Lesson 3588

 (Lesson 3589)(10-31-21) John 19:17-22

    “And he bearing his cross went forth into a place called the place of a skull, which is called in the Hebrew Golgotha: Where they crucified him, and two other with him, on either side one, and Jesus in the midst. And Pilate wrote a title, and put it on the cross. And the writing was Jesus Of Nazareth The King Of The Jews. This title then read many of the Jews: for the place where Jesus was crucified was nigh to the city: and it was written in Hebrew, and Greek, and Latin. Then said the chief priests of the Jews to Pilate, Write not, The King of the Jews; but that he said, I am King of the Jews. Pilate answered, What I have written I have written.”

    Today’s quote relates how the Jews, who had Jesus crucified, were upset with Pilate for enshrining Jesus with the very public title of “king of the Jews” when He was crucified.~

Lesson 3588

 (Lesson 3588)(10-30-21) John 19:1-16

    “ Then Pilate therefore took Jesus, and scourged him. And the soldiers platted a crown of thorns, and put it on his head, and they put on him a purple robe, And said, Hail, King of the Jews! and they smote him with their hands. Pilate therefore went forth again, and saith unto them, Behold, I bring him forth to you, that ye may know that I find no fault in him. Then came Jesus forth, wearing the crown of thorns, and the purple robe. And Pilate saith unto them, Behold the man! When the chief priests therefore and officers saw him, they cried out, saying, Crucify him, crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Take ye him, and crucify him: for I find no fault in him. The Jews answered him, We have a law, and by our law he ought to die, because he made himself the Son of God. When Pilate therefore heard that saying, he was the more afraid; And went again into the judgment hall, and saith unto Jesus, Whence art thou? But Jesus gave him no answer. 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? Jesus 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. And from thenceforth Pilate sought to release him: but the Jews cried out, saying, If thou let this man go, thou art not Caesar's friend: whosoever maketh himself a king speaketh against Caesar. When Pilate therefore heard that saying, he brought Jesus forth, and sat down in the judgment seat in a place that is called the Pavement, but in the Hebrew, Gabbatha. And it was the preparation of the passover, and about the sixth hour: and he saith unto the Jews, Behold your King! 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. Then delivered he him therefore unto them to be crucified. And they took Jesus, and led him away. ”

    Today’s quote relates that, even though Pilate could find no fault in our Savior, the Jewish leaders persuaded him to crucify Jesus.~

Lesson 3587

 (Lesson 3587)(10-29-21) John 18:28-40

    “Then led they Jesus from Caiaphas unto the hall of judgment: and it was early; and they themselves went not into the judgment hall, lest they should be defiled; but that they might eat the passover. Pilate then went out unto them, and said, What accusation bring ye against this man? They answered and said unto him, If he were not a malefactor, we would not have delivered him up unto thee. Then said Pilate unto them, Take ye him, and judge him according to your law. The Jews therefore said unto him, It is not lawful for us to put any man to death: That the saying of Jesus might be fulfilled, which he spake, signifying what death he should die. Then Pilate entered into the judgment hall again, and called Jesus, and said unto him, Art thou the King of the Jews? Jesus answered him, Sayest thou this thing of thyself, or did others tell it thee of me? Pilate answered, Am I a Jew? Thine own nation and the chief priests have delivered thee unto me: what hast thou done? Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence. Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest 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. 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 find in him no fault at all. 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 Jews? Then cried they all again, saying, Not this man, but Barabbas. Now Barabbas was a robber.”

    Today’s quote relates that Jesus was taken to Pilate, the Roman magistrate, for judgment because the Jews could not sentence Him to death. The Jews chose Barabas to be released to them, per Roman custom, leaving Jesus to be Crucified by the Romans.~

Lesson 3586

 (Lesson 3586)(10-28-21) John 18:15-27

    “And Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so did another disciple: that disciple was known unto the high priest, and went in with Jesus into the palace of the high priest. 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. Then saith the damsel that kept the door unto Peter, Art not thou also one of this man's disciples? He saith, I am not. And the servants and officers stood there, who had made a fire of coals; for it was cold: and they warmed themselves: and Peter stood with them, and warmed himself. The high priest then asked Jesus of his disciples, and of his doctrine. Jesus answered him, I spake openly to the world; I ever taught in the synagogue, and in the temple, whither the Jews always resort; and in secret have I said nothing. Why askest thou me? ask them which heard me, what I have said unto them: behold, they know what I said. And when he had thus spoken, one of the officers which stood by struck Jesus with the palm of his hand, saying, Answerest thou the high priest so? Jesus answered him, If I have spoken evil, bear witness of the evil: but if well, why smitest thou me? Now Annas had sent him bound unto Caiaphas the high priest. 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. 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? Peter then denied again: and immediately the cock crew.”

    Today’s quote is John’s account of how the Jews  captured and o Jesus. The quote relates that Peter, as Jesus had prophesied, denied Him three times before the rooster crowed. The quote also relates how the Jews abused Jesus as they questioned Him. 

    It is important to note that John’s account of those events differs in it’s narration from the Matthew account: “Now Peter sat without in the palace: and a damsel came to him, saying, thou also wast with Jesus of Galilee. But he denied before them all, saying, I know not what thou sayest. And when he was gone out into the porch, another maid saw him, and said unto them that were there, This fellow was also with Jesus of Nazareth. And again he denied  with an oath, I do not know the man. And after a while came unto him they that tstood by, and said to Peter, surely thou also art one of them for thy speech bewrayeth thee. Then began he to curse and to swear, saying, I know not the man. And immediately the cock crew. (Matthew 26:69-74)~

Lesson 3584

 (Lesson 3584)(10-26-21) John 18:1-11

    “When Jesus had spoken these words, he went forth with his disciples over the brook Cedron, where was a garden, into the which he entered, and his disciples. And Judas also, which betrayed him, knew the place: for Jesus ofttimes resorted thither with his disciples. Judas then, having received a band of men and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, cometh thither with lanterns and torches and weapons. Jesus therefore, knowing all things that should come upon him, went forth, and said unto them, Whom seek ye? They answered him, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus saith unto them, I am he. And Judas also, which betrayed him, stood with them. As soon then as he had said unto them, I am he, they went backward, and fell to the ground. Then asked he them again, Whom seek ye? And they said, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus answered, I have told you that I am he: if therefore ye seek me, let these go their way: That the saying might be fulfilled, which he spake, Of them which thou gavest me have I lost none. Then Simon Peter having a sword drew it, and smote the high priest's servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant's name was Malchus. Then said Jesus unto Peter, Put up thy sword into the sheath: the cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it?”

    The main issue in today’s quote is that Jesus confronted those who were going to crucify Him and He did it willingly. Praise God.

    There is a secondary lesson that should be taken from the quote having to do with the veracity of EVERY word that is written in the bible.

    Sadly, there are some who will argue that every word in the text of the bible is to be taken literally as it is written. That is wrong and is also easily proven wrong. 

    In today’s quote John is recorded to have said that when the Jewish leaders came to arrest Jesus, He went willingly and was the first to confront them: However, Matthew 26:46-56 tells a different story as to how Jesus was taken by the Jews: “And while He yet spake, lo, Judas, one of the twelve, came, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and elders of the people. Now he that betrayed Him gave them a sign, saying, Whosoever I shall kiss, that same is He: hold him fast. And forthwith he came to Jesus, and said, Hail, Master: and kissed Him. And Jesus said unto him, Friend,Wherefore art thou come? Then came they, and laid hands on Jesus and took Him.”

    Although it makes NO difference to the overall veracity of the gospel of Christ, there is a direct disparity between what is described in today’s quote and the Matthew account of the same event.

    I mention this ONLY for the benefit of those who believe that every word in the text of the bible is to be taken literally. 

    To be certain, there is NO conflict in the overall intent of the gospel as taught by Jesus Christ and His Apostles. However, there are many literary conflicts in the narration of the events spoken of in the bible.~

Lesson 3583

 (Lesson 3583)(10-25-21) John 17:1-25

    “These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee: As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him. And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do. And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was. 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. Now they have known that all things whatsoever thou hast given me are of thee. 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. I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine. And all mine are thine, and thine are mine; and I am glorified in them. 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. 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 fulfilled. And now come I to thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they might have my joy fulfilled in themselves. 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. I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth. Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; 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. And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: 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. 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. O righteous Father, the world hath not known thee: but I have known thee, and these have known that thou hast sent me. 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.”

    Today’s quote relates the prayer that Jesus prayed for those of us who believe in Him. Praise God for that prayer and for the love that was expressed by the sacrifice that Jesus made on our behalf.

    There is a lesson within a lesson in today’s quote. It should be noted that in the prayer that Jesus prayed for us, He prayed that we be made one with He and God the Father.

    The thought of being made one with God is almost overrwhelming. The power that is implied in that thought is enough to spread the gospel of Christ to every lost soul on earth, if we will only have faith enough to apply it.~

Lesson 3582

 (Lesson 3582)(10-24-21) John 16:30-33

    “His disciples said unto him, Lo, now speakest thou plainly, and speakest no proverb. 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. Jesus answered them, Do ye now believe? 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. 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.”

    Today’s lesson tells us that the apostles, just before Christ was crucified, finally understood what He had been telling them. They also finally believed that Jesus was indeed sent by God to remit the sins of those who would believe in Him.

    This lesson clarifies why, today, there are so many who are reluctant to believe in Jesus Christ even after reading His word.

    I believe he mystery of the gospel becomes clear to a lost soul ONLY after the Holy Spirit of Jesus Christ explains it.~

Lesson 3581

 (Lesson 3581)(10-23-21) John 16:17-29

    “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? They said therefore, What is this that he saith, A little while? we cannot tell what he saith. Now Jesus 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? 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. 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. 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. And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you. Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full. 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. At that day ye shall ask in my name: and I say not unto you, that I will pray the Father for you: For the Father himself loveth you, because ye have loved me, and have believed that I came out from God. I came forth from the Father, and am come into the world: again, I leave the world, and go to the Father. His disciples said unto him, Lo, now speakest thou plainly, and speakest no proverb.”

    In today’s quote, Jesus, seeing that the apostles were confused at His words, further explained why He must leave them for awhile to complete His divine destiny on the cross.

    Jesus also explained that He would return after His ordeal was completed.~

Lesson 3580

 (Lesson 3580)(10-22-21) John 16:8-16

    “And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: Of sin, because they believe not on me; Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more; Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged. I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. 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 glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you. All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you. 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.”

    In today’s quote, Jesus explained that His followers would not be able to understand the mystery of His words until He had completed His divine sacrificial mission and returned to the Father. Whereafter He would send the Holy Spirit to explain all things.~

Lesson 3579

 (Lesson 3579)(10-21-21) John 16:1-7

    “These things have I spoken unto you, that ye should not be offended. They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service. And these things will they do unto you, because they have not known the Father, nor me. 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. But now I go my way to him that sent me; and none of you asketh me, Whither goest thou? But because I have said these things unto you sorrow hath filled your heart. 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.”

    In today’s quote, Jesus again warned His disciples that the Jews would continue to abuse them because of their faith in Him. Jesus also related that it was necessary for Him to go to the Father in heaven so that the Holy Spirit could be sent to those who believe in Him.~

Lesson 3578

 (Lesson 3578)(10-20-21) John 15:20-27

    “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. But all these things will they do unto you for my name's sake, because they know not him that sent me. If I had not come and spoken unto them, they had not had sin: but now they have no cloak for their sin. He that hateth me hateth my Father also. 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. But this cometh to pass, that the word might be fulfilled that is written in their law, They hated me without a cause. 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: And ye also shall bear witness, because ye have been with me from the beginning.”

    Today’s quote speaks of the inevitable persecution of Christianity and the coming of the Holy Spirit of God. 

    The quote also speaks to the failure of the old Hebrew law and how it was exposed by the shed blood of Jesus.~

Lesson 3577

 (Lesson 3577)(10-19-21) John 15:13-19

    “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. 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. 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. These things I command you, that ye love one another. If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. 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.”

    In today’s quote, Jesus again reminded the twelve that they were His chosen, and referred to those who keep His commandments as his “friends’. He also admonished us all to love one another as He loved us.~

Lesson 3576

 (Lesson 3576)(10-18-21) John 15:12

    “This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.”

    Today’s quote speaks clearly and needs no further explanation. If my memory serves, this is one of the very few places in the New Testament wherein Jesus made a specific “commandment”.

Lesson 3575

 (Lesson 3575)(10-17-21) John 15:1-11

    “ I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. 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. Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. 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. 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. 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 fire, and they are burned. If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love. If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love. These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.”

    In today’s quote, Jesus made it clear that He is our Savior, and that without Him we are nothing in ourselves. Jesus also made the point that if we sit idle and do nothing toward working for His will, we will be will be cast into the fire such as pruned limbs from a tree.

    It is not only our Christian duty to spread the good news of God’s amazing saving grace through faith in Jesus, it should be our very life’s work.

    So, grab your bible, study it, and then spread the gospel of Christ to every available soul who wants to hear it.~

Lesson 3574

 (Lesson 3574)(10-16-21) John 14:16-31

    “ And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; 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. I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you. Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also. At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you. 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. Judas saith unto him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world? Jesus 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. He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father's which sent me. These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you. 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. 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. 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. And now I have told you before it come to pass, that, when it is come to pass, ye might believe. Hereafter I will not talk much with you: for the prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me. 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.”

    Today’s quote relates that Jesus promised that, after He had been crucified and ascended to the Father, He would send the Holy Ghost (God in the Spirit) to dwell within those of us who have believed and placed our trust in Him.~

Lesson 3573

 (Lesson 3573)(10-15-21) John 14:12-14

    “ 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. And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it. If ye love me, keep my commandments.”

    Today’s quote relates a most powerful promise straight from the mouth of Jesus Himself. What an amazing God we serve. To Him be all the glory.~

Lesson 3572

 (Lesson 3572)(10-14-21) John 14:7-11

    “If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him. Philip saith unto him, Lord, show us the Father, and it sufficeth us. Jesus 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, Show us the Father? 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. Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works' sake.”

    In today’s lesson, Jesus explained the He and God the Father are one in the same.~

Lesson 3571

 (Lesson 3571)(10-13-21) John 14:5-6

    “Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way? Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”

    Today’s quote contains another very powerful statement that every soul on earth should repeat until it is fried into their brain. “NO MAN COMETH TO THE FATHER, BUT BY ME”.

    There is NOTHING that can get a lost soul into everlasting life except faith in the soul saving blood of Jesus Christ.  

   Obeying the elements of the old Hebrew Law won’t get you into heaven. Washing in water, or being baptized in water, won't get you into heaven. Just being “good”, won’t get you into heaven.

Going to church every time the doors swing, won’t get you into heaven. Giving to the poor, won’t get you into heaven.

    The ONLY way to spiritual rebirth and eternal salvation is to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ: “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” (Romans 10:9-10)~

Lesson 3570

 (Lesson 3570)(10-12-21) John 14:1-4

    “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's 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. And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.”

    Today’s quote requires no commentary. It is one of the most wonderful scriptures to be found in the entire bible. Praise God for His amazing grace!~

Lesson 3569

 (Lesson 3569)(10-11-21) John 13:36-38

    “Simon Peter said unto him, Lord, whither goest thou? Jesus answered him, Whither I go, thou canst not follow me now; but thou shalt follow me afterwards. Peter said unto him, Lord, why cannot I follow thee now? I will lay down my life for thy sake. Jesus 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.” 

    Today’s quote relates how Jesus knew that Peter would deny Him three times before the morning. 

    I’ve always wondered what I would have done in those circumstances. I hope I would have stood by Jesus all the way to the cross. But, are we ever really sure of the strength of our faith?~

Lesson 3568

 (Lesson 3568)(10-10-21) John 13:33-35

    “ Little children, yet a little while I am with you. Ye shall seek me: and as I said unto the Jews, Whither I go, ye cannot come; so now I say to you. A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” 

    Today’s quote relates that Jesus left with His apostles a “great” commandment. We, as the children of God, must love each other as He love us all.

    Though it seems to be a really hard thing to do sometimes, we are to love our enemies just as we love our closest friends.~

Lesson 3567

 (Lesson 3567)(10-09-21) John 13:18-32

    “ I speak not of you all: I know whom I have chosen: but that the scripture may be fulfilled, He that eateth bread with me hath lifted up his heel against me. Now I tell you before it come, that, when it is come to pass, ye may believe that I am he. Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that receiveth whomsoever I send receiveth me; and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me. When Jesus had thus said, he was troubled in spirit, and testified, and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me. Then the disciples looked one on another, doubting of whom he spake. Now there was leaning on Jesus' bosom one of his disciples, whom Jesus loved. Simon Peter therefore beckoned to him, that he should ask who it should be of whom he spake. He then lying on Jesus' breast saith unto him, Lord, who is it? Jesus 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 Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon. And after the sop Satan entered into him. Then said Jesus unto him, That thou doest, do quickly. Now no man at the table knew for what intent he spake this unto him. For some of them thought, because Judas had the bag, that Jesus had said unto him, Buy those things that we have need of against the feast; or, that he should give something to the poor. He then having received the sop went immediately out: and it was night. Therefore, when he was gone out, Jesus said, Now is the Son of man glorified, and God is glorified in him. If God be glorified in him, God shall also glorify him in himself, and shall straightway glorify him.”

    In today’s lesson, Jesus identified Judas as the apostle who would betray Him. He also indicated that He had been glorified and through His own glorification, He had also glorified God the Father.~

Lesson 3566

 (Lesson 3566)(10-08-21) John 13:12-17

    “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? Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. 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. If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.”

    In today’s lesson, Jesus made the point that no one of His followers holds authority over another. And seeing that, if He, being sent from God the Father,  could stoop to wash the feet of His followers, His followers should most certainly stoop to wash each others feet. 

    Foot washing in the time of Jesus, was the ultimate form of hospitality and respect. It was done by the host, or his/her servants, when visitors came.

    Today, since no one is required to walk where they travel, the custom has long since died away.~ 

Lesson 3565

 (Lesson 3565)(10-07-21) John 13-11

    “Now before the feast of the passover, when Jesus 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. And supper being ended, the devil having now put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, to betray him; Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God; He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself. 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. Then cometh he to Simon Peter: and Peter saith unto him, Lord, dost thou wash my feet? Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter. Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me. Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head. Jesus 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. For he knew who should betray him; therefore said he, Ye are not all clean.”

        In today’s quote, Jesus, knowing that the time for His sacrificial death was near, washed the feet of His apostles. That act symbolized the spiritual cleanliness that He would impute to those who would believe in Him.

    The quote also relates that Jesus had always known that Judas would betray Him to the Jews.~

Lesson 3564

(Lesson 3564)(10-06-21) John 12:44-50

    “ Jesus cried and said, He that believeth on me, believeth not on me, but on him that sent me. And he that seeth me seeth him that sent me. I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness. 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. 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. 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. And I know that his commandment is life everlasting: whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the Father said unto me, so I speak.”

    In today’s quote, Jesus made clear that He is God in the flesh sent to redeem the souls of mankind. Those who reject Jesus, reject God.

    Jesus also made the clear point that every instruction that came out of His mouth had come straight from the mouth of God the Father. 

    Jesus is our only intercessor before God. Without faith in Him there is no salvation.~ 

Lesson 3563

 (Lesson 3563)(10-05-21) John 12:42-43

    “ 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: For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.”

    Sadly the content of today’s quote applies  many to many more of today’s church leaders than it did among those Jewish rulers.~

Lesson 3562

 (Lesson 3562)(10-04-21) John 12:37-41

    “But though he had done so many miracles before them, yet they believed not on him: That the saying of Esaias the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spake, Lord, who hath believed our report? and to whom hath the arm of the Lord been revealed? Therefore they could not believe, because that Esaias said again, 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. These things said Esaias, when he saw his glory, and spake of him.”

    Today’s quote relates how the prophesy of Isaiah would be fulfilled by the failure of the Jews to believe in Jesus.~

Lesson 3561

 (Lesson 3561)(10-03-21) John 12:34-36

    “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? Then Jesus 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. While ye have light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light. These things spake Jesus, and departed, and did hide himself from them.”

    In today’s quote, Jesus again identified himself to the Jews as the Son of God sent to save those who would come to believe in Him. 

    Jesus also related that He would only be present with them, in the flesh, for a short time and that it behooved all of them to follow Him and accept His saving grace.

    Jesus is the ONLY chance any of us have at a spiritual rebirth and everlasting life.~

Lesson 3560

 (Lesson 3560)(10-02-21) John 12:26-33

    “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. 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. Father, glorify thy name. Then came there a voice from heaven, saying, I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again. The people therefore, that stood by, and heard it, said that it thundered: others said, An angel spake to him. Jesus answered and said, This voice came not because of me, but for your sakes. Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out. And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me. This he said, signifying what death he should die.”

    In today’s quote, Jesus said that those who choose to follow Him will be required to go where He goes and be where He is.

    Also the quote relates that Jesus had already glorified God, (by fulfilling the works of the law), and was to be “lifted up” to glorify Him again, meaning that Jesus would be raised as a perfect sacrifice for the souls of mankind.~

Lesson 3559

 (Lesson 3559)(10-01-21) John 12:25

    “He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.”

    Today’s lesson is a simple one. It means that those lost souls who are more interested in earthly, material things, more than they are interested in doing the will of God, are doomed to the ultimate and eternal wrath of God.~