Daily Truthbase: Peter

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John 13-17 Joyful and Fruitful

Psalm 120:1-7 Rescued from Deceitful Warmongers

120:1 A Song of Ascents/Degrees “In my distress, I cried to Yahweh. He answered me. 2 Deliver my soul, Yahweh, from lying lips, from a deceitful tongue. 3 What will be given to you, and what will be done more to you, you deceitful tongue? 4 Sharp arrows of the mighty, with coals of juniper. 5 Woe is me, that I live in Meshech, that I dwell among the tents of Kedar! 6 My soul has had her dwelling too long with him who hates peace. 7 I am for peace, but when I speak, they are for war."

Observations: 120:1-7 Psalms 120-135 bear the superscription “Song of The Degrees” which most frequently is used to indicate “steps”, and sometimes specifically refers to the ten steps which the shadow reversed in God's promise to Hezekiah (2 Kings 20:11). Bullinger makes a good case in Appendix #67 that the only Scriptural references to The Degrees are those in 2 Kings 20:8-11 and Isaiah 38:8, and posits plausible backgrounds for each of the psalms based upon the songs Hezekiah wrote from incidents in his life (Isa 38:20).

This first song (the first of the each of the three groups of five deal with distress) is in response to the lying lips of the Babylonian ambassador (2Kg 19:16). He calls to God for deliverance from the lying lips, and deceitful tongue of hose opposed to him, who have no interest in peace, only in destruction (Meshech and Kedar were metaphors for cruel and godless people). The elaboration of the resolution doesn't arrive until the next psalm:

Psalm 121:2 My help comes from Yahweh, who made heaven and earth.

Application: When facing overwhelmingly difficult situations, the best solution is to call out to God who faithfully delivers His faithful servants.

Prayer: God, thanks that when I call, You answer, and You provide comfort and peace even in the most trying circumstances. Amen.

Proverbs 29:22-27 Avoiding Problems

29:22 “An angry man stirs up strife, and a wrathful man abounds in sin. 23 A man’s pride brings him low, but one of lowly spirit gains honor. 24 Whoever is an accomplice of a thief is an enemy of his own soul. He takes an oath, but dares not testify.

25 The fear of man proves to be a snare, but whoever puts his trust in Yahweh is kept safe. 26 Many seek the ruler’s favor, but a man’s justice comes from Yahweh.

27 A dishonest man detests the righteous, and the upright in their ways detest the wicked.“

Observations: 29:22-27 Anger, pride, and greed cause problems, as does fear of man. All those problems result from being alienated from God. Those who develop a relationship with God to the point where they trust Him for their protection and prosperity, avoid problems. It's from God, not man that we get ultimate and temporal justice. There will usually be the animosity between the righteous and the wicked, particularly if we have God's values governing our behavior.

Application: Be a friend of God and you will not only avoid problems, but you won't even fear them.

Prayer: God, thanks that You invite me to put my trust in You; I know I will never be disappointed. Please protect me from both internal and external evil. Amen.

John 13-17 Up until now, John has been presenting miraculous signs to help people believe in Jesus. Now he provides marvelous sayings to help believers have “life in His name” (20:31). “Life in His name” is the life lived in union with Him and His power/authority. Jesus gives the secrets to the abundant life and intimacy with God. These are His final instructions to the disciples before He was betrayed and crucified. In His high priestly prayer in chapter 17, Jesus reveals what He wants more than anything else for those who believe in Him. He reveals the importance of being in the world, but not of the world, and the priority of ministry and love to like-minded disciples.

John 13 New Commandment

13:1 Now before the feast of the Passover, Jesus, knowing that his time had come that he would depart from this world to the Father, having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. 2 During supper, the devil having already put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray him, 3 Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he came forth from God, and was going to God, 4 arose from supper, and laid aside his outer garments. He took a towel, and wrapped a towel around his waist. 5 Then he poured water into the basin, and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him. 6 Then he came to Simon Peter. He said to him, "Lord, do you wash my feet?" 7 Jesus answered him, "You don’t know what I am doing now, but you will understand later." 8 Peter said to him, "You will never wash my feet!" Jesus answered him, "If I don’t wash you, you have no part with me." 9 Simon Peter said to him, "Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head!" 10 Jesus said to him, "Someone who has been bathed only needs to have his feet washed, but is completely clean. You are clean, but not all of you." 11 For he knew him who would betray him, therefore he said, "You are not all clean." 12 So when he had washed their feet, put his outer garment back on, and sat down again, he said to them, "Do you know what I have done to you? 13 You call me, ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord.’ You say so correctly, for so I am. 14 If I then, the Lord and the Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. 15 For I have given you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you. 16 Most certainly I tell you, a servant is not greater than his lord, neither one who is sent greater than he who sent him. 17 If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.

18 I don’t speak concerning all of you. I know whom I have chosen. But that the Scripture may be fulfilled, ‘He who eats bread with me has lifted up his heel against me.’ 19 From now on, I tell you before it happens, that when it happens, you may believe that I am he. 20 Most certainly I tell you, he who receives whomever I send, receives me; and he who receives me, receives him who sent me." 21 When Jesus had said this, he was troubled in spirit, and testified, "Most certainly I tell you that one of you will betray me." 22 The disciples looked at one another, perplexed about whom he spoke. 23 One of his disciples, whom Jesus loved, was at the table, leaning against Jesus’ breast. 24 Simon Peter therefore beckoned to him, and said to him, "Tell us who it is of whom he speaks." 25 He, leaning back, as he was, on Jesus’ breast, asked him, "Lord, who is it?" 26 Jesus therefore answered, "It is he to whom I will give this piece of bread when I have dipped it." So when he had dipped the piece of bread, he gave it to Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot. 27 After the piece of bread, then Satan entered into him. Then Jesus said to him, "What you do, do quickly." 28 Now no man at the table knew why he said this to him. 29 For some thought, because Judas had the money box, that Jesus said to him, "Buy what things we need for the feast," or that he should give something to the poor. 30 Therefore, having received that morsel, he went out immediately. It was night.

31 When he had gone out, Jesus said, "Now is the Son of Man glorified, and God is glorified in him. 32 If God is glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself, and he will glorify him immediately. 33 Little children, I will be with you a little while longer. You will seek me, and as I said to the Jews, ‘Where I am going, you can’t come,’ so now I tell you.

34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, just like I have loved you; that you also love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another."

36 Simon Peter said to him, "Lord, where are you going?" Jesus answered, "Where I am going, you can’t follow now, but you will follow afterwards." 37 Peter said to him, "Lord, why can’t I follow you now? I will lay down my life for you." 38 Jesus answered him, "Will you lay down your life for me? Most certainly I tell you, the rooster won’t crow until you have denied me three times."

Observations: 13:1-17 This is the section on being blessed and living the Abundant Life Jesus came to give (Jn 10:10). Like the final instructions in Mark's account of training the twelve (Mk 10), Jesus shows them the route to glory is service of one's fellow believers (not the world -Jn 17:9). John emphasizes that Jesus knows full well that He is above all, and is God, but He leaves His seat, lays aside the outer appearance/garments to take the garment of a servant, bend down and serve the needs of the disciples. Then He puts back on His outer garments, and sits down in His place of honor again. This is a picture of Jesus emptying Himself of His glory to do the Father's will (Phil 2:5-11). Note that the heart, or inner reality, of God stays the same, that of a servant.

The disciples were already cleansed from the guilt of their sin by their belief in Him. In John 15:3 Jesus said that being clean or pure was a result of the word which He spoke to them, which they had accepted and believed. In Matthew 5:8 Jesus said that the clean/pure of heart are blessed because they will see God. Judas was not clean inwardly because Satan had put his lies into his heart.
The verb “bathed” in verse 10 is a perfect passive, which means it refers to something that happened (and was done to them -passive) in the past with continuing results continuing up to the present. The word refers to a total bath (Rev 1:15). The word for “wash” in verse 10 refers to washing ones face, hands or feet of the surface dirt picked up in the course of life. Removal of daily defilement is necessary for daily fellowship with Jesus (1Jn 1:3-10).

Jesus is giving an example of both the form and content of the service they need to render to each other.

The disciples already believed, and now knew. Jesus only promises blessing for the believers who do.

Jesus asks if they understood what He had done. Misinterpreting Jesus actions by interpreting them on the physical level instead of on the spiritual level He intended is common in John (4:15,33; 6:52, etc.). Modern audiences make the same mistake, and miss the blessings that come from doing the things Jesus commanded (like humbly serving other's needs for holiness).

The pagans, who lacked any relationship with the living God, emphasized externals like washings and ritual meals. Astute observers will notice that there is no mention of bread being His body or drinking wine in John's account of the last supper, a particularly stunning and deliberate “omission” in light of faulty interpretations of John 6 (Bread of Life – see comments there). Biblical Christianity is not about eating and drinking, but about righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit (Rm 14:17). Ritual is no substitute for wholehearted obedience.

13:18-30 The account of Judas' betrayal seems to occupy a disproportionate amount of space, but Jesus is preparing His disciples for the betrayal that would happen later that evening. By giving them detailed information ahead of time, He provides a foundation for their faith when it looks like everything goes wrong. See comments on Matthew 26:25. This is the only mention of Satan by name in John's gospel. Apparently the destruction of Jesus was too important to be left in the hands of a junior demon.

13:31-38 The first three uses of the verb glorify are aorist (unspecified tense) while the fourth occurrence is future. The aorist gives a snapshot of the action, which is usually in the past, but which must be determined from the context. Obviously, Jesus is referring to the upcoming events. God had glorified Jesus and promised that He would continue to do so (see 12:28).

13:31-38 The “new” command is bracket by references about Jesus going and the disciples following later, indicating that this command was what should govern their behavior in His absence. The command is self-sacrificial love (agape) toward other disciples (not the world, nor Jews, nor Judas, nor even Jesus Himself – although see 14:15). This is how everyone will know they are Christ's disciples (not ads, billboards, community service, helping the poor, although all those things might be good, they're not the priority). The manner in which they should love one another is as Christ loved them. So then the question becomes, “How did Jesus love them?” Your answer has to go beyond foot-washing and hanging on a cross. Jesus shared the way of God, the truth of God, and the life of God with them (see 14:6, and the entire gospel). The account of Peter's denial teaches us that intention doesn't equal implementation.

Application: Exactly how do you love your fellow believers so that all know you are Christ's disciple? Where is the humble self-sacrifice of your soul for the benefit of others?

Prayer: Lord, thanks for the lavish love You've shown me, and the model You've given me; may I show others the same love. Amen.

John 14 Do You Love Jesus?

14:1 "Don’t let your heart be troubled. Believe in God. Believe also in me. 2 In my Father’s house are many homes. If it weren’t so, I would have told you. I am going to prepare a place for you. 3 If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and will receive you to myself; that where I am, you may be there also.

4 Where I go, you know, and you know the way." 5 Thomas said to him, "Lord, we don’t know where you are going. How can we know the way?" 6 Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me. 7 If you had known me, you would have known my Father also. From now on, you know him, and have seen him." 8 Philip said to him, "Lord, show us the Father, and that will be enough for us." 9 Jesus said to him, "Have I been with you such a long time, and do you not know me, Philip? He who has seen me has seen the Father. How do you say, ‘Show us the Father?’ 10 Don’t you believe that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? The words that I tell you, I speak not from myself; but the Father who lives in me does his works. 11 Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me; or else believe me for the very works’ sake.

12 Most certainly I tell you, he who believes in me, the works that I do, he will do also; and he will do greater works than these, because I am going to my Father. 13 Whatever you will ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If you will ask anything in my name, I will do it.

15 If you love me, keep my commandments. 16 And I will pray to the Father, and he will give you another counselor, that he may be with you forever,— 17 the Spirit of truth, whom the world can’t receive; for it doesn’t see him, neither knows him. You know him, for he lives with you, and will be in you. 18 I will not leave you orphans. I will come to you. 19 Yet a little while, and the world will see me no more; but you will see me. Because I live, you will live also. 20 In that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you. 21 One who has my commandments, and keeps them, that person is one who loves me. One who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him, and will reveal myself to him." 22 Judas (not Iscariot) said to him, "Lord, what has happened that you are about to reveal yourself to us, and not to the world?" 23 Jesus answered him, "If a man loves me, he will keep my word. My Father will love him, and we will come to him, and make our home with him. 24 He who doesn’t love me doesn’t keep my words. The word which you hear isn’t mine, but the Father’s who sent me.

25 I have said these things to you, while still living with you. 26 But the counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things, and will remind you of all that I said to you. 27 Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you; not as the world gives, give I to you. Don’t let your heart be troubled, neither let it be fearful.

28 You heard how I told you, ‘I go away, and I come to you.’ If you loved me, you would have rejoiced, because I said ‘I am going to my Father’; for the Father is greater than I. 29 Now I have told you before it happens so that, when it happens, you may believe. 30 I will no more speak much with you, for the prince of the world comes, and he has nothing in me. 31 But that the world may know that I love the Father, and as the Father commanded me, even so I do. Arise, let us go from here."

Observations: 14:1-3 In light of Jesus' comments in the end of the last chapter that He is going away, He gives them encouragement to believe in God and Himself. Jesus says He's going away to prepare a place for them, and then will return for them. This explains why He hasn't returned yet, since everyone knows construction projects always take longer than expected, even for a carpenter :) It's more likely that Jesus was referring to the upcoming events (death, resurrection, ascension, sending of the Holy Spirit) which would make it possible for the disciples to be in heaven. Note the point of the passage is in verse 3, that He goes, to come again, for them. The imagery is that of a bridegroom, who transacts the marriage contract, then goes and prepares a dwelling place for his new bride, and then returns for her. A number of commentators see a reference to the rapture in verse 3, which isn't unwarranted.

14:4-14 Jesus has spent three years demonstrating to them He is sent from God, and is going back to God, and that He and the Father are one (1:18; 10:30). The disciples don't always appear to be the brightest crayons in the box. Jesus makes the very narrow and exclusive statement (truth is narrow and exclusive) that He is the way, the truth, and the life, and that it is only through Him that one comes to the Father. Jesus is the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world, and the Savior of the world, and the means by which God loves the world (1:28; 4:42; 3:16; cf Acts 4:12). Since Jesus is God's only provision/solution for the sins that separate us from Him, Jesus has to be the only way. (The fact that He's also God helps with understanding the exclusivity; where else are you going to get your information about eternity?) Verses 12-13 bolster the exclusive claim; prayers made by believers in Jesus, in Jesus' name, get answered. What it means to ask “in His name” will be answered in John 16.

14:15-24 What about “keep my commandments” don't you understand? The word for love is agapao, as in self-sacrificial love, not nice feelings. It is parallel to the OT hesed, covenantal loyalty. If you are going to be loyal to Jesus, do what He commands. Notice that commands is plural, so it can't be just believe. Some have perverted this concept of Biblical love, replacing noble loyalty with fuzzy feelings. Agapao is pledging your life and sword to a sovereign king; it's not a peck on the cheek.

This radical obedience is necessary for receipt of the Holy Spirit (some translators leave out the “kai/and” at the beginning of verse 16 which indicate that 16 is dependent upon 15). The Holy Spirit is called the Spirit of Truth (who wrote/reveals truth, and the Counselor (who guides in the truth -14:26). The major role of the Holy Spirit is not to comfort, but to guide, sanctify, and empower (see Acts 1:8; Romans 8). After receiving Him, the disciples didn't sit around feeling better, they went out and turned their world upside down. Those who don't obey Jesus need comfort over the fact that He is far from them. Not only was obedience (which is different from belief) necessary for receipt of the Holy Spirit, it was also necessary for intimate fellowship with God (see 1Jn 1). Those who are loved by the Father are those who obey (14:21 kinda puts unconditional love in an new light). God is love, and loves the world, in the sense that He desires what is in their best interest, and sacrifices Himself for them. However, He doesn't force His love on anyone, nor bless them when they are disobeying (it would be unloving and evil to encourage people to do what destroys them). Think about the father of the prodigal son (which was written to show God's love). The prodigal experienced no fellowship nor blessings of the father when pursuing his own thing. Same for modern believers. Those who do obey God will enjoy an intimate relationship with not only the Holy Spirit, but the Father and the Son as well. Three times in this paragraph Jesus says love = obedience. And for the duller crayons, He spelled out the converse: no obedience = no love. What about “keep my commandments” don't you understand? (See Galatians for comments on legalism.)

14:25-26 Verse 26 deserves special notice because it (with 16:13) sets up the inspiration of the NT. The Holy Spirit, sent by the Father in the name/authority of Jesus would guide the apostles (not you and me) in all truth. He (note the gender) would bring back their minds all that Jesus said, and teach/explain everything to them. (So that explains how the disciples got so bright). He also authenticated them as God's spokesman in Acts, so we have an accurate record of the truth we must believe.

14:27-31 The peace Jesus gives is not as the world gives. This is the first mention of peace in John, but is a Messianic Blessing in Luke 2:14 (see comments there), as it was in much of the OT, and is a blessing linked with grace in most epistles of the NT. If the disciples were thinking only of themselves they would be sad. But if they loved Jesus, and wanted what was best for Him, they would rejoice. Jesus had already made the identity that He and the Father were one. Functionally, the Father had greater authority/glory, since Jesus had emptied Himself of His own. In doing so, He lived on earth in total dependence upon the Father, serving as a model for us. Jesus tells them what happens so their faith will be strengthened. The scheme of prince of the world (Satan) was approaching which would cut off the direct communication with the disciples. Satan has nothing in (ev) Jesus. This could mean no part in Him, nothing in common with Him, or nothing on Him (which would have been a different preposition, but some say it's an idiom). In any event, time was short, and Jesus concludes this part of the discourse with a reminder of the connection of love and obedience.

Application: Your relationship with God is dependent upon belief, and your intimacy with God is dependent upon faithful obedience. If you don't value obedience, Jesus says You don't have a good relationship with Him. Don't deceive yourself into denying His commands.

Prayer: Lord, I love You, and will keep Your commandments; please guide me in Your truth. Amen.

John 15 Fruitful Abiding

15:1 "I am the true vine, and my Father is the farmer. 2 Every branch in me that doesn’t bear fruit, he takes away. Every branch that bears fruit, he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. 3 You are already pruned clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. 4 Remain in me, and I in you. As the branch can’t bear fruit by itself, unless it remains in the vine, so neither can you, unless you remain in me. 5 I am the vine. You are the branches. He who remains in me, and I in him, the same bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If a man doesn’t remain in me, he is thrown out as a branch, and is withered; and they gather them, throw them into the fire, and they are burned. 7 If you remain in me, and my words remain in you, you will ask whatever you desire, and it will be done for you. 8 "In this is my Father glorified, that you bear much fruit; and so you will be my disciples.

9 Even as the Father has loved me, I also have loved you. Remain in my love. 10 If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and remain in his love. 11 I have spoken these things to you, that my joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be made full. 12 "This is my commandment, that you love one another, even as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. 14 You are my friends, if you do whatever I command you. 15 No longer do I call you servants, for the servant doesn’t know what his lord does. But I have called you friends, for everything that I heard from my Father, I have made known to you. 16 You didn’t choose me, but I chose you, and appointed you, that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain; that whatever you will ask of the Father in my name, he may give it to you.

17 "I command these things to you, that you may love one another. 18 If the world hates you, you know that it has hated me before it hated you. 19 If you were of the world, the world would love its own. But because you are not of the world, since I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. 20 Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his lord.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will keep yours also. 21 But all these things will they do to you for my name’s sake, because they don’t know him who sent me. 22 If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not have had sin; but now they have no excuse for their sin. 23 He who hates me, hates my Father also. 24 If I hadn’t done among them the works which no one else did, they wouldn’t have had sin. But now have they seen and also hated both me and my Father. 25 But this happened so that the word may be fulfilled which was written in their law, ‘They hated me without a cause.’

26 "When the counselor has come, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, he will testify about me. 27 You will also testify, because you have been with me from the beginning.

Observations: 15:1-8 As Jesus and His disciples left the Upper Room (although some think they just had a stretch break) He continued His teaching on the way to the Garden where He would be betrayed. Josephus says the temple was adorned with a golden vine representing Israel, and the Maccabean coins depicted Israel as a vine. A handful of OT passages represent Israel as a vine, particularly Isaiah 5:1-7 which indicates that it is unfruitful and would be burned. God expected Israel to produce fruit that would be useful to Him, so He could bless them. In contrast to Israel who had been and would be cursed for their lack of fruitful obedience, Jesus was the true vine. This is the last of the “I am” metaphors. He is the source of life that produces the joy and wine of the Messianic Age, not Pharisaical Israel (cf comments on Jn 2:10). The disciples were the branches that needed to remain connected to the vine (through continued belief - cf. the olive branches in Romans 11) to be fruitful. They would draw their life from the true vine, Jesus, and produce the fruit God desired (which in Isaiah is righteousness and justice) which would result in His glory being displayed in blessing them. In John's context the fruit would have those elements as well as the fruit of the Spirit, love, which, with obedience is one of the hallmarks of John 13-17. Answered prayer for which God is praised, and joy might be other fruits on the cluster (15:7,11).

Isaiah 5:5 And now, please let Me tell you what I will do to My vineyard: I will take away its hedge, and it shall be burned; And break down its wall, and it shall be trampled down. 6 I will lay it waste; It shall not be pruned or dug, But there shall come up briers and thorns. I will also command the clouds That they rain no rain on it." 7 For the vineyard of the LORD of hosts is the house of Israel, And the men of Judah are His pleasant plant. He looked for justice, but behold, oppression; For righteousness, but behold, a cry for help.

This is not instruction about forgiveness and justification, but fruitfulness and service to Jesus' most loyal group of disciples. Every unfruitful branch would be taken away (or lifted up is a possible translation); every fruitful branch would be pruned/cleaned so it could become more fruitful. Jesus says the disciples are already clean because of the word which He spoke and they believed. Now their job is to remain or abide in Him. In keeping with the metaphor, this has to mean: remain attached to the vine, drawing strength and nourishment from Christ. If the branch was in the vine, the life of the vine would be in the branch, and fruit would result. Branches can 't absorb water and nutrients from the earth, nor bear fruit, unless they are attached to the vine. If a man/branch doesn't remain/abide in Christ, he is cast into the fire and burned. This is not reference to the lake of fire (because forgiveness/justification are nowhere in view), but rather the garbage dump (1Cor 3:13) burning for unprofitable servants. What use is a branch that doesn't abide in the vine and bear fruit (Ezek 15)?

The branches that remain firmly attached to the vine (characterized as having God's words abide in them, as in obeyed) will have a vibrant prayer life, see results, and be fruitful. This glorifies the father, and is a dead giveaway that the person is a disciple of Jesus.

15:9-16 Believers are to abide in Jesus' love, as well as His words. Jesus repeats the theme of the previous chapter, that obedience and love are inseparable. As Jesus obeyed the Father, and remained in His love, so believers are to obey Jesus in order to remain in His love (there's that conditional experience of His love again). Jesus, the true vine, is giving this instruction because He cares about our joy. He wants us to share in His joy, and do so abundantly. (See Joy outlines on Truthbase.net). Love is not a feeling, but a decision of the will to sacrifice oneself for the benefit of another, in meeting their need, which is what Jesus did in dying for our sins (although He hasn't explicitly stated that yet). Jesus also gives some instruction about friendship (See TOYL on Biblical Friendship). Friendship is about commonality and sharing oneself with another, in this instance, purpose and objectives. Disclosure of oneself is essential to intimate friendship, and Jesus revealed everything the Father made known to Him. Jesus chose them as His disciples (usually a disciple chose a teacher) therefore they had what it took to be successful fruit-bearers, if they obeyed. He chose them to be fruitful servants, whose fruit endured. The enduring fruit opened the door for God to answer their prayers. Whatever they asked the Father in the name (power/authority) of Jesus (in accord with His purposes), He would do.

15:17-25 Verse 17 appropriately introduces the next section. Jesus commands the love of fellow disciples in the face of the world hating them. Because they share loyalty to Jesus they should love each other. They don't share the values of the world, therefore the world hates them. If they hated Jesus, how much more will they hate those who serve Him. The establishment is so far removed from knowing and doing God's will that they will think they are doing His will in persecuting Jesus and His disciples. It's obvious they don't know God, though they claim to do things in God's name. Jesus did miracles in God's name, and they ignored it. Therefore they are without excuse for their sin of rejecting God's revelation. The unique miracles of Jesus made it clear that He was from God. But they weren't interested in God's blessings, but had gone over to the dark side (see comments on 11:48).

15:26-27 Jesus again mentions the Holy Spirt as the Spirit of truth, who will testify to the truth, as will they, since they had witnessed God's authentication of Jesus from the beginning. The Holy Spirit would be sent to them to bear witness through them (as in the miracles in Acts, like the Day of Pentecost).

Application: Those who abide in Christ and His words will bear fruit that glorifies God. Those who don't will be burned as the useless, unproductive branches they are. Any questions?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, may I abide in You and Your words, so that Your life flows through my veins, and I bear fruit that glorifies You. Amen.

John 16 Sorrow to Joy

16:1 "These things have I spoken to you, so that you wouldn’t be caused to stumble. 2 They will put you out of the synagogues. Yes, the time comes that whoever kills you will think that he offers service to God. 3 They will do these things because they have not known the Father, nor me. 4 But I have told you these things, so that when the time comes, you may remember that I told you about them. I didn’t tell you these things from the beginning, because I was with you. 5 But now I am going to him who sent me, and none of you asks me, ‘Where are you going?’ 6 But because I have told you these things, sorrow has filled your heart. 7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth: It is to your advantage that I go away, for if I don’t go away, the counselor won’t come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you.

8 When he has come, he will convict the world about sin, about righteousness, and about judgment;

9 about sin, because they don’t believe in me;
10 about righteousness, because I am going to my Father, and you won’t see me any more;
11 about judgment, because the prince of this world has been judged.

12 "I have yet many things to tell you, but you can’t bear them now. 13 However when he, the Spirit of truth, has come, he will guide you into all truth, for he will not speak from himself; but whatever he hears, he will speak. He will declare to you things that are coming. 14 He will glorify me, for he will take from what is mine, and will declare it to you. 15 All things whatever the Father has are mine; therefore I said that he takes of mine, and will declare it to you.

16 A little while, and you will not see me. Again a little while, and you will see me." 17 Some of his disciples therefore said to one another, "What is this that he says to us, ’A little while, and you won’t see me, and again a little while, and you will see me;’ and, ’Because I go to the Father?’" 18 They said therefore, "What is this that he says, ’A little while?’ We don’t know what he is saying." 19 Therefore Jesus perceived that they wanted to ask him, and he said to them, "Do you inquire among yourselves concerning this, that I said, ‘A little while, and you won’t see me, and again a little while, and you will see me?’ 20 Most certainly I tell you, that you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice. You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will be turned into joy. 21 A woman, when she gives birth, has sorrow, because her time has come. But when she has delivered the child, she doesn’t remember the anguish any more, for the joy that a human being is born into the world. 22 Therefore you now have sorrow, but I will see you again, and your heart will rejoice, and no one will take your joy away from you.

23 "In that day you will ask me no questions. Most certainly I tell you, whatever you may ask of the Father in my name, he will give it to you. 24 Until now, you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be made full. 25 I have spoken these things to you in figures of speech. But the time is coming when I will no more speak to you in figures of speech, but will tell you plainly about the Father. 26 In that day you will ask in my name; and I don’t say to you, that I will pray to the Father for you, 27 for the Father himself loves you, because you have loved me, and have believed that I came forth from God.

28 I came out from the Father, and have come into the world. Again, I leave the world, and go to the Father." 29 His disciples said to him, "Behold, now you speak plainly, and speak no figures of speech. 30 Now we know that you know all things, and don’t need for anyone to question you. By this we believe that you came forth from God." 31 Jesus answered them, "Do you now believe? 32 Behold, the time is coming, yes, and has now come, that you will be scattered, everyone to his own place, and you will leave me alone. Yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me. 33 I have told you these things, that in me you may have peace. In the world you have oppression; but cheer up! I have overcome the world."

Observations: 16:1-7 When Jesus leaves, the disciples will experience a degree of persecution that Jesus had protected them from while He was with them. The mention of His leaving grieves them, but Jesus tells them it is to their advantage for Him to go away, so the Holy Spirit can be sent.

16:8-11 Jesus lists and explains three ministries of the Holy Spirit to the world. The word convict is the usual word for “reprove” which means to bring to light by proof or showing evidence. Convince is an appropriate translation:

Convince of sin, because they didn't believe in Jesus. Independence is the essence of sin. Those who were seeking God's will and the Kingdom revealed in God's word accepted Christ. Those who rebelled against God's will and word didn't accept His works authenticating Christ, and thus didn't believe in Christ.

Convince of righteousness being found in Christ. The fact that He was resurrected and went to the Father in heaven was a demonstration of His righteousness. God offers the righteousness of Christ to those who believe in Christ. This hasn't been specified in this discourse (in fact this is the only spot where John uses the word for righteousness), but was implicit in the chiastic center of the prologue (1:12-13), as well as in 3:16, the Lamb of God and Savior of the world testimonies, and Jesus' mention of being lifted up.

Convince of judgment. Satan had been judged (perfect tense), which could refer to time before Jesus was speaking or before the Holy Spirit arrives on the scene. If the former, then the argument would be that since God judged sin in Satan, the chief ruler of this world, by tossing him out heaven, then all who follow him rather than God would be judged. If the latter then the triumph of Jesus over death by the resurrection (and authentication by the miracles of Holy Spirit as the apostles testified to His resurrection), would indicate that he no longer has the power of death.

16:12-15 Jesus again specifies that the Holy Spirit is the Spirit of truth, whose ministry to the apostles would be to guide them in all truth. This refers to inspiration (2Pt 1:21) not illumination. Another job of the Holy Spirit would be to glorify Jesus. He would do this through revealing and authenticating Jesus' will in the lives of those who followed Jesus. The spirit that glorifies itself isn't the Holy Spirit.

16:16-22 Jesus tells them that their temporary sorrow at His departure/death would be turned to undiminishing joy at His resurrection/return.

16:23-27 Up until this point, the disciples had asked the Father for nothing in Jesus' name. This does not mean a mindless tacking on of “in Jesus' name. Amen.” to every prayer, but rather an asking in accord with the character and authority of Jesus. In English the expression: “Open up in the name of the law” conveys a similar idea. It's not about asking for our lusts (Js 4:3), but for what's in accord with the will of Jesus. Those who have an intimate relationship/friendship with Him would not ask for what was offensive to Him. The Father Himself will grant the requests (v27) because He loves those who love and believe Jesus. (What does that say about those who don't love nor believe?)

16:28-33 Jesus clearly states that He has come from the Father into the world, and would be leaving to go back to the Father. The disciples confess their belief, but Jesus says it will be tested as He is taken and they are scattered. Nevertheless, the Father would always be with Him. Jesus tells them these things so they will have peace in the midst of the oppression they would face. By maintaining their union with the Father and Son through obedience (14:21) they would share in Jesus' victory over the world.

Application: Believers who follow Jesus will experience temporary sorrow that will be replaced by enduring joy.

Prayer: Lord God, thanks that Your presence is always accessible and can provide peace in the midst of trials; may I wholeheartedly believe and obey, and share in Your joyful victory. Amen.

John 17 Glory, Truth, Unity, and Love

17:1 Jesus said these things, and lifting up his eyes to heaven, he said, "Father, the time has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may also glorify you; 2 even as you gave him authority over all flesh, he will give eternal life to all whom you have given him. 3 This is eternal life, that they should know you, the only true God, and him whom you sent, Jesus Christ. 4 I glorified you on the earth. I have accomplished the work which you have given me to do. 5 Now, Father, glorify me with your own self with the glory which I had with you before the world existed.

6 I revealed your name to the people whom you have given me out of the world. They were yours, and you have given them to me. They have kept your word. 7 Now they have known that all things whatever you have given me are from you, 8 for the words which you have given me I have given to them, and they received them, and knew for sure that I came forth from you, and they have believed that you sent me. 9 I pray for them. I don’t pray for the world, but for those whom you have given me, for they are yours. 10 All things that are mine are yours, and yours are mine, and I am glorified in them.

11 I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, keep them through your name which you have given me, that they may be one, even as we are. 12 While I was with them in the world, I kept them in your name. Those whom you have given me I have kept. None of them is lost, except the son of destruction, that the Scripture might be fulfilled. 13 But now I come to you, and I say these things in the world, that they may have my joy made full in themselves. 14 I have given them your word. The world hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. 15 I pray not that you would take them from the world, but that you would keep them from the evil one. 16 They are not of the world even as I am not of the world.

17 Sanctify them in your truth. Your word is truth. 18 As you sent me into the world, even so I have sent them into the world. 19 For their sakes I sanctify myself, that they themselves also may be sanctified in truth.

20 Not for these only do I pray, but for those also who believe in me through their word, 21 that they may all be one; even as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be one in us; that the world may believe that you sent me. 22 The glory which you have given me, I have given to them; that they may be one, even as we are one; 23 I in them, and you in me, that they may be perfected into one; that the world may know that you sent me, and loved them, even as you loved me.

24 Father, I desire that they also whom you have given me be with me where I am, that they may see my glory, which you have given me, for you loved me before the foundation of the world. 25 Righteous Father, the world hasn’t known you, but I knew you; and these knew that you sent me. 26 I made known to them your name, and will make it known; that the love with which you loved me may be in them, and I in them."

Observations: 17:1-5 John records in the next chapter that Jesus went over the Kidron Brook to the garden in Gethesemane, so it isn't clear where He prayed these words. Jesus knows the time for His death has come, and asks the Father to glorify Him, so He can glorify the Father. His resurrection and eventual establishment of His kingdom would fulfill the promises God made in the OT to Abraham, David, and in the New Covenant, which would magnify God's reputation/glory (see comments on Mt 5:17). The Father gave Jesus authority to give eternal life (dominion of the Age) to all the servants the Father had given Him (same folks as in John 15). He defines eternal life as an intimate relationship with the Father and Son (16:41). Jesus says He has glorified the Father already by completing the work the Father had given Him to do. Since He hadn't died yet, the proclaiming the Kingdom, and training the disciples are probably in view. Jesus asks that the Father will glorify Jesus with the Father's own self, by giving Jesus the glory they shared before the world existed.

17:6-10 Jesus revealed God's name/power/character to the disciples which the Father had given Him out of the Father's people (faithful Jews). The disciples had kept the Father's word, and received and believed the words Jesus gave them. Jesus prays for the disciples, in whom He had been glorified (perfect tense – seen as great).

17:11-16 The content of what Jesus prays for the disciples is that they may be protected and unified, so that they might have Jesus' joy fulfilled in them (Heb 12:2; 1:9 anointed as Messianic King with/above His companions). It's not about being happy, but blessed. In terms of protection, Jesus prays the Father would keep them from the evil one. The world (under Satan's control -Eph 2) hates them because they are not of the world. That means the source of the values and actions is not from the earth, but from heaven, just like Jesus.

17:17-19 Jesus asks that the Father would sanctify (set apart, make holy) the disciples by means of (or in the sphere of) the truth, ie, His word. The truth is the only thing that counteracts the defiling lies of Satan. Prayer, fasting, singing, fellowship, service and even worship (unless it's correctly understood) do not sanctify; only the truth does through the working of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit of God uses the word of God to produce in believers the mind (and actions) of Christ. Then they can accomplish the mission He has for them (20:21). Jesus sanctifies/sets Himself apart (to do God's will and reveal His truth) for the benefit of the believers so they can be sanctified by the truth.

17:20 Jesus not only prays for the disciples but for those who will believe through their word (that's you and me). He wants NT believers to have the unity of purpose that is reflective of that in the Godhead. Unity is not uniformity, and is definitely not “agreeing to disagree” but is found in coming to agreement on the truth (which is knowable 8:31 to those who abide in His word).

1 Corinthians 1:10 Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.

This is the kind of unity that authenticates Biblical Christianity in an unbelieving world. No self-will in sight.

17:24 Jesus' final request is for the disciples to see (and share) in His glory. On earth, only those who are pleasing to the king are allowed anywhere near his presence. The same paradigm applies in heaven. Jesus wants the loyal love between the Father and Son (a Suzerain-Vassal treaty reference to hesed) to be within believers as He indwells them (through the Holy Spirit – New Covenant).

Application: Believers sanctified by the truth have a basis for unity which reflects God's glory to the world.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, may Your truth sanctify and transform me, so I can live in Biblical unity with my fellow believers, loving them as You love Jesus. Amen.

Digging Deeper

God in a nutshell: God wants to display His glory to the world through those who trust Jesus, when they live in love and unity with each other.

Build-a-Jesus: Jesus will live His life through those who love and obey Him; He will also share His glory with them. He is concerned about our joy, and tells us how to get it.

Us in a nutshell: If we abide in God's word, and His words abide in us, we will become holy, fruitful, joyful and blessed. If we don't obey, we don't love Jesus. Knowing and believing should lead to doing.

Where to Go for More:

Truthbase.net

John complete text

John 13

13:1 Now before the feast of the Passover, Jesus, knowing that his time had come that he would depart from this world to the Father, having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. 2 During supper, the devil having already put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray him, 3 Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he came forth from God, and was going to God, 4 arose from supper, and laid aside his outer garments. He took a towel, and wrapped a towel around his waist. 5 Then he poured water into the basin, and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him. 6 Then he came to Simon Peter. He said to him, "Lord, do you wash my feet?" 7 Jesus answered him, "You don’t know what I am doing now, but you will understand later." 8 Peter said to him, "You will never wash my feet!" Jesus answered him, "If I don’t wash you, you have no part with me." 9 Simon Peter said to him, "Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head!" 10 Jesus said to him, "Someone who has bathed only needs to have his feet washed, but is completely clean. You are clean, but not all of you." 11 For he knew him who would betray him, therefore he said, "You are not all clean." 12 So when he had washed their feet, put his outer garment back on, and sat down again, he said to them, "Do you know what I have done to you? 13 You call me, ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord.’ You say so correctly, for so I am. 14 If I then, the Lord and the Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. 15 For I have given you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you. 16 Most certainly I tell you, a servant is not greater than his lord, neither one who is sent greater than he who sent him. 17 If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.

31 When he had gone out, Jesus said, "Now the Son of Man has been glorified, and God has been glorified in him. 32 If God has been glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself, and he will glorify him immediately. 33 Little children, I will be with you a little while longer. You will seek me, and as I said to the Jews, ‘Where I am going, you can’t come,’ so now I tell you. 34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, just like I have loved you; that you also love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another."

John 14

14:1 "Don’t let your heart be troubled. Believe in God. Believe also in me. 2 In my Father’s house are many homes. If it weren’t so, I would have told you. I am going to prepare a place for you. 3 If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and will receive you to myself; that where I am, you may be there also.

15 If you love me, keep my commandments. 16 I will pray to the Father, and he will give you another counsellor, that he may be with you forever,— 17 the Spirit of truth, whom the world can’t receive; for it doesn’t see him, neither knows him. You know him, for he lives with you, and will be in you.

18 I will not leave you orphans. I will come to you. 19 Yet a little while, and the world will see me no more; but you will see me. Because I live, you will live also. 20 In that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you. 21 One who has my commandments, and keeps them, that person is one who loves me. One who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him, and will reveal myself to him." 22 Judas (not Iscariot) said to him, "Lord, what has happened that you are about to reveal yourself to us, and not to the world?" 23 Jesus answered him, "If a man loves me, he will keep my word. My Father will love him, and we will come to him, and make our home with him. 24 He who doesn’t love me doesn’t keep my words. The word which you hear isn’t mine, but the Father’s who sent me.

25 I have said these things to you, while still living with you. 26 But the counsellor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things, and will remind you of all that I said to you. 27 Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you; not as the world gives, give I to you. Don’t let your heart be troubled, neither let it be fearful.

John 15

18 If the world hates you, you know that it has hated me before it hated you. 19 If you were of the world, the world would love its own. But because you are not of the world, since I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. 20 Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his lord.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will keep yours also. 21 But all these things will they do to you for my name’s sake, because they don’t know him who sent me. 22 If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not have had sin; but now they have no excuse for their sin. 23 He who hates me, hates my Father also. 24 If I hadn’t done among them the works which no one else did, they wouldn’t have had sin. But now have they seen and also hated both me and my Father. 25 But this happened so that the word may be fulfilled which was written in their law, ‘They hated me without a cause.’

26 "When the counsellor has come, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, he will testify about me. 27 You will also testify, because you have been with me from the beginning.

John 16

7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth: It is to your advantage that I go away, for if I don’t go away, the counsellor won’t come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you. 8 When he has come, he will convict the world about sin, about righteousness, and about judgment; 9 about sin, because they don’t believe in me; 10 about righteousness, because I am going to my Father, and you won’t see me any more; 11 about judgment, because the prince of this world has been judged. 12 "I have yet many things to tell you, but you can’t bear them now. 13 However when he, the Spirit of truth, has come, he will guide you into all truth, for he will not speak from himself; but whatever he hears, he will speak. He will declare to you things that are coming. 14 He will glorify me, for he will take from what is mine, and will declare it to you. 15 All things whatever the Father has are mine; therefore I said that he takes of mine, and will declare it to you.

John 17

Matthew 14-17 Truth and Trust Trump Tradition

Matthew 14-17 Truth and Trust Trump Tradition

Psalm 119:25-32 Freedom From Sorrow

Psalm 119:25 DALETH “My soul is laid low in the dust. Revive me according to Your word! 26 I declared/recounted my ways, and You answered me. Teach me Your statutes. 27 Let me understand the teaching of Your precepts! Then I will meditate on Your wondrous works. 28 My soul is weary with sorrow: strengthen me according to Your word. 29 Keep me from the way of deceit. Grant me Your law graciously! 30 I have chosen the way of truth. I have set Your ordinances before me. 31 I cling to Your statutes, Yahweh. Don’t let me be disappointed. 32 I run in the path of Your commandments, for You have set my heart free."

Observations: 119:25-27 The absolutely critical survival skill in the life of faith is being able to go to God's word and be revived when life has knocked us down. When we go to a finite person for a band-aid to boost our flagging self-esteem with: “There, there, now, you don't deserve to be treated like that,” we forfeit the cure and comfort of our infinite God. The correct action is to go to God, and declare or recount what happened and seek God's perspective on our problem(s). God reveals truth to truth-seekers, and a correct understanding is a prelude to meditation and correct application. Taking Scripture out of context and misapplying it to our complaints, doesn't resolve anything, but can make things worse. (Observation, Interpretation, and then Application)
119:28-29 The soul weighed down with sorrow seeks strength from God's word. See “Can God Meet Emotional Needs” for how this works if you don't regularly experience it. Hint, it's frequently a matter of having God's perspective and grace rather than having our vision clouded by Satan's deception.
119:30-32 The psalmist chooses to follow God's way, and sets His ordinances in front of himself. He clings to the promises offered in God's word with the faith that God will fulfill them and he won't be disappointed. Then after all of the above, he is able to run, not walk in the paths of God's word, for He has set his heart free from the problems that weighed him down.

Application: Get God's perspective on problems to get freedom from sorrow.

Prayer: God, help me see the events of my life from the perspective of Your word and purposes; set me free from anything that will hinder my obedience to You. Thanks. Amen.

Proverbs 27:7-9 Counsel is Sweet

Pr 27:7 “A full soul loathes a honeycomb; but to a hungry soul, every bitter thing is sweet. 8 As a bird that wanders from her nest, so is a man who wanders from his home. 9 Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart; so does earnest counsel from a man’s friend.“

Observations: 27:7 A little deprivation is not a bad thing; it makes us appreciate the good when we get it.

27:8 Wandering hearts lead to wandering feet. Most don't intentionally decide to dive into sin.

27:9 Wise people value and appreciate counsel from people who have their best interest at heart. Don't shoot the messenger if you don't like the counsel. “Earnest counsel” usually tells us what we don't want to hear, to keep us from wandering away into destruction.

Application: Listen to advice and accept instruction from those who know you, or you will loathe your stupidity when you reap the consequences of your wandering.

Prayer: God, thanks for friends who want my best; may I hear Your voice through them. Amen.

Matthew 14-17 After being rejected by the religious leaders and presenting “hidden” information about the kingdom in the chapter 13 parables, Jesus withdraws from announcing the kingdom to focus on training the twelve. He miraculously meets the needs of the multitudes and His disciples, displays His glory on the Mount of Transfiguration, and in the mouth of a fish. He talks of building His church, and gives Peter the keys to the kingdom (whatever that means). There are a few thorny theological issues in chapter 16, which you might not grasp the first time through.

Matthew 14 Breaking Bread and Walking on Water

14:1 At that time, Herod the tetrarch heard the report concerning Jesus, 2 and said to his servants, "This is John the Baptizer. He is risen from the dead. That is why these powers work in him." 3 For Herod had laid hold of John, and bound him, and put him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife. 4 For John said to him, "It is not lawful for you to have her." 5 When he would have put him to death, he feared the multitude, because they counted him as a prophet. 6 But when Herod’s birthday came, the daughter of Herodias danced among them and pleased Herod. 7 Whereupon he promised with an oath to give her whatever she should ask. 8 She, being prompted by her mother, said, "Give me here on a platter the head of John the Baptizer." 9 The king was grieved, but for the sake of his oaths, and of those who sat at the table with him, he commanded it to be given, 10 and he sent and beheaded John in the prison. 11 His head was brought on a platter, and given to the young lady: and she brought it to her mother. 12 His disciples came, and took the body, and buried it; and they went and told Jesus.

13 Now when Jesus heard this, he withdrew from there in a boat, to a deserted place apart. When the multitudes heard it, they followed him on foot from the cities. 14 Jesus went out, and he saw a great multitude. He had compassion on them, and healed their sick. 15 When evening had come, his disciples came to him, saying, "This place is deserted, and the hour is already late. Send the multitudes away, that they may go into the villages, and buy themselves food." 16 But Jesus said to them, "They don’t need to go away. You give them something to eat." 17 They told him, "We only have here five loaves and two fish." 18 He said, "Bring them here to me." 19 He commanded the multitudes to sit down on the grass; and he took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, he blessed, broke and gave the loaves to the disciples, and the disciples gave to the multitudes. 20 They all ate, and were filled. They took up twelve baskets full of that which remained left over from the broken pieces. 21 Those who ate were about five thousand men, besides women and children.

22 Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat, and to go ahead of him to the other side, while he sent the multitudes away. 23 After he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into the mountain by himself to pray. When evening had come, he was there alone. 24 But the boat was now in the middle of the sea, distressed by the waves, for the wind was contrary. 25 In the fourth watch of the night, Jesus came to them, walking on the sea. 26 When the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, "It’s a ghost!" and they cried out for fear. 27 But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying "Cheer up! It is I! Don’t be afraid." 28 Peter answered him and said, "Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the waters." 29 He said, "Come!" Peter stepped down from the boat, and walked on the waters to come to Jesus. 30 But when he saw that the wind was strong, he was afraid, and beginning to sink, he cried out, saying, "Lord, save me!" 31 Immediately Jesus stretched out his hand, took hold of him, and said to him, "You of little faith, why did you doubt?" 32 When they got up into the boat, the wind ceased. 33 Those who were in the boat came and worshiped him, saying, "You are truly the Son of God!"

34 When they had crossed over, they came to the land of Gennesaret. 35 When the people of that place recognized him, they sent into all that surrounding region, and brought to him all who were sick, 36 and they begged him that they might just touch the fringe of his garment. As many as touched it were made whole.

Observations: 14:1-12 Matthew begins to focus on lessons for the disciples. John the Baptist gets beheaded because of Herod's lust. When a ruler wants to gratify their desires rather than do God's will, and righteously care for His people, folks get hurt.

14:13 In contrast to Herod's concern for his passions, Jesus has compassion on the people's needs, even in His grief for the loss of John. This is the first of two miraculous feeding, book-ending a section teaching His disciples dependence upon God, especially in provision of physical needs. Jesus first highlights the need of the people and the disciple's inadequate resources. Next the disciples place what they have at Jesus' feet in response to His direction. Jesus looks to the Father, and gives to the disciples so they can give to others. Each disciple walks away with a doggie basket as a reminder that God satisfies needs abundantly.

14:22-33 Jesus sends the disciples and people away, and spends time alone with the Father in prayer. The disciples, some of whom were professional fishermen, encounter rough seas and are distressed. Jesus comes to be with them, walking upon the water. He demonstrates a mastery over the physical realm similar to that of the Spirit of God hovering over the waters in Genesis 1:2. Peter wants to verify that it is indeed the Lord, and asks Jesus to command him to come to Him; but Peter takes his eyes off Jesus' command and focuses on the problem, and falters. Jesus saves him in response to His request, rebukes him for his little faith, and stills the wind. The disciples confess that Jesus, the Son of Man, is the Son of God. They might have been convinced He was a prophet by the miracles, but this mastery of the elements goes beyond that to being convinced that He is the Messiah.

14:34-36 Jesus receives a positive reception among the people as those who come to Him are made whole. The religious establishment in the next chapter are a different story.

Application: God meets the needs of those who come to Him, and comes to the aid of those who are seeking to do His will.

Prayer: Lord, You are totally capable of giving me my daily bread, stilling my storms, and making me whole, may I honor You with my faith in You, and my focus on You. Amen.

Matthew 15 Trusting Truth or Tradition

15:1 Then Pharisees and scribes came to Jesus from Jerusalem, saying, 2 "Why do your disciples disobey the tradition of the elders? For they don’t wash their hands when they eat bread." 3 He answered them, "Why do you also disobey the commandment of God because of your tradition? 4 For God commanded, ‘Honor your father and your mother,’ and, ‘He who speaks evil of father or mother, let him be put to death.’ 5 But you say, ‘Whoever may tell his father or his mother, "Whatever help you might otherwise have gotten from me is a gift devoted to God," 6 he shall not honor his father or mother.’ You have made the commandment of God void because of your tradition. 7 You hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy of you, saying, 8 ’These people draw near to me with their mouth, and honor me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. 9 And in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrine rules made by men.’"

10 He summoned the multitude, and said to them, "Hear, and understand. 11 That which enters into the mouth doesn’t defile the man; but that which proceeds out of the mouth, this defiles the man." 12 Then the disciples came, and said to him, "Do you know that the Pharisees were offended, when they heard this saying?" 13 But he answered, "Every plant which my heavenly Father didn’t plant will be uprooted. 14 Leave them alone. They are blind guides of the blind. If the blind guide the blind, both will fall into a pit/ditch." 15 Peter answered him, "Explain the parable to us." 16 So Jesus said, "Do you also still not understand? 17 Don’t you understand that whatever goes into the mouth passes into the belly, and then out of the body? 18 But the things which proceed out of the mouth come out of the heart, and they defile the man. 19 For out of the heart come forth evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, sexual sins, thefts, false testimony, and slander. 20 These are the things which defile the man; but to eat with unwashed hands doesn’t defile the man."

21 Jesus went out from there, and withdrew into the region of Tyre and Sidon. 22 Behold, a Canaanite woman came out from those borders, and cried, saying, "Have mercy on me, Lord, you son of David! My daughter is severely demonized!" 23 But he answered her not a word. His disciples came and begged him, saying, "Send her away; for she cries after us." 24 But he answered, "I wasn’t sent to anyone but the lost sheep of the house of Israel." 25 But she came and worshiped him, saying, "Lord, help me." 26 But he answered, "It is not appropriate to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs." 27 But she said, "Yes, Lord, but even the dogs eat the crumbs which fall from their masters’ table." 28 Then Jesus answered her, "Woman, great is your faith! Be it done to you even as you desire." And her daughter was healed from that hour.

29 Jesus departed there, and came near to the sea of Galilee; and he went up into the mountain, and sat there. 30 Great multitudes came to him, having with them the lame, blind, mute, maimed, and many others, and they put them down at his feet. He healed them, 31 so that the multitude wondered when they saw the mute speaking, injured whole, lame walking, and blind seeing—and they glorified the God of Israel. 32 Jesus summoned his disciples and said, "I have compassion on the multitude, because they continue with me now three days and have nothing to eat. I don’t want to send them away fasting, or they might faint on the way." 33 The disciples said to him, "Where should we get so many loaves in a deserted place as to satisfy so great a multitude?" 34 Jesus said to them, "How many loaves do you have?" They said, "Seven, and a few small fish." 35 He commanded the multitude to sit down on the ground; 36 and he took the seven loaves and the fish. He gave thanks and broke them, and gave to the disciples, and the disciples to the multitudes. 37 They all ate, and were filled. They took up seven baskets full of the broken pieces that were left over. 38 Those who ate were four thousand men, besides women and children. 39 Then he sent away the multitudes, got into the boat, and came into the borders of Magdala.

Observations: 15:1-9 The chapters open with the disciples sharing in the opposition to the Messiah as a delegation from Jerusalem travels 60 miles to complain that the disciples aren't washing their hands properly. Ah, the trials of tradition (rabbinic ritual, not Biblical command, although it was asserted as such). There were elaborate instructions about how to pour at least an eggshell's worth of water over each hand, three times, in different directions. Jesus counters with a question of why they disobey the clear command of God because of their tradition (one of the great hindrances to truth). The truth said to honor one's parents. The tradition said if some dedicated something to the temple (a vowed gift offering - “korban” Mk 7:11), then it was exempted from being used to help one's parents. Politely informing them that they were wicked hypocrites (cf Ps 50), Jesus then quotes Isaiah 29:13 to show that their oral tradition has made their “worship” worthless, because they are following tradition rather than truth. Worship is a response to God's revelation, not man's tradition. Most believers I meet follow the oral tradition of sermons rather than the written truth of God's word (because the bulk of their belief system is formed by the former, rather than informed by the latter). If someone can't demonstrate that their beliefs and actions are based upon an accurate contextual application of God's word, Jesus would call their worship worthless, and He might have another term for them. Truthless traditionalists were responsible for the death of Jesus, the apostles, most martyrs, and countless relationships with God.

15:10-20 Jesus calls the multitude to put the emphasis where God wants it, not on mere external rituals and practices, but on one's heart. Anything that goes into the body via the mouth, leaves the body. What goes into the heart, via the brain, comes out of the mouth, and can defile, rendering one unfit for worship and blessing. The disciples told Jesus the Pharisees were offended by His comments (as if He didn't know). He softened the critique by saying that the Father would uproot them as weeds (and burn them – implied) because they were blind guides, headed, along with their hearers, into a pit/ditch. In His list of things which arise from the heart (seat of values and decisions) and cause defilement in God's sight, He starts with evil thinking and murder, and ends with slander/blasphemy (speaking against someone) which is what the Pharisees were doing. So not only are they blind hypocrites headed for destruction, but defiled and excluded from the presence of God. Dusty hands don't defile a person, an unwashed heart does (see Rm 12:1-2 for a solution to any of the defiling acts mentioned, they all stem from an un-renewed mind/values). The lesson for the disciples is to major on truth, and avoid the defiled slanderers who embrace tradition at the expense of truth.

15:21-28 Moving west from the Sea of Galilee toward the Mediterranean Sea, toward a “divine appointment,” Jesus encounters a pained Canaanite parent whose daughter is demonized. Jesus ignores her at first, because His mission to the Gentiles comes after that to the Israelites. It is through the Jews that God will bless the world (in accord with the Abrahamic Covenant -Gen 12). The recognition that Jesus is the only solution to her problem causes her to persist in seeking help, and Jesus honors her faith. The lesson for disciples is maintain focus on the objective, but help the worthy.

15:29 Back toward Galilee, Jesus heads up the mountain (same one??), and heals all who come to Him. As a result of the good works which display God's power, people glorified God (cf. 5:17). Jesus expresses His compassion in another lesson for the disciples, following the same pattern of the first feeding of the multitudes, comprised of this time of mainly Gentiles (east coast of Galilee). This time seven loaves yield seven baskets of leftovers (instead of 12). Perhaps the symbolic significance of “seven” is intended (fulness or completion). When one encounters two “bookends” (similar passages), look for the similarities and differences, and then examine the material in between for any patterns or structure. The “lessons for the disciples” is one way of understanding the material, but doesn't exhaust it.

Application: Biblical truth and oral tradition are frequently at odds with each other. The blessed trust the truth, the defiled trust tradition.

Prayer: Lord, help me be diligent in learning and applying Your truth, so that I might not be defiled and excluded from Your blessing by the fables taught by blind guides. Amen.

Matthew 16 Rock, Keys, Kingdom

16:1 The Pharisees and Sadducees came, and testing him, asked him to show them a sign from heaven. 2 But he answered them, "When it is evening, you say, ‘It will be fair weather, for the sky is red.’ 3 In the morning, ‘It will be foul weather today, for the sky is red and threatening.’ Hypocrites! You know how to discern the appearance of the sky, but you can’t discern the signs of the times! 4 An evil and adulterous generation seeks after a sign, and there will be no sign given to it, except the sign of the prophet Jonah." He left them, and departed.

5 The disciples came to the other side and had forgotten to take bread. 6 Jesus said to them, "Take heed and beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees." 7 They reasoned among themselves, saying, "We brought no bread." 8 Jesus, perceiving it, said, "Why do you reason among yourselves, you of little faith, ‘because you have brought no bread?’ 9 Don’t you yet perceive, neither remember the five loaves for the five thousand, and how many baskets you took up? 10 Nor the seven loaves for the four thousand, and how many baskets you took up? 11 How is it that you don’t perceive that I didn’t speak to you concerning bread? But beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees." 12 Then they understood that he didn’t tell them to beware of the yeast of bread, but of the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees.

13 Now when Jesus came into the parts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, "Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?" 14 They said, "Some say John the Baptizer, some, Elijah, and others, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets." 15 He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" 16 Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." 17 Jesus answered him, "Blessed are you, Simon Bar Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. 18 I also tell you that you are Peter (the pebbble), and on this rock (the bedrock) I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it. 19 I will give to you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will have been bound in heaven; and whatever you release on earth will have been released in heaven." 20 Then he commanded the disciples that they should tell no one that he was Jesus the Christ.

21 From that time, Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders, chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and the third day be raised up. 22 Peter took him aside, and began to rebuke him, saying, "Far be it from you, Lord! This will never be done to you." 23 But he turned, and said to Peter, "Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block/offense to me, for you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of men."

24 Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If anyone desires to come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. 25 For whoever desires to save his life/soul will lose it, and whoever will lose his life/soul for my sake will find it. 26 For what will it profit a man, if he gains the whole world, and forfeits his life/soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his life/soul? 27 For the Son of Man will come in the glory of his Father with his angels, and then he will render to everyone according to his deeds. 28 Most certainly I tell you, there are some standing here who will in no way taste of death, until they see the Son of Man come/appear in his Kingdom."

Bill Blurb: Sorry, the following belongs more in a book than a blog, but there are lots of misconceptions that have sprung from a misunderstanding of this chapter, which need pruning for fruitful thinking. Feel free to skip the first section, it's mainly historical background, skim the sections on Peter and the keys (unless you debate the topics), but don't miss getting a firm grip on the call to discipleship.

Observations: 16:1-4 In contrast to the receptivity of the multitudes, the Pharisees again seek a sign (12:39), only this time in league with the Sadducees (their normal opponents who didn't believe in a resurrection or afterlife). Jesus adds the fact that they are hypocrites and stupid, to their being wicked and adulterous, and departs from them.

16:5-12 Jesus warns the disciples against the false teaching of the two popular parties. The Sadducees were more the political aristocrats of the two, and controlled the Sanhedrin and the Temple. They accepted only the five books of Moses, denied angels, demons, God's involvement in everyday affairs, and of course the resurrection and reward in the afterlife.

The Pharisees, the more popular middle-class, but spiritual elitists, were better respected by the people. They accepted all the Scriptures but added the oral tradition (allegedly given to Moses, but not written down, which was more authoritative, compiled into the Mishnah), believed that free will was to be used in accord with God's overall sovereignty and involvement in the world. They believed in the spiritual realities of angels and demons, and the afterlife in which God rewarded or punished in accord with people's choices and actions.

The disciples forgot to bring bread, so when Jesus warned them about the false teachings of the above groups, they thought He was reproving them for forgetting the bread. Jesus refreshed their memory about the two miraculous feedings to show them that bread wasn't the issue, but teaching was.

16:13-20 Jesus gives them a pop-quiz about His identity. They give Him a non-committal survey answer (as many who aren't sure about God do today), and He zeros in on their personal belief. Peter gets it right, with a little prod from God. He says that the Son of Man, Jesus, is the Messiah (the anointed one as promised in the OT), the Son of the Living God.

Jesus uses a play on words that has caused a bit of controversy over the years. In

Peter is “petros,” a masculine noun, used to refer to a stone or pebble. Rock is “petra,” a feminine noun, used to refer to a massive cliff or bedrock, and used by Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount (7:24) as a reference to His words, which the wise man built his house upon.

Rock is one of the titles of the Messiah (Hab 1:12), as well as God. Jesus was referring to Himself or Peter's confession of Him as the foundation of the church. The Messiah is the foundation of God's building according to both testaments.

Isaiah 28:16 Therefore thus says the Lord GOD: " Behold, I lay in Zion a stone for a foundation, A tried stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation; Whoever believes will not be ashamed. 44:8 Is there a God besides Me? Indeed there is no other Rock; I know not one.' "

1Corinthians 3:11 indicates that Christ is the foundation of the church “3:11 For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.” (cf 1Cor 10:4).

A lot of the words used here are also in Psalm 89 the Davidic Covenant/Dynasty (LXX 89:4; 5; 21; 38; 48; 51), adding support to the view that Christ was thinking of Himself as the Davidic descendent, not Peter. Christ calls Himself the Rock later, in Matthew 21:42.

There is no way that Christ could build His church, against which the gates of Hades (more likely a reference to death than the powers thereof) would not prevail, on one finite human, and a frail one at that. Just four verses later (18:22-23) Peter is opposing God's will, and is called Satan by Jesus indicating he was carrying out Satan's will rather than God's. At the end of the Gospel he denies Jesus, and goes back to fishing. On the day of Pentecost, and for the first half of Acts he does better. Although Peter was one of the leaders of the Jerusalem council in Acts 15, it is James who gives the summary decision after much discussion (not a papal decree). Peter's ministry declines and is surpassed by Paul as the book of Acts progresses. Peter is mentioned second of the three pillars or leaders of the church (along with James and John, the three guys who were closest to Jesus) in Galatians 2:9, and two verses later is rebuked by Paul for being clearly wrong about eating with Gentiles. Galatians 2:11 Now when Peter had come to Antioch, I withstood him to his face, because he was to be blamed/condemned.

Peter refers to himself as a fellow-elder in writing to church leadership in 1Peter 5:1.

None of the early church councils from AD 300-400 recognized Peter as the foundation of the church; there was no “pope.” All bishops were considered successors of the apostles. It wasn't until AD 600 that Gregory the Great made Peter the first pope (see the Dictates of Gregory).

Matthew is the only one to record Jesus' use of the Greek word for church/assembly (ekklesia) here, and in 18:17, which means “called out ones” a distinct group from the Jewish nation (to whom belonged the kingdom, although the assembly/congregation of the righteous was frequently mentioned in the OT). Peter, as a representative of the disciples, is given the keys to the kingdom, (mentioned again in 18:18, along with church). Keys were usually carried by stewards, who carried out the master's will. The binding and loosing are in the future perfect tense (a deliberate use, since the future tenses of both verbs occur), as accurately reflected in the above translation and the NASB. Binding and loosing were rabbinic tasks of saying what was or wasn't in accord with the law. This is not about Peter tending the pearly gates, determining who does or doesn't enter heaven (it's whatever, not whoever, and about the kingdom, not heaven). The subject under consideration is not the called out group (the church), but the kingdom coming from the heavens, which thus far has been announced and rejected, and no longer imminent (and considered to be postponed). The pronouncements about the kingdom made by the apostles, particularly Peter in Acts 2, 3, and 10, which extended salvific blessings of the kingdom to the Gentiles, will be made in accord with what has already been determined in heaven (John 16:13). This understanding of the keys preserves the distinction between the OT kingdom coming from the heavens (which is not heaven), announced by John and Jesus, and the church, which Jesus would build in the future.

16:21-23 Having mentioned that the gates of Hades (death) would not prevent Him from building His church, Jesus starts to instruct the disciples about His upcoming death and resurrection (a concept they found much harder to grasp than the parables about the kingdom in chapter 13). Peter slips over to the dark side, doing the devil's work in looking at things only from a temporal human perspective, rather than God's agenda. Not an auspicious start for the holder of the keys. Jesus would be equally displeased for any disciple to care more about the things of this life, than of the next, as the next section relates.

16:24-27 Jesus issues a call to discipleship, requiring desire to follow, and denial of self. The self-denial would extend to every aspect of their life/soul (put for mind/will/emotions see Mt 10:38 comments). We need to sacrifice our paltry temporal desires for God's eternal purposes, or we will lose the imperishable profit for which we could have exchanged our perishing existence. Tattoo the first half of verse 25 inside your right eyelid, and whenever you dream of your future, let the light of the truth burn into your brain; put the second half on your left eyelid, and you should be good to serve. The Son of Man will come and pay-back everyone (disciple and non-disciple) according to their deeds. The pay-back will be eternal glory (rulership/dominon in the future kingdom -Mt 19:28; 1Pt 1). What will be the fate of those who foolishly seek to save their dumb dreams and desires, and don't deny themselves? As Jim Elliot wisely observed: “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose." The converse is also true: a person is a fool to tries to save what he can't keep, and fails to gain what he can't lose. Jesus underscores the certainty of the Son of Man coming in His glory with the promise that some of those standing there wouldn't die until the saw the Son of Man come/appear in His kingdom (Mark 9:1 has power, a synonym for glory, the dynamic through which God's will is manifested, miracles are performed, and authority is exercised). Matthew, Mark, and Luke, all record the call to discipleship, the offered reward of glory for self-denying service, made certain by the promise of seeing the kingdom (glory/power), and the account of the Mount of Transfiguration, where the King appeared in His glory. To miss the connection between the glory promised here, and witnessed in the Transfiguration (it's the dazzling, bright shiny stuff) is to be as blind as a Pharisee (and ignorant of Peter's eyewitness testimony):

2Peter 1:16 For we did not follow cunningly devised fables when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of His majesty. 17 For He received from God the Father honor and glory when such a voice came to Him from the Excellent Glory: "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." 18 And we heard this voice which came from heaven when we were with Him on the holy mountain.19 And so we have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts;

Application: Every day you can exchange the passing minutes for enduring glory, why wouldn't you? What are you holding on to which is worth more than the eternal blessing of God?

Prayer: God, help me clearly see my life on this planet as You do, and follow the path my Lord and Savior trod, and experience the glory He promised. Amen.

Matthew 17 Glory on the Mount and in the Mouth

17:1 After six days, Jesus took with him Peter, James, and John his brother, and brought them up into a high mountain by themselves. 2 He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his garments became as white as the light. 3 Behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them talking with him. 4 Peter answered, and said to Jesus, "Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you want, let’s make three tents here: one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah." 5 While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them. Behold, a voice came out of the cloud, saying, "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Listen to him." 6 When the disciples heard it, they fell on their faces, and were very afraid. 7 Jesus came and touched them and said, "Get up, and don’t be afraid." 8 Lifting up their eyes, they saw no one, except Jesus alone.

9 As they were coming down from the mountain, Jesus commanded them, saying, "Don’t tell anyone what you saw, until the Son of Man has risen from the dead." 10 His disciples asked him, saying, "Then why do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?" 11 Jesus answered them, "Elijah indeed comes first, and will restore all things, 12 but I tell you that Elijah has come already, and they didn’t recognize him, but did to him whatever they wanted to. Even so the Son of Man will also suffer by them." 13 Then the disciples understood that he spoke to them of John the Baptizer.

14 When they came to the multitude, a man came to him, kneeling down to him, saying, 15 "Lord, have mercy on my son, for he is epileptic, and suffers grievously; for he often falls into the fire, and often into the water. 16 So I brought him to your disciples, and they could not cure him." 17 Jesus answered, "Faithless and perverse generation! How long will I be with you? How long will I bear with you? Bring him here to me." 18 Jesus rebuked him, the demon went out of him, and the boy was cured from that hour. 19 Then the disciples came to Jesus privately, and said, "Why weren’t we able to cast it out?" 20 He said to them, "Because of your unbelief. For most certainly I tell you, if you have faith as a grain of mustard seed, you will tell this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you. 21 But this kind doesn’t go out except by prayer and fasting."

22 While they were staying in Galilee, Jesus said to them, "The Son of Man is about to be delivered up into the hands of men, 23 and they will kill him, and the third day he will be raised up." They were exceedingly sorry.

24 When they had come to Capernaum, those who collected the didrachma coins came to Peter, and said, "Doesn’t your teacher pay the didrachma?" 25 He said, "Yes." When he came into the house, Jesus anticipated him, saying, "What do you think, Simon? From whom do the kings of the earth receive toll or tribute? From their children, or from strangers?" 26 Peter said to him, "From strangers." Jesus said to him, "Therefore the children are exempt. 27 But, lest we cause them to stumble, go to the sea, cast a hook, and take up the first fish that comes up. When you have opened its mouth, you will find a stater coin. Take that, and give it to them for me and you."

Observations: 17:1-8 Jesus takes His three closest companions (who would become the main leaders of His church) up a high mountain, and is metamorphosed (change of form) before their eyes. What was objectively true about Him (King of Glory), became a reality in His life. This is the same process believers need to go through according to Romans 12:1-2, in order to experience God's perfect will in their lives (transformed by the renewing of the mind). They see the King in the glory of His kingdom. Light, energy, power, dominion, and glory are all related. Those who fail to grasp that understanding, will remain in the dark about a lot of passages. At the end of the last chapter (see comments there) Jesus promised some would see the Son of Man appear in His kingdom. The Kingdom is present in the person of the King (Luke 17:21). Moses and Elijah, who had both seen God's glory (Ex 34, 1Kg 19:11) were representative of the Law and Prophets and testified to Him (they must have been wearing name tags for the disciples to recognize them). The Father validates Jesus' kingdom claims as well, echoing the comments at Jesus' baptism (3:17) adding the instruction to “hear/obey Him,” which is what one should do regarding a king. Peter's suggestion of three tents might have been a reference to the Feast of Tabernacles, which anticipated the rest of the Millennial kingdom. The Transfiguration also validates the expectation of the kingdom being that promised in the law and the prophets (Isaiah 40-66 and elsewhere), where the Messiah would physically rule in glory in the land of Israel.

17:9-13 Jesus tells the disciples to keep quiet about what they've experienced (Messianic Secret) until the Son of Man rose from the dead. According to Malachi 4, Elijah was supposed to come before the Day of the Lord, and restore all things. Jesus said John the Baptist would have fulfilled that prophecy if the people had responded. So I guess we're still waiting for Elijah (keep that extra place set).

17:14-23 The disciples were unable to cast a demon out of an epileptic boy because of a lack of dependent faith, (which would have been manifested by prayer and fasting). If they had faith like a mustard seed, which was so small that it had to depend on something outside itself for growth and nourishment, they could move mountains. But apparently they were depending on their own resources and strength, earning a rebuke from Jesus. His instruction about His upcoming death, caused sorrow (they got the death part, but are a little slow on the resurrection piece).

17:24-27 This is one of my favorite miracles even though I don't like fishing nor taxes. The didrachma was a temple tax, not mandated in the OT, but paid for the upkeep of the Temple by the “pious” Jews. So when the collectors came, they asked Peter if his Master/Teacher paid it. Jesus first establishes that He is totally exempt, being a Son, and not a subject/stranger. Then in a effort to accommodate Himself to those who considered it a good thing to do (all things to all men) so He doesn't cause them to stumble over this issue and miss the truth, He tells Peter to go fishing. Jesus supernaturally supercharges Peter's efforts. Why not have Peter catch a couple of big ones, sell them, and pay the tax? Jesus uses Peter's basic skill set, but makes it clear that He is the one providing the result, through His power/glory. He provides a coin that takes care of both God's purpose, and Peter's need. The lesson for a disciple is that as we seek to do what's right in the sight of God and man, God will provide all we need, according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus (Phil 4:13). We just need to trust and obey Him. I would love to have seen the expression on Peter's face as he pulled out the hook and coin. The chapter opened with a mural of Christ's glory on the mountain, and ends with a miniature, as the sun shone off the coin.

Application: God provides all we need to do His will, be it motivation from a glimpse of His glory, or the means to do what it takes to win a hearing.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are the Lord of Glory, the King of Kings, and the Savior concerned with my needs and ministry; thanks that I can trust You for all I need to serve You every day. Amen.

Digging Deeper

God in a nutshell: God meets the needs of those who seek Him in truth. He allows the bad guys to temporarily win, but will make it up to His servants.

Build-a-Jesus: Jesus is clearly seen as God incarnate, controlling the physical and spiritual realm. He is the King of Glory, but won't establish His kingdom until He returns. He rebukes those who follow tradition, and those who fail to exercise faith. He will reward His faithful followers.

Us in a nutshell: Those who follow tradition rather than truth, or their dreams rather than God's desires, will wind up rejected losers. Those who deny themselves to please God, and dependently trust Him, will experience His glory, both here on earth and in the future (and they might get to that future faster than they expected if God so wills).

Where to Go for More:

Truthbase.net

Matthew complete text

Matthew 14

14:1 At that time, Herod the tetrarch heard the report concerning Jesus, 2 and said to his servants, "This is John the Baptizer. He is risen from the dead. That is why these powers work in him." 3 For Herod had laid hold of John, and bound him, and put him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife. 4 For John said to him, "It is not lawful for you to have her." 5 When he would have put him to death, he feared the multitude, because they counted him as a prophet. 6 But when Herod’s birthday came, the daughter of Herodias danced among them and pleased Herod. 7 Whereupon he promised with an oath to give her whatever she should ask. 8 She, being prompted by her mother, said, "Give me here on a platter the head of John the Baptizer." 9 The king was grieved, but for the sake of his oaths, and of those who sat at the table with him, he commanded it to be given, 10 and he sent and beheaded John in the prison. 11 His head was brought on a platter, and given to the young lady: and she brought it to her mother. 12 His disciples came, and took the body, and buried it; and they went and told Jesus.

13 Now when Jesus heard this, he withdrew from there in a boat, to a deserted place apart. When the multitudes heard it, they followed him on foot from the cities. 14 Jesus went out, and he saw a great multitude. He had compassion on them, and healed their sick. 15 When evening had come, his disciples came to him, saying, "This place is deserted, and the hour is already late. Send the multitudes away, that they may go into the villages, and buy themselves food." 16 But Jesus said to them, "They don’t need to go away. You give them something to eat." 17 They told him, "We only have here five loaves and two fish." 18 He said, "Bring them here to me." 19 He commanded the multitudes to sit down on the grass; and he took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, he blessed, broke and gave the loaves to the disciples, and the disciples gave to the multitudes. 20 They all ate, and were filled. They took up twelve baskets full of that which remained left over from the broken pieces. 21 Those who ate were about five thousand men, besides women and children.

22 Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat, and to go ahead of him to the other side, while he sent the multitudes away. 23 After he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into the mountain by himself to pray. When evening had come, he was there alone. 24 But the boat was now in the middle of the sea, distressed by the waves, for the wind was contrary. 25 In the fourth watch of the night, Jesus came to them, walking on the sea. 26 When the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, "It’s a ghost!" and they cried out for fear. 27 But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying "Cheer up! It is I! Don’t be afraid." 28 Peter answered him and said, "Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the waters." 29 He said, "Come!" Peter stepped down from the boat, and walked on the waters to come to Jesus. 30 But when he saw that the wind was strong, he was afraid, and beginning to sink, he cried out, saying, "Lord, save me!" 31 Immediately Jesus stretched out his hand, took hold of him, and said to him, "You of little faith, why did you doubt?" 32 When they got up into the boat, the wind ceased. 33 Those who were in the boat came and worshipped him, saying, "You are truly the Son of God!"

34 When they had crossed over, they came to the land of Gennesaret. 35 When the people of that place recognized him, they sent into all that surrounding region, and brought to him all who were sick, 36 and they begged him that they might just touch the fringe of his garment. As many as touched it were made whole.

Matthew 15

15:1 Then Pharisees and scribes came to Jesus from Jerusalem, saying, 2 "Why do your disciples disobey the tradition of the elders? For they don’t wash their hands when they eat bread." 3 He answered them, "Why do you also disobey the commandment of God because of your tradition? 4 For God commanded, ‘Honour your father and your mother,’ and, ‘He who speaks evil of father or mother, let him be put to death.’ 5 But you say, ‘Whoever may tell his father or his mother, "Whatever help you might otherwise have gotten from me is a gift devoted to God," 6 he shall not honour his father or mother.’ You have made the commandment of God void because of your tradition. 7 You hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy of you, saying, 8 ’These people draw near to me with their mouth, and honour me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. 9 And in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrine rules made by men.’"

10 He summoned the multitude, and said to them, "Hear, and understand. 11 That which enters into the mouth doesn’t defile the man; but that which proceeds out of the mouth, this defiles the man." 12 Then the disciples came, and said to him, "Do you know that the Pharisees were offended, when they heard this saying?" 13 But he answered, "Every plant which my heavenly Father didn’t plant will be uprooted. 14 Leave them alone. They are blind guides of the blind. If the blind guide the blind, both will fall into a pit." 15 Peter answered him, "Explain the parable to us." 16 So Jesus said, "Do you also still not understand? 17 Don’t you understand that whatever goes into the mouth passes into the belly, and then out of the body? 18 But the things which proceed out of the mouth come out of the heart, and they defile the man. 19 For out of the heart come forth evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, sexual sins, thefts, false testimony, and blasphemies. 20 These are the things which defile the man; but to eat with unwashed hands doesn’t defile the man."

21 Jesus went out from there, and withdrew into the region of Tyre and Sidon. 22 Behold, a Canaanite woman came out from those borders, and cried, saying, "Have mercy on me, Lord, you son of David! My daughter is severely demonized!" 23 But he answered her not a word. His disciples came and begged him, saying, "Send her away; for she cries after us." 24 But he answered, "I wasn’t sent to anyone but the lost sheep of the house of Israel." 25 But she came and worshipped him, saying, "Lord, help me." 26 But he answered, "It is not appropriate to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs." 27 But she said, "Yes, Lord, but even the dogs eat the crumbs which fall from their masters’ table." 28 Then Jesus answered her, "Woman, great is your faith! Be it done to you even as you desire." And her daughter was healed from that hour.

29 Jesus departed there, and came near to the sea of Galilee; and he went up into the mountain, and sat there. 30 Great multitudes came to him, having with them the lame, blind, mute, maimed, and many others, and they put them down at his feet. He healed them, 31 so that the multitude wondered when they saw the mute speaking, injured whole, lame walking, and blind seeing—and they glorified the God of Israel. 32 Jesus summoned his disciples and said, "I have compassion on the multitude, because they continue with me now three days and have nothing to eat. I don’t want to send them away fasting, or they might faint on the way." 33 The disciples said to him, "Where should we get so many loaves in a deserted place as to satisfy so great a multitude?" 34 Jesus said to them, "How many loaves do you have?" They said, "Seven, and a few small fish." 35 He commanded the multitude to sit down on the ground; 36 and he took the seven loaves and the fish. He gave thanks and broke them, and gave to the disciples, and the disciples to the multitudes. 37 They all ate, and were filled. They took up seven baskets full of the broken pieces that were left over. 38 Those who ate were four thousand men, besides women and children. 39 Then he sent away the multitudes, got into the boat, and came into the borders of Magdala.

Matthew 16

16:1 The Pharisees and Sadducees came, and testing him, asked him to show them a sign from heaven. 2 But he answered them, "When it is evening, you say, ‘It will be fair weather, for the sky is red.’ 3 In the morning, ‘It will be foul weather today, for the sky is red and threatening.’ Hypocrites! You know how to discern the appearance of the sky, but you can’t discern the signs of the times! 4 An evil and adulterous generation seeks after a sign, and there will be no sign given to it, except the sign of the prophet Jonah." He left them, and departed.

5 The disciples came to the other side and had forgotten to take bread. 6 Jesus said to them, "Take heed and beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees." 7 They reasoned among themselves, saying, "We brought no bread." 8 Jesus, perceiving it, said, "Why do you reason among yourselves, you of little faith, ‘because you have brought no bread?’ 9 Don’t you yet perceive, neither remember the five loaves for the five thousand, and how many baskets you took up? 10 Nor the seven loaves for the four thousand, and how many baskets you took up? 11 How is it that you don’t perceive that I didn’t speak to you concerning bread? But beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees." 12 Then they understood that he didn’t tell them to beware of the yeast of bread, but of the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees.

13 Now when Jesus came into the parts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, "Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?" 14 They said, "Some say John the Baptizer, some, Elijah, and others, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets." 15 He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" 16 Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." 17 Jesus answered him, "Blessed are you, Simon Bar Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. 18 I also tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my assembly, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it. 19 I will give to you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will have been bound in heaven; and whatever you release on earth will have been released in heaven." 20 Then he commanded the disciples that they should tell no one that he was Jesus the Christ.

21 From that time, Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders, chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and the third day be raised up. 22 Peter took him aside, and began to rebuke him, saying, "Far be it from you, Lord! This will never be done to you." 23 But he turned, and said to Peter, "Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me, for you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of men."

24 Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If anyone desires to come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. 25 For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, and whoever will lose his life for my sake will find it. 26 For what will it profit a man, if he gains the whole world, and forfeits his life? Or what will a man give in exchange for his life? 27 For the Son of Man will come in the glory of his Father with his angels, and then he will render to everyone according to his deeds. 28 Most certainly I tell you, there are some standing here who will in no way taste of death, until they see the Son of Man coming in his Kingdom."

Matthew 17

17:1 After six days, Jesus took with him Peter, James, and John his brother, and brought them up into a high mountain by themselves. 2 He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his garments became as white as the light. 3 Behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them talking with him. 4 Peter answered, and said to Jesus, "Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you want, let’s make three tents here: one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah." 5 While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them. Behold, a voice came out of the cloud, saying, "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Listen to him." 6 When the disciples heard it, they fell on their faces, and were very afraid. 7 Jesus came and touched them and said, "Get up, and don’t be afraid." 8 Lifting up their eyes, they saw no one, except Jesus alone. 9 As they were coming down from the mountain, Jesus commanded them, saying, "Don’t tell anyone what you saw, until the Son of Man has risen from the dead." 10 His disciples asked him, saying, "Then why do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?" 11 Jesus answered them, "Elijah indeed comes first, and will restore all things, 12 but I tell you that Elijah has come already, and they didn’t recognize him, but did to him whatever they wanted to. Even so the Son of Man will also suffer by them." 13 Then the disciples understood that he spoke to them of John the Baptizer.

14 When they came to the multitude, a man came to him, kneeling down to him, saying, 15 "Lord, have mercy on my son, for he is epileptic, and suffers grievously; for he often falls into the fire, and often into the water. 16 So I brought him to your disciples, and they could not cure him." 17 Jesus answered, "Faithless and perverse generation! How long will I be with you? How long will I bear with you? Bring him here to me." 18 Jesus rebuked him, the demon went out of him, and the boy was cured from that hour. 19 Then the disciples came to Jesus privately, and said, "Why weren’t we able to cast it out?" 20 He said to them, "Because of your unbelief. For most certainly I tell you, if you have faith as a grain of mustard seed, you will tell this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you. 21 But this kind doesn’t go out except by prayer and fasting."

22 While they were staying in Galilee, Jesus said to them, "The Son of Man is about to be delivered up into the hands of men, 23 and they will kill him, and the third day he will be raised up." They were exceedingly sorry.

24 When they had come to Capernaum, those who collected the didrachma coins came to Peter, and said, "Doesn’t your teacher pay the didrachma?" 25 He said, "Yes." When he came into the house, Jesus anticipated him, saying, "What do you think, Simon? From whom do the kings of the earth receive toll or tribute? From their children, or from strangers?" 26 Peter said to him, "From strangers." Jesus said to him, "Therefore the children are exempt. 27 But, lest we cause them to stumble, go to the sea, cast a hook, and take up the first fish that comes up. When you have opened its mouth, you will find a stater coin. Take that, and give it to them for me and you."

John 13-17 Joyful and Fruitful

Matthew 14-17 Truth and Trust Trump Tradition

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