Episode147 - "Every good gift is from God" - James 1:16-18

James 1:16   Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. 17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. 18 Of his own will, he brought us forth by the word of truth that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.

In the last episode, we saw how James transitioned from the experience of trials in our lives to that of temptations. I spoke about how trials and temptations are very different yet may be associated. When we face trials, we experience some degree and form of suffering. James says that God wants to use these trials to change us into what He wants us to become. However, it is not difficult to allow our flesh to rebel and let our trials become an excuse for temptation. The source of the temptation is never God. God does not tempt anyone. (v. 13) One might argue, “Didn’t God tempt Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden by putting a tree within it that He also prohibited them from eating?” The answer is “no.” There is no evidence they had any problem avoiding the tree until the serpent questioned God’s word, denied God’s word, and impugned God’s character and motivations. The serpent tempted humanity to think of itself over God. 

In verse 16, James implores believers to not be like Adam and Eve. He tells them not to be deceived. About what? He writes,  “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights.” (v. 17) In other words, God is the source of everything that is truly good. Adam and Eve chose to eat what they were clearly told not to eat and that the result of their disobedience would be death. Obeying God would lead to life. In Matthew 7:9-11, Jesus taught that God’s ability to give good things to us who ask Him surpasses our own desire and ability to give good things to those we love, 

“9 Or which one of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? 10 Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent? 11 If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!” (Matt. 7:9-11)

 We cannot allow ourselves to become deceived by thinking that God is just looking for an opportunity to deny us something we need or is looking for a reason to trip us up. That is not true. God is good and wants what is good for us.

Why does he speak of God as the Father of lights? It seems to me that it speaks of illumination. Deception, trickery, and trouble originate in darkness and are hidden. When there are lights, there is illumination, and people can see their way and the dangers in their path. The good things God is and does are evident because He illuminates what He is doing. This is exactly what God was doing in sending Jesus into this world; to make God known. Jesus healed people. Jesus fed people. He taught and explained God’s truth to people and invited them to receive the good and abundant life God wanted to give them. 

The last part of James 1:17 says of God, “with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.” What does this mean? It means that God doesn’t change. God can be depended upon because He is perfectly constant in His goodness, reliability, and in all of His characteristics. We say that God is immutable.

In verse 18, James says of the believers to whom he is writing, “we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.” This is speaking of God bringing them to faith in the gospel of Jesus Christ. They were among the earliest Christians. He says, “Of his own will, he brought us forth by the word of truth.” (v. 18) This is one of the good gifts the Father of lights gave them. He gave them the truth about Jesus and faith to receive this gift. James’ argument in stating this is if God gave us forgiveness of sin and hope of eternal life through Jesus, how could we possibly think that God is malicious in any way? 

Prayer of thanksgiving and trust: Heavenly Father - Thank you that you are good and trustworthy. I know I can depend on you for all things. Help me not to become deceived.

Episode 140 "Do you love me more than these?" - John 21:15-17

John 21:15   When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.” 16 He said to him a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Tend my sheep.” 17 He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” and he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep.”

The time had come for Jesus and Peter to have a heart-to-heart talk. In verse twenty, it appears that Jesus and Peter had gone for a walk alone. Yet, the disciple whom Jesus loved was following some distance behind. 

If you recall, it was Jesus who gave Simon the name Peter. (John 1:42) So, it’s interesting that he now addresses him, three times, as “Simon, son of John.” It seems to me that this makes sense in keeping with Jesus’ purpose for this conversation with Simon Peter. Jesus understood his shame and the emotional turmoil Peter seems to be experiencing. I believe Jesus is meeting Peter where he’s at emotionally and spiritually. In that turmoil, Peter had made a choice to go fishing; back to his roots. It was something that defined him up to the point where Jesus called him. So, by addressing him as Simon, Jesus is speaking to him as the fisherman he had called to follow him. 

Each time Jesus addressed him as Simon, he questions Peter’s love for him. It’s not that Jesus doesn’t know the answer to the question. Jesus is using this opportunity to restore Peter into this relationship and teach him what Jesus wants him to do. The first time he asked, “Do you love me more than these?” This evokes the question, “Who or what are these?” For as long as I can remember, I’ve assumed that he meant “Do you love me more than these other disciples love me?” Throughout the past few years of following Jesus, Peter seemed to assert that he did love Jesus more than the other disciples loved him. He expressed that he was more faithful to Jesus and would die for him. (See Matthew 26:33) Yet, when standing outside at Jesus’ trial, he denied three times that he even knew Jesus. Given his actions in contrast to his words, it’s entirely possible this is the intended meaning. However, it could also mean, “Simon, do you love me more than you love your friends and fishing? Do you love me more than the life in which you are so comfortable?” Perhaps John wants to leave us wondering. Maybe the ambiguity is there for a purpose. 

However it is to be understood, Jesus explained to Simon that if he loves Jesus, Jesus is giving him responsibility and a purpose higher than that of fishing. Furthermore, as we’ll see in the next episode, there will be a cost to him in being completely devoted to that mission.

There is an interesting tidbit of information in the Greek text of this story that the first two times Jesus asks Simon this question, he used the word “agapao” for love. Some have suggested that word is the deeper, committed kind of love. Yet, when Peter responded to Jesus he says, “Yes. I love you” the word translated love is “phileo”. It is often described as meaning “brotherly love.” In other words, it might appear that Simon cannot bring himself to use the so-called stronger word “agapao” in responding to Jesus. Then, the third time Jesus asks Simon “Do you love me?” the word “phileo” is used by Jesus as though he is telling Simon, “OK. I’ll use the same word” you are using. A number of scholars have argued this is primarily a stylistic variation and that the words are not all that different. However, since John so often has a purpose in the little details he provides throughout this book, I think there could be something to this little game of words. It seems clear from the context here that Jesus understands where Simon is at. In fact, in Simon’s last answer to Jesus’ three questions, he doesn’t just say, “Yes Lord. I love you.” He says, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” (v. 17) Did you see that? Peter says, “Lord, you know everything.” Peter is confessing that Jesus understands Peter’s love better than Peter himself does.” The repetition of the question “Do you love me” and Jesus accommodating Peter’s own shame or insecurity breaks Peter and that is what needed to happen. Peter’s pride was evident and Jesus needed to address it. 

Each time Peter affirmed that he loved Jesus, Jesus responded with “Feed (or tend) my sheep.” I don’t think Jesus was concerned about whether Peter was the bravest among the disciples. Jesus' point is that his priority for Peter is to serve and nurture those who would also follow Jesus leading them in a life of obedience to the Lord. 

Humility and obedience to serve others are critical to the mission to which God has called us. Trust that Jesus knows everything and pray that he will guide and sustain us as we feed his sheep.

Episode 139 - "They knew it was the Lord" - John 21:9-14

John 21:9   When they got out on land, they saw a charcoal fire in place, with fish laid out on it, and bread. 10 Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish that you have just caught.” 11 So Simon Peter went aboard and hauled the net ashore, full of large fish, 153 of them. And although there were so many, the net was not torn. 12 Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” Now none of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord. 13 Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, and so with the fish. 14 This was now the third time that Jesus was revealed to the disciples after he was raised from the dead.

Prior to Jesus’ interaction with Peter, John described the scene as the disciples arrived at the shoreline with their boat and dragging their net full of fish. They had fished all night without catching a single fish and along came Jesus who told them to cast their net on the right side of the boat. They obeyed Jesus’ command and the result was an immediate and overwhelming success. John specified here the exact count of 153 large fish. John so frequently includes little details that have significant implications or meaning and I can’t help but wonder if there is significance to this detail. At the very least it defines the magnitude of the catch or perhaps the abundant provision of God. One can find a number of interesting and plausible interpretations for this specified number within many commentaries. 

For my purposes here, I’d like you to notice what the disciples see when they first got to shore. Jesus had a fire going with breakfast of fish cooking on the charcoals along with some bread for his meal. Where did these come from? He wasn’t on the boat. There’s no record that he had his own net or fishing pole. This caused me to recall John chapter four when Jesus encountered the Samaritan woman at the well. After his disciples returned from town with food and the woman went to town to tell others about Jesus, the disciples encouraged Jesus to eat. But Jesus replied, “I have food to eat that you do not know about.” (John 4:32) Shortly he explained, “My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to accomplish his work.” (John 4:34) Soon after this Jesus would take a few small fish (contrasted with 153 large fish) and a few loaves of bread and multiply them to feed thousands of people. It would seem from John’s observation and interpretation of Jesus’ providing the fish and the bread served to remind these disciples of how Jesus had provided for so many before. We see throughout the Scriptures the importance of remembering what God has done before. Sometimes people even built monuments as a means of reminding them and also as a means to teach others who this God is and what He has done. The end purpose is to trust in the LORD because we remember that God is able and God is willing to provide what we need.

In verse twelve, Jesus invited them to have breakfast. I think that Peter was not the only one who was struggling with the LORD’s presence due to guilt or shame they had abandoned him when he was arrested. Notice that John mentioned that no one asked him “Who are you?” Why does John feel the need to say this? These are people who had been living with him for the past few years. They know what he looked like. I suspect that their shame evoked by his appearing to them alive was uncomfortable. Furthermore, it would have conflicted with their reason. “Is he really, physically alive and here with us?” they might have thought. It would be easy to think out loud, “Are you really the Lord?” But, John says that they didn’t ask him because they knew it was him. Now, here he is inviting them to eat with him once again. It’s a way in which he is communicating that he wants to fellowship and be present with them. He has not and will not abandon them. 

Finally, John mentions this was the third time he appeared to his disciples. Again, I believe John has a purpose in providing this detail. In my opinion, it’s an indication of what is about to transpire between the Lord and Peter and perhaps the others who may be hearing what Jesus is saying to Peter and perhaps indirectly to them. Peter had denied three times that he knew Jesus after Jesus’ arrest. Now, this is the third time the resurrected Lord has appeared to him and the others. Despite Peter’s attempts to separate his identity as a friend of Jesus, Jesus is demonstrating that he is still with them. 

What speaks to me in this story is the grace and mercy Jesus showed to his disciples. He knows their thoughts and he understands their feelings. He draws them to him in fellowship through this amazing provision and a meal. As we will soon see, he has not cast them off from the purpose he has established for them. They will soon become fishers of mankind.

Episode 94 - "You must love one another as I have loved you" - John 13:33-35

33 Little children, yet a little while I am with you. You will seek me, and just as I said to the Jews, so now I also say to you, ‘Where I am going you cannot come.’ 34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. 35 By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

Jesus, addressing his disciples as “little children,” was not demeaning to these adult followers. It was a manner with which a rabbi would have addressed his students. This is similar to Proverbs where the sage addresses his recipient as “My child” or “My son.” The “son” is not necessarily the biological or adoptive parent of the one to whom he is imparting wisdom. In fact, as we read the Proverbs, each of us is “the son” who needs to learn the wisdom shared. This address from Jesus to his disciples is affectionate but authoritative. It reminds them that he is their teacher and he is about to teach them something important and they need to pay attention. 

He tells them that he will only be with them a little while longer before he goes away. Furthermore, they will not be able to follow him. They didn’t understand it then and, as we’ll see, Peter does not want to accept this as certain. But, they would not be able to follow him to the cross, to the grave, or back to the Father in heaven. Why is that? 

Jesus explains the reason. He intends for them to remain for the purpose that the world recognizes that they are Jesus’ disciples. Why is that important? Clearly, the Father wants the world to understand his love for mankind. The world cannot thwart God expressing His love toward mankind. His disciples would be so impacted by Jesus that they would risk their own lives to carry on this message from the Father through the Son to the world. How were they supposed to do that?

Jesus told them they must show the same kind of love toward each other that he was showing to them. What did that kind of love look like? He had just given them the example of washing each other’s feet. But, he was about to take it much farther by laying down his life for the sins of the world. These men could not lay down their lives for others’ sins. But, Jesus was telling them that their attitudes and actions would need to become such that they would even lay down their lives for the interest of others. That is the kind of love Jesus said would cause the world to take notice and they would understand that these were disciples of Jesus. The implication of this is that Jesus was planning on his disciples making an impact upon the world by drawing others to faith in Jesus through this kind of love. This principle continues to this day and the command to love others with the same kind of love Jesus showed applies to us. 

As I reflect on this, I think to myself how great it is to love others and how wonderful a privilege it is to tell others about the good news of Jesus. But, if I honestly ask myself if I want to love other believers with that sacrificial kind of love that Christ showed me, I can easily think of people who I don’t want to love that deeply. This is why we need to remember Jesus. Each of us needs to be reminded of the quality and depth of his love and that he wants us to show that to others. 

Episode 88 - He loved them to the end - John 13:1-5

John 13:1   Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart out of this world to the Father, having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. 2 During supper, when the devil had already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray him, 3 Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going back to God, 4 rose from supper. He laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist. 5 Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him.

As I read this text, I’m reminded of my childhood when occasionally I would have a sheet of paper or a book with “connect the dots.” By using a pen or pencil and beginning at the dot with the number ‘1’ and drawing a line to each successively numbered dot, an image would appear. This book has a number of “dots” that are to be connected and it reveals a picture of Jesus and God’s plan for sending him into the world.

First, John mentions that once again they are nearing the Passover Feast. The feast commemorated the first Passover when the ancestors of these Jews were in bondage in Egypt and the Lord was bringing judgment upon the nation. The final plague was that the Lord would kill the firstborn of every family and animal because of their evil and rebellous ways. In order to avoid this, the Jews were instructed to sacrifice a lamb without blemish, apply some of the blood to the outside of the door frame of their homes, then enter into their homes, and eat the roasted flesh of the lamb. (See Exodus 12) What significance does this have with respect to Jesus and the events that are unfolding?

Well, early in John’s gospel, John the Baptist points to Jesus and declares that he is “the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.” (John 1:29) It would seem that by John pointing out that the Passover is near and the context of Jesus (the Lamb of God) knowing that he will soon die seems to connect the dots that the ultimate fulfillment of the Passover is about to happen in Jesus’ imminent death.

Second, John mentions that Jesus knew his hour had come. We read that happened when it was reported to him that there were Greeks seeking him. (John 12:20-23) John adds here that Jesus had loved “his own.” Do you remember that? John 1 records, “he (the Word) came unto his own. But, his own did not receive him.” (John 1:11-12) He didn’t just come to them. John says here that he “loved them.” Now, he builds on that by saying that even though he knew they were about to kill him, “he loved them to the very end.” Is that not amazing? Jesus never stopped loving the people who would take part in rejecting him and killing him.

Now we get some specific detail when John tells us about this meal Jesus and his closest disciples were sharing and John tells us that the devil had already put the idea into Judas Iscariot’s heart to betray Jesus. This detail is helping us understand that it’s not just antagonists who were after Jesus. But, even one of Jesus’ own disciples would betray the one who would love him to the end.

John then explains that Jesus knew that God had handed all authority to him and that he had come from God and was going back to God. This would seem to suggest that John understood that Jesus could have done so many things in response to the knowledge he had. But, what he did was to get up from the table where he had been reclining, took off his outer garment, wrapped a towel around his waist, took a towel and bowl of water, and began washing his disciples’ feet.

Why is this detail important? If you recall from John chapter one, John the Baptist tells people that there is someone else in their midst whom they didn’t recognize, “the straps of his sandals I am not worthy to unloosen.” (John 1:27) The disciple of a teacher in that day was considered on a similar level of a slave and might be expected to do anything for their teacher that a slave would do except one thing. Foot care was considered so low that only a slave was expected to do that. John the Baptist was saying that he was not worthy to even be called a slave of Jesus. But, here in this text, Jesus is taking on the role of a servant to his own disciples. This helps us see how Jesus was loving his own. Shortly, we’ll learn more about what Jesus is teaching his disciples and us through this act of love. 

As you meditate on this, I hope you will not miss the point that you are included among Jesus’ “own” whom he has loved to the end. The question is whether you receive it. 

Episode 85 - God demonstrated His love toward us - John 12:27-36

John 12:27   “Now is my soul troubled. And what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? But for this purpose I have come to this hour. 28 Father, glorify your name.” Then a voice came from heaven: “I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.” 29 The crowd that stood there and heard it said that it had thundered. Others said, “An angel has spoken to him.” 30 Jesus answered, “This voice has come for your sake, not mine. 31 Now is the judgment of this world; now will the ruler of this world be cast out. 32 And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” 33 He said this to show by what kind of death he was going to die. 34 So the crowd answered him, “We have heard from the Law that the Christ remains forever. How can you say that the Son of Man must be lifted up? Who is this Son of Man?” 35 So Jesus said to them, “The light is among you for a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, lest darkness overtake you. The one who walks in the darkness does not know where he is going. 36 While you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become sons of light.”

In our previous episode, we saw how Jesus recognized that his “hour had come” when he was informed there were Greeks seeking Jesus. Then, he gives a parable to those around him about a grain falling to the earth and dying in order to bring abundant fruit. It becomes clear that he is that grain. He is prophesying about his death. He adds that those who love him will also be willing to forfeit their life in this world for the eternal life he promises. Then he adds that those who do so will be with him in eternity and the Father will honor him. This does not mean that every Christian will be martyred for their faith. It does mean that our perspective toward our life should lead to an attitude of forfeiting our interests in this life to the point that we would die for our faith.

As we read this next section, it’s important to understand that Jesus is saying he is about to die. He asks the question of whether He should ask the Father to save him from this hour. Then, he answers that question himself by saying, “But for this purpose, I have come for this hour.” (v. 27b) He prayerfully speaks “Father, glorify your name.”

In response, a voice from heaven says, “I have glorified it and I will glorify it again.”(v.28) I am inclined to agree with other Bible scholars who suggest that the first time He glorified His name was at the Incarnation; when Jesus was born. Now, He will glorify it again in the death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus to the Father’s side in Heaven.

This voice was audible to those around him. However, the message appears to have been understood by few if any. Some said that it was thunder. Some believed an angel had spoken to Jesus. I wonder how the author of this book, John, could confidently give us the message. Maybe John heard it clearly. Maybe others heard it clearly too, but their minds did not want to believe at the moment what they had heard. That Jesus tells them the voice was for their own benefit suggests to me that maybe they had all heard it clearly, but they reasoned it away. I wonder how often I might do that. When reading God’s clearly revealed message in the Scriptures, do I let my mind reason away the implication for me?

The next thing Jesus says is, “Now is the judgment of this world; now will the ruler of this world be cast out.” (v. 31) That’s a message many people may not want to hear. Not only the idea of judgment but the fact that it is coming “now.” What does this mean? It means that Jesus’ death on the cross is the most significant event in the history of the world. God had judged the world with a flood that we read about in Genesis and spares one man and his family. But, we recall that while God considered him “righteous,” he was not perfect. There are other times that God brings judgment upon people for their rebellion against Him. But, His perfect judgment is brought at the cross upon His own Son Jesus who took the divine justice in our place and then conquered death; the penalty, and the effect of sin. The defeat of the ruler of this world, the devil, was accomplished at the cross of Jesus. As we continue in the Christian Scriptures we learn that God is demonstrating His grace and love toward mankind that others would have a chance to hear the good news of Jesus and also receive the forgiveness of their sin and the hope of eternal life. But, the event of Jesus’ death on the cross and his resurrection is the single historical event that makes certain the promises Jesus is offering those who forfeit their love of this life.

Verse 32 records Jesus’ words, “ And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” In John 3 we read, “as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up.” Now, Jesus is clearly speaking of himself as the Son of Man. Furthermore, as is recorded in verse 33, he said this to indicate how he was going to die. The people get the message. But, they don’t want to buy into it. They want a Messiah who will deliver them from the Romans oppressors. They don’t want to believe this Messiah will die.

Jesus continues with his message that the light of the world will only be with them a little longer. I had the privilege of taking 10-day backpacking treks with each of my sons in the lower Rocky Mountains. Prior to going out into this rugged backcountry, each group is given very clear rules. One of them is to never hike in the dark. Why? Because it’s dangerous. You can fall down or off a mountain. You can run into a mountain lion or a bear. No one may ever find you. Jesus is saying that if you don’t walk in the light he provides, you will be walking in darkness and will fall into danger of losing the eternal life he offers. 

It seems to me that the challenge from this Scripture is whether we are willing to submit our own ideas, feelings, ambitions, and desires that are natural in this life and follow Jesus. He is the true light that came into the world. When we walk in His light, we are safe eternally regardless of what may happen to us in this life.

Episode 69 - I am the Good Shepherd - John 10:1-6

John 10:1 “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door but climbs in by another way, that man is a thief and a robber. 2 But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. 3 To him the gatekeeper opens. The sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4 When he has brought out all his own, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. 5 A stranger they will not follow, but they will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers.” 6 This figure of speech Jesus used with them, but they did not understand what he was saying to them.

This is a teaching of Jesus concerning himself, his mission, and those who follow him. I believe it may be significant to understand the historical context in which he is sharing this. This happens leading up to or at the time of the “Feast of Dedication. (verse 22)” You’ll see this on calendars today as “Hanukkah.” During the period we know as the intertestamental period (the time between when the last prophet Malachi spoke) and the time of Christ, Alexander the Great conquered the known world and effectively influenced the cultures throughout the lands he conquered with the Greek culture. The land of Israel was essentially at the center of the various political upheavals during those four hundred years and when a Seleucid king Antiochus Epiphanies desecrated the Jewish temple, there was a successful revolt led by a Judas Maccabeus which led to the rededication of the temple. Hanukkah remembers and celebrates that event. 

The point is that such events can lead people to ask, “What caused this mess in the first place?” The common theme in the Hebrew Scriptures that Christians call the Old Testament is a cycle of good leaders followed by bad leaders. God’s discipline upon Israel always came in the wake of bad leaders who led the people astray from God’s ways. So, coming into this celebration, Jesus is teaching about good leaders and bad leaders. 

In this figure of speech, Jesus speaks of a sheepfold. That was typically a waist-high stone enclosure where sheep could be led for the night and be safe from wild animals. There was only one door to that enclosure guarded by someone. There would be no good reason for a shepherd of a flock of sheep to not enter by the only legitimate entry. Someone climbing over the wall was a thief and did not have good motives. The legitimate shepherd is known first by the one guarding the gate and also by his own sheep. Shepherds spend a lot of time with their sheep and may talk to the sheep, sing and the sheep would learn to identify the sound of their own shepherd’s voice. They would know that this recognizable voice was safe.

What I really love about this section of this story is how the shepherd calls each one of his sheep by name and then he leads them wherever they need to be led. He doesn’t open the gate and send them wandering aimlessly wherever they might go. 

For me, this provokes the question in my mind, “How well do I know the voice of Jesus?” If he knows my name and calls, do I recognize his voice and would I follow him?

Of course, that leads us to ask, “How do we learn to recognize his voice if he is not physically present with us to speak into our ears?” I think the answer to that is by reading the Scriptures and listening in a spiritual sense to how he spoke and what he said to others. I don’t think his message to us would be any different than it was to people around him 2000 years ago. I hope this study facilitates familiarity with Jesus’ voice to you and others.

Episode 28 - God loved the world

John 3:16-18

16   “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. 18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. 

We have arrived at what is likely the most famous or well-known verses in all of the Bible; at least in the English language. You have likely driven down highways and seen this verse on a billboard. You may even recall watching sporting events where spectators who were sitting in areas frequently captured by television cameras would be holding placards with the reference John 3:16. 

Just because and maybe even especially because it’s so familiar, we should not move past it so quickly. Take the first phrase “For God so loved the world . . . “  for example. This part of the verse is frequently interpreted as a description of quantity; a measure of how much God loved us. However nice that sounds, it is likely more accurate to understand this as an expression of the manner in which God loved the world. In other words, we could paraphrase this as “God loved the world in such a way that he gave his only Son . . . “ Regardless, that phrase is intended to cause its hearers or readers to stop in awe. Ideally, mankind confronted by this reality should be stopped in our tracks at the wonder that God would love any one of us that he would send his only Son into the world to die on our behalf so that we might not perish. If you get nothing else from this blog or podcast episode, I hope this Scripture will have such an effect on you. It should move us to be humbled, to be thankful to God, and to say to God, “God, let the gift of your Son have the effect You desire in me. Help me trust you in all things.”

Notice that the rest of this little section we’re reading speaks of two kinds of people; those who are perishing and those who are given eternal life. This sounds pretty extreme and so it is if you believe this is the truth from God’s Word.

The first part of this that is important to understand is that it’s God’s love, expressed through the giving of His only Son, makes it possible for people to not perish, but be given eternal life. This is important to realize God’s good intention toward mankind. In verse 17, it’s more fully explained by saying, “God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world.” I’m continually amazed by how many people I meet; religious or not who tend to think that God is always waiting to judge and condemn people for the slightest misstep. The situation, however, is that mankind is already in a judged and condemned condition. How did that happen? That happened back at the beginning of time when the first man and woman who were perfectly created by God, used their God-given wills to choose to disobey God. They brought “darkness” into the world through their disobedience. We are their children and are, therefore, born into this condition of darkness. But, God is saying, “I don’t want you to be there and I’m going to do something about it.” 

Don’t miss the repetition of “the world.” God’s intent is not simply to save the Jews. God’s intent is to save the world; people all over the world regardless of race, ethnicity, etc. 

Do these people need to do anything to not perish and have eternal life? Yes. They have to “believe in him.” Who is him? The answer is God’s only Son Jesus Christ. Think of it this way: Someone can give you a gift. But, you don’t have it unless you accept it. In verse 18, John writes that if you believe you are not condemned. However, everyone who has not believed is already condemned, “because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.” (v18) 

There are people who want to say that everyone gets to God in their own way or everyone ultimately is saved. But, this verse is in direct contradiction to that kind of thinking. The point is that we all have this problem of “darkness.” We need God’s light in our hearts and minds leading us Him. That light, the true light that came into the world was God’s only begotten Son, Jesus Christ.