Author: Theresa Fronius

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John 3:1-17 The New Birth -You Must Be Born Again

John 3:1-17 Commentary Study   

1Now there was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews; 2 this man came to Jesus by night and said to Him, “Rabbi, we know that You have come from God as a teacher; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him.” 3 Jesus answered and said to him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

Observations

Nicodemus was a Pharisee and a member of the Sanhedrin, the ruling high council.  Why did Nicodemus seek out Jesus during the nigh?  It is quite possible that Nicodemus would have been ostracized  by his peers for giving any assent to Jesus’ teachings or miracles.  However, no reason is given in scripture.  Nicodemus might very well have tried to meet with Jesus during the day, but could have been hampered by the many crowds that followed Jesus.

Nicodemus was also a member of the Sanhedrin, a type of high council or supreme court of the Jews.  One of the roles of the Sanhedrin was to investigate possible false prophets.  So it is plausible that Nicodemus was sent on mission to investigate Jesus.

Most Pharisees hated Jesus because He undermined their authority, laws, and religious views.  But Nicodemus is different.  He shows great respect toward Jesus by calling Him Rabbi. He also honors Jesus when he compliments Him, saying He is a great teacher sent from God.  Nicodemus doesn’t understand that Jesus is divine, but he recognizes that Jesus’ power is from God.

Immediately following Nicodemus’ compliment to Jesus, Jesus responds by telling Nicodemus that he must be born again to enter the kingdom.  This seems like a strange response to a compliment.  However, since Jesus knows each of us intimately,  we can surmise that Jesus knew the reasons why Nicodemus was seeking out Jesus, and the questions swirling in Nicodemus’ mind and heart.

The Pharisees dedicated their lives to strict adherence to hundreds of codes and rules of the Scribes.  The Jews mistakenly assumed that through their adherence to the law and their connection to Abraham they were secured a place in God’s kingdom.  Jesus is introducing an entirely new and revolutionary concept to the Jews.

Entrance into God’s kingdom has nothing to do with works or with one’s ethnicity or ancestry.  It has everything to do with admitting sin,   What does “born again” mean?  It means admitting sin, turning to God for forgiveness, and accepting and trusting God’s grace and forgiveness through faith alone.   What does it mean to believe in or trust in Jesus?  It means believing that Jesus is who He said He is, that His death on the cross cancels (pays for) our sin and that are saved by grace alone, God’s gift to mankind.

Application

Our entire earthly kingdom is structured around earning and working towards advancement.  In school, we work hard in hopes of earning top grades.  In college, we work hard to earn a degree.  In employment, we work long hours to hopefully secure a higher, better paying position. In relationships, we earn the respect of friends and family.  We are constantly being evaluated by an institution or by our peers.  Earning is embedded in our cultures and ideologies.  But when it comes to God’s heavenly kingdom, Jesus says the standard has nothing to do with performance or nationality. We cannot earn a place in God’s kingdom. We must be born again.  We must be washed by water and the Spirit.  It has nothing to do with works.  We must repent, believe in Jesus and be born again.  Faith is the door into God’s kingdom.

On the one hand, this is good news. But in practice, it can be very hard to drop a performance based mentality.  Ask yourself the following:

Do you ever fear that God will not forgive you?  That you’ve sinned too many times in one area of your life?  That you should be stronger and better at resisting various sin?

Are you overly critical of yourself when you have not regularly spent time in God’s word? in prayer?  Do you consider it’s a “good day” when you have checked off all of your spiritual disciplines (spent time in the word, prayed, memorized scripture)?  Do you condemn yourself when you have not spend time in your spiritual disciplines?  

Do you view worship as a way to become more righteous or acceptable to God?  Do you feel  less worthy when you have not attended worship?

Do you rarely confess/repent of sin because you have no “serious” sin?

A works mentality is a type of bondage that prevents you from experiencing the freedom and joy that Jesus’ offers.  When Jesus says “rest in Him”, we can quit trying to earn his love and acceptance through our works and instead rest in Him-in what He has done on the cross.  We cannot earn His love or our salvation.  Jesus freely offers it to us.  This is the good news.   To combat a works mentality, meditate on the Word of God, seek Him in prayer, saturate yourself in scripture, remind yourself what Christ did on the cross, preach the gospel to yourself daily.  Fight against the tide of the culture.  We are in a spiritual battle.

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

Nicodemus takes Jesus’ response literally.  He believes Jesus is talking about physical birth, but Jesus is talking about spiritual birth.  The exact meaning of this phrase, “water and Spirit” has been debated.  There are several explanations of this phrase.  Jesus could have been referring to “water” as the physical natural birth, and by “Spirit” as the Holy Spirit, or spiritual birth. A second meaning is directly related to how scripture describes the work of (being born of) the Holy Spirit.  Scripture says that the Holy Spirit cleanses us, gives us a new heart, and purifies our hearts.  So to be cleansed by the Holy Spirit, means you are born of the Spirit, or “born again”. A third explanation is that by “water” Jesus meant baptism.  But this meaning would make baptism a requirement of salvation which conflicts with other scriptures .which state that salvation is by faith alone. The second explanation seems more plausible since other scriptures would support this interpretation.

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

There are several scriptures in the OT which foreshadow a change of heart that is necessary.  Nicodemus is not being reprimanded for a lack of this knowledge, but more of a lack of perception about what Jesus has just communicated and what Old Testament scripture describes. Below are scriptures that speak to this idea that God must do a work within your heart.  This is not a new concept.  Nicodemus knew the scriptures.

Psalm 51:10  Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

1 Samuel 10:9  9 When he turned his back to leave Samuel, God gave him another heart. And all these signs came to pass that day.

Ezekiel 36:25-27  And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.

Ezekiel 11:19  And I will give them one heart, and a new spirit I will put within them. I will remove the heart of stone from their flesh and give them a heart of flesh.

Jesus tells Nicodemus that only He, Jesus, has ascended to and descended from Heaven, and that He must be lifted up (crucified) in order for mankind to receive eternal life.

16 “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him.

This truly is the Good News.  Anyone that believes in Jesus will receive eternal life.  You can either choose to pay for your own sin, which brings eternal separation and death or you can accept Jesus’ payment of your sin, and live eternally with God the Father, Jesus and the Holy Spirit.  There is only one reality when we die.  Who do you say that Jesus is?

God tells us in His Word that we live one life, die and then we are judged. God the Father sent His Son to die for us, thereby paying the debt we owe for our sin.  God has made a way.  Jesus has done everything we need in order to be saved.  The only thing we do is accept His plan, come into agreement with Him, or reject the plan – reject Him. Those are the only two choices.

For more information on what it means to be born again, please visit GotQuestions.org here.

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John 3:18-21 Commentary

18 “He who believes in Him is not judged; he who does not believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. 19 “This is the judgment, that the Light has come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the Light, for their deeds were evil. 20 “For everyone who  does evil hates the Light, and does not come to the Light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. 21 “But he who practices the truth comes to the Light, so that his deeds may be manifested as having been wrought in God.”

Application

John 3:18   Jesus tells us that whoever believes in Him will not be judged.  The Greek word for ‘believes’ is pisteuo which means to think something is true, to be persuaded, to place confidence in.  Jesus is saying that if you are persuaded that Jesus is who He claims, that He is the Son of God, that His death on the cross paid for your sin, then you will not be judged.  His sacrifice, His blood, pays the debt that all of us owe.
God has provided a single way for us to be saved.  If you reject Jesus as the Savior, then there is simply no other way for you to be with the Father. God the Father has decided how you must come.   God didn’t have to save us at all.  It is a cosmic pardon that the Father offers to us.  This is a quite sobering judgement.  It is horrifying that we incur God’s judgement by rejecting the Son.  In verse 19, Jesus  equates judgement with the Light (Jesus) that came into the world.  If we are offered Light (the Son) and we reject Him, we remain in darkness.  Judgement is brought upon yourself when you reject the only way that God has provided to be saved.  If there is only one cure for cancer and you reject it because you do not like the taste of the medicine, the result is still death.
Our desires for freedom – political, personal or sexual,  can become idols and we begin to worship ourselves. There cannot be two kings on the throne.  When we elevate personal pleasure and freedom above God’s will and His desires for our life, slavery to sin is the result.  Therefore, dying to ourselves is perhaps the biggest challenge in pursuing a relationship with God.  Dying to ourselves may be difficult but it is the door that leads to abundant life. God and self cannot be masters at the same time.  One will ultimately reign.
Verse 19-21  Men love the darkness rather than the Light and prefer evil rather than than good.  The word used for ‘exposed’ is elegcho, which means to be chastened, admonished or convicted, with possible punishment.  Most of use know inherently when something is right or wrong, good or bad.  We tend to hide or keep secret the things we are not proud of.  The things we know are good or moral, we share unhesitatingly.  Our consciences are our moral barometer.  But if one ignores the conscience, it becomes less and less of a barometer, until it no longer functions.  A non-functioning conscience has disastrous implications morally, spiritually and physically.
Verse 20 describes the person that seeks the truth, that seeks God and what pleases Him.  This person comes into the light not fearing, but instead confident that all of his deeds have their focus and root in God.  A free conscience leads to peace with God.  When you practice truth, you are in agreement with God.  Your behavior reveals who your master is.
What do you spend your money on?
How do you spend the majority of your time?
What do you daydream about?
What do you talk about at work or with friends?
What kind of movies do you watch?
What books do you read?
What songs do you listen to?
Every action reveals something about what we love or who our master is.  Therefore be aware and on guard because we are in a spiritual battle.  The Lord beckons us to leave the darkness behind, flee from sin, and step into the light.  More peace is found in the Light than in any earthly pleasure.
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John 3:22-30 John the Baptist’s Last Testimony

22 After these things Jesus and His disciples came into the land of Judea; and there He was spending time with them and baptizing.  23 Now John also was baptizing in Aenon, near Salim, because there was an abundance of water there; and people were coming and being baptized— 24 for John had not yet been thrown into prison.

25 Then a matter of dispute developed on the part of John’s disciples with a Jew about purification. 26 And they came to John and said to him, “Rabbi, He who was with you beyond the Jordan, to whom you have testified—behold, He is baptizing and all the people are coming to Him.” 27 John replied, “A person can receive not even one thing unless it has been given to him from heaven. 28 You yourselves are my witnesses that I said, ‘I am not the Christ,’ but, ‘I have been sent ahead of Him.’ 29 He who has the bride is the groom; but the friend of the groom, who stands and listens to him, rejoices greatly because of the groom’s voice. So this joy of mine has been made full. 30 He must increase, but I must decrease.

Observations

John’s disciples with a Jew about purification. 26 And they came to John and said to him, “Rabbi, He who was with you beyond the Jordan, to whom you have testified—behold, He is baptizing and all the people are coming to Him.” 27 John replied, “A person can receive not even one thing unless it has been given to him from heaven.

John’s Focus – Man craves popularity, approval, attention and affirmation. John’s disciples are no different.  But notice how John responds to them.  John responds first by reminding his disciples that they do not win disciples.  All of the followers they receive are given to them by heaven (God the Father).  This perspective freed John from bitterness, resentment and competition with Jesus’ disciples. John understood that Jesus’ success came from the Father. And everything that God allows is wise and works in accordance with His plans.

Paul’s words to the Corinthians, “[We are] only servants, through whom you came to believe—as the Lord has assigned to each his task. I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow.  So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow” (1Cor3:5-8).  The disciples were simply servants.  The Father Himself sent converts to John the baptist, Jesus and their disciples. 

28 You yourselves are my witnesses that I said, ‘I am not the Christ,’ but, ‘I have been sent ahead of Him.’ 29 He who has the bride is the groom; but the friend of the groom, who stands and listens to him, rejoices greatly because of the groom’s voice. So this joy of mine has been made full. 30 He must increase, but I must decrease.

John knew his purpose – John reminds his disciples that his purpose was to prepare Israel for the coming of the Messiah. Once Jesus began his ministry, John’s main task was accomplished.  John understood his role and was faithful in completing it.  

John says that he is the friend of the bridegroom.  In Jewish weddings the ‘friend of the bridegroom’ was the shoshben.  The shoshben was similar to a “best man” in our weddings, and had specific responsibilities at a Jewish wedding. The shoshben’s tasks were making the arrangments for the wedding, handling messages between the bride and groom, sending out invitations and presiding over the wedding feast.  But his most important task was guarding the bridal chamber, listening for the groom’s voice and unlocking the chamber only when he was certain the groom had arrived.  The shoshben’s duties came to an end once the groom and bride were brought together in the bridal chamber.

John knew his purpose was to bring Israel (bride) and Jesus (bridegroom) together.  John knew he had completed his task and he humbly and joyfully faded into the background.  He knew that he must become less and Jesus must take center stage.

Application

1.)  Our true purpose – It is rare to find someone who clearly knows their purpose, is content, and humble as well.  Scripture says “everything comes from Him and exists by His power, and is for His glory” (Romans 11:36). Therefore we are  to glorify Him and to know Him.  That is our main purpose.  If there is no one greater, no one more worthy of being worshiped and known, then our purpose should be seeking God and glorifying Him.  How many of us take this purpose seriously?

2.) Glorifying God – If our purpose is to glorify God, we must first know Him.  How do we get to know God?  We learn about God and what He desires for us through praying, studying the Word, meditating on the Word and practicing being still and listening.  If we say we love our family but never spend time with them, do we really love them?  If our actions do not support our words, then our words are empty.  If we say we love God but never read His word, never pray, never talk to Him….then do we really love Him?  Is it possible to love someone without spending time with them?

How do we glorify God?  We glorify Him when we desire what He desires, when we value what He values, when we place our trust in Him, when we obey His commands.  If we are not reading the bible, if we are not praying, if we are not in communication with God, if we are not growing in love, how can we possibly say that we know Him? And finally how can we glorify someone we do not know?

3.) Using our gifts to glorify God – Furthermore, God has given each of us specific talents, gifts, and temperaments. We glorify God most when we use the gifts He’s given us, when we love others well, when we believe in Him, and when we obey His commands. Contentment comes when we are focused on glorifying Him and knowing Him.  He alone provides contentment.  This things of this world cannot provide ultimate satisfaction.

So what is your focus?  Career? Vacations? Children? Retirement? Money? All these things can be good things, but if any of them take top priority in our lives, God considers it idolatry.  We must remember that we are in a spiritual battle (Eph 6:12).  Satan would like nothing more than to use the good things in this world to tear you away from God .  “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly” John 10:10.  Be on guard.

4.) Importance of Humility – Thankfully, John knew his purpose, that he was just a messenger.   In humility, John was able to step aside as Christ began His ministry.  How is your humility quotient?  Take a moment to prayerfully consider the hallmarks of a humble person (below).

  • They are good listeners
  • They are curious and not afraid to ask questions
  • They are not afraid of being wrong
  • They are grateful
  • They say thank you a lot
  • They welcome help and criticism
  • They give praise and compliments to others
  • They ask for forgiveness

5.) Christ centered focus – John was wise in reminding his disciples to point others to Jesus, not to ourselves.  The temptation to gain notoriety and accolades can circumvent our priorities and our purpose. We need to be on guard, knowing that Satan would like nothing more than for you to take your eyes off Jesus and place the focus on yourself.

Where is your focus?  Are you more concerned about what others think of you rather than what God thinks?  Are you driven by the approval of others rather than what God’s approval?  Take a moment to ask God to show you where your priorities need to be adjusted.  Then study the scriptures, listen and watch for His leading.

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John 3:31-36 John the Baptist’s last testimony

31 “He who comes from above is above all; the one who is only from the earth is of the earth and speaks of the earth. He who comes from heaven is above all. 32 What He has seen and heard, of this He testifies; and no one accepts His testimony. 33 The one who has accepted His testimony has certified that God is true. 34 For He whom God sent speaks the words of God; for He does not give the Spirit sparingly. 35 The Father loves the Son and has entrusted all things to His hand. 36 The one who believes in the Son has eternal life; but the one who does not obey the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.”

Observations

John reminds his disciples where Jesus comes from.  He says that Jesus comes from above.  The Greek word for above is anothen, which can mean the heavens but also can mean from the beginning, which would underscore Christ’s divinity.  Adding emphasis, John then says Jesus came from heaven.  The word used for heaven is ouranos which means the heavens, either visible or spiritual.  John is asserting Jesus’ supremacy and authority over all.

32 What He has seen and heard, of this He testifies; and no one accepts His testimony. 33 The one who has accepted His testimony has certified that God is true.

John then reminds his disciples of what Jesus has said.  Throughout scripture Jesus repeatedly tells us that He can only do what He sees the Father doing.  What Jesus has seen and heard refers to the intimate communication He has with the Father, predating time and the incarnation.  But very few people believe Jesus.  Because the Father and Jesus are so intimately connected, if you reject Jesus you also reject God.  You cannot have one without the other since Jesus and the Father are one (see John 10:30).

34 For He whom God sent speaks the words of God; for He does not give the Spirit sparingly. 35 The Father loves the Son and has entrusted all things to His hand. 

It follows that if Jesus, God the Father, and the Holy Spirit are truly one, then each of them represents one another perfectly in thought, word and deed.  In the Old Testament, the prophets were given the Spirit only in part, or temporarily.  However, this verse says that God gives the Holy Spirit to His Son unsparingly, meaning without measure, continuously.  If Jesus has the permanent presence of the Spirit, this is yet another proof that Jesus is God incarnate.

36 The one who believes in the Son has eternal life; but the one who does not obey the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.”

When you place your trust in Jesus, when you believe in His claims, then at that point you receive eternal life, for you become one of the redeemed, your sins are forgiven, covered by Christ’s sacrifice.  However, if you do not believe in the Son, you reject the only way for your sins to be forgiven.  Hence, you are unprotected from the righteous judgment of God.  Jesus sacrifice is like a bullet proof vest, protecting us from God’s wrath.

Application

Faith Alone vs. Works

There are physical laws in this universe, if you defy them, no matter how much you believe they are false, physical laws will prevail.  If you jump off a 12 story building, no matter how much you believe that you can fly, gravity will pull you to your death.  Similarly, when one dies, there are spiritual laws and realities that will act upon your soul, no matter how fervently you believe otherwise.  Just as we cannot escape gravity, we cannot escape the judgement of God, unless we are protected by the blood of Jesus.

So when it comes to eternal life, what are you placing your trust in?  Are you trusting in grace alone or are you also trusting in your good works?  We love to control own own destiny and our pride blinds us to how sinful we are compared to a holy and perfect God.  Scripture says that if we stumble in keeping even one small part of God’s laws, we are as guilty as if we had broken every one of them (James 2:10). Therefore, we could never possibly be saved by our works.

The good things we do can be driven by a works oriented  mindset.  Doing good things does not make you more worthy of salvation or of God’s love. Take a moment to reflect on ways that you might be trying to earn your salvation.

  1.  Becoming disciplined in daily bible reading.
  2. Tithing regularly or generously giving to charities.
  3.  Serving regularly in church or community.
  4.  Spending a large amount of time in prayer.
  5. Attending church every week.
  6. Memorizing a large number of scriptures.
  7. Evangelizing with fervor, keeping track of the number of people “you” have won to Christ.

Be on guard.  Human pride has a way of blinding us to the real motives that lie in our hearts.  We love to boast in the things we accomplish.  Accomplishing good things does not make God love you any more or less.  Nor are we rewarded for the good things we have done with salvation.  It is a gift.  If salvation can be earned, then Jesus’ death on the cross was not sufficient. (Ephesians 2:8,9)

We All Fall Short

You may be thinking, “But the verse says that if you do not obey, you will not inherit eternal life.  You must have to “do” something to get to heaven”.  The Greek word used for the phrase ‘not obey’ is apeitheó, meaning to rebel or to refuse to conform.  Therefore, this verse is saying that if you rebel against or refuse to conform to the message of the gospel that Jesus proclaimed, then you there is no other solution for your sin.  There is no other way for you to receive eternal life.  The way to eternal life is through Jesus.   The gospel is good news as it is God’s eternal solution to the human problem of sin.  All of us are in the same predicament. We are all a mess  without Christ.  All of us have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. (Romans 3:23)

For more information on why salvation by works is the predominantly held viewpoint, click here.

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John 4:1-6 Jesus Travels To Samaria

4: 1So then, when the Lord knew that the Pharisees had heard that He was making and baptizing more disciples than John 2 (although Jesus Himself was not baptizing; rather, His disciples were), 3 He left Judea and went away again to Galilee. 4 And He had to pass through Samaria. 5 So He *came to a city of Samaria called Sychar, near the parcel of land that Jacob gave to his son Joseph; 6 and Jacob’s well was there. So Jesus, tired from His journey, was just sitting by the well. It was about the sixth hour.  There came a woman of Samaria to draw water.  Jesus said to her, “Give me a drink.”

Observations

Verse 1-4  We discover in verse 1 that Jesus never performed baptisms, only His disciples.  Scripture does not reveal why Jesus never personally baptized His followers.   However, we see in 1 Cor 1:12-13 how easily believers had become divided in Corinth over following different church leaders.  Therefore, it is  plausible that Jesus refrained from baptizing people to prevent future divisions.

When the Pharisees learned that Jesus and His disciples were gaining more followers than John the Baptist, Jesus left for Galilee.  Just as Jesus was sensitive and obedient to God’s will, He was also sensitive to the timing of God’s will. The Pharisees became more angry as Jesus’ popularity grew.  So Jesus departed for Galilee.

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Samaritans accepted the five books of Moses but rejected the writings of the prophets,  all Jewish traditions and established their temple on Mount Gerizim. They did not believe that the Jerusalem temple nor the Levitical priesthood was legitimate.  The Jews viewed them as impure, a people who followed a half pagan religion.  Jesus saw the Samaritans not as an impure nation, but as a people that needed the gospel so He went directly through Samaria, breaking down this cultural barrier.

Verse 5,6  Jesus came to the city of Sychar, where Jacob’s well was dug.  Remember Jacob was was the son of Isaac.  He wrestled with God throughout the night, refusing to give up.  God touched Jacob’s hip socket, giving Jacob a permanent limp, which finally caused Jacob to surrender and admit his need for God.  This story surrounding Jacob foreshadows a similar struggle of this young Samaritan woman about to meet the Son of God.

Verse 6 tells us that Jesus was tired from His journey and was sitting beside the well.  This shows us the humanity of Jesus.  He grew tired, hungered and thirsted just like you and I.  John does not show us just the divine side of Jesus.  He shows us the human side of Jesus as well.  Jesus understands what it is like to be human.  Therefore, He knows firsthand your struggles.

Jesus then spoke to the Samaritan woman who had come to draw water at the sixth hour.  The Jewish day runs from 6am to 6pm.  So the sixth hour most likely meant noon.    People typically drew water at the end of the day and it would have been a social highlight for a woman.  The fact that this woman is coming alone during the heat of the day indicates that she is likely an outcast.  We later discover (verse 18) that she is indeed living openly with a man, her sixth in a long series of men.  So she may have chosen to go to the well during the heat of the day to avoid other women.

Ignoring her outcast status as well as her gender, Jesus speaks to her.  Strict Jewish Rabbis would not dare speak to any woman in public, including their wives, sisters, and daughters.  As we can see, Jesus ignores cultural and religious barriers. He doesn’t see an outcast, He sees a woman in need- a woman in need of living water, a Savior.

Application

 1.) Timing – Throughout the book of John, Jesus expresses His intent on doing and following the Father’s will.  Here we see how timing played a role in Jesus’ ministry.  He seems to quite easily change course whenever the circumstances demanded.  Often we base our career pathways and life decisions exclusively using our own wisdom and desires.

How would our lives be different if we were to seek God’s will before making decisions?  His wisdom far exceeds our own wisdom.  Going through life without seeking His direction is like embarking upon a long journey without consulting a single map.  Yes, eventually you reach your destination, but one can’t help but wonder how many traffic jams, detours, accidents, and hours of aimless wandering could be avoided if we first consulted the best map, our Father.  And I don’t mean sending up a single prayer, asking for a banner in the sky answer.  But really seeking Him for days, weeks, or even months.  How seriously do you seek His leading?

2.) Sacrifice – John mentions that Jesus was tired.  It seems like a mere mention but is it?  Think about this.  Jesus, who is with the Father in eternity, in perfect paradise, with no decay, no sickness, no sadness, no pain, in perfect communion and relationship with the Father and Holy Spirit, decides to leave all of that in order to become a human being.  He decides to wrap Himself in rags called a human body, experiences hunger, exhaustion, sickness, loneliness, betrayal, and yes, even death. He willingly comes to earth to heal, love and serve the very creatures He designed ,who will eventually crucify Him.  Most would call that insane.  Jesus calls it love.

How much of a role does sacrifice play in your life?  How often do you sacrifice your time, money, pride or comfort?  The definition of sacrifice is “an act of giving up something of value for the sake of something else regarded as more important or worthy”.  Ask God to help you examine how you spend your time and money.  It will reveal what you love most and how much sacrifice is a part of your mindset.

Philippians 2 says ” Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.”    It is so easy to construct a life around personal pleasures and interests.  It takes time, effort and humility to include serving and sacrificing for others.  Jesus understands our struggles.  He grew weary, just as we do.  If He gladly chose surrender, if He gave His life for each of us, should not sacrifice be a dominant theme in our lives?

3.) Prejudice -Humans have been labeling one another since the beginning of time.  Pride in the human heart is always looking for a way to look down on a person or group.  We quickly judge whether someone is wealthy or poor, intelligent or ignorant, honest or dishonest, hard working or lazy.  A critical spirit comes easily from the human heart, but a loving spirit is the work of the Holy Spirit.

Jesus never saw the color or ethnicity of the Samaritan woman, although He had designed every inch of her. He saw her true worth and need, and reached out in love through conversation. What an example for each of us.  Sometimes the most loving thing we can do is simply talk to one another.   It is helpful to remember that each person you meet is either carrying a heavy burden or fighting a battle.  Jesus knew every burden and battle facing this Samaritan woman and He knows yours as well.  He is not waiting in the wings to condemn you.  He desires instead to pour out His love and blessing upon your life.  Take some time to go to the well and have your own conversation with Jesus.  He is always waiting.

 

 

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John 4:7-14 The Woman at the Well

A,7 A woman of Samaria came to draw water. Jesus said to her, “Give Me a drink.” 8 For His disciples had gone away to the city to buy food. 9 So the Samaritan woman said to Him, “How is it that You, though You are a Jew, are asking me for a drink, though I am a Samaritan woman?” (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.) 10 Jesus replied to her, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who is saying to you, ‘Give Me a drink,’ you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water.” 

11 She said to Him, “Sir, You have no bucket and the well is deep; where then do You get this living water? 12 You are not greater than our father Jacob, are You, who gave us the well and drank of it himself, and his sons and his cattle?” 13 Jesus answered and said to her, “Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again; 14 but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him shall never be thirsty; but the water that I will give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up to eternal life.”

Observations

Woman at the Well- Breaking Down Racial and Cultural Barriers

Verse 7,8  Jesus speaks directly to the woman at the well who is a Samaritan, ignoring Jewish social and religious customs. Orthodox Jewish men would not speak to any woman in public, including their own wives, sisters or daughters.  But Jesus pays no attention to this Jewish custom and engages with this woman, for God’s desire is to make Himself known to all people.

An orthodox Jew would have considered any food from a Samaritan unclean. Eating or drinking from the same vessel would never happen.  So the fact that Jesus was willing to drink from the same cup as this woman and His disciples went into Samaria for food, show these barriers were coming down.

The Samaritan woman’s reaction to Jesus speaking to her reveals her shock of being addressed by a Jew for the hostility between the Jews and the Samaritans went back centuries. When the Assyrians took Samaria captive, the Assyrians deported the Jews and replaced them with a collection of peoples from within their empire.  These people intermarried with the Jews that had remained, and were called Samaritans.  They were considered half pagan by the Jews, who had retained their purity.  (See 2 Kings 17).

Verses 10-12  Living Water

Upon hearing that Jesus could give her living water, the Samaritan woman thinks He is speaking literally. To a Jew, living water meant moving water like the water of a running river or stream.  So she asks Jesus if He is claiming that He can supply her with water from a stream.  If He could do this, He indeed would be greater than Jacob, who could not find a stream and had to dig the well.

But Jesus is speaking spiritually. He refers to this living water as the “gift of God”, emphasizing the free-ness of it.  He does not say that He is living water but that He gives it freely and that whoever drinks this living water would never be thirsty again. Jesus is pointing her to God, to the coming of the Holy Spirit.  Jesus emphasizes this again later in John 7:38, “Whoever believes in me, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” For more on a discussion of what Jesus meant by living water, click here.

In the Old Testament the Holy Spirit was always connected with empowering various people and also the prophets.  But the indwelling of the Holy Spirit was temporary. The permanent indwelling of the Holy Spirit did not happen until after Jesus rose from the dead. For more on the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in Acts, click here.

Verses 13-16 Digging Deeper

Jesus tells the woman that the water He gives will become a source of eternal life.  When we believe in Jesus the Holy Spirit enters into us, bringing us an overflowing abundance of life, wisdom, guidance, comfort. The Holy Spirit empowers us to fight against sin, guides our minds, gives us new desires, and wishes to lavish us with His gifts (Galatians 5:22-23).

Application

1.) Jesus Driven By Love

By traveling directly to Samaria, instead of the long way around, Jesus ignores the cultural and racial barriers of HIs time.  He sees souls, not nationalities, genealogies, or religions.  He sees human beings made in His image and of great worth.  Love drives His actions.

Take a few moments to ask the Holy Spirit if there are any incidents which reveal hate, pride, discrimination or prejudice toward anyone.  Ask Him to show you if you carry negative feelings or stereotypical beliefs based on race, sex, religion, culture?

Jesus consistently models great love towards people from all cultures, groups, all religions, all genders.  Because we are created in His image, we have GREAT worth.  You have great worth.

2.) Jesus Gives Life Freely

I love the term ‘Gift of God’ that Jesus used to describe the living water that He freely gives.  He loves us while we are still sinners with no prerequisites.  We do not need to clean ourselves up before He offers us this gift.  In fact, we can’t clean ourselves us without the Holy Spirit. Sure, we can establish awesome 10 step programs to control addictions, we can build discipline in our minds and bodies to help us sin less, but we cannot create a new heart within ourselves.  Only the Holy Spirit can do this.

Are you reluctant to come to Jesus because of the things you’ve done or your inability to stop sinning?  The Samaritan woman had a very long pattern of sin. But her sin did not disqualify Her from being offered this free gift of God from Jesus.  And neither does your sin.  Jesus offers eternal life to anyone who will accept.  So what is preventing you from accepting this gift?

You have incredible worth, no matter how much you have sinned.  Jesus is always waiting for you.  He is knocking at your door of your heart.  His power,  His life giving Spirit,  helps you fight the very sin you hate and even the sin you love.  You cannot change your own heart.  Only His Spirit can give you a new heart, with new desires, and a new life.

Respond to Him now by asking Him to forgive you, to lead you and to give you a new heart with new desires.  He is more than willing to give you abundant life now and in the life to come.  We receive the Holy Spirit by simply placing our trust in the Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior (John 3:5-16).

For more on the topic of the Holy Spirit, click here.

For more on accepting Jesus as your personal Savior, click here.

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John 4:15-22 Jesus and the Samaritan Woman at the Well Bible Study Commentary

John 4:15-22

15 The woman said to Him, “Sir, give me this water so that I will not be thirsty, nor come all the way here to draw water.” 16 He said to her, “Go, call your husband and come here.” 17 The woman answered and said to Him, “I have no husband.” Jesus said to her, “You have correctly said, ‘I have no husband’;  18 for you have had five husbands, and the one whom you now have is not your husband; this which you have said is true.”

19 The woman said to Him, “Sir, I perceive that You are a prophet.  20 Our fathers worshiped on this mountain and yet you Jews say that in Jerusalem is the place where one must worship.” 21 Jesus said to her, “Believe Me, woman, that a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. 22 You Samaritans worship what you do not know; we worship what we do know, because salvation is from the Jews.”

Observations

V15 The Samaritan woman again believes that Jesus is speaking literally.  She appears to be receptive to Jesus’ invitation of His living water.  However she could be humoring Him. Also, she might be self centered, wanting to save herself the work of coming to the well daily.  Not ever thirsting would sound great to anyone living in an arid region.

V16, 17 Jesus turns the conversation to the woman, asking her about her sin.  Instead of shaming her, Jesus wants her to see He is no ordinary man.  Therefore Jesus asks the woman to go get her husband, with total knowledge of her past and present living situation.  The woman responds with a very short response, admitting she has no husband.  Her short answer is in sharp contrast to her more lengthy responses, showing that she knows she is in the wrong.

V18,19 Jesus details the number of relationships this woman has had (a total of 5 plus the one she is living with), revealing that Jesus has knowledge beyond an ordinary man.  The woman is surprised at how much Jesus knows about her and therefore assumes He is a prophet.  Prophets in the Old Testament spoke for God by divine inspiration but prophets could also reveal special knowledge or insight about a man’s inner condition or circumstance (Luke 7:39).

V20  Now it is the woman’s turn to shift the conversation to matters of religion.  Where one should worship was a very hot topic of dispute between Jews and Samaritans.  The Jews believed that Jews must worship in Jerusalem, while the Samaritans believed it was Mount Gerizim.

Note: Many commentators believe that the woman was quickly changing the topic of conversation because she was ashamed of her sin.  However if she was truly convicted by Jesus’ words, she may have wanted to go to the Temple to give sacrifice, pray or worship.  If this man was a prophet, who better to answer the correct place of worship question than Jesus?

V21  Jesus uses her question to point her to God.  She leans heavily on where her fathers worshipped, but Jesus emphasizes how to worship.  With the coming of Christ, two things changed.  The Gentiles had full access to God and the temple lost its centrality.  Where one worshipped became irrelevant.

V22 Jesus directly tells the woman that Samaritans are worshipping someone they do not know.  What does He mean by this?  The Samaritans rejected the writings of the prophets, the historical books, and the psalms. Therefore, the Jews had a much more complete understanding of who God was and how to worship Him.  It was always God’s plan that salvation would come from the Jews.  The Jews were a nation set apart and led by God Himself.

Application  

1.)  Salvation is a Gift  – Jesus knows all the details of this Samaritan woman’s sin, and He also knows all the details of your sin.  Your sin doesn’t exclude you from God’s kingdom.  Only your refusal of God’s free gift of salvation will prevent you from eternal life.  What is stopping you from accepting this incredible gift?

2.)  You Can’t Earn Grace – Often many of us have difficulty understanding this concept of grace. We have an incredibly hard time accepting something we don’t deserve or haven’t earned.  But the bible is very clear that salvation is for sinners and it is a gift.  Thankfully, salvation cannot be earned.  The first step towards accepting this gift is seeing yourself as you truly are (a sinner) and who God is (perfect and holy).  This requires humility.

The Scriptures remind us who we are.  “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” Romans 3:23.  And Ecclesiastes 7:20, “Indeed, there is not a righteous man on earth who continually does good and who never sins.”  Then we have Jesus Himself who said, “For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners” (Matthew 9:12, 13).  All of us are spiritual beggars that need grace.

3.)  Point Others to God – Jesus is not drawn into the woman’s argument of where the “correct” place of worship is.  He uses her question to point her to the main issue, God Himself.  Therefore, He shares the truth about who God is, and chooses not to argue lesser details.  We can learn so much from Jesus.  Hence when talking with others about Christ, keep the main One the main thing.  Resist arguing about lesser matters and concentrate on the main issues.

For more on the meaning of ‘the gift of salvation’, click here.

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John 4:23-30 Worship in Spirit and Truth Bible Commentary

John 4:23-30

23 But a time is coming, and even now has arrived, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for such people the Father seeks to be His worshipers. 24 God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” 25 The woman said to Him, “I know that Messiah is coming (He who is called Christ); when that One comes, He will declare all things to us.” 26 Jesus said to her, “I am He, the One speaking to you.”

27 And at this point His disciples came, and they were amazed that He had been speaking with a woman, yet no one said, “What are You seeking?” or, “Why are You speaking with her?” 28 So the woman left her water pot and went into the city, and said to the people, 29 “Come, see a man who told me all the things that I have done; this is not the Christ, is He?” 30 They left the city and were coming to Him.

Observations

V23-24 Jesus tells the woman that true worshipers of God worship in spirit and truth.  What does it mean to worship God in spirit and truth?  The Greek word used for spirit is pneuma meaning wind or spirit.  But taken in context, Jesus is referring to a human’s spirit.  According to Thayer’s Greek Lexicon, pneuma can mean the rational spirit, the power by which a human being feels, thinks, wills, decides.  Therefore God desires us to worship Him with all that we are. This hearkens back to Moses telling the Israelites how they are to love their God. “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.” (Deuteronomy 6:4)

Secondly, God wants truth to guide our worship.  The Greek word for truth used here is aletheia.   Aletheia is translated as unconcealedness, disclosure, revealing.  But altheia also can mean truth in accordance with ideas and reality.  So to worship God in truth means that you come to Him with a transparent heart, with all that you are, treating Him in accordance to what He has revealed about Himself.

Remember, God’s chosen people are the Jews.  He revealed Himself to the Jewish nation.  Therefore the Jews had the most complete idea of who God truly is.  Jesus was pointing the woman to the truth about God. God is a spirit, not bound to a specific location or building.  And if God is a spirit, then our gifts must be befitting to Him.  Those gifts must be spiritual in nature, like love, obedience, faithfulness, truthful worship.

V25  After this discussion of what true worship is, the woman seems to connect this knowledge with the Messiah.  Jesus seems to be sculpting the conversation to specifically reveal Himself to her.  What an incredible experience for this woman.  It would have been shocking for the Messiah to reveal Himself directly to anyone, let alone a woman in that time period.

NOTE:  There is no “he” in Greek.  Therefore, Jesus is actually speaking in the style of deity.  Jesus is really saying, “I that speak to you, I am.”  Jesus is proclaiming that He is God, the Messiah.

V27 The disciples return to the well, see Jesus speaking to the woman, but no one questions Jesus.  It is logical to assume the disciples somewhat respected Jesus’ authority and wisdom. They were learning that Jesus always had good reasons for the things He did.

v28-30  The woman abandons her waterpot in her rush to tell others about Jesus.  The fact that she left the pot at the well implies that she will return.  Her exaggeration about Jesus reveals the deep impression Jesus had made upon this woman.  The joy and urgency this woman brought to the village is exemplified in how the people responded.  They quickly came to see Jesus.

Application

1.)  The Importance of Truth – Jesus says that we must worship God in spirit and truth.  The truth about ourselves and about God are both of critical importance. Not only must we come to Him with honest hearts but we also must be willing to embrace the truth about who God says He is.

Our culture is more than willing to say that God is a God of love while ignoring God’s justice, perfection, righteousness and holiness.  To hand pick the qualities of God that you wish to honor, while ignoring others, is making a god of your own choosing, which is idolatry.  God has chosen the bible as the main way to reveal Himself.  Therefore if you want to know God, steep yourself in the bible.  This is one of the most beautiful ways God uses to talk to us.

Relationships thrive when truth and humility are valued and cultivated.  Conversely, relationships disintegrate when these qualities are absent.  So it is with our God.  When we come to God in humility and honesty, God is more than willing to shower us with grace.  God loves you and desiring a relationship with you.  Turn to Him in humility and be honest with Him.  Pour out your heart to Him.  He is eagerly waiting for you.  He loves you.  To see proof, look at the cross.

2.) Trusting God– When the disciples returned to find Jesus talking with a woman, a Samaritan woman at that, they did not question Him.  Since the disciples didn’t even question Jesus, this showed great respect and trust in Jesus, in his reasons and purposes.

Life is filled with circumstances that are difficult, painful and tragic.  We live in a fallen world.  How do you see your trials in light of God’s love, authority and purposes?  It is human nature to feel as if God does not love you when tragedy or heartache strikes.  However this is a lie of the devil.  Reflect on the trials in the lives of Job, Abraham, Jacob, Moses, Joseph, Paul and Jesus. God brought great purpose and good from all the trials He allowed in their lives.  And He will do the same for you.  He loves you.  God is always for you, never against you. He uses our heartaches and trials to refine us and grow us into the image of His Son.  For more on the topic “Is God angry with me” click here.

3.) Saving Faith Produces Change –  The Samaritan woman becomes convinced that Jesus is the Messiah after speaking with Him.  Not only does she leave her water pot behind, but she runs to the very people she previously avoided.  She is no longer focused on her shame, but instead focuses on telling others about Jesus.

The Samaritan woman exaggerates what Jesus said about her past which shows just how deeply she has been touched by His knowledge.  The people see this change, their curiosity is aroused and they come to see this Jesus.

What about your faith?  Has it produced any change in your life?  If you believe in Jesus, you have received the Holy Spirit.  When the Holy Spirit makes His home in you, He begins to change your heart, producing new desires.  New desires produce new actions, which lead to a changed life.  These changes are rather quick for some, but for most they are more gradual over time.  Jesus said that it is by our fruits that we are known as His disciples (Matthew 7:20). For more on signs of genuine faith, click here.

 

 

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John 4:31-38 My food is to do the will of Him who sent me John 4 Bible Commentary

harvesting of souls

 John 4:31-38

31 Meanwhile the disciples were urging Him, saying, “Rabbi, eat something.” 32 But He said to them, “I have food to eat that you do not know about.” 33 So the disciples were saying to one another, “No one brought Him anything to eat, did he?” 34 Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to accomplish His work.

35 Do you not say, ‘There are still four months, and then comes the harvest’? Behold, I tell you, raise your eyes and observe the fields, that they are white for harvest. 36 Already the one who reaps is receiving wages and is gathering fruit for eternal life, so that the one who sows and the one who reaps may rejoice together. 37 For in this case the saying is true: ‘One sows and another reaps.’ 38 I sent you to reap that for which you have not labored; others have labored,  you have come into their labor.”

V31-34  Upon their return to the well, the disciples were concerned about giving Jesus something to eat.  When Jesus tells them He has food, they misunderstand Him.  Jesus uses their misunderstanding as a way to impart spiritual truths.  The disciples think primarily in terms of physical food.  However Jesus’ usual emphasis is always spiritual.

When Jesus says, “My food is to do the will of the One who sent me”, Jesus is saying that His food, His sustenance is accomplishing the Father’s will.  His words show such a clear understanding of purpose and a strong desire to please and obey the Father.  The work that Jesus was doing was not merely human work but work that was divinely inspired by God.  Jesus is so intimately connected to the Father in both person and purpose.

V35-38  Jesus then quotes what might have been a proverbial saying, “There are still four months, and then comes the harvest.”  Some commentators believe this was a phrase that was used when someone wanted to delay a particular task.  Jesus is speaking spiritually again,  stressing an urgency in harvesting not crops but believers.  We learn from verse 30 that people were coming to Him.  So by saying the ‘fields are white for harvest’ Jesus may be referring to the people in the fields who were coming to Him at that very moment.

V36  Jesus tells the disciples that those who bring others to Christ (reaping) are earning rewards that last into eternity.   He is encouraging His disciples to take part in the harvest so that they can rejoice together with those who have sown.  God is powerful enough to bring people to Himself, all by Himself.  But He loves to work through us and rejoice with us when others place their faith in Christ.

V38  Those who reap almost always do so because of the work of sowers who planted seed before them.  Both sowers and reapers work together.  Jesus may be referring to Himself and the Samaritan woman as the “others” that have labored.  We know that people are coming to Jesus because of His conversations with the woman as well as the conversations between the woman and the people.  The disciples did not contribute to their labor.  However Jesus invites them to be a part of the reaping and to rejoice.

Jesus sowed more seed than just this conversation with the Samaritan woman.  What other seed did Jesus sow?  The miracles He performed, the parables He taught, the life He lived, the death He died, the love he poured out on the cross – all seed that was sown from which His disciples would later reap.

Application

Devotion to the Father – In verses 31 through 34 Jesus stresses a very important principle.  Jesus’ main purpose was doing the will of the Father.  Obedience to the Father was central to Jesus’ ministry.  The disciples consistently misunderstood Jesus’ words because they were focusing on physical things.  But time and time again Jesus had to redirect their focus from the physical to the spiritual.

What is your main focus?  Would you say that you are devoted to doing the will of the Father?  Is Jesus Lord of your life or is He just a consultant, someone whom you seek out only when you are struggling or in need?   Set aside time today, seek the Lord, immerse yourself in His Word.  The Word is one of the main ways God uses to speak to us, how we learn about Him and what His will is.  Ask Him to refocus your goals, time, desires and priorities so that you may please Him more each day, bring Him glory and point others to Him.

Meditate: Jesus was so young when he began his ministry and when we was crucified.  He was in his young thirties.  His focus was on the Father’s will, to live and die as payment for our sin.  It is heartbreaking that Jesus died for us while He was so young.  Thankfully, He was so certain of his purpose.  Grace really is amazing and so is His love for us.  We have so much to be thankful for.  Live every day out of gratitude for what He did for us all.

Eternal Focus Produces Urgency – Jesus wanted His disciples (and you and I as well) to focus on eternal things.  Telling others about Jesus, teaching others about Jesus, living a live that “speaks” of Jesus all are a form of sowing AND reaping.  We can only plant seeds and reap what others have sown.  But remember, GOD is the ONE who makes the seed grow (1 Cor 3:6-8).  He wants us to join Him in this mystical process of awakening hearts to Christ.  Together with God and others, we reap believers which has eternal rewards and great joy.  Do you have a desire to tell others about Jesus?  If we meditate on how much the Lord has done for us, we should be filled with gratitude.  Let your gratitude move you to speak about Christ so that others can share eternity with you.

To learn more about the term ‘harvest’ click here.

For more on how God opens the eyes of our hearts to receive Him click here.

 

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