, Make thee a fery serpent, and set it upon a
pole: and it shall come to pass, that every one that is bitten, when he looketh
upon it, shall live.
9] And Moses made a serpent of brass, and put it upon a pole, and it came to pass,
that if a serpent had bitten any man, when he beheld the serpent of brass, he
lived.
Strange remedy! Why?
Expository Clarifcation?
Wherein the Old Testamentis this strange remedy explained? A
brass serpent? On a pole? Why? J ust looking at it rendered the snake
bites harmless! (?)
Application
1) The ancient Israelites were guilty of disobedience and a grumbling
and unthankful spirit.
2) They were under the condemnation of God and were being punished
for their sin.
3) The object elevated before them was the emblem of their judgment.
4) They were unable to rescue themselves.
5) The poison of the serpents was deadly, and there was no antidote
for it.
6) They were urged to look at the emblem in order to receive life.
Hezekiahs Purge
It became a fetishworshipped even 700 years later!
He removed the high places, and brake the images, and cut down the
groves, and brake in pieces the brasen serpent that Moses had made:
for unto those days the children of Israel did burn incense to it: and
he called it Nehushtan.
2 Kings 18:4
...Nehushtan: That is, A piece of brass.
Who was Aesculepius?
Aesculepius was ostensibly a skilled physician who practiced in Greece
around 1200 B.C. (and is described in Homers Iliad).
[Moses would be prior to 1450 B.C. [Moses would be prior to 1450 B.C.,
two centuries earlier]
Subsequent legend of Aesculepius became a symbol of
medicine professional and patient-centered organiza-
tions use the correct and traditional symbol of medicine,
the staff of Asclepius with a single serpent encircling a
staff, classically a rough-hewn knotty tree limb.
Greek: Asklpis
Latin Aesculapius
He is the God of Medicine and Healing in ancient Greek
mythology.
Hermes
Hermes the great messenger of the gods in Greek religion and mythology
and a guide to the Underworld. He was the patron of boundaries and of
the travelers who cross them, of the cunning of thieves,

of weights and
measures, of invention, and of commerce in general.
The Caduceus
Note: however, the caduceus, or
staff with two snakes and wings,
represents medicine and is com-
monly used in American culture.
This is, actually, the symbol of
Hermesfrom Greek
krukeion heralds staff, it is
the staff carried by Hermes in
Greek mythology. It is a short
staff entwined by two serpents, sometimes surmounted by wings. In
Roman iconography it was often depicted being carried in the left hand
of Mercury, the messenger of the gods, guide of the dead and protector
of merchants, shepherds, gamblers, liars, and thieves.
John 3: Nicodemus Visit
1] There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the J ews:
Nicodemus had everything: He was a Pharisee: he was disciplined and
respected. He was wealthy and from a distinguished family. Nicodemus
was also a ruler (in the Sanhedrin) and a teacher...but despite all of this,
he was still in the dark before he met J esus!
...Pharisees...ruler: He was a Pharisee and a ruler. Archon (ruler)
suggests a member of the Sanhedrin, but not one of the chief priests
(archiereus).
Pharisees
...a man of the Pharisees. That means that he belonged to the best group
in Israel. They believed in the inspiration of the Old Testament, they
believed in the coming of the Messiah, they believed in miracles, and
they believed in the Resurrection. However, their entire religious hope
rested upon their lineage, a physical descent from Abraham. The em-
phasis of this racial heritage will be contrasted with the new birth in
this chapter of J ohn.
Nicodemus
The Talmud records Nicodemus as one of the four richest men in J eru-
salem and a disciple of J esus. Hoskyns records that Nicodemus was a
member of the aristocratic family that had furnished the Hasmoneaean
king, Aristobulus II, with his ambassador to Pompey in 63 B.C.
His son apparently was the man who negotiated the terms of surrender
to the Roman garrison in Jerusalem prior to the fnal destruction of that
city in A.D. 70. [Talmudic references link him to Nicodemus ben Gorion,
brother to historian J osephus, a very wealthy member of the Sanhedrin
in the frst century. He lost his wealth and position later; a reversal due
to his becoming a Christian? ...all this is considered doubtful.]
His Progression:
Visit at night John 3:2-10
His defense at Sanhedrin John 7:51-52
He anointed Jesus burial John 19:39-42
2] The same came to J esus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou
art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest,
except God be with him.
...we know: oidamen (plural) speaking for a private group
among the Sanhedrin (Pharisees) that was impressed by J esus signs?
...teacher from God: How do you know if a teacher is from God? (2
Cor 11:13, 14; 2 Thess 2:9)
Test it: 1 John 4:1; cf Rev 2:2.
By the Word: Isa 8:20; 2 John 10.
3] J esus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man
be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
...Born Again, gennethei anothen: anothen is used 13 times in the
New Testament, with four different meanings.
1) ...from the top (J n 19:23; Mt 27:51; Mk 15:38).
2) ...from above (J n 3:31; 19:11; J ames 1:17; 3:15,17).
3) ...from the frst; from the beginning (Lk 1:3; Acts 26:5).
4) ...again (Gal 4:9).
J esus reply was cryptic and abrupt. He informed Nicodemus that no
man could even see the kingdom of God without a spiritual rebirth.
Birth is our mode of entrance into the world and brings with it the
potential equipment for adjustment to the world. To be born again, or
born from above, means a transformation of a person so that he is
able to enter another world and adapt to its conditions.
...see: The infnitive (idein), translated see, implies discern-
ment or perception of meaning rather than simply registering a visual
image, whereas (blep) means to have the power of sight. The
implication in J ohn 3:3 is that without spiritual rebirth one cannot even
perceive the reality of the kingdom of God.
Regeneration
The necessity of the new birth grows out of the incapacity of the natural
man to see or enter into the kingdom of God. However gifted,
moral, or refned, the natural man is absolutely blind to spiritual truth,
and impotent to enter the kingdom, for he can neither obey, understand,
nor please God (Jn 3:3,5,6; Ps 51:5; Jer 17:9; Mk 7:21-23; 1 Cor 2:14;
Rom 8:7,8; Eph 2:3).
The new birth is not a reformation of the old nature (Rom 6:8; J er 17:9),
but a creative act of the Holy Spirit (J n 3:5; 1:12,13; 2 Cor 5:17; Eph
2:10; 4:24). The condition of the new birth is faith in Christ crucifed
(Jn 3:14,15; 1:12,13; Gal 3:24).
Through the new birth the believer becomes a partaker of the divine
nature and the life of Christ Himself (Gal 2:20; Eph 2:20; 4:24; Col
1:27; 1 Pet 1:23-25; 2 Pet 1:4; 1 Jn 5:10-12).
4] Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he
enter the second time into his mothers womb, and be born?
The two questions: 1) The possibility of the new birth; and 2) The
process of the new birth.
5] J esus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water
and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
6] That which is born of the fesh is fesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is
spirit.

...fesh: Sarx: fesh = humanity (Jn 1:14; 1 Jn 4:2-3; 2 Jn 7).
The word seems to carry a hint of corrupt nature (J n 8:15; 1 J n 2:16).
7] Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.
8] The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst
not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of
the Spirit.
Pneuma: wind, but is used 370 times in the New Testament and all
but once it is used of the spirit. Emphasizes the sovereignty of the
Holy Spirit. He is not subject to our devices, but is sovereign.
Comparison with Genesis One
After their kind (Gen 1:11, 12, 21): Note the broader parallels
DarknessSpirit broodsLight; After their kind...
Compare with John 3: That which is born of fesh is fesh, that which
is born of Spirit is spirit. No one gets a change of heart, J esus gives
them a new heart. Born of water and of the Spirit.
Is Baptism Essential?
No mention in Old Testamentwere they saved?
Consider the repentant thief. Be careful not to put works in the way
of Gracethats blasphemy!
Water is used emblematically (Jn 4:14; 7:37, 38).
Associated with The Word (Ps 119:50; 1 Cor 4:15; Jas 1:18; 1
Pet 1:23) and Cleansing (Ps 119:9; Eph 5:26).
9] Nicodemus answered and said unto him, How can these things be?
10] J esus answered and said unto him, Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not
these things?
...a master should be translated the teacher: He was well known
and respected as an authority...Nicodemus should have known about
this regeneration (Ezek 36:26-28; Ps 143:10,11; Jer 31:33).
Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean:
from all your flthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you.A
new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you:
and I will take away the stony heart out of your fesh, and I will give
you an heart of fesh.And I will put my spirit within you, and cause
you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do
them.And ye shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers; and
ye shall be my people, and I will be your God.
Ezekiel 36:25-28
11] Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we
have seen; and ye receive not our witness.
12] If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I
tell you of heavenly things?
...we...our...: Jesus uses plural verbs four timeswe being he
and the prophets? Heaven is a prepared place for a prepared people.
13] And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven,
even the Son of man which is in heaven.
14] And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of
man be lifted up:
The event of Numbers 21 was anticipatory of the Cross on Golgotha!
J esus insisted that he would be lifted up, a word used elsewhere for
crucifxion (Jn 8:28; 12:3234).
Brass Serpent?
Serpent: A symbol of sin.
Brass: The metal that could sustain fre (a Levitical symbol of
judgment).
Thus: Sin judged. Incomprehensible
For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might
be made the righteousness of God in him.
2 Corinthians 5:21
Apologetic Implications
Crucifxion had not been invented then (stoning was the formal
form of execution in Israel). Design inserted from outside time:
in anticipation of future fulfllment
Hermeneutical Implications
Remezim: Hints of something deeperNo detail is incidental: all are
deliberately designedalways about HIM. (You dont have to chase
each one down right away; just take comfort that an explanation will
ultimately emerge in His timingRejoice in ostensible contradictions
there may be surprises hidden behind the details)
Evidences for Design
J ohn 3: Anticipated by Numbers 21.
J ohn 2: Anticipated by Numbers 19.
Remezim: Hints of something deeperThree Days? Focus on the
Temple?
The Only Basis
The Cross (John 3:14-17).
And this leads to the most well known verse in the Bible (John
3:16).
15] That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.
16] For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever
believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
apollumi marred, rendered useless (Mk 2:22; Mt 10:6; 15:24;
18:11; Lk 15:4,6,32).
Eternal life: Why did God give His Son? That whosoever believeth
in Him should not perish, but have eternal life. J ohn uses this phrase
16 times in this gospel.
The Greek aionios with noun zoe implies that eternal life begins at the
moment of faith and never ends. You dont have to wait until you die
to have eternal lifeyou have it now! Its more than endless existence:
its sharing the Divine Life.
Kosmos, world: Bringing order out of chaos(the root word in
cosmetics...)
The world is under judgment John 9:39
In the control of its prince, Satan John 12:31
Yet overcome by Christ John 16:33
For God
so
loved
the greatest being
the greatest degree
the greatest affection
the world
that he gave
his only
begotten
Son,
that whosoever
believeth
in him
should not perish
but have
everlasting
life.
17] For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the
world through him might be saved.
18] He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is con-
demned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten
Son of God.
19] And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved
darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.
...loved: The desire of men: to remain blind! ...men agapao dark-
ness rather than light... agapao: (the verb) =to be totally
given over to.
20] For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest
his deeds should be reproved.
21] But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest,
that they are wrought in God.
...doeth the truth: Poion ten aletheian: This phrase is used only twice,
both by J ohn (J n 3:21; 1 J n 1:6). The belief is a participation, not just
intellectual acknowledgement.
22] After these things came J esus and his disciples into the land of J udaea; and
there he tarried with them, and baptized.
After these things Meta tauta (J n 3:22; 2:12; 5:1; 6:1; 7:1 ). Used as
a marker in the this gospel, as well as in his Book of Revelation (Rev
1:19; 4:1).
23] And J ohn also was baptizing in Aenon near to Salim, because there was much
water there: and they came, and were baptized.
...Aenon: The exact location of Aenon is uncertain. Two sites are
possible: one south of Beth-shan, where there were numerous springs;
the greatest object of love
the greatest act
the greatest treasure
the greatest relationship
the greatest gift
the greatest company
the greatest trust
the greatest object of faith
the greatest deliverance
the greatest assurance
the greatest promise
the greatest blessing
another a short distance from Shechem. Of the two, the former seems to
be the better possibility. Eusebius and J erome both mention it; and the
ancient mosaic Madaba map of sacred sites depicts an Aenon near to
Salim near the J ordan south of Scythopolis, the later name of Beth-shan.

24] For John was not yet cast into prison.
25] Then there arose a question between some of J ohns disciples and the J ews
about purifying.
26] And they came unto J ohn, and said unto him, Rabbi, he that was with thee
beyond J ordan, to whom thou barest witness, behold, the same baptizeth, and
all men come to him.
The Synoptic Gospels write about J esus public ministry only after J ohn
the Baptist is imprisoned.
27] J ohn answered and said, A man can receive nothing, except it be given him
from heaven.
28] Ye yourselves bear me witness, that I said, I am not the Christ, but that I am
sent before him.
29] He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which
standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegrooms voice:
this my joy therefore is fulflled.
...the bridegroom: J esus will also use this metaphor of himself as the
Bridegroom (Mk 2:19) and Paul develops it (2 Cor 11:2; Eph 5:23-32)
and J ohn in (Rev 19:7; 21:2).
30] He must increase, but I must decrease.
31] He that cometh from above is above all: he that is of the earth is earthly, and
speaketh of the earth: he that cometh from heaven is above all.
Increase/decrease: The more I am occupied with Christ, the less shall
I be occupied with myself.
32] And what he hath seen and heard, that he testifeth; and no man receiveth his
testimony.
33] He that hath received his testimony hath set to his seal that God is true.
Set to his seal that God is true: Security (Mt 27:66; 2 Cor 1:22; Eph
1:13; 4:30; Rev 7:3-8; 20:3). Authentication (Jn 6:27; Esther 8:8).
34] For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the
Spirit by measure unto him.
35] The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand.
36] He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the
Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.
Believeth not: Unbelief is active, not passive; it is a willful disobedi-
ence against God. This is the only place, in any of J ohns epistles or his
Gospel, that he uses the word wrath. (He uses it six times in the Book
of Revelation.)
Everlasting life does not simply mean eternity (later) in heaven. The
believer already possesses that life right now! It is the life of God in
the believer.
A personal relationship:
A Living relationship: a new birth into a new family
A Loving relationship: a Bridegroom and a Bride
A Learning relationship: meditate on the Word and make it part
of our lives.
The Foolishness of God?
Have you noticed that God often seems to resort to strange means?
Noahs Barge Gen 6 - 8
Samsons jawbone of an ass Judg 15:15
Ashes of a red heifer Num 19
Moses Brazen Serpent Num 21
For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring
to nothing the understanding of the prudent.Where is the wise? where
is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made
foolish the wisdom of this world? For after that in the wisdom of God
the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness
of preaching to save them that believe.
1 Corinthians 1:19-21
Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness
of God is stronger than men. For ye see your calling, brethren, how
that not many wise men after the fesh, not many mighty, not many
noble, are called: But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world
to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the
world to confound the things which are mighty; And base things of
the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and
things which are not, to bring to nought things that are:That no fesh
should glory in his presence.
1 Corinthians 1:25-29
The ultimate foolishness? A wooden cross erected in J udea
For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but
unto us which are saved it is the power of God.
1 Corinthians 1:18
There are only two categories: 1) Them that perish and 2) Us which
are saved. In which category are you? Are you sure?
work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God
which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.
Philippians 2:12,13
We want you to become self-feeders (on the Word, of course!)
Hazards: The whole counsel of God (avoid one-verse theology). Test
all things by the Word (not men, however infuential) Your eternity
depends upon your diligencenot theirs.
Next Session
Prepare by studying John Chapters 4 and 5. Explore: three healings;
four witnesses; two resurrections
Discussion Questions
1) Give examples of the foolishness of God.
2) What does J ohn 3:16 mean to you personally?
3) When did you become born again? How?
4) What has been the result (fruit)?
5) How can one become unborn?
6) Are there other examples where an Old Testament reference has
an anticipatory apologetic value?
7) Are there other examples where an anticipatory Old Testament
detail carries special hermeneutical value?


The Gospel of John
Session 5: John 4 & 5
John Chapters 4 and 5 deals with three healings, four witnesses, and
two resurrections.
John 4
1] When therefore the Lord knew how the Pharisees had heard that J esus made
and baptized more disciples than J ohn,
2] (Though J esus himself baptized not, but his disciples,)
3] He left J udaea, and departed again into Galilee.
...baptized more disciples: J esus extreme popularity (Mt 3:5; Mk 1:5).
...departed to Galilee: ...of the Gentiles (Mt 4:15).
Why Jesus Left Judea
To avoid confrontation with Pharisees John 4:1
To accomplish ministry in Samaria John 4:4
To avoid imprisonment re: John Matthew 4:12
He was led by the Spirit Luke 4:14
4] And he must needs go through Samaria.
J esus route was deliberate; he wasnt in a hurry; the trip took two days
(Jn 4:40). The encounter was predestinedGods choice before ours
(Jn 6:44; 15:16).
Background: Samaria
Samaria was a province allotted to Ephraim and the half-tribe of Manasseh
in the days of J oshua (J osh 16,17). After the revolt of the northern
tribes, the inhabitants of this district had generally ceased to worship
at the Temple in J erusalem, followed wicked idolatry introduced by
J eroboam, the son of Nebat (1 Kgs 12:25-33), and then fell easy prey
to the Gentile corruptions introduced by his successors.
After they were carried away captives, their district left almost with-
out inhabitant, the king of Assyria planted in their province a colony
of various nation (2 Kgs 17:24) who, mingling with the few original
inhabitants, formed a strange medley of J udaism and their idolatry (2
Kgs 17:32, 33, 41).
After the remnant returned from Babylon, Samaritans offered to enter
into an alliance with the J ews and on being refused they became bitter
enemies and their most active opposers in the rebuilding (Ezra 4:1,2;
Neh 4 and 6).
At a later date, Manasseh, son of J addua the high priest, contrary to
the law, married the daughter of Sanballat, the chief of the Samaritans.
[J osephus (Antiquities, XI:7,2; XIII:9).] When the J ews insisted that
Manasseh should either repudiate his wife or renounce his sacred of-
fce, he fed to his father-in-law, who gave him an honorable reception,
and by the permission of Alexander the Great, built a temple to YHWH
on Mount Gerizim, in which Manasseh and his posterity offciated as
high priests, in rivalry to the divinely instituted ritual at J erusalem (cf.
I Macc 3:10).
The Samaritans claimed they were the true Israel and had a Temple of
their own on Mt. Gerizim and they still offer Torah blood sacrifces (Rev
2:9; 3:9?). In actuality, they are descendants of heathen colonists from
fve Mesopotamian cities who had adopted the worship of YHWH as a
sort of tribal god (2 Kgs 17:24-41; 2 Chr 306,10; 34:7).
Rabbis: To eat bread with the Samaritan was like eating swines fesh.
J esus avoids the ethnic-oriented debate and instead focuses on the Gift
of God: Himself (J n 3:16; 2 Cor 9:15).
5] Then cometh he to a city of Samaria, which is called Sychar, near to the parcel
of ground that J acob gave to his son J oseph.
6] Now J acobs well was there. J esus therefore, being wearied with his journey,
sat thus on the well: and it was about the sixth hour.
...the sixth hour: Noon. Weariness =excessive toil...tired, hungry,
thirsty...then the woman comes (six = fesh). Was this a coincidence?
J esus met the need regardless of who the people were. He made himself
of no reputation...racial backgroundJesus was a Jew!
Sychar: means purchased. El-Ascar, a city in the plain of Soukar,
near the spring of Sonkar and close to Shechem; close to J acobs Well
at the foot of Mount Ebal.
Shechem (= portion); the land that J acob gave J oseph, who was later
buried there (Gen 33:19; 48:22; Jos 24:32; Acts 7:16).
The word Scheker =falsehood; city of liars, heathens (Lk 9:51-56).
The word Schekar =liquor city of drunkards (Isa 28:1). This event
took place at a well...consider doing a word study on wells (Isa 12:3;
Gen 16, 21, etc.).
The Samaritan Woman: Healing No. 1
7] There cometh a woman of Samaria to draw water: J esus saith unto her, Give
me to drink.
8] (For his disciples were gone away unto the city to buy meat.)
9] Then saith the woman of Samaria unto him, How is it that thou, being a J ew,
askest drink of me, which am a woman of Samaria? for the J ews have no deal-
ings with the Samaritans.
This was Rabbinically prohibited. She was (justifably) astonished.
10] J esus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it
is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and
he would have given thee living water.
...living water: hudor zun. J acobs well (30-50 ft deep?) was fed by
rainwater percolating into the cistern or the well itself; good but not
running water, which was preferred (Gen 26:19; Lev 14:5; Num 19:17).
Compare with fountain of life (Prov 13:14).
11] The woman saith unto him, Sir, thou hast nothing to draw with, and the well is
deep: from whence then hast thou that living water?
12] Art thou greater than our father J acob, which gave us the well, and drank thereof
himself, and his children, and his cattle?
Samaritans believed they were descendants of J acob through J oseph.
Water
The fundamental necessity of life:
1) Producing growth
2) Cleansing
3) Refreshing
4) Satisfaction in life
All appetites unsatisfying...there is not a single drop of water in hell
(Lk 16).
13] J esus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst
again:
14] But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but
the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into
everlasting life.
Never: never ever (strongest possible negative construction in the
Greek). Never thirst =eternal security! (J esus avoided getting into
controversial side issues that would hinder His spiritual ministry to
this woman.)
15] The woman saith unto him, Sir, give me this water, that I thirst not, neither
come hither to draw.
16] J esus saith unto her, Go, call thy husband, and come hither.
Go, call thy husband: Sarcasm. Hupage, Go: present active impera-
tive. She needed to confront her own sin. For the frst time, the woman
began to discuss spiritual issues.
17] The woman answered and said, I have no husband. J esus said unto her, Thou
hast well said, I have no husband:
18] For thou hast had fve husbands; and he whom thou now hast is not thy husband:
in that saidst thou truly.
19] The woman saith unto him, Sir, I perceive that thou art a prophet.
20] Our fathers worshipped in this mountain; and ye say, that in J erusalem is the
place where men ought to worship.
As soon as she realizes His inside information, she jumps right into
the current doctrinal issue (He temporarily defers responding to that
as a distraction v. 22)
21] J esus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither
in this mountain, nor yet at J erusalem, worship the Father.
22] Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of
the J ews.
Place of Worship?
J acobs Well was at the foot of Mt. Gerizim. Sanballat had built a
temple which was eventually destroyed by John Hyrcanus in 129 B.C.
The Samaritans continued to worship on the mountain. To justify
this action, they noted that both Abraham (Gen 12:7) and J acob
(Gen 33:20) had established altars at Shechem.
Gerizim was the mountain from which the blessings of Deut 28
were proclaimed, and, according to the Samaritan Torah, it was
this mountain and not Ebal where an altar was built (cf. Deut 27:4;
Peshitta).
23] But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the
Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.
24] God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in
truth.
Jews had a fuller revelation.
Samaritans had rejected the Psalms and the Prophets.
The Psalms of David (1-72) were memorized by the J ews: ...
Salvation = Christ
Simeon: Luke 2:29,30
J ohn the Baptist: Luke 3:6
Jewish Foundation
God chose them
A J ewish Bible
J ewish laws, procedures, Priesthood, et al
J ewish Disciples
J ewish (early) Church
We need to understand our roots
Yet, a J ewish Messiah fulflled the law for all of us
The early church (tragically) became very anti-Semetic: Tragic for the
Jewwe cannot imagine the abuse suffered under the banner of Christ;
tragic for the Churchweve lost our heritage and understanding of
Gods plan(s)
Three musts:
1) Ye, born again J ohn 3:7
2) Son, lifted up John 3:14
3) God, worshipped in Spirit and truth John 4:24
Worship =new nature, seeking its source.
Sacrifce of the wicked is an abomination Prov 15:8
25] The woman saith unto him, I know that Messiah cometh, which is called Christ:
when he is come, he will tell us all things.
26] J esus saith unto her, I that speak unto thee am he.
Astonishing! The Creatorthe YHWH of the OThas taken on fesh
to fulfll a destiny on our behalf!!!]
Ego eimi: I AM, the YHWH of the OT! (cfs J n 8:58). Nothing more
was needed. She had Him (J n 6:38,39). He spoke seven times. She, six.
The seventh was the evidence of His work...
27] And upon this came his disciples, and marvelled that he talked with the woman:
yet no man said, What seekest thou? or, Why talkest thou with her?
...a woman...astonished. (Rabbis: Let no one talk with a woman in
the street, no, not with his own wife.)
The greatest ability: availability. J esus had entrusted the task of winning
a city to a woman who had known him for less than an hour because
she was more willing than the others who, no doubt, were better trained
but did not respond to the need.
28] The woman then left her waterpot, and went her way into the city, and saith to
the men,
29] Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ?
30] Then they went out of the city, and came unto him.
31] In the mean while his disciples prayed him, saying, Master, eat.
32] But he said unto them, I have meat to eat that ye know not of.
33] Therefore said the disciples one to another, Hath any man brought him ought
to eat?
34] Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to
fnish his work.
Oh wist ye not that I must be about my Fathers business? (In the
Temple at age 12; Luke 2:49).
35] Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say
unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the felds; for they are white already
to harvest.
36] And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that
both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together.
Both roles are essential: evangelizing; and edifying
37] And herein is that saying true, One soweth, and another reapeth.
38] I sent you to reap that whereon ye bestowed no labour: other men laboured,
and ye are entered into their labours.
Efforts are not all the same; different strokes for different folks. There
are no exclusive formulas for evangelizing. Relationship, not religion;
relationship, not tracts; The Word, not social pressures
39] And many of the Samaritans of that city believed on him for the saying of the
woman, which testifed, He told me all that ever I did.
40] So when the Samaritans were come unto him, they besought him that he would
tarry with them: and he abode there two days.
41] And many more believed because of his own word;
42] And said unto the woman, Now we believe, not because of thy saying: for we
have heard him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour
of the world.
Expected: Worship in Jerusalem; idolatry in Samaria;
Found: Idolatry in Jerusalem; worship in Samaria.
...Savior of the world. First time used.
Increments
The gradual change in attitude:
a Jew John 4:9
...greater than Jacob? John 4:12
...a prophet John 4:19
...the Christ Himself! John 4:25,29
A Comparison
Nicodemus Samaritan Woman
A man with a name Unnamed Woman
Good Reputation Bad reputation
Wealthy man Poor woman
He came to J esus J esus came to her
Outstanding Socially Social outcast
A J ew A Samaritan
Religious (upright) Worldly (immoral)
No immediate response Immediately told city
J esus was blunt J esus was tactful
Began talking of spiritual Began talking of physical things
things
Galilean Ministry: John 4:43-54
43] Now after two days he departed thence, and went into Galilee.
44] For Jesus himself testifed, that a prophet hath no honour in his own country.
It was a mandate...a response to an election.
...his own country: Nazareth: no prophet? (J n 7:52). Other prophets
did come fromNazareth: Jonah and Nahum (both prophesied to Nineveh).
The Noblemans Son: Healing No. 2
45] Then when he was come into Galilee, the Galilaeans received him, having seen
all the things that he did at J erusalem at the feast: for they also went unto the
feast.
46] So Jesus came again into Cana of Galilee, where he made the water wine. And
there was a certain nobleman, whose son was sick at Capernaum.
...nobleman: Implies some link to Herod: offce or bloodline. Basi-
likos, nobleman: This term is reserved for those closely connected
with the king, either by blood or offce. He was possibly a courier or a
high-ranking offcial of Herod Antipus, tetrarch of Galilee, who himself
may have wanted to meet J esus and witness His miracles (Lk 23:8).
...again to Cana: (Contrast with the frst miracle.) Note the geographic
separation: Cana was at least four hours from Capernaum.
47] When he heard that Jesus was come out of Judaea into Galilee, he went unto
him, and besought him that he would come down, and heal his son: for he was
at the point of death.
48] Then said Jesus unto him, Except ye see signs and wonders, ye will not believe.
Signs and Wonders
OT: Deut 28:46; 34:11; Neh 9:10; Isa 8:18; 20:3; Jer 32:20, 21.
Use of plural verbs for see and believe indicates they were intended
for the crowd.
Help my unbelief (Mk 9:24)
His Word will not return void (Isa 55:11)
In the New Testament, wonder is never used by itself for miracles
performed by Jesus or His disciples; repeated several times (Mt 24:24;
Mk 13:22; Acts 2:9; Heb 2:4); tends to denote a failure of perception
on the part of those who witness these miracles.
Healing of the Gentile Noblemans Son: John 4:49-54
49] The nobleman saith unto him, Sir, come down ere my child die.
50] J esus saith unto him, Go thy way; thy son liveth. And the man believed the
word that J esus had spoken unto him, and he went his way.
A plea from a father for his son! (The frst grave ever dug was for a
young man. The frst one who died was a son, not a father...)
Faith is mentioned twice (Jn 4:50, 53). First is an example of salvation
to all who believe (Acts 11:14; 16:15, 34; 18:8). It was a four-hour trip
from Cana to Capernaum.
51] And as he was now going down, his servants met him, and told him, saying,
Thy son liveth.
52] Then enquired he of them the hour when he began to amend. And they said
unto him, Yesterday at the seventh hour the fever left him.
...yesterday: He didnt even go home that day! (In the New Testament,
Gentiles are always healed from a distance; cf. Eph 2:12,13). This may
be the only NT instance of a nobleman who believed in Christ.
53] So the father knew that it was at the same hour, in the which J esus said unto
him, Thy son liveth: and himself believed, and his whole house.
54] This is again the second miracle that Jesus did, when he was come out of Judaea
into Galilee.
The healing of the noblemans son is the only example J ohn gives of
J esus Galilean ministry. The other Gospels go more into depth as far as
the Galilean ministry is concerned. J ohn focuses mainly on the J udean
ministry and their rejection of J esus. So why did J ohn (and the Holy
Spirit) choose to record this miracle?
Rejection by: The Jewish nation in general (Jn 1:11; 2:13-21,24;
4:1-3; 7:1).
Acceptance (limited) by: Samaritans (Jn 4:39); Galileans (Jn 4:45);
Gentiles (J n 12:20-22).
A Comparison of Two Capernaum Healings
Matthew 8; Luke 7 John 4
J esus in Capernaum. J esus in Cana.
Approached by elders; Approached by nobleman;
sent by centurion; J esus J esus tells man his
offers to come. son is healed.
Centurion only asks J esus Nobleman begs J esus
to speak the word. to come to his home.
J esus comments on faith. J esus comments on unbelief.
Later in Galilean ministry. Early in Galilean ministry.
The strategy for world evangelism (Acts 1:8). J esus follows the same
pattern:
Jerusalem Nicodemus John 3:1-15
Judea Judean Ministry John 4:1-3
Samaria Samaritan woman John 4:4-42
Uttermost Noblemans son John 4:46-54
John 5
This is a key chapter in J ohns Gospel. This chapter holds the strongest
arguments for the deity of Christ.
1] After this there was a feast of the J ews; and J esus went up to J erusalem.
2] Now there is at J erusalem by the sheep market a pool, which is called in the
Hebrew tongue Bethesda, having fve porches.
After this: Meta tauta: After this (used seven times in the Gospel
of John (Jn 3:22; 5:1; 5:14; 6:1; 7:1; 11:11; 21:1). Also used nine times
in the Book of Revelation (same author).
...feast: Some manuscripts say the Feast, so some commentators
believe it was Passover. Other scholars believe it was the Feast of Pen-
tecost. (There were three required feasts, Deut 16:16.) Jesus fulflls the
plan of Ps 40:7; gives the account in John 17.
...Bethesda: House of Mercy. The sheep gate mentioned here was
probably the Sheep Gate (Neh 3:1). (There are 10 gates; the last is called
judgment). The Bethesda pool was a large rectangular pool for clean-
ing animals; about 2-3 ft deep and about 20 - 30 ft. across.
Five = Grace?
...fve porches: Five seems to be the number of grace or mercy. [Im-
plied by statistics of usage; not mysticism]
Benjamins mess (food) is fve times as much as the others (Gen
43:34);
He also received fve pieces of raiment (Gen 45:22);
Multiples of fve occur in the tabernacle;
Jesus gives fve loaves to the hungry;
The ffth clause in the Lords prayer is for the daily bread, etc.
3] In these lay a great multitude of impotent folk, of blind, halt, withered, waiting
for the moving of the water.
4] For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and troubled the water:
whosoever then frst after the troubling of the water stepped in was made whole
of whatsoever disease he had.
[Verse 4 appears to be an explanatory addition.] There were usually about
300 people lying around the pool; probably around 2000 at feast time.
There is no evidence of an angel ever being involved in miraculous
healing. The whole world lieth in the wicked one (1 J ohn 5:19).
Verse 4
No extant Greek manuscript before 400 A.D. contains these words.
The earliest manuscripts omit these words which appear to be a later
insertion to explain why the pool water was stirred (v. 7). People
believed that an angel came and stirred it. According to local tradition,
the frst one in the water would be healed. This would be contrary to
Biblical teaching: a survival of the fttest presumption [Walvoord,
J . F., Zuck, R. B., & Dallas Theological Seminary. (1983-). The Bible
Knowledge Commentary]
The Impotent Man: Healing No. 3
5] And a certain man was there, which had an infrmity thirty and eight years.
6] When J esus saw him lie, and knew that he had been now a long time in that
case, he saith unto him, Wilt thou be made whole?
Wilt thou be made well?: The picture of Israel at this time: blind (to
their need...), halt (lame, crippled), and impotent. With discouragement
often comes disbelief. J esus is asking here, Are you earnestly desiring
to be made well?
...thiry and eight years: 38 Years? (Symbolic of Israels wilderness
wanderings?) Whose faith made him well? J esus gave the command,
but what if the man had not obeyed?
The Sovereignty of God: Many were there; one was chosen (Rom
9:16).
He knows His sheep (Jn 10:11).
Lame for 38 years? (in the wilderness after Sinai); cf. Deut 2:14.
The Gospel of John is centered around seven miracles, and they
seem to outline Israels spiritual history.
What about us?
7] The impotent man answered him, Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled,
to put me into the pool: but while I am coming, another steppeth down before me.
8] J esus saith unto him, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk.
Rise: Egiere, present active imperative; the expression of a parent to
a lazy child to get up.
He couldnt walk but by a miracle; neither can a sinner repent but by
the same kind of miracle. We are fallen and in utter helplessness of our
condition. Are you waiting for an angel to come into your life or are you
willing to take J esus at His Word? Are you still earnestly desiring?
His healing was instantaneous and complete and forever! (Eccl 3:14).
(Whose faith brought the healing?)
9] And immediately the man was made whole, and took up his bed, and walked:
and on the same day was the sabbath.
10] The J ews therefore said unto him that was cured, It is the sabbath day: it is not
lawful for thee to carry thy bed.
It was unlawful to carry a bed on the Sabbath, especially in J erusa-
lem (Ex 23:12; Neh 13:19; J er 17:21). The punishment was death by
stoning. (But according to the Mishna, a man could not be accused of
violating the sabbath unless he had frst been formally warned against
such an action.)
The J ews: Remember, J ohn is referring here to the leadership of the
J ews; in practical terms, a very small number of J ews. Misinterpretation
of J ohns Gospel has led to much anti-Semitism.
The Pharisees held the power of the religious bureaucracy at this time
(The Sadducees in Acts). The religious world opposes most fercely;
the bondage of traditions (Gal 5:1; 2:21).
11] He answered them, He that made me whole, the same said unto me, Take up
thy bed, and walk.
12] Then asked they him, What man is that which said unto thee, Take up thy bed,
and walk?
13] And he that was healed wist not who it was: for J esus had conveyed himself
away, a multitude being in that place.
14] Afterward Jesus fndeth him in the temple, and said unto him, Behold, thou art
made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee.
15] The man departed, and told the J ews that it was J esus, which had made him
whole.
...Jesus fndeth him: Heurisket (to fnd after search). Jesus found
the man
...sin no more: This implies that this particular illness was caused by
volitional sin. Remember, though, this is not always the case.
16] And therefore did the J ews persecute J esus, and sought to slay him, because he
had done these things on the sabbath day.
17] But J esus answered them, My Father worketh hitherto, and I work.
Therefore did the J ews persecute J esus... Notice the imperfect tenses:
began and continued. They were out to KILL him. If they are upset now
because he violated the Sabbath, by the end of the chapter they will be
really upset. Two years from this verse they will succeed.
...My Father: Ho pater mou. The Pharisees explain what he means:
he making himself equal with God. They understand the signifcance
of what J esus said. The Pharisees always come to the rescue of Gentiles
like us: whenever they are upset, we need to understand why
Declarations of Deity
Equal with God in Nature John 5:17-18
Equal with God in Power John 5:19-21
Equal with God in Authority John 5:22-24
Equal with God in Nature: John 5:17-18
He is the Lord of the Sabbath. The 7th day: God imposed an repose on
the CreationThe Sabbath was made for man, not God. The Father
wearies not (Isa 40:28).
18] Therefore the J ews sought the more to kill him, because he not only had broken
the sabbath, but said also that God was His Father, making himself equal with
God.
...His: idion (re: idiom, unique expression). The strongest statement
of His deity comes from His enemies: J udas: ...innocent blood (Mt
27:4); Pilate (Mt 27:24).
19] Then answered J esus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The
Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things
soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise.
Equal with God in Power: John 5:19-21
20] For the Father loveth the Son, and sheweth him all things that himself doeth:
and he will shew him greater works than these, that ye may marvel.
21] For as the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them; even so the Son
quickeneth whom he will.
...loveth the son: Love: Phileo, a term of affection between equals.
J esus never acted independently of the Father...
My Fathers business
Temptation by the Devil...
My meat is to do the will of Him who sent me...
Gethsemane: not my will but thine be done.
J esus should be our example.
How this rebukes the self-will in all of us!
Accepting Jesus Christ is also a moment-by-moment commitment
to be under the Fathers Will.
When we do, God can direct us;
When we dont, we mess up!
Equal with God in Authority: John 5:22-24
22] For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son:
23] That all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that
honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him.
...committed: dedoken, given, committed; the perfect active indica-
tive, emphasizing completion. The Son is worthy of same worship,
constantly putting Him frst in every area of your life. He doesnt want
to be number one on a list of 10; He wants to be one on a list of one!
24] Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him
that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but
is passed from death unto life.
25] Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead
shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live.
These words are in the present possession; by hearing and believing,
we already have eternal life!
26] For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life
in himself;
27] And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son
of man.
Giving life: Son of God
Judgment: Son of Man (Kinsman-redeemer)
Two Resurrections
28] Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves
shall hear his voice,
29] And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life;
and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.
The hour or period of regeneration (J ohn 5:25) has lasted 2000 years
(since the Cross); the hour between the two: 1000 years. There are
two resurrections (Rev 20:4, 5).
Witnesses to Jesus
30] I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just;
because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent
me.
31] If I bear witness of myself, my witness is not true.
If I bear witness of myself [ye will say] my witness is not true. Two
witnesses required (J n 8:17; Num 35:30; Deut 17:6).
Fourfold Witness: John the Baptist
1) J ohn the Baptist
2) The Works
3) The Father
4) The Scriptures
32] There is another that beareth witness of me; and I know that the witness which
he witnesseth of me is true.
33] Ye sent unto J ohn, and he bare witness unto the truth.
34] But I receive not testimony from man: but these things I say, that ye might be
saved.
The basis for two or more witnesses (Num 35:30; Deut 17:6).
Fourfold Witness: The Works
35] He was a burning and a shining light: and ye were willing for a season to rejoice
in his light.
36] But I have greater witness than that of J ohn: for the works which the Father
hath given me to fnish, the same works that I do, bear witness of me, that the
Father hath sent me.
J ohn the Baptist:(all four gospels emphasize J ohn the Baptist). The word
for his light is luchnos, lightbearer; cf. (vs. phos); J ohn 1:8.
Works: not necessarily miracles (Jn 4:34; 17:4; 19:30). The words
he is referring to are the Messianic works depicted in Dan 9:24 (which
passage is the key to all Bible prophecy about the end times.)
Fourfold Witness: The Father
37] He was a burning and a shining light: and ye were willing for a season to rejoice
in his light.
38] But I have greater witness than that of J ohn: for the works which the Father
hath given me to fnish, the same works that I do, bear witness of me, that the
Father hath sent me.
Fourfold Witness: The Scriptures
39] Search the Scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are
they which testify of me.
Scriptures: Hes talking about the Old Testament here. Get into the
Scriptures; get inside or behind them. They all testify about J esus:
Jesus fulflls the plan of Ps 40:7 and He will gives the account (John 17).
40] And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life.
41] I receive not honour from men.
42] But I know you, that ye have not the love of God in you.
43] I am come in my Fathers name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come
in his own name, him ye will receive.
...my Fathers name: First of eight references to the name of the Father
in this Gospel (Jn 5:43; 10:25; 12:28; 17:5,11,21,24,25).
The Coming World Leader
33 titles in the OT
13 titles in the NT
(Antichrist is only used by John in his epistles; in The Revelation
he doesnt use this label)
How does he somehow bring all world religions together?
...him they will receive...
44] How can ye believe, which receive honour one of another, and seek not the
honour that cometh from God only?
45] Do not think that I will accuse you to the Father: there is one that accuseth you,
even Moses, in whom ye trust.
46] For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me: for he wrote of me.
47] But if ye believe not his writings, how shall ye believe my words?
Moses: J esus points out that the writings of Moses will accuse
themnot him! Writings of Moses: Jesus saves us hours of boring
background, because He tells us that Moses wrote the Torah! The
amazing discovery in the Old Testament is the Jesus Christ is on every
page (vs. The Documentary Hypothesis).
Documentary Hypothesis
Higher Criticism: Wellhausen Hypothesis
Elohist (E)
Jahwist (J )
Deuteronmist (D)
Priestly code (P)
(Et al)
Next Session
Prepare by studying J ohn Chapter 6.
Discussion Questions
1) Why did J esus have to go to Samaria?
2) Why was this angel at the pool of Bethesda?
3) Why did the Holy Spirit indicate that the impotent man had his
ailment for 38 years?
4) What were the distinctive lessons from the three healings?
5) What are the distinctives between the two resurrections?
6) Explain how the fourfold witnesses are relative to today.
7) What was the most practical insight in todays lesson?
8) How will the Coming World Leader unify his empire?
The Gospel of John
Session 6: John 6
Review: John 4 and 5
Three healings;
Samaritan woman
Noblemans son
Impotent man
Four witnesses;
J ohn the Baptist
Works
The Father
The Scriptures
Two resurrections.
Key Declarations of Deity
Equal with God in Nature J ohn 5:17-18
Equal with God in Power J ohn 5:19-21
Equal with God in Authority John 5:22-24
John 6
This is the longest chapter in the Gospel of J ohn (71 verses). It covers
just one 24-hour period in the life of Jesus. This chapter occurs a year
after Chapter 5. (His crucifxion is still about a year away) It records
the frst of Jesus seven major I AM statements.
1] After these things J esus went over the sea of Galilee, which is the sea of Tiberias.
2] And a great multitude followed him, because they saw his miracles which he
did on them that were diseased.
Meta tauta: Again, J ohn uses this term as a marker, after this, or
after these things.
The Feast of Jesus: John 6:1-15
This is one of the few incidents recorded in all four Gospels: The Feed-
ing of the 5,000with fve loaves of bread and two fsh (actually, only
men were counted: probably upwards of 10,000-15,000?). In Israel
you will visit Tobgha, the place where this took place.
3] And J esus went up into a mountain, and there he sat with his disciples.
4] And the passover, a feast of the Jews, was nigh.
5] When J esus then lifted up his eyes, and saw a great company come unto him,
he saith unto Philip, Whence shall we buy bread, that these may eat?
...great company: A great multitude. People were following him
because of the signs, not because of who He was.
...the passover, a feast of the J ews: J ews here refers to the leader-
ship, probably a very small number. This passage contrasts the feast
of the J ews with the feast of J esus. There were thousands of visi-
tors in town, since Passover was one of the feasts which required the
attendance of every able-bodied man (Deut 16:16).
Philip
He was raised in the area (he was from Cana). In four separate listings
of Jesus Disciples, Philip is always listed ffth (Mt 10:2-4; Mk 3:16-19;
Lk 6:14-16; Acts 1:13). Was he the leader of a second group? Did he
have a stewardship role? He was the analytical disciple (Jn 1:43-46;
12:20-22; 14:8-14).
6] And this he said to prove him: for he himself knew what he would do.
7] Philip answered him, Two hundred pennyworth of bread is not suffcient for
them, that every one of them may take a little.
...pennyworth: The penny was the Roman coin denarius. One
denarius represented a days wages for a common laborer. This would
have been about eight months wages.
Two hundred: Multiple of 20:
Jacob waited 20 years to gain possession of his wives and property;
the 21
st
year it came (Gen 31:41).
Israel waited 20 years for emancipation from Jabins oppression;
the 21
st
year they were delivered (Judg 4:3).
The ark stayed in Kirjath-Jearim for 20 years; 21st, God delivered
it (1 Sam 7:2).
Does 20 = insuffciency? 200 is an intensifed form.
The number 200 always seems to carry an evil connection (Josh
7:21; Judg 17:4; 1 Sam 30:10; 2 Sam 14:26; Rev 9:16).
8] One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peters brother, saith unto him,
9] There is a lad here, which hath fve barley loaves, and two small fshes: but
what are they among so many?
Andrew: Every time hes mentioned in Scripture, hes always bring-
ing someone to J esus. Only the Gospel of J ohn records the (very small)
boy. A lad.
...barley loaves: Diet of soldiers being punished for losing their stan-
dard in battle. Good for you, but not necessarily desired. Stuff your
Mom makes you eat.
Feast of Jesus vs. Feast of the Jews

Simple Elaborate
Surrounded by Gods Creation Surrounded by the Temple
Filled body and soul Filled only the body
The fullness of His ministry The emptiness of J erusalem

10] And J esus said, Make the men sit down. Now there was much grass in the place.
So the men sat down, in number about fve thousand.

Only men were counted.
Make the men sit down: Order, not confusion (1 Cor 14:33,40).
Sit down (Ps 23:2); Marks Gospel says green grass...
Thanksgiving (Deut 8:10).
Use of disciples (Heb 5:11,13; Lke 8:18).
Abundance for the laborers (12 baskets).
11] And J esus took the loaves; and when he had given thanks, he distributed to
the disciples, and the disciples to them that were set down; and likewise of the
fshes as much as they would.
Our modest offerings can be suffcient if placed in His hands...God
uses the little things. He can even use you and me. Bread of Life:
unleavened bread (Ex 12:8, 15). The barley loaves recall the Prophet
Elishas feeding of 100 men with 20 barley loaves (2 Kgs 4:42-44). But
here was One far greater than Elisha.
12] When they were flled, he said unto his disciples, Gather up the fragments that
remain, that nothing be lost.
...flled: Echortasthete: term used in feeding animals: glutted, fatted,
fed to repletion; pig out.
12] When they were flled, he said unto his disciples, Gather up the fragments that
remain, that nothing be lost.
...nothing be lost: Cf J ohn 6:39. J esus will not lose anything entrusted
to him; eternal security...
13] Therefore they gathered them together, and flled twelve baskets with the frag-
ments of the fve barley loaves, which remained over and above unto them that
had eaten.
Why 12? The disciples gathering of the 12 baskets of fragments was
part of their education, to show them that He is more than adequate for
their needs. Later He appealed to their spiritual stupidity (cf. Mk 8:17-
21). Even though the disciples were closer to J esus than the crowds,
they too were in spiritual blindness (Mk 6:52).
14] Then those men, when they had seen the miracle that Jesus did, said, This is of
a truth that prophet that should come into the world.
15] When J esus therefore perceived that they would come and take him by force,
to make him a king, he departed again into a mountain himself alone.
...to make him a king: No. He must be the Lamb frst; then the Lion.
(One day He not only permits it: He arranges it! Cf. Luke 19)
...departed again into a mountain: Alone to the mountain; the disciples
must leave without Him
...take him by force: Harpazein, to seize violently; translated literally
means a revolution in the air (somersault).
Gods man does Gods work in Gods way at Gods time. King? Prophet?
Priest? Alone: The high priest offciates alone (Lev 16:17). [Philip
and Andrew linked with Gentiles in J ohn 12:20-22]
16] And when even was now come, his disciples went down unto the sea,
17] And entered into a ship, and went over the sea toward Capernaum. And it was
now dark, and J esus was not come to them.
Jesus told them to (Mt 14:22).
Horns of Hattin
This took place on the Sea of Galilee (Kinneret), which is 6-7 miles across.
Horns of Hattin: mountains that can cause ferce sudden winds; venturi
effects...
...dark; Skotia, darkness (spiritual?): Wicked like the troubled sea; a
dark place (2 Pet 1:19). Darkness is created by God (Isa 45:7). So also
are the treasures of darkness (Isa 45:3).
18] And the sea arose by reason of a great wind that blew.
19] So when they had rowed about fve and twenty or thirty furlongs, they see Jesus
walking on the sea, and drawing nigh unto the ship: and they were afraid.
...thirty furlongs: About 3 1/2 miles (about half-way across). This
occurred in the fourth watch of the night, that is, between 3 and 6
oclock in the morning (Mt 14:25; Mk 6:48).
While they were rowing, J esus could see them (they were always under
his protection). He saw them fatigued! (Mk 6:51). In Matthews Gospel,
as long as Peter kept his eyes on J esus, he was OK. When he took his
eyes off Him, Peter sank! (Mt 14:22-33).
20] But he saith unto them, It is I; be not afraid.
21] Then they willingly received him into the ship: and immediately the ship was
at the land whither they went.
...It is I: Ego eimi, I am, YHWH; the covenant name of God. Here it
is just an identifer; in John 8 it will have profound theological meaning.
The Bread of Life: John 6:22-59
J esus was at the synagogue in Kafer-Nahum (Capernaum). The sermon
text: MannaThe search for bread vs. the search for Christ.
22] The day following, when the people which stood on the other side of the sea
saw that there was none other boat there, save that one whereinto his disciples
were entered, and that J esus went not with his disciples into the boat, but that
his disciples were gone away alone;
23] (Howbeit there came other boats from Tiberias nigh unto the place where they
did eat bread, after that the Lord had given thanks:)
24] When the people therefore saw that Jesus was not there, neither his disciples,
they also took shipping, and came to Capernaum, seeking for J esus.
...the Lord had given thanks: First time J ohn uses the title, Lord
25] And when they had found him on the other side of the sea, they said unto him,
Rabbi, when camest thou hither?
26] J esus answered them and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye seek me, not
because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were
flled.
...verily, verily: Four times in J ohn 6, J esus says, Verily, verily (J n
6:26,32,47,53). Three times in the upper room John 13:16,20,21. A
total of seven times...
27] Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto
everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God
the Father sealed.
...God the Father sealed: The Seal of God upon Him. A seal is an
authentication, a guarantee; it is irreversible. J esus was sealed as the
Son of Man. For how long was J esus incarnate? Forever! The Rabbis
say the seal of God is truth: emeth (three letters; Aleph, Mem, Tau =frst,
last, middle). We are also sealed (Eph 1:13).
28] Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of
God?
29] J esus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on
him whom he hath sent.
Work of God: That ye believe on Him whom He hath sent.
30] They said therefore unto him, What sign shewest thou then, that we may see,
and believe thee? what dost thou work?
31] Our fathers did eat manna in the desert; as it is written, He gave them bread
from heaven to eat.
...manna: (Whats this?!)bread from heaven.
Manna
Manna, (an untranslated word meaning, what is this?); God used
the term manna only once, and was referring to Israels willfulness,
vs. Bread, which is what He called it. The word manna is deroga-
toryit was despised (Num 11:7). Their belief was that Jeremiah hid
a jar of manna and kept in the Ark. The Messiah would reveal Himself
by producing the hidden manna (cf. Rev 2:17).
32] Then J esus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Moses gave you not
that bread from heaven; but my Father giveth you the true bread from heaven.
...true bread: True bread (vs. idiom Bread from God) is He which
cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world. (cf. water
of John 4).
33] For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life
unto the world.
34] Then said they unto him, Lord, evermore give us this bread.
...cometh down: Katabainon, came down, is used seven times in
this chapter (Jn 6:33,38,41,42,50,51,58). He emphasized His heavenly
origin and exposed unbelief in the crowd.
Manna vs. Christ
Gift of God through mediation of Moses
J esus given directly by God
Given temporarily, ceased in Canaan
J esus given continuously
Given only to Israel
J esus given to the whole world
Sustained physical life until death
J esus sustains spiritual life forever
35] And J esus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall
never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.
...cometh: Erchomenos, a serious commitment;
...believeth on: Pisteunon, continuing trust...
Both verbs also repeated with the living water (Jn 7:37-38).
...never...never: Both nevers are emphatic in the Greek.)
36] But I said unto you, That ye also have seen me, and believe not.
37] All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I
will in no wise cast out.
...I will in no wise cast out: Defnite company mentioned seven times
(cf. Jn 17; Eph 1:4; 2 Thess 2:13; 2 Tim 2:19). Peter denied Him with
an oath; Was he cast out? This will be underscored to establish eternal
security: J ohn 10:28,29. (All three of the Godhead are responsible)
38] For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that
sent me.
39] And this is the Fathers will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given
me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day.
...I should lose nothing: None to be lost! (cf. barley loaves...)
...raise it up: Three references to future resurrection in this chapter
alone (vv. 39, 40,44).
40] And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son,
and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the
last day.
...seeth the Son: theoron, contemplation with the eye of faith.
41] The Jews then murmured at him, because he said, I am the bread which came
down from heaven.
42] And they said, Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we
know? how is it then that he saith, I came down from heaven?
43] Jesus therefore answered and said unto them, Murmur not among yourselves.
44] No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and
I will raise him up at the last day.
...draw him: Helkusei, to draw with a moral power (J n 12:32; J er
31:3).
45] It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man
therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me.
46] Not that any man hath seen the Father, save he which is of God, he hath seen
the Father.
Biblical authority cited: Isa 54:13 (The word and implies He was
holding the scroll of Isaiah and read from the text...cf. Jer 31:33,34;
J oel 2:28-32.)
47] Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life.
48] I am that bread of life.
49] Your fathers did eat manna in the wilderness, and are dead.
50] This is the bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof,
and not die.
...He that believeth is in the present tense: continuing, meaning that
a believer is characterized by his continuing trust. He has everlasting
life, which is a present and abiding possession.
1) I AM the Bread of Life John 6:48
2) I AM the light of the world J ohn 8:12
3) I AM the door J ohn 10:9
4) I AM the good shepherd John 10:11
5) I AM the resurrection and the life J ohn 11:35
6) I AM the way, the truth, and the life John 14:6
7) I AM the true vine J ohn 15:1
51] I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this
bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my fesh, which I
will give for the life of the world.
...eat: Phagein (vv. 50,51,52,53). Eternal and indwelling; aorist tense.
Receiving eternal life; a single act, once and for all. Salvation.
52] The J ews therefore strove among themselves, saying, How can this man give
us his fesh to eat?
53] Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the fesh
of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you.
4
th
Verily, verily vv.26, 32, 47, 53
Communion?
Roman Catholic: Transubstantiation?
Lutheran Consubstantiation?
Zwingli, et al Spiritual symbol; only a ritual
all fall short of its true spiritual impact when followed obediently
Spiritual intimacy with Him is what it is all about
Proverbs 30: An (Overlooked) Prophecy by Solomon
A Messianic Prophecy by Solomon!
Solomon
Wrote 3,000 proverbs (1 Kgs 4:32).
Was the wisest person in his day (1 Kgs 4:29-44).
Since Solomon reigned from 971 to 931, the Proverbs he wrote
may be dated in the 10
th
century
God is the Author of all Scripture (2 Tim 3:16).
Divinely Authorized
All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is proftable for
doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.
2 Timothy 3:16
...inspiration of God: .e:|.uce; God-breathed.
Hebrew Hermeneutics
Peshat: the literal, direct meaning.
Remez: an allegorical signifcance; a hint of something deeper.
Derash: the homiletical, or practical application.
Sod: the mystical or hidden meaning.
This paradigm emerged before the 12
th
century, (Moses de Leon), and
the rabbis use the mnemonic, PaRDeS, (The Garden, or Paradise), to
remember them.
The frst three have their parallels in traditional Christian hermeneutics;
(yet we would probably move Derash as second, with Remez as third,
but that would spoil their mnemonic).
Proverbs 30
1] The words of Agur the son of J akeh, even the prophecy: the man spake unto
Ithiel, even unto Ithiel and Ucal,
.s Agur
From agar, to collect.
The collector, possibly a symbolical name (cf. Ecclesiastes,
the preacher : the Koheleth.
May symbolize Solomon (Rashi and Jerome).
Solomon had several names:
Jedidiah, beloved by Jehovah, the name which, by Nathan,
the Lord gave to Solomon at birth (2 Sam 12:25).
(possibly) Lemuel, devoted to God.
He was the son of Jakeh, a mysterious collector of wise sayings
and, ostensibly, inspired counsels to Ithiel and Ucal?
The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel; To know
wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding; To
receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, and judgment, and equity;
To give subtilty to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discre-
tion. A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of
understanding shall attain unto wise counsels: To understand a proverb,
and the interpretation; the words of the wise, and their dark sayings.
Proverbs 1:1-6
Dark sayings chiydah: Riddle, parable, enigma (to be
guessed), enigmatic or perplexing saying or question, dark
obscure utterance.
I will open my mouth in a parable: I will utter dark sayings of old:
Which we have heard and known, and our fathers have told us.
Psalm 78:2,3
: Son of Jakeh
Jakeh, from yaqeh: carefully religious, obedient, or pious,
Agur was the son of Jakeh, a mysterious collector of wise
sayings.
The father of Agur would thus be David.
:. :s. sc: Even the prophecy the man spake (?)
This is an imputed translation from diffcult Hebrew:

sc: ha massa the burden, prophecy
:s. eum oracle
:. ha-gebber the mighty
the mighty oracle prophesied
s- Ithiel
God comes, arrives, is with me; equivalent to Immanuel, God
with us (Isaiah 7:14; 8:8).

:s Ucal
a verb: ukhal, to be consumed. God arrives to be consumed (?)

The words gathered of the wise son of the pious father, the prophecy
of the mighty oracle: that El (God) arrives to be consumed.
John 6
52] The J ews therefore strove among themselves, saying, How can this man give
us his fesh to eat?
53] Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the fesh
of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you.
54] Whoso eateth my fesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise
him up at the last day.
55] For my fesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed.
56] He that eateth my fesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him.
This describes what we call communion
Trogon (v. 54ff): present active participle, emphasizing continual or
habitual eating. (Originally, munching on fruit, vegetables, cereals.)
Continual satisfying of spiritual appetite through constantly or habitually
feasting on Christ; constant communion with Him; indwelling union
(J n 6:56).
57] As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father: so he that eateth me,
even he shall live by me.
58] This is that bread which came down from heaven: not as your fathers did eat
manna, and are dead: he that eateth of this bread shall live for ever.
phago to consume, a meal
trogo continual, habitual
Man died by eating; he is now made alive by eating!
Proverbs 30
2] Surely I am more brutish than any man, And have not the understanding of a
man.
3] I neither learned wisdom, nor have the knowledge of the holy.
There is no negative in the Hebrew: It should read I was not taught
wisdom, and I have knowledge of the Holies.
Surely I am beyond the senselessness of any man; I do not perceive
[things] the way human beings do. I did not learn wisdom, and I know
what God knows.
Proverbs 30:2,3 (ISV)
4] Who hath ascended up into heaven, or descended? Who hath gathered the wind
in his fsts? Who hath bound the waters in a garment? Who hath established
all the ends of the earth? What is his name, and what is his sons name, if thou
canst tell?
While the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them, Saying,
What think ye of Christ? Whose son is he? They say unto him, The Son
of David. He saith unto them, How then doth David in spirit call him
Lord, saying, [quoting Psalm 110:1] The LORD said unto my Lord,
Sit thou on my right hand, till I make thine enemies thy footstool? If
David then call him Lord, how is he his son? And no man was able
to answer him a word, neither durst any man from that day forth ask
him any more questions.
Matthew 22:41-44
Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not
come to destroy, but to fulfl. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven
and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law,
till all be fulflled.
Matthew 5:17,1
5] Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.
6] Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.
7] Two things have I required of thee; deny me them not before I die:
8] Remove far from me vanity and lies: give me neither poverty nor riches; feed
me with food convenient for me:
(Sounds like he would avoid being involved with Hollywood)
9] Lest I be full, and deny thee, and say, Who is the LORD? or lest I be poor, and
steal, and take the Name of my God in vain.
Taking the Name of God in vain has more to do with Ambassador-
ship than vocabulary!
John 6
59] These things said he in the synagogue, as he taught in Capernaum.
60] Many therefore of his disciples, when they had heard this, said, This is an hard
saying; who can hear it?
61] When J esus knew in himself that his disciples murmured at it, he said unto
them, Doth this offend you?
We abide in Him, because we are His members; but He abides in us,
because we are His temple.
Augustine
Three Responses to Jesus: John 6:60-71
1) Unbelieving majority (vv. 60-66):
Their primary response was one of unbelief.
2) Believing minority (vv. 67-69):
You do not wish to go away also, do you? Peter answered,
To whom shall we go? Thou hast the words of eternal life.
3) Professing Apostate (vv. 70-71):
The betrayer, who was identifed one year before the act.
62] What and if ye shall see the Son of man ascend up where he was before?
63] It is the spirit that quickeneth; the fesh profteth nothing: the words that I speak
unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.
64] But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning
who they were that believed not, and who should betray him.
Paul wrote that the crucifed Messiah was a stumbling block (skandalon
to the J ews (1 Cor 1:23). From the start J esus knew which followers
were believers and which ones were unbelievers. This is another evidence
of His supernatural knowledge (cf. 1:47; 2:24-25; 6:15).
65] And he said, Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except
it were given unto him of my Father.
66] From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him.
...disciples: Here it refers to followers in general, not to the 12 Apostles;
this is evident in v. 67.
67] Then said J esus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away?
68] Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the
words of eternal life.
69] And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God.
70] J esus answered them, Have not I chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil?
71] He spake of J udas Iscariot the son of Simon: for he it was that should betray
him, being one of the twelve.
...devil: Diabolos, slanderous; with defnite article, Satan.
Judas: J udah; praise: He was of the tribe of J udah.
Iscariot means man of Kerioth, one of the towns settled by the
tribe of J udah (J osh 15:25).
J ohns Gospel does not record J esus choice of the Twelve. He assumed
his readers knew the Synoptics. J udas was the only disciple that was
not a native of Galilee. He came from J udah, the country most hostile
to Jesus. Judas was a tragic fgure, infuenced by Satan; yet, he was
responsible for his own evil choices.
Next Session
Prepare by studying: J ohn Chapter 7. Also, read Psalm 69
Discussion Questions
1) What are the main lessons from the Feeding of the 5000?
2) In what ways was Manna and Christ Similar? Each distinctive?
3) Why did J esus walk on the water?
4) Give contemporary examples of each of the four types of Hebrew
hermeneutics.
5) What actually happens during Communion?
6) How are each of the metaphors of Light, Water, and Bread distinctive?
7) How was the discipleship tested? How does this impact predes-
tination?

The Gospel of John
Session 7: Chapter 7
1] After these things J esus walked in Galilee: for he would not walk in J ewry,
because the J ews sought to kill him.
After these things: Meta tauta: that timing marker again. The events
of Chapter 6 took place in Galilee at the Sea of Galilee; before that,
J esus had been in J erusalem where there had arisen the controversy
concerning Him at the pool of Bethesda.
The events of Chapter 6 transpired about one year before the cross in
April; the events in Chapter 7 occur about six months later, in October.
Meta Tauta: Alternating between Judea and Galilee
1 J udea
2:1-12 Galilee
2:13 J erusalem (J udea)
4:3 Galilee
5:1 J erusalem
6:1 Galilee
7:1 J erusalem
...sought to kill him: Verse 1 reveals that a storm is gathering about
the Person of Christ. Six months later that storm will break in all its
fury upon J esus on the cross. That storm is still going on. There is more
difference of opinion about Him than about any other person who has
ever lived. They blaspheme Him and say the worst things about Him
that ever have been said. Hes still controversial today.
2] Now the J ews feast of tabernacles was at hand.
The Jews catechism is his calendar.
Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch
The Feasts of Israel =The Seven Feasts of Moses [and Purim and
Hanukkah]
Hermeneutics
Greek (Western) Model: Prophecy = Prediction Fulfllment
Hebrew Model: Prophecy =Pattern (Types, et al.)
The Feasts of Israel: The Appointed Times
Ultimate Commentary:
For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our
learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures
might have hope.
Romans 15:4
The New Testament is in the Old Testament concealed;
The Old Testament is in the New Testament revealed
Augustine
Rhetorical Devices
I have also spoken by the prophets, and I have multiplied visions, and
used similitudes, by the ministry of the prophets.
Hosea 12:10
Figures of Speech
Simile: Resemblance (Gen 25:25; Mt 7:24-27).
Allegory: Comparison by representation (Gen 49:9; Gal 4:22, 24).
Metaphor: Representation (Mt 26:26).
Hypocatastasis: an implied resemblance or representation (Mt 7:3-5;
15:13).
Type: A fgure or example of something future (Rom 5:14; Gen 22, 24).
Analogy: resemblance in some particulars between things otherwise
unlike.
Cosmic Codes, Appendix A
Now all these things happened unto them for examples: and they are
written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.
1 Corinthians 10:11
examples = u:e; tupos: A fgure, image, pattern, a prefguring; a
type (cf. a prototype).
Types
The Brazen Serpent John 3:14
The Manna J ohn 6:35
The Water from the Rock (2) 1 Cor 10:4
The Brazen Altar Rev 11:1
The Ark of the Covenant J er 3:16
The Mercy Seat Matt 25:31
The Passover Lamb 1 Cor 5:17
The Camp of Israel Num 2
The Brazen Serpent: Numbers 21
In response to murmuring, God sent fery serpents which bit the people
and they died. Moses interceded. Moses was instructed to place a brass
serpent on a pole on a high hill; all that would look toward it would be
spared. Why this strange remedy?

And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must
the Son of man be lifted up: That whosoever believeth in him should
not perish, but have eternal life. For God so loved the world, that he
gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should
not perish, but have everlasting life.
John 3:14-16
Manna: Exodus 16
In need of food, God provided a daily provision of Manna, a miracle
bread from heaven. It was provided only on 6 days, with a double portion
on the 6
th
, to prevent gathering on the Sabbath. Note: This was before
the Law was given in Exodus 20.
Signifcance of the Feasts
Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of
an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: Which are a
shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.
Colossians 2:16,17
Each feast has an historic, memorial context, and each feast is also
prophetic!
The Heptadic Calendar
The Week of Days Shabbat
The Week of Weeks Shavuot
The Week of Months The Religious Year
The Week of Years The Sabbatical Year
Seven Weeks + 1 The Jubilee Year
All Land reverts to its owners
All Slaves go free
All Debts forgiven
The time of the restitution of all things (Acts 3:21)
The Appointed Times : Leviticus 23
And God said, Let there be lights in the frmament of the heaven to
divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons,
and for days, and years:
Genesis 1:14
seasons: :.: the appointed times.
:.: The Appointed Times
52 sabbaths
+ 7 days of Passover (including its related feast days)
+ 1 Shavout, Feast of Weeks (Pentecost)
+ 1 Yom Teruah, Feast of Trumpets
+ 1 Yom Kippur, Day of Atonement
+ 7 days of Sukkot, Feast of Tabernacles
+ 1 Shimini Atzeret, 8th Day of Assembly
70
As an Equidistant Letter Sequence, it appears only once in Genesis [vs.
Statistical expectation: 5 times in the 78,064 letters of Genesis]. It ap-
pears only once; at an interval of 70 AND it is centered on Genesis 1:14.
Odds against this by unaided chance have been estimated at greater
than 70,000,000 to one!
These are the feasts of the LORD, even holy convocations, which ye
shall proclaim in their seasons.
Leviticus 23:4
...feasts: .: mow`ed: appointed place, appointed time, meeting;
appointed sign or signal.
...convocations: s: miqraw: convocation, a calling together, a
rehearsal.
The Feasts of Israel
The Spring Feasts (1
st
Month: Nisan)
Passover
Feast of Unleavened Bread
Feast of First Fruits
Feast of Weeks
The Fall Feasts (7
th
Month: Tishri)
Feast of Trumpets
Yom Kippur
Feast of Tabernacles
Feast of Trumpets: Yom Teruah
Coincident with the civil New Year: Rosh HaShanah
The Great Blowing: Tekiah Gedolah
Last Trump? vs. 7
th
Trumpet J udgment?
Trumpet of God: (only 2X in Bible)
Giving of the Torah at Sinai (Ex 19:13, 16)
Rapture (1 Thess 4:16)
Followed by (10) Days of Affiction: Yomim Noraim
Tekiat Shofar: rams horn (not the silver Temple trumpets)
Shofar (Isa 58:1; 27:13)
Akedah: substitutionary ram (Gen 22)
left horn = frst trump; right horn = last trump.
Tekiah Gedolah, the great blowing.
3 series of 10 blasts each.
fnal blowing of 10 blasts
not short blasts (= alarm) but long blasts = victory!
The Last Trump ? 1 Corinthians 15:51-52
7
th
Trumpet Judgment of Revelation? [Not the last since trumpets
will be blown in Millennial Temple, etc.]
The Trump of God
Giving of the Torah at Sinai (Ex 19:13, 16)
At the Rapture (1 Thess 4:16-18)
Days of Affiction: Yomim Noraim
10 days of preparation for Yom Kippur
Threshing foor idiom? (Lk 3:16, 17)
Ruth (the Gentile bride) at Boazs feet (the kinsman-redeemer)
during the threshing foor event (Ruth 3:8-9).
Day of Atonement: Yom Kippur
10
th
of Tishri (Lev 16:1-19; 23:26-32; Heb 9:1-16)
Day of national repentance (Isa 53)
High Priest enters the Holy of Holies
God, who dwelleth between the cherubim, looking down on
the broken law, is propitiated (hilasterion) by the shed blood (of
Christ); Heb 9:1-16
The Scapegoat
Two goats: azazel, scapegoat (Lev 16:20-34; Mt 27:33; 2 Cor 5:21;
Isa 53:6; 52:15).
[The Lottery box for the Third Temple available for viewing at the
Temple Institute in Jerusalem.]
Feast of Tabernacles: Sukkot
15
th
of Tishri: 5 days (grace) after Yom Kippur (Lev 23:33-44)
Compulsory attendance (Deut 16:16)
Temporary dwellings: 7 days + special sabbath
Gaps in sides, roof =wilderness wanderings...
Leave their temporary dwellings for their permanent homes
The Millennial Kingdom? (Hos 5:15-6:3; Zech 14:4, 9)
Our permanent habitation? (1 Cor 5:2)
Transfguration during Feasts of Booths?
Cf. Peter: build 3 sukkots? (Mt 17:4)
Procession
Lulav
willow: no fragrance, no fruit
myrtle: fragrance, no fruit
palm: no fragrance, fruit
Etrog
(citrus): fragrance + fruit
(Mt 13:3-9; 18-23; Rev 7:9)
There was the pouring out of water in the Temple, with a double portion
on the last day of the feast to remind them that God gave them water
from the rock in the wilderness (twice!).
They brought the water from the pool of Siloam and poured out literally
barrels of water. During this festival, they illuminated the inner court
with a regular torch parade. This was commemorating the pillar of fre
that guided the Israelis by night as they wandered in the wilderness (J n
7:37,38). Now we understand that the pillar of cloud and the pillar of
fre that led the children of Israel (Israelis) were both pictures of our
Lord J esus Christ.
The Feasts of Israel
The Spring Feasts (1
st
Month: Nisan)
Passover
Feast of Unleavened Bread
Feast of First Fruits
Feast of Weeks
The Fall Feasts (7
th
Month: Tishri)
Feast of Trumpets
Yom Kippur
Feast of Tabernacles
We will study the Spring Feasts in detail when J ohn takes up the Final
Week of J esus ministry (to which he devotes the entire last 9 chapters!)
Note: J ohns Gospel covers only 21 days of 3 years of ministry; vir-
tually half of J ohns Gospel is devoted to the Final Weekone-third
(247 verses of 879) are devoted to one 24-hour period!
Three times in a year shall all thy males appear before the LORD thy
God in the place which he shall choose; in the feast of unleavened
bread, and in the feast of weeks, and in the feast of tabernacles: and
they shall not appear before the LORD empty:
Deuteronomy 16:16
And ye shall count unto you from the morrow after the sab-
bath, from the day that ye brought the sheaf of the wave offering;
seven sabbaths shall be complete: Even unto the morrow after the
seventh sabbath shall ye number ffty days;
Deuteronomy 23:15,16
...from the morrow after the Sabbaththus, always on a Sunday
morning.
Feast of Weeks: Shavuot
Counting the Omer (49 + 1 days); always on a Sunday.
One of the 3 compulsory (Deut 16:16).
Only use of Leavened Bread! Two loaves: (J ew & Gentile?)
Prophetic: The Birth of the Church: Feast of Pentecost (Acts 2)
The Mystery of Enoch
Oldest Prophecy uttered by a prophet: It is of the Second Coming
of Christ
Three groups of people facing the judgment of the Flood:
1) Those that perished in the food
2) Those that were preserved through the time of the food
3) Those that were removed prior to the food
Was Enoch born on Shavuot?
Was Enoch removed prior to the judgment on his birthday?
The Church was born on Shavuot Acts 2
Will the Church be removed on its birthday?
Will the J ewish clock restart on the same feast day that it was
stopped? [Sources: Tosefta Sotah 11. 7-8; Babli 13b; Kiddushim
38a; Seder Olam 10. q.v. Louis Ginzberg, The Legends of the
Jews, 6 vols., Vol5, p.161, J ewish Publication Society of America,
5728-1968, Philiadelphia PA.]
Caveats
The precious treasure of our J ewish heritage, and the patterns that
teach usHowever, beware of the lure of legalism (cf. The Council in
J erusalem; Acts 15). Abraham was saved before he was circumcised,
and before the law was given
Appreciating our Jewish heritage is fruitful; HOWEVER, dont get drawn
in under the law and nullify the completed fulfllment of our Messiah!
Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no fesh be justifed in
his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.
Romans 3:20
Therefore we conclude that a man is justifed by faith without the
deeds of the law.
Romans 3:28
Its interesting that the three required feasts parallel three major
milestones:
1) The Cross 2) The Church (Acts 2) and 3) The Second Coming.
John 7
3] His brethren therefore said unto him, Depart hence, and go into J udaea, that
thy disciples also may see the works that thou doest.
4] For there is no man that doeth any thing in secret, and he himself seeketh to be
known openly. If thou do these things, shew thyself to the world.
5] For neither did his brethren believe in him.
His brethren: Sons of Mary, too (Mt 12:46; 13:55, 56). From this we
can infer that J esus brothers were not believers (they were challeng-
ing him to show himself openly). Disbelief prophesied (Psalm 69:8).
His brothers ask J esus to go with them to the feast. J esus appears to say
No. Then He goes in secret ...and teaches publicly! This is a widely
misunderstood passage. J esus brothers didnt do their homework:
He had to attend to keep the law (Deut 16:16).
6] Then J esus said unto them, My time is not yet come: but your time is alway
ready.
7] The world cannot hate you; but me it hateth, because I testify of it, that the
works thereof are evil.
8] Go ye up unto this feast: I go not up yet unto this feast; for my time is not yet
full come.
Notice the little word yet in My time is not yet come. J esus did
not say that He would not go down to the feast, but He was not going
down with them publicly to win public favor by something spectacular,
or whatever they wanted Him to do. He is on His own schedule: His
Fathers appointed time and in His Fathers way.
My time is not yet come: His time is yet coming (Mt 24:30; Rev 1:7;
Lk 19:27; Rev 19). No reputation (Mk 1:36-38; 7:17; 8:26; 9:9). Secret
of popularity? (J n 15:19).
9] When he had said these words unto them, he abode still in Galilee.
10] But when his brethren were gone up, then went he also up unto the feast, not
openly, but as it were in secret.
He would not go up then....with his brethren. Anabaino =I go up:
ascending to J erusalem in celebration of the completed Harvest.
The three feasts are prophetic of Jesus.
Passover, as High Priest, offering Himself as the Paschal Lamb
of God (Heb 9:14).
Shavuot (Pentecost), 50 days later, giving the Holy Spirit (J n
14:16; Acts 2:1-4).
Sukkot (Tabernacles), returning to J erusalem to establish His
Kingdom (Rev 19:11-20:5).
11] Then the J ews sought him at the feast, and said, Where is he?
12] And there was much murmuring among the people concerning him: for some
said, He is a good man: others said, Nay; but he deceiveth the people.
13] Howbeit no man spake openly of him for fear of the J ews.
We should not be surprised at differing views. It has been 1 years
since healing at Bethesda on the Sabbath. Political correctness pre-
vails even today.
...for fear of the J ews!: Shame on us, too! (Prov 29:25).
14] Now about the midst of the feast Jesus went up into the temple, and taught.
Quite suddenly, He appeared in the temple. The Feast of Tabernacles
sets before us the coming of Christ in His return to earth and speaks of
the consummation of all things. He will appear suddenly: and the
Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple (Mal 3:1).
15] And the J ews marvelled, saying, How knoweth this man letters, having never
learned?
Marvelled: It must have been an impressive lesson... (cf. Prov 30:3).
Even His enemies were forced to admit, Never man spake like this
man (v. 46).
16] J esus answered them, and said, My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me.
17] If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God,
or whether I speak of myself.
Doctrine: Singular; integrated whole vs. plural (1 Tim 4:6; Col 2:22;
Heb 13:9; 2 Tim 3:16). Wow. Theres a challenge!

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is proftable for
doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.
2 Timothy 3:16
18] He that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory: but he that seeketh his glory
that sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him.
19] Did not Moses give you the law, and yet none of you keepeth the law? Why go
ye about to kill me?
20] The people answered and said, Thou hast a devil: who goeth about to kill thee?
...none of you keepeth the law: The law is the mirror to show us that
we are lost sinners; a schoolmaster to bring us to Christ.
21] J esus answered and said unto them, I have done one work, and ye all marvel.
22] Moses therefore gave unto you circumcision; (not because it is of Moses, but
of the fathers;) and ye on the sabbath day circumcise a man.
Moses therefore gave unto you circumcision: Circumcision required
breaking the sabbath laws.
Circumcision is a rite which goes back to Abraham and is older than
the Mosaic Law (Gen 17 vs. Ex 20). It is optimized on the 8
th
day; how
did Abraham know? Trial and error?!
Vitamin K, a clotting element, is not formed until the 5
th
to the 7
th
day
Prothrombin, also necessary: on the 3
rd
day: 30% of normal. 8
th
day:
peaks at 110%, then levels off at 100% of normal.
23] If a man on the sabbath day receive circumcision, that the law of Moses should
not be broken; are ye angry at me, because I have made a man every whit whole
on the sabbath day?
Older than the lawJesus warns them against making superfcial
judgments
24] Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.
25] Then said some of them of J erusalem, Is not this he, whom they seek to kill?
...some of them of J erusalem: Hierosolumites: Residents of the city
of J erusalem (vs. pilgrims).
26] But, lo, he speaketh boldly, and they say nothing unto him. Do the rulers know
indeed that this is the very Christ?
27] Howbeit we know this man whence he is: but when Christ cometh, no man
knoweth whence he is.
...no man knoweth...: A Rabbinical admission that the Messiah was
to be supernaturally bornof a virgin! (Isa 7:14).
28] Then cried J esus in the temple as he taught, saying, Ye both know me, and ye
know whence I am: and I am not come of myself, but he that sent me is true,
whom ye know not.
29] But I know him: for I am from him, and he hath sent me.
30] Then they sought to take him: but no man laid hands on him, because his hour
was not yet come.
...no man laid hands on him: Not a hair of our heads can be touched
without His permission (Ps 91; Job 7:1; 14:5, 14). For me to live is
Christ; to die is gain (Phil 1:21). Its interesting that even though they were
anxious to take Jesus, they couldnt touch Him until His hour had come.
31] And many of the people believed on him, and said, When Christ cometh, will
he do more miracles than these which this man hath done?
32] The Pharisees heard that the people murmured such things concerning him;
and the Pharisees and the chief priests sent offcers to take him.
Temple police sent to arrest (they do not report back for four days);
yet six months from now, the cross.
33] Then said J esus unto them, Yet a little while am I with you, and then I go unto
him that sent me.
34] Ye shall seek me, and shall not fnd me: and where I am, thither ye cannot come.
Where I am, ye cannot come (Prov 1:24-28; Lk 13:24, 25; Isa 55:6).
35] Then said the Jews among themselves, Whither will he go, that we shall not fnd
him? will he go unto the dispersed among the Gentiles, and teach the Gentiles?
36] What manner of saying is this that he said, Ye shall seek me, and shall not fnd
me: and where I am, thither ye cannot come?
Diaspora, the dispersed: The J ews outside Israel... prophetic! (J ames
1:1).
37] In the last day, that great day of the feast, J esus stood and cried, saying, If any
man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.
38] He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall fow
rivers of living water.
Seven days in booths; the 8
th
daythe Great Daythe special Sab-
bath, is when Jesus made His frst announcement of the coming of the
Holy Spirit.
Types
The Brazen Serpent John 3:14
The Manna J ohn 6:35
The Water from the Rock (2) 1 Cor 10:4
The Brazen Altar Rev 11:1
The Ark of the Covenant J er 3:16
The Mercy Seat Matt 25:31
The Passover Lamb 1 Cor 5:17
The Camp of Israel Num 2
Waters at Meribah
At Rephidim: Water from striking the Rock (Ex 17:6).
At Mirabah: Water for the asking (Num 20:8f).
Type: The Rock was Christ (1 Cor 10:4). Because he misrepresented
Christ, Moses was denied entry into the Land! Moses did not inherit!
(He gets another chance)
Come:
Turn your back on the world.
Abandon confdence in yourself.
Come empty handed.
Not to the Lords table, baptism, a priest or minister, or a church;
but to Christ Himself, none other.
[This was in the most religious place on earth!]
Drink: Make Him your own. Fulfll your constant craving...
39] (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive:
for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorifed.)
...because: There seems to be a form of mutual exclusiveness regard-
ing the Godhead: The Holy Spirit was not free to indwell the Believers
until after Jesus was glorifed. The arrival of the Holy Spirit was an
authentication.
The Holy Spirit had not yet been given because J esus was not yet glori-
fed. The Holy Spirit did not come until the Day of Pentecost. Then He
came to indwell believers and to form them into one body. The coming
of the Holy Spirit on that day assures us that J esus had arrived back at
the Fathers throne.
40] Many of the people therefore, when they heard this saying, said, Of a truth this
is the Prophet.
41] Others said, This is the Christ. But some said, Shall Christ come out of Galilee?
42] Hath not the scripture said, That Christ cometh of the seed of David, and out
of the town of Bethlehem, where David was?
For unto us a child is born; unto us a Son is given. (Isa 9:6). This is
not synonymous: The child was born in Bethlehem. The Son was given
at Golgotha.
43] So there was a division among the people because of him.
44] And some of them would have taken him; but no man laid hands on him.
...a division among the people: Think not that I am come to send
peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. (Mt 10:34).
Not yet time (J n 5:16, 18; 17:1; 8:20; 10:39).
45] Then came the offcers to the chief priests and Pharisees; and they said unto
them, Why have ye not brought him?
46] The offcers answered, Never man spake like this man.
47] Then answered them the Pharisees, Are ye also deceived?
48] Have any of the rulers or of the Pharisees believed on him?
49] But this people who knoweth not the law are cursed.
Have any rulers believed?: Cf. 1 Cor 1:26-28
50] Nicodemus saith unto them, (he that came to J esus by night, being one of them,)
51] Doth our law judge any man, before it hear him, and know what he doeth?
Nicodemus: It has been a year and a half since J ohn Chapter 3:
John 3: Midnight
John 7: Twilight
John 19: Daylight in his soul.
52] They answered and said unto him, Art thou also of Galilee? Search, and look:
for out of Galilee ariseth no prophet.
53] And every man went unto his own house.
...out of Galilee ariseth no prophet: Wrong! Prophets out of Galilee
include J onah, Nahum...maybe Hosea? Elijah, Elisha? Amos?
The Galilean ministry prophesied (Isa 9:1, 2).
Next Session
Prepare by studying: J ohn Chapter 8. Prepare for a serious confronta-
tion! J esus explains Himself to them more clearly!
Discussion Questions
1. What rhetorical devices (fgures of speech) do we commonly
encounter in conversations today? What are their:
a) Strengths
b) Weaknesses
2. Give examples of the use of puns in the Scripture.
3. Which J ewish holidays to you observe? Why?
4. In regards to studying the Jewish culture in the Old Testament:
a) What are the advantages?
b) What are the dangers?
5. Should a Christian be circumcised? Why? (or why not?)
6. What was the most signifcant personal lesson you received from
this session?
The Gospel of John
Session 8: Chapter 8
The night before there had been a meeting of the Sanhedrin and people
were divided in their opinion as to whether or not J esus was the Mes-
siah. Nicodemus defended Him.
Nicodemus saith unto them, (he that came to Jesus by night, being
one of them,) Doth our law judge any man, before it hear him, and
know what he doeth?
J ohn 7:50,51
Nicodemus: It has been a year and a half since J ohn Chapter 3:
John 3: Midnight
John 7: Twilight
John 19: Daylight in his soul.
Everyone had gone home, and apparently no one had invited J esus to
his house. Early in the morning, He came back into J erusalem, went
back to the temple, and sat down to teach. The Feast of Tabernacles
had ended, but J esus took advantage of the opportunity to minister to
the pilgrims in the temple.
John 8
1] J esus went unto the mount of Olives.
2] And early in the morning he came again into the temple, and all the people
came unto him; and he sat down, and taught them.
The Feast of Tabernacles had ended, but J esus took advantage of the
opportunity to minister to the pilgrims in the temple.
...early in the morning: Orthrou, before sunrise. Begin each day...
Seek ye frst.. (Mt 6:33; Prov 8:17).
...he sat down: Kathisas, sitting: It is the position of authority as a
teacher of the Law.
At the well Mt 4:6
At the Sermon on the Mount Mt 5:1
In the Upper Room Mt 13:12
3] And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery;
and when they had set her in the midst,
4] They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act.
...her in the midst: Where is the husband? (He wasnt at the Temple.)
Why wasnt this taken to the offcials?
The Adulteress: John 8:1-11
Entrapment: To present to Jesus a no-win situation. This situation
follows miscarriage of previous days plans (Jn 7:45)
The Snare: Feast of Tabernacles (Booths; cf/ Lev 23:42, 43). Booths
were located outside the city of J erusalem; camp atmosphere;
temptation everywhere.
Where is the man? It takes two to tango. (Both should be stoned;
cfr Lev 20:10; Deut 22:22.)
5] Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what
sayest thou?
Illegality of actions: She should have been taken to their court. The
accusers were accomplices. Stoning for betrothed woman (Deut 22:22-
24). Death for both (Lev 20:10).
1) Condemn: A friend of sinners?
2) Also against Rome: Capital punishment was denied (J n 18:31).
Profound Problem
Where would we stand? She was guilty. How would we have handled it?
We are she! all have sinned... (Isa 53). How can justice and mercy be
harmonized? God has found a way whereby His banished ones may be
restored (cf. Woman of Tekoa, 2 Sam 14:13-14).
6] This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But J esus
stooped down, and with his fnger wrote on the ground, as though he heard
them not.
...his fnger: Finger of God (Ex 31:18). Writing by the Lawgiver
(James 4:12). This the same fnger that wrote the Commandments in
stone
Instead of passing judgment on the woman, J esus passed judgment on
the judges!
O Lord, the hope of Israel, all that forsake thee shall be ashamed, and
they that depart from me shall be written in the earth, because they
have forsaken the Lord, the fountain of living waters.
J eremiah 17:13
Thou hast set our iniquities before thee, our secret sins in the light of
thy countenance.
Psalm 90:8
Secret sin on earth is open scandal in heaven.
7] So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them,
He that is without sin among you, let him frst cast a stone at her.
8] And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground.
Do we have refuge from the broken law? How? The broken laws were
placed in the Ark of the Covenant so they would be under the Mercy
Seat. So that once a year, on Yom Kippur, when the high priest entered
the Holy of Holies and sprinkled the blood of the sacrifce, the God of
the Universe who dwelt between the cherubim could look down at the
broken law and justify his mercy by the blood sacrifce.
Wrote the Commandments a second time (second tablets: Ex 40:20).
J esus wrote twice. What did He write? Seventh commandment? Name
of the man? List of sins by the accusers?
Let he that is without sin: Demonstrates the Spirit of the Law (Mt
5:17; J n 3:17).
9] And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out
one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and J esus was left alone,
and the woman standing in the midst.
10] When J esus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto
her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee?
...being convicted: The conviction (v.9) seems to be the springboard
for J esus declaration, I am the light of the world in v.12, which then
occasions the subsequent virulence in v.41.
11] She said, No man, Lord. And J esus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee:
go, and sin no more.
None but the woman: Law required two witnesses (Deut 19:15). Wit-
nesses must assist in carrying out the sentence (Deut 17:7).
Neither do I condemn thee (Rom 8:31ff). Note order: Go and sin no
more (Rom 8:1). Was she saved? She called him Lord.
He condemned sin; accepted the sinner. Lets not reverse this: condemn
sinners & accept their sin. Here is a concrete case where a guilty sinner
leaves the presence of Christ un-condemned (J n 1:17).
Textual Problem
J ohn 7:53-8:11 is missing in some ancient manuscripts. Omitted in the
NEB; disclaimed in the NIV. I believe it is authentic.
1) Continuity problems: J ohn 7:52 to 8:12? Then spake..them.
When? to whom?
2) Consistent with the rest of Scripture.
3) Consistent with the design of this gospel:
John 5: Impotent man; sermon text.
John 6: Feeds multitude; manna; Bread of Life.
John 7: Tabernacles; water from rock; Living Water.
John 8: Pillar of fre; Light of the World.
4) Cited in the 3
rd
Century Apostolic Constitutions as Biblical grounds
for accepting penitents who had been disciplined by the church.
5) Considered authentic by J erome, Ambrose, and Augustine.
[Augustine highlights why some texts omit this story: by some
weak in faith because they feared their wives would use it to
justify immorality.]
The design structure of J ohns Gospel seems to parallel the abject condi-
tion of Israel. See how the chapters are laid out.
The Abject Condition of Israel (& Ourselves)
Chapter:
1) Ignorance of forerunner; blindness to His presence.
2) J oyless state; desecration of Fathers House.
3) Dead in sins; the need to be born again.
4) Callous indifference to Gentile neighbors.
5) Impotent: blind, halt, and withered.
6) Hungry; no appetite for the Bread of Life.
7) Offcers sent to arrest Christ.
8) Israel =YHWHs unfaithful wife: adulterous.
12] Then spake J esus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that
followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.
...light of the world: (and their consciences, v. 9). Remember that the
Feast of Tabernacles had just ended. The use of light is important in
this feast: In the Temple, in the Court of Women stood 4 golden cande-
labras, each with 4 golden bowls. Some records suggest it illuminated
the entire city.
Jesus I Am Statements
I am the bread of life J ohn 6:35
I am the light of the world J ohn 8:12
I am the door J ohn 10:9
I am the good shepherd J ohn 10:11
I am the resurrection, and the life J ohn 11:25
I am the way, the truth, and the life John 14:6
I am the vine, ye are the branches J ohn 15:5
He uses the ordinary to speak of the extraordinary,
the physical to speak of the spiritual,
the temporal to speak of the eternal,
the here-and-now to speak of the hereafter,
the earthly to speak of the heavenly,
the limited to speak of the unlimited, and the fnite to speak of the
infnite.
Previous day: None from Galilee? Not true (Isa 9:1,2).
The Messiah as a light unto the Gentiles is mentioned in Isa 42:6;
49:6; 60:1-3; Mal 4:2.
Universalism? No. He is The Light only to believers (Jn 12:46; 1:4,
5, 9).
Darkness without excuse (Rom 1, 2).
13] The Pharisees therefore said unto him, Thou bearest record of thyself; thy record
is not true.
14] Jesus answered and said unto them, Though I bear record of myself, yet my
record is true: for I know whence I came, and whither I go; but ye cannot tell
whence I come, and whither I go.
15] Ye judge after the fesh; I judge no man.
16] And yet if I judge, my judgment is true: for I am not alone, but I and the Father
that sent me.
17] It is also written in your law, that the testimony of two men is true.
18] I am one that bear witness of myself, and the Father that sent me beareth witness
of me.
It is also written in your law, that the testimony of two men is true:
Deut 17:6, 19:15; Num 35:30. The way they judged the woman taken
in adultery proved that they neither understood the Law nor their own
sinful hearts.
Since they wanted to use the Law to condemn the woman and trap the
Savior, J esus also used the Law to answer them. He quoted a principle
found in Deuteronomy 17:6 and 19:15, as well as Numbers 35:30, that
the testimony of two men was required to validate a judgment.
19] Then said they unto him, Where is thy Father? J esus answered, Ye neither know
me, nor my Father: if ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also.
Where is thy father: They are highlighting what they perceive is his
illegitimacy; born of fornication (v. 41). Cf. Psalm 69:8
Psalm 69: The Silent Years in the Life of Christ
This psalm tells us about the silent years of Christs childhood and young
manhood, of which the Gospels tell us practically nothing. Dr. Luke
tells us about an incident in the life of our Lord when He was twelve
years old, but we learn nothing else about Him until He is about thirty
years old. This psalm flls in some of the details of those early years.
The Early Years
We see some of Christs dark days in Nazareth and His dark hours on the
cross. It is classifed as an imprecatory psalm because of an impreca-
tory prayer (vv.2228), and it is from that section the New Testament
writers often quoted.
His imprecatory prayer is actually a cry for justice. This is a psalm of
His early humiliation and rejection. We begin way up north at Nazareth:
We hear the heart sob of a small boy, a teenager, a young man
1] Save me, O God; for the waters are come in unto my soul.
2] I sink in deep mire, where there is no standing: I am come into deep waters,
where the foods overfow me.
3] I am weary of my crying: my throat is dried: mine eyes fail while I wait for my
God.
4] They that hate me without a cause are more than the hairs of mine head: they
that would destroy me, being mine enemies wrongfully, are mighty: then I
restored that which I took not away.
The Lord quoted this verse and applied it to Himself (J ohn 15:25).
But this cometh to pass, that the word might be fulflled that is written
in their law, They hated me without a cause.
J ohn 15:25
Being justifed freely by his grace through the redemption that is in
Christ Jesus:
Romans 3:24
Being justifed freely is the same as being justifed without a cause. The
Lord did not fnd any merit in me. He justifed me without a cause within
me. This psalm tells us that they hated Jesus without a causethey
hated Him without a cause that we might be justifed without a cause.
5] O God, thou knowest my foolishness; and my sins are not hid from thee.
How can this verse apply to the Lord? He was holy, harmless, unde-
fled, and separate from sinners. But the last few hours on the cross He
became sin for us (2 Cor 5:21).
He prayed, Let this cup pass (Mt 26:39,42). What cup? The cup of
sin, which was my cup and your cup of iniquity.
6] Let not them that wait on thee, O Lord GOD of hosts, be ashamed for my sake:
let not those that seek thee be confounded for my sake, O God of Israel.
7] Because for thy sake I have borne reproach; shame hath covered my face.
8] I am become a stranger unto my brethren, and an alien unto my mothers chil-
dren.
Mary had other children, which confrms the record in the Gospels (Mt
13:55; Mk 6:3). He became an alien unto His mothers childrennot
His fathers children because J oseph was not His father. They were
half-brothers and half-sisters. It may have been a very unhappy home.
This verse also teaches the virgin birth of Christ.
Is not this the carpenters son? is not his mother called Mary? and his
brethren, James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas?
Matthew 13:35
Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and
Joses, and of Judas, and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us?
Mark 6:3
9] For the zeal of thine house hath eaten me up; and the reproaches of them that
reproached thee are fallen upon me.
This is a verse which our Lord also quotedin reference to the temple.
And found in the temple those that sold oxen and sheep and doves, and
the changers of money sitting: And when he had made a scourge of
small cords, he drove them all out of the temple, and the sheep, and the
oxen; and poured out the changers money, and overthrew the tables;
And said unto them that sold doves, Take these things hence; make not
my Fathers house an house of merchandise. And his disciples remem-
bered that it was written, The zeal of thine house hath eaten me up.
John 2:14-17
They were well aware of Psalm 69! The Greek word for zeal signifes
to stretch out the neck, a metaphor from the racers who strain every
limb to reach forward to lay hold upon the prize.
10] When I wept, and chastened my soul with fasting, that was to my reproach.
11] I made sackcloth also my garment; and I became a proverb to them.
Do you know what that proverb was? The word that circulated around was
that He was illegitimate. You know what people would call Him today.
We be not born of fornication
John 8:41
12] They that sit in the gate speak against me; and I was the song of the drunkards.
The drunkards at the local bar made up dirty little ditties about Him and
His mother. Why did He endure all of this? He was raised in a town
where He was called illegitimate in order that I might be a legitimate
son of God. The Son of God bore that for me on the cross; He paid the
penalty for my sins.
Messianic Genealogy
The most distinguished Family Tree in history
Encrypted in Torah (Gen 38).
Prophesied in Judges (Ruth 4).
Evades the blood curse on Jeconiah (Jer 22:30).
Virgin Birth (Gen 3:15; Isa 7:14; Ps 69, 110).
John 8
20] These words spake J esus in the treasury, as he taught in the temple: and no man
laid hands on him; for his hour was not yet come.
...the treasury: Most popular area in Temple, in the forecourt of the
Court of Women. 13 bronze chests: 9 for taxes and 4 for offerings. This
was where they had brought the woman taken in adultery.
...his hour was not yet come: John 7:30; 7:44; 8:59; 10:39.
21] Then said J esus again unto them, I go my way, and ye shall seek me, and shall
die in your sins: whither I go, ye cannot come.
22] Then said the J ews, Will he kill himself? because he saith, Whither I go, ye
cannot come.
...sins: Harmartiai, sin: singular; In verse 24, harmartiais, sins: plural.
To die in this state =eternal separation from God. No atonement made
for unbelievers.
23] And he said unto them, Ye are from beneath;
24] I am from above: ye are of this world; I am not of this world. I said therefore
unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye
shall die in your sins.
...beneath...above: Kato, beneath; ano, above. Contrast in origins.
...not of this world: We fnd this same thought in 1 Cor 2:14.
I am He: OT name of God (Deut 32:39 & Isa 43:10).
...sins: harmartiais, sins: plural.
25] Then said they unto him, Who art thou? And J esus saith unto them, Even the
same that I said unto you from the beginning.
26] I have many things to say and to judge of you: but he that sent me is true; and
I speak to the world those things which I have heard of him.
J esus answers that His statement concerning Himself is always the
same. He consistently claims that He is the Messiah, the Savior of the
world. Can a person be saved on his deathbed? Yes, if he accepts the
Lord J esus Christ as his Savior. But a person can reject Christ too long,
just as these J ews did.
27] They understood not that he spake to them of the Father.
28] Then said J esus unto them, When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall
ye know that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath
taught me, I speak these things.
...When ye have lifted up: Second of three references to the Cross
(Jn 3:14; 8:28; 12:32,34).
...Son of man: Consistently used to link J esus to the Cross. To be our
kinsman-redeemer, J esus had to be a man.
And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is
worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof? And no man
in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the
book, neither to look thereon. And I wept much, because no man was
found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look thereon.
And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the
tribe of Judah, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and
to loose the seven seals thereof. And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of
the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood
a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which
are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth.
Revelation 5:2-6
29] And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always
those things that please him.
J esus answers that His statement concerning Himself is always the
same: He consistently claims that He is the Messiah, the Savior of the
world. Have you ever fnished a day without looking back on it and
wishing that you had done some things a little differently? Our Lord
never fnished a day with a regret.
30] As he spake these words, many believed on him.
31] Then said J esus to those J ews which believed on him, If ye continue in my
word, then are ye my disciples indeed;
32] And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
...believed: Episteusan eis: Believed on, as 1:12; vs. Pepisteukotas
autoi: Believed Him, as in J ohn 6:66?
What is truth?: Note the order:
1) continue in my word;
2) ye shall know the truth;
3) the truth shall make you free.
This phrase has been misquoted on more public and private build-
ings: Ye shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free,
but the whole point is missed if you leave out the frst part: If ye con-
tinue in my Word!
33] They answered him, We be Abrahams seed, and were never in bondage to any
man: how sayest thou, Ye shall be made free?
...were never in bondage: Such arrogance! The Nation was born in
bondage. Seven times alone in book of J udges; Babylon... Seleucids...
They were even under Roman authority at the time!
Other Forms of Bondage
Freedom of drugs? alcohol? sex? materialism? power? Fill
in the blank on any appetite and youll fnd no freedom, only bond-
agein fact it just increases the appetite.
Bondage of the Natural Man
Destitute of righteousness Isa 64:6
...and goodness Rom 7:18
Destitute of wisdom Rom 3:11
Full of vanity Ps 39:5
Destitute of strength Rom 5:6
...and power Isa 40:29
Unable to do good John 15:5
Destitute of freedom Isa 61:1
State of bondage 2 Pet 2:14, 19, Titus 3:3
Under dominion of sin John 8:34
Under Satans dominion 2 Tim 2:26; Eph 2:2; Col 1:13, John
8:44
34] Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin
is the servant of sin.
35] And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever.
36] If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.
And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth
ever: Doulos, slave: A slave could be expelled from the house at any
time; a son was free to come and go as he please.
..be free indeed: From what?
1) From the condemnation of sin, the penalty of the law and the wrath
of God (Isa 42:7; 60:1; Rom 8:1).
2) From the power of Satan (Acts 26:18; Col 1:13; Heb 2:14,15).
3) From the bondage of sin (Rom 6:14,18).
4) From the authority of man (Gal 4:8, 9; 5:1; Col 2:20-22);
free to serve God (1 Cor 7:22; Rom 6:16-18, 22).
37] I know that ye are Abrahams seed; but ye seek to kill me, because my word
hath no place in you.
38] I speak that which I have seen with my Father: and ye do that which ye have
seen with your father.
Seed of Abraham, yes; Abrahams children, no (Rom 4:11; 9:7). Jesus
uses this distinction. Their ethnic heritage was a hindrance to under-
standing... (how about ours?)
39] They answered and said unto him, Abraham is our father. J esus saith unto them,
If ye were Abrahams children, ye would do the works of Abraham.
40] But now ye seek to kill me, a man that hath told you the truth, which I have
heard of God: this did not Abraham.
41] Ye do the deeds of your father. Then said they to him, We be not born of for-
nication; we have one Father, even God.
We are not born of fornication: Echo of verse 19. The earlier convic-
tion (v.9) appears to be the springboard for J esus declaration, I am
the light of the world in v.12, which then occasions this subsequent
virulence in v.41.
42] Jesus said unto them, If God were your Father, ye would love me: for I proceeded
forth and came from God; neither came I of myself, but he sent me.
43] Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word.
...hear: To receive and believe. They had no faith (Deut 32:20).
44] Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was
a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no
truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar,
and the father of it.
...your father the devil: Fatherhood explained. [All of us, too..] The
brotherhood of man is a divided house. Children of God and the
children of Satan. Their unbelief confrms this.
A Personal Devil? (John 8:33-44)
Your father vs. My Father; Seed of the serpent. Prince of the Power of
the Air (Eph 2:2). He is... a person (Isa 14; Ezek 28). [Any unkind refec-
tions on the people of God is doing the devils work.] Anyone doubting
the actual existence of Satan should try opposing him for awhile
45] And because I tell you the truth, ye believe me not.
46] Which of you convinceth me of sin? And if I say the truth, why do ye not believe
me?
47] He that is of God heareth Gods words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye
are not of God.
...ye are not of God: Eternal election (J n 10:26; 18:37). From our
vantage point, if you believe in God you are saved. But God already
knows who are of Him.
48] Then answered the Jews, and said unto him, Say we not well that thou art a
Samaritan, and hast a devil?
49] Jesus answered, I have not a devil; but I honour my Father, and ye do dishonour
me.
50] And I seek not mine own glory: there is one that seeketh and judgeth.
If facts and logic dont work: resort to ridicule
...thou art a Samaritan: Samaritan...demon possessed? J ericho road
parable: He uses that name for Himself!
...hast a devil: Shomeron, Aramaic for a title of the devil. Shomeroni,
Samaritan; same word also means a child of the devil.
51] Verily, verily, I say unto you, If a man keep my saying, he shall never see death.
52] Then said the J ews unto him, Now we know that thou hast a devil. Abraham
is dead, and the prophets; and thou sayest, If a man keep my saying, he shall
never taste of death.
53] Art thou greater than our father Abraham, which is dead? and the prophets are
dead: whom makest thou thyself?
...art thou greater...: Greater than Abraham vs. Samaritan woman; in
John 4:12; greater than Jacob.
54] Jesus answered, If I honour myself, my honour is nothing: it is my Father that
honoureth me; of whom ye say, that he is your God:
55] Yet ye have not known him; but I know him: and if I should say, I know him
not, I shall be a liar like unto you: but I know him, and keep his saying.
56] Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad.
57] Then said the Jews unto him, Thou art not yet ffty years old, and hast thou seen
Abraham?
...he saw it.. When?
1) In paradise? (Lk 16:22-31)
2) Between cross & resurrection? (Gospel of Nicodemus, Acts
of Pilate).
Vs. aorist verbs: at a point in time..
3) By faith: Gen 12:3
4) Prophetic view of history: Gen 15:8-21
5) Promise of Isaac: Gen 17:17
6) Theophany of Gen 18
7) Genesis 22 Romans 4; Gal 3:8

by Faith (Heb 11:10, 13, 16; Ps 25:14).
58] J esus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.
Before Abraham was, ego eimi (I Am). Cf. Ex 3
And Moses said unto God, Behold, when I come unto the children of
Israel, and shall say unto them, The God of your fathers hath sent me
unto you; and they shall say to me, What is his name? what shall I
say unto them? And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he
said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent
me unto you.
Exodus 3:13,14
59] Then took they up stones to cast at him: but J esus hid himself, and went out of
the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by.
The Pharisees always come to our rescue:Whenever we might not
understand the context, they make it clear for us!
It was in the temple (8:20); it was the sabbath (9:14); he was not formally
charged by the Sanhedrin. Not by profigates, on the public roads, but
by orthodoxy, in the Temple!
Took up stones: The proof that they understood; stoning for blasphemy.
It reveals how blinded to the truth they were. The verb balosin, (cast)
implies some began to cast stones.
Three Choices
He is either:
1) A Lunatic (He isnt, and doesnt know he isnt)
2) A Liar (He isnt, and knows that He isnt)
3) The Lord. (He is.)
Your decision does not in any way change who He is: He is the great I
AM, J ehovah, the eternal God. Your decision is to accept or deny this.
Whose child are you? Salvation is a matter of life or death.
Summary: Chapter 8
Begins: J ews attempting to stone a sinful woman, to catch J esus
in a trap;
Ends: They try to stone a sinless Messiah, because they were
caught in their own trap...
The repeated phrase die in your sins (John 8:21, 24) would clearly
relate to the judgment of the woman; and the fact that the chapter
ends with an attempt to stone J esus shows a perfect parallel to the
opening story.
Next Session
Prepare by studying: J ohn Chapter 9 [Find yourself described in this
chapterand the implications.]
Discussion Questions
1) What happened subsequently to the woman accused in vv.1-11?
2) What did J esus write on the ground?
3) What else did J esus write?
4) How does this opening scene relate to the rest of the chapter?
5) How do we avoid the dangers implied in this chapter?
6) How did the childhood in Nazareth impact the rest of His life?
impact yours?
7) In what way(s) is J esus the Light of the world?
8) What bondage(s) are you subject to?
9) Have you been born again? How do you know?

The Gospel of John
Session 9: John 9
Bible Studies
1) Exegetical Analysis:
What did the original text say?
2) Exposition (Literal meaning; rhetorical devices; contextual reach)
What does the text mean?
3) Homiletics
How do we apply it to our lives?
Figures of Speech
Simile: Resemblance (Gen 25:25; Mt 7:24-27).
Allegory: Comparison by representation (Gen 49:9; Gal 4:22, 24).
Metaphor: Representation (Mt 26:26).
Hypocatastasis: an implied resemblance or representation (Mt 7:3-5;
15:13).
Type: A fgure or example of something future (Rom 5:14; Gen 22, 24).
Analogy: resemblance in some particulars between things otherwise
unlike.
Cosmic Codes, Appendix A
A Study in Homiletics
Homiletics is the application of rhetoric to personal life, values, and
priorities: preaching; as beyond exegesis or exposition alone.
John Chapter 9
The Man Born Blind J n 9:1-8
The Witness of the Bind Man Jn 9:8-34
The Worship of the Blind Man Jn 9:35-41
What is Light ?
In Chapter 8 we have the Light of the World despised and rejected;
In Chapter 9 he is going to be received and worshipped.
In Chapter 8, the J ews stooped down to pick up stones;
In Chapter 9 J esus stoops down and makes some anointing clay.
In Chapter 8 J esus hides himself from the J ews;
In Chapter 9 J esus reveals himself to a blind beggar.
In Chapter 8 we have the Light testing human responsibility;
In Chapter 9 we have Gods sovereign Grace after human
responsibility has failed...
John 9
1] And as J esus passed by, he saw a man which was blind from his birth.
And... [ties Chapters 8 and 9 together.] Only record in the Scripture
of one (healed) blind from birth.
In the Gospels: more cases of blindness than any other affiction:
1 deaf and dumb
1 sick of palsy
1 sick of a fever
2 cases of lepers
3 dead raised
5 blind healed.
This one was a beggar; blind from birth. Helpless. Born blind, the
natural man, like us (1 Cor 2:14,15; Eph 4:18; Jn 3:3). God is under
no obligation to men. I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy
(Rom 9:15).
2] And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his
parents, that he was born blind?
...who did sin?: Sin of the parents? (Ex 20:5; 34:7; Num 14:18; Deut
5:9; J er 31:29, 30; Ezek 18:2). An echo of Reincarnation? Origins in
Babylon; found in beliefs of the Persians, Greeks; Gnostics... In the
fnal analysis, all physical problems are the result of our fall in Adam,
for his disobedience brought sin and death into the world (Rom 5:12ff).
Why Do Christians Have Trials?
1. To glorify God (Dan 3:16-18, 24-25).
2. Discipline for known sin (Heb 12:5-11; James 4:17; Rom 14:23;
1 J n 1:9).
3. To prevent us from falling into sin (1 Pet 4:1-2).
4. To keep us from pridePaul was kept from pride by his thorn in
the fesh (2 Cor 12:7-10).
5. To build faith (1 Pet 1:6-7).
6. To cause growth (Rom 5:3-5).
7. To teach obedience and discipline (Acts 9:15-16; Phil 4:11-13).
8. To equip us to comfort others (2 Cor 1:3-4).
9. To prove the reality of Christ in us (2 Cor 4:7-11).
10. For testimony to the angels (J ob 1:8; Eph 3:8-11; 1 Pet 1:12).
Hal Lindsey, Combat Faith
#3, 4, & 6 from Nancy Missler, Faith in the Night Seasons
J esus credentials to prove that He was indeed the Messiah: The blind
receive their sight (Mt 11:5). J esus used this miracle as the basis for
a short sermon on spiritual blindness (Jn 9:3941), and a longer sermon
on true and false shepherds (J n 10:118).
3] J esus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works
of God should be made manifest in him.
...works of God should be made manifest:
Lazarus John 11:4
Peter John 21:19
Pauls thorn in the fesh 2 Cor 12:9
Was this man born blind so that God could be glorifed on this day?
Patience: 30 Years! (v. 23). Our mission is to meekly submit to His
sovereign pleasure (1 Sam 3:18) and to be duly exercised thereby (Heb
12:11; Rom 11:36; 8:28).
4] I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh,
when no man can work.
I mistranslated: We, hemas; not eme, I. We must all be engaged
in that work.
Since there is no punctuation in the original manuscripts, we are free to
read John 9:34 this way: Neither has this man sinned nor his parents.
But that the works of God should be made manifest in him, I must work
the works of Him that sent Me, while it is day. This is undoubtedly
the correct text (supported by the Neutral and Western classes) and not
[eme] [Source: Robertson, A. (1997). Word Pictures in the New
Testament (Jn 9:4). Oak Harbor: Logos Research Systems.]
...the night cometh: The night makes all of mankind blind. Urgency:
Supply of time is inelastic.
5] As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.
I AM the Light of the World (Jn 1:4; 8:12). [Cf. Properties of
Light Session 1.]
Darkness enveloped the ruined earth; then, Let there be light.
(Gen 1:2).
Hes our light even in the Eternal City (Rev 21:23).
Disciples are the lampstands (Rev 1:20; 2, 3 [& 4:5!]).
6] When he had thus spoken, he spat on the ground, and made clay of the spittle,
and he anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay,
...spat on the ground: Spittle =living water? In only two miracles
(Mk 7:33). The Lords use of the clay: 1) a picture of the Incarnation.
God made the frst man out of the dust, and God sent His Son as a real
Man. 2) Irritation; it encouraged the man to believe and obey
7] And said unto him, Go, wash in the pool of Siloam, (which is by interpretation,
Sent.) He went his way therefore, and washed, and came seeing.
Sent: Cf. Shiloh (Gen 49:10; Isa 8:6). The LXX = Siloam is trans-
lated Shiloh. Dust +living water (Eph 5:26). The second birth of
the dust of the ground.
...came seeing: Healing is accomplished upon obedience. Physical
sight is a step toward spiritual sight. The difference is that the beggar
knew he was blind! (v. 39). He obeyed Christ blindly...
This is us: We are blind from birth; beyond the help of man.
We are beggars: having nothing. We are sought out by Christ;
it is entirely His sovereign grace.
Once J esus healed two blind men by merely touching their eyes (Mt
9:2731). He healed another blind man by putting spittle on his eyes
(Mk 8:2226). Our Lord varied His methods lest people focus on the
manner of healing and miss the message in the healing.
Identifcations
Throughout the rest of John 9, a growing confict takes place around two
questions: 1) Was this really the blind beggar? 2) Who caused him to see?
Witness of the Blind Man: John 9:8-34
9] Some said, This is he: others said, He is like him: but he said, I am he.
10] Therefore said they unto him, How were thine eyes opened?
The beggar discovers a world unfriendly toward him. ...How: Four
times in this chapter people asked, How were you healed? (vv.10,
15, 19, 26). They should have rearranged the letters: How => Who?
Thats the real question!
11] He answered and said, A man that is called J esus made clay, and anointed mine
eyes, and said unto me, Go to the pool of Siloam, and wash: and I went and
washed, and I received sight.
...a man: At least twelve times in the Gospel of J ohn, J esus is called
a man (Jn 4:29; 5:12; 8:40; 9:11, 24; 10:33; 11:47, 50; 18:14, 17, 29;
19:5). The Incarnation was not an illusion (1 Jn 1:14). Johns emphasis
is that J esus Christ is God, but the apostle balances it beautifully by
reminding us that J esus is also true man.
12] Then said they unto him, Where is he? He said, I know not.
13] They brought to the Pharisees him that aforetime was blind.
What lay behind all of this questioning and these furtive replies? The
fear of people.
14] And it was the sabbath day when Jesus made the clay, and opened his eyes.
15] Then again the Pharisees also asked him how he had received his sight. He said
unto them, He put clay upon mine eyes, and I washed, and do see.
16] Therefore said some of the Pharisees, This man is not of God, because he
keepeth not the sabbath day. Others said, How can a man that is a sinner do
such miracles? And there was a division among them.
...not of God, because he keepeth not the sabbath day: They were
one-issue thinkers, not unlike some religious people today. All divi-
sions are not necessarily evil...
17] They say unto the blind man again, What sayest thou of him, that he hath opened
thine eyes? He said, He is a prophet.
...He is a prophet: Prophet (Jn 4:19; 6:14; 7:40); worshipped (vv. 31,
36, 38); Son of God, Lord.
Christian Witness: Walking faithfully in the light brings one more light
(Lk 8:18). For example:

he witnessed to his friends... vv. 8-12
to Pharisees... vv. 13-18a
to his family... vv. 18b-23
to his foes. vv. 24-34
18] But the J ews did not believe concerning him, that he had been blind, and received
his sight, until they called the parents of him that had received his sight.
19] And they asked them, saying, Is this your son, who ye say was born blind? how
then doth he now see?
20] His parents answered them and said, We know that this is our son, and that he
was born blind:
21] But by what means he now seeth, we know not; or who hath opened his eyes,
we know not: he is of age; ask him: he shall speak for himself.
22] These words spake his parents, because they feared the J ews: for the J ews had
agreed already, that if any man did confess that he was Christ, he should be put
out of the synagogue.
23] Therefore said his parents, He is of age; ask him.
...they feared the J ews: Ephobounto, they feared: Imperfect middle;
continuing. Excommunication; aposunagogos genetai. Ostracized by
everyone. Three main forms:

1) Rebuke: 7 - 30 days;
2) Casting out: 30 - 60 days. Accompanied by curses; blasting
of a horn; distance kept at 6 - 7 feet;
3) Cutting off: indefnite; treated as dead; stones thrown on coffn
when dead.
24] Then again called they the man that was blind, and said unto him, Give God
the praise: we know that this man is a sinner.
Give God the praise is a form of J ewish swearing in at court (J osh
7:19). But the judges prejudiced everybody from the start! We know
that this Man is a sinner!
25] He answered and said, Whether he be a sinner or no, I know not: one thing I
know, that, whereas I was blind, now I see.
One Thing I Know...
whom we have believed 2 Tim 1:12
that their Redeemer liveth J ob 19:26
they have passed from death unto life 1 Jn 3:14
that we shall be like Him 1 J n 3:2
26] Then said they to him again, What did he to thee? how opened he thine eyes?
27] He answered them, I have told you already, and ye did not hear: wherefore
would ye hear it again? will ye also be his disciples?
For the fourth time, the question is asked, How did He open your
eyes? (see J n 9:10, 15, 19, and 26)
Would ye...again: Implying negative response.
28] Then they reviled him, and said, Thou art his disciple; but we are Moses dis-
ciples.
29] We know that God spake unto Moses: as for this fellow, we know not from
whence he is.
...they reviled him: No longer civil: eloidoresan, (reviled): To
reproach or scold in a loud and abusive manner.
...we are Moses disciples: Multitudes seeking refuge or shelter behind
honored names (Jn 5:46).
...we know not: theres an inconsistency (cf. J n 7:27).
30] The man answered and said unto them, Why herein is a marvellous thing, that
ye know not from whence he is, and yet he hath opened mine eyes.
31] Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of
God, and doeth his will, him he heareth.
32] Since the world began was it not heard that any man opened the eyes of one
that was born blind.
33] If this man were not of God, he could do nothing.
34] They answered and said unto him, Thou wast altogether born in sins, and dost
thou teach us? And they cast him out.
...does thou teach us?: The arrogant are unteachable. The foolishness
of God (1 Cor 1:25-29; 19-24). The Fool may be wise; the proud know
nothing (1 Cor 8:2 vs. 1 Tim 6:4).
...they cast him out: The religious leaders offcially excommunicated
this man from the local synagogue. This meant that the man was cut
off from friends and family and looked on by the J ews as a publican
and sinner. Thats what the word outcast means.
The Worship of the Blind Man: John 9:35-41
When J esus heard the man had been expelled, He found him. The beg-
gar was cast out before He knew Christ as the Son of God. Many of the
Lords people today are inside man-made systems where much of the
truth of God is denied.
Nowhere in Scripture has God promised to honor those who dishonor
Him...in every case where people were seeking truth, J esus revealed
Himself (Jn 3:27; 4:26).
35] J esus heard that they had cast him out; and when he had found him, he said
unto him, Dost thou believe on the Son of God?
...he had found him: The Good Shepherd takes the initiative
36] He answered and said, Who is he, Lord, that I might believe on him?
37] And J esus said unto him, Thou hast both seen him, and it is he that talketh with
thee.
38] And he said, Lord, I believe. And he worshipped him.
...and he worshipped him: J esus makes no protest over being wor-
shipped (Acts 10:25, 26; 14:18; cf. Rev 4:11). This is one of four instances
in this Gospel when J esus expressly declared His Divine Sonship (J n
9:37; 5:25; 10:36; 11:4). Peter, Paul, and Barnabas did not accept wor-
ship (cf. Acts 10:2526; 14:1115).
39] And J esus said, For judgment I am come into this world, that they which see
not might see; and that they which see might be made blind.
...judgment: Krima (close to krsis, sifting; and krino, to separate.)
40] And some of the Pharisees which were with him heard these words, and said
unto him, Are we blind also?
41] Jesus said unto them, If ye were blind, ye should have no sin: but now ye say,
We see; therefore your sin remaineth.
...are we blind also?: Negative construction: We are not also blind,
are we? (cf. Jn 15:22-24).
Who were blind? Who were healed? The arrogant, learned leadership ask,
Are we blind also? The blind man ends up seeing, not just physically,
but spiritually. The Gospel of J ohn is the unbelievers white walking
stick: It will help you gain your sight
Next Session
Prepare by reading: J ohn Chapter 10. Also read Psalm 22: The Good
Shepherd; Psalm 23: The Great Shepherd; and, Psalm 24: The Chief
Shepherd.
The Two hands of God! How secure are you? [This next session may
provide you the most important lesson of this series!...]
A Postscript for the Advanced
The Relationships between:
Hermeneutics: Theory of interpretation
Eschatology: Study of last things
Ecclesiology: Study of the Church
Discussion Questions
1) What was the biggest miracle in this chapter?
2) Did J ohn write this Gospel before or after his experience at Patmos?
3) Is there generational sin?
4) List the parallels between the blind man in this chapter and
ourselves.
5) What is the cure for our blindness?
6) What are the actions implied for us in this chapter?
7) Discuss the attached list of possible reasons Christians have trials
and diffculties:
Why Do Christians Have Trials?
1. To glorify God Dan 3:16-18, 24-25
2. Discipline for known sin Heb 12:5-11; James 4:17; Rom
14:23; 1 John 1:9
3. To prevent us from falling into sin 1 Pet 4:1-2
4. To keep us from pridePaul was kept
from pride by his thorn in the fesh. 2 Cor 12:7-10
5. To build faith 1 Pet 1:6-7
6. To cause growth Rom 5:3-5
7. To teach obedience and discipline Acts 9:15-16; Phil 4:11-13
8. To equip us to comfort others 2 Cor 1:3-4
9. To prove the reality of Christ in us 2 Cor 4:7-11
10. For testimony to the angels J ob 1:8; Eph 3:8-11; 1 Pet 1:12
Hal Lindsey, Combat Faith
#3, 4, & 6 Nancy Missler, Faith in the Night Seasons
The Gospel of John
Session 10: John 10
[J ohn 9: Excommunication of the beggar by the Pharisees; this chapter
is a continuation from 9:35-41.]
J ohn 10 is the famous Good Shepherd discourse. This phrase may be
so well known that we dont really listen to what it is saying.
Pharisees were the shepherds of Israel.
Strangers v. 5
Thieves and robbers v. 8
Hirelings v. 12,13
Shepherd References: Gen 49:24; Ps 23:1; 80:1; Isa 40:10,11; Jer
31:10; Zech 13:7.
Cf. Ezek 34:1-4. Read the whole chapter: true shepherd: 11, 12-15,
16, 23, 30, 31
Shepherd Types
1) Abel: keeper of sheep; slain by wicked hands (Gen 4:2).
2) Jacob: care of the fock (Gen 30:31; 31:38-40; 33:13,14).
3) Joseph: frst thing recorded, feeding the fock (Gen 37:2).
4) Moses: watered, protected, guided (Ex 2:16,17; 3:1).
5) David: jeopardized his life for sheep (1 Sam 17:34-36).
6) Idol Shepherd: Number six in our list (Zech 11:16,17).
7) Christ: the Good Shepherd.
Sheepfold: not Heaven. Were talking about Judaism.
Messiah properly entered:
Born in Bethlehem;
Born under the law (Gal 4:4)
Circumcised the 8th day (Lk 2:21)
Presented to God in the Temple (Lk 2:22)
Porter (Jn 10:1-4): John the Baptist? Holy Spirit?
1] Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door
i nto the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same
is a thief and a robber.
2] But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep.
3] To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and
he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out.
4] And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them,
and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice.
Know His voice: All that the Father giveth me shall come to
me (J n 6:37).
followed: Matthew Mt 9:9
by name: Zaccheus Lk 19:5, 6
seeking: Philip Jn 1:43
by name: Lazarus J n 11
knowing: Mary J n 20
Sheep
Who are His sheep? Does acting like a sheep make one a sheep? What
does Scripture say about sheep?
clean animals; ritually pure (Lev 11)
harmless as doves (Mt 10:16)
helpless (without me you can do nothing) (Jas 3:17)
dependent
prone to wander
useful
John 10
1] Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold,
but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber.
2] But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep.
3] To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own
sheep by name, and leadeth them out.
4] And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep
follow him: for they know his voice.
5] And a stranger will they not follow, but will fee from him: for they know not
the voice of strangers.
It is not possible to deceive the elect (Mt 24:24).
6] This parable spake J esus unto them: but they understood not what things they
were which he spake unto them.
7] Then said J esus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door
of the sheep.
...parable: Paroimian (not parabole): a wayside saying or proverb
No parables in J ohn; (27 in Luke!).
...I am the door of the sheep:The Tabernacle was outside the Camp
(Ex 33:7, 9). God is outside our organizations...
8] All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear
them.
Severest denunciations in the Scriptures are reserved for false teachers
(Mt 23:14; Mt 3:7; 2 Cor 11:13; 2 Pet 2:17; Jude 12,13).
...thieves and robbers: Thief (kleptes): stealth. Robber (lestes):
violence (incorrectly translated as thief in Mt 21:13; Lk 10:30, 36.
Combined under kleptes, kill and destroy (v.10).
9] I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and
out, and fnd pasture.
I am (ego eimi) the door: (2X: in v.11). One door in the ark of Noah;
in the Tabernacle (cf. Acts 4:12; Jn 14:6).
...he shall be saved: Sothesetai, saved. Safe and sound.
...shall go in and out: Freedom: In Neh 3, of ten gates, only the sheep
gate has no locks and bars mentioned. Soon to be shut (Lk 13:25; 1 Cor
6:2). Followed by Day of Wrath (Rev 6:17).
..by me.. Supernatural result. Without Christ we can do nothing
(J n 15:5).
It is given..to believe on him (Phil 1:29).
Only if the Father draw him (Jn 6:44).
Them also must I bring (v.16) lost sheep on his shoulders (Lk
15:5,6).
1) I am the door: Christ the only Way to God;
2) by me: Christ the Imparter of power to enter;
3) any man: J ew and Gentile alike;
4) enter in: Christ-appropriated by a single act of faith;
5) He shall be saved: Christ the Deliverer from the penalty, power,
and presence of sin;
6) go in and out: Christ the Emancipator from all bondage;
7) fnd pasture: Christ the Sustainer of His people.
This fulflls the prayer of Moses (Num 27:15-17).
And Moses spake unto the LORD, saying, Let the LORD, the God of
the spirits of all fesh, set a man over the congregation, Which may
go out before them, and which may go in before them, and which may
lead them out, and which may bring them in; that the congregation of
the LORD be not as sheep which have no shepherd.
Numbers 27:15-17
10] The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come
that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
The thief (singular, vs. v.8). False shepherd: Satan (Zech 11:16).
11] I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.
I am the good shepherd: Kalos, good; used 76X; the frst mention;
water (of purifcation) into wine (Jn 2:10). Israels shepherd = YHWH
Jesus claim to deity... (Ps 23:1; 80:1). Sheep of His pasture (Ps 74:1;
79:13; 100:3).
...giveth his life for the sheep: Giveth life for (huper, in the stead
of) v. 11, 15. Lays down life (v. 11, 15, 17, 18). Not as a martyr for
truth or a moral example of self-sacrifce, but for a people. Lays down
his life for the sheep (Isa 53:8), not the goats (Mt 26:28; Acts 20:28;
Tit 2:14; Heb 2:17).
12] But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not,
seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and feeth: and the wolf catcheth
them, and scattereth the sheep.
13] The hireling feeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep.
Hireling: Unfaithful shepherds; mercenaries. They scattereth, not
devoureth. No sheep of Christ can ever perish.
Because he is a hireling: He steals a horse because hes a horse
thief.
He must be a Christian before he can live a Christian life. You are
not a Christian because you lead a Christian life. We do not become
sheep by following the Shepherd; its the opposite.
Character revealed by crisis. The storm reveals the sailor (cf.
Ephesian elders (Acts 20:29).
14] I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.
...know my sheep: (cf. Mt 7:23: I never knew you!) Types (J oseph,
Moses, David) tended their fathers fock, not their own.
15] As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life
for the sheep.
...for: huper, not merely on behalf of, but in the stead of...
The Shepherd Psalms
The Suffering Savior Psalm 22
The Good Shepherd J ohn 10:1-18
The Saviors Cross
The Living Shepherd Psalm 23
The Great Shepherd Hebrews 13:20,21
The Shepherds Crook
The Exalted Sovereign Psalm 24
The Chief Shepherd 1 Peter 5:4
The Kings Crown
16] And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and
they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.
Other sheep...not of this fold: Gentiles.
I must bring. I have, not shall have (Acts 18:9,10).
No uncertainty; no contingency (Acts 13:48).
Foretold in Lev 19:23-25: Fruit from trees uncircumcised for 3
years; consecrated in 4
th
year; yields increase, eaten, in 5
th
year.
Planted for 3 years; uncircumcision cast away; 4
th
year from baptism:
lays down life for sheep; 5
th
year: fruit of the Gospel planted by
Christ began to be common, no longer shut up within the narrow
bounds of J udaism, but preached to all nations for the obedience
of faith.
17] Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might
take it again.
18] No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it
down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received
of my Father.
...lay it down of myself: Voluntarily endured by His own power. The
very ones sent to arrest Him in the Garden laid prostrate on the ground
before Him (J n 18:6).
He reminds Pilate, Thou couldest have no power at all against me
except it were given thee from above (J n 19:11). It was not the nails,
but the strength of His love which held Him to the cross...He gave up
the ghost (J n 19:30).
Resurrection:
by the Son: J ohn 2:19
by the Father: Rom 6:4
by the Spirit: Rom 8:11
19] There was a division therefore again among the J ews for these sayings.
20] And many of them said, He hath a devil, and is mad; why hear ye him?
21] Others said, These are not the words of him that hath a devil. Can a devil open
the eyes of the blind?
22] And it was at J erusalem the feast of the dedication, and it was winter.
...feast of dedication, and it was winter: Solomons temple: harvest time
(1 Kgs 8:2); Nehemiahs temple: spring time (Ezra 6:15,16). [Source:
Chanukah Antiochus IV, etc. I Macc 4:52,59; Josephus, Antiq. 12:7.]
Winter: Season of ingathering now over. The harvest is past, the
summer is ended, and we are not saved. (J er 8:20). The door is clos-
ing. Dedication of another temple (J n 2:19).
23] And J esus walked in the temple in Solomons porch.
24] Then came the Jews round about him, and said unto him, How long dost thou
make us to doubt? If thou be the Christ, tell us plainly.
...Solomons Porch: Outside the sacred enclosure. Their house left to
them desolate (Mt 13:1; Lk 19:40ff).
...thou makest us to doubt: Cf. Adam, the woman thou gavest me
(Gen 3:12).
In J ohns Gospel, J esus Messiahship declared to:
Disciples 1:41,49, etc
Samaritans 4:42
Blind beggar 9:37
Not to multitudes, or religious leaders: impossible to lawfully seize
Him before Gods appointed time; also enforced responsibility of the
Nation at large.
25] J esus answered them, I told you, and ye believed not: the works that I do in my
Fathers name, they bear witness of me.

Son of man:
Authority over judgment Jn 5:27
One of whom Moses wrote Jn 5:46
Living Bread Jn 6:51
Abraham rejoiced to see Jn 8:56
Works Lk 7:19-23 (cf. Isa 35:5,6)
26] But ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep, as I said unto you.
Unbelief because ye are not of my sheep. The order important (Jn 8:44,47).
27] My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:
28] And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any
man pluck them out of my hand.
29] My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck
them out of my Fathers hand.
1) Christs sheep: It is the duty of the shepherd to care for each of his
fock, not the sheeps.
2) They follow: Not ought to; do.
3) Each imparted eternal life. Ending, or forfeiture is a contradiction
in terms.
4) Given. Not merited: cannot demerit it.
5) Shall never perish. God cannot lie.
6) None able to pluck them; Devil unable to destroy a single one of
them.
7) Fathers hand. No disappointments possible.
If our salvation hangs on anything other than the completed work
of J esus Christ, then were in trouble.
If our salvation is not secure, how can Jesus say of the ones to
whom he gives Eternal Life, They shall never perish? It implies
security.
If Christ came to seek and to save that which was lost, and yet if
somehow we can become unsaved and thereby undo what J esus
had done, wouldnt it be unduly risky to keep us on earth after
weve been saved?
How can we be anxious for nothing?
Anyone who has questions about salvation does not understand
what happened on The Cross 2,000 years ago.
What separates those who will spend eternity in Heaven and those
who will spend it in Hell? Not the absence of sin but the acceptance
of a gift. Once and for all.
Is there anything keeping you from accepting Gods free gift of
salvation right now?
To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just,
and the justifer of him which believeth in Jesus. Where is boasting
then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of
faith. Therefore we conclude that a man is justifed by faith without
the deeds of the law.
Romans 3:26-28
I have been saved.
I am being saved.
I will be saved.
--Dr. Earl Rademacher
The Paradigm of Salvation
Justifcation (Past tense)
The gift from God of everlasting life received by faith alone in Christ
alone (Jn 3:18; 5:24; Eph 2:5,8).
Sanctifcation (Present tense)
A work in progress that involves the faith and the works of the believer
Glorifcation (Future tense)
The result of the previous aspects. All believers will be glorifed
(resurrected and given a body like Christ), but some will have more
glory (i.e. reward) than others.
Justifcation is for us;
Sanctifcation is in us.
Justifcation declares the sinner righteous;
Sanctifcation makes the sinner righteous.
Justifcation removes the guilt and penalty of sin;
Sanctifcation removes the growth and the power of sin.
Eternal Security
Can a man lose his salvation? Yes! If it depends on him.
The Arminian denies that the true child of God is eternally secure.
The Calvinist insists that, if he does not persevere in holiness, he was
never regenerate in the frst place.
After 400 years of doctrinal disputes, with outstanding scholars on both
sides of this issue, it appears to be the result of a failure to adequately
distinguish between justifcation and the possibility of several different
inheritances.
Basic Doctrinal Division
Calvinism: Eternal Security; Perseverance of the saints;
Experimental Predestinarians.
Arminianism: Only those that persevere to the end are saved.
Overcomers: Eternal Security; Distinction between entering and
inheriting the Kingdom; Variation of Rewards
For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our
confdence steadfast unto the end;
Hebrews 3:14
...partaker: .e,et metochoi; one who shares in, companion, com-
rade; partner (in a work, offce, or dignity). All Christians will be in
the kingdom, but not all will be co-heirs there.
Eternal Security
The Partaker, metachoi, as a true child of God, is obligated to
persevere (Pauls word, Rom 8:12).
But he might not. If he does not, he does not forfeit salvation, but
faces divine discipline in time, and the loss of reward at the Judg-
ment Seat of Christ (2 Cor 5:10).
All three persons of the Godhead have a share in preserving to
fruition that which God has determined.
The Basis of our Eternal Security

1) It depends upon God the Father
2) It depends upon God the Son
3) It depends upon God the Holy Spirit
Depends upon God the Father
1) Upon His Sovereign Purpose:
Eternal purpose declared (Eph 1:11-12)
Anchored within the veil, confrmed by an oath (Heb 6:17-20)
2) Upon His Solemn Promise:
Our salvation depends upon His promise, and not our
faithfulness: Therefore it is of faith [nothing on mans part],
that it might be by grace [all on Gods part]; to the end the
promise might be sure... (Rom 4:16)
If it depended at any point upon human ability to continue to
believe, then the promise could not be secure
The promise that those who believe will be saved is confrmed
everywhere (Gen 15:6; John 3:16; Acts 16:33; Rom 4:23-24)
3) Upon His Infnite Power:
He is now Free to save us
Christs death has rendered God free to save us in spite of moral
imperfection
Our eternal security does not depend upon our moral worthiness.
Christ is the propitiation for our sins (1 J n 2:2)
To assume there is some sin suffciently serious which causes
us to forfeit our salvation
Is to assume that we were less worthy of salvation after having
committed this sin than before, and reduces salvation down to
human ability to merit it
He has purposed to keep us saved (Jn 6:37-40; 10:28-29)
Depends upon God the Son
Over two dozen Scriptures emphasize this commitment (yet He gives
this all to the Father in His prayer in J ohn 17.)
Depends upon God the Holy Spirit
1) Upon His Ministry of Regeneration: (Titus 3:5; 2 Cor 5:17; Eph
2:10)
2) Upon His Baptizing Ministry: (Rom 6:3, 8-11; 1 Cor 12:13)
3) Upon His Sealing Ministry: (2 Cor 1:22; Eph 1:13-14; Eph 4:30)
Sealing
Jesus tomb was sealed Mt 27:66
Satan sealed in abyss 1000 years Rev 20:3
Several books sealed Dan 12:4; Rev 6
144,000 sealed during the Tribulation Rev 7; 9:4
Sealing Ministry
If one person who was born again in Christ ever fails to enter into heaven
when he dies, then God will have broken His pledge. No conditions are
mentioned. It is a work of God and depends upon Him alone.
Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.
1 Corinthians 1:22
...sealed us: Sealing: c|a,t,a sphragizo: to set a seal of protection
and ownership; cf. on the tomb of Christ (Mt 27:66).

...earnest: Pledge: aa| arrabon: a legal concept: A frst install-
ment, with which a man secures a legal claim upon a thing as yet un-
consummated; a down payment; deposit; pledge; an evidence of good
faith; obligating the party to consummate the commitment involved
(Gen 38:17f). The Holy Spirit is designated as a down payment, a frst
fruits, to be followed by more (Rom 8:23).
In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the
gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were
sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, Which is the earnest of our
inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto
the praise of his glory.
Ephesians 1:13,14
The Ultimate Tour dForce
Seven questions which specifcally raise the question of the believers
eternal security in this magnifcent conclusion to Romans 8:
Seven Questions: Romans 8:31-39
1,2) Can opposition defeat the Christian? (Rom 8:31)
What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be
against us?
Romans 8:31
If =1st class conditional: since. Obviously, Satan and his demonic
hosts are against believers (Eph 6:11-13; 1 Pet 5:8), but they cannot
ultimately prevail and triumph over believers. God is the self-existent,
sovereign Creator. Since He is for believers, no one can oppose believ-
ers successfully.
3) Will we have the resources? (Rom 8:32)
He that even spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all,
how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?
Romans 8:32
(KJ V and RV failed to translate the Greek particle ge, even)
...spare: .|.tcae, epheisato is same word used in the Septuagint (Gen
22:12). Abraham never withheld his son (Gen 22:2-14). God offered
His own Son, on that very spot, as the Sacrifce for sin (Jn 1:29). Since
God sacrifced His own Son, He will not hesitate to give believers all
things pertaining and leading to their ultimate sanctifcation (2 Pet 1:3).

4) Will our failures reverse our justifcation? (Rom 8:33)
Who shall lay any thing to the charge of Gods elect? It is God that
justifeth.
Romans 8:33
...charge - enkalesei, make formal accusation in court; press charges
(Acts 19:40; 23:29; 26:2). Satan is identifed as the accuser of Gods
people (Rev 12:10; cf. Zech 3:1). His accusations are valid, because
they are based on the believers sinfulness and deflement.
Satans accusations will be thrown out of court, because it is God who
justifes. The accused person is righteous on the basis of his faith in
Jesus Christ (Rom 3:24; 5:1). As a result all accusations are dismissed
and no one can bring an accusation that will stand (Rom 8:1).

5) Can anyone condemn us for any reason? (Rom 8:34)
Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is
risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh
intercession for us.
Romans 8:34
J esus is Gods appointed J udge (J n 5:22, 27; Acts 17:31). J esus is whom
the believer has trusted for salvation. Furthermore, He is the One who
diedmore than that, who was raised to lifewho is at the right hand
of God (Lk 22:69; Acts 2:33; 5:31; Eph 1:20; Col 3:1; Heb 1:3, 13; 8:1;
10:12; 12:2; 1 Pet 3:22) and is also interceding for us.
Having justifed the ungodly (Rom 4:5), God will not and cannot
contradict Himself by charging them with evil. Who is he that con-
demneth? (Rom 8:34). Paul gives four answers, each of which are
taught elsewhere in Scripture, but are gathered here to underscore the
unconditional security of the believer:

1) Christ died
2) He is risen
3) He advocates
4) He intercedes
If God has already justifed the man who believes in J esus, how can He
lay anything to the charge of His already justifed one? (Rom 8:26, 30).
His justifcation comes from the imputed righteousness of Christ and is
legally ours! It is not a subject of merit, and cannot be lost by demerit.
Like a father, God can and does correct His earthly sons, but they always
remain sons; cf. the Prodigal Son (Lk 15:24).
6,7) What kind of assurance can we have of victory? (Rom8:35)
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or
distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?
Romans 8:35
The apostle suggested seven setbacks a believer might experience. Paul
experienced all of them (2 Cor 11:23-28).
Seven Setbacks
1) Tribulation (t(t; thilpsis): pressure or distress; mentioned
frequently by Paul
2) Distress (c.|e,ata stenochoria): lit., narrowness, i.e., being
pressed in, hemmed in, crowded
3) Persecution (eta,e; diogmos): chased, pursued; 10X in NT,
always in reference to the gospel.
4) Famine (te ; limos ): 12X in NT; The God of Elijah looks after
His own.
5) Nakedness (,u|e; gumnotes): 1 Cor 4:11
6) Peril (-t|eu|e kindunos): jeopardy, danger; 8X in one verse: 2
Cor 11:26; 1 Cor 15:30
7) Sword: The world hates the saints.
As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are
accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are
more than conquerors through him that loved us.
Romans 8:36,37
In all these adversities (Rom 8:28, 32, 37), rather than being separated
from Christs love, believers are more than conquerors (pres. tense,
keep on being conquerors to a greater degree or keep on winning a
glorious victory) through Him who loved us.
His Final Guarantee...
His Final Guarantee
For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor
principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor
height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us
from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:38,39
Angels! Principalities [demons]! Powers [of darkness! ...What else
is there? This should really re-prioritize our outlook on everything!
John 10
30] I and [my] Father are one.
31] Then the J ews took up stones again to stone him.
The Father: Not my (mistranslation). Absolute Deity. No cre-
ated power is able to resist Him. [The Pharisees were always ready to
authenticate and clarify scriptures we might miss! cf. J n 7:7; 15:18.]
32] J esus answered them, Many good works have I shewed you from my Father;
for which of those works do ye stone me?
33] The J ews answered him, saying, For a good work we stone thee not; but for
blasphemy; and because that thou, being a man, makest thyself God.
Enmity:
at infancy Mt 2
in youth at Nazareth Ps 88:15
in synagogue at Nazareth Lk 4:29
...at the Cross
34] Jesus answered them, Is it not written in your law, I said, Ye are gods?
35] If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God came, and the scripture
cannot be broken;
36] Say ye of him, whom the Father hath sanctifed, and sent into the world, Thou
blasphemest; because I said, I am the Son of God?
...ye are gods: Quote from Ps 82:6. These words were addressed to
J ewish magistrates, commissioned by YHWH to act as His vice-regents
in administering justice to His people: They judged for God, in the room
of God; whose sentences were God sentences; whose judgment was
Gods judgment; rebels against whom were rebels against God.
If magistrates are called Gods sons, may not the Messiah claim the same
title? (He uses Scripture the way they used Scripture: smallest detail
to prove a point.) Argument for verbal inerrancy, absolute authority;
single word, gods (cf. v.36).
37] If I do not the works of my Father, believe me not.
38] But if I do, though ye believe not me, believe the works: that ye may know, and
believe, that the Father is in me, and I in him.
Part II of His reply: Works of power.
39] Therefore they sought again to take him: but he escaped out of their hand,
40] And went away again beyond Jordan into the place where John at frst baptized;
and there he abode.
Bethabara, House of Passage (cf. J ohn the Baptist, three years earlier).
His public ministry is now over. He is now outside the camp.
Next Session
Prepare by reading: J ohn Chapter 11: The Raising of Lazarus; and Luke
16:19-31: (The other) Lazarus.
Discussion Questions
1) Can you lose your salvation? How?
2) What is an apostate? How does one become one?
3) Compare apostates with those who criticize other Christians
a) In conversations
b) In writing
c) on the internet
4) Compare the Shepherd Psalms (22, 2, & 24)
5) Why was Hanukkah endorsed in the New Testament (J ohn 10:22)?
6) Are you eternally secure? How do you know?
7) Discuss the setbacks you have experienced in your walk and how
you dealt with them.
The Gospel of John
Session 11: John 11
Summary of Unit 1
J ohn 1 Intro to the Pre-existent One
J ohn 2 Wedding at Cana
J ohn 3 Nicodemus Visit
John 4 Woman at the well; Healing the Noblemans son
J ohn 5 Impotent man at pool of Bethesda
J ohn 6 Bread of Life Discourse
J ohn 7 Living Water Discourse
J ohn 8 Adulteress (& confrontation on legitimacy)
J ohn 9 Man born blind
J ohn 10 Good Shepherd Discourse
John 11 The Raising of Lazarus
Seven Signs (Five unique to Johns Gospel)
1. Changing water into wine in Cana 2:111
2. Healing an offcials son in Capernaum 4:4654
3. Healing an invalid at the Pool of Bethesda 5:118
4. Feeding the 5,000 near the Sea of Galilee 6:514
5. Walking on the water of the Sea of Galilee 6:1621
6. Healing a blind man in J erusalem 9:17
7. Raising dead Lazarus in Bethany 11:145

Seven I AM Statements
1. I AM the Bread of Life 6:48
2. I AM the light of the world 8:12
3. I AM the door 10:9
4. I AM the good shepherd 10:11
5. I AM the resurrection and the life 11:35
6. I AM the way, the truth, and the life 14:6
7. I AM the true vine 15:1
[Jesus also laid claim on each of the seven furnishings of the Tabernacle
Door, altar of sacrifce, washing (laver), Menorah (light of the world),
golden altar (prayers), the Ark, and the Mercy Seat.]
Concluding Unit 1
The raising of Lazarus is found only in the Gospel of J ohn. Before the
fnal week, we have a special witness to His Glory.
Threefold rejection of Jesus:
Sought to slay Him 5:16
Took up stones 8:58
Stones, again 10:30
Threefold witness:
Raising of Lazarus 11
Triumphal entry 12:12-15
Gentiles seeking Him 12:23
The Gospel of J ohn is structured by seven miracles:
1) Water into wine
2) Healing noblemans son
3) Restoring the impotent man
4) Multiplying loaves and fshes
5) Walking on the sea
6) Giving sight to the blind
7) Raising the dead.
All seven signs apply to you and me. As the natural man we were
dead in trespasses and sins. There were other cases of J esus raising
someone from the dead. J airus daughter and the widow of Nains son:
but in both cases they had just died; unburied...happened to be in Galilee.
Lazarus was just outside J erusalem.
John 11
1] Now a certain man was sick, named Lazarus, of Bethany, the town of Mary and
her sister Martha.
...Lazarus: Lazarus is an abbreviated form of Eleazer, only two in
NT with this name.
...Bethany: House of Figs; House of Affiction. Only two miles
east of J erusalem; dangerous ground.
Its only a one-day journey from Bethabara (Jn 10:40). Jesus waited for
two days...Burial took place on the day of the death. The mourning period
began immediately and lasted a month. First three days: professionals.
Fourth day after was the day for friends to visit [Source: Edersheim]
2] (It was that Mary which anointed the Lord with ointment, and wiped his feet
with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick.)
The reader is assumed to be acquainted with the other gospels; Martha
was the senior: her house (Lk 10); Mary is memorialized (Mk 14:9).
Mary (in J ohn) was always at the feet of J esus... Dont let anything crowd
out worship: Take heed unto thyself and to thy teaching (1 Tim 4:16).
3] Therefore his sisters sent unto him, saying, Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest
is sick.
4] When Jesus heard that, he said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory
of God, that the Son of God might be glorifed thereby.
Sick: The word meant something even stronger: Deathly sick; sink-
ing (Acts 9:37; Phil 2:26, 26; J n 5:3).
4] When Jesus heard that, he said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the
glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorifed thereby.
...not unto death: Not the fnal end.
Glory of God: The beginning of miracles (Jn 2:11); here (Jn 11:40);
whatsoever ye shall ask (Jn 14:13).
5] Now J esus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus.
6] When he had heard therefore that he was sick, he abode two days still in the
same place where he was.
...he abode two days: J esus waited (Isa 30:18). Mans extremity is
Gods opportunity. The dealings of the Fathers hand must always be
looked at in the light of the Fathers Heart. The secret of every Biblical
encounter: What does it teach you about the Fathers heart?
7] Then after that saith he to his disciples, Let us go into J udaea again.
8] His disciples say unto him, Master, the J ews of late sought to stone thee; and
goest thou thither again?
...thou goest again?: The Greek: the J ews just now sought to stone
thee (Prov 3:5,6).
9] J esus answered, Are there not twelve hours in the day? If any man walk in the
day, he stumbleth not, because he seeth the light of this world.
10] But if a man walk in the night, he stumbleth, because there is no light in him.
...twelve hours: Has not the day a defnitely allotted time? His death
could not take place but for the time appointed by the Father.
11] These things said he: and after that he saith unto them, Our friend Lazarus
sleepeth; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep.
12] Then said his disciples, Lord, if he sleep, he shall do well.
...sleep: This word is used for death several times in the OT. But
in the NT it is used only for believers (1 Cor 15; 1 Thess 4:14; 5:10).
Why does the Holy Spirit use the word Sleep ?
1) Sleep is harmless. Ps 23
2) Sleep comes as a welcome relief. Eccl 5:12
3) We lie down to rise again. Dan 12:2
4) It is a time of rest. Rev 14:13
5) It shuts out the sorrows of life. J n 5:28
6) It speaks of the ease with which the Lord will awaken us. He just
speaks our name.
7) A time when the body is ftted for the duties of the morrow.
Another death is worse (two diseases, HIV+and SIN+). Alienated
from the life of God (Eph 4:18). I may awake him: Self-suffciency?
Lazarus could not raise himself.
13] Howbeit J esus spake of his death: but they thought that he had spoken of taking
of rest in sleep.
14] Then said Jesus unto them plainly, Lazarus is dead.
Lazarus is Dead: OmniscienceJesus already knew. There was no
second message. The Word is pure: it clarifes; it doesnt prevaricate
15] And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, to the intent ye may believe;
nevertheless let us go unto him.
...ye may believe: A higher manifestation of His Glory. The mightiest
display of Christs power prior to His own death. There is no record of
anyone dying in His presence (the two thieves died after he had given
up His spirit).
Faith Lessons are developed gradually; in steps (Rom 1:17). The dis-
ciples, Martha, Mary...and you and I. May the lessons not be wasted
16] Then said Thomas, which is called Didymus, unto his fellowdisciples, Let us
also go, that we may die with him.
...Thomas: Aramaic; Didymus, same word in Greek: Twin.
17] Then when J esus came, he found that he had lain in the grave four days already.
18] Now Bethany was nigh unto Jerusalem, about ffteen furlongs off:
...ffteen furlongs: About 2 miles.
J esus came (o Bethany): Lazarus had lain in the grave for four days.
19] And many of the J ews came to Martha and Mary, to comfort them concerning
their brother.
20] Then Martha, as soon as she heard that J esus was coming, went and met him:
but Mary sat still in the house.
Many J ews: Greater number of witnesses. Impossible for the Sanhe-
drin to discredit this last great sign of the Messiah.
21] Then said Martha unto J esus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not
died.
22] But I know, that even now, whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it
thee.
...whatever thou will ask of God:
aiteo to ask, beg, call for, crave, desire, require
Marthas word, aiteo, is the word used when men are praying to
God.
He was God!
23] J esus saith unto her, Thy brother shall rise again.
24] Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the
last day.
Two resurrections (Rev 20:4-15): The second resurrection occurs
in several stages (1 Cor 15:22-24).
Beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise
for the spirit of heaviness (Isa 61:3).
25] J esus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me,
though he were dead, yet shall he live:
26] And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?
...dead: Greek; was dead, past tense.
...yet shall he live: present participle, continue to live. Ultimate death
(Rev 20:6).
...Believeth thou this?: Have YOU really laid hold of this? As long
as there is life, there is hope(?) rather: As long as there is hope, there
is life!
Believe in me...shall live. Note order:
Doctrinal John 5:24
Dispensational Acts 2; J ohn 20:22
Prophetic 1 Thess 4:16
27] She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God,
which should come into the world.
28] And when she had so said, she went her way, and called Mary her sister secretly,
saying, The Master is come, and calleth for thee.
29] As soon as she heard that, she arose quickly, and came unto him.
30] Now J esus was not yet come into the town, but was in that place where Martha
met him.
31] The J ews then which were with her in the house, and comforted her, when they
saw Mary, that she rose up hastily and went out, followed her, saying, She goeth
unto the grave to weep there.
32] Then when Mary was come where J esus was, and saw him, she fell down at his
feet, saying unto him, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.
...weeping: Mary hadnt read (Rom 8:28). J esus permitted it, so it
must be for the best (Rom 8:28).
...at His feet: Mary was there always.
At His Feet
in His role as
Prophet Luke 10
Priest J ohn 11
King Matthew 26:7
33] When J esus therefore saw her weeping, and the J ews also weeping which came
with her, he groaned in the spirit, and was troubled,
34] And said, Where have ye laid him? They said unto him, Lord, come and see.
35] J esus wept.
...groaned: Deep feeling; distressed to the most extreme degree. The
Greek word is enebrimesato, which means to snort with anger like a
horse; LXX: violent displeasure Dan 11:30 Etaraxen; troubled.
[Mark 8:12 intimates that the miracles cost Him something. Also, Mt 8:17.]
Jesus wept: Scripture records Jesus weeping 3X:
Here;
Over Jerusalem; (Lk 19:41), and
At Gethsemane (Heb 5:7)
A man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief (Isa 53).
36] Then said the J ews, Behold how he loved him!
37] And some of them said, Could not this man, which opened the eyes of the blind,
have caused that even this man should not have died?
38] J esus therefore again groaning in himself cometh to the grave. It was a cave,
and a stone lay upon it.
Why no mention of other raisings? Jairus daughter & widows son
were in Galilee.
He giveth not account of any of his matters (Job 33:13; also, Jn
13:7).
39] J esus said, Take ye away the stone. Martha, the sister of him that was dead,
saith unto him, Lord, by this time he stinketh: for he hath been dead four days.
40] Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou
shouldest see the glory of God?
Take away the stone: God generally doesnt do for us what we
can do for ourselves. We still need to brush our teeth each morning.

Take away the stone: of unbelief, prejudice, and sectarianism...
D.L. Moody
41] Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid. And
J esus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me.
42] And I know that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand
by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me.
...Father, I thank thee: Points to John 11:4 at Bethabara. Believe, then
see (order again). Believing is seeing.
Why doesnt He hear our prayers? (Ps 66:18; 1 J n 3:22).
Jesus ever lives to make intercession for us. Cf. Elijah at Carmel
(1 Kgs 18:36, 37).
Hes still at it (Heb 7:25; Jn 17).
The word of Christ gave life (Heb 4:12; 1 Pet 1:23). Last great
public witness...
[Not to be confused with the resurrection; this will be treated in
the next section, Unit 2.]
43] And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth.
44] And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and
his face was bound about with a napkin. J esus saith unto them, Loose him, and
let him go.
...cried with a loud voice: So that you could wake the dead. This
by the same lips which called a universe into existence by the mere
declaration of His mouth (cf. Rev 4:1).
Lazarus: If he hadnt said Lazarus, all might have come forth (J n
5:28). Same voice as at the Harpazo? (Rev 4:1).
He that was dead came forth: Jesus held the keys of death and
Hades.
How can any sheep of His hand ever perish when held in such a
hand?
Illustrates His conquest over Satan.
Grave clothes (Rom 7:18): Jesus always works through His
disciples:
Water to wine;
Feeding the multitude;
Rolling the stone away;
Freeing the grave clothes. Freed from the bondage of corruption...
For I know that in me (that is, in my fesh,) dwelleth no good thing:
for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good
I fnd not.
Romans 7:18
Lazarus was:
Dead. J ust like we (were).
Defeated. Trammeled in his grave clothes.Most of us are alive,
but hindered by our own grave clothes.
Dangerous. Now they had to kill him (J n 12:10). Are you danger-
ous for Him?
Dines with Jesus (Jn 12:1; 14:3).
The Other Lazarus (Luke 16:19-31)
19] There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fne linen, and
fared sumptuously every day:
20] And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full
of sores...
Lazarus =Greek form of the Hebrew name Eleazar: God is my
help.) Lazarus was sick, and possibly crippled: he was laid at the
rich mans gate.
Theres only one who has returned from the grave: He alone has the
foor. This is one of the few reliable passages on this subject. Notice
that this is not a parable: this is an actual incident; these are real histori-
cal characters with names.
Two reasons to emphasize his name:
1) To demonstrate it really happened; it wasnt merely a rhetorical
device.
2) The rich man likely did not know the mans name. Jesus knew his
name.
21] And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich mans table:
moreover the dogs came and licked his sores.
22] And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into
Abrahams bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried;
Death is not the end. It is the beginning of a whole new existence in
another world.
Lazarus was righteous not because he was poor but because he depended
on God. The rich man was not condemned because he was rich, but
because he didnt use his resources properly. Abraham was among the
wealthiest in the world of his day, yet he was not in torment in Hades.
Hes an idiom for the good place.
23] And in hell [Hades] he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham
afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.
...hell =Hades. Abrahams bosom becomes an idiom for a place
of paradise for Old Testament believers at the time of death (Lk 23:43;
2 Cor 12:4).
Theologians believe Abrahams bosom was evacuated after the cross
and resurrection (Eph 4:8-10). Christ was the frst fruits of them that
slept (1 Cor 15:20).
For the Christian, death means to be present with the Lord (2 Cor 5:1-8;
Phil 1:21). For the unbeliever, death means to be separated from Gods
presence; it results in a tormented state.
Hell
English word derived from the Saxon helan, to cover; hence the cov-
ered or the invisible place. In Scripture there are four words rendered
Hell: Sheol Hades Gehenna Tartarus.
Sheol
Sheol: s: - sheol, occurs in the Old Testament 65 times; derived from
a root word meaning to ask, demand; hence, insatiableness (Prov
30:15,16). It is rendered grave 31 times (Gen 37:35; 42:38; 44:29,31;
1Sam 2:6; etc.) and rendered hell 31 times in the AVthe place of
disembodied spirits.
The inhabitants of sheol are the congregation of the dead (Prov
21:16). It is the abode of the souls of the wicked dead (Num 16:33;
Job 24:19; Ps. 9:17; 31:17 etc. ). It is also of the good (Ps 16:10; 30:3;
49:15; 86:13 etc.).
Sheol is described as deep (J ob 11:8); dark (J ob 10:21,22), with
bars (J ob 17:16). The dead go down to it (Num 16:30,33; Ezek
31:15,16,17).
Sheol is not to be confused with a grave, qeburah (sometimes Sheol is
used connotatively). A grave is physical, and receives the bodies. It can
be used in the plural, and one can have title to a grave. Sheol is singular,
never used in the plural.
Hades
ae;, the Greek word for that which is out of sight, to denote the place
of the dead; translated hell 11 times in the NT.
The Septuagint uses hades to translate the Hebrew s: - sheol, (the
place of the dead) on 61 occasions (Gen 42:38; Ps 139:8; Hos 13:14;
Isa 14:9, et al.).
In Greek it is associated with Orcus, the infernal regions, a dark and
dismal place in the very depths of the earth, the common receptacle of
disembodied spirits. In the Greek conceptions, it had two subterranean
divisions: Elysium and Tartarus.
Hades refers to the abode of the unsaved dead prior to the great white
throne judgment (Rev. 20:11-15).

It is a prison (1 Pet 3:19);
with gates and bars and locks (Mt 16:18; Rev 1:18);
is downward (Mt 11:23; Lk 10:15);
and the righteous and the wicked are separated.
Some view the blessed dead as in a part of Hades called Paradise (Lk
23:43) in Abrahams bosom (Lk 16:22). However, the rich man lifted
up his eyes v.23 the bosom of Abraham was afar off. Abrahams
bosom is in heaven (Mt 8:11).
Gehenna
Gehenna (originally Ge bene Hinnom; i.e., the valley of the sons of
Hinnom) was a deep, narrow ravine to the south of J erusalem, sepa-
rating Mount Zion from the so-called Hill of Evil Counsel. Here the
idolatrous Jews offered their children in sacrifce to Molech (2 Chr
28:3, 33:6; J er 7:31,19:2-6).
This valley afterwards became the city dump. A fre was continually
burning there. It became an idiom to speak of a place of everlasting fre
and burning. In this sense it is used by our Lord 11 times (Mt 5:22,29,30;
10:28 18:9; 23:15,33; Mk 9:43,45,47; Lk 12:5); the lake which burneth
with fre and brimstone.
Tartarus
Another word translated hell but only one use in the New Testament
(2 Pet 2:4). The deepest abyss of Hades.
...As far below Hades as the earth is below Heaven...
Homers Iliad
Tartarus is the specifc place of incarceration of the angels that sinned
in Genesis 6
Abousso
Another related term is the bottomless pit, or the abyss, or aucce; -
aboussos. This is what the Beast of Revelation comes out of (Rev 11:7;
17:8) and where Satan will be bound for 1,000 years (Rev 20:1, 3). It is
also the place from which the demon locusts emerge in Revelation 9.
Some Insights
The man in Hades was fully conscious (memory; speaking; pain;
desires).
His eternal destiny was irrevocably fxed.
He knew that what he was experiencing was fair and justhe also
knew what his brothers needed to do to avoid his own fate: repent.
(He was not yet in Hell, but only Hades)
24] And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus,
that he may dip the tip of his fnger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am
tormented in this fame.
No soul sleep here! He is conscious and aware.
The punishment of lost sinners is not remedial: it does not improve them.
Hades and Gehenna are not hospitals for the sick; they are prisons for
the condemned.
25] But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good
things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art
tormented.
26] And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fxed: so that they
which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that
would come from thence.
...a great gulf: ,aca chasma: a gaping opening, a chasm, a gulf
(from a form of chao; to gape or yawn).
(Some conjecture that the Abousso is involved in this geocentric topol-
ogy. The only place topologically one can have a bottomless pit would
be at the center of the earth.)
Theologians believe Abrahams bosom was evacuated after the
cross and resurrection (Eph 4:8-10).
Christ was the frst fruits of them that slept (1 Cor 15:20).
27] Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my
fathers house:
28] For I have fve brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into
this place of torment.
People in Hades (apparently) have a concern for the lost, but cant do
anything about it.
29] Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear
them.
30] And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead,
they will repent.
31] And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will
they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.
...rose from the dead: One did. It is interesting that his name was also
Lazarus (J ohn 11). The response of the chief priests was to plot to kill
him (Jn 11:46-50; 12:10). Faith that is based solely on miracles is not
a saving faith (J n 2:23-25).
Conclusion
J esus spoke more of Hell than of Heaven. They both are real. This
should preempt all of our other priorities!
The safest road to hell is the gradual one the gentle slope, soft under-
foot, without sudden turnings, without milestones, without signposts.
C. S. Lewis
Many ask, How can a loving God even permit such a place as Hell to
exist, let alone send people there?
In asking that question, they reveal that they do not understand: the love
of God or the wickedness of sin.
Gods love is a holy love, not a shallow sentiment. Sin is rebellion against
a holy and loving God. Gods mercy is unobligated and sovereign.
The Other Lazarus
Luke 16 John 11
1) a beggar vs. a man of means
2) uncared for (dogs lick, etc.) vs. loving sisters
3) crumbs from anothers table vs. at the table with J esus
4) remained in the grave vs. brought again from the dead
John 11
45] Then many of the Jews which came to Mary, and had seen the things which
J esus did, believed on him.
46] But some of them went their ways to the Pharisees, and told them what things
J esus had done.
...came to Mary: She must have been someone special.
47] Then gathered the chief priests and the Pharisees a council, and said, What do
we? for this man doeth many miracles.
48] If we let him thus alone, all men will believe on him: and the Romans shall
come and take away both our place and nation.
...chief priests: (Sadducees?) and Pharisees. High Priests, Sadducees
(Acts 5:17).
...this man doeth miracles: they owned the genuineness of His
miracles!
They were determined not to believe (Lk 16:31). Take away our
temple (Acts 6:13, 14; 21:28, 29).
Forty years later: The Roman army did come; destroyed Jerusalem;
burned the Temple; and carried the entire nation into captivity.
49] And one of them, named Caiaphas, being the high priest that same year, said
unto them, Ye know nothing at all,
50] Nor consider that it is expedient for us, that one man should die for the people,
and that the whole nation perish not.
Prophecy by Caiaphas (cf. Lk 20:14).
That one man should die for the people: Huper, in the stead of..
J ust as Balaam, who also prophesied against his will.
51] And this spake he not of himself: but being high priest that year, he prophesied
that J esus should die for that nation;
52] And not for that nation only, but that also he should gather together in one the
children of God that were scattered abroad.
Cf. Acts 4:26-28; Gen 50:20. The greatest crime ever done in the world
brings the greatest blessing ever given to the world.
53] Then from that day forth they took counsel together for to put him to death.
54] Jesus therefore walked no more openly among the Jews; but went thence unto a
country near to the wilderness, into a city called Ephraim, and there continued
with his disciples.
For whom did Christ die (7 passages) : Isa 53:8; Mt 1:21; 10:28; J n
10:11; Eph 5:25; Tit 2:14; Heb 2:17.
...walked no more openly among the Jews: Jesus knew of their decision.
...Ephraim: (fruitfulness): Twenty miles N of Jerusalem; fve miles
E of Bethel.
55] And the J ews passover was nigh at hand: and many went out of the country
up to J erusalem before the passover, to purify themselves.
56] Then sought they for J esus, and spake among themselves, as they stood in the
temple, What think ye, that he will not come to the feast?
57] Now both the chief priests and the Pharisees had given a commandment, that,
if any man knew where he were, he should shew it, that they might take him.
So ends Unit 1 (Contrast this with Chapter 1)
Next Session
Prepare by reading: J ohn Chapter 12. This chapter begins Unit 2 and
the Final Week of J esus ministry on Planet Earth.
Discussion Questions
1) Is there really a hell? How do you know?
2) Why do Christians have sickness, trials, etc.?
3) Why are there two resurrections?
4) Give examples of our own grave clothes
5) Profle our own Four Ds
6) Summarize what you learned from each of the two Lazaruss.
7) Should Christians cremate? Why?

The Gospel of John
Session 12: John 12
1] Then J esus six days before the passover came to Bethany, where Lazarus was
which had been dead, whom he raised from the dead.
Six days before Passover: 8
th
of Nisan (Triumphal Entry, 10
th
of Nisan).
At the house of Simon the leper (Mt 26:6-13; Mk 14:3-9). 10
th
of Nisan:
lambs presented for approval for four days of inspection (Ex 12:3-6).
2] There they made him a supper; and Martha served: but Lazarus was one of
them that sat at the table with him.
What a dinner party that must have been!! imagine
3] Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed
the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was flled with
the odour of the ointment.
...wiped his feet with her hair: It was considered a disgrace for a
woman to appear in public with her hair unbound...but it is the best
example in the Scriptures of pure worship.
At His Feet
She took a pound of ointment: Murou (ointment); generic term for
liquid perfume; nardou (spikenard) derived from Sanskrit term nalada,
a particular very fragrant grown primarily in India; also, Syria.
And pistikes (faithful, reliable, or genuine,) suggests the real thing.
Perfume for both burial and wine. Pound: 12 oz.; 300 denarii; 25 denarii/
oz or over $1000 per ounce.
4] Then saith one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simons son, which should betray
him,
5] Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence, and given to the poor?
6] This he said, not that he cared for the poor; but because he was a thief, and had
the bag, and bare what was put therein.
...a thief: Kleptes, thief; stealing by a carefully devised plan. Ebastazen,
to lift or carry off; lift as in shoplift.
7] Then said J esus, Let her alone: against the day of my burying hath she kept
this.
8] For the poor always ye have with you; but me ye have not always.
Notice that she (alone?) was sensitive to what was about to occur this
week
9] Much people of the J ews therefore knew that he was there: and they came not
for J esus sake only, but that they might see Lazarus also, whom he had raised
from the dead.
Much people: Ochlos, people; common folk (in contrast to the
leaders). Some estimate over several million were present for the
holidaysLazarus was a problem for the chief priests (Sadducees):
Their fundamental belief was that the dead are not raised.
10] But the chief priests consulted that they might put Lazarus also to death;
11] Because that by reason of him many of the J ews went away, and believed on
J esus.
12] On the next day much people that were come to the feast, when they heard that
J esus was coming to J erusalem,
13] Took branches of palm trees, and went forth to meet him, and cried, Hosanna:
Blessed is the King of Israel that cometh in the name of the Lord.
One census: 256,500 lambs were prepared for Passover that year. Mini-
mum of 10 persons /lamb =2.6 million people were there in J erusalem.
Hosanna
Translated, Save now, I pray thee. The Great Hallel, a series of
Hebrew psalms (Ps 115-118). Blessed is the King of Israel: Fulflled
on the very day Gabriel predicted in Daniel Chapter 9.
Palms: The mark of triumph to a victor or king (Rev 7:9).
The Donkey, by G.K. Chesterton

When fshes few and forests walked
And fgs grew upon thorn,
Some moment when the moon was blood
Then surely I was born;

With monstrous head and sickening cry
And ears like errant wings,
The devils walking parody
On all four-footed things.

The tattered outlaw of the earth,
Of ancient crooked will;
Starve, scourge, deride me: I am dumb,
I keep my secret still.

Fools! For I also had my hour;
One far ferce hour and sweet:
There was a shout about my ears,
And palms before my feet.
14] And Jesus, when he had found a young ass, sat thereon; as it is written,
15] Fear not, daughter of Zion: behold, thy King cometh, sitting on an asss colt.
(Quoting Zechariah 9:9)
The Triumphal Entry
Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem:
behold, thy King cometh unto thee: He is just, and having salvation;
lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass.
Zechariah 9:9
Saying, Blessed be the King that cometh in the name of the Lord: peace
in heaven, and glory in the highest.
Luke 19:38
This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be
glad in it. Save now, I beseech thee, O LORD: O LORD, I beseech
thee, send now prosperity. Blessed be he that cometh in the name of
the LORD: we have blessed you out of the house of the LORD.
Psalm 118:24-26
They are singing Psalm 118: Declaring J esus to be the Mashiach Nagid,
the Messiah the King (cf. Dan. 9:25).
And some of the Pharisees from among the multitude said unto him,
Master, rebuke thy disciples.
Luke 19:39
Any time we, as Gentiles, may miss a point, the Pharisees come to
our rescue. When they are upset, there is a reason which we need to
understand
And he answered and said unto them, I tell you that, if these should
hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out.
Luke 19:40
And when he was come near, he beheld the city, and wept over it,
Luke 19:41
As did J eremiah(cf. J er 9:1ff).
Saying, If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things
which belong unto thy peace! but now they are hid from thine eyes.
Luke 19:42
The Triumphal Entry
In His confdential briefng of His key disciples, Jesus pointed them
to the primary foundational passage for eschatological understanding:
Daniel 9:24-27.
Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city,
to fnish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make
reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness,
and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy
Place. Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the
commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the
Prince shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks: the street
shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times.
Daniel 9:24,25
Note the reference to the Street: this is about the city, not the Temple.
Judgment Declared
And when He was come near, He beheld the city, and wept over it,
Saying, If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the
things which belong unto thy peace! but now they are hid from thine
eyes. For the days shall come upon thee, that thine enemies shall cast
a trench about thee, and compass thee round, and keep thee in on
every side, And shall lay thee even with the ground, and thy children
within thee; and they shall not leave in thee one stone upon another,
because thou knewest not the time of thy visitation.
Luke 19:41-44
38 years later, in A.D. 70, Titus Vespasian had the 5
th
, 10
th
, 12
th
, and 15
th

Roman Legions lay siege to J erusalem. [38 years =the precise length
of the wilderness wanderings (Deut 2:14)!] In 143 days 600,000 Jews
were killed. Historians estimate that over 1.5 million men, women, and
children died from the siege and the famine and disease that followed.
Why was J erusalem destroyed in A.D. 70? J esus held them accountable
to know the prophecy of Daniel 9!
because thou knewest not the time of thy visitation.
Luke 19:44
John 12
16] These things understood not his disciples at the frst: but when Jesus was glori-
fed, then remembered they that these things were written of him, and that they
had done these things unto him.
Rides donkey (fulflling Zech 9:9). An ass now; a white horse later
(Rev 19:11-16).

17] The people therefore that was with him when he called Lazarus out of his grave,
and raised him from the dead, bare record.
18] For this cause the people also met him, for that they heard that he had done this
miracle.
19] The Pharisees therefore said among themselves, Perceive ye how ye prevail
nothing? behold, the world is gone after him.

...the world...: Indeed, v.20. More than the J ews...
20] And there were certain Greeks among them that came up to worship at the feast:
21] The same came therefore to Philip, which was of Bethsaida of Galilee, and
desired him, saying, Sir, we would see J esus.
...Sir, we would see J esus: Why does J ohn mention them at this point?
Because the King has now been rejected by Israel.
22] Philip cometh and telleth Andrew: and again Andrew and Philip tell J esus.
23] And J esus answered them, saying, The hour is come, that the Son of man should
be glorifed.
Philip had a Greek name, so the visitors wanting to see J esus came to
him; and he took the matter to Andrew, who also had a Greek name.
(Whenever you fnd Andrew in Johns Gospel, he is bringing some-
body to Jesus: see Jn 1:4042, 6:89, and 12:22. What an example as
a soul-winner!)
The Cross must come before Gentiles can have access to Christ. The
Gentiles recognized Him as king at both His birth and His death. [Eu-
sebius: When the King of Edessa in Syria saw the obstinacy of the J ews
in rejecting J esus, he sent an embassy to J esus to invite Him to come
to his home promising Him a royal welcome.]
24] Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and
die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.
25] He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall
keep it unto life eternal.
26] If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my
servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.
27] Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour:
but for this cause came I unto this hour.
28] Father, glorify thy name. Then came there a voice from heaven, saying, I have
both glorifed it, and will glorify it again.
Human History
The saddest tragedy of human history (The Cross) was the purpose of
His coming, and was also the greatest victory of all history.
Purpose of all history (gathering His children);
Tragedy of all history (ye would not);
Triumph of all history (Blessed is he who comes in the name of
the Lord; Mt 23:37-39).
A Voice from Heaven
The 3
rd
time God broke the silence of heaven:
1) The beginning of Jesus ministryAt His baptism (Mk 1:11).
2) The beginning of the last trip to JerusalemAt the transfgura-
tion (Mk 9:7).
3) The beginning of the Final WeekAt the Temple (Jn 12:28).
Three Classes of People
1) Natural phenomena (thunder?)
2) Impersonal mighty one (angel?)
3) The voice of His Father (proper relationship)
29] The people therefore, that stood by, and heard it, said that it thundered: others
said, An angel spake to him.
30] J esus answered and said, This voice came not because of me, but for your sakes.
31] Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast
out.
32] And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.
33] This he said, signifying what death he should die.
Beginning of the end of Satans dominion
The beginning of the triumph over the hearts of men. Ekblethesetai,
shall be cast out (Jn 2:15; 9:34,35; 10:4; 3 Jn 10; Rev 11:2 ).
...cast out: Exo, clean out; the purging of Heaven.
34] The people answered him, We have heard out of the law that Christ abideth for
ever: and how sayest thou, The Son of man must be lifted up? who is this Son
of man?
35] Then J esus said unto them, Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while
ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you: for he that walketh in darkness
knoweth not whither he goeth.
36] While ye have light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light.
These things spake J esus, and departed, and did hide himself from them.
Sawing Isaiah Assunder: A Most Precious Lesson
In spite of the lack of concrete evidence that any part of Isaiah ever
existed without any other part as far back as the 200s B.C., the dogma of
most scholarship today is that two or more individuals authored Isaiah.
Two Isaiahs?
This perspective arose, most notably in the deistic climate of 18
th
cen-
tury Europe. J . C. Doederlein, one of the earliest to argue for a second
author, said explicitly that since Isaiah could not have foreseen the fall
of J erusalem, the 70 year captivity, the return or Cyrus, Isaiah could not
have written those chapters making such claims. (Isa 40-66). Since
this time, others have advanced arguments in support of dual or even
multiple authorship.
The Stumbling of Pseudo-Scholarship
Two ISAIAHS? (Some say three) Tradition tells us Isaiah was sawn
asunder. The same thing has happened to his book! How was Isaiahs
prophecy treated? We are indebted to the Apostle John for short-cutting
hours of library research!
37] But though he had done so many miracles before them, yet they believed not
on him:
38] That the saying of Isaiah the prophet might be fulflled, which he spake, Lord,
who hath believed our report? and to whom hath the arm of the Lord been
revealed?
A quote from Isaiah 53.
39] Therefore they could not believe, because that Isaiah said again,
40] He hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart; that they should not see
with their eyes, nor understand with their heart, and be converted, and I should
heal them.
41] These things said Isaiah, when he saw his glory, and spake of him.
A quote from Isaiah 6.
A single verse verifes ...that Isaiah said again... J ohn 12:39 is one
of my most favorite verses! Why? You cant imagine the comfort this
gave my doubting heart! From our Lord Himself
Sixty-one separated passages are quoted or referred to 85 times in NT:
23 passages from Isaiah I; (32 times)
28 passages from Isaiah II; (53 times)
Isaiah I ?
The reign of Christ in the kingdom Isa 2:3-5
The virgin birth of Christ Isa 7:14
The reign of Christ Isa 9:2, 7
Jesus rule over the world Isa 9:4
Christ as a descendant of David Isa 11:1, 10
Christ to be flled with the Spirit Isa 11:2; 42:1
Christ to judge with righteousness Isa 11:3-5; 42:1, 4
Christ to rule over the nations Isa 11:10
Isaiah II ?
Christ to be gentle to the weak Isa 42:3
Christ to make possible the New Covenant Isa 42:6; 49:8
Christ to be a light to the Gentiles
and to be worshiped by them Isa 42:6; 49:6-7;
52:15
Christ to be rejected by Israel Isa 49:7; 53:1-3
Christ to be obedient to God & subject
to suffering Isa 50:6; 53:7-8
Christ to be exalted Isa 52:13; 53:12
Christ to restore Israel and judge the wicked Isa 61:1-3
Manuscript Evidence
The Dead Sea Scrolls contain a complete scroll of Isaiah dated from
the second century B.C. The book is one unit with the end of chapter
39 and the beginning of chapter 40 in one continuous column of text.
This demonstrates that the scribes who copied this scroll never doubted
the singular unity of the book. Neither did the New Testament authors,
nor the early church, as quotations from both sections are attributed
only to Isaiah.
Messianic prophecy is strong and important evidence for J esus claims
to be God. Isaiahs writings were completed many centuries before
J esus Christ was born and yet are completely accurate. The Dead Sea
Scrolls contained more than one complete scroll of this book composed
well before the birth of Christ. The book of Isaiah was included in the
Septuagint LXX, the earliest version of the Old Testament scriptures,
translated at least 300 years earlier.

Jesus Quotes
But by far the strongest evidence that proves the unity of the book of
Isaiah is that J esus Himself quoted from both the beginning and the end
of the book, attributing all of it to Isaiah.
1. J esus quoting from Isaiah 29:13 in Mark 7:6-7:

Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you hypocrites; as it is
written: These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are
far from me. They worship me in vain; their teachings are but rules
taught by men
2. Jesus also referenced Isaiah 42:1-4 in Matthew 12:17:
This was to fulfll what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah.
3. Isaiah is also referenced in Matthew 8:16-17 by quoting Isaiah
53:4:
This was to fulfll what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah: He
took up our infrmities and carried our diseases.

Also, several other New Testament verses refer to the prophet Isaiah
as been the sole author:
Matthew 3:3 and Luke 3:4 Isaiah 40:3
Romans 10:16, 20 Isaiah 53:1; 65:1
John 12:38-41 Isaiah 53:1; 6:10
Isaiah is mentioned 21 times by 6 books in the NT as the author:
10 times for Isaiah I: Isaiah
1) Matt 4:14 9:1,2
2) Matt 13:14 6:9
3) Matt 15:7 29:13
4) Mark 7:6 29:13
5) J ohn 12:39 6:9
6) John 12:41 6:9
7) Acts 28:25 6:9
8) Rom 9:27 10:22,23
9) Rom 9:29 1:9
10) Rom 15:12 11:10
11 times for Isaiah II: Isaiah:
1) Matt 3:3 40:3
2) Matt 8:17 53:4
3) Mart 12:17 42:1-3
4) Luke 3:4 40:3-5
5) Luke 4:17 61:1,2
6) John 1:23 40:3
7) J ohn 12:38 53:1
8) Acts 8:28 53:7,8
9) Acts 8:30 53:7,8
10) Rom 10:16 53:1
11) Rom 10:20 65:1,2
Six different speakers quote Isaiah (1 & 2):
Christ 4x: (3, 1)
Matthew 2x: (1, 1)
Luke 4x: (0, 4)
J ohn 3x: (2, 1)
J ohn the Baptist 2x: (0, 2)
Paul 6x: (4, 2)
300 words and expressions are common to Isaiah I & Isaiah II,
and not found in Daniel, Haggai, Zechariah and Malachi. Isaiah,
the royal prophet had a vocabulary substantially larger than all
the others (comparable to J ohn Milton and William Shakespeare
in English literature).
A Key Lesson
Learn to be a critical thinker!
Be skeptical of unsupported academic traditions
Dont mistake sophistication for true scholarship
Make Acts 17:11 your litmus test
1) Receive the Word with all readiness of mind and
2) Search the Scriptures daily to prove whether those things are so.
Make your refuge the whole counsel of God
Another Key Lesson
1) They would not believe (v. 37) though they had seen the evidence
for His divine Sonship.
2) They could not believe (v. 39) because their hearts became hard
and their eyes blind.
3) Therefore, God said, They should not believe (v. 39) because
they had spurned His grace!
Isaiah 53:1 had foretold their unbelief, and Isa 6:10 their hardness of
heart. Note that John 12:40, which quotes Isa 6:10, states that God
blinds the eyes and hardens the hearts of those who persist in rejecting
Christ! Cf. 2 Thess 2:11,12.
Isaiah 6:10 quoted 7X in the NT (Mt 13:14; Mk 4:12; Lk 8:10; Jn
12:40; Acts 28:26; Rom 11:8).
It is a repeated warning that reminds the unsaved not to take their
spiritual opportunities lightly.
While you have light, believe in the light! (v. 36)
Seek the Lord while He may be found (Isa 55:6)
42] Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because
of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the
synagogue:
43] For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.
...many: Nicodemus and J oseph of Arimathaea?
Nicodemus
Nike, rule, victory; demos, people. [cf. Revelation; nicolaitans, rule
over the laity.] He was a Pharisee and a ruler. Archon (ruler) suggests
a member of the Sanhedrin, but not one of the chief priests (archiereus).
The Talmud records Nicodemus as one of the four richest men in J e-
rusalem and a disciple of J esus. Hoskyns records that Nicodemus was
a member of the aristocratic family that had furnished the Hasmonean
King Aristobulus II with his ambassador to Pompey in 63 B.C.
His son apparently was the man who negotiated the terms of surrender
to the Roman garrison in Jerusalem prior to the fnal destruction of that
city in A.D. 70.
There are Talmudic links to Nicodemus ben Gorion, brother to the
historian J osephus, a very wealthy member of the Sanhedrin in the
1
st
century. He lost his wealth and position later (a reversal due to his
becoming a Christian?).
Nicodemus Progression
Tutorial at night John 3:2-10
Defense at Sanhedrin John 7:51-52
Anointed Jesus burial John 19:39-42
Either their secrecy will destroy their discipleship or their disciple-
ship will destroy their secrecy.
Discipleship, not good intentions, count for Christ.
44] Jesus cried and said, He that believeth on me, believeth not on me, but on him
that sent me.
45] And he that seeth me seeth him that sent me.
46] I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not
abide in darkness.
47] And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came
not to judge the world, but to save the world.
48] He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him:
the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.
49] For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a
commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak.
50] And I know that his commandment is life everlasting: whatsoever I speak
therefore, even as the Father said unto me, so I speak.
Preview of Final Week
The Triumphal Entry occurred on the 10
th
of Nisan, the same day that
the Passover Lambs were being inspected at the Temple. Study care-
fully and explore the day of the week that the Crucifxion occurred. Be
prepared to challenge deeply held traditions.
Next Session
Prepare by reading J ohn Chapters13 - 17: the Upper Room Discourse.
Get to know Him
Discussion Questions
1) Give examples of true worship
2) Are there any passages comparable to Dan 9:25?
3) What happened on the 10
th
of Nisan and how was it signifcant?
4) Who wrote Isaiah? How do you know?
5) Who wrote the Torah? How do you know?
6) Why is Israel blinded? For how long?
7) What day of the week was the Crucifxion?
The Gospel of John
Session 13: John 13
Organization of the Gospel of John: Unit 1
The Pre-existent One 1:1-14
J ohn the Baptist 1:15-36
Call of Disciples 1: 36-51
Book of Signs 2 - 11
Seven Signs
1. Changing water into wine in Cana 2:111
2. Healing an offcials son in Capernaum 4:4654
3. Healing an invalid at the Pool of Bethesda 5:118
4. Feeding the 5,000 near the Sea of Galilee 6:514
5. Walking on the water of the Sea of Galilee 6:1621
6. Healing a blind man in J erusalem 9:17
7. Raising dead Lazarus in Bethany 11:145
Organization of the Gospel of John: Unit 2
J ohn 12 Supper at Bethany
J ohn 13 Washing & Betrayal
John 14 New Promise: Harpazo
J ohn 15-16 En route to Gethsemane
J ohn 17 Prayer of Intercession
J ohn 18 Gethsemane: Arrest & Trials
John 19 Crucifxion
J ohn 20 Resurrection
J ohn 21 Epilogue in Galilee
Note: J ohns Gospel covers 21 days of 3 years of ministry; virtually
half of Johns Gospel is devoted to the Final Week 1/3 (247 verses
of 879) are devoted to one 24-hour period!
John 13-17: The Upper Room Discourse.
[This takes the place of the Olivet Discourse in the Synoptics.] Alone
with His own. He was facing sacrifcial death, yet His concern was for
His disciples! This discourse is the seed plot of all grace teaching...
John 13
1] Now before the feast of the passover, when J esus knew that his hour was come
that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved his own
which were in the world, he loved them unto the end.
2] And supper being ended, the devil having now put into the heart of J udas
Iscariot, Simons son, to betray him;
...supper being ended: Passover Supper included four cups.
First, Bringing Out;
Second, Delivering;
Third, Redemption, or Blessing;
and the Fourth, Taking Out (1 Cor 10:16)
3] J esus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he
was come from God, and went to God;
4] He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded
himself.
5] After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples feet,
and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded.
Removed outer garment, himatia; still wearing a tunic (chiton); normal
costume for a servant (Lk 22:27). A slave of J ewish birth could not
Upper Room Discourse
be forced to wash feet. Doulos: bondslave (Ex 21:2-5, 6 ); cf. kenosis
(Phil 2:5; 11:7,8).
Wash
The Bible speaks of being washed two different ways:
Washed once and for all (Heb 10) and washed daily.
Washing with the Blood: Godward (Lev 16: atonement); sacrifcial
cleansing
Leloumenos, bathing the entire body Acts 9:37; 2 Pet 2:22).
Nipsasthai, cleaning a particular soiled area; hands, etc. (Mt 6:17).
Washing with the Water (of the Word of God): saintward.
Cf. Num 19: water of purifcation.
First bath of regeneration (Titus 3:5). Relationship; position; guilt.
Once and for all (Heb 10:1-12).
Daily washing: deflement (1 Jn 1:9). Water = Word (Ps 119:9;
Eph 5:25,26).
Feet speak of our walk (Phil 2:5-11).
At the Cross: both came out (Jn 19:34).

6] Then cometh he to Simon Peter: and Peter saith unto him, Lord, dost thou wash
my feet?
7] J esus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou
shalt know hereafter.
8] Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. J esus answered him, If I
wash thee not, thou hast no part with me.
9] Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my
head.
I wash thee: You cant wash your own feet...
How does Christ wash us today?
Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking
heed thereto according to thy word (Ps 119:9).
Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken
unto you (J n 15:3).
even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for
it; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of
water by the word (Eph 5:2526).
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our
sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 J n 1:9).
10] J esus saith to him, He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is
clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all.
11] For he knew who should betray him; therefore said he, Ye are not all clean.
There are absolutely two different words: He says, He that is lou.
Lou means bathed. Nipt is the word translated wash. He that is
bathed needeth not except to wash his feet.
Our Lord is teaching that when we came to the cross, when we came
to J esus, we were washed all over. That is the bath, lou, regeneration.
When we walk through this world, we are defled and get dirty. We
become disobedient, and sin gets into our lives. I do not believe that
any believer goes through a day without getting just a little dirty. He
says that we cannot have fellowship with Him if we are dirty.
The washing of the feet, nipto, is the cleansing in order to restore us
to fellowship.
If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we
lie, and do not the truth: But if we walk in the light, as he is in the
light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus
Christ his Son [keeps on cleaning us] from all sin.
1 J ohn 1:67
12] So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, and was set down
again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you?
13] Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am.
14] If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash
one anothers feet.
This is J esus organization chart: rather than from top down it goes
from the bottom up as enabling rather than supervisory!!!
Jesus
Never do we fnd apostles addressing Him as Jesus while he was with
them on the earth: He exhorted them to call him Lord (Mt 9:28; Lk
19:31; Mt 26:18).
Disciples call him Lord: Mt 14:28; Lk 9:54; Mt 26:22;
Lk 24:33, 34; Jn 14:5; 21:7
Jesus in narratives: written by the Holy Spirit!
Who did call him Jesus?
His Enemies Mt 26:71
Demons Mk 1:23,24
15] For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.
16] Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither
he that is sent greater than he that sent him.
...an example: Hathos: example; not an ordinance. There is no ref- There is no ref- There is no ref-
erence in any epistle; no evidence prior to the 4
th
century. Linked to
custom of wearing sandals...
1) Example of humility Jn 13:14
2) Rebuke to pride Lk 22:24-27
3) Picture of our daily cleansing J n 13:10
4) Warning to Judas Iscariot Jn 13:18
5) Picture of His humiliation Phil 2:5-11
6) Reminder of His union and communion
with the believer J n 13:8
Two of seven double verilies spoken in this Upper Room were spoken
in the context of this foot washing.
17] If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.
18] I speak not of you all: I know whom I have chosen: but that the scripture may
be fulflled, He that eateth bread with me hath lifted up his heel against me.
David betrayed by Ahithophel (Ps 41:9). Jesus had warned them a
year earlier (J n 6:70,71).
...lifted up his heel: Metaphor of a sudden kick of a mule or a horse.
They were reclining on mats around a 12-inch-high table. J ohn, to his
right; J udas to his left, the place reserved for an honored guest. [Hence,
classical art: right vs. left; dexter vs. sinister; gauche; etc.]
J ohn: 5X whom J esus loved (J n 13:23; 19:26; 20:2; 21:7, 20).
19] Now I tell you before it come, that, when it is come to pass, ye may believe
that I am he.
20] Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that receiveth whomsoever I send receiveth
me; and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me.
Honor Him as the Father (J n 5:23). J esus is turning their attention away
from the traitor to their Master.
21] When Jesus had thus said, he was troubled in spirit, and testifed, and said,
Verily, verily, I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me.
22] Then the disciples looked one on another, doubting of whom he spake.
23] Now there was leaning on J esus bosom one of his disciples, whom J esus loved.
24] Simon Peter therefore beckoned to him, that he should ask who it should be of
whom he spake.
25] He then lying on J esus breast saith unto him, Lord, who is it?
Peters distance: Uses J ohn as intermediary (vv. 6, 8, 37). Later, he
followed afar off... (Mt 26:38).
26] J esus answered, He it is, to whom I shall give a sop, when I have dipped it. And
when he had dipped the sop, he gave it to J udas Iscariot, the son of Simon.
The Lord makes J udas His guest of honor by this gesture. Foreknowl-
edge is not causation.
27] And after the sop Satan entered into him. Then said J esus unto him, That thou
doest, do quickly.
Who is controlling the timing? This was not their plan! Not on a primary
holiday, for fear of the Romans. The unpardonable sin from the Ro-
mans point of view is an uprising of any kind: keeping the order was
their assignment and they took it seriously.
28] Now no man at the table knew for what intent he spake this unto him.
29] For some of them thought, because J udas had the bag, that J esus had said unto
him, Buy those things that we have need of against the feast; or, that he should
give something to the poor.
30] He then having received the sop went immediately out: and it was night.
It was night: Indeed.
Judas Iscariot
Son of Simon (J n 6:71; 13:2,26 ). Ish Kerioth, the man of Kerioth, in
J udah (J osh 15:25). This distinguishes him from the other J udas, and
also from the other eleven apostles who were of Galilee. [He was thus
connected with J udah his prototype who sold J oseph, and the J ews who
delivered J esus up to the Roman Gentiles.]
He obeyed the call of Jesus like the rest, probably infuenced by John the
Baptists testimony and his own Messianic hopes. Sagacity in business
was the natural gift which suggested the choice of him as bearer of the
common purse (J n 12:6).
He is placed last among the twelve because of his subsequent treachery;
even previously he was in the group of four lowest in respect to zeal,
faith, and love.
[The earliest recorded hint given by Christ of his badness is in J ohn
6:64,70, a year before the crucifxion: some of you ... believe not; for
J esus knew from the beginning who ... believed not, and who should
betray Him; have I not chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil
(not merely demon, the Greek always for the evil spirit possessing a
body, but devil, used only of Satan himself to whom J udas was now
yielding himself).]
Yet even then repentance was not too late for J udas. Peter the foremost
of the twelve had so shrunk from the cross as to be called Satan, yet
Peter recovered more than once afterward (Mt 16:23).
J esus many warnings against mammon love were calls to J udas while
yet he had not made his fatal and fnal choice (Mt 6:19-34; 13:22,23;
Lk 16:11; Mk 10:25,26). J ohn, who had an instinctive repugnance to
Judas, whose base selfsh character was so opposite to Johns own,
delineates the successive stages in his fall.
Before this crisis J udas had salvation and even a high place of honor in
Christs future kingdom within his reach. Temptation fell in his way
when larger contributions were made part of which were spent for
necessities and the rest given to the poor (Lk 8:3).
J udas, as treasurer, grudged the 300 pence worth of ointment lavished
by Mary on J esus, as money which ought to have come in to him, and
led some of the other disciples to join in the cry. Censoriousness and
covetousness prompted his objection (J n 12:5,6). Hope of larger gain
alone kept him from apostasy a year before (Jn 6:64).
Now, the lost chance of the 300 pence (denarii), vindictiveness at J esus
reproof (J n 12:7,8), a secret view that J esus saw a kingdom of power
and wealth, drove him to his last desperate shift to clutch at 30 pieces
of silver, the paltry price of a slave (Ex 21:32; Zech 11:12,13; Phil 2:7)
and betray his Lord.
The narrative gives little ground for the clever theory that J udas be-
trayed Christ mainly in order to force Him to declare tits true nature
and kingdom, that J udas might occupy the foremost place in it. Rather,
covetousness wrought in him unchecked spite and malignity, possibly
not unmixed with carnal expectations from Messiahs kingdom, until he
yielded himself up to be Satans tool, so that he received his sentence
before the last day.
Prophecy foretold Judas doom (Ps 109:4-8). Peter said, This Scripture
must needs have been fulflled which the Holy Spirit by the month of
David spoke before concerning J udas ... he obtained part of this minis-
try ... from which by transgression he fell, that he might go to his own
place (Acts 1:16-20,25).
Ahithophel, his type, combined shrewd sagacity with intimate knowledge
of David, which he turned against David, giving the hellish counsel
to incest and parricide (2 Sam. 15:12; 16:23; 17:1-3,23; Cf. Ps. 41:9;
55:13-15).
Ahithophel
Davids counselor, to whose treachery he touchingly alludes (Ps 41:9;
55:12-14,20,21). Davids prayer turned his counsel indeed into what
his name indicated, foolishness (2 Sam 15:31; J ob 5:12,13; 1 Cor 1:20).
Ahithophel was the mainspring of the rebellion. Absalom calculated on
his adhesion from the frst (2 Sam 15:12).
The history does not directly say why, but incidentally it comes out: He
was father of Eliam (or by transposition Ammiel); cf. 1 Chr. 3:5; thus,
the grandfather of Bathsheba (2 Sam 11:3; 23:34,39).
Uriah the Hittite and Eliam, being both of the kings guard (consisting
of 37 offcers), were intimate, and Uriah married the daughter of his
brother offcer.
Ahithophels proposal himself to pursue David that night with 12,000
men, and smite the king only, indicates the same personal hostility to
David, deep sagacity and boldness. He failed from no want of shrewdness
on his part, but from the folly of Absalom. His awful end shows that
worldly wisdom apart from faith in God turns into suicidal madness (Isa
29:14). He was the type of Judas both in his treachery and in his end.
Judas Iscariot
Even J udas shared in Christs washing of the disciples feet, and J esus
said ye are clean, but not all (J n 13:10). So J udas, in his relation to
Christ, knew His favorite haunt for prayer: Gethsemane. Suicide was
the end of J udas as of the type.
Then He gave the sop to J udas, an act of love (dipping a morsel of un-
leavened bread in the broth of bitter herbs and handing it to a friend),
but it only stirred up his hatred (Ps 109:4,5). So after the sop Satan
entered J udas. Then said J esus, that thou doest do quickly. Greek:
what thou art doing (with full determination already being carried into
action) do more quickly.
A paroxysm of mad devilishness hurried him on, just as the swine of
Gadara rushing into the deep. God gives him up to his own sin, and
so to accomplish Gods purpose; even as God did to Balaam (Num.
22:22ff), and J esus to the Pharisees (Matt. 23:32ff).
J udas, having given a token beforehand, whomsoever I shall kiss, that
same is He, take Him and lead Him away safely (Mk 14:44,45; Mt 26:48).
He then led the Roman band and priestly offcers to apprehend Jesus in
Gethsemane, and gave his studied, kiss, saying Hail, Master! (or as
Mark (Peter) graphically represents his overdone show of deference,
Master, Master!)
J esus, as J udas approached, said, Friend, wherefore art thou come?
and as J udas drew nigh to kiss Him, J udas, betrayest thou the Son of
man with a kiss? (Lk 22:47,48).
When the Lord was condemned by the high priest and Sanhedrin, J udas
was probably present; the reaction came: not that the condemnation
took him by surprise, his confession shows he contemplated the result.
His former Lords love and righteousness now remembered brought into
his soul remorse: metameleia not repentance (metanoia) cf. Mt 27:3,4.
I sinned in that I betrayed the innocent blood, he cried to the high
priests, his tempters. [Indwelt by Satan, this is an interesting declara-
tion of J esus innocence!] What is that to us? See thou to that, they
sneeringly reply.
Having served their end he is now cast aside as vile even in their eyes.
Having forced his way into the sanctuary of the priests, he fung down
the money, his bait to sin, now only hateful and tormenting to him
Acts 1:18 describes the sequel. He burst asunder when the suicide was
half accomplished, and his bowels gushed out, even as he had laid aside
bowels of compassion (Ps 109:9,11,16).
He had designed, to provide a possession like Gehazi (2 Kgs 5:26) for
himself and he saw that His kingdom was not then a temporal one; but,
the only possession he purchased was a bloody burial place, Aceldama,
which the priests bought with the price of blood, being characteristi-
cally too punctilious to put it into the treasury (Mt 23:24). The potters
feld was to bury strangers in, fulflling the foretold doom of Judas
(Ps 109:11; Zech 11`:12,13).
The potters clay, the emblem of Gods sovereignty so as to give the
reprobate to perdition, is frst introduced by Jeremiah (Jer 19:11), and
so J eremy is quoted as the original of Zech 11:12,13 (Mtt 27:9).

31] Therefore, when he was gone out, Jesus said, Now is the Son of man glorifed,
and God is glorifed in him.
32] If God be glorifed in him, God shall also glorify him in himself, and shall
straightway glorify him.
[This begins the Upper Room Discourse]
33] Little children, yet a little while I am with you. Ye shall seek me: and as I said
unto the J ews, Whither I go, ye cannot come; so now I say to you.
Teknia, little children: diminutive of tekna. (The only occurrence in
Gospel of John; used frequently in his frst epistle...)
Glorifed
1) The Greatest Event in the universe.
2) Reversed the conduct of the frst man.
3) Through death destroyed him who had the power of death: the
Devil (Heb 2:14).
4) Purchased for Himself the entire elect of God. What held Him to
the Cross? Not the nails! The strength of His love.
5) Glorifed man at Gods right hand (Jn 17:22; Phil 2:9-11).
34] A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved
you, that ye also love one another.
35] By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to
another.
New commandment? vs. Lev 19:18 vs. Royal Law, J as 2:8. Agapao
vs. phileo; storge vs. eros. Read 1 Corinthians 13, but substitute names.
Commentary: 1 John 2:7ff . [For more information, see The Way of Agape.]
36] Simon Peter said unto him, Lord, whither goest thou? J esus answered him,
Whither I go, thou canst not follow me now; but thou shalt follow me afterwards.
37] Peter said unto him, Lord, why cannot I follow thee now? I will lay down my
life for thy sake.
38] J esus answered him, Wilt thou lay down thy life for my sake? Verily, verily, I
say unto thee, The cock shall not crow, till thou hast denied me thrice.
Not I (Mark 14:29)
Did he mean it? A moments weakness and lifetimes regret.
Peter was courageous: At the Transfguration; he walked on water
and drew his sword in the Garden.
His Lesson: Peter failed in his strong suit. Thus: Have no confdence
in the fesh (Phil 3:3).
Next Session
Prepare by reading John 14-17: The Upper Room Discourse; and,
Isaiah 26:19-21, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, and 1 Corinthians 15:50-55.
Discussion Questions

1. Do you know any contemporary leaders that exemplify the lessons
of this session? Give actual examples.
2. Do you know of any personal examples of the different types of
washing today?
3. Could J udas not betray Christ? Did he have a choice (since it was
prophesied)?
4. In what way was John 13:34 a new commandment (vs. Lev
19:18)?
5. What are the lessons we can draw from Peters denial(s)?
The Gospel of John
Session 14: John 14
1] Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.
Let not your heart be troubled: Whos comforting who?! Hes the one
facing tomorrow...He must tread the winepress alone.
...heart: Cardia, seat of life (moral, intellectual, volitional, emotional
aspects. Jesus had spoken about soul, spirit, heart (Jn 12:27; 13:21; 14:27).
...believe: Pisteuete, indicative (fact) or imperative (command)? Most
commentators lean to the imperative usage. A troubled heart could
eat away at faith; faith can calm a troubled heart...faith is the key to
overcoming (1 Jn 5:4).
2] In my Fathers house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told
you. I go to prepare a place for you.
3] And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto
myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.
The Second Coming
Daniel 2:44-45
Daniel 7:9-14
Daniel 12:1-3
Zech 14:1-15
Matt 13:41
Matt 24:15-31
Matt 26:64
Mark 13:14-27
Mark 14:62
Luke 21:25-28
Acts 1:9-11
Acts 3:19-21
1 Thess 3:13
2 Thess 1:6-10
2 Thess 2:8
2 Peter 3:1-14
Jude 14-15
Rev 1:7
Rev 19:11-20:6
Rev 22:7, 12, 20
Two Events?

Rapture Second Coming
The Rapture
John 14:1-3
1 Cor 15:1-53
1 Thess 4:13-18
Rom 8:19
1 Cor 1:7-8
1 Cor 16:22
Phil 3:20-21
Col 3:4
1 Thess 1:10
1 Thess 2:19
1 Thess 5:9
1 Thess 5:23
2 Thess 2:1, (3)
1 Tim 6:14
2 Tim 4:1
Titus 2:13
Heb 9:28
J ames 5:7-9
1 Peter 1:7, 13
1 J ohn 2:28-3:2
J ude 21
Rev 2:25
Rev 3:10
Translation of all believers.
Translated saints go to heaven.
Earth not judged.
Imminent, any-mo ment,
sign less.
Not in the Old Testament.
Believers only.
Before the day of wrath.
No reference to Satan.
No translation at all.
Translated saints return to earth.
Earth judged; righteousness es-
tablished.
Follows defnite predicted signs,
including Tribulation.
Predicted often in Old Testament.
Affects all men on the earth.
Concluding the day of wrath.
Satan is bound.
Most Preposterous Belief of Biblical Christianity
The Promise
The Process The Blessed Hope
The Purpose
The Prophetic Profle
The Problems Pattern is Prologue
The Promise: John 14
Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.
In my Fathers house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would
have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare
a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that
where I am, there ye may be also.
John 14:1-3
The Jewish Wedding
The Ketubah, Betrothal
Payment of the purchase price
Set apart (sanctifed)
Bridegroom departs to Fathers House
Prepares room addition
Bride prepares for his imminent return
Surprise gathering
Huppah, Wedding
Seven day Marriage supper
The Marriage Fulflled
Covenant established: 1 Cor 11:25.
Purchase price: 1 Cor 6:19-20.
Bride set apart: Eph 5:25-27; 1 Cor 1:2; 6:11; Heb 10:10; 13:12.
Christ comes for His own.
He comes in the air.
He claims His bride.
Only His own see.
Tribulation begins
Church believers only?
Christ comes with His own.
He comes to the earth.
He comes with His bride.
Every eye shall see Him.
Millennial Kingdom begins.
OT saved raised later?
Reminded of the covenant: 1 Cor 11:25-26.
Bridegroom left for the Fathers house
Escort to accompany Him upon His return to gather His Bride:
1 Thess 4:16-17.
The Process: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them
which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no
hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them
also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. For this we say
unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain
unto the coming of the Lord shall not precede them which are asleep.
For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with
the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead
in Christ shall rise frst: Then we which are alive and remain shall be
caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the
air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one
another with these words.
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
deinde nos qui vivimus qui relinquimur simul rapiemur cum illis in
nubibus obviam Domino in aera et sic semper cum Domino erimus
1 Thessalonians 4:17 (Latin Vulgate)
Rapiemur is the proper tense of rapio: Our English words rapt and
rapture come from the past participle of rapio.
Seven Raptures
1) Enoch Gen 5:42; Heb 11:5
2) Elijah 2 Kgs 2:1, 11
3) J esus Mk 16:19; Acts 1:9-11; Rev 12:5
4) Philip Acts 8:39
5) Paul 2 Cor 12:2-4
6) Body of Christ 1 Thess 4:17
7) John Rev 4:1
The Purpose: 1 Corinthians 15:50-55
Now this I say, brethren, that fesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom
of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption. Behold, I shew
you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a
moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet
shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be
changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal
must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on
incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall
be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up
in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?
1 Corinthians 15:50-55
...twinkling of an eye: Digital Limit: 10
-43
seconds.
The Physics of Immortality
Dimensionality 1 Jn 3:2
et-te| oiketerion 2 Cor 5:2; cf. J ude 6
Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what
we shall be: but we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like
Him; for we shall see Him as He is.
1 J ohn 3:2
For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved,
we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal
in the heavens. For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed
upon with our house which is from heaven:
2 Corinthians 5:1,2
...house: et-te| oiketerion (only here and J ude 6).
clothed upon: .:.|eueat ependuomai (compound of epi, en, duo)
to put on over, one piece of clothing over another presently being worn.
The Doctrine of Imminence
In the J ewish Wedding, the Bridegroom departs to Fathers House; he
prepares a room addition and his bride prepares for his imminent return.
Imminent =next expectation: Not be confused with immanent, that
God is not only transcendent, or far above us, but that He is always with
us and active on our behalf. Nor should it be confused with eminent,
which is a title of honor reserved for persons of outstanding distinction.
Believers are taught to expect the Savior from heaven at any moment
(Phil 3:20; Titus 2:13; Heb 9:28; 1 Thess 1:10; 4:18; 5:6; Rev 22:20).
They are to express hope and a warm spirit of expectancy (1 Thess
1:10), which should result in a victorious and purifed life (1 Jn 3:2,3).
Paul seemed to include himself among those who looked for Christs
return (1 Thess 4:15,17; 2 Thess 2:1). Timothy was admonished to keep
this commandment without spot, unrebukable, until the appearing of
our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Tim 6:14). Jewish converts were reminded
that yet a little while, and He that shall come will come, and will not
tarry. (Heb 10:37); Occupy til I come (Luke 19:13). The expecta-
tion of some were so strong that they had stopped work and had to be
exhorted to return to their jobs (2 Thess 3:10-12); and have patience
(J ames 5:8).
Old Testament Allusions?
Thy dead men shall live, together with my dead body shall they arise.
Awake and sing, ye that dwell in dust: for thy dew is as the dew of
herbs, and the earth shall cast out the dead. Come, my people, enter
thou into thy chambers, and shut thy doors about thee: hide thyself
as it were for a little moment, until the indignation be overpast. For,
behold, the LORD cometh out of his place to punish the inhabitants
of the earth for their iniquity: the earth also shall disclose her blood,
and shall no more cover her slain.
Isaiah 26:19-21
Seek ye the LORD, all ye meek of the earth, which have wrought his
judgment; seek righteousness, seek meekness: it may be ye shall be
hid in the day of the LORDS anger.
Zephaniah 2:3
For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret
of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock.
Psalm 27:5
John 14
Socratic Method: Using questions, focusing on the needs of the student.
This chapter involves four questions:

1) Lord, Where Are You Going? John 13:33, 36; 14:1
2) How Can We Know the Way? John 14:5-7
3) Show Us the Father John 14:8-21
4) How Can You Manifest Yourself
to Us and Not to the World? John 14:22-31
1) Lord, Where Are You Going?
4] And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.
5] Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can
we know the way?
2) How Can We Know the Way?
6] J esus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto
the Father, but by me.
John 14:6 is The Gospel in a nutshell.
...the way: The defnitive article in the Greek is an adjective. He is
not just a person who shows the way, but He, personally, is the way.
No church or ceremony can bring you to God. Only Christ can bring
you to God. He is the way.
...the truth: He isnt saying that He tells the truth, although He does
do that. He is the truth! He is the bureau of standards for truth, the
very touchstone of truth.
...the life: He isnt simply stating that He is alive. He is the source,
the origin of life from the lowest vegetable plane of life to the highest
spiritual plane of life.
...no man cometh unto the Father, but by me: He made a dead-end street
of all the cults and isms. He says the only way to God is through Him.
7] If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth
ye know him, and have seen him.
3) Show Us the Father
8] Philip saith unto him, Lord, shew us the Father, and it suffceth us.
9] J esus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not
known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest
thou then, Shew us the Father?
Philip: He has a Greek name and some believe that he was a Greek.
However, he could have been J ewish and still have a Greek name.
Philip was a very quiet individual, the opposite from loquacious Peter.
He is a very unusual man because every time we meet him he is bring-
ing someone to J esus (even Nathanael). Philip was the quiet man and
Nathanael was the wisecracker. Philip was the straight man and Na-
thanael was the humorist.
...shew us the Father: Here he expresses the highest ambition any
man can have, the highest desire expressed by any person in the whole
Bible, shew us the Father. Remember that the Greeks came to him,
wanting to see J esus.
What Is Your Desire in Life?
What is your ultimate goal?
Do you want to get rich?
Do you want to make a name for yourself?
Do you want to educate your children? Do you want to bring them
up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord?
Our goals may be worthy goals; yet the highest goal is this expressed
by Philip.
In Christ there is a much greater revelation of God than anything in the
Old Testament. Philip had the greatest revelation of God because he had
seen Him incarnate in fesh and been with Himin His presencefor
three years! We are going to spend all eternity with Him. For those of
us who love Him, the goal of our lives is to come to know Him.
10] Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that
I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he
doeth the works.
11] Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for
the very works sake.
Too many Christians lose their fellowship with God because they think
they are all right, but their words and their works are not consistent.
This needs to be confessed. As we saw in Chapter 13, J esus says that
He must wash us so that we may have fellowship with Him.
You will notice that J esus has interruptions during His discourse. First
it was Peter, then Thomas, and then Philip. But J esus continues on in
His discourse until verse 22 when He is again interrupted.
12] Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall
he do also; and greater [works] than these shall he do; because I go unto my
Father.
13] And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be
glorifed in the Son.
...my Father: The Father is mentioned twenty times in this passage,
and it is always the Lord J esus who mentions Him.
14] If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.
He continues right on to say that these greater things are the result of
prayer. Prayer evangelism is so neglected today This is the heavy artil-
lery of Ephesians 6! Some say they prayed and God just didnt answer
their prayer. They prayed and God didnt answer their prayer. What is
wrong? They are reading something into the verse that is not there at
all: They need to keep on reading. This is all tied into one package.
15] If ye love me, keep my commandments.
In My Name...
What does it mean to ask in the name of Christ?
To pray in His Person means to be standing in His place. It means to
be fully identifed with Him, joined to Christ. It means that you and I
are pleading the merits of His blessed Son when we stand before God.
We have no standing of our own before God at all. He does not hear my
prayer because I am Chuck Missler. He hears our prayers when they
are in the name of Christ. This is not just a little phrase that we tag on
to the end of our prayer closing with in J esus name. Praying in His
name is presenting it in His merit and for His glory.
16] And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he
may abide with you for ever;
17] Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him
not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall
be in you.
...shall be in you: The Holy Spirit was here on earth before Pente-
cost, but on the Day of Pentecost He came to indwell believers. This
is a unique fact of this age in which we are living. That was the thing
which was new.
18] I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.
19] Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I
live, ye shall live also.
20] At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you.
...comfortless: The Greek word for comfortless is orphanos which
means orphans.
At that day: What is that day? It is the day you and I are living in.
It is the day that began with Pentecost.
...ye in me, and I in you: The most profound statement in the Gospel
of J ohn or in the whole Bible. They are all monosyllabic words so that
a little child can understand them; yet no philosopher can plumb the
depths of their meaning.
You in Methat is salvation. To be saved means to be in Christ. That
is why Peter says that we are saved by baptism. Baptism means identif-
cation, and it means to be identifed with Christ. God sees everyone as
either in Christ or out of Christ. You are either in Him by faith or you
are out of Him with your sins still upon you. If you are in Christ, then
God sees you in Christ, and His righteousness is your righteousness.
You stand complete in Him.
I in youthat is sanctifcation. That is being Christian living down
here. Paul wrote:
I am crucifed with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ
liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the fesh I live by the faith
of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
Galatians 2:20
21] He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me:
and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will
manifest myself to him.
Dont say that you love Christ if you are not obeying Him. He is mak-
ing this very clear here. J esus is going to manifest Himself to the one
who loves Him. Later He says that it is the Holy Spirit who will take
the things of J esus and show them to you. Where does He do this? In
the Scriptures. That is where J esus is manifested: The Logos.
4) How Can You Manifest Yourself to Us and Not to
the World?
22] J udas saith unto him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself
unto us, and not unto the world?
J udas =Thaddaeus, Lebbaeus. The only mention of this J udas in NT.
Not Judas Iscariot. Here is the frst missionary, by the way. The Lord
J esus answers him and His answer is the rest of the chapter.
...how is it that: Ti gegonen hoti, an expression of surprise. There
are three ways:
Three Ways
1) By Fellowship v.23
2) By Indwelling Spirit v.24, 25
3) By Inner Peace v.26, 27
23] J esus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words:
and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode
with him.
We are the Temple, not only of the Holy Spirit, but also of the Father
and the Son. I am in Christ! (Eph 2:6 ). Christ is in me! (Gal 2:20).
Faith does not destroy necessity for obedience; readiness does not
eliminate performance (2 Cor 8:11).
The way the world is going to fnd out about the Lord Jesus is through
us, and obedience is imperative. Profession is not worth anything. Your
actions speak so loudly I cant hear what you are saying.
Church membership is not the issue. The issue is our love for Him
evidenced by our obedience. How about your love for Him? Does it
discipline you? Is He real to you? These are the things that are important.
24] He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is
not mine, but the Fathers which sent me.
25] These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you.
He will teach you all things: Christs pre-authentication of the NT.
26] But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my
name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance,
whatsoever I have said unto you.
...all things: Claim that; and dignify it with a private journal
for your eyes only: a log book of your experiments in the realm of
the supernatural: the Metacosm.
27] Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give
I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
Peace: Not shalom, but eirenen; spiritual peace that only Christ can
give.
Peace with God Rom 5:1
Peace of God Phil 4:7
J udicial vs. experiential; reconciliation vs. alienation; tranquility vs.
tumult.
The Trinity is evident here: Equal in nature, separate in person, subservi-
ent in duties.This verse takes us back to the beginning of this chapter.
It is His fnal word of comfort.
28] Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye
loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father
is greater than I.
29] And now I have told you before it come to pass, that, when it is come to pass,
ye might believe.
30] Hereafter I will not talk much with you: for the prince of this world cometh,
and hath nothing in me.
The enmity of the Serpent being readied to vent on the Seed
of the Woman... In a few hours He would be arrested and His
disciples scattered. The Prince of this world was coming.
J esus Christ would have another siege with Satan, which probably
took place in the Garden of Gethsemane. After that, He would go to
the cross for the sins of the world. After His ascension, the Comforter
would come to indwell believers.
31] But that the world may know that I love the Father; and as the Father gave me
commandment, even so I do. Arise, let us go hence.
Arise, let us go hence: Agomen, armies going into battle to meet death;
a motivational charge. Thus, Chapters 15 & 16 may have been en
route to Gethsemane. Chapter 17 is His intimate prayer to the Father
upon entering the gardenJ ohn 18:1 reads they crossed into the
Garden...
Next Session
Prepare by reading J ohn 15, 16 & 17.
Discussion Questions
1) Is the concept of the Rapture Biblical? Prove it.
2) What are the alternative viewpoints to the one presented in this
session? What are their strengths? Weaknesses?
3) What occurs between vv.5 & 6 in Revelation 12?
4) What are the alternative views of the Doctrine of Imminency?
5) How is that relevant to our priorities today?
6) Is the Rapture alluded to in the Old Testament?
7) How should one deal with dogma and its critics?
8) What is your ultimate goal in life?
9) How should we deal with unanswered prayer?
The Gospel of John
Session 15: John 15 - 16
In Chapter 14 we had the presentation of His Grace. In Chapter 15, we
see what our responsibility is to that Grace. [Note: (this) to intimate
believers only!]
Chapter 15 is commonly known as the Vine and Branches chapter.
Well explore our union and communion with Christ. An intimacy so
intertwined that it is impossible to speak of one without the other...
Now will I sing to my wellbeloved a song of my beloved touching his
vineyard. My wellbeloved hath a vineyard in a very fruitful hill: And
he fenced it, and gathered out the stones thereof, and planted it with
the choicest vine, and built a tower in the midst of it, and also made a
winepress therein: and he looked that it should bring forth grapes, and
it brought forth wild grapes. And now, O inhabitants of Jerusalem, and
men of Judah, judge, I pray you, betwixt me and my vineyard. What
could have been done more to my vineyard, that I have not done in it?
wherefore, when I looked that it should bring forth grapes, brought it
forth wild grapes? And now go to; I will tell you what I will do to my
vineyard: I will take away the hedge thereof, and it shall be eaten up;
and break down the wall thereof, and it shall be trodden down: And
I will lay it waste: it shall not be pruned, nor digged; but there shall
come up briers and thorns: I will also command the clouds that they
rain no rain upon it. For the vineyard of the LORD of hosts is the house
of Israel, and the men of Judah his pleasant plant: and he looked for
judgment, but behold oppression; for righteousness, but behold a cry.
Isaiah 5:1-7
...vine =Israel (Isa 5:1-7). The chief value of the vine: fruit. Fruit of
the vine =Cup at the Passover meal.
Fruit is used 8X in this chapter and remember eight is the number of
the new beginning;
Abide is used 15X in 10 verses; ye is used 22X.
In Chapter 15 we will explore the following relationships:
Relationship with Christ J ohn 15:1-11
Relationship with each other J ohn 15:12-17
Relationship with the world John 15:18-16:4
In Chapter 16, the work of the Holy Spirit
John 15
1] I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman.
Vine: The national symbol of Israel; golden vine on Temple Gate;
symbol on Maccabean coins (Ps 80:8; Isa 5:1-7; J er 2:21; Ezek 15;
19:10; Hos 10:1).
True: Alethine, distinguishing His reality and genuineness from that
which is false and unreal...implying there is a false vine.
J esus proclaims his seventh I AM statement. True light, J n 1:9; True
bread, J n 6:32; (true tabernacle), Heb 8:2, 5.
A vine that is cared for and carefully pruned by the husbandman will
consistently bear fruit. The Father is the husbandman (Isa 53:2): Pro-
tecting care, watchfulness, and faithfulness.
...husbandman: Who is the husbandman? The Father (vs. J ohn 5:22).
No fruit... fruit... more fruit... much fruit.
The Husbandman (Father) cuts both the branches that produce, and
those that do not, with a different purpose for each (v.2, 6):
Barren branches are removed so as to not affect the health of the
rest (v.6);
Fruit-bearing branches are also pruned.
2] Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that
beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.
...taketh away: What does this passage mean? Several views:
1) The true believer apostatizing? Arminians: The Christian who does
not abide in Christ loses his salvation. This seems to be refuted by
J ohn 4:14; 10:28; 18:9; Rom 5:9-10; 8:35-39
2) Eternal security position: A mere professor, never truly united to
Christ (were they branches? v.5; in me...)
3) Fruit bearing, not salvation (2 Pet 1:5-7, 8; Tit 3:14). Fruitbearing:
The vinedresser does not cut away a vine, but gently lifts it up to
the sun so it has an opportunity to bear fruit. Not judgment but
encouragement is referenced here (cf. Dan 7:4).
4) Airei, taketh away. The root for resurrection: to take up,
lift up, as in Luke 17:13; Acts 4:24; John 11:41; Rev 10:5.
...fruit: karpon, is singular, implying character (cf. Gal 5:22, fruit
of the Spirit).
...beareth fruit: Soul-winning: to attract, convict, and lead to the
conversion of others.
...purgeth: kathairei, he cleans: Purpose clause with hina, and the
present active subjunctive of phero: that it may keep on bearing more
and more fruit. Conditions: Abiding, cleansing.
3] Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.
Now; Already: Note ye =one class, not two... How are we
cleansed? By the Word (Ps 119:9, 67, 71; 2 Cor 7:1). Pruned by the
Master: Count it all joy (Jas 1:2-4; Rom 5:3-5).
4] Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it
abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.
Abide: meinate: To remain or stay. Dont confuse this with the
phrase to be in Christ, which is a position by new birth (2 Cor 5:7; Eph
2:10). Abiding cannot come without obedience. Our entire dependency
should be upon Him and Him only.
The secret of fruitfulness is found in abiding (or remaining) in the True
Vine; not in the effort of the branches (trying) to produce grapes (1 J n
3:24 ). Apart from its attachment to the vine, the branch is totally use-
less. (The wood of the vine is of such inferior quality, it was not even
permitted to be burned on the temple altar.)
5] I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same
bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
I am the vine, ye are the branches: Menorah: 1 +6 =7.
...for without me ye can do nothing: It is not a question of our suf-
fciency: Its His! The branches just bear the grapes; it doesnt produce
them. Can you sever this union? (Rom 8:38-39). The fellowship, yes.
The union, no! Why vines? They are the only fruit that doesnt ripen
if it is separated from the branch
6] If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men
gather them, and cast them into the fre, and they are burned.
...cast forth: (Not man, unless any one abide in me he is cast out
as a branch...). Again there are various views:
Various Views
1) Loss of salvation?
2) Presumption; profession without salvation.
3) Believer losing his reward; a man, singular, ends with they are
burned, plural = rewards being lost (1 Cor 3:12-15; Rom 14:10; 2
Cor 5:10). Lot is an example (2 Pet 2:7, vs. Gen 13).
4) Premature death of the non-abider. Stripped of gifts (Mt 5:13; Lk
8:18; 2 J n 8):
Ananias and Sapphira Acts 5:1-11
Sin at the Lords table 1 Cor 11:28-30
Sin unto death 1 John 5:16
7] If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it
shall be done unto you.
Astounding promise and command: Thelethe aitesasthe, ask what
ye will. The aorist middle imperative: force of a direct order; ask,
not, if you ask. This must be in harmony and intimate communion,
abiding in His Word (1 Jn 5:14; Jas 4:3). Take every thought captive
(2 Cor 10:5, Rom 12:2).
8] Herein is my Father glorifed, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.
Herein points back to the union with Christ and forward to fruit bearing.
Neither are an end in itself, but rather to the end of bringing glory to
the Father. Fruit of the Vine (Hos 14:8).
That Bringeth Forth His Fruit in Season : Ps 1:3
1. The fruit of the Holy Spirit Character Gal 5:22,23; Eph 5:9
2. The fruit unto holiness Conduct Rom 6:22
3. The fruit of righteousness Contentment Heb 12:11; Phil 1:11
4. The fruit of the lips Conversation Heb 13:15
5. The fruit of our hands Concrete service Prov 31:16, 31; 1 Cor
for God 3:10,14
6. The fruit of the righteous Converts Prov 11:30; Rom 1:13
7. The fruit of the womb Children (spiritual) implied in Rom 7
Genesesthe: So Shall Ye Be
It is in the future tense, emphasizing that true discipleship is a
growing experience.
Fruits of righteousness Phil 1:11
Love of Christ 2 Cor 5:14
J oy of Christ J ohn 15:11
Peace of Christ John 14:27
Meekness and gentleness 2 Cor 10:1
All things through Him Phil 4:13
Semi-retirement in service for God?
We cease glorifying the Father; stop bearing fruit.
We fall short of the ultimate discipleship level, bring forth...old
age (Ps 92:14).
9] As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love.
10] If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept
my Fathers commandments, and abide in his love.
If ye keep my commandments: Obedience (cf. John 14:15). Obedi-
ence is always a love response; as His was (is). The result of fruitful
life is a sense of personal fulfllment. ...under the law to Christ (1
Cor 9:21); ...love is the fulflling of the law (Rom 13:10). See also
Jn 13:34; 14:15; 15:10; Mt 28:20.
11] These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that
your joy might be full.
...my joy: His joy (Heb 12:2; Ps 16:8,9).
...your joy might be full: Plerothei, fulflled: Progressive fulfll-
ment of the disciples joy (Gal 5:22; 1 Jn 1:3, 4). [Love, Jn 15:9; Joy,
J n 15:11; Peace J n 15:12.]
12] This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.
...love one another: Love ought to characterize all their mutual re-
lationships. [Why doesnt it? See The Way of Agape book and DVD
series, and also The Architecture of Man briefng package.]
13] Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
The soldier has a most noble profession. Greater love...a man lay
down his life for his friends: The Cross was the ultimate display of
sacrifcial love (1 Jn 4:11).
14] Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.
15] Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord
doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father
I have made known unto you.
The knowledge of whats coming is reserved for friends
The Intimacy of Prophecy
Abraham: friend of God: shall I not show him
Servants => Friends
Daniel: Beloved => Daniel
John: Beloved disciple => Revelation!
Abraham = Friend of God (2 Chr 20:7; Isa 41:8; Jas 2:23).
Abraham received a prophetic insight (Gen 18:17).
Compare with Daniel and John: Both called the Beloved; both
wrote apocalyptic books in the Bible and both were given prophetic
insights of the last days.
Now, every blood-bought believer is called Beloved. Abraham
is called Father of all them that believe. Christ will never forsake
His friends!
Servants: Doulos, bondservants (Deut 34:5; Josh 24:29; Ps 89:20;
Titus 1:1; J as 1:1).
Ye, brethren, are not in darkness that that day should overtake
you as a thief (1 Thess 5:2-4).
16] Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should
go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye
shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.
17] These things I command you, that ye love one another.
...I command...Love: A command! Not simply a suggestioncf. J n
13:34; 15:12; Rom 12:10; Eph 4:2, 32; Col 3:13; 1 Pet 1:22; 1 Pet 2:17;
1 Pet 4:8; 1 Pet 3:8.
18] If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you.
If the world hate you: Miseo, hate, detest, abhor. Anticipate opposi-
tion from the world; opposition vindicates discipleship (Jas 4:4). Hours
before His arrest and crucifxion, a solemn warning. Hatred is used
seven times. The world will hate you.
There is no evidence of persecution while the Master was with them:
70 sent forth Luke 10:17
Pharisees critical Matthew 15:2; Luke 19
Gethsemane: let go John 18:8
Fishing unmolested John 21:23
As a Shepherd, he goeth John 10:4
before them...
19; If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not
of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth
you.
No longer of; but out of. The world = 5X.
We are not of this world (Jn 8:23).
A Call to separation (Phil 3:10; 2 Tim 3:12; Mt 5:10,12).
Sovereign Election
Synagogue at Nazareth (Lk 4:28, 29; Isa 61:1,2).
Elijah
Widow of Zarephath
Elisha
Naaman, the Syrian
It was the religious world which was enraged by Christ! Why did
they try to cast him off the cliff? all were Gentiles!
20] Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his
lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept
my saying, they will keep yours also.
Servant not greater than master: Serving one another (J n 13:16; 15:20);
expect hostility (1 Pet 4:14; Heb 11:26).
...persecuted: dioko, originally meant to run off, as a dog in a
garden; then used as to overtake, as in competition (Phil 3:12). Here
used as to pursue, with hostile intent. This whole passage rebukes
our attempts to be popular.
21] But all these things will they do unto you for my names sake, because they
know not him that sent me.
They know not him who sent me: Ignorance.
22] If I had not come and spoken unto them, they had not had sin: but now they
have no cloke for their sin.
Exposing the sin of unbelief. This is used in a comparative sense;
examples in (Isa 40:17; 1 Cor 3:7). Degrees of punishment (Mt 11:22;
Heb 10:28,29). Much given; much required (Lk 12:48).
23] He that hateth me hateth my Father also.
24] If I had not done among them the works which none other man did, they had
not had sin: but now have they both seen and hated both me and my Father.
25] But this cometh to pass, that the word might be fulflled that is written in their
law, They hated me without a cause.
...hated me without a cause (Ps 35:19; 69:4). Our natural state is that
of haters of God (Rom 1:30).
...written in their law: The written Word testifed against Israel.
26] But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father,
even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:
27] And ye also shall bear witness, because ye have been with me from the beginning.
Two witnesses required (Num 35:30; Deut 17:6). Eternal procession
of the Spirit. Para tou patros ekporeuetai: From beside the Father.
Echad: Trinity
Equal in nature;
Separate in person;
Submissive in duties.
Elohim: Plural: three
John 16
1] These things have I spoken unto you, that ye should not be offended.
A fulfllment of the previous four verses (cf. 1 Jn 3:13).
...that ye should not be offended: Skandalisthete: Offended, caused
to stumble.
The persecution always comes from the religious world. It comes from
within. Opposition comes (apparently) in the name of God; blind zeal
for God...to be scattered (Zech 13:7; Mt 26:31).
2] They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever
killeth you will think that he doeth God service.
Has the church converted the worldor is it the other way around?
The professing Church has boasted that it would convert the world.
The world has converted the professing church.
The persecution of Christs people comes from the religious world...
the delusion that the perpetrators would imagine that they were doing
God a service (Prov 29:27; Amos 5:10).
...put you out: Expelled from the synagogue: Cut off socially from
family and friends; lasting disgrace; perpetual danger; death?
...Gods service: Latreian; same word to describe the service of the
priest at the altar
3] And these things will they do unto you, because they have not known the Father,
nor me.
4] But these things have I told you, that when the time shall come, ye may remember
that I told you of them. And these things I said not unto you at the beginning,
because I was with you.
5] But now I go my way to him that sent me; and none of you asketh me, Whither
goest thou?
6] But because I have said these things unto you, sorrow hath flled your heart.
7] Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I
go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send
him unto you.
...the Comforter: to the world (vv. 7-11 ); to the believer (vv. 12-15).
It is expedient: sumpherei sun, together, and phero, to bear or bring:
bringing one together with good things; proftable.
Personal pronoun I is emphatic. Different words for the departure
of Christ: Apeltho, go away; leaving. Preutho, to depart for a specifc
purpose; so He could send the Comforter.
8] And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness,
and of judgment:
...when he is come: Masculine pronoun (three genders in Greek).

...reprove the world: Elegxei, convict; to refute an adversary completely;
to demonstrate guilt so the truth of the charge will be acknowledged.
The objective is condemnation, not subjective realization.
The Holy Spirit ought not to be here at all: Christ ought to be here. The
Father sent Him. The world would not have Him. But He would not
leave us orphans. Taking the place of an absent Christ, the guilt of the
world is demonstrated.
...of sin...of righteousness: Peri, (of?) in respect to, concerning.

...sin: Harmartias, missing the mark. General area in which all miss
the mark: unbeliefJ ohn 16:9.
9] Of sin, because they believe not on me;
10] Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more;
11] Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.
Christ is the standard of righteousness (2 Cor 1:30).
...because I go: Hupago, I am going: emphasizes personal relation-
ship; separating Himself...progressive revelation.
Of judgment: Men shall be convicted to judgment because Satan has
been judged. Kekritai, judged, is a perfect passive indicative form of
the verb to judge. Completed actions; refers to the cross judgment
of J esus Christ.
12] I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now.
...ye cannot bear them now: Bastazein, to carry off. The Holy Spirit
would complete their understanding...
13] Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth:
for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he
speak: and he will shew you things to come.
...he shall not speak of himself: The unnamed servant, cf. Gen 24:2
(cf. 15:2); Ruth 2:5,6. Your Log Book Challenge
...all truth: Pasan, all. Adverb: completely. The adverb complete
implies the inspiration, inerrancy, and authority of the New Testament
(Ps 25:5). He will completely lead you into truth. His revealing to
the apostles New Testament truth was complete, not partial. Their lack
of understanding demonstrated the need for the Holy Spirit to come.
...things to come: The only occurrence in NT. Not only eschatology
but doctrines of ecclesiology, pneumatology, etc. Epistles, Acts, etc.
Showing them things to come: Anaggelei, declare, announce. Used
of formal preaching of the Gospel (Acts 20:20; 1 Pet 1:12; 1 J n 1:5):

The Past John 14:26
The Present John 15:26
The Future John 16:13

J esus Letters to Seven Churches: He that hath an ear to hear let him
hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
Holy Spirits Ministry
Seven things:
1) He would act as the Spirit of the Truth.
2) He would guide believers into all truth.
3) He would not speak of Himself.
4) He would speak what He heard.
5) He would show believers things to come.
6) He would Glorify Christ.
7) He would take of the things of Christ and show them unto His
People.
Personally:
1) He quickens us J ohn 3:6
2) He indwells us 1 Cor 6:9
3) He loves us Rom 15:13
4) He leads us Rom 8:14
5) He gives us assurance of our sonship Rom 8:16
6) He helps our infrmities by making
intercession for us Rom 8:26
7) He has sealed us unto the day of redemption Eph 4:30
14] He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you.
15] All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of
mine, and shall shew it unto you.
He will Guide, Declare, and Glorify (1 Cor 2:9-11; Isa 64). The Holy
Spirit will glorify Christ; not Himself. Nowhere in the epistles has the
Holy Spirit told us anything about the Father which had not previously
been revealed in and by the Lord J esus. He has told us many things
about the Son, which J esus uttered not in the day of His humiliation.
16] A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see
me, because I go to the Father.
A little while: Two hours later...Three days later... They lost sight of
Him. Remember the Emmaus Road: yet a little while... (Heb 10:37).
His disciples should have known (Ps 68:18; 110:1; Isa 26; Hos 5:15).
Passion and Pentecost; Departure and Final Return.
17] Then said some of his disciples among themselves, What is this that he saith
unto us, A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye
shall see me: and, Because I go to the Father?
J esus knew...: We need never be embarrassed about coming to Him
with any problem or need (Isa 65:24). When it hurts too much to cry:
1) Remember, the Comforter has come (vv.7-15).
2) Be assured that God will ultimately turn your sorrow into joy (vv.
20-22)
3) Take advantage of your tremendous power (vv. 23-24).
4) Claim the victorious Peace of Christ in every battle (vv. 25-33).
18] They said therefore, What is this that he saith, A little while? we cannot tell
what he saith.
19] Now J esus knew that they were desirous to ask him, and said unto them, Do
ye enquire among yourselves of that I said, A little while, and ye shall not see
me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me?
20] Verily, verily, I say unto you, That ye shall weep and lament, but the world shall
rejoice: and ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy.
Verily verily...: Double verily formula. OT childbirth illustration;
deep sorrow turned into lasting joy (Isa 21:3; 26:17; 66:7; Hos 13:13;
Mic 4:9, 10).
21] A woman when she is in travail hath sorrow, because her hour is come: but as
soon as she is delivered of the child, she remembereth no more the anguish,
for joy that a man is born into the world.
Thlipseos: anguish is the usual word for tribulation in NT. Note:
Travail idiom precedes the OT allusion to the Rapture in Isa 26:17..19ff
22] And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart
shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you.
23] And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, What-
soever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you.
...ask the Father in my name: Ask occurs in two verbs: Erotesete,
questioning; and, Aitesete, make a request or demand. (This is the seventh
and fnal in Upper Room Discourse of verily, verily.)
24] Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your
joy may be full.
25] These things have I spoken unto you in proverbs: but the time cometh, when I
shall no more speak unto you in proverbs, but I shall shew you plainly of the
Father.
ask, and ye shall receive: Present tense of ask: continuous asking.
...proverbs: Shepherd and sheep (J n 10:1-6); Vine and branches, (J n
15:1-8); woman and labor, (J n 16:21).
26] At that day ye shall ask in my name: and I say not unto you, that I will pray the
Father for you:
27] For the Father himself loveth you, because ye have loved me, and have believed
that I came out from God.
The Father loves you because you have loved me: In the value of
His person.
28] I came forth from the Father, and am come into the world: again, I leave the
world, and go to the Father.
29] His disciples said unto him, Lo, now speakest thou plainly, and speakest no
proverb.
30] Now are we sure that thou knowest all things, and needest not that any man
should ask thee: by this we believe that thou camest forth from God.
Disciples oidamen (knowledge) falls short of J esus ginosko knowl-
edge.
31] J esus answered them, Do ye now believe?
32] Behold, the hour cometh, yea, is now come, that ye shall be scattered, every
man to his own, and shall leave me alone: and yet I am not alone, because the
Father is with me.
33] These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the
world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
Be of good cheer: tharseite, only occurrence: elsewhere it is a verb
calling for courage in the face of perceived danger. He overcame the
world that Noah condemned (Heb 11:7). J esus life began with a decla-
ration of peace (Lk 2:14); He here concludes His fnal message to His
disciples before the Cross with a message of peace...
Living in Two Worlds
Twofold life: In Me In the world
Twofold experience: Peace Tribulation
Twofold secret: I have Good Cheer
Overcome
Next Session
Prepare by studying Chapter 17: The Lords Intimate PrayerThe
Holy of Holies of the New Testament.
Discussion Questions
1) How does Isaiah 5:1-7 impact us here today?
2) Why are both barren and fruit-bearing branches pruned?
3) Why were vines chosen?
4) What are the various interpretations of the branches being taken
away?
5) Which is your view?
6) What was most impacting lesson in these two chapters?
The Gospel of John
Session 16: John 17
The Lords Prayer
Chapter 17 is the longest recorded prayer of our Lord and portrays J esus
Intercession (Heb 7:25). [This is distinct from the Disciples Prayer
which the Lord gave them tutorially(Mt 6:9-13; Lk 11:2-4) and is also
often referred to as The Lords Prayer.]
We will explore what many commentators call the Holy of Holies of
the New Testament. Well be taking a look behind the veil at the
personal needs and desires of J esus as he talks to his Father. It is the
simplest passage in language, but the most profound in meaning in the
New Testament.
Chapter 16 is the sequel to Chapter 13: There J esus was stooping, his
hands on the defled feet of disciples and here, his eyes lifted up, his
hand on the throne of the Father...
Vocal Prayer Habit
During baptism Luke 3:21
Commencement of public ministry Mark 1:35
Eve of selecting disciples Luke 6:12
All night long; at transfguration Luke 9:29
As He ceased to breathe Luke 23:46
The most important work we do is prayer.
Where?
Where did Chapter 17 take place? Arise, let us go hence (Jn 14:31):
J ohn Calvin, A.C. Gaebelein, Henry Alford: J esus still in the
upper room.
C.I. Scofeld, H.A. Ironside, Merrill Tenny, J.C. Ryle, G. Campbell
Moran: En route to Gethsemane.
All factors of Redemption are here in Chapter 17:
17:2 Salvation
17:6 Manifestation
17:9 Representation
17:12 Preservation
17:17-19 Sanctifcation
17:21 Identifcation
17:22 Glorifcation
Prayer for Himself 17:1-5
Prayer for the Eleven 17:6-19
Prayer for All Believers 17:20-26
Unity 17:21-23
Union 17:14-26
Prayer for Himself: John 17:1-5
1] These words spake J esus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the
hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee:
Now He stops speaking to the disciples, and He speaks to the Father...
for our beneft and theirs.
...lifted up his eyes... (Ps 25:1; 123:1; 121:1, 2).
Father: Key word vs. My God, (cf. Ps 22:1). His focus is on the
Father...that the Father be glorifed in the Son (2 Cor 5:19). [We, too,
can pray as we walk or as we work or as we drive]
...the Hour is come: Seventh and last time. Gen 3:15 is now imminent.
The hour when all the creation of God will see the love of God displayed
and lavished as He takes your sins and my sins upon Himself and dies
a vicarious, substitutionary, redemptive death for you and for me. And
it wont end there; it will go on to the Resurrection.
...glorify thy Son: Doxason, aorist active imperative of doxazo, the
only personal petition in this prayer.
Seven Specifc Requests
1) Glorifcation of the Son (v. 1)
2) Restoration of His original glory (v. 5)
3) Protection of His disciples (and future believers) (vv. 11,15)
4) Sanctifcation (v. 17)
5) World witness (v. 21)
6) Unifcation (vv. 21-23)
7) Glorifcation (v. 24)
Seven Pleas For His Own Glorifcation
1) Filial relationship with God (v. 1)
2) Appointed time had arrived (v. 1)
3) Authority over all fesh given (v. 2)
4) Bestowal of eternal life on the Elect promised (v. 2)
5) He would be bringing them to a knowledge of the Father (v. 3)
6) He had glorifed the Father on earth (v. 4)
7) He had fnished the work given Him to do (v. 4).
2] As thou hast given him power over all fesh, that he should give eternal life to
as many as thou hast given him.
...power: Exousian, authority: He had power over all flesh.
He is drawing a contrast between the weakness of mankind and the
majesty of God.
...over all fesh: Pares sarkos (all fesh): A Hebrew idiom for the
whole of humanity in its imperfection (Gen 6:12; Ps 65:2; Isa 40:5; Jer
32:27). J esus has complete control over all events (J n 5:22; Eph 1:19-21).
The Messiah
Dominion over all creatures:
Angels and authorities 1 Pet 3:22
All power in heaven and earth Mt 28:18
Head of every man 1 Cor 11:3
Head of every principality and power Col 2:10
Typifed by Joseph (>100 ways).
Authority over all Egypt (his brethren had a special claim).
Elect given to Christ by way of reward (Isa 53:10-12 and by way
of charge (J n 6:37; 18:9)
Seven (8?) times it says that Christians are given to Him by the
Father! (17:2, 6, 9, 11, 12, 24)
Jesus committed believers to the Father for safekeeping (v. 11)
The security of the believer, therefore, rests upon the Fathers
faithfulness to answer the prayers of His Son!
Believers are also recipients of (over 131?) benefts: From salvation,
claimed from the moment that an individual trusts Christ. Five benefts
are listed in this chapter alone:
1) Eternal life v. 2
2) Fathers name vv. 6, 26
3) Fathers words vv. 8, 14
4) His own joy v. 13
5) His own glory v. 22
...Also, all things Rom 8:32
All men will exist forever, but only believers will experience an eternal
life of joy with God (Mt 25:46). Christ asked for what He knew would
be given Him (J n 12:28). We need to pray for what God wants to do.
J esus prayed for that which had been predestined.
3] And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and J esus
Christ, whom thou hast sent.
...they might know: Gnoskosin, is a present active subjunctive: They
should keep on knowing or progressively perceive. The knowledgeof
God is a continually growing experience. Paul himself says he knows
only in part (1 Cor 13:9) and even after a lifetime of study he prays,
that I may know Him (Phil 3:10).
Know:
not speculative, but practical;
not theoretical, but experimental;
not intellectual, but spiritual;
not inactive, but saving.
Two things believers should know as part of this eternal life:
1) He is the Only True God (vs. false)
Only through Jesus Christ (Jn 14:6-9)
2) J esus is the Messiah sent by God.
...J esus Christ: The title J esus Christ only appears twice in this
gospel (J n 1:7; 17:3). [Christon, predicate accusative, implies a title.]
...sent: Apesteilas, is aorist tense, emphasizing the historic fact of
Christs mission.
4] I have glorifed thee on the earth: I have fnished the work which thou gavest
me to do.
...I have fnished the work: He has fnished His work.
Lo, I come to do thy will, O God Heb 10:7
Age of twelve: Wist ye not that must be.. Lk 2:49
My meat.. to fnish His work Jn 4:34
Tetelestai It is fnished; Paid in full; J n 19:30
Scope of Jesus Work Dan 9:24
We cannot add a thing to His fnished work. Therefore, the gospel of
salvation is not what God is asking you to do, but what God is telling
you that He has already done for you.
5] And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which
I had with thee before the world was.
...before the world was: Glory in eternity past: Para seautoi, Greek
idiom meaning at thy side or in thy own presence.
Now The Word is prepared to return to His proper place (cf. John
1:1,14; Phil 2:7, 8).
Why?
For the comfort of His disciples;
For our instruction (suffering for God is always the highway to
glory);
For the beneft of His Church.
Glory of the Father always paramount
Father..thy Son (not the) v. 1
also in union, not separate v. 1
thou has given v. 2
as many as thou has given v. 3
that they might know thee v. 3
fnished which thou has given.. v. 4
with thee... v. 5

Prayer for the Eleven: John 17:6-19
Prayer for the Eleven: Jn 17:6-19
Security: Keep those... (v. 11)
Deliverance: Keep them from the evil (v. 15)
Sanctifcation (v. 17). Sanctifcation is the continual experience
of believers today.
6] I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world:
thine they were, and thou gavest them me; and they have kept thy word.
The Name of God is more than a title: Its the means by which He
revealed His very nature and attributes (Jn 1:14, 18).
I have manifested thy name: Ps 22:22
Comprehensively 1 Jn 2:13; Jn 14:9
Given, chosen, before the foundation Eph 1:4
Immutability of His grace Rom 11:29
...which thou gavest me: Presents His Own along with Himself
(Isa 8:18, quoted in Heb 2:13). The High Priest bears the names of the
tribes over his heart (Ex 28:29).
The men which thou hast given me: Not just 11: over 500? (1 Cor 15:6).
We are Always His. Your election will be known by your interest
in Christ (1 Pet 1:2).
We are His reward! (Isa 53:10-12; Ps 2:8).
He will lose nothing (Jn 6:37,39).
If a single one of Gods elect were to perish, the glory of the perfect
Servant would be tarnished for all eternity.
17] Now they have known that all things whatsoever thou hast given me are of thee.
General observation, not absolute obedience. (No notice given of
their failures.)
received...known...believed:
Intellectual recognition v. 7
Received message v. 8
Settled conviction re: Deity of Christ v. 8
Commitment of their lives to Him v. 8
His love imputeth no evil 1 Cor 13:59
8] For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me; and they have
received them, and have known surely that I came out from thee, and they have
believed that thou didst send me.
9] I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given
me; for they are thine.
...not for the world: Prays not for the (unbelieving) world.
The High Priest prays only for His own (cf. Gal 6:10)
On the cross He prayed for His enemies.
It is our duty to pray for the world (1 Tim 2:1-4).
10] And all mine are thine, and thine are mine; and I am glorifed in them.
Integration of prayer for His glorifcation with request for security,
deliverance, and sanctifcation (vv. 1,5,11,20).
...thine are thine: in contrast with the world.
Thine =mine: Interests of the Father and Son cannot be separated.
The more we glorify Christ, the more intercession for us (Mt 10:32).
11] And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to
thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given
me, that they may be one, as we are.
...Holy Father. Only occurrence of this title in the Scriptures. Gods
holiness is the guarantee that He will keep the saints from the evil of the
world. The responsibility for our security is here passed on to the Father!
...given: Used seven times. How this brings out the value Christ sets
upon us; and the deep interest He has in us. Gods decrees do not render
void the use of means: the chief means is prayer.
12] While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou
gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that
the scripture might be fulflled.
Two different words for kept:

Eeteroun, from verb tero: I keep or preserve.
Ephulaxa, I guarded: Emphasizing sentinel duty over the souls
of the Eleven. Of those so given He has lost none.
...son of perdition: Son of is a Hebraism meaning, similar in nature and
moral character. Used elsewhere only of the Antichrist (2 Thess 2:3).
None of them is lost, but the son of perdition: Play on words: apo-
leto, lost. None lost but... not except: The disjunctive participle
contrasts those belonging to two different classes. He belonged not to
them (cf. Mt 12:4; Acts 27:22; Rev 21:27).
Four Reasons for Mentioning Judas
1) To show there was no failure in discharging the trust which the
Father had committed to Him;
2) To assure the disciples of this, so that their faith might not be
staggered;
3) To demonstrate that Christ had not been deceived by J udas;
4) To declare Gods hand and counsel in it. That the Scripture might
be fulflled (Ps 41, 109).
He Renders an Account of His Work to the Father
The fnal ground of His glorifcation was not His own personal perfec-
tions, nor His essential oneness with the Father, but the Work which
He has completes here below.
1) Glorifed the Father on earth v. 4
2) Finished the work given Him v. 4
3) He manifested the Fathers name v. 6
4) Given them the Fathers words vv. 8, 14
5) Kept them, as a Shepherd would v. 12
6) Sent them into the world v. 18
7) Given the glory of the Father v. 22
All this presents a valid and sure basis for us to take His place here below:
1) I have given them the words which thou gavest me. (J n 17:8)
2) That they might have my joy fulflled in themselves. (Jn 17:13)
3) They are not of the world even as I am not of the world. (Jn 17:16)
4) As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I sent them into
the world. (J n 17:18)
5) I sanctify myself that they also might be sanctifed. (Jn 17:19)
6) The glory which thou gavest me, I have given them. (J n 17:22)
7) The love wherewith thou hast loved me may be in them. (Jn 17:26).
13] And now come I to thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they might
have my joy fulflled in themselves.
...my joy fulflled: Not only would He have His people secure in eter-
nity, He desires His people to be happy here and now: to enter into His
joy. The joy of fellowship with the Father (Gal 4:6; 1 Jn 1:3-4; 15:11;
16:24). A miserable Christian is an oxymoron.
14] I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are
not of the world, even as I am not of the world.
...given them thy word: Isa 50:4. Each morning the perfect Servant
waited upon the Father for His message for each day. When are the
sheep fed? First thing in the morning.
...world: Cosmos: The world is under dominion of its prince (1 J n 2:16).
Grace has delivered us (Gal 1:4). Our lives should condemn the world
(Heb 11:7). Therefore the world hates them: it secretly plots against them,
inwardly curses them, says all manner of evil against them, opposes
them, and rejoices when any evil befalls them.
Adam, of the earth; Christ from Heaven 1 Cor 15:47
Holy, blameless, separate from sinners Heb 7:26
Ye (Jews) are from beneath; I am from above Jn 8:23
We are a new creation 2 Cor 5:17
Partakers of a heavenly calling Heb 3:1
Our citizenship is in heaven Phil 3:20
We possess a heavenly inheritance 1 Pet 1:3-5
15] I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest
keep them from the evil [one].
...shouldest take: Areis: shouldest keep => should take.
...from the evil one: Ek tou ponerou, cf. Mt 6:13. The title of the devil:
Satan is the author; the world is the bait; sin is the hook.
Not taken out: He gets more glory by leaving us here:
Three of the only prayers not granted to the saints recorded in
Scripture are the prayers of Moses, Elijah, and J onah to be taken
out of the world.
Keep them from evil: That the Father should keep us shows
that it is not within our power to keep ourselves (2 Chr 20:12; 1
Cor 10:13).
Lead us not into temptation; deliver us from evil [one].
16] They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.
We have a different standing:
in Christ, not Adam.
We have a different nature:
born of the spirit, not the fesh.
We have a different Master:
not of the god of this world.
We have a different aim:
to glorify God, not self.
We have a different citizenship, life, and destiny.
It is a grievous inconsistency to even seem to be of the world.
17] Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.
Sanctify them: Haiazo: to consecrate or set apart a person or thing
to God.
Sanctifcation by the Father Jude 1
by the Son Heb 10:10
by the Spirit 2 Thess 2:13, 1 Pet 1:2
These are all positional and absolute. Sanctifcation by the truth: Practi-
cal and progressive. Blood vs. water. The Word is, not contains, truth.
The Author cannot lie. Shun those who deny any part of Gods truth as
you would a deadly plague.
18] As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the
world.
19] And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctifed through
the truth.
Christ has given us His place: His place of acceptance on High;
His place of witness here below.
The Twelve were sent frst to Israel (Mt 10:5-6); then to the world...
Prayer for All Believers: John 17:20-26
20] Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me
through their word;
...but for them that shall believe...: Pisteuonton, believing ones.
(Present tense suggests the future body of believers as actually existing.)
1) That they all may be oneunity (vv. 20-23).
2) That they may behold my gloryunion (vv. 24-26).
21] That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also
may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.
...that they may be one: Used 5X this chapter: once for the Eleven
(Jn 17:11) and 4X for all believers (Jn 17:21-23).
...that they also may be one in us: Not a union of believers, but rather
a spirit of unity among believers. 4X: hina osin hen, that they may keep
on being one. (J n 17:11,21,22). [hen, neuter singular. Oneness of will
and spirit, not physical union which would require the masculine heis.]
22] And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one,
even as we are one:
23] I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world
may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.
24] Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am;
that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me
before the foundation of the world.
The Climax: This is the Heart of the heavenly Bridegroom: ...that they also,
whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am. (Cf. Jn 14:3; Ps 139:6).
25] O righteous Father, the world hath not known thee: but I have known thee, and
these have known that thou hast sent me.
O Righteous Father: Christ left the world without His intercession;
He turned it over to the justice of the Father (Rom 1:19, 20). The
Fathers righteousness forbids Him to abandon His saints to the evil
of the world.
26] And I have declared unto them thy name, and will declare it: that the love
wherewith thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them.
The believer has J ohn
the same life as Christ 17:2
the same security as Christ 17:11
the same separation as Christ 17:14
the same sending into the world as Christ 17:18
the same union as Christ 17:21
the same glory as Christ 17:22
the same love as Christ 17:23
Next Session
Prepare by studying J ohn Chapter 18. Explore the six trials and legal
irregularities.
Discussion Questions
1) How do you reconcile election (and predestination) with free will?
2) Do we really have free will? If so, what should we do with it?
3) What does this chapter teach about our eternal security?
4) What does this chapter teach about sanctifcation?
5) How do we attain unity in the Body of Christ?
Candidate Research (for extra credit!)
1) How many sevens in Chapter 17?
2) How many sevens in the Gospel of J ohn?
3) How many sevens in The Revelation? (Any wagers on having found
them all?)
The Gospel of John
Session 17: John 18
Chapter 1: Introduction
Chapters 2-12: Ministry to the World
Chapters 13-17: Alone with the Disciples
Chapters 18-21: The Climax
Alternative Emphasis
John vs. Synoptics:
Lofty dignity and Divine Glory vs. the suffering and agony of the
Savior.
The last few chapters covered all He had promised:
Giving eternal life,
Sending the Holy Spirit,
Preparing a place for them,
Coming again for them,
Having them in glory with Him.
All these things are contingent upon whats going to happen in the
last four chapters.
Furthermore:
There would be no restoration of Israel,
No gathering of the nations,
No Millennium,
No display of grace,
No salvation,
No revelation of the Father
...all contingent upon the His death and resurrection.
Passover Season
Now the feast of unleavened bread drew nigh, which is called the
Passover.
Luke 22:1
Denotatively, these are separate feasts:
1) The Feast of Passover is on the 14
th
of Nisan (Lev 23:5).
2) The Feast of Unleavened Bread is on the 15
th
of Nisan and lasts
seven days (Lev 23:6).
3) The Feast of Firstfruits is on the morning after the Sabbath after
Passover (Lev 23:11, 15). (It is thus contained within the Feast of
Unleavened Bread.)
Page 210
Passover
The Akedah (Gen 22:7): God will provide Himself a lamb
Johns Public Introduction (2X): Behold the Lamb that taketh
away the sin of the world (J n 1:29, 36).
Anticipatory Symbolisms: Leaven, Not a bone broken, etc.
Timing (Gen 8:4): Resurrection on the Anniversary of Noahs New
Beginning.
Friday or Wednesday?
1) Jesus specifed that there would be three days and three nights
His wordsbetween the Crucifxion and the Resurrection (Mt
12:40).
2) J esus traveled from J ericho to Bethany six days before Passover
that would require more than a Sabbath days journey if Passover
was on a Friday (J n 12:1).
3) There were two Sabbaths between Passover and Sunday morning
caae| in the Greek text is a plural noun (Mt 28:1).
John 18
1] When J esus had spoken these words, he went forth with his disciples over the
brook Kidron, where was a garden, into the which he entered, and his disciples.
The name Gethsemane omitted: Brook Kidron = dark (black)
waters.
This brook divides Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives.
On the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur), the Sin offering (vs.
burnt offering) was outside the camp (Lev 4:12, 21; 16:27 ) and
without the gate (Heb 13:12).
Two Gardens: Eden vs. Gethsemane
All was delightful;
all was terrible.
Adam and Eve parleyed with Satan;
Last Adam sought face of His Father.
Adam sinned;
Savior suffered.
Adam fell;
Redeemer conquered.
By day;
by night.
Adam fell before Satan;
soldiers fell before Christ.
Race was lost;
of them... none lost (J n 18:9)
Adam took the fruit from Eves hand;
Christ received cup from Fathers hand.
Adam hid himself;
Christ boldly showed Himself.
God sought Adam;
Last Adam sought God.
Adam was driven;
Christ was led.
Sword was drawn;
sword was sheathed.
2] And J udas also, which betrayed him, knew the place: for J esus oft times resorted
thither with his disciples.
J esus often resorted there (cf. Luke 21:37; 22:39).
3] Judas then, having received a band of men and offcers from the chief priests
and Pharisees, cometh thither with lanterns and torches and weapons.
Band of men: Greek ten speiran = 1/10 of legion; cohort: 400-
600 men; (600 men were stationed at the Antonia Fortress).
Chiliarchos formal title of the chief captain of this detachment
apparently present (Jn 18:12; Mt 26:47).
The Temple police were also present; the same ones that failed
previously (Jn 7:44,45).
4] Jesus therefore, knowing all things that should come upon him, went forth, and
said unto them, Whom seek ye?
...knowing all things: He knew what was to be taken from Him; to
be cut off and have nothing (Dan 9:26).
John emphasizes Jesus:
divine knowledge John 18:4
divine power J ohn 18:6
divine protection J ohn 18:8,9
...went forth: alone.
5] They answered him, J esus of Nazareth. J esus saith unto them, I am he. And
J udas also, which betrayed him, stood with them.
...I am he: Note: Here there is no be not afraid!
Cf. At the woman at the well John 4:26, 29
Cf. On the storm-lashed sea John 6:20
6] As soon then as he had said unto them, I am he, they went backward, and fell
to the ground.
At the Ineffable Name of God: They went backward: (Not slain in
the Spirit!)
Voluntary deliverance: He was not captured: He actively offered
Himself. (Only the strength of His love for us kept Him on that cross...
cf. Ps 27:1,2; 35:4; 40:11-17.) He was more than Jesus of Nazareth:
Hes God in the fesh! (cf. the burning bush, Ex 3:14).
7] Then asked he them again, Whom seek ye? And they said, J esus of Nazareth.
Whom seek ye?: Jesus...of Nazareth. (Not Christ.) Cf. Rev 16:10, 11
8] J esus answered, I have told you that I am he: if therefore ye seek me, let these
go their way:
...let these go their way: It was a command. They were about to tie
His hands; but He frst tied theirs. They had intended to seize them all
(Mk 14:51, 52).
Jesus had to suffer alone. (No man in the tabernacle when High
Priest goes in to make an atonement; cf. Lev 16:17).
It was also an emblem and pledge of their acquittal and discharge
of their debts. The Shepherd was protecting His sheep (J n 10).
10] That the saying might be fulflled, which he spake, Of them which thou gavest
me have I lost none.
That the saying might be fulflled: Twice in this chapter (vv. 9, 32).
Not OT as in earlier statement (J n 12:32, 33; 17:12). [At this time the
NT was being collected at Ephesus: John places this gospel on a par
with OT Scripture.]
10] Then Simon Peter having a sword drew it, and smote the high priests servant,
and cut off his right ear. The servants name was Malchus.
It was unlawful to carry a weapon on a feast day; two swords
present (Lk 22:38).
His sword was 18 long; weighed 5 lbs. Thick, not sharp: designed
for splitting helmeted skulls.
Apekopsen, to tear or to rip; not to slice. (His aim may have
been off.)
J esus saved Peters life (Lk 22:51). This was J esus last miracle before
the cross. No one ever died in J esus presence.
Peter: Courageous when he should have been still; cowardly when he
should have been courageous.
...the servants name was Malchus: J ohn apparently knew this servant
personally. According to J ewish law it was unlawful to bind a prisoner
before condemnation.
11] Then said J esus unto Peter, Put up thy sword into the sheath: the cup which my
Father hath given me, shall I not drink it?
Cups
Cup of Salvation Ps 116:3
Cup runneth over Ps 23:5
Cup pass from me Mt 26:39
Cup of tribulation Ps 11:6; J er 25:15; cf. Ps 75:8
Six Trials
Jewish Trials:
Before Annas John 18:12-14
Before Caiaphas John 18:19-24
Before the Sanhedrin Matthew 27:1,2
Roman Trials:
Before Pilate J ohn 18:28-38
Before Herod Luke 23:6-11
Before Pilate J ohn 18:39-19:16
Before Annas: John 18:12-14
12] Then the band and the captain and offcers of the Jews took Jesus, and bound
him,
Annas served from A.D. 6-15; deposed by Pilates predecessor, Valerius
Gratus. However, he was still infuential; vice-president of the Sanhedrin
and patriarch of a family that held the offce of the high priest as late as
A.D. 62, including 5 sons and a son-in-law.
Romans appointed Caiaphas (each year; Act 4:6) vs. Law of God, until
death (Ex 40:15; Num 35:25, etc.).
Many Jews resented the Roman intrusions into their offce; still looked
to Annas, not Caiaphas, as their real High Priest (they both would
stand someday before Him for judgment).
...bound him: Like Isaac (Gen 22:9). We were sins captives before
He was theirs.
13] And led him away to Annas frst; for he was father in law to Caiaphas, which
was the high priest that same year.
And led him away: Led to the priest frst (Lev 17:5). They would
pass the Sheep Gate (Neh 3:1, 32; 12:39; Jn 5:2; Cf. Jn 11:49-52). The
judge had given his verdict and determined the sentence before the trial
took place. Legal head of the nation: The purpose and character of the
Sons death: He was dying for the people.
14] Now Caiaphas was he, which gave counsel to the Jews, that it was expedient
that one man should die for the people.
15] And Simon Peter followed J esus, and so did another disciple: that disciple was
known unto the high priest, and went in with J esus into the palace of the high
priest.
Most people presume this another disciple was John. Others
think not. Why?
John was a poor fsherman of Galilee, not Jerusalem; and as a
Galilean he would have been recognized as Peter was (Mt 26:69,73).
Also, John always refers to himself as the disciple whom Jesus
loved; 5X (J n 13:23; 19:26; 20:2; 21:7, 20).
The high priest was not personally acquainted with either Peter or
John (Acts 4:13).
And according to Acts 4:13, the high priest was not personally
acquainted with either Peter or J ohn. Who then? Nicodemus? J oseph
of Arimathea?
16] But Peter stood at the door without. Then went out that other disciple, which
was known unto the high priest, and spake unto her that kept the door, and
brought in Peter.
17] Then saith the damsel that kept the door unto Peter, Art not thou also one of
this mans disciples? He saith, I am not.
...damsel that kept the door: It was a common custom to have a female
doorkeeper (Acts 12:13).
18] And the servants and offcers stood there, who had made a fre of coals; for it
was cold: and they warmed themselves: and Peter stood with them, and warmed
himself.
...warmed himself: Following Christ afar off will soon result in
chills and growing cold.
Before Caiaphas: John 18:19-24
19] The high priest then asked J esus of his disciples, and of his doctrine.
Was Caiaphas trying to ensnare Him? His doctrine; disciples; etc.
20] J esus answered him, I spake openly to the world; I ever taught in the synagogue,
and in the temple, whither the J ews always resort; and in secret have I said
nothing.
Jesus spoke openly, not in secret (Isa 45:19) vs. a closed trial. Why not
call witnesses? To the world: (universality of His message!) To the
J ews later in the verse.
21] Why askest thou me? ask them which heard me, what I have said unto them:
behold, they know what I said.
22] And when he had thus spoken, one of the offcers which stood by struck Jesus
with the palm of his hand, saying, Answerest thou the high priest so?
...struck J esus with the palm of his hand: Or a rod? (Micah 5:1). He
was entitled to be protected by judges; there is none.
23] J esus answered him, If I have spoken evil, bear witness of the evil: but if well,
why smitest thou me?
24] Now Annas had sent him bound unto Caiaphas the high priest.
Caiaphas

(Review Mt 26:57-68; 27:1, 2; Mk 14:53-15:2; Lk 23:54-24:1,)
His real name was Joseph; he held offce from A.D.18-36.
According to Josephus and later rabbinic writings, he had a reputa-
tion for intrigue, bribery and love of money ( Jn 11:49,50; 18:14).
A farce: False witnesses sought (two, just as Jezebel used against
Naboth; cf. 1 Kgs 18:10).
They had no death penalty authority (Gen 49:10; 18:31).
Now the chief priests, and elders, and all the council, sought false wit-
ness against Jesus, to put him to death; But found none: yea, though
many false witnesses came, yet found they none. At the last came two
false witnesses, And said, This fellow said, I am able to destroy the
temple of God, and to build it in three days. And the high priest arose,
and said unto him, Answerest thou nothing? what is it which these
witness against thee? But Jesus held his peace. And the high priest
answered and said unto him, I adjure thee by the living God, that thou
tell us whether thou be the Christ, the Son of God.
Matthew 26:59-63
The Oath
I adjure thee by the living God, in whose offce I stand, under whose
power we all are, before whom thou also standest, who knowest the
truth, and judgeth between us and thee, that thou tell us, this holy
Sanhedrin now here as before God, the truth.
The only time He speaks is when He is legally required to under oath.
I adjure thee by the living God... this puts J esus under oath (Lev 5:1;
1 Kgs 22:16).
Jesus saith unto him, Thou hast said: nevertheless I say unto you,
Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of
power, and coming in the clouds of heaven. Then the high priest rent
his clothes, saying, He hath spoken blasphemy; what further need have
we of witnesses? behold, now ye have heard his blasphemy.
Matthew 26:64,65
Then the high priest rent his clothes: A garment is torn to pieces when
there is no more use for it (Temple veil also!). The High Priest violated
Lev 21:10, which states that the High Priest must never tear his clothes.
The High Priest understood that J esus was claiming to be God. The
problem with this logic is that it is self-incrimination, which is also
in J ewish law that your own testimony could not be used against you.
What think ye? They answered and said, He is guilty of death.
Then did they spit in his face, and buffeted him; and others smote him
with the palms of their hands, Saying, Prophesy unto us, thou Christ,
Who is he that smote thee?
Matthew 26:66-68
John 18
25] And Simon Peter stood and warmed himself. They said therefore unto him, Art
not thou also one of his disciples? He denied it, and said, I am not.
26] One of the servants of the high priest, being his kinsman whose ear Peter cut
off, saith, Did not I see thee in the garden with him?
27] Peter then denied again: and immediately the cock crew.
Third watch of the night: 3:00 AM?
Lessons from Peter:
The believer is as weak as water;
The danger of self-confdence;
The consequences of prayerlessness (could he not watch for one
hour?);
The perils of companionship with the wicked;
The infuence of the fear of man (Prov 29:25).
Peters Lessons
Before we judge Peter too severely, lets examine ourselves:
How many times have we denied the Lord and lost opportunities
to share the Gospel with others?
Do we talk when we should listen?
Argue when we should obey?
Sleep when we should pray?
Fight when we should submit?
Peter repented and the Lord, after a private meeting with him (Lk
24:34), forgave him publicly (Jn 21).
Before Pilate: John 18:28-38
28] Then led they J esus from Caiaphas unto the hall of judgment: and it was early;
and they themselves went not into the judgment hall, lest they should be defled;
but that they might eat the passover.
Form vs. substance
Pilate
Pontius Pilate (cf. Caesarea inscription...), he was the Procurator of
J udea, A.D. 26-36. (In A.D. 36, he was deposed by Vitellius and sent to
Rome, tried, and probably executed under Caligula.) He ruled J udea in a
reckless and arbitrary fashion. [ J osephus: Used temple funds to build an
aqueduct. When people protested, they were beaten by Roman soldiers.]
Praitorion, derived from Latin praetorium, the name of the offcial resi-
dence of a Roman Governor. (In Western J erusalem? Antonia Fortress,
just north of the Temple?)
...and it was early: The fourth watch of the evening, 3-6 AM.
Ritual of substance:
Defled if they entered a Gentile home;
Blatant violations of trial rights;
30 pieces of silver vs. temple treasury;
Execution of the Messiah on Passover...
Fulflls prediction of Gentile jurisdiction Mark 10:33, 34
His disciples could not watch one hour; His enemies continued all
night. Passover was that day.
Details of ritualism vs. illegal trial to carry out predetermined
sentence (Mt 23:27, 28).
Christ will banish ritualism or ritualism will banish Christ.
[Not all Pharisees necessarily involved. (cf. Nicodemus). A quo-
rum was 23; majority of two required; as few as 13 could have
been responsible.]
29] Pilate then went out unto them, and said, What accusation bring ye against this
man?
Roman law required three things:
1) Specifc indictment;
2) Bringing accusers before the accused (Acts 23:28).
3) Liberty granted to the accused to answer for himself (Acts 25:16).
Pilate went out unto them: His interest was piqued. Their bluff was
called (Lk 23:2).
30] They answered and said unto him, If he were not a malefactor, we would not
have delivered him up unto thee.
31] Then said Pilate unto them, Take ye him, and judge him according to your law.
The J ews therefore said unto him, It is not lawful for us to put any man to death:
...your law: Gen 49:10; Acts 4:27, 28.
The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between
his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him shall the gathering of the
people be.
Genesis 49:10
The term sceptre refers to their tribal identity and the right to apply
and enforce Mosaic Laws and adjudicate capital offenses: jus gladii. It is
signifcant that even during their 70-year Babylonian captivity (606-537
B.C.) the tribes retained their tribal identity. [Source: J osh MacDowell,
Evidence that Demands a Verdict, pp. 108-168.] They retained their
own logistics, judges, etc. (Ezek 1:5,8).
The term Shiloh was understood by the early rabbis and Talmudic
authorities as referring to the Messiah. [Targum Onkelos, Targum
Pseudo-J onathan, and Targum Yerusahlmi, The Messiah: An Aramaic
Interpretation; The Messianic Exegesis of the Targum, Samson H. Levy,
Hebrew Union College Jewish Institute of Religion, Cincinnati, 1974. ]
The Hebrew word shiloh should be rendered whose it is, that is, the
sceptre will not depart from J udah until He comes to whom it belongs.
The Sceptre Departs
Archelaus was the second son of Herod the Great (the older son, Herod
Antipater, was murdered by Herod the Great, along with other family
members.) [Source: J osephus, Antiquities, 17:13.]
Archelaus mother was a Samaritan (1/4 or less of Jewish blood) and
was never accepted. After the death of Herod (4 B.C.?), Archelaus had
been placed over J udea as Entharch by Caesar Augustus. Broadly
rejected, he was dethroned and banished in 6-7 A.D.
Herod Archelaus was replaced by a Roman procurator named Caponius.
The legal power of the Sanhedrin was immediately restricted and the
adjudication of capital cases was lost. This was normal Roman policy.
[J osephus, Wars of the Jews, Bk 2, Ch. 8; The Jerusalem Talmud,
Sanhedrin, folio 24.]
The reaction of the J ews to these monumental events is recorded in
the Talmud. Augustin Lemann in his book Jesus before the Sanhedrin
records a statement by Rabbi Rachmon:
When the members of the Sanhedrin found themselves deprived of
their right over life and death, a general consternation took possession
of them: they covered their heads with ashes, and their bodies with
sackcloth, exclaiming: Woe unto us for the scepter has departed from
J udah and the Messiah has not come.
[Sources: Babylonian Talmud, Chapter 4, folio 37; Jesus Before the
Sanhedrin, by Augustin Lemann, 1886, Translated by J ulius Magath,
NL#0239683, Library of Congress # 15-24973; See also the momu-
mental work Pugio Fidei, Martini, Raymundus, published by De Vosin
in 1651. For a detailed discussion of this reference see The Fifty Third
Chapter of Isaiah According to Jewish Interpreters, preface pg. iv S.R.
Driver, A.D. Neubauer, KTAV Publishing House, Inc. New York, 1969.]
They actually thought that the Torah, the Word of God, had failed! (Gen
49:10). They should have known better. There was a young carpenters
son growing up in Nazareth....
32] That the saying of Jesus might be fulflled, which he spake, signifying what
death he should die.
...it is not lawful for us to put any man to death (cf. Mt 20:19; Jn
3:14; 12:32,33).
The classical Jewish death sentence: Stoning (cf. Rev 16:21).
Usually for blasphemy. (They didnt seek permission in case of
Stephen; Acts 7:58).
Blasphemy was not a crime by Romans; there were three other
charges (Lk 23:2, 5). Treason could not be ignored.
Where were the Gentile witnesses? Pilot said, Am I a Jew?
He represented the power of the world, at that time, and establishes
that Israel had disclaimed their King.
First of six attempts by Pilate to release Jesus
1) You judge Him 18:31
2) He is innocent 18:38
3) J ews substitute Barabbas 18:39
4) Partial punishment 19:1
5) Play on pity 19:5
6) Behold your King 19:14

33] Then Pilate entered into the judgment hall again, and called J esus, and said
unto him, Art thou the King of the J ews?
34] Jesus answered him, Sayest thou this thing of thyself, or did others tell it thee
of me?
35] Pilate answered, Am I a J ew? Thine own nation and the chief priests have
delivered thee unto me: what hast thou done?
36] J esus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this
world, then would my servants fght, that I should not be delivered to the Jews:
but now is my kingdom not from hence.
Cf. Daniel 7:13, 14; Luke 19:12
37] Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? J esus answered, Thou say-
est that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the
world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth
heareth my voice.
Art thou a king then: So then, you are a king! J esus does not appeal
to His Messianic credentials (Mt 11:3-5, et al.). ...a good confession;
...came I (vs. born) into the world (1 Tim 6:13).
Pilate formally recognizes J esus as King with the inscription put on
the cross! (J n 19:19-22). Middle Ages Tradition: Pilate was converted
before his death (no historical documentation).
38] Pilate saith unto him, What is truth? And when he had said this, he went out
again unto the Jews, and saith unto them, I fnd in him no fault at all.
...What is Truth? When the Word and deed become one.
...I fnd no fault in Him at all. Pilate pronounced Him innocent: he
should have released Him! According to Roman Law, everything follow-
ing is illegal. Chief priests remonstrance (Mk 15:3-12); Pilot sending
Him to Herod, and abuse (Lk 23:5-18).
39] But ye have a custom, that I should release unto you one at the passover: will
ye therefore that I release unto you the King of the J ews?
40] Then cried they all again, saying, Not this man, but Barabbas. Now Barabbas
was a robber.
Barabbas: Son of the Father (Jn 5:43).
Barabbas
He stood under the righteous condemnation of the law.
He knew the One who was to take his cross and take his place was
innocent.
He knew that Jesus Christ was for him a true substitute.
He knew that he had done nothing to merit going free while another
took his place.
Changing Places
The murderers bonds, curse, disgrace, and mortal agony
were transferred to the righteous J esus;
While the liberty, innocence, safety, and well-being of the Nazarene
became the lot of the murderer.
Mutual Exchange of Positions
Barabbas is installed in all the rights and privileges of J esus Christ; while
the latter enters upon all the infamy and horror of the rebels position.
The delinquents guilt and cross become the lot of the J ust One, and all
the civil rights and immunities of the later are now the property of the
delinquent. Where are You and I? in Barabbas shoes!
He knew that for envy they had delivered him (Mt 27:18)
I am innocent of the blood of this just person (Mt 27:24)
For he knew that the chief priests had delivered him for envy
(Mk 15:10)
Pilate therefore, willing to release Jesus, spake again to them
(Lk 23:20)
I have found no cause of death in him (Lk 23:22)
I fnd in him no fault at all (Jn 18:38)
From thenceforth Pilate sought to release him (Jn 19:12)
Pilate, when he was determined to let him go (Acts 3:13)
Legal Irregularities
The binding of a prisoner before he was condemned was unlawful
unless resistance was offered or expected. J esus offered none (J n
18:12, 24)
It was illegal for judges to participate in the arrest of the accused
(J n 18:3)
No legal transactions, including a trial, could be conducted at night
(J n 18:28)
The arrest was effected through a traitor (Jn 18:5; Ex 23:6-8)
While an acquittal could be pronounced the same day, any other
verdict required a majority of two and had to come on a subsequent
day (Mt 26:65,66)
No prisoner could be convicted on his own evidence (Mt 26:63-65)
It was the duty of a judge to see that the interests of the accused
were fully protected (Jn 18:14)
Preliminary hearings before a magistrate were completely foreign
to the J ewish legal system (J n 18:13)
It was illegal to carry weapons on the feast day (Jn 18:3)
The use of violence during the trial was apparently unopposed by
the judges (J n 18:22,23)
The judges sought false witnesses against Jesus (Mt 26:59; Mk
14:56)
In a Jewish court the accused was to be assumed innocent until
proved guilty by two or more witnesses (J n 11:53)
The Jews failed to fnd two witnesses agreeing against Jesus (Mk
14:59)
When the witnesses frst disagreed, the prisoner should have been
released (Mk 14:56-59).
No witness was ever called for the defense.
The trial under Caiaphas took place in his home rather than the
council chamber where it should be held (J n 18:13-16)
The Jews failed to fnd two witnesses agreeing against Jesus (Mk
14:59)
When the witnesses frst disagreed, the prisoner should have been
released (Mk 14:56-59)
No witness was ever called for the defense.
The trial under Caiaphas took place in his home rather than the
council chamber where it should be held (J n 18:13-16)
The Court lacked the civil authority to condemn a man to death
(J n 18:31)
It was illegal to conduct a session of the court on a feast day (Jn 18:28)
A guilty verdict was rendered without evidence (Jn 18:30)
The balloting was illegal. It should have been by roll with the
youngest voting frst. Here it is simultaneous (Mt 26:66)
The sentence is fnally passed in the palace of the high priest, but
the law demanded it be pronounced in the temple, in the hall of
hewn stone (J n 18:28)
The high priest rends his garment (Lev 21:10) He was never
permitted to tear his offcial robe. (If he did not have on his priestly
robe, he couldnt have put Christ under oath; Mt 26:65)
Six Trials
Jewish Trials:
Before Annas John 18:12-14
Before Caiaphas John 18:19-24
Before the Sanhedrin Matthew 27:1,2
Roman Trials:
Before Pilate J ohn 18:28-38
Before Herod Luke 23:6-11
Before Pilate J ohn 18:39-19:16
Next Session
Prepare by studyingJ ohn Chapter 19. And: Matthew Chapter 27; Mark
Chapter 15; Luke Chapter 23; Psalm 22; Isaiah 53
Discussion Questions
1) Why did the arresters fall to the ground?
2) Why did J esus heal Malchus?
3) Who was the other disciple that gained entrance for Peter?
4) What lessons can we draw from Peters experience?
5) Compare our own performance(s) with Peters.
6) What else might Pilate have done?
7) In what ways are we in Barabbass shoes?

The Gospel of John
Session 18: John 19
Chapter 18 Review
Six trials (three Jewish; three Roman);
Declared innocent by Pilate.
Why was he sent to Herod? (Luke 23:5-12)
Declared of Galilee (v.5)
and Herod was Governor of Galilee (v.6,7)
The most signifcant event in the history of mankind is chronicled
here (J ohn 19)
Christ Before Pilate: John 19:1-15

Pilate declares J esus innocent but is becoming uptight over the whole
issue. Power in the hands of a little man is a dangerous thing.
1] Then Pilate therefore took J esus, and scourged him.
...and scourged Him: Scourged without cause (an illegal act before
sentencing).
He intended to chastise and then release Him (Lk 23:16). The scourging
was more severe than any of us realize. J ews limit: 39 lashes. Romans
had no such limit. They often used rods.
A hint at the severity: He couldnt bear the cross (Lk 23:26).
He was unrecognizable as a human (Isa 52:13ff).
2] And the soldiers platted a crown of thorns, and put it on his head, and they put
on him a purple robe,
3] And said, Hail, King of the J ews! and they smote him with their hands.
...crown of thorns: Burning thorn-bush, burning but not being con-
sumed (model of mercy); cf. Gen 3:17, 18.
This is Satans hour (Gen 3:15; Lk 22:53; Rev 12:4).
...Hail: Chaire, The greeting for Caesar. They were mocking.
4] Pilate therefore went forth again, and saith unto them, Behold, I bring him forth
to you, that ye may know that I fnd no fault in him.
Pilate...went forth again: J ews refused to enter the praetorium for
fear of ritual deflement/ Again, Pilate pronounced Jesus innocent. The
charges should have been dismissed.
Pronounced Innocent No fault in Him : 7X (Isa 53:8)
1) Judas: innocent blood Matthew 27:4
2) Pilate: no fault in Him John 18:4
3) Herod, by Pilate Luke 23:15
4) Pilates wife Matthew 27:19
5) Dying thief: nothing amiss Luke 23:41
6) Roman centurion Luke 23:47
7) Truly, Son of God Matthew 27:54
5] Then came J esus forth, wearing the crown of thorns, and the purple robe. And
Pilate saith unto them, Behold the man!
6] When the chief priests therefore and offcers saw him, they cried out, saying,
Crucify him, crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Take ye him, and crucify him:
for I fnd no fault in him.
Crucify, stauroson: Aorist imperative with no stated object; like fans in
a stadium following cheerleaders... Pilate proclaimed Him innocent. (7X)
J ews charge of King not taken seriously (J n 18:33, 37).
7] The J ews answered him, We have a law, and by our law he ought to die, because
he made himself the Son of God.
...made himself the Son of God: Blasphemy was the real reason (Lev
24:16).
Pilate Was Given Three Warnings:
1) The good witness of Christ (1 Tim 6:13);
2) Dream of his wife (Mt 27:19);
3) Real motive of Sanhedrin revealed (J n 19:7).
8] When Pilate therefore heard that saying, he was the more afraid;
To a pagan leader, the God-man possibility required investigation: Greek
and Roman mythology flled with accounts of gods living among men.
9] And went again into the judgment hall, and saith unto J esus, Whence art thou?
But J esus gave him no answer.
...Whence art thou?: Where are you from, really? Fear. (The sixth
of seven questions...)
10] Then saith Pilate unto him, Speakest thou not unto me? knowest thou not that
I have power to crucify thee, and have power to release thee?
11] J esus answered, Thou couldest have no power at all against me, except it were
given thee from above: therefore he that delivered me unto thee hath the greater
sin.
...no power at all against me except it were given thee from above:
Last offcial testimony before being crucifed. It was predetermined
(Acts 2:23; 4:27, 28).
Gods counsels do not relieve the guilt of the men who execute them (Lk
22:22). Those who delivered J esus to Pilate had the greater sin because
they had more light than Pilate did.
Pilate seeks every means to release J esus. But he had to choose between
Christ and the world. He sought to release Him (Lk 23:20, 22; Acts 3:13).
J esus trial before Pilate took place in seven stages:
Outside: Inside:
18:28-32; 18:33-37
18:38-40 19:1-3
19:4-7 19:8-11
19:12-46
12] And from thenceforth Pilate sought to release him: but the J ews cried out,
saying, If thou let this man go, thou art not Caesars friend: whosoever maketh
himself a king speaketh against Caesar.
..not Caesars friend. They resort to blackmail. (Caesars Friend: a
formal title of honor among Romans). Personal loyalty questioned.
13] When Pilate therefore heard that saying, he brought J esus forth, and sat down
in the judgment seat in a place that is called the Pavement, but in the Hebrew,
Gabbatha.
...Pavement: Only other mention, Hebrew equivalent: In Ahazs sur-
render to abject apostasy (2 Kgs 16:17).
14] And it was the preparation of the passover, and about the sixth hour: and he
saith unto the J ews, Behold your King!
...Passover: Feast of Unleavened Bread was popularly called Passover
(Lk 22:1; Num 28:16-17).
...Behold your King: Pilate is declaring Christs Kingship.
And now when the even was come, because it was the preparation,
that is, the day before the sabbath,
Mark 15:42
...preparation: Not necessarily a Saturday: it was the day before the
Feast of Unleavened Bread. A Friday Crucifxion has (at least) three
rebuttals:
1) Three days & nights specifcation Mt 12:40
2) The plural of sabbaths by Sunday Mt 28:1
3) The trip from J ericho J n 12:1
15] But they cried out, Away with him, away with him, crucify him. Pilate saith
unto them, Shall I crucify your King? The chief priests answered, We have no
king but Caesar.
...We have no king but Caesar: Roman rule affrmed! (Probably the
only time in their lives: they resented Rome, cf. Isa 53:3; 49:7.
The Result (Hos 3:4): An offcial denial of the King of the Jews.
16] Then delivered he him therefore unto them to be crucifed. And they took Jesus,
and led him away.
...led Him away: led as lamb to the slaughter (Isa 53:7). The most
signifcant event in human history was about to be accomplished. There was
no formal sentencing.
...delivered he him : Paredoken, delivered or to give over to the
side. [Pilate washes his hands; cf. Mt 27:24-25: Deut 21:1-6.]
From the standpoint of Satan, it was both a triumph and also a defeat.
It was a triumph for Satan to bruise the heel of the womans seed
as had been foretold (Gen 3:15).
It was a defeat because the head of Satan is yet to be crushed:
that through death he might destroy him that had the power of
death, that is, the devil (Heb. 2:14).
Order of Events
1. Carrying His cross J ohn 19:17
2. Simon substituted Luke 23:26
3. Offer of stupefying drink Matt 27:34
4. Nailed between two thieves John 19:18-24
5. Father, forgive them Luke 23:34
[City of Refuge model...]
6. Jews mock Jesus Matt 27:39-43
7. One thief rails at J esus; the other receives salvation
Luke 23:39-43
8. Today shalt thou be with me Luke 23:43
9. Woman, Behold thy son J ohn 19:26,27
10. Darkness Matt 27:45
11. My God... Matt 27:46
12. I Thirst J ohn 19:28
13. It is fnished John 19:30
14. Father, into thy hands... Luke 23:46
15. Our Lord dismisses His spirit J ohn 19:30
17] And he bearing his cross went forth into a place called the place of a skull,
which is called in the Hebrew Golgotha:
...place of the skull:
Hebrew, Golgotha Gen 22
Greek, Kranion
Latin, Calvaria
outside the gate.: Heb 13:12
without the camp... Lev 16:27
Levitical Locations
A clean place Lev 4:12
On the north side
Burnt offerings Lev 1:11
Sin Offerings Lev 6:25
Outside the camp Lev 4:12, 21; 16:27
Without the gate Heb 13:12
18] Where they crucifed him, and two other with him, on either side one, and Jesus
in the midst.
...they crucifed him: Ps 22:16; Isa 53:7, 12 (cf. Lk 23:39-43).
Crucifxion: Vector tensions, suffocation. relieved by the legs. Slow
death (up to nine days). Cf. excruciating.
Crucifxion
Stripped of his clothing
Placed on a cross
Nails driven in hands and feet
Dehydration, intense thirst
Tension Multiplier Effect Leads to Suffocation
Excruciating =Latin, crux
Due to the pain endured by the weight of the body hanging
from the nails, which damage the medial nerves and tear at the
tarsals, the respiratory torture, the cramping, the pleurel ef-
fusions, concluded that death by crucifixion was in every
sense of the word excruciating, literally out of the cross.

On the Physical Death of J esus Christ,
Journal of the American Medical Association,
March 21, 1986
19] And Pilate wrote a title, and put it on the cross. And the writing was, J ESUS
OF NAZARETH THE KING OF THE J EWS.
...J esus of Nazareth the King of the J ews: By Pilate himself (Latin,
titlon, offcial title, notice, bill).
20] This title then read many of the Jews: for the place where Jesus was crucifed
was nigh to the city: and it was written in Hebrew, and Greek, and Latin.
In three languages: Latin, offcial language of the empire; Greek, com-
mon international language; and Hebrew.
Pilates Epitaph
21] Then said the chief priests of the J ews to Pilate, Write not, The King of the
J ews; but that he said, I am King of the J ews.
22] Pilate answered, What I have written I have written.
...but that he said, I am King of the J ews: Eikeinos eipen, emphatic
he said. Pilate refused to change the inscription. A Messianic proc-
lamation offcially acknowledged by the personal representative of the
ruler of the world.
Acronym on YHWH! [Remember, Hebrew goes from right to left.]
If Pilate had rewritten it in the manner they had requested, it would
not have spelled out the Name of God. Did Pilate realize this? Was it
deliberate? Did he do it just to upset the J ewish leadership, realizing
they had delivered Him up for envy? (Mt 27:18). Cf. Mt 27: 65-66!
When they requested a special guard for the tomb, he also responded
with an enigmatic remark, Make it as sure as you can. Was he really
surprised when J esus was resurrected after 3 days? One wonders. Also,
acrostics in Esther, etc. See Beyond Coincidence, et al.
If one were translating from Latin or Greek to Hebrew, which the
soldier making the sign would need to be doing, theres a high likeli-
hood that he would translate the Greek defnite article as the Hebrew
letter vav or add a connective that isnt in the Latin, intending in
that context to make the larger phrase translate into Hebrew/Aramaic
as Jesus of Nazareth, that is, King of the Jews. If the sign said this
in Hebrew or Aramaic, it would generate precisely the objections
noted by the Pharisees to amend the sign to read He said that he
was King of the Jews.
Dr. William Welty, ISV Foundation
23] Then the soldiers, when they had crucifed Jesus, took his garments, and made
four parts, to every soldier a part; and also his coat: now the coat was without
seam, woven from the top throughout.
...took his garments: Garments =conduct (Ps 109:18; 1 Pet 5:5, etc.).
Saviors coat seamless Isa 61:1
Adam clothed by God Gen 3:21
24] They said therefore among themselves, Let us not rend it, but cast lots for it,
whose it shall be: that the scripture might be fulflled, which saith, They parted
my raiment among them, and for my vesture they did cast lots. These things
therefore the soldiers did.
25] Now there stood by the cross of J esus his mother, and his mothers sister, Mary
the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene.
Not assigned to any of the brothers(!). Cleophas will be on the Em-
maus Road Sunday afternoon[J ohn later settles in Ephesus. 2 J ohn
is a personal letter to Mary the Mother of J esus? (Note: reference to
her sister)]
Two groups contrasted:
Four soldiers;
Four ministering women:
1) Mary Magdalene;
2) Mary, wife of Cleophas (Emmaus Road);
3) Mary, mother of J esus;
4) Her sister, Jesus aunt (Josephs sister?).
26] When J esus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he
loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son!
Law required the frstborn to provide for parents; transferred to
J ohn.
Mary did have other children (Mt 13:55, 56; Ps 69:8).
Even in His agony we see His shepherds heart.
Behold your son: Jesus was her Son no longer. Mary is not
mentioned in connection with Christs resurrection.
27] Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple
took her unto his own home.
[Personal letter to Mary2 J ohn?]
28] After this, J esus knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the
scripture might be fulflled, saith, I thirst.
...that the Scripture might be fulflled (Ps 69:21). There are 28 proph-
ecies fulflled while He was hanging on the cross (Ps 22, Gen 22, Isa
53, Lev 16, et al.).
I Thirst
He balanced the clouds, and flls the mighty deep.
He who guided every river in its course, waters the felds...
He that caused water to fow from the smitten rock in the wilderness...
who turned water into wine... and said to the Woman of Samaria:
Give me to drink.
The King of Kings and Lord of Lords, before whom hell trembles
and the earth is flled with dismay;
Matchless condescension from the infnity of God to the weakness
of a thirsting, dying man!
And this was all for you.
29] Now there was set a vessel full of vinegar: and they flled a spunge with vinegar,
and put it upon hyssop, and put it to his mouth.
30] When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is fnished: and he
bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.
It is fnished: Tetelestai (Col 2:14).
The moment of His death was the moment of our salvation (Rom
6:3; Gal 2:20).
Paid in Full. Done. There is nothing left for you to do.
...gave up the spirit: Willingly and deliberately surrendered His
life (J ohn 10:18).
31] The J ews therefore, because it was the preparation, that the bodies should not
remain upon the cross on the sabbath day, (for that sabbath day was an high
day,) besought Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be
taken away.
...for that sabbath day was a high day: Sabbaton, one of seven sabbaths
in addition to the Saturdays. Feast of Unleavened Bread (Mt 28:1).
32] Then came the soldiers, and brake the legs of the frst, and of the other which
was crucifed with him.
Although they had just committed judicial murder, they were concerned
about observing ritual law. [J esus had declared He would be in the grave
three days, to Feast of First Fruits. He had to be in the grave that day.
The enemies of God were unknowingly fulflling Gods counsels!]
33] But when they came to J esus, and saw that he was dead already, they brake not
his legs:
They broke not his legs: Bones not broken. Soldier did not follow
instructions! The Passover Lamb was not to have a bone broken (Ex
12:46; Ps 34:20).
34] But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came there
out blood and water.
Forthwith came there out blood and water: [Passover: wine mixed
with warm water? ]
The blood speaks of justifcation and the water of sanctifcation.
Cause of death: ruptured (broken) heart (Ps 69:20).
[Cf. Eve taken out of Adams side: type of the church?]
35] And he that saw it bare record, and his record is true: and he knoweth that he
saith true, that ye might believe.
36] For these things were done, that the scripture should be fulflled, A bone of him
shall not be broken.
Ex 12:46; Num 9:12; Ps 34:20
In one house shall it be eaten; thou shalt not carry forth ought of the
fesh abroad out of the house; neither shall ye break a bone thereof.
Exodus 12:46
They shall leave none of it unto the morning, nor break any bone of
it: according to all the ordinances of the passover they shall keep it.
Numbers 9:12
He keepeth all his bones: not one of them is broken.
Psalm 34:20
37] And again another scripture saith, They shall look on him whom they pierced.
...another Scripture saith (not fulflled yet); Zech 12:10 [Zech 12:10:
aleph and tau!?]
And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabit-
ants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and
they shall look upon me -s [the one whom] they have pierced,
and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son, and
shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his frstborn.
Zechariah 12:9,10
The aleph and the tau are untranslated: they are equivalent to alpha
and omega if it were in Greek
38] And after this J oseph of Arimathaea, being a disciple of J esus, but secretly for
fear of the J ews, besought Pilate that he might take away the body of J esus:
and Pilate gave him leave. He came therefore, and took the body of J esus.
Joseph of Arimathea
1) Access to the Procurator? Not just anyone could get direct
access to Pilate!
2) Infuential; and next of kin?
Secreted, not secretly : It is an adjective, not an adverb.
The Tomb
Belonged to a rich man (Joseph) Isa 53:9; 19:38; Mt 27:59,60
Near crucifxion location Jn 19:41
Never been used before Jn 19:41
New sepulchre Num 19:9
Hewn out of a rock Mk 15:46
Stone rolled over the door Mk 15:46
39] And there came also Nicodemus, which at the frst came to Jesus by night, and
brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about an hundred pound weight.
40] Then took they the body of Jesus, and wound it in linen clothes with the spices,
as the manner of the J ews is to bury.
Spices aromaton, fumes. (Cloths =othoniois, Greek for ships sails.)
100 lbs of spices (12 oz/lb). The women who witnessed this burial
returned home to prepare spices and ointments to fnish the procedure
later (Lk 23:56).
41] Now in the place where he was crucifed there was a garden; and in the garden
a new sepulchre, wherein was never man yet laid.
42] There laid they Jesus therefore because of the Jews preparation day; for the
sepulchre was nigh at hand.
And he bought fne linen, and took him down, and wrapped him in the
linen, and laid him in a sepulchre which was hewn out of a rock, and
rolled a stone unto the door of the sepulchre. And Mary Magdalene
and Mary the mother of Joses beheld where he was laid.
Mark 15:46,47
The very spot that criminals were put to death was the where Josephs
new tomb was hewn out of a rock! The stony sides of the tombthe
new tombthe clean place, where Jesus was laidwere part of
the malefactors hill. His dead body is with the rich man and with
the wicked in the hour of His death! His grave is the property of
a rich man; and yet the rocks which form the partition between His
tomb and that of the other Calvary malefactors, are themselves part
of Golgotha.
Andrew Bonar, Leviticus, 1846
General Charles George Gordon, a distinguished British general, was
commissioned a second lieutenant in 1852. He discovered the area,
originally derisively called Gordons Calvary, which is now known
as The Garden Tomb, in 1883. Andrew Bonar described this, from
only the Torah texts, in 1846, 37 years before its discovery by General
Gordon!
Now the next day, that followed the day of the preparation, the chief
priests and Pharisees came together unto Pilate, Saying, Sir, we
remember that that deceiver said, while he was yet alive, After three
days I will rise again. Command therefore that the sepulchre be
made sure until the third day, lest his disciples come by night, and
steal him away, and say unto the people, He is risen from the dead:
so the last error shall be worse than the frst. Pilate said unto them,
Ye have a watch: go your way, make it as sure as ye can. So they went,
and made the sepulchre sure, sealing the stone, and setting a watch.
Matthew 27:62-66
Summary of Events
1) J esus arrived at Golgotha (Mt 27:33; Mk 15:22; Lk 23:33; J n 19:17).
2) He refused the offer of wine, vinegar and myrrh (Mt 27:34; Mk
15:23).
3) Nailed to the cross between 2 thieves (Mt 27:35-38; Mk 15:24-28;
Lk 23:33-38; J n 19:18).
4) 1
st
cry from Cross: Father forgive them for they know not what
they do (Lk 23:34).
5) Garments allocated (Mt 27:35; Mk 15:24; Lk 23:34; J 19:23).
6) Jews mocked Jesus (Mt 27:39-43; Mk 15:29-32; Lk 23:35-37).
7) Conversed with two thieves (Lk 23:39-43).
8) 2
nd
Cry: You will be with me in paradise (Lk 23:43).
9) 3
rd
cry: Woman, behold your son, Behold thy mother. (J n
19:26-27).
10) Darkness from noon to 3 PM (Mt 27:45; Mk 15:33; Lk 23:44).
11) 4
th
Cry: My God, My God, Why hast thou forsaken me! (Mt
27:46,47; Mk 15:34-36).
12) 5
th
Cry: I am thirsty (J n 19:28).
13) He drank wine vinegar (Mt 27:48; Mk 15:36; Jn 19:29).
14) 6
th
cry: It is fnished; Tetelestai Paid in full (J n 19:30).
15) 7
th
cry: Father, into your hands I commend my spirit (Mt 27:50;
Mk 15:37;Lk 23:46; Jn 19:30).
16) Temple curtain torn in twain (Mt 27:51; Mk 15:38; Lk 23:45).
17) Roman soldiers declare, Surely He was the Son of God (Mt
27:54;Mk 15:39).
Seven Cries from the Cross
1) Father, forgive them for they know not what they do (Lk 23:34).
2) Today shalt thou be with Me in paradise (Lk 23:43).
3) Woman, Behold thy Son! Behold thy mother! (J n 19:26-27).
4) My God, My God, Why hast Thou forsaken me? (Ps 22:1).
5) I thirst (J n 19:28. Cf. Ps 69:21).
6) It is fnished Tetelestai Paid in full (J n 19:30).
7) Father, into Thy hands I commit My spirit (Lk 23:46).
Old Testament Prophecies Quoted in the Gospels
Would make a triumphal entry into Jerusalem (Zech 9:9; Ps 118:26).
Betrayed by friend for 30 pieces of silver (Zech 11:1-13; Ps 41:9).
Would be like a smitten shepherd (Zech 13:7).
Would be given vinegar and gall (Ps 69:21).
They would cast lots for His garments (Ps 22:18).
His Side would be pierced (Zech 12:10; Ps 22:16).
Not a bone would be broken (Ex 12:46; Num 9:12; Ps 34:20).
Would die among malefactors (Isa 53:9, 12).
His dying words foretold (Ps 22:1; 31:5).
Would be buried by a rich man (Isa 53:9).
Rise from dead on 3
rd
day (Gen 22:4; Ps 16:10-11; Jn 1:17).
Resurrection followed by destruction of Jerusalem (Dan
9:26;11:31;12:1,11).
Discussion Questions
1) What was the signifcance of the crown of thorns?
2) On which day of the week did the Crucifxion occur?
3) Was it a tragedy or an achievement? For whom?
4) Was Pilate surprised when told of the empty tomb?
5) Do you expect to see Pilate in heaven?
6) What was J esus primary yearning during His prayer to the
Father?
The Gospel of John
Session 19: John 20
Usually, we can get to a point where we have the subject under control
(to use a frefghters term). However, this is one of those which will
always be a frustration: it is too signifcant to ever have under control:
it is the capstone of all events in the Bible: the conquest of death and
climax of a cosmic destinyThe Resurrection of the Messiaha goal
committed before the foundation of the world!
At Bethany six days before Passover (J n 12:1). Feast of Unleavened
Bread: (Lev 23:4-8 lasts seven days; frst and last days are sabbaths.);
Mt 27:62; Lev 23:6-7. [J ewish year includes seven additional sabbaths
known as high sabbaths, in addition to the Saturday sabbaths.]
The Gospel Defned
The Resurrection: frst hinted in Eden:

And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy
seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his
heel.
Genesis 3:15
Christianitys most fundamental and certain event (1 Cor 15).
For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the
latter day upon the earth: And though after my skin worms destroy
this body, yet in my fesh shall I see God: Whom I shall see for myself,
and mine eyes shall behold, and not another; though my reins be
consumed within me.
J ob 19:25-27
Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached
unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which
also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, un-
less ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you frst of all that
which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the
scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day
according to the scriptures:
1 Corinthians 15:1-4
1) Died for our sins according to the scriptures;
2) And that he was buried,
3) And that he rose again the third day.
1) We explored this during our previous session
2) Paul relates His burial to Baptism; Peter relates it to Noahs Flood
passing though judgment of a cleansed earth (1 Pet 3:20,21).
3) J esus predicted early in J ohns Gospel; and even His enemies
referred to it in petitioning the sealing of the tomb by Pilate.
Three days and three nights (Mt 12:24): The sign of the Prophet Jonah:
Resurrection at sundown Saturday.
At the end of the Sabbaths: Sabbath(s) =plural: High sabbath of
Feast of Unleavened Bread intervenes. The Feast of First Fruits: on the
morning after the Sabbath after Passover =thus, always on a Sunday!
Feast of First Fruits
The morrow after the sabbath after Passover (Lev 23:11).
The morning of the ultimate First Fruits (1 Cor 15:20-23; Mt
27:52-53; Eph 1:6; Rom 11:16; cf. J ob 19:25-26).
Noahs ark also passed through the waters of judgment on to the
cleansed earth (1 Pet 3:20,21). When did the Flood of Noah
end? (Gen 8:4).
When Did the Flood End?

And the ark rested in the seventh month, on the seventeenth day of the
month, upon the mountains of Ararat.
Genesis 8:4
The Two Calendars
1) Rosh HaShana (in the Fall)
2) Passover month (in the Spring)
This month shall be unto you the beginning of months: it shall be the
frst month of the year to you.
Exodus 12:2
Quartodecimanism
Fourteenism, derived from Latin, quarta decima: The practice
of fxing the celebration of Passover for Christians on the 14
th
day
of Nisan as in the Old Testament Calendar (Lev 23:5). This was
the Biblical method of fxing the date of the Passover, which is to
be a perpetual ordinance (Ex 12:14)
In their zeal to separate from Jewishness, Quatrodecimans were
excommunicated by the early church.
...and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures.
1 Corinthians 15:3
Where (in OT) 3 days ?
Jonah Mt 12:40
Akedah Gen 22; Heb 11:19
Rahabs Cord Josh 2:15,16
Tolah Worm Ps 22:6
Rahabs Cord: Joshua 2:15,16
Tolah Worm: Psalm 22:6
But I am a worm, and no man; a reproach of men, and despised of
the people.
Psalm 22:6
.- Tolah also means scarlet (=Crimson 38x). Scarlet dye was
made from a particular worm, Cermes vermilio. The Cermes vermilio
pierces the thin bark of twigs to suck the sap, from which it prepares a
waxy scale to protect its soft body. The red dye is in this scale.
When reproducing, the female climbs a tree (usually the holm oak),
where it bears its eggs; the larvae hatch and feed on the body of the
worm. It gives its lifea crimson spot is left on the branch; when the
scarlet spot dries out, in three days, it changes to white as it fakes off
Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your
sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red
like crimson, they shall be as wool.
Isaiah 1:18
The Resurrection of Jesus Christ
Key to the Gospel 1 Cor 15:1-4
Raised for our justifcation Rom 4:25
w/o the resurrection our faith is in vain 1 Cor 15:14
Prerequisite for being an apostle Acts 1:22
It is the key truth:
Peter at Pentecost Acts 2:24-36
By apostles, Solomons Porch Acts 3:15
Before Sanhedrin Acts 4:10; 5:30
Proclaimed to Gentiles Acts 10:40; 13:34
Joint Actions of Trinity

Father Son Holy Spirit
Incarnation: Heb 10:5 Phil 2:7 Luke 1:35
Atonement: Isa 53:6,10 Eph 5:2 Heb 9:14
Resurrection: Rom 6:4 John 10:17 Rom 8:11

Equal in nature
Separate in person
Subservient in duties
John 20
1] The frst day of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early, when it was yet dark,
unto the sepulchre, and seeth the stone taken away from the sepulchre.
The frst day: An octave: a new beginning. The old creation fnished;
new creation begun. Requirements of the law satisfed; shadows of
ceremonial law fulflled.
...Mary Magdalene: She was the frst to recognize His impending
death; also the frst one to discover the empty tomb.
Mary Magdalene
Native city, Magdala, on Sea of Galilee
Healed by Jesus of 7 demons (Mk 16:9; Lk 8:2)
A person of means
A leader among the women
Often confused with other Marys: No reason to identify her with
Mary of Bethany, sister of Martha and Lazarus
In 591, Pope Gregory the Great gave an Easter sermon in which
he erroneously declared that the prostitute of Luke 7 was Mary
Magdalene of Luke 8.
In 1969, the Vatican corrected centuries of misrepresentation
and acknowledged that there was no basis for her identifcation
as a prostitute.
Healed of evil spirits Lk 8:2
Following Jesus from Galilee; ministering Mt 27:56
Beholding the crucifxion from afar Mk 15:40
Standing by the cross Jn 19:25
Locating the tomb, Watching the tomb Mt 27:61
Coming early to the tomb with spices Mk 16:1, Jn 20:1
Being frst to see the risen Lord Mk 16:9
Reported the resurrection to the disciples Lke24:10, Jn 20:18
2] Then she runneth, and cometh to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, whom
J esus loved, and saith unto them, They have taken away the Lord out of the
sepulchre, and we know not where they have laid him.
...we know not where they have laid him: Oidamen: plural know;
conclusion of all of them.
3] Peter therefore went forth, and that other disciple, and came to the sepulchre.
4] So they ran both together: and the other disciple did outrun Peter, and came
frst to the sepulchre.
J ohn (younger), outran Peter. The stone was rolled away to let the
people in, not to let the Lord out!
5] And he stooping down, and looking in, saw the linen clothes lying; yet went
he not in.
...went he not in: Jewish instinct: ceremonial deflement.
6] Then cometh Simon Peter following him, and went into the sepulchre, and seeth
the linen clothes lie,
7] And the napkin, that was about his head, not lying with the linen clothes, but
wrapped together in a place by itself.
...wrapped together: Entetuligmenon, to wrap or roll up; neatly set aside.
The only ones who took Him seriously were His enemies (Chief priests
and Pharisees posted guards at the tomb; Mt 27:62-66).
Three verbs for looking:
Blepei (v. 5) quick glance (J ohn).
Theorei, examining, scrutinized (Peter).
Eiden, look with understanding, insight (J ohn).
The body was not embalmed. Jewish custom prohibited handling
blood.
Buried quickly; wrapped with linen cloths and anointed with a
sweet, gumlike ointment of spices and wrapped like a cocoon. The
body was mummifed up to the head; a napkin was placed over
the skull. They saw the empty cocoon.
8] Then went in also that other disciple, which came frst to the sepulchre, and he
saw, and believed.
9] For as yet they knew not the scripture, that he must rise again from the dead.
He knew, saw, and believed: John realized the signifcance.
...the scripture: Ps 16:10, quoted by Peter in Acts 2:27.
10] Then the disciples went away again unto their own home.
Hastened to tell Christs mother...Two witnesses (Num 35:30; Deut 17:6).
11] But Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping: and as she wept, she stooped
down, and looked into the sepulchre,
12] And seeth two angels in white sitting, the one at the head, and the other at the
feet, where the body of J esus had lain.
...looked into the sepulchre: Parekupsen, peeped into tomb.
...two angels: Cf. Gen 18; Acts 1:10; etc. This is the only place in
Scripture where angels are sitting (on the Mercy seat, Ex 25:17-19,
22 the angels are kneeling).
13] And they say unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? She saith unto them, Because
they have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid him.
...my Lord: Note ownership (Ps 23:1; Song 2:16; Gal 2:20); I will
take him away (v.15).
She fails to recognize Him. Thinks hes the gardener? (v.15).
14] And when she had thus said, she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing,
and knew not that it was J esus.
15] J esus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She,
supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him, Sir, if thou have borne him
hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away.
...Why weepest thou? Isa 61:1; 25:8; Rev 21:4
16] J esus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni;
which is to say, Master.
She turned herself: She had looked back at the tomb...
Maria, Mary. The Sound of His Voice. Nothing sounds sweeter
than the sound of ones own name. [Dale Carnegie ]
Calls His own sheep by name (Jn 10:3-4, Isa 43:1).
Rabboni, never applied to a man; reserved exclusively for God.
17] J esus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father:
but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your
Father; and to my God, and your God.
Haptou, Do not cling to me (cf. Song 3:4).
Heavenly places to be cleansed with His blood (Heb 9:12, 13).
Three Views
1) J esus spoke as the High Priest (Lev 16) en route to present the
sacred blood in heaven (prior to Mt 28:9)
2) Stop clinging to me: a rebuke to not seek to hold Him in lieu of
a new relationship
3) Do not detain me now; I am not yet ascended; you will see me
again; run tell the brethren
18] Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord, and
that he had spoken these things unto her.
The Road To Emmaus: Luke 24:13-39
13] And, behold, two of them went that same day to a village called Emmaus, which
was from J erusalem about threescore furlongs.
Furlong =a stadium, a Greek measure of distance equal to 606 feet and
9 inches (Lk 24:13; Jn 6:19, 11:18; Rev 14:20, 21:16).
Three score (60) furlongs =6.89 miles.
14] And they talked together of all these things which had happened.
15] And it came to pass, that, while they communed together and reasoned, J esus
himself drew near, and went with them.
16] But their eyes were holden that they should not know him.
17] And he said unto them, What manner of communications are these that ye have
one to another, as ye walk, and are sad?
18] And the one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answering said unto him, Art
thou only a stranger in J erusalem, and hast not known the things which are
come to pass there in these days?
Cleopas (wife was Mary, cf. J n 19:25); it is possible she was the com-
panion on the road). He also may be the Alphaeus (Mt 10:34), the
father (or father-in-law) of James (James the Less, cf. Mk 15:40), the
disciple. If so, J ames might have been his companion.
19] And he said unto them, What things? And they said unto him, Concerning J esus
of Nazareth, which was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all
the people:
...What things? Here is a touch of humor (as if He didnt know!).
20] And how the chief priests and our rulers delivered him to be condemned to
death, and have crucifed him.
21] But we trusted that it had been he which should have redeemed Israel: and
beside all this, to day is the third day since these things were done.
22] Yea, and certain women also of our company made us astonished, which were
early at the sepulchre;
23] And when they found not his body, they came, saying, that they had also seen
a vision of angels, which said that he was alive.
24] And certain of them which were with us went to the sepulchre, and found it
even so as the women had said: but him they saw not.
This was Lukes summary of their explanation.
25] Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets
have spoken:
26] Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory?
J esus remains incognito: He uses the third person pronoun...
27] And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all
the Scriptures the things concerning himself.
...beginning at Moses... Jesus confrms that Moses wrote the Torah.
For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our
learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures
might have hope.
Romans 15:4
The Road to Emmaus
A seven-mile Bible study covering all the Scriptures.
Seed of the woman Gen 3:15
Abraham offers Isaac Gen 22
Passover
Tabernacle
Serpent in the Wilderness Isa 53; Ps 22; Ps 69
He is on every page!
28] And they drew nigh unto the village, whither they went: and he made as though
he would have gone further.
29] But they constrained him, saying, Abide with us: for it is toward evening, and
the day is far spent. And he went in to tarry with them.
30] And it came to pass, as he sat at meat with them, he took bread, and blessed it,
and brake, and gave to them.
Who is in charge? J esus is always in charge.
31] And their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and he vanished out of their
sight.
We know J esus has nail prints: Thomas saw his nail prints (J n 20:27);
Zechariah said, They shall look upon me whom they have pierced
(Zech 12:10); J ohn: a Lamb as it had been slain (Rev 5:6). The
only man-made things in Heaven are scars. What tipped them off? His
nail prints! They seem to confrm this view in v.35.
And they told what things were done in the way, and how he was
known of them in breaking of bread.
Luke 24:35
...he vanished out of their sight: The resurrected Christ was physical,
tangible, and localized. Yet, He was capable of disappearing, walking
through walls =hyperdimentional!
32] And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked
with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?
33] And they rose up the same hour, and returned to J erusalem, and found the eleven
gathered together, and them that were with them,
The Eleven is a title.
34] Saying, The Lord is risen indeed, and hath appeared to Simon.
35] And they told what things were done in the way, and how he was known of
them in breaking of bread.
36] And as they thus spake, J esus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto
them, Peace be unto you.
37] But they were terrifed and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit.
38] And he said unto them, Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your
hearts?
Why are they troubled? Startled, certainly. But there may be some-
thing else... [Why didnt they recognize Him?]
39] Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit
hath not fesh and bones, as ye see me have.
This is not a spirit. This is tangible person challenging them to be
touched, handled, and felt (cf. 1 J n 1:1; 3:2).
John 20
19] Then the same day at evening, being the frst day of the week, when the doors
were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the J ews, came J esus
and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.
Evening: 6:00 - 9:00 PM Roman time.
Doors were shut: thuron, doors (double). Greek, Barred.
For Fear of the Jews:
Parents of healed blind man J ohn 9:22
Feast of Tabernacles J ohn 7:13
Rulers were private believers John 12:42
Peace be unto you
Peace from God Eph 2:17
Peace with God Rom 5:1
Peace of God Phil 4:7
20] And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then
were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord.
Handle me and see (Lk 24:39).
The marks are still there (Rev 5:6).
Shall look upon Him who they pierced (the aleph & tau!); Zech
12:10.
21] Then said J esus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me,
even so send I you.
...as my Father has sent me, so I send you: Apestalken, the sent one,
thus, apostle (never in John). Jesus was sent as an apostle (Heb 3:1).
He commissioned with authority like an embassy representing a foreign
government.
22] And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive
ye the Holy Ghost:
...breathed on them: LXX used only in Gen 2:7. They are now a new
creation (cf. Israel: Ezek 37:5). Inspiration means God-breathed
(2 Tim 3:16).
Before Pentecost
Joy in the Spirit: Luke 24:52; Rom 14:17
One accord in prayer... Acts 1;14; Eph 4:3
Peter: understanding Acts 1:20; J ohn 16:13
23] Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever
sins ye retain, they are retained.
On two other occasions: Mt 16:19; 18:18
Only God can forgive sins Mk 2:7; Acts 10:43; 13:38
The remitting power given in v. 23 does not apply to Christians to-
day, except in the sense that we retain or remit sins as we give sinners
the Gospel. There is no instance in the New Testament of any apostle
forgiving sins.
Peter (Acts 10:43) and Paul (Acts 13:38) both spoke on the authority
of Christ. There is no question that the disciples had special privileges,
but these rights are not ours today.
After The Giving of the Holy Spirit
New way: after the Spirit (vs. fesh)
New title: brethren 20:17
New position: before the Father 20:17
New place: apart from the world 20:19
New blessing: peace 20:19,21
New privilege: Jesus in midst 20:19
New joy: risen Lord 20:20
New commission: sent 20:21
New creation: breathed 20:22
New Indweller: Holy Spirit 20:22
New Beginning: 1st day of the week.
24] But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus
came.
25] The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he
said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put
my fnger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not
believe.
Nail Prints (Zech 13:6; Ps 22:16; Zech 12:10)
Thomas:
Returning to J erusalem J ohn 11:16
The Way to the Father? John 14:5
Doubts J ohn 20:25
[Only place where the nails are actually mentioned!]
Balo, thrust into: J esus knew his words; He is in the midst of the
golden lampstands...
26] And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them:
then came J esus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace
be unto you.
27] Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy fnger, and behold my hands; and reach
hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing.
Apistos, faithless; pistos, believing. Not intricacies of prophecy, nor fne
points of doctrine...but the foundation truth of atonement.
The Pathology of Faith
Unsaving Faith
Vain Faith: Faith in the wrong doctrine (1 Cor 15:14-17).
Dead Faith: Faith in orthodox doctrine without personal belief
in Christ (J as 2:18,20).
Saving Faith
Little Faith: Faith and unbelief are mixed (Mt 14:31)
Weak Faith: Believers with a legalistic expression of faith (Rom
14:1).
Strong Faith: Faith in the promises of God (Rom 4:20).
28] And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God.
My Lord and my God: Apex of the Gospel: Highest expression
of OT Deity (2 Sam 7:28; 1 Kgs 18:39; J er 38:17; Hos 2:23; Ps
30:2; 35:24; 86:15; 88:1).
YHWH, I AM, and Elohim, the Creator-God.
[Angels & men: not to be worshipped:]
Cornelius in Acts 10:26
Paul in Acts 14:15
Angel in Rev 22:8, 9
29] J esus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed:
blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.
Blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed: The fnal
and the greatest of the beatitudes.
30] And many other signs truly did J esus in the presence of his disciples, which
are not written in this book:
31] But these are written, that ye might believe that J esus is the Christ, the Son of
God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.
Hina pisteuete, keep on believing. A continuing adventure...
They Did Believe and Received
As you read this Gospel, you meet many people who did believe and
received everlasting life. All of these gave the same witness, I believe.
1) Nathanael J n 1:50
2) His disciples J n 2:11
3) The Samaritans Jn 4:39
4) The nobleman Jn 4:50
5) The blind man J n 9:38
6) Martha J n 11:27
7) The Jews who saw Lazarus J n 12:11
raised from the dead
8) Thomas J n 20:28
Post-Resurrection Appearances
1) To Mary Magdalene J n 20:11-18; Mk 16:9-11
2) To women returning from tomb Mt 28:8-10
3) On Emmaus Road Mk 16:12; Lk 24:13-35
4) To Peter 1 Cor 15:5
5) To 10 disciples in Jerusalem Jn 20:19-25; Lk 24;36-49;
Acts 1:3-5
6) To 11 disciples in upper room J n 20:26-31; 1 Cor 15:5
7) To 7 disciples in Galilee J n 21:1-25
8) To apostles and >500 Mt 28:16-20; 1 Cor 15:6
9) To J ames 1 Cor 15:7
10) To apostles on Mt. Olives Acts 1:6-12; 1 Cor 15:7
11) To Stephen at his stoning Acts 7:55-60
12) To Paul at his conversion Acts 9:3-8, 17; 22:6-15;
26:12-19; 1 Cor 9:1; 15:8
13) To Paul at Corinth Acts 18:9,10
14) To Paul in the temple Acts 22:17-21
15) To Paul later in J erusalem Acts 23:11
16) To Paul in another vision 2 Cor 12:1-4
17) To J ohn on Patmos Revelation
Next Session
Prepare by studying J ohn Chapter 21. Why does everyone seem to have
trouble identifying J esus after the Resurrection?
Discussion Questions
1) How do we know Christ rose from the dead?
2) Why did people seem to have diffculty recognizing Jesus after His
resurrection?
3) Summarize the things we learn from the Emmaus Road events.
4) What is the difference between peace from God, peace with
God, and peace of God?
5) How as breathing on them (J ohn 20:22) different from the events
of Acts 2?
6) Give examples of unsaving faith.

The Gospel of John
Session 20: John 21
Some view Chapter 21 as J ohns postscript to his gospel. This is the
seventh of ten resurrection appearances recorded by four gospels.
John 21
1] After these things J esus shewed himself again to the disciples at the sea of
Tiberias; and on this wise showed he himself.
After these things: Meta Tauta... Prophetic: He revealed Himself (vs.
they saw Him...). This is sometime later, in Galilee. Obedience to J esus
instructions (Mt 28:7, 10).
Showed (used two times in this chapter): Showing relates to the idea
of shining forth and is often translated manifested. [Well see just
how much before this chapter is over!]
Ephanerosen, frst aorist active indicative of phanero, verb used
by J ohn to show how others not only saw but understood:
Christs early life J ohn 1:31; 2:11
Christs works J ohn 3:5
Second Coming 1 J ohn 2:28
Christ in glory 1 J ohn 3:2
2] There were together Simon Peter, and Thomas called Didymus, and Nathanael
of Cana in Galilee, and the sons of Zebedee, and two other of his disciples.
Seven guys, feeing their worries: Simon Peter, Thomas (Didymus),
Nathanael (Bartholomew? frst mention after Chapter 1), James, and
John. Unidentifed were probably Andrew (Peters brother), and Philip
(usually with Nathanael).
3] Simon Peter saith unto them, I go a fshing. They say unto him, We also go with
thee. They went forth, and entered into a ship immediately; and that night they
caught nothing.
Peter was a professional fsherman. He was where Jesus had instructed
him to go; while waiting, he still needed to provide for his family (he
lived in Capernaum). Peter was probably still under extreme stressso
he went back to the thing he had prior success at: fshing. Despite being
fshermen by profession, being familiar with the region, and fshing at
the best time (at night), they caught nothing.
4] But when the morning was now come, Jesus stood on the shore: but the disciples
knew not that it was J esus.
5] Then J esus saith unto them, Children, have ye any meat? They answered him,
No.
Paidia, children: Lads, you have no fsh, have you? (Williams). The
only occasion where J esus used this word in reference to His disciples:
Boys still under instruction. A colloquial expression used by an older
retired fsherman calling out to younger, active fshermen.
6] And he said unto them, Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and ye shall
fnd. They cast therefore, and now they were not able to draw it for the multitude
of fshes.
A Miracle. Our God supplies! But He does not do our job for us. We
need to obey to yield results.
Not able to draw: imperative active, picturing the disciples tugging
at the net. All seven unable to draw the net. Previously, the net broke!
(Lk 5:1-11).
First and Last Miracles
First and last miracles were both in Galilee.
Also compare the frst and last miracles:
In Cana, it was on the 3rd day; here it was the 3rd time.
In Cana there was no wine; here there were no fsh.
Jesus commands:
In Cana it was Fill the waterpots; here it was, Cast the net.
In Cana the waterpots were flled to the brim (2:7
here the net was full of great fshes (21:11
7] Therefore that disciple whom J esus loved saith unto Peter, It is the Lord. Now
when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he girt his fshers coat unto him,
(for he was naked,) and did cast himself into the sea.
Gumnos, naked: not nudity, but stripped for work. Also the descrip-
tion of John the Baptist. Peter put on his fshers coat ependuten (only
appearance in NT), intent to be frst, but still being respectful. John
remembered the earlier instance when the net broke (Lk 5:1-11).
8] And the other disciples came in a little ship; (for they were not far from land,
but as it were two hundred cubits,) dragging the net with fshes.
9] As soon then as they were come to land, they saw a fre of coals there, and fsh
laid thereon, and bread.
10] Jesus saith unto them, Bring of the fsh which ye have now caught.
Fish and toasted bread. (Loaves and fshes?) There may have been
several miracles in this chapter, besides the catch of fsh: Peter is given
miraculous strength to draw up a net that seven men were not able to
draw together (v.6 & v.11). The fact that the net did not break is also
amazing. The fre of coals and the cooked breakfast may have been
supplied miraculously.
The entire scene was designed to awaken Peters conscience and open
his eyes: The catch of fsh reminded him of his past decision to forsake
all and follow Christ. The fre of coals would take him back to his
denial (J n 18:18).
The locationthe Sea of Galileewould remind him of his several
past experiences with Christ: feeding the 5,000; walking on the water;
catching the fsh with the coin; stilling the storm, etc.
11] Simon Peter went up, and drew the net to land full of great fshes, an hundred
and ffty and three: and for all there were so many, yet was not the net broken.
Altogether they could not draw. Now Peter does it by himself (Isa 40:29-
31). Those that labor under the command of Christ do not labor in vain.
Why 153 fsh?
Cyril of Alexander: representing God and the church?
100 =number of fullness of Gentiles (?); Mt 18:12
50 the remnant of Israel;
3 the Trinity (?)
Augustine: 10, the number of the law; 7 the number of grace.
10+7=17; sum of 1 to 17 =153.
Jerome: Ancient belief that there were 153 kinds of fsh in the sea.
(All nations gathered together to Christ?)
Net: type of the church? Net not eschisthe, broken. Form of schizo
from which we get schism, or divisions (cf. Luke 5: net broke).
12] J esus saith unto them, Come and dine. And none of the disciples durst ask him,
Who art thou? knowing that it was the Lord.
Sunday Breakfast?
Come and dine: Aristesate, dine with Him. Originally meant to break
a fast; later came to refer to a more substantial meal. One of the most
puzzling verses in the Bible: it raises more questions than it answers.
What does that mean?
Restoration of Peter
Both here and in Luke 5, Jesus miracle was followed by a
commission to Peter. However,
tell his disciples and Peter (Mk 16:7)
Note also: when thou art converted, strengthen the
brethren... (Lk 22:31)
Never lacking in words, Peter here has said nothing. There appar-
ently was a previous appearance of Christ to Peter (Lk 24:34; 1
Cor 15:5).
Fire of coals: In Johns gospel mentioned only here and in 18:18,
where he denied his Master.
First Question (of Three)
13] Jesus then cometh, and taketh bread, and giveth them, and fsh likewise.
14] This is now the third time that Jesus shewed himself to his disciples, after that
he was risen from the dead.
15] So when they had dined, J esus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of J onas, lovest
thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I
love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.
Simon: Not Cephas (Petros, stone, name given earlier; Jn 1:42). The
original name, before he began following J esus. Says his name three
times, but with no repetition of words.
Jesus uses agapao; Simon uses phileo.
Boske, feed, is active imperative: Keep on feeding.Herdsman
with the responsibility of feeding the focks. Arnia, diminutive of
arnos, lambs.
The Restoration of Peters Commission,
Second Question
16] He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of J onas, lovest thou me?
He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him,
Feed my sheep.
Jesus uses agapao; Simon uses phileo. No more comparisons. J esus:
agapao, deep sacrifcing commitment; Peter: phileo, liking, fond-
ness. Honesty; Peter knew his heart.
Poi mono, shepherd, my probat on (mature) sheep.
Poimaine comes from the same word as pastor. Active imperative:
to be continuously performed.
Third Question
17] He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of J onas, lovest thou me? Peter
was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he
said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee.
J esus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.
...grieved: elupethe, aorist passive form of lupeo. Used in 16:21 as
childbirth seemingly takes a woman to the point of death. Causes Peter
to die to self.
...knowest: Two words for knowledge: Peter uses both.
Ginoskein, to acquire knowledge, learn by experience;
Eidenai, to possess innate knowledge about something
Lord, Thou knowest (eidenai) all things by Your nature; Thou knowest
(ginoskein) by Your experience that I am fond of you.
...lovest thou me: In each case, phileo.
Feed my sheep: Boske my probata: feed my mature sheep.
Feed (boske) My sheep (probata) more mature sheep.
1) Keep on feeding My little lambs.
2) Keep on shepherding My sheep.
3) Keep on feeding My sheep.
All elders exhorted to feed the fock (Acts 20:28)
Word Subtleties

Jesus: Simon: Jesus:
agapao phileo boske my arnion
agapao phileo poimono my probaton
phileo phileo boske my probata
The Commission and the Cross
Peter would later challenge other pastors to feed the fock of God
which is among you(1 Pet 5:2).
Pentecost; Cornelius house: Acts 1-10
Gentile controversy: Acts 10-15
Later ministry: 1 & 2 Peter
18] Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdedst thyself,
and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt
stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou
wouldest not.
...stretch forth thy hands: A prediction of Peters martyrdom.
Crucifed by Romans in Neros circus in A.D. 67; upside down by
his own request.
(By the time John recorded these verses Peter had been dead more
than twenty years.)
19] This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when he
had spoken this, he saith unto him, Follow me.
20] Then Peter, turning about, seeth the disciple whom J esus loved following; which
also leaned on his breast at supper, and said, Lord, which is he that betrayeth
thee?
21] Peter seeing him saith to J esus, Lord, and what shall this man do?
Houtos de ti: But this one...what?
You follow me.
No Christian should keep his eyes on another Christian but should
look unto J esus (Heb 12:1, 2). J esus deals with each Christian
individually.
Inner Circle
Jairus daughter Mk 5:37; Lk 8:51
Transfguration Mt 17:1; Mk 9:2; Lk 9:28
Olivet Discourse (+ Andrew) Mt 24; Mk 13; Lk 21
Withdrawal at Gethsemane Mt 26:37; Mk 14:33
Peter and John paired off:
Prepared Passover Lk 22:8
Next to each other at Lords Table J n 13:22
Mary runs to tell Peter and J ohn at empty tomb J n 20:1-8
Also after Pentecost: Acts 3:1; 4:1-3,13;19,20; 8:14-17; Gal 2:9
22] J esus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? fol-
low thou me.
23] Then went this saying abroad among the brethren, that that disciple should not
die: yet J esus said not unto him, He shall not die; but, If I will that he tarry till
I come, what is that to thee?
Prophetic?
Peter: First century; martyrdom.
J ohn: Last century; Revelation.
24] This is the disciple which testifeth of these things, and wrote these things: and
we know that his testimony is true.
25] And there are also many other things which J esus did, the which, if they should
be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the
books that should be written. Amen.
The New Testament Canon Emerges
The Church at Ephesus had already begun to collect the inspired
writings of Paul and others.
John wrote at the urging of his friends in Ephesus [Clement of
Alexandria] The fnal postscript by an Ephesian elder?
The entire Gospel records events of only 20 days in a period of
over three years.
Do we hear J esus ask, Lovest thou me?
Jesus saith unto them, Come and dine. And none of the disciples durst
ask him, Who art thou? knowing that it was the Lord.
J ohn 21:12
One of the most puzzling verses in the Bible: it raises more questions
than it answers. What does that mean?
Why Wasnt Jesus Recognized?
Mary in the Garden Jn 20:14ff
On the Emmaus Road Lk 24:13-32
In the Upper Room Lk 24:37-39
Breakfast in Galilee Jn 21:12
Prophetic Isa 52:14; 50:6
As it had been slain Rev 5:6
As many were astonishied at thee; his visage was so marred more than
any man, and his form more than the sons of men:
Isaiah 52:14

So marred from the form of man was His aspect thatHis appearance was
not that of a son of man. The effect of the brutalities of Mt 26:67,68;
27:27-30... Not recognizable as human
I gave my back to the smiters, and my cheeks to them that plucked off
the hair: I hid not my face from shame and spitting.
Isaiah 50:6
They ripped off His beard Is this why they didnt recognize Him,
at frst?
As It Had Been Slain (Rev 5:1-6)
And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book writ-
ten within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals. And I saw a
strong angel proclaiming with loud voice, Who is worthy to open
the book, and to loose the seals thereof? And no man in heaven, nor
in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither
to look thereon. And I wept much, because no man was found worthy
to open and to read the book, neither to look thereon. And one of the
elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah,
the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the
seven seals thereof. And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne
and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as
it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the
seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth.
Revelation 5:1-6

And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants
of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall
look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him,
as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him,
as one that is in bitterness for his frstborn.
Zechariah 12:10
Review of the Gospel of John: Unit 1

The Pre-existent One 1:1-14
J ohn the Baptist 1:15-36
Call of Disciples 1: 36-51
Book of Signs 2 - 11
Seven Signs
1) Changing water into wine in Cana 2:111
2) Healing an offcials son in Capernaum 4:4654
3) Healing an invalid at the Pool of Bethesda 5:118
4) Feeding the 5,000 near the Sea of Galilee 6:514
5) Walking on the water of the Sea of Galilee 6:1621
6) Healing a blind man in J erusalem 9:17
7) Raising dead Lazarus in Bethany 11:145

Unit 2: Final Week
12 Supper at Bethany
13 Washing & Betrayal
14 New Promise: Harpazo
15-16 Enroute to Gethsemane
17 Prayer of Intercession
18 Gethsemane: Arrest & Trials
19 Crucifxion
20 Resurrection
21 Epilogue in Galilee
Post-Resurrection Appearances
1) To Mary Magdalene J n 20:11-18; Mk 16:9-11
2) To women returning from tomb Mt 28:8-10
3) On Emmaus Road Mk 16:12; Lk 24:13-35
4) To Peter 1 Cor 15:5
5) To 10 disciples in Jerusalem Jn 20:19-25; Lk 24;36-49;
Acts 1:3-5
6) To 11 disciples in upper room J n 20:26-31; 1 Cor 15:5
7) To 7 disciples in Galilee J n 21:1-25
8) To apostles and >500 Mt 28:16-20; 1 Cor 15:6
9) To J ames 1 Cor 15:7
10) To apostles on Mt. Olives Acts 1:6-12; 1 Cor 15:7
11) To Stephen at his stoning Acts 7:55-60
12) To Paul at his conversion Acts 9:3-8, 17; 22:6-15;
26:12-19; 1 Cor 9:1; 15:8
13) To Paul at Corinth Acts 18:9,10
14) To Paul in the temple Acts 22:17-21
15) To Paul later in J erusalem Acts 23:11
16) To Paul in another vision 2 Cor 12:1-4
17) To J ohn on Patmos Revelation
And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples,
which are not written in this book: But these are written, that ye might
believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye
might have life through his name.
J ohn 20:30, 31
Hina pisteuete, keep on believing. A continuing adventure...
Next Session
Dont hesitate: undertake your next book, expositionally, verse-by-
verse
Discussion Questions

1) What were the conditions that led to Peters restoration?
2) What do you think the 153 fshes signify?
3) What was going on during the three questions J esus asked Simon?
4) Why did they seem to have diffculty recognizing the risen Christ?
5) What are the indications that J ohn wrote his Gospel after the Patmos
experience?
6) What was the most signifcant thing youve gained from this series?
7) What book are you going to explore next? Why?
Bibliography
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printed by Baker Book House, Grand Rapids, MI.)
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Brown, David, Gospel of John, Volume V of Critical and Experimental Commentary,
(6 volumes), William B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., Grand Rapids, MI, 1948.
Bullinger, E.W., The Companion Bible, Zondervan Bible Publishers, Grand Rapids,
MI, 1958.
Culpepper, R. Alan, Anatomy of the Fourth Gospel, Fortress Press, Philadelphia,
PA, 1983.
Henry, Matthew and Thomas Scott, Commentary on the Holy Bible, Thomas Nelson
Publishing Company, NY, 1979.
Ironside, H.A., John, Loizeaux Brothers, Neptune, NJ, 1942.
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Critical, Experimental, and Practical on the Old and New Testaments, vol. V,
William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, Grand Rapids, MI, 1948.
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Old Tappan, NJ .
Morris, Leon, The Gospel According to John, Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co.,
Grand Rapids, MI, 1984.
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York, 1967.
Spence, H.D.M. and J oseph S. Exell (editors), The Pulpit Commentary, vol. 15 -
Matthew, William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, Grand Rapids, MI, 1961.
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Swengel, PA, 1945.
Reynolds, H. R., and Croskery, T., The Gospel of John, Volume 17 of The Pulpit Com-
mentary, William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, Grand Rapids, MI, 1950.
Stedman, Ray C., Gods Loving Word, Discovery House Publishers, Grand Rapids,
MI, 1993.
Towns, Elmer, The Gospel of John: Believe and Live, Fleming H. Revell Company,
Old Tappan, NJ, 1990.
Walvoord, J ohn F., and Zuck, Roy B., The Bible Knowledge Commentary, (Whea-
ton, Illinois: Scripture Press Publications, Inc.) 1983, 1985. (Also available on
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