Episode 45 - Jesus will not lose anyone who comes to him - John 6:35-40

John 6:35   Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst. 36 But I said to you that you have seen me and yet do not believe. 37 All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out. 38 For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will but the will of him who sent me. 39 And this is the will of him who sent me, that I should lose nothing of all that he has given me, but raise it up on the last day. 40 For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in him should have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day.”

Jesus had just spoken to these people whom he’d miraculously fed. They saw this and they said, “This is indeed the Prophet who is to come into the world!”  When they come looking for him, Jesus tells them, “For the bread of God is he who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” They said to him, “Sir, give us this bread always.” (vv. 33-34) Now, Jesus tells them that he is the “bread of life.” He promises that those who come to him will never hunger or thirst. 

Notice the context is speaking of eternal life. Personally, I believe God is concerned about the physical needs of this life. In Matthew 6:25-33 Jesus taught the people to not worry about what they will eat, drink, or wear. He suggests that if God cares for the birds enough to provide for them, he cares for us as much or more. But, there is something more important than our needs for this life and that is our needs for eternal life. This life is temporary. But, in our text for this episode, Jesus is telling these people that he is the “bread of life.” He is what they really need to consume for eternal life.

Then, Jesus says something that I believe should provide tremendous encouragement to everyone who trusts him. He says (again) that his sole purpose is to do what the Father wants him to do and the Father wants him to lose no one that the Father gives to him. He promises that anyone who comes to him will not be rebuffed and under no circumstances will he lose any whom the Father gives him. Even death itself cannot break the grasp Jesus has on those who trust in him. He promises that those who trust in him and then die, he will “raise up” on the last day. He repeated this promise in verse 40 by saying it’s the Father’s will that everyone who looks upon Jesus and believes in him will have eternal life and Jesus will raise him up. 

This means that everyone who believes in Jesus now has eternal life now. Nothing in this text suggests that we will have eternal life only after we’ve been raised. Those who have placed their trust in Jesus have eternal life at that moment. That’s his promise. He does not deny that people will still die physically. He’s simply saying that our life in Christ is eternal and the full experience of that will result in a resurrection and eternal presence with God. Death cannot undo eternal life. That is good news!

Episode 44 - The True Bread that gives eternal life - John 6:22-34

John 6:22   On the next day the crowd that remained on the other side of the sea saw that there had been only one boat there, and that Jesus had not entered the boat with his disciples, but that his disciples had gone away alone. 23 Other boats from Tiberias came near the place where they had eaten the bread after the Lord had given thanks. 24 So when the crowd saw that Jesus was not there, nor his disciples, they themselves got into the boats and went to Capernaum, seeking Jesus.

John 6:25   When they found him on the other side of the sea, they said to him, “Rabbi, when did you come here?” 26 Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you are seeking me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves. 27 Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you. For on him God the Father has set his seal.” 28 Then they said to him, “What must we do, to be doing the works of God?” 29 Jesus answered them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent.” 30 So they said to him, “Then what sign do you do, that we may see and believe you? What work do you perform? 31 Our fathers ate the manna in the wilderness; as it is written, ‘He gave them bread from heaven to eat.’” 32 Jesus then said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, it was not Moses who gave you the bread from heaven, but my Father gives you the true bread from heaven. 33 For the bread of God is he who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” 34 They said to him, “Sir, give us this bread always.”

There is so much here that we could probably write multiple episodes about the response of the people who’ve been miraculously fed. But, let’s see if we can focus on a few important things that we can draw from this section. First of all, remember how these people recognize the significance of Jesus’ miracle of which they had received the benefit. They correctly deduced that Jesus was the prophet like Moses. We also see in verses 22-24 that they’d observed the disciples leave in the boat without Jesus, that Jesus was nowhere to be found where they’d last seen him, and the next day had followed the disciples over to Capernaum. When they arrived they were shocked to find Jesus there and wondered when he’d gotten there. They see things with their eyes. But, the significance of these things is not having the appropriate impact on their lives. Jesus calls them out on this.

In verse 26 he responds to them that they were only following him because they were interested in having their stomachs full. They wanted to make him king because they viewed him more as a free food plan than the God who could give them eternal life. Jesus tells them their priorities need to be set on “food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you.” Personally, I see this as a clear claim to these people that he is the Son of Man. I would argue that the crowd understands this claim as is evidenced in their response. Essentially, they are saying if you are the Son of Man sent from the Ancient of Days who has been given this eternal kingdom where we are to serve you, tell us what God expects from us; “What must we do, to be doing the works of God?” (v.28) 

Remember back in chapter five, verses 28-29 Jesus also claimed to be the Son of Man who would someday speak and the dead would rise and he says, “those who have done good to the resurrection of life.” (5:29) I asked the question then if Jesus were suggesting that salvation was by good works. This crowd seems to think it does. But, Jesus’ response in chapter six, verse 29 is “This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent.” You see, this makes it clear that the priority of God for us is not attempting to please God through our own efforts. The most important thing is to believe in Jesus. 

This is the point where they should respond positively. But, instead, they ask for another sign so that they can believe in him. They even suggest what he should do by referring to Moses and the manna in the wilderness. They want more food to put in their mouth. They may believe that he has power to work miracles. But, they really don’t believe he is the Son of God. They want him to be subject to their own desires and not for themselves to be subject to the will of God.

Jesus tells them that it wasn’t Moses who really gave them the bread, but that his Father has sent the true bread that gives life to the world. In a manner reminiscent of the Samaritan woman, they ask him for this true bread. But, do they really want it?

The thing that strikes me most about this section is mankind’s need to not approach God with a spirit of looking to get from God what we want or think we need. We just need to trust that Jesus really is God’s Son who knows best about what we need. It is only by faith in him that we have eternal life and everything we truly need.

Episode 43 - Jesus walks on water

John 6:16   When evening came, his disciples went down to the sea, 17 got into a boat, and started across the sea to Capernaum. It was now dark, and Jesus had not yet come to them. 18 The sea became rough because a strong wind was blowing. 19 When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and coming near the boat, and they were frightened. 20 But he said to them, “It is I; do not be afraid.” 21 Then they were glad to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat was at the land to which they were going.

So far John has given us four “signs” or miracles that Jesus performed; although he mentions at times that he’s worked many others. At the end of this book, John will say that the books of the world could not contain everything Jesus did. But, John is careful to select seven in the first half of this book to show who Jesus is. They are:

1. Jesus turning the water into wine.

2. Jesus healing the official’s son.

3. Jesus healing the lame man on the Sabbath near the the pool.

4. Jesus feeding the 5,000+.

Now the fifth miracle is Jesus walking on the water. That is an amazing thing and we would recognize that to be miraculous. The question is however, “What is it about this miracle that John decides it will be one of the few that he selects to give us detail.

In giving you my belief as to why, let me remind you that prior to the feeding of the multitude, Jesus told his antagonists that Moses wrote about him. Then, immediately after John tells us that, he tells us about how Jesus, in a manner even greater that Moses, miraculously fed this large multitude of people in a wilderness area. The people themselves noticed this because they said so and they wanted to make Jesus king. 

The scene here that John gives us is of the disciples getting into a boat on the Sea of Galilee without Jesus. (We are left to wonder whether Jesus told them to or whether they made an executive decision to leave without him.) Their intended destination is Capernaum on the other side of the sea. Scholars believe this may have been about seven miles from where they started. They are halfway across, a strong wind has come up making the water rough, and John says in verse 17, “It was now dark, and Jesus had not yet come to them.” 

Did you see that? They left Jesus. It was dark. Jesus (the light of the world) had not yet come to them. I don’t deny that this was what happened. But, it seems to me that John is giving us this detail to indicate that the darkness they were in was not just because of the hour of the day or clouds obscuring any natural light. This physical reality also represented their own ignorance and perhaps lack of trust in Jesus still. They needed Jesus to come to them to give them His light.

When they are in the middle of the sea, Jesus comes walking on top of the water toward them and they are frightened. A few things I notice about this:

1. These men got a head start and were collectively rowing toward their intended destination. Yet, Jesus caught up with them walking; wind and water were no impedance to him.

2. Moses, God’s prophet, also came to a large body of water. God instructed him to hold out his staff and God parted the water so that Moses and the people could walk through on dry ground. Jesus, the Prophet like Moses, just walks over the top of it. 

3. In response to their fear, Jesus, the Light of the world, and also the Word of God speaks to them, “It is I; do not be afraid.” This could also be understood as “It is I am; do not be afraid.” Maybe I’m reading too much into this. But, the fact of the matter is that this book is loaded with double-entendres and I personally believe that’s what is happening here. Clearly, they hear his voice and understand that Jesus is identifying himself. However, I think John, after the fact, realizes God’s providential intent in Jesus’ words to also say, “I am (the Creator, Redeemer God of your ancestors) here with you. You do not need to be afraid.”

When Jesus said that, John says they gladly took him into the boat. But, the last little note puts the icing on this cake. John writes that when they took him into the boat, they were “immediately at the land to which they were going.” Don’t forget that they were only halfway across the sea when Jesus appeared to them. When he got in the boat, they were immediately at their destination. Wow!

If we see the same things in this text, I think we have a better picture of why John included this miracle. It’s evidence that Jesus is the Prophet like Moses. But, he’s so much more. He is the Light of the world. He is the Word of God. He is “I am” meaning, he is God.

We need Jesus in our boat don’t we. We need him on our everyday journey. We need to trust him and knowing that he is with us, we don’t need to be afraid.

Episode 42 - Jesus, a reluctant king?

John 6:15   Perceiving then that they were about to come and take him by force to make him king, Jesus withdrew again to the mountain by himself.

In the past episode I called attention to how the large multitude, that Jesus fed by a visible miracle, made a connection of the Prophet like Moses with Jesus. (See Deut. 18:15-19)  Just like God used Moses to guide and provide for the Israelites in the wilderness coming out of bondage into the Promised Land, Jesus’ miracle seems to fill what they expect. I wanted you to notice how this development comes immediately after Jesus told his antagonists, “If you believed Moses, you would believe me because Moses wrote about me.” (John 5:46) I am suggesting that John has not given us an account of coincidental events. He is helping the reader understand that what God did in times past was not only historical and significant, it was often prophetic; pointing toward God’s greater fulfillment through His Son, Jesus. So, just like Jesus said, the Scriptures are a witness to who he is.

Notice that in this single verse John tells us the people realize that Jesus is the Prophet. On the surface it might look like a good thing. Jesus perceives that the people are so convinced by this realization that they are going to “take him by force to make him king.” He is the “King of Israel” isn’t he? That’s what Nathaniel recognized in John 1:49. Isn’t this what we would hope would happen that they would want to make him king?

But, Jesus withdrew to the mountain by himself. In fact, it looks like he sent his disciples back to the boat perhaps as an elusive measure. Thinking that Jesus would be with the disciples, people would look for Jesus among the disciples. But, he went by himself up the mountain. Why? Why would he not have wanted them to make him king? I believe the answer lies in Jesus’ statement to his antagonists that he “can do nothing of his own accord” (John 5:19) Just like David was not allowed to take the throne from Saul, but wait for the Lord to install him on it, Jesus, a descendent of David, must wait for the Father’s time and not allow the will of any person or crowd prevail. Jesus recognized the crowd’s motivations were not based on the Father’s will but on their own. We will see how this works out in coming episodes.

The fact that John tells us he withdrew back up the mountain by himself is also a reflection of him being the Prophet like Moses. Moses alone was welcomed by God to the top of the mountain to speak with God. I think Jesus went there to communicate with his Father. 

What can we learn from this? I think it’s easy to look at circumstances sometimes and draw deductions and decide that we’re going to help God out because we think we know God’s will and timing. Then, other things come along to confuse us. We need to trust God that His ways in His time are always best.

Episode 41 - Moses wrote about Jesus (Feeding of the 5000)

In the last episode we read how Jesus told his antagonists that Moses wrote about him (Jesus). If you are like me, you might be thinking to yourself, “I’ve been back and forth through the first five books of the Bible and don’t have a clue where Moses writes about Jesus. In this episode, I’m going to suggest one area that is likely intended by Jesus to support this claim. There is probably much to learn or discuss concerning the details of this passage; things like the significance of twelve baskets of leftovers. But, I think it’s more important to recall that prior to this miracle, John has given us an account of Jesus making this claim. This miracle will lend itself to the defense of that claim. Let’s read it.

John 6:1   After this Jesus went away to the other side of the Sea of Galilee, which is the Sea of Tiberias. 2 And a large crowd was following him, because they saw the signs that he was doing on the sick. 3 Jesus went up on the mountain, and there he sat down with his disciples. 4 Now the Passover, the feast of the Jews, was at hand. 5 Lifting up his eyes, then, and seeing that a large crowd was coming toward him, Jesus said to Philip, “Where are we to buy bread, so that these people may eat?” 6 He said this to test him, for he himself knew what he would do. 7 Philip answered him, “Two hundred denarii worth of bread would not be enough for each of them to get a little.” 8 One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, said to him, 9 “There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish, but what are they for so many?” 10 Jesus said, “Have the people sit down.” Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, about five thousand in number. 11 Jesus then took the loaves, and when he had given thanks, he distributed them to those who were seated. So also the fish, as much as they wanted. 12 And when they had eaten their fill, he told his disciples, “Gather up the leftover fragments, that nothing may be lost.” 13 So they gathered them up and filled twelve baskets with fragments from the five barley loaves left by those who had eaten. 14 When the people saw the sign that he had done, they said, “This is indeed the Prophet who is to come into the world!”

We see how Jesus and his disciples go to the other side of the Sea of Galilee. We aren’t given a reason why. The account just seems to indicate that it’s a remote area but many people followed him because of the signs he was working. The account says about 5,000 men. That may not include numbers of women and children. Jesus goes up a mountain with his disciples. Now this is interesting to me because Moses himself went into a wilderness area followed by a large group of people. Moses then went up Mount Sinai to speak with God.

Jesus poses a question to the disciples about how all these people are going to get fed. One disciple indicates that it would cost too much money to afford to feed all these people. Andrew observed that there was a boy in the crowd who had five loaves of bread and two fish, “but what are they for so many?” he asked. 

These men had been present when Jesus turned the water into wine. They had also witnessed other miracles. I can’t tell whether Andrew’s response was searching in hopeful expectation that Jesus might provide enough food with these fews loaves and fish or whether he himself was still doubting. Due to the number of people, it would be easy to suspect that it might be beyond what could be done. 

Jesus instructs the disciples to have all the men sit down. Why is this important? For one, it would allow for an orderly distribution of food. Secondly, it would make it easy for people to observe Jesus working a miracle before their eyes. 

It works. Jesus takes the loaves and fish and multiplies this food until everyone has eaten as much as they wanted AND the leftovers were far more than what was originally available in the original source of food. Jesus has miraculously fed a large multitude of people in a wilderness area. Moses also fed a large multitude of people in a wilderness area by the divine power of God as well didn’t he. Is this a coincidence? Am I reading into this something that is not there? All I can say is that this appears to be how the people who were fed responded to the miracle having seen it themselves. They say, “This is indeed the Prophet that is to come into the world.”(v. 14) They recognize that what Moses wrote about in Deuteronomy 18:15-19 has come about through Jesus. 

Deuteronomy 18:“15 “The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you, from your brothers—it is to him you shall listen— 16 just as you desired of the Lord your God at Horeb on the day of the assembly, when you said, ‘Let me not hear again the voice of the Lord my God or see this great fire any more, lest I die.’ 17 And the Lord said to me, ‘They are right in what they have spoken. 18 I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their brothers. And I will put my words in his mouth, and he shall speak to them all that I command him. 19 And whoever will not listen to my words that he shall speak in my name, I myself will require it of him.

This is John’s way of helping his audience understand and believe that Jesus is fulfilling the Scriptures and that Moses truly wrote about him. 

Episode 40 - The Witnesses Testifying About Jesus

John 5:30   “I can do nothing on my own. As I hear, I judge, and my judgment is just, because I seek not my own will but the will of him who sent me. 31 If I alone bear witness about myself, my testimony is not true. 32 There is another who bears witness about me, and I know that the testimony that he bears about me is true. 33 You sent to John, and he has borne witness to the truth. 34 Not that the testimony that I receive is from man, but I say these things so that you may be saved. 35 He was a burning and shining lamp, and you were willing to rejoice for a while in his light. 36 But the testimony that I have is greater than that of John. For the works that the Father has given me to accomplish, the very works that I am doing, bear witness about me that the Father has sent me. 37 And the Father who sent me has himself borne witness about me. His voice you have never heard, his form you have never seen, 38 and you do not have his word abiding in you, for you do not believe the one whom he has sent. 39 You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me, 40 yet you refuse to come to me that you may have life. 41 I do not receive glory from people. 42 But I know that you do not have the love of God within you. 43 I have come in my Father’s name, and you do not receive me. If another comes in his own name, you will receive him. 44 How can you believe, when you receive glory from one another and do not seek the glory that comes from the only God? 45 Do not think that I will accuse you to the Father. There is one who accuses you: Moses, on whom you have set your hope. 46 For if you believed Moses, you would believe me; for he wrote of me. 47 But if you do not believe his writings, how will you believe my words?”

There seems to be quite a bit here in this text. But, let’s see if we can break this down to the basic argument of what Jesus is saying. Notice that the main thing is Jesus' argument about who he is and the “witnesses” testifying to his claim. Finally, Jesus charges them with their refusal to accept the testimony and reasons for it.

The witnesses are important because in Deuteronomy 19:15 Moses writes, “A single witness shall not suffice against a person for any crime or for any wrong in connection with any offense that he has committed. Only on the evidence of two witnesses or of three witnesses shall a charge be established.” Jesus is following the Law and telling these antagonists, “I’m not doing anything by my own initiative or will.” Remember also that John has told us that these people want to kill Jesus. The Law also says, “On the evidence of two witnesses or of three witnesses the one who is to die shall be put to death; a person shall not be put to death on the evidence of one witness.” (Deut. 17:6) 

Jesus begins to offer his witnesses by saying, “If I alone bear witness about myself, my testimony is not true.”(v. 31) To paraphrase, “If there are no other witnesses, do not believe me.” His first witness then is John the Baptist’s testimony. (vv. 33-35) Jesus’ point is that, “You followed John and liked much of what he said and did. John pointed people to me. So, why aren’t you following through and trusting in me?” 

In verse 36, Jesus calls his second witness, the works (signs/miracles) the Father has given him to do. Through Nicodemus’ own words, “We know that you have come from God because no one can do these things unless the Father is with him.” Jesus’ antagonists have heard about and seen the things Jesus has been doing and in their minds, they cannot deny the ultimate source of his works. 

Jesus then says that the Father himself has borne witness about him (v. 37). This statement evokes a little more uncertainty in my mind as to what he means by this. Perhaps this draws reference from John the Baptist’s statement in John 1:33-37 “. . . the one who sent me to baptize with water said to me ‘He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain, this is He who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’” Maybe Jesus is referring to how the voice from heaven spoke at his baptism by John saying “This is my beloved Son . . .” (Matt. 3:17) Those would be instances that I would understand the Father testifying about Jesus. Later on, a similar message would come from heaven at Jesus’ transfiguration. John the apostle and the author of this book was a firsthand witness to that event. So, John certainly agrees with Jesus that the Father has testified on Jesus’ behalf.

That’s three witnesses already. But, Jesus says there is another; the Scriptures that they search and claim to know. Jesus says the Scriptures testify about him. In fact, in verses 46-47 he says that Moses wrote about him. Jesus is claiming that Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy testify about him. He charges, if you really believed Moses, you would believe me. Obviously, this evokes the question, “Where did Moses’ writings speak of Jesus?” I’m going to begin to address that question in our next episode.

According to my count, Jesus has given four witnesses. In other words, he is saying there are multiple witnesses testifying to who Jesus is. So, what is their problem?

Jesus’ own assessment of why they don’t believe him is first, they don’t have the love of God in them (v. 42) and they seek glory from each other rather than from God (v. 44). Lastly, they are putting their hope in Moses rather than in Jesus (v. 45). 

I wonder what we put our hope in and whether we’re more concerned about having others pat us on the back rather than being concerned about doing what God wants us to do. This is a matter for prayer, isn’t it. We can ask God to help us not be concerned about pleasing others and direct our priorities on doing what He wants us to do. That’s what Jesus did.

Episode 39 - Son of God AND Son of Man

John 5:25-29

John 5:25   “Truly, truly, I say to you, an hour is coming, and is now here, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live. 26 For as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted the Son also to have life in himself. 27 And he has given him authority to execute judgment, because he is the Son of Man. 28 Do not marvel at this, for an hour is coming when all who are in the tombs will hear his voice 29 and come out, those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to the resurrection of judgment.

In verse 25, we observe the third “Truly, truly . . . “ statement. Think about how bold of a statement it is; “the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live.” How many of us think we can go to a cemetery and call out the name of a loved one and expect for them to hear us? But, if that weren’t enough, how many of us would expect that person to return among the living? If you do believe you have that kind of power, you probably don’t share that belief with anyone, knowing that they will think you are crazy. Is this what Jesus is claiming?

In this section Jesus uses the term “Son of God” and “Son of Man.” Bible scholars are quick to point out that the Hebrew Scriptures (a.k.a. Old Testament) spoke of God’s anointed king as His Son. Read Psalm 2:4-9 for an example of this. The point is that the people of that time prior to the time of Jesus did not necessarily equate the term “Son of God” with deity. Yet we just recently read how the Jewish rulers wanted to kill Jesus not only for breaking the Sabbath according to their rules, but for calling God his own father, making himself equal with God. My point here is that what Jesus has communicated already about his own identity has been understood by others that he’s not just claiming to be a king. It seems to me that with John already having made that known to us, then John is showing us here that Jesus is claiming to have the power to raise the dead back to life simply by speaking. Notice that the emphasis on the Word of God speaking and something happening has already become a theme in this book, hasn’t it?

If there is any ambiguity concerning what Jesus means, he seems to clear it up in the next few verses. Notice in verses 26-27 when Jesus says that the Father has granted the Son to have life in himself AND to execute judgement. Jesus’ audience believed that the Father had power to give life. They had read Genesis 1. Jesus is claiming to have been granted the same authority and power by the Father. This statement continues to emphasize the perfect harmony of will and purpose within the Godhead. 

In Daniel 7, (vv. 9-14) Daniel’s vision is that of a heavenly court scene and one “like a son of man” is led before the “Ancient of Days” and is granted authority to judge and rule in a kingdom that will never end. Jesus is saying to his audience, “You know about the son of man from the prophet Daniel. I am telling you that the son of man is one and the same with the son of God.” John is leading his audience to understand that Jesus is making a claim to be God with all authority and power to perfectly judge humanity and to give them life or condemn them. But, John has already pointed out in John 3:18 , “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.” The judgement is neither arbitrary or partial. 

Jumping down to the last two verses of this section when Jesus says, “Do not marvel at this . . ,” he’s saying (my paraphrase) “Don’t be surprised when the dead come out of the tombs alive.” No, this is not a prophecy of a Zombie apocalypse. This is a prophecy of the end times when the Son of God/Son of Man returns to earth and speaks and the dead will rise. ( I told you this was a bold claim.) This can only happen when the One who is God and has power to give life and perfect judgment for good and evil returns to affect just that. Notice the statement about the judgement of all these called forth. Those who have “done good” to a resurrection resulting in life. But, to those who have “done evil” to judgment. 

This is one of those passages that people like to argue over. Don’t many Christians say, “All have done evil. The apostle Paul tells us in his letter to the Romans, ‘For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.’” (Rom. 3:23) That’s true. So, are all without hope? This text would seem to indicate that there is hope. How so? The other argument some might make is “See this Scripture tells us that salvation and hope of eternal life is based upon our good works and that if we’re good enough, we will be given eternal life.” But, again the Scripture tells us that there is “none righteous, not one.” (Rom. 3:10) This is one of those times when I going to jump ahead in our study and show you the answer to this dilemma that comes straight from Jesus himself. In the very next chapter (John 6:28-29) Jesus is speaking to people whom he has fed by a miracle. They come to him and ask him what works of the Father they must do. Essentially, they are asking Jesus what they can do to please God. His response in verse 29 is, “This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent.” 

This is the bottom line. We must trust God about who Jesus is because he is the one whom the Father has sent. He is both the Son of God with all qualities of deity and he is the Son of Man who is given authority to judge humanity, but was  “lifted up” (crucified) (John 3:14-15) so that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.

Episode 38 - Honor God by honoring the Son

Episode 38 - John 5:19-24

John 5:19   So Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of his own accord, but only what he sees the Father doing. For whatever the Father does, that the Son does likewise. 20 For the Father loves the Son and shows him all that he himself is doing. And greater works than these will he show him, so that you may marvel. 21 For as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, so also the Son gives life to whom he will. 22 For the Father judges no one, but has given all judgment to the Son, 23 that all may honor the Son, just as they honor the Father. Whoever does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent him. 24 Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.

The rest of chapter five is Jesus speaking to these Jewish leaders who want to kill him because they believe he broke the Sabbath and committed blasphemy by calling God his own father. I’m going to break this up into three episodes to call attention to details given by Jesus and how they are related to each other.

As you scan through the rest of chapter five, you’ll notice that there are three times Jesus says, “Truly, truly, I say to you . . . “ That is a marker that we should take notice of what he is about to say because it's important. The first begins with “the Son can do nothing of his own accord, but only what he sees the Father doing . . . “(v19) The second begins with, “whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life . . . “ (v24) The third occurrence begins with, “an hour is coming, and is now here, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live.” (v25) We are going to look at these first two in this episode.

Jesus’ words “the Son can do nothing of his own accord,” may seem to create a problem when we consider the fact that the author has already clearly expressed and shown that Jesus is God. If that’s true, how can He as the Son of God and full deity “not” be able to do something on his “own accord?” God should be able to do anything on His own accord, right? The answer lies in the context that follows. He “ONLY” (my emphasis) does what he sees the Father doing. What follows then is this picture of a loving Father that shows His Son exactly what He himself does. This helps us have an idea of one aspect of our Triune God. The word Trinity in reference to God did not exist at the time of Jesus' time on earth. Yet, the human authors of our Christian Scriptures are sharing truths about Jesus to help us understand this mysterious nature of God. God is One; yet three in person; Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. What this shows us is the perfect will that exists between the Father and the Son. The statement that “the Son can do nothing of his own accord” is not lack of ability. It speaks of the Son’s complete dependence of will and harmony with the Father. 

Verse 21 reveals that just as the Father gives life to the dead, the Son has that authority as well. But, what He does will be in complete, perfect accordance with the will of the Father. 

Verse 22 and following reveal that the Father has given the Son responsibility and authority to judge for the purpose that people will honor the Son. This tells us that the Father’s will is for us not to think of Jesus as one who is secondary or slightly less important than the Father. The Father specifically wants us to honor His Son. In verse 23, Jesus tells them, “Whoever does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent him (the Son).” This is a strong and harsh statement to Jesus’ antagonists who claim that they are honoring God because they are rejecting Jesus. My interpretation of what Jesus is telling them is, I am not coming on my own behalf. I have been sent by the Father and I am only doing what He wants me to do. If you do not recognize that and believe me, then you are not honoring the Father.

This brings us to the second “Truly, truly, I say to you . . . “ statement. Jesus has just said in verse 22 “the Father judges no one, but has given all judgment to the Son.” This should evoke in our minds the question, “what judgment would he give and on what basis?” Here is the answer in verse 24. Jesus says, “Whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.” Jesus’ word will be in perfect harmony with the Father’s word since the Son does nothing on his own accord. That is why hearing Jesus’ word and believing him who sent Jesus are intrinsically tied together. Jesus IS the Father’s Word, the Father’s message to mankind. Anyone who has heard and believed in Jesus has already escaped the judgment of death. We’ll learn more about this in coming episodes. But, the important thing here is that once someone has believed the Father about Jesus, they have gained eternal life. This recalls John 3:18, “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.”

Episode 37 - Doing good on the Sabbath

John 5:10-18

10 So the Jews said to the man who had been healed, “It is the Sabbath, and it is not lawful for you to take up your bed.” 11 But he answered them, “The man who healed me, that man said to me, ‘Take up your bed, and walk.’” 12 They asked him, “Who is the man who said to you, ‘Take up your bed and walk’?” 13 Now the man who had been healed did not know who it was, for Jesus had withdrawn, as there was a crowd in the place. 14 Afterward Jesus found him in the temple and said to him, “See, you are well! Sin no more, that nothing worse may happen to you.” 15 The man went away and told the Jews that it was Jesus who had healed him. 16 And this was why the Jews were persecuting Jesus, because he was doing these things on the Sabbath. 17 But Jesus answered them, “My Father is working until now, and I am working.”

18   This was why the Jews were seeking all the more to kill him, because not only was he breaking the Sabbath, but he was even calling God his own Father, making himself equal with God.

In our episode we read how Jesus approached a man who had been lame for thirty-eight years. Jesus asked the man if he wanted to be healed. I pointed out that, on the surface, this question would appear to be a silly rhetorical question; that we would all expect the man’s answer to be “of course” or “absolutely.” But, the man didn’t respond like that. His response was an explanation about why he couldn’t be healed based upon his very limited hope in the properties of a nearby pool. Jesus changed his understanding by commanding him to stand up, to pick up his bed, and walk. The man was instantly healed. The point I made in that section was to remind us that we are all broken or sick in some capacity; that because of sin, we have no hope of achieving whole living by our own means. We need the kind of instant healing that God can effect by His Word. 

The section closed with John’s comment that it was the Sabbath. The Sabbath was the seventh day of the week in which God ceased from His creative work at the beginning of time. We learn how important it was for God’s people to observe the Sabbath by ceasing their work as well. The fourth of the Ten Commandments given by God to the Israelites was to “Honor the Sabbath Day to keep it holy.” That this was an important command by God is not questioned by anyone who values the Scriptures. Exactly what one could do or could not do on the Sabbath becomes a “sticky point” for people even to this day. This was an opportunity for the Jewish leaders to make themselves the “Sabbath police” and to determine what was and what wasn’t a violation of the Sabbath law. 

In this miracle, they charge the man with violating the Sabbath by carrying his bed. In their understanding, that was work and it violated the Sabbath law. He responded, “The man who healed me told me to pick up my bed and walk.” (My paraphrase) They inquired who it was who healed him. But, the man didn’t know who Jesus was. John records that Jesus found him the second time in the temple. This is where the man learns Jesus' identity. Notice the irony in the contrast of the man whose son was dying and this man who has been lame for decades and has no quality of life . When the father of the dying child heard Jesus was in the region, he sought him out to come heal his son. This lame man is sought by Jesus; not once but twice. The man had come to the physical temple building. But, it was the true temple of God that came to him.

When Jesus finds him, he says, “See, you are well! Sin no more, that nothing worse may happen to you.” That first word “See” is from the Greek word transliterated “Eidos.” It means to “Pay attention!” or “Look!” It’s the same word that John the Baptist used to get his own disciples attention when Jesus was approaching them. It’s consistent with the theme of “looking and seeing” with the intended result of understanding the significance of what you were looking at. What Jesus tells him reveals to the man that Jesus knows what led to his infirmity in the first place. It should get the man’s attention so that he begins to follow God so that nothing worse would happen to him.

So what is the very next thing that happens? The man goes to the Jewish leaders to tell them it was Jesus who healed him. Originally, I understood this as a good thing; that he was testifying and bearing witness about what Jesus had done for him. But, I’m increasingly convinced this man was “narcing” on Jesus. I think this is John’s way of showing us the contrast between those who are thankful for what God does in their life and trust in Jesus and there are those who are shown much grace and mercy, but who really don’t appreciate it. 

When the Jews began persecuting Jesus for violating the Sabbath (as they saw it), Jesus’ reply was, “My Father is working until now, and I am working.” Jesus’ point is that God did not and does not stop being God on the Sabbath. He is still upholding the universe by His will and power every moment of every day. God does not avoid doing good on the Sabbath. Therefore, Jesus does what is good even on the Sabbath. 

If I haven’t convinced you yet that the author of this book wants us to understand that Jesus is God, notice that John writes in verse eighteen that the Jews wanted even more to kill Jesus not just because he was breaking the Sabbath, but also that he was calling God his Father, making himself equal with God. (My paraphrase) Jesus’ antagonists understood exactly that Jesus was claiming to be God. 

What we learn in this text should strengthen our understanding of Jesus’ authority and power. In knowing and believing this, we should worship God by giving thanks to Him for His desire to offer us healing for our broken sinful condition. 

Episode 36 - Do you want to be healed?

John 5:1-9

1   After this there was a feast of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 2   Now there is in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate a pool, in Aramaic called Bethesda, which has five roofed colonnades. 3 In these lay a multitude of invalids—blind, lame, and paralyzed. 5 One man was there who had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. 6 When Jesus saw him lying there and knew that he had already been there a long time, he said to him, “Do you want to be healed?” 7 The sick man answered him, “Sir, I have no one to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up, and while I am going another steps down before me.” 8 Jesus said to him, “Get up, take up your bed, and walk.” 9 And at once the man was healed, and he took up his bed and walked. Now that day was the Sabbath. 

The section begins the third sign that John specifically includes in his gospel account. You should notice that this one takes place back in Jerusalem. We have no idea how much time has passed since he was in Galilee. But, Jerusalem is the center of Jewish worship at the temple and we already know that the Jewish rulers are antagonists. They have heard that Jesus has become more popular than John the Baptist. By now, they’ve probably heard about him healing the man’s son in Galilee without even being present with the son. 

The details of this setting is that there is a man who has been lame for thirty-eight years and it would appear that he resides near this pool that is believed to have some power to heal people of their infirmities if they can only get into the pool in a timely manner. He has not been able to achieve that.  It is clear that he doesn’t know who Jesus is. He does not send anyone to ask Jesus to heal him. Jesus initiates the meeting. Jesus is aware that he’s been there a long time.

It seems to me that Jesus’ question to him is such an important question for everyone. “Do you want to be healed?” We might be inclined to think of that as a silly question for someone who has been lame for so long. The question expects a yes or no answer and we’d be inclined to think that everyone would answer yes. But, the man doesn’t answer yes or no. Instead, he provides an excuse as to why he’s not been able to get into the pool quick enough. It’s a “Yes, but . . .” kind of answer that leaves us wondering if he really does want to be healed. Jesus seems content with the answer. Perhaps Jesus perceives in that response a little bit of faith that he can be healed, but that the man’s expectation that getting into the pool at the right time needs to be corrected. Jesus simply commands him to get up, pick up his bed and walk. John tells us the man was healed instantly. We’re seeing a consistent pattern here, aren’t we. The Word of God speaks and God’s power and will are immediately effective. 

The final part of verse nine is John informing us that this occurred on the Sabbath. We will see in our next section why this is important. But, in this opening segment of this story, I would encourage you to ask yourself, “Do I want to be healed?” You may say, “But, I’m not lame, blind, or deaf.” But, you are dying. We are all dying; a result of mankinds’ disobedience to God. We are broken and not whole. God is offering to make us well through faith in Jesus. Do we want God to make us whole or will we make excuses about how we’ve not been able to accomplish it ourselves. The fact of the matter is that we cannot do it ourselves. We need Jesus. 

Episode 35- Believing without seeing

John 4:43-54

43   After the two days he departed for Galilee. 44 (For Jesus himself had testified that a prophet has no honor in his own hometown.) 45 So when he came to Galilee, the Galileans welcomed him, having seen all that he had done in Jerusalem at the feast. For they too had gone to the feast.

46   So he came again to Cana in Galilee, where he had made the water wine. And at Capernaum there was an official whose son was ill. 47 When this man heard that Jesus had come from Judea to Galilee, he went to him and asked him to come down and heal his son, for he was at the point of death. 48 So Jesus said to him, “Unless you see signs and wonders you will not believe.” 49 The official said to him, “Sir, come down before my child dies.” 50 Jesus said to him, “Go; your son will live.” The man believed the word that Jesus spoke to him and went on his way. 51 As he was going down, his servants met him and told him that his son was recovering. 52 So he asked them the hour when he began to get better, and they said to him, “Yesterday at the seventh hour the fever left him.” 53 The father knew that was the hour when Jesus had said to him, “Your son will live.” And he himself believed, and all his household. 54 This was now the second sign that Jesus did when he had come from Judea to Galilee.

Before we get to the heart of this healing miracle, I’d like to address something about the very last verse we read. John writes “This was now the second sign that Jesus did when he had come from Judea to Galilee.” (v. 54) At a cursory glance, one might think that John is telling us this is the second sign or miracle that Jesus worked. But, if you recall, John told us that Jesus was performing signs in Jerusalem at the Passover feast (John 2:23) . So, how do we take this? Is it a mistake? Has John quickly forgotten that Jesus had worked those miracles in Jerusalem? I don’t think so. Notice that John  qualifies this sign as the second one he did “when he had come from Judea to Galilee.” If you go back to John 1:43 we see the first time that Jesus goes from Judea to Galilee. It was while he was up there that he created the wine from the water just by speaking. Now, he returns to Galilee again from Judea via Samaria. 

With that cleared up, we could ask ourselves, “Why does John mention that it’s the second sign Jesus has worked in Galilee?” The text isn’t very clear on this. But, John’s recollection that Jesus himself had said, “A prophet has no honor in his own hometown” may give us an indication. Perhaps, this was John’s way of saying, that the people who had known Jesus all their life might have a difficult time believing that he is God’s Son. So, Jesus gave them evidence. He demonstrated more than once that he could do things no mere man could do. As we will see later in this book, Jesus points to the need for multiple witnesses to validate evidence of a truth. Therefore, he is providing multiple “witnesses” to his power and authority and by working more than one miracle he prevents any reasonable challenge that the first sign was a trick or a coincidence.

Moving on to the main part of this story, we learn that a man hears that Jesus is in Cana and he leaves Capenaum (in Galilee) to entreat Jesus to come to his home in order to heal the man’s dying son. Jesus responds in verse 48,  “Unless you see signs and wonders you will not believe.” Isn’t this a bit harsh? Does he have something against this man? What is happening is that while John records Jesus responding to the man, Jesus is actually indicting the crowd for needing a sign in order to believe. We know this because both occurrences of “you” in verse 48 are in the plural form; “unless you (all) see signs and wonders you (all) will not believe.”  The Samaritans believed his word, but not his own people. Does that remind you of John 1; “He came unto his own. But, his own did not receive him?” There is a principle here that it is better to believe without needing signs and wonders than believing by them. 

It’s an indictment against the people and it’s a challenge for the father whose son is dying. Yet, the man does not waver. In fact, I believe like the Samaritan woman, he demonstrates a little bit of faith. He simply replies, “Sir, come down before my child dies.” He demonstrates faith that Jesus is able to heal his son without Jesus actually having done it yet. Just like with the Samaritan woman, Jesus is now going to lead him farther into faith. He says, “Go! Your son will live.” John records that the man believed him and obeyed Jesus by beginning his journey home. The next day his workers met him and gave him the good news that the fever had left his son. When he inquired exactly when it began, he understood that it was the same hour that Jesus told him that his son would live. This awareness further confirmed the man’s faith and engendered faith among his household members as well. He understood that Jesus wasn’t a lucky guesser, or even someone with a special foresight. This was evidence that Jesus, the Word of God, could speak and instantly restore life and health from any distance. Jesus was so much more than he’d imagined. 

Sometimes God does things in people’s lives that seem to indicate His presence and power. But, God is calling us to trust Jesus by his word. Have you done that? Have you said to God, “God, I’m trusting you that Jesus is your one true Son, that you sent him into this world to show us who you are, that he died for our disobedient actions against you, and that you raised him from the dead giving us hope that he can and will someday speak as he did for this boy, and we who’ve had faith in him will be fully healed; even if we’ve already died. 

This sign demonstrates God’s patience to the feebleness of humans and our weak faith. It demonstrates his compassion and love. And it demonstrates his power is so great that even if Jesus isn’t physically present with us as he was with these people in Cana, he can speak and God’s actions are effective immediately.

Episode 34 - Doing God's will nourishes and sustains us

John 4:27-42

4:27   Just then his disciples came back. They marveled that he was talking with a woman, but no one said, “What do you seek?” or, “Why are you talking with her?” 28 So the woman left her water jar and went away into town and said to the people, 29 “Come, see a man who told me all that I ever did. Can this be the Christ?” 30 They went out of the town and were coming to him.

4:31   Meanwhile the disciples were urging him, saying, “Rabbi, eat.” 32 But he said to them, “I have food to eat that you do not know about.” 33 So the disciples said to one another, “Has anyone brought him something to eat?” 34 Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to accomplish his work. 35 Do you not say, ‘There are yet four months, then comes the harvest’? Look, I tell you, lift up your eyes, and see that the fields are white for harvest. 36 Already the one who reaps is receiving wages and gathering fruit for eternal life, so that sower and reaper may rejoice together. 37 For here the saying holds true, ‘One sows and another reaps.’ 38 I sent you to reap that for which you did not labor. Others have labored, and you have entered into their labor.”

4:39   Many Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman’s testimony, “He told me all that I ever did.” 40 So when the Samaritans came to him, they asked him to stay with them, and he stayed there two days. 41 And many more believed because of his word. 42 They said to the woman, “It is no longer because of what you said that we believe, for we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this is indeed the Savior of the world.”

Now that the disciples have returned from the town with food, there are two stories going on within the greater story of Jesus with the Samaritan woman at the well. I could easily split this section up. But, I think it’s valuable to see how these two stories relate to each other.

The first part is Jesus’ interaction with his disciples when they’ve returned and are shocked to find him speaking with her. The second is what happens with the woman after Jesus reveals to her that he is the Messiah (the Christ). Concerning the disciples, even though they are shocked, they seem to have the sense to keep their mouths shut. They are about to get an important lesson. But, they have no clue as to what that might be. 

John mentions that the woman left her jar at the well. What’s the point of that? It quickly becomes apparent. She wanted to waste no time going to tell people in her community about Jesus and it’s obvious she intended to return to the well with or without other people. This woman who has had no apparent, previous knowledge of Jesus has come to believe his claim that he is the Christ. She immediately becomes a witness to that. The question is, “Will people believe her?” Understand that this woman is among the most marginalized of all people in that culture. She is a Samaritan. She is a woman. And, she is a woman with a reputation for sleeping around. In all likelihood, what is known about the culture, many people would not give her the time of day or trust what she has to say. Yet, here she is claiming to have found the Christ. Who would possibly buy that? Hold that thought. 

Returning to the disciples and Jesus, they are encouraging him to eat some food they’ve brought.  He responds that he has food that they do not know about. Similar to the Samaritan woman who thought Jesus was offering her literal water from a well, the disciples don’t immediately understand that Jesus is speaking in terms of a spiritual food that sustains him and that food is “to do the will of the Father.” If we learn nothing else from this text, we should learn that our priority in our life should be to do God’s will. God is the One who provides everything we need. Doing what He wants us to do nourishes and sustains us. 

When Jesus moves into the illustration of harvesting and tells them to lift up their eyes, what do you think they saw? I suspect they saw the people from the town beginning to come out to Jesus. He is not giving them a lesson in agriculture. He’s teaching them about doing God’s will and sharing the Good News of Jesus with others. We call this evangelism and discipleship. They are about to spend a few days with these Samaritan people and they will witness Jesus teach them and they will likely participate in answering questions and testifying themselves what they have witnessed about Jesus.

Let’s return to the woman who has told the people of the town that she’s met this man who has told her “everything she’s done,” we might expect them to disregard her because of her reputation. But, John tells us in verse 39, “Many Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman’s testimony.” What!? The Jews who have seen him work miracles have refused to believe him. But, now this woman who had no previous knowledge of Jesus has come to faith in everything he has told her. So, what does she do? She just tells others and many of them believe because of her words; a woman whom they would not normally trust. What is happening here? Perhaps it is people being born from above. God has sent His Spirit to move them to respond and they’ve trusted in Jesus. 

This should tell us that evangelism is not something that we can only do if we’ve had a seminary degree or some special training. Why? Because the result is not based upon our intelligence or skills. It’s based upon the truth of Jesus and the work of the Holy Spirit. We are not responsible for the results. We just need to bear witness of Jesus and trust that God will bring people to him. Some will not believe him even if they see miracles. But, that is not our problem. Let us be nourished by telling others about Jesus.

Episode 33 - We must worship in spirit and in truth

John 4:16-26

16   Jesus said to her, “Go, call your husband, and come here.” 17 The woman answered him, “I have no husband.” Jesus said to her, “You are right in saying, ‘I have no husband’; 18 for you have had five husbands, and the one you now have is not your husband. What you have said is true.” 19 The woman said to him, “Sir, I perceive that you are a prophet. 20 Our fathers worshiped on this mountain, but you say that in Jerusalem is the place where people ought to worship.” 21 Jesus said to her, “Woman, believe me, the hour is coming when neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem will you worship the Father. 22 You worship what you do not know; we worship what we know, for salvation is from the Jews. 23 But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. 24 God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.” 25 The woman said to him, “I know that Messiah is coming (he who is called Christ). When he comes, he will tell us all things.” 26 Jesus said to her, “I who speak to you am he.”

In the last episode, Jesus began a conversation with a Samaritan woman by asking for a drink of water. Due to a widely held prejudice that many Jews had toward Samaritans, she is first and foremost interested in knowing why he would talk to her. In response, Jesus indicates that if she knew who he was, she would have asked him for living water and he would give it to her. In spite of the fact that she doesn’t know who he is, she soon arrives at the point where she does ask him for the living water. In spite of her ignorance about what he is really talking about, the offer is appealing to her and she asks him for it. Her response stands in sharp contrast to that of Nicodemus who, along with his peers, recognizes that he is from God, but does not appear to accept anything Jesus has told him.

Jesus’ response to the woman in verse 16 almost sounds like he’s changing the subject: “Go call your husband.” When she responds that she doesn’t have a husband, we quickly understand how Jesus is about to increase her understanding of who he is. In the latter part of verse 17, he says, “You are right in saying, ‘I have no husband’; for you have had five husbands, and the one you have now is not your husband.” How can he possibly know that? She immediately has an answer: “Sir, I perceive that you are a prophet... “ Earlier in the conversation, she seems cynical that he could be as great as their ancestor Jacob. Now, she recognizes that he is a prophet. At this point, all discussion and consideration about literal water in a well are set aside and she wants to discuss spiritual matters. Jesus has drawn her into the real conversation he wants to have with her. Her concern appears to be where is the proper location for worship (v20)? Jesus instructs her that worship is not about a physical location. True worship is spiritual and is based upon truth. People cannot truly worship the true God on their own terms and ideas. Notice that the woman remarks that the Jews say that worship must occur in Jerusalem and by implication at the temple. But, what have we seen in this book about the temple so far? We’ve seen that people have made it a marketplace and a den of thieves. They desecrated its purpose. But, when Jesus says, “Destroy this temple and in three days I will raise it up” he was saying that he is the true temple of God. His body is where God dwells. This is consistent with John’s statement in the prologue that the Word became flesh and “tabernacled” among us. The tabernacle was the predecessor to the temple. It was the place where God dwelt with His people. Now, God is dwelling among people in the person of His Son Jesus. To worship God is for the Spirit to give us a spiritual birth from above in which we recognize the truth of Jesus as God’s Son. Notice the repetition and force of verse 24 “those who worship him must worship in spirit and in truth.” 

At this, the woman now asserts something she “knows,” that Messiah is coming and will teach them all things. Jesus responds by claiming to be the Messiah. Effectively, he has just clearly and strongly answered her question, “You aren’t greater than our father Jacob are you” Answer: Yes. Had he given her this direct answer right away, it’s likely she may have scoffed and walked away. Instead, he graciously leads her to faith in him and then to a recognition that he is at least a messenger from God. But, he completes the lesson by demonstrating that he knows intimate details about her life and claims to be the Messiah prophesied in the Scriptures. How will she respond? We’ll see that in our next episode.

For right now, let us not miss the point that the Father is seeking those who will worship him in spirit and in truth. We must come to Jesus who is the true temple of God.

Episode 32 - Living water that gives eternal life

John 4:1   Now when Jesus learned that the Pharisees had heard that Jesus was making and baptizing more disciples than John 2 (although Jesus himself did not baptize, but only his disciples), 3 he left Judea and departed again for Galilee. 4 And he had to pass through Samaria. 5 So he came to a town of Samaria called Sychar, near the field that Jacob had given to his son Joseph. 6 Jacob’s well was there; so Jesus, wearied as he was from his journey, was sitting beside the well. It was about the sixth hour.

John 4:7   A woman from Samaria came to draw water. Jesus said to her, “Give me a drink.” 8 (For his disciples had gone away into the city to buy food.) 9 The Samaritan woman said to him, “How is it that you, a Jew, ask for a drink from me, a woman of Samaria?” (For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans.) 10 Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that is saying to you, ‘Give me a drink,’ you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water.” 11 The woman said to him, “Sir, you have nothing to draw water with, and the well is deep. Where do you get that living water? 12 Are you greater than our father Jacob? He gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did his sons and his livestock.” 13 Jesus said to her, “Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, 14 but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” 15 The woman said to him, “Sir, give me this water, so that I will not be thirsty or have to come here to draw water.”

Chapter four is yet another story of Jesus having a one-on-one dialogue with another person as he did with Nicodemus. But, you should see some significant differences between their identity and status in society as well as their response to Jesus’ teaching. 

The first six verses give us the scene and set up this story for us. A few observations are:

1. Jesus makes a decision to return to Galilee where he had turned the water into wine and John mentions that he “had to go through Samaria. There were other routes from where he was. So, it’s not like it was the only way to get there. As we’ll see in this story and the rest of the book, the Father has a mission for Jesus and Jesus always obeys the Father.

2. John has clearly attested to Jesus’ divinty. But, he also told us in the prologue that the Word became flesh; meaning human. The fact that John mentions in this story that Jesus was weary from his journey is evidence that Jesus got tired. It’s evidence of his humanity.

3. Finally, the time of day is “the sixth hour.” In the accounting of time of that culture, the sixth hour was noon. Isn’t it interesting that Nicodemus came to Jesus at night? But, this lady will meet Jesus when the sun is highest in the sky and there is light. She will encounter the “true light” that came into the world.

Women going to get water out of a well was not unusual. But, going at noon? It’s more likely that they would come to the well early in the morning or later in the day; at times when it might be cooler. So, maybe she’s coming at a time when she believes no one else will be there. 

But, someone is there.  It is a man and it’s evident to her that he is a Jew. At her surprise, Jesus asks her for a drink of water.  In her response, we learn something about an existing prejudice Jews had toward Samaritans. She asks how it is that he would ask her for a drink. Perhaps she suspects that he wants something more than a drink of water.

My paraphrase of his response to her is, “If you understood what God wants to give you and knew who I am, you would have asked me and I would have given you living water.”  At this point, we can already recognize that Jesus has created the opportunity for dialogue by making a simple request for water. She could have given him some water to drink and continued on her way. But, she couldn’t leave it alone. She had to know why he would talk to her when most Jews would not. He uses the opportunity to turn the discussion to a spiritual direction. He’s talking about the Holy Spirit and eternal life.

She does not understand what he is talking about yet as is evidenced by her pointing out that he does have any means by which to draw water from the well. Furthermore, she challenges him by asking him whether he is greater than their common ancestor Jacob. 

Jesus then explains that the water he can give her is a different kind of water that will spring up from within her providing eternal life and will truly satisfy her “thirst.” 

It seems to me that Nicodemus would have walked away shaking his head in disbelief. The woman did not know anything about Jesus.  There were no signs, as there had been for the Jews, to cause her to want to listen to Jesus more. But, without any of that evidence and still not clear of what he’s offering, she does ask him for the water he is offering. She is saying, “I don’t really get what you’re offering. But, it sounds good and I want it.” 

I am in awe of the simplicity and the passion of her faith, as limited as it may be at this moment. Jesus isn’t finished yet. He will satisfy her parched thirst by the end of this story. 

Before we continue to the next episode, give some thought to the backgrounds and circumstances of both Nicodemus and the Samaritan woman . Maybe think about what our own prejudices might be and whether God has a mission for us in our own virtual Samaria. Ask God to lead us there and to give us the words to speak to those who are thirsty for spiritual truth and hope.

Episode 31 - Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life

John 3:31-36   He who comes from above is above all. He who is of the earth belongs to the earth and speaks in an earthly way. He who comes from heaven is above all. 32 He bears witness to what he has seen and heard, yet no one receives his testimony. 33 Whoever receives his testimony sets his seal to this, that God is true. 34 For he whom God has sent utters the words of God, for he gives the Spirit without measure. 35 The Father loves the Son and has given all things into his hand. 36 Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.

The third chapter of John’s gospel has evoked much scholarly discussion over the years regarding where Jesus’ words to Nicodemus end and where the author takes over and subsequently where John the Baptist’s teaching to his disciples ends as well. Is it John the Baptist still speaking in verse 31 or is this John the apostle picking up the point from the Baptizer and explaining the truth more completely for his audience. I am inclined to see this section as the author’s interpretation and explanation of the significance of who Jesus is.

The point in verse 31 there are those who are “earthly.” Nicodemus, John the Baptist, and John the apostle himself are from the earth. But, there is “He who comes from above” and he is superior to all. He understands things of heaven and earth and he “bears witness to what he has seen and heard” (v32), but “no one receives his testimony.” Essentially, the one who knows more and knows truthfully shares the truth. But, as we’ve seen with Nicodemus, the representative ruler of the Jews and teacher of Israel, they have not received Jesus’ teaching even though Nicodemus stated that “we know that you’ve come from God.” 

In verse 33, John speaks of the exception, “Whoever receives his testimony sets his seal to this, that God is true.” What does that mean? To set one’s seal is to make a uniquely identifying mark on something which signifies the one who initiated or authorized a document or agreement. So, to receive the testimony of the One who came from above is to strongly affirm that you believe God is true. Craig Keener in volume 1 of his two-volume “The Gospel of John: A Commentary” suggests that using this imagery of a seal could mean that this believer becomes a witness as well. (Vol 1, pg. 582) 

Verse 34 explains the reasoning for this assertion; “For he whom God has sent utters the words of God, for he gives the Spirit without measure.” The first part of this is explaining that Jesus (the One whom God has sent) utters the words of God. He is not coming with his own agenda or message. The second part is a little confusing. It evokes the question of who is giving the Spirit without measure? Is it God the Father or Jesus the Son? In chapter one John the Baptist saw the Spirit descending and remaining upon Jesus signifying the Father’s identification of Jesus as the one whom John the Baptist was to direct people. Later in this gospel, we see how Jesus will promise to send the Holy Spirit to be with those who trust in him. So, in a sense, they are both “givers” of the Holy Spirit, which is consistent with what we’ve been learning since the opening verse of this book; that the Son is divine and always has been. He is from above. Verse 35 gives us a glimpse at the difference in person between the Father and the Son. “The Father loves the Son and has given all things into his hand.” We see oneness in divinity but uniqueness in person. This contributes to the Trinitarian doctrine of the Christian faith; there is only one God, that is three in person. Verse 35 emphasizes the Father’s love toward the Son and gives him all authority. Yet, the Son does not come speaking his own words, but that of the Father. This is a picture of harmony of will between the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

The message culminates in a reinforcement of mankind’s need to believe in the Son. The one who believes in the Son receives eternal life. However, the one who disobeys (or disbelieves) the Son “shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.” Why? The point of this text is that if you do not believe the Son, you are not setting your seal that God is true, and therefore, you’re calling God a liar.

Episode 30 - He must increase, but I must decrease

John 3:22-30

22   After this Jesus and his disciples went into the Judean countryside, and he remained there with them and was baptizing. 23 John also was baptizing at Aenon near Salim, because water was plentiful there, and people were coming and being baptized 24 (for John had not yet been put in prison).

John 3:25   Now a discussion arose between some of John’s disciples and a Jew over purification. 26 And they came to John and said to him, “Rabbi, he who was with you across the Jordan, to whom you bore witness—look, he is baptizing, and all are going to him.” 27 John answered, “A person cannot receive even one thing unless it is given him from heaven. 28 You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, ‘I am not the Christ, but I have been sent before him.’ 29 The one who has the bride is the bridegroom. The friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom’s voice. Therefore this joy of mine is now complete. 30 He must increase, but I must decrease.”

We have already seen the humility of John the Baptist beginning in chapter one in which he tells others that he is not worthy to even to the servant of Jesus. He even directs his own disciples to follow Jesus. 

In this text, it is apparent that some of John’s disciples still haven’t left John to follow Jesus because they apparently become jealous that more people are following Jesus. John’s response is that everything anyone of us have is a gift from heaven. This is John’s way of saying that God has given me a specific purpose and Jesus a specific purpose. He then uses the illustration of a wedding and he compares himself to the friend of the bridegroom and Jesus as the bridegroom. The friend is happy for the wedding of the bridegroom. The fullness of his own joy is that he sees this “marriage” is in process and he is completing his purpose as the friend of the bridegroom. Verse 30 gives us a simple statement from the Baptizer that we would all do well to meditate upon and desire to be the motto of our own life and purpose. “He (Jesus) must increase, but I must decrease.” As we grow in our faith, our priority should be that people see Jesus and not us.

Episode 29 - In "light" or in "darkness?"

John 3:19-21

19 And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. 20 For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed. 21 But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God.”

John has just told us that those who have not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God are already condemned to perish. But, those who receive God’s love and receive eternal life are those who believe in His name. In case one might think that this could be arbitrary and perhaps unfair, our text for today makes it clear on what basis are this judgment and condemnation. 

Verse 19 says that 1) the light has come into the world and 2) people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. So, based upon what we’ve already been told in this book, we know that the “light” or rather “true light” that came into the world is the Word which was in the beginning with God and was fully God and that the light and Word is Jesus. Remember, John has already told us that he did not come into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through him might be saved. The point here is that God is not only demonstrating His mercy and compassion to mankind, but He’s also making it painfully obvious. Think of this picture being given. Consider what happens when light is brought into a dark room. The darkness is dispelled and much is illuminated with even a little light. Jesus is the true light that came into the world. 

So, why doesn’t everyone believe in Jesus? Why aren’t people clamoring to find out more about him? John tells us right here; “people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil.” They don’t want God’s light. If that’s the case, it is not so difficult to understand why there is judgment. God alone is the source of what is good and right.

Notice how verse 21 helps us understand more about others; those who do come to the light. It says, “whoever does what is true (or faithful) comes to the light.” Don’t overlook the fact that some people come to the light. Why is this important? Because this is revealing that they weren’t always in the light if they are coming to the light. They themselves have done evil things and have been in the darkness. 

So why would they come to the light? John tells us, “So that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God.” There is a two-fold benefit in coming to the light. The first is so that our own evil is exposed by the light and secondly, so that we and others around us recognize that the truly good things we do are actually from God working in us. 

Do you see the amazing freedom there is in that? God sent His only Son into the world to provide us an escape from the judgment for our evil works, but He is also working good within us. There is a concept that should inspire our praise and worship. 

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.

Episode 27 - The Son of Man must be lifted up

John 3:9-15

John 3:9   Nicodemus said to him, “How can these things be?” 10 Jesus answered him, “Are you the teacher of Israel and yet you do not understand these things? 11 Truly, truly, I say to you, we speak of what we know, and bear witness to what we have seen, but you do not receive our testimony. 12 If I have told you earthly things and you do not believe, how can you believe if I tell you heavenly things? 13 No one has ascended into heaven except he who descended from heaven, the Son of Man. 14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, 15 that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.

We pick up where we left off in the middle of a conversation between a man named Nicodemus, who was a religious leader of the Jews, and Jesus. Nicodemus has approached Jesus, addressed him as Rabbi and acknowledged that he is a teacher who is from God. He says “We know that you’ve come from God because no man can do these things you’re doing unless God is with him.” 

But, Jesus takes the discussion to a different level by explaining that everyone needs a spiritual birth from God to even see God’s kingdom.  Nicodemus does not understand what Jesus is explaining to him and we come to this point where Jesus is not just indicting Nicodemus, he’s indicting those who consider themselves the authority of God’s word to the Jews. When Jesus says “you” in verse 10 and the first part of verse 11, it is in the singular. However, it can mean a group of people. This becomes evident in verse 11 when he says, “You do not receive our testimony.” The verb is clearly in the second person plural meaning the indictment is against the people whom Nicodemus represents. Jesus then explains that if he ( or others ) cannot believe truths he’s giving them in the earthly context in which they live and their physical senses perceive, how can they believe in things of heavenly and spiritual nature? This is Jesus’ answer to Nicodemus’ question. 

The other element of this dialogue that fascinates me is how Jesus also begins to speak in the first person plural “we” and “our.” Just like Nicodemus has said “We know . . . ,” Jesus does the same thing when he says in verse 11, “we speak of what we know, and bear witness to what we have seen, but you do not receive our testimony.” The question here is, “Who is ‘we’?” Some scholars believe that Jesus is referring to his disciples as well as himself. That’s entirely possible and reasonable. However, I’m inclined to believe that He is speaking of God the Father, the Hebrew Scriptures, John the Baptist, the Holy Spirit, and the signs that he is working. But, we’ll hold off on developing that idea right now. I’ll attempt to point out my support for this view in future episodes. At the very least, however one takes this, the text is communicating that Jesus is not alone in his testimony. He has support. He has witnesses. But, Nicodemus and the religious rulers do not believe all the testimony.

Perhaps as you read this and think about it you are asking yourself the question, “if Jesus doesn’t believe Nicodemus can believe his answer, is it fair to come down so hard on him?” To answer that, you may want to look at passages like Isaiah 32:15-20, Isaiah 44:3, Joel 2:28 and Ezekiel 36:25-27. These are passages that Nicodemus and other religious rulers would have been familiar with and they speak of God pouring out His Spirit upon people for the purpose of spiritual cleansing and restoration. Look at the Ezekiel passage for instance:

Ezekiel 36:25-27 

25 I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean from all your uncleannesses, and from all your idols I will cleanse you. 26 And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. 27 And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to obey my rules

Does this not speak of mankind’s need for God to bring spiritual renewal and His promise to do so? If so, how was it that Nicodemus, as “the teacher of Israel” had such a difficult time with Jesus’ words? It sounds like Nicodemus is still in “the dark” and he has not understood the Light. 

Verse 13 says, “No one has ascended into heaven except he who descended from heaven, the Son of Man.” It’s important to know that this term, “Son of Man” is a term used in Daniel 7:13-14 in which the Son of Man is given authority and an eternal kingdom from God the Father. Nicodemus has already said, “We know that you are a teacher come from God.” This verse is suggesting that if Nicodemus and others recognized that Jesus was from God, they should recognize that he is the Son of Man prophesied in Daniel and therefore by implication, they should believe everything he says. But, there is more information that is important about the Son of Man that follows.

In verse 14-15, John writes, “And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.” It’s not absolutely clear whether these are Jesus’ words to Nicodemus or John’s words explaining what was important for them and us to believe about the Son of Man. He uses the story from Numbers 21 when the Israelites were in the wilderness complaining against God and God sent venomous serpents among them. Then when Moses interceded for the people, God instructed Moses to make a bronze serpent. Moses did that and put in on a pole. If people looked at the serpent, they would live. (Numbers 21:4-9)

In John 3, this story is recalled because it is interpreted not only as a historical event and God’s mercy to the Israelites but also as a prophecy of the crucifixion of the Son of Man.  Everyone who would look to him in faith would live. Jesus is claiming to be the Son of Man.

As you can tell there is quite a bit to take from this conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus. Don’t worry about getting it all. Think about it and we’ll move on. As you return to this gospel later on, more things will catch your attention.

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Episode 26 - You must be born again! John 3:3-8

John 3:3-8

3 Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” 4 Nicodemus said to him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?” 5 Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ 8 The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.”

We pick up where we left off in this conversation between a religious leader of the Jews named Nicodemus and Jesus and Nicodemus acknowledges that “we” recognize that Jesus is a teacher come from God. It’s the signs that Jesus is doing that leads them to this recognition. So, how does Jesus respond to this?

He responds with a statement that causes confusion among people to this day. Notice it begins with this expression “Truly, truly.” There is some immediate repetition here isn’t there? What does it mean? Well, in our language today, we might begin a statement that we wanted our audience to understand with the word “honestly.” (Ex. Honestly, I didn’t intend to slam the door in your face.”) But, to repeat it shows an emphasis. Jesus is saying to Nicodemus, “Listen up! What I’m about to tell you is very important and factual.” Then he says, “Unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Does that response sound like Jesus approves of Nicodemus’ cognitive recognition that Jesus is sent from God? No. He’s saying that there is something other than understanding required in order to be where God is. A person needs to be “born again.” 

What on earth does that mean? Interestingly, the Greek word translated “again” has another possible meaning. The other meaning is “from above.” This secondary meaning is what Jesus wants Nicodemus to understand; that one needs to be born from above in order to see the kingdom of God. In case you miss that importance, notice that Jesus repeats the requirement in verse 7, “Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again (from above).’” 

Through Nicodemus’ own lack of understanding and Jesus drawing him further into this discussion and explains that he’s not talking about a second physical birth. Being born “again, from above” is an act of the Holy Spirit. When John records Jesus saying, “Unless one is born of the water and Spirit he cannot see the kingdom of God” he is not adding an additional requirement. Most likely, he is evoking this combined imagery from the Hebrew Scriptures to help Nicodemus understand what he is saying.  Notice in Isaiah 44:3, “For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground; I will pour my Spirit upon your offspring, and my blessing on your descendants.” Water is used as a metaphor for the Spirit. 

In verse 8 Jesus explains it further by using the analogy of wind. People perceive the wind. They feel its effects. But, they cannot see it. This is also true with people who’ve experienced the effects of God pouring out His Spirit upon them to receive His truth and blessings. This stands in stark contrast to Nicodemus’ statement about their reasoning and conclusions based upon what they’ve seen with their eyes. 

Think back to John’s prologue where John states, “11 He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. 12 But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, 13 who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.” (John 1:11-13)

The emphasis both in the prologue and in Jesus teaching Nicodemus is the emphasis that our hope of being in God’s presence, in his kingdom, is not based upon human reasoning and will, but upon the will of God and Him pouring out His Spirit upon people. People may see things and recognize that Jesus was a good teacher, a miracle worker, or even sent from God. That’s good. But, it’s not good enough. People need God’s supernatural work by His Spirit in their lives to affect faith to believe in Jesus’ name; to accept who God has revealed him to be.