Feb. 19, 2017
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Reading along with us in John? Here’s today’s reading:
John 1 (ESV)
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4 In him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. 6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7 He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him. 8 He was not the…” Continue Reading
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I just love the picture of Jesus in John 1:1-14. I often think of Jesus in the context of his life, earthly ministry and death. But we know that He was “in the beginning with God” and He “WAS GOD!”
And then there is verse 14: “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.”
So amazing!
I’ve read this chapter so many times, yet always see something new. Here in John 1:14, what jumps out is that Jesus is “full of grace and truth.” Earlier this week, I read the call to discipleship Jesus gave in Luke 9:57-62 (One instruction: “No one, after putting his hand to the plow and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God”). Following that passage, in Luke 10:10-16, He gives instructions to 70 disciples before sending them out, including words to speak of the terrible judgment to come upon any city that rejects them. He says those who reject His disciples reject HIM, and in so doing, reject the Father. Then — before they leave — He pronounces judgment on several cities, saying of one, “it will be more tolerable in [the day of judgment] for Sodom.” We know what happened to Sodom! So why do I always want to soften the truth about the coming judgment for those who reject Jesus? Why do I try to soften His image? Jesus is both grace AND truth. I need to be more faithful to the truth that judgment is coming, and those who reject the grace of God will not escape His wrath.
Mike and I are reading and discussing Matthew right now. We are currently in Matthew 7. There is so much ‘meat’ in Matthew that it feels you can spend a lifetime there. It’s also so challenging. In terms of our day to day life. This verse alone is an every day challenge for all of us. ✌🏽
1 “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. 2 For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.
I love the book of Matthew, mostly because it records so much of what Jesus had to teach. I have a red-letter Bible so it is easy to concentrate on these words spoken directly by Jesus. I love to sit in the crowd at His feet and just listen!
I love the book of John. I learn something new everytime I read it. THe first chapter has so much theology. These verses radically changed my life, “But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.” My father abused me as a child. I could not see my Heavenly Father as love when my earthly father was violent. This verse proved to me that my Heavenly Father willed me to be here in spite of the actions of my earthly father. Love chose me. My identity is in my Heavenly Father not in an abuser. Hallelujah.
March 14, 2017 – I’m starting over with the gospel of John because I got distracted and allowed interruptions. And so many neat things/questions jumped out at me today that I didn’t notice before! I did a few word studies using https://www.blueletterbible.org/ and gained a deeper understanding of the words translated “realized” in John 1:17, “bosom” in John 1:18, and “a higher rank than I” in John 1:30.
The word translated “bosom,” used only 6 times in the New Testament, presents a BEAUTIFUL picture. See the 2nd usage of the word at http://bit.ly/John1-18.
But THIS has me intrigued: How interesting that John the Baptist says, twice, “I did not recognize Him, but…” (verses 1:31 and 33). I never noticed that before today. Hmmm. Why didn’t John “recognize” (perceive, discern, know) who Jesus was in God’s kingdom before this moment? Jesus and John were cousins; John’s aunt was Mary, who definitely knew who Jesus was; and of course, Mom Elizabeth would’ve known, too. I looked up the Greek word translated “recognize,” and am more puzzled than before (see http://bit.ly/John1-31). God’s timing of this revelation is interesting. Was John completely oblivious up until now? Or just about certain things?
April 3, 2017 – Read John 1:1-13 this morning and stopped to write down “But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.” Born of God. My first thought is always John 3:7, “You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’ ” But I know there’s more here. What does it mean to be “born of God”? Here are Scriptures I found using only the phrase “born of God” (there are many more Scriptures about being born of God, though!):
“No one born of God makes a practice of sinning, for God’s seed abides in him; and he cannot keep on sinning, because he has been born of God.” 1 John 3:9
“Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God.” 1 John 4:7
“Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves the Father loves whoever has been born of him.” 1 John 5:1
“For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.” 1 John 5:4
“We know that everyone who has been born of God does not keep on sinning, but he who was born of God protects him, and the evil one does not touch him.” 1 John 5:18
(April 4, 2017) Still in John 1 today. This morning I read John 1:1-18, and had to stop because of the repeated use of the word “Light” throughout this passage in reference to Jesus. I wrote insights and new questions in my journal, then began writing down Scriptures that came to mind referencing “light,” not just in reference to Jesus, but to us! Did you know we’re called “sons of light” or “children of light” in Scripture? (See John 12:36 and Ephesians 5:7-8.)
Later this morning, in an unrelated conversation, Scott gave an incredible word picture using light in reference to the Holy Spirit and sin. Another friend was talking about people being drawn to Christ in us “like a moth to a flame [light].”
Have you ever done a word study in Scripture just on the word “light”? Use https://Biblegateway.com and put “light” in the search field. If you just stick to the New Testament, that’ll be plenty. But the Old Testament has treasures galore as well. So many incredible connections. I really can’t articulate my own thoughts on this right now. It’s all too new. Such amazing things the Lord is showing me as I slow down, quiet my mind, and allow the Holy Spirit to speak.