The Gospel Series Part Five

Jesus' baptism by John (Mt 3:13-17, Mk 1:9-11, Lk 3:21-23a)

Mt 3:13-14 Since John correctly understood his relation to Jesus, he would naturally try to prevent baptizing him.

Mt 3:15 Since John's baptism was a baptism for repentance, if Jesus was sinless, why would he be baptized? Jesus wanted to identify with us.

Mt 3:16 A picture of the trinity.

Jesus' temptation in the wilderness (Mt 4:1-11, Mk 1:12-13, Lk 4:1-13)

Mk 1:12 Why would the Spirit "drive" Jesus into the wilderness to be tempted? A debate rages about whether Jesus could have actually succumbed to these temptations. But that debate misses the point.

Therefore, in all things He had to be made like His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted. (Hebrews 2:17-18)

Once again, we see the reason is so Jesus can identify with us. By being tempted himself, he can relate to our situations, trials and temptations. But he never failed. Obvious, you may say. But this means something critical for us. If anyone has ever dieted, trying to stick to a diet is tough. The temptation for that hot fudge sundae is hard. Day after day. But if you give in after three days, could you really understand someone who has resisted for 10, or 15 or 20 days? Since Jesus never gave in to temptation, he can relate to you no matter where you are. Not so with people. Some quit and can't relate to your situation because they never experienced it. But Jesus did. Some may say he can't relate because he never gave in, but that's exactly opposite. He can relate because he never succumbed to temptation.

But there's one other point here. Jesus didn't fail. Trust in him is thus a well placed trust. Trust in anything or anyone else will eventually be a failure. Only Jesus will never fail.

Jesus here faces three temptations, the lust of the flesh, the pride of life, and the lust of the eyes. None of these are of the Father, as John says in 1 John 2:16

Mt 4:2 Satan attacks whenever it is advantageous for him. When you are weakest and most vulnerable, he tries to beat you down further.

"he was hungry" - It's easy to misunderstand this verse. We immediately think of our hunger when skipping a meal. But that's not what is meant here. During a prolonged fast, hunger usually passes after the first three or four days. After that, the person usually is not hungry and feels they can fast forever as the body lives on it's stored resources. But about the fortieth day, hunger returns. But this means the body has used all it's stores, and is beginning to starve to death. At this point, food is a medical necessity. To deprive the body of food at this point can lead to death.

Mt 4:3 What is wrong with this? Jesus had completed his fast, and as already mentioned was in immediate need of food. Was using his supernatural power wrong? No. He fed the 4,000 and the 5,000 by his power. Using his power to feed himself? No. In Matthew 17:27, he supernaturally provides for Peter and himself. What is satan's mistake?

It's doubting the ability and desire of the Father to provide for needs. Do it for yourself, because God can't or won't.

Mt 4:4 Jesus responds by quoting Deuteronomy 8:3. "Bread" does not just mean the food type, but anything taking the place of God. When Jesus met the woman in John 4, he said

Jesus answered and said to her, "Whoever drinks of this water will thirst again, "but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life." (John 4:13-14)

Anything else besides Jesus will always leave you empty. He is the only thing that can truly satisfy.

Mt 4:5-6 Satan knows the Bible! This should not surprise us as he has had a lot longer to study it than we have. But his tactics haven't changed. From the beginning in the garden, he always tries to cast doubt on God's Word. He says, "Has God really said" (Gen 3:1), never repeating God exactly. Today, his methods are the same.

Here, he quotes part of psalm 91:

For He shall give His angels charge over you, To keep you in all your ways. In their hands they shall bear you up, Lest you dash your foot against a stone. (Psalms 91:11-12)

But he left out "To keep you in all your ways"

Satan's mistake: Asking to prove whether what God said was so. Not to walk by faith.

Mt 4:7 Deuteronomy 6:16. Don't test god, with one exception (Malachi 3:10). There God dares you to try him.

Mt 4:8-9 Jesus doesn't challenge satan's ownership of the world. If he didn't posses the world, it wouldn't be a temptation. Satan is the god of this world, but his time is short.

Mt 4:10 Deuteronomy 6:13

Satan's mistake: trying to take a shortcut to the desired result without following the will of the Father. The end never justifies the means.

Lesson: Temptation

You may be wondering, how does this relate to me? Jesus never gave in to temptation, and I do all the time. How can I stand firm? While we won't face the same situations as Jesus, the tactics satan uses are the same.

First, doubt God's ability and desire to provide for you. Either God doesn't care, or isn't interested in helping you, and you are on your own. If you don't look out for yourself, no one else will.

This is something we can to relate to. Has satan ever said to you, "why did God allow that to happen", or "Why are you broke?". He tries to get us to doubt God's promise to provide for all our needs.

"So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; ... "Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? (Matthew 6:28,30)

That doesn't mean we will always have an easy life, but God will provide. Sometimes we don't understand, which God himself says we won't always be able to.

"For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways," says the LORD. "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts. (Isaiah 55:8-9)

But trust in God is essential:

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; (Proverbs 3:5)

Second, satan tempts Jesus to make God prove what He said is true. In other words, to not have faith. Today as we see the "Toronto blessing" and other non-biblical extensions, we see people who walk by feelings and experiences, not by faith. They say God is doing something new, and maybe it isn't in the Bible, but it feels right. This itself is a sign of the end times.

Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, (1 Timothy 4:1)

If the saints of old were required to have faith and not count on their experiences, so should we, since God changes not.

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. (Hebrews 13:8)

"For I am the LORD, I do not change; (Malachi 3:6a)

And for those who want to please him, faith is not optional, as the writer in Hebrews says in the famous "hall of faith" (Chapter 11)

(Hebrews 11:6) But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

Lastly, the temptation to take shortcuts on God's methods. Jesus is promised to rule the earth, that's what Revelation is about. But satan tries to get Him to take a shortcut, ignore all the pain and suffering, and get there the easy way. We must remember God not only has the outcome, but the methods planned out. To do otherwise is to go against His will.

As Christians, we must never forget the end NEVER justifies the means. Just because the end result is good does not mean we are valid in using any methods to get there. Paul brings this up in "The Gospel according to Paul" - known in your Bible as the book of Romans.

For if the truth of God has increased through my lie to His glory, why am I also still judged as a sinner? And why not say, "Let us do evil that good may come"?; as we are slanderously reported and as some affirm that we say. Their condemnation is just. (Romans 3:7-8)

Three temptations we have to deal with:

Lastly, remember the end of these events, satan departs. If we resist temptation, satan will flee.

Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. (James 4:7)

No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it. (1 Corinthians 10:13)

John's self-identification to the priests and Levites (Jn 1:19-28)

Jn 1:19 Since a prophet had not been in Israel for 400 years, when someone appeared with authority, the Jewish rulers want to know who he is. Also possible is a lack of attendance at their rituals since many people were out in the desert with John.

"Jews" does not refer to the general Jewish population, but to the ruling Sanhedrin.

Jn 1:20 Once again, we see John knew his position.

Jn 1:21 Elijah was expected first. (Mal 4:5-6).

The prophet refers to Deuteronomy 18:15-18

Jn 1:22 They had to take an answer back. Imagine saying to the Sanhedrin who sent you to find out who this guy was, "we don't know"!

Jn 1:23 Probably not the kind of answer they were looking for. But notice when questioned, he quotes the Bible. Instead of entering a long discourse about his genealogy, or training in Jewish law, or where he was schooled, he uses the Word of God. Whenever we are questioned about who we are, the Bible provides the answers for a questioning world, and is the only real answer.

For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12)

Only the Word of God has the answers. This is why psychology is such a failure. It can't reach to the spirit, and thus can't deal with the real problem: sin.

Jn 1:24-25 Jews were not normally baptized.[1] They were puzzled why suddenly Jews were being baptized, and wanted to know John's authority for doing so.

Jn 1:26 "do not know" - They never did know him either, as later discourses show.

John's identification of Jesus as the Son of God (Jn 1:29-34)

Jn 1:29 Recall Genesis 22, where Abraham acts out prophetically the sacrifice of Jesus for the sins of the people, he says "God will provide for Himself the lamb". John states this is the promised lamb.

Jn 1:30 John was actually 3 months older. What he is claiming here is the pre-existence of Jesus. (John 1:1)

Jn 1:34 John's witness to the fact Jesus is the Son of God.

Lesson: "I AM"... not!

As we look at this strange character John the baptist, we see two lessons for us.

First, he says "I am not the Christ". This may be obvious, but before we gloss over it and move on, note it's easy to try to assume the role of God. Whenever we think we can do something ourselves, we are in essence saying "I am the Christ".

When Adam sinned by eating of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, we inherited his curse. We too have the knowledge of good and evil, and because of that we have the problem of not relying on God. It's easy to fall into a trap and think some things are easy, we know good from evil, so we'll not bother God with this petty problem, we can handle it ourselves. But John reminds us "I am not the Christ".

But in a broader sense, we have another problem John shows the solution to. In many situations (due to pride), we think we are the "I AM", not necessarily God himself (despite what Shirley McLaine might say), but a more subtle deception:

I AM ... the solution to your problem

I AM ... able to help you

I AM ... able to save myself

Whenever we have these ideas, we must remember, I AM ... NOT! Pride can cause us to think more of ourselves than we really are, and satan wants to deceive us into trying things ourselves. Why? Because he knows by ourselves in our own power, we are easy prey. But how do we avoid being trapped in these false ideas, which have their root in pride?

John gives us the answer in verse 29 and 36. All John says is "take a look at this guy". That's our job. As soon as we realize we have no power ourselves (Matthew 26:41, but note weak really means here feeble, impotent, without strength)[2], we then must point to the one who does have the ability. Jesus is the only one who can say I AM.

Pride says "I am", reality and an honest assessment of ourselves says "I AM .... NOT!"

That's John's example for us.

Jesus' first followers (Jn 1:35-51)

Jn 1:38 Jesus' main question - What do you seek? He asks the same question of all people.

Jn 1:39 Jesus does not simply provide directions, he invites them along! After we answer his question, he comes alongside us.

Jn 1:42 But Jesus sees his potential and what he will become later (Peter = rock) after he walks with Jesus for a while. At this point Peter was anything but a rock.. Same with us. Jesus always sees the potential we have, not our current situation. He alone knows the end (Isaiah 46:9-10), and also gives us the promise he will finish with us what he starts (Phil 1:6).

Jn 1:45 Romans (3:11) says no one seeks after God, in reality Jesus found Phillip.

First miracle, water becomes wine (Jn 2:1-11)

Lesson: Can a Christian drink?

This section can cause problems for many people, for in it Jesus creates wine, bringing up the question, is it acceptable for a Christian to drink? Before we jump into the text itself, it is wise to take a brief look at what the Bible has to say about drinking.

First, the wine referred to in the Bible is not equal to the wine of today. It was normally mixed with water to a dilution of 2-3% alcohol. Wine today is about 9-11%. Thus today's wine is much stronger than the wine served in biblical times. But obviously, the Bible condemns drunkenness. The following passage would be a familiar situation for anyone who has seen a drunkard.

Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has contentions? Who has complaints? Who has wounds without cause? Who has redness of eyes? Those who linger long at the wine, Those who go in search of mixed wine. Do not look on the wine when it is red, When it sparkles in the cup, When it swirls around smoothly; At the last it bites like a serpent, And stings like a viper. Your eyes will see strange things, And your heart will utter perverse things. Yes, you will be like one who lies down in the midst of the sea, Or like one who lies at the top of the mast, saying: "They have struck me, but I was not hurt; They have beaten me, but I did not feel it. When shall I awake, that I may seek another drink?" (Proverbs 23:29-35)

(Isaiah 5:11) Woe to those who rise early in the morning, That they may follow intoxicating drink; Who continue until night, till wine inflames them!

See also Proverbs 20:1, Isaiah 28:7-8, 1 Peter 4:3, 1 Cor 5:11. Both the Old and New Testaments make it clear drunkenness is to be avoided.

But that's the problem, you may say. If alcohol is so bad as to be avoided, why would Jesus create it in the first place? Is it acceptable to drink as long as you don't drink to excess?

To answer our question, we must consider the answers to the following three questions.

Would our action stumble a brother?

Today, many Christians feel drinking is to be avoided. They immediately associate alcohol with the local tavern, out of control motorcycle gangs, wild parties and the like. Thus, if you feel it's acceptable to drink, what do you think the effect will be on a brother who feels it is unacceptable, and sees you drinking? Could it cause him to stumble and lose faith?

Paul deals with a similar issue, that of eating meat sacrificed to idols.

However, there is not in everyone that knowledge; for some, with consciousness of the idol, until now eat it as a thing offered to an idol; and their conscience, being weak, is defiled. But food does not commend us to God; for neither if we eat are we the better, nor if we do not eat are we the worse. But beware lest somehow this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to those who are weak. (1 Corinthians 8:7-9)

Yet if your brother is grieved because of your food, you are no longer walking in love. Do not destroy with your food the one for whom Christ died. (Romans 14:15)

We must always consider our actions in light of our fellow Christians.

Will it become a master to us?

Paul deals with this issue in 1 Corinthians.

All things are lawful for me, but all things are not helpful. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any. (1 Corinthians 6:12)

The common response people may have is, we are not under the law of Moses any more, we have freedom in Christ. Absolutely, positively correct. But we must always consider the whole counsel of God. Paul frequently alludes to his life as running a race. Would you show up for a 100 yard dash wearing boots? Not if you wanted to win. Paul says to run the race as to win the prize. In that way, drinking is not helpful.

But also, can you be sure one drink will not lead to alcoholism? Of course not. No one plans on becoming an alcoholic. It's just something that happens over time, and then you have been brought under the power of something besides Jesus, and that's a problem.

Can you do it for the glory of God?

Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31)

We must apply these three questions, not just to drinking, but to any action we may take. But looking at the current story, we see a clear application of these principles.

Would our action stumble a brother? Not in this instance. The problem here is they were OUT of wine. (John 2:3). Obviously they were not concerned with the presence of wine.

Will it become a master to us? Here, we have the master himself taking care of the situation. (John 2:7)

Can you do it for the glory of God? Yes, John 2:11 tells us this manifested His glory.

Thus, in this instance, providing the wine was not a problem. Of course, if Jesus was doing the providing, we can conclude no problems resulted. But such is not always the case, and caution should be exercised.

We can use these same principles with anything we want. Many Christians worry, "Can I do 'x'?". If it doesn't already directly conflict with Biblical teaching, we can use the above tests to determine if we are using our liberty in Christ inappropriately. And a few additional questions might help.

Would God be proud of me for doing 'x'?

What would Jesus do about 'x'?

Can we do 'x' in faith? (In other words, are we uneasy about it?)

But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because he does not eat from faith; for whatever is not from faith is sin. (Romans 14:23)

Whether you choose to drink or not is a question best left between you and God. But choose wisely.

With that background, we can jump into the text itself.

Jn 2:1-2 "third day" - While this may simply mean the third day from the previous events, a peculiar thing occurs if we look at the creation account in Genesis. Seven times God saw that what he created was good, but not once each day. On Tuesday, God says it twice. So if you're Jewish, you see Tuesday as the day of double blessing. Thus for Jews, most marriages occur on Tuesday. The third day here may just mean Tuesday.

By Jesus' presence here, he validates the whole idea of marriage. People today ask why they need a piece of paper to prove their love. Because Jesus' here validates the idea.

Jn 2:3 For a host to run out of wine at a marriage festival would be a major embarrassment. These events could last for seven days.

But we also know this is Jesus' first miracle. (v 11). Mary had been living with the shame of being called an adulteress for 30 years, even though she knows otherwise. Imagine Mary trying to tell people, "this really is the promised Messiah of Israel". For the previous 30 years, there were no outward signs he was any different than anyone else. What she really is saying is "Show your stuff, and get me off the hook".

Jn 2:4 "woman" - a term of respect, not impoliteness.

"My hour is not yet come" - Jesus knows the plan, and will not violate it.

Jn 2:5 Mary's last words "Whatever He says to you, do it." It's sad certain groups have elevated Mary to something she is not. She never said "talk to me and I'll arrange it with the Messiah". She says "do what HE says", not "He'll do whatever I say".

But this points out a problem today. An idea to worship Mary would never come from simply reading the Bible itself. Many people today rely on someone else to tell them what the Bible says, instead of just reading it for themselves. Many strange and heretical ideas could be avoided just by reading the Bible itself. Remember Luke tells you to check things out for yourself, as the Bereans did. (Acts 17:11)

Jn 2:6-7 The servants had no idea what was about to happen. But they did as instructed. This is a lesson for us. God always looks for our response of faith to Him. Recall the crossing of Israel into the promised land.

God said:

"And it shall come to pass, as soon as the soles of the feet of the priests who bear the ark of the LORD, the Lord of all the earth, shall rest in the waters of the Jordan, that the waters of the Jordan shall be cut off, the waters that come down from upstream, and they shall stand as a heap." (Joshua 3:13)

And of course, that's exactly what happened.

and as those who bore the ark came to the Jordan, and the feet of the priests who bore the ark dipped in the edge of the water (for the Jordan overflows all its banks during the whole time of harvest), that the waters which came down from upstream stood still, and rose in a heap very far away at Adam, the city that is beside Zaretan. So the waters that went down into the Sea of the Arabah, the Salt Sea, failed, and were cut off; and the people crossed over opposite Jericho. (Joshua 3:15-16)

But that's not what we want. We say "God, part the waters, and then I'll go". God says, "Go forward, and I'll part the waters". The difference is faith.

Jn 2:8 They must have wondered what was going to happen. Jesus didn't say he was going to turn it to wine.

Jn 2:9-10 Amos 3:7

Jn 2:11 As already mentioned, there were no childhood miracles of Jesus.

But there's something else here. John is a mystic, as even a casual reading of the book of Revelation shows you. But his Gospel is no less so. Something here grabs our attention immediately. In verse 6, there were 6 waterpots. This may not mean anything unless you know the following about the uses of numbers in the Bible.

6 - incompleteness, also used of man, for man is incomplete

7 - complete (not divine, as some may say)

8 - new beginning.

40 - testing or trial (during flood, rained 40 days, Jesus fasted 40 days, etc).

Thus, whenever a number like this appears, we can get a clue about it's use. Here we have 6 pots. Why would the Holy Spirit feel the need to communicate that to us? Could it mean there is something in this story for us?

We see six waterpots, representing man. These are made of stone, and empty. Sounds like our hearts, doesn't it? They are filled at Jesus' command. (Any attempt to cure our own emptiness is fruitless and destined for failure.) The pots are filled with water, which is a symbol for the Word (Eph 5:26). And the result is wine (wine can be symbolic of joy, Psalm 104:15).

Thus we see when we allow our stony, hard heart to be filled with the Word of God, the result is an outpouring of joy for others.

Visit at Capernaum with His disciples (Jn 2:12)

First cleansing of the temple at Passover (Jn 2:13-22)

Jn 2:14 At the temple were merchants of various kinds. Some would exchange currency for the correct temple currency (at inflated exchange rates), others would sell "certified" lambs for sacrifice.

Since it was required to sacrifice animals without blemish, the priests would inspect the animals brought by the people. Of course, none were good enough, but just over here, we have certified animals you can buy if you want to. The end result was a fleecing of the flock of God. Jesus sees this and gets angry, because they are hindering the people from coming to God.

Jn 2:16 Jesus didn't turn over the cages of the doves, he told them to take them away. The picture sometimes portrayed of an out of control person is wrong. He was in complete control at all times.

Jn 2:18 The Jews did not ask why he did these things, since they knew them to be wrong. Instead they ask by what authority he does them.

Jn 2:21 A blow to the Jehovah Witness' claims that Jesus was not resurrected in his own body. Once again, a simple reading of John 2:18-21 would dispel any myth of a spiritual and not literal resurrection.

An early response to Jesus' miracle (Jn 2:23-25)

Jn 2:24 "did not commit Himself to them, because He knew all men" - If your child says to you, "Give me this and I promise I'll never be bad again", would you? No. Why? Because you know what's in the child's heart. It's not possible for them to never be bad again. In the same way, Jesus knows what's in the heart of man, and he knew many of them only had a superficial faith.

Nicodemus' interview with Jesus (Jn 3:1-21)

Jn 3:1-2 Nicodemus comes by night. By this many infer he was afraid of being seen with Jesus. This may be partly true, but as noted in verse one, he was a ruler and teacher of the Jews, so his daily schedule was busy. Perhaps he simply wanted to have more time to spend with Jesus on a private level, without the crowds pressing around.

In verse 2, Nicodemus probably did not know exactly how to start a conversation with Jesus, so he tries the same technique we use when meeting an important person, i.e. flattery.

Jn 3:3 Jesus (who obviously knew who Nicodemus was) cuts to the heart of the matter.

Jn 3:4 This answer does not imply Nicodemus was stupid, it's just his way of re-raising the question. He could have said "what do you really mean?"

Jn 3:5-6 "born of water and the spirit" - Some teach by this (and a few other passages) the requirement of baptism in order to be saved. But this does not agree with the whole counsel of God. In Luke 23:39-43, during the crucifixion of Jesus, one of the thieves crucified with Jesus rebukes the other saying "Don't you fear God?", then looks to Jesus and says "remember me when you come into your kingdom". It's important to realize what Jesus didn't say in his response. He didn't say he had to get down from the cross, find some water, be baptized, the get back to the cross and die. Jesus simply says "today you will be with me in paradise". This passage alone destroys any possible idea of the requirement of baptism for salvation.

Later, just before he dies, Jesus says "It is finished". If baptism was required he could not say that, there would still be work to do.

Should you be baptized? Yes. Is it required to be saved? Absolutely, definitely not.

Other possible interpretations of the water here is it's simply a way to refer to the washing of the water by the word of God. Possible. Or it could just mean a natural birth. You need two births to enter the kingdom of God. A natural one, and then a spiritual one. Born twice, die once. Born once, die twice. It's just that simple.

Jn 3:7-8 This is the first of three "musts" in this famous chapter.

You must be born again

There is no room for misunderstanding. There is no other way to the kingdom of God except you be born again. We can easily treat this lightly, for even in secular society we hear this phrase. But for a Pharisee, this would be radical teaching. They built their righteousness on two things, being a descendant of Abraham, and keeping the Law of Moses. Neither is sufficient, as the other writings of the New Testament points out.

For the law, having a shadow of the good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with these same sacrifices, which they offer continually year by year, make those who approach perfect. For then would they not have ceased to be offered? For the worshipers, once purified, would have had no more consciousness of sins. But in those sacrifices there is a reminder of sins every year. For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and goats could take away sins. (Hebrews 10:1-4)

Therefore by the deeds of the law no flesh will be justified in His sight, for by the law is the knowledge of sin. But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe. For there is no difference; (Romans 3:20-22)

Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith apart from the deeds of the law. (Romans 3:28)

You must be born again. Our own works simply won't do.

Jn 3:9 Once again Nicodemus is confused. Jesus is teaching a revolutionary concept.

Jn 3:10 Jesus issues a rebuke of Nicodemus. He was the top teacher in Israel at the time, and Jesus says he should understand.

Jn 3:11-12 Jesus points out this is a simple thing. How can he understand heavenly things if he doesn't understand this?

Jn 3:13-15 A reference to Numbers 21, where the people of Israel complain, and God sends fiery serpents to bite the people. When they get the idea they have sinned against God (for many are dying), they cry out to Moses to help them. Moses prays for the people, and God says to make a brass serpent and put it on a pole, and whoever looks on it shall be saved.

The serpent is a symbol of sin, and brass means judgement. Thus we see the symbol of sin judged, which provides a way for the people to live.

But this brings up a bigger issue. Isn't this a strange way to save people? To look up to a brass serpent? The Israelites certainly had other options.

God provided ONE way to be saved. Any other way didn't work. The path to salvation is narrow, if you're on the wide path with lots of other people, you've got the wrong path!

Today, everyone is bitten by sin, and God has provided the same remedy for us as for the Israelites then. To look to the Son of Man lifted up. That provides the only solution for us. To look at the parallels people have today, they are the same excuses as the Israelites had then.

There is only one way. Other roads lead to death.

So the second "must" in this passage is

And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up

It's the only way God has provided for man to be saved.

Jn 3:16 Even among secular people, this verse is known.

Jn 3:17-18 Jesus came to provide the means for sinful man to be saved. You don't have to accept his offer, but remember the previous analogy with Moses. Anything else won't work.

Jn 3:19-21 "men loved darkness" - loved is agapao and means a complete devotion to darkness.

Why do we have so much "coming out of the closet" today? The closet implies darkness, and hiding one's actions. When someone can come out of the closet openly today it's because it's just as dark outside in today's world as it is inside.

Just as Jesus says, men who are devoted to darkness hate the light for it exposes their deeds. Perhaps that's why tolerance is the edict of today, except for Christians - it's o.k. to hate them. Tolerance only means tolerant of any deviant act, no matter how bizarre. But stand for righteousness, and you immediately become a target of ridicule and scorn. Just as Jesus said, people want to remain in darkness, and don't want their evil deeds known.

John superceded by Jesus (Jn 3:22-36)

Jn 3:27 If John's gospel was made into a movie, no one would want to play John the Baptist, for he didn't have many lines! But when he spoke, it was always notable. Here is no exception. It may be an obvious truth, but meditate on it for a while for it's full meaning to be known

Jn 3:28 Recall previous "I AM ... NOT!" lesson.

Jn 3:30 The last "must" in this passage

He must increase, but I must decrease.

If you want to be effective for the work of God, you must follow John's advice. Pride has no place in God's work. The flesh says "I must increase", I want to draw attention to myself. This was satan's problem, he wanted to be in the place of God.

"How you are fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! How you are cut down to the ground, You who weakened the nations! For you have said in your heart: 'I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God; I will also sit on the mount of the congregation On the farthest sides of the north; I will ascend above the heights of the clouds, I will be like the Most High.' (Isaiah 14:12-14)

We frequently have the same problem as satan, pride. We want to exalt ourselves, and show everyone how important we are, instead of doing what John did, simply point them to the true and living God. And lest we take this lightly, we see several examples of how seriously God takes this issue of pride.

So on a set day Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat on his throne and gave an oration to them. And the people kept shouting, "The voice of a god and not of a man!" Then immediately an angel of the Lord struck him, because he did not give glory to God. And he was eaten by worms and died. (Acts 12:21-23)

All this came upon King Nebuchadnezzar. At the end of the twelve months he was walking about the royal palace of Babylon. The king spoke, saying, "Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for a royal dwelling by my mighty power and for the honor of my majesty?" While the word was still in the king's mouth, a voice fell from heaven: "King Nebuchadnezzar, to you it is spoken: the kingdom has departed from you! (Daniel 4:28-31)

Finally, recall why the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed. It's not the reason normally associated with them. There are actually 5 reasons for their destruction. (If you're curious, the answer is given by Ezekiel in 16:49-50, and makes a great question to stump your friends with).

God doesn't change, if he felt this way two thousand years ago, the same lesson applies for us today.

To review this famous chapter, we just have to look at the three "musts":

You must be born again. There is no other way to heaven.

For this to happen, Jesus must be a sacrifice for us. Our own works are never sufficient.

To have an effective life for Christ, we must decrease, while he increases. Pride has no place in a Christian's life.

Jesus' departure from Judea (Mt 4:12, Mk 1:14a, Lk 3:19-20, 4:14a, Jn 4:1-4)

Jn 4:1-2 John the Baptist was definitely not on the good side of the Pharisees (Mt 3:7), so imagine when they found out Jesus had more disciples than John. They would not have been happy.

"Jesus Himself did not baptize, but His disciples" - two possibilities here. Either Jesus baptized only his disciples and no one else, or he baptized no one and his disciples did the baptisms. Not a big deal either way, but I lean towards the second option. God knows how easily man elevates people and objects and begins to worship them. If he did baptize the disciples, it's possible other people would look differently at them because they had Jesus' baptism. For this reason, I believe he didn't baptize the disciples, but it's only an opinion, and I wouldn't make too big of an issue about it one way or the other.

Jn 4:3-4 "needed" - Jesus had a divine appointment to keep with this woman. There are no accidents in God's kingdom. "Coincidence is not kosher" (Chuck Missler).

Discussion with a Samaritan woman (Jn 4:5-26)

Now we enter into the famous discussion with the Samaritan woman. This makes a perfect model for us in how to witness to other people. Throughout this passage, five points will be made regarding a way for us to talk to people about Jesus.

Jn 4:5-6 "being wearied" - Jesus got tired, just as we do. "And the Word became flesh 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 1:14).

Jn 4:7-8 "woman ... came to draw". From the previous verse, we know it was about noon when this woman came to the well. At noon was the heat of the day, so women would normally get their water either in the morning or evening. Since she was coming at noon, she apparently wanted to avoid seeing other women, for reasons we shall see later in the story.

"Jesus said" - That he even spoke to her is important for two reasons. First, as verse 9 points out, Jewish people had no dealings with Samaritans, Jews looking upon them with contempt. A study of the history of the Samaritan people shows why, the Jews considered them "half-Jews". But secondly, that Jesus would talk to a woman is significant. Women were looked down upon by Jewish men during those times.

Jn 4:9 She calls him a Jew, it will be important to notice how her method of addressing him changes as she learns more about him. It's a clue to her development.

Jn 4:10 Jesus continues the conservation he started in verse 7, but turns the discussion toward heavenly things. This leads to point #1

Use ordinary events to explain about Jesus.

He didn't immediately blast away about her sin, need for salvation or the reality of hell, instead he used their current circumstances at the well to turn the discussion to heavenly things. Too many people use a bull in a china shop approach to witnessing when a little more diplomacy is needed. While we must never water down the Gospel, sometimes a softer approach works better. And remember what Paul said, it's the goodness of God that leads to repentance (Rom 2:4), not the fear of hell or judgement.

Jn 4:11-12 Her response to Jesus' remarks? "Huh?" She obviously doesn't understand. This is point #2.

Don't be surprised if people don't understand, they are blind to spiritual things.

This is what Paul says

For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. (1 Corinthians 1:18)

But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. (1 Corinthians 2:14)

It is easy for us to misunderstand this. As people who have the Holy Spirit teaching us, we forget people who don't have the Spirit simply can't understand. As we talk to people it's important to remember this point, and not fall into "Christianeze". Phrases like "born again" have no meaning for them.

Jn 4:13-14 Jesus notices she doesn't understand what he is talking about, so he re-states his idea in a different form so she will understand. He doesn't quit on her.

Another point here is Jesus' statement "Whoever drinks of this water will thirst again". In place of "water", put anything you like - job, car, house, money, drugs, etc. Anyone who drinks of those things will thirst again. Nothing is ever enough. Some of the most miserable people have been the wealthiest, they just needed a little more to be satisfied. And after obtaining it, it left them wanting.

"Never" - strongest possible negative construction in Greek[3]

Jn 4:15 She says "Huh?"

Jn 4:16-18 Jesus takes a different approach.

Jn 4:19 She has moved from addressing him as "Jew" to "Sir", and now to "prophet". Her eyes are beginning to open.

But in response to his informing her about her previous five husbands, she can begin to see his godliness, which leads to point #3

Can people see your godliness?

It's sad today many Christians hide themselves, they don't want anyone to know who they are. But notice she begins to understand as she sees his godliness.

This is a valuable lesson for us. In many parts of the world, Christians are persecuted, brought before courts and imprisoned. Imagine yourself being brought before such a court. Would they have to bring witness after witness, with several weeks of testimony before coming to a conclusion? Or would it be an open and shut case? Can people see your godliness? It's important to take a stand so everyone knows. Sadly, many Christians go along with the world, and quench their light. Jesus didn't plan it that way.

"You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. "Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:14-16)

Jn 4:20 She brings up side issues to what he is talking about. Many today do the same thing. "The Church is full of hypocrites" (it is by the way - also thieves, adulterers, liars, etc) is a common reason today.

Jn 4:21-24 Jesus brings the subject back to it's main focus, point #4

Don't get off on side issues, continue to focus on Jesus

Recently, I heard Jon Courson give a wonder example of this. During his Genesis commentary, he brought up the current debate about evolution and it's scientific validity. Naturally, as a physicist myself, I was ready to jump right in with mountains of scientific evidence! But that wasn't Jon's idea. He pointed out evolution is really a question about what people think of Jesus. If you believe Jesus is who he said he was (God), then evolution is a minor point, since it doesn't agree with the Bible, you discard it. No point in getting off on scientific mumbo-jumbo, just direct the conversation to Jesus.

Keep the focus on Jesus, and don't get trapped by side issues that really aren't important.

"the Father is seeking such to worship Him." - Many often say they don't feel the presence of God in their life. If you are in that position, worship Him! For he seeks those who do.

"those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth." - Sometimes churches make people choose between spirit and truth - it's the old Baptist vs. Pentecostal debate. But we must have both. To come out of church and say "wasn't that great? The Spirit was here today, it's just too bad we didn't have time for the message today" is wrong, just as it is to suppress the moving of the Spirit in the church. Jesus here settles that debate permanently. We must have both.

Jn 4:26 point #5

Finally, reveal Jesus as the answer

That's the final step, just as John the Baptist did earlier. Direct them to Jesus.

To review these five steps:

Challenge of a spiritual harvest (Jn 4:27-38)

Jn 4:27 The disciples were perhaps puzzled by Jesus talking to a Samaritan women, but they didn't ask why, they knew he must have a good reason for doing so.

Jn 4:28 "left her waterpot" - two things to notice.

  1. After having a personal encounter with Jesus, worldly things don't matter
  2. She wanted to share with others the person she encountered

"to men" - she didn't go to other women, this is another clue she wasn't accepted by the other women in town.

Jn 4:29 She now recognizes this to be the promised Messiah.

Jn 4:31-34 Just like the Samaritan women, Jesus speaks of spiritual things, and the disciples misunderstand him to be speaking of earthly things.

Jn 4: 35-38 The field is the world (Mt 13:38).

Evangelization of Sychar (Jn 4:39-42)

Jn 4:40 He stays in Samaria for two more days! This must have really puzzled the disciples. But Jesus never reacts the way we want, he does the will of the Father.

Arrival in Galilee (Jn 4:43-45)

[1] Courson, Jon Matthew chapter 1-13 page 18

[2] Strongs concordance definition G772

[3] Missler, Chuck The Gospel of John page 20

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For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. (Ephesians 2:8-10 KJV)