Lesson 4532

 Lesson 4532)(06-30-24) John 11:1-15 

“Now a certain man was sick, named Lazarus, of Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister Martha. (It was that Mary which anointed the Lord with ointment, and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick.) Therefore his sisters sent unto him, saying, Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick. When Jesus heard that, he said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby. Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus. When he had heard therefore that he was sick, he abode two days still in the same place where he was. Then after that saith he to his disciples, Let us go into Judaea again. His disciples say unto him, Master, the Jews of late sought to stone thee; and goest thou thither again? Jesus answered, Are there not twelve hours in the day? If any man walk in the day, he stumbleth not, because he seeth the light of this world. But if a man walk in the night, he stumbleth, because there is no light in him. These things said he: and after that he saith unto them, Our friend Lazarus sleepeth; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep. Then said his disciples, Lord, if he sleep, he shall do well. Howbeit Jesus spake of his death: but they thought that he had spoken of taking of rest in sleep. Then said Jesus unto them plainly, Lazarus is dead. And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, to the intent ye may believe; nevertheless let us go unto him.” 

 

In today’s lesson, Jesus learned that Lazarus, the brother of Mary and Martha, was ill. (Although being God, He had known that was going to happen from the beginning of time.) Despite His love for the family, He delayed going to them, explaining to His disciples that the illness would ultimately glorify God and the Son of God. After two days, Jesus announced that they would return to Judea, causing the disciples to express concern for His safety. Jesus reassured them, using a metaphor about walking in daylight. He then informed them that Lazarus had fallen asleep, meaning he had died, and He planned to awaken him. Jesus explained that He was glad He wasn't there earlier so that the disciples might believe. They then set out for Judea. ~ 

Lesson 4531

 Lesson 4531)(06-29-24) John 10:32-42 

“Jesus answered them, Many good works have I shewed you from my Father; for which of those works do ye stone me? The Jews answered him, saying, For a good work we stone thee not; but for blasphemy; and because that thou, being a man, makest thyself God. Jesus answered them, Is it not written in your law, I said, Ye are gods? If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God came, and the scripture cannot be broken; Say ye of him, whom the Father hath sanctified, and sent into the world, Thou blasphemest; because I said, I am the Son of God? If I do not the works of my Father, believe me not. But if I do, though ye believe not me, believe the works: that ye may know, and believe, that the Father is in me, and I in him. Therefore they sought again to take him: but he escaped out of their hand, And went away again beyond Jordan into the place where John at first baptized; and there he abode. And many resorted unto him, and said, John did no miracle: but all things that John spake of this man were true. And many believed on him there.” 

 

In today’s quote, Jesus responded to the Jewish leaders who were preparing to stone Him by pointing out the good works He had done, asking for which of these works they were stoning Him. They accused Him of blasphemy, claiming He made Himself God. Jesus cited scripture to show that those who receive God’s word can be called "gods," arguing that He was not blaspheming by calling Himself the Son of God. He urged them to believe in the works He had done, so they may know and understand that the Father is in Him and He is in the Father. Despite attempts to seize Him, Jesus escaped. He then goes beyond the Jordan, where many come to Him, recognizing that everything John the Baptist said about Him was true, and many believed in Him there. ~

Lesson 4530

 Lesson 4530)(06-28-24) John 10:22-30 

“And it was at Jerusalem the feast of the dedication, and it was winter. And Jesus walked in the temple in Solomon's porch. Then came the Jews round about him, and said unto him, How long dost thou make us to doubt? If thou be the Christ, tell us plainly. Jesus answered them, I told you, and ye believed not: the works that I do in my Father's name, they bear witness of me. But ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep, as I said unto you. My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand. I and my Father are one.” 

 

In today's quote, during the Feast of Dedication in Jerusalem, the Jews asked Jesus to plainly state if He is the Christ. Jesus responded by affirming that His works, done in His Father's name, had testified to who He truly is. He explained that those who do not believe in Him are not His sheep (followers), but His sheep recognize His voice, follow Him, and thereby receive eternal life. Jesus emphasized the security of those who believe in Him, stating that no one can snatch them from His hand or His Father's hand, underscoring the fact that He and God the Father are two equal parts of the Holy Triune, God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. ~