BIBLE READING: John 15-16

“If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not have been guilty of sin, but now they have no excuse for their sin" (John 15.22)

Many people thought Jesus was crazy. Just the way that he talked was shocking and distinct from everyone else’s (John 7.46). In fact, his claims were so brazen people couldn’t decide if he had a demon or if he actually was the Son of God (John 10.19-21).

Jesus’ teaching forced listeners to come to moments of decision. This claim of Jesus highlights the bold and polarizing nature of his teaching. He equates rejection of his words to sin.

Sin, on a basic level, is separation from God. It is a fracture in the relationship because we’ve done what we wanted and fallen short of his glory and expectations (Romans 3.23). We are all guilty of sin because we are unable or unwilling to see things God’s way. Every human finds themselves in sin at some point because we are not God.

But not Jesus.   

On multiple occasions Jesus claimed that he was one with the Father and that he only spoke what the Father would say (John 5.19, 30; 12.49). He asserted with perfect clarity because he had come from the Father to show humanity the way back to Him (John 8.42; 16.28). For Jesus to claim that his teaching would alleviate the problem of sin imposes his deity and highlights the significance of his time on earth.

If these things were not so, he would be the madman many thought he was. But his life proved otherwise (John 10.37-38), allowing him to offer hope and freedom from sin and judgment (John 3.16-18; 5.24).

The magnitude of Jesus’ incarnation is that now, sin is not simply exposed but condemned (Romans 8.3), and a way to life is revealed (John 5.25-29; 14.6). His words offer direction and hope; but more importantly they prompt change (John 6.63; 12.48).

Some have suggested that ignorance to these things would be better, but that is simply not an option for humanity. The existence of God is evident, the effect of sin is devastatingly obvious, and the need for hope in the future is felt by all (Acts 17.24-31; Romans 1.19-20; 8.18-24)

Every human needs what Jesus offers. Jesus came to shed light in the darkness and give life to the world (John 1.4-5). If you don't listen to him and abide in his words (John 15.7) you cannot come to the Father (John 14.6) and you will die in your sins (John 8.21, 24). God is not sending another prophet or revelation. He came to us in a form we could fully relate and showed us the way to life… will we take Jesus seriously?

“See that you do not refuse him who is speaking. For if they did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, much less will we escape if we reject him who warns from heaven?” (Hebrews 12.25)

BIBLE READING: John 13

“Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him.” (John 13.5)

The act of washing feet is simple but incredibly profound. Jesus — the Savior and King of the world — engages in the dirty, menial task of servitude in some of his last moments on earth. He didn’t speak to them of his greatness or flaunt the power he would soon receive. This would have been expected. In fact, Peter indignantly tried to keep Jesus from washing his feet (John 13.6, 8). 

But it was because Peter didn’t understand the nature of Jesus and his work. Jesus didn’t rise to prominence because of military prowess or strategic political maneuvering. It wasn’t his intellect or any sort of manipulation that made him influential. He submitted himself to the Father’s will. And so, by serving others, Jesus had put himself in a position of power that no one could touch. 

Naturally, this doesn’t make sense. People of prominence should be served by those of lesser position. We are in many ways conditioned to see things through the lens of rank. But Jesus completely rejects this notion. 

The true power of Jesus was that he was subject to no man. It didn’t matter what others thought of him, said of him, or even did to him. By making himself a servant to all, he assumed control of his life that no man could take (John 10.17-18). But more importantly his humility aligned him with the Father and provided greater opportunity for God’s glory (John 8.49-50). Ultimately, Jesus washed his disciples’ feet because true power serves others. 

“When he had washed their feet and put on his outer garments and resumed his place, he said to them, "Do you understand what I have done to you?”” (John 13.12)

His question is somewhat rhetorical because he knew his disciples wouldn’t understand in this moment (John 13.7). They thought they were on the way to greatness—which they were… but not like they expected. And so, in this critical moment, he needed them to be impressed by his service and not by his power. 

Do we understand what Jesus did? Even our most noble pursuits are self-seeking at times. We, like Peter, tend to rank our morality and service in hopes of some sort of recognition. But in these moments we need to see our Savior get on his knees and wash their dirty feet. Only then will we begin to see his love and understand the true power of service. 

“You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.” (John 13.13-15, 17)

BIBLE READING: John 7-8

“I told you that you would die in your sins, for unless you believe that I am he you will die in your sins.” (John 8.24)

Jesus never felt the need to coddle his listeners because unless they could be saved from their sins, nothing else mattered. As grating as they may seem, his words were carefully crafted to challenge and change. What is most interesting is Jesus speaks these words to those who were already interested and following him. 

Do believers today need to be reminded of this brutal reality? Jesus certainly thought so. Not so they would live in a constant state of fear but rather to keep them humble and receptive to the truth from God. The way to him is based on objective reality that recognizes our insufficiency in dealing with the problem of sin. 

The religious leaders often resorted to arguments that lauded their own competency (John 7.47-52) and I think sometimes we do the same. We build good spiritual habits and develop a lifestyle that is in line with God‘s expectations thinking that God is now pleased with us. The reality is that while we were still enemies of God (Romans 5.6-10), he offered us grace upon grace (John 1.16). The only bridge across the separation of sin is trusting in Jesus and not in ourselves.

We must be cautious not to think our goodness is some sort of standard. Compared to Almighty God, our righteousness is worthless (Isaiah 64.6). It is pretentious to think that we have arrived at a place of competency before God. This is the root of many sins because it minimizes the need for God in our life.

We must acknowledge that sin is a problem everyone must deal with. It has very definite consequences which we cannot pacify (Romans 3.23; 6.23). For even the most devout believers, our inability to reconcile sin is the primary motivation for belief in Jesus. If we could appease God’s wrath for sins on our own, why would Jesus even matter?And so, we need clear guidance from Jesus to show us the way to the Father (John 14.6). 

But Jesus teaching didn’t simply offer some moral code to follow that would justify us before God. The law had already been given and proved to be useless in this regard (Romans 7). Jesus came to free us from the futility of that system, but we must release the grip of self-justification. 

Sometimes the truth cuts to the heart (Acts 2.37). But while the truth about sin is brutal, it makes the life Jesus call us to that much more attractive. We would do well to remind ourselves of our condition without Jesus, and humble ourselves accordingly. God is not interested in your competency, rather he desires your trust.

God, help us to be a more humble people. 

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” (Proverbs 3.5-6)

BIBLE READING: John 6

“No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him… I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. And the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh.” (John 6.44, 51)

If I go too long without eating, my body lets me know. My head starts hurting, my stomach makes noises, and my body feels tired. At that point, I’m on a mission to find food. If I’m at home, I’m going to the fridge. If I’m out, any Chik-Fil-A will do. As my hunger increases, it draws me to a place I know I will get fed. 

Naturally, we seek out food because physical life can only be sustained by external sources. But even these efforts are short-lived because nothing lasts. Jesus would often play off the need for continual sustenance to point to a greater reality. “Do not work for the food that perishes but for the food that endures to eternal life…” (John 6.27).

We each have a need and craving for spiritual restoration and eternal nourishment. Depression, anxiety, fear, and loneliness are some of the most common indicators of spiritual malnourishment and deficiency. When you experience these things, where are you going for nourishment? 

We are naturally drawn to sources we believe will feed that need. This can look like meaningful relationships, pursuits or even lifestyle changes. All of these can be good things, but are not the source of life.  If we are truly seeking fulfillment, inevitably we will find ourselves drawn to Jesus (John 6.44).

“I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst” (John 6.35). These are promises to not only satisfy, but sustain life eternally (see also Hebrews 13.8). As with food and water, one may eat and drink of his life by feeding on the unchanging word (John 6.68) and having his mind in you (Philippians 2.5).

Partaking with Christ in these things provides hope in the future and resolve to persevere in this life. The scriptures encourage us to “taste and see that the Lord is good” (Psalm 34.8), and to delight in the Word who became flesh (John 1.14). He is the source, who not only gives life (John 1.3-4a) but offers it abundantly (John 10.10). Let’s not settle for temporary satisfaction when we can eat and be satisfied with the words of Jesus that produce life. 

“Blessed is the man [whose]… delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers” (Psalm 1.1-3)

BIBLE READING: John 5

“...Jesus answered them,“My Father is working until now, and I am working.” This is why the Jews were seeking to kill him, because... he was making himself equal with God. So Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly I say to you, the Son can do nothing of his own accord, but only what he sees the Father doing...” (John 5.17-19)

Secular historians have wrestled with how to define Jesus. Some acknowledge him as a significant historical figure or a good man. Others admit his divine inspiration and lump him in with the prophets. However, based on the claims of Jesus, you just can’t do that. Jesus boldly affirmed that not only had he seen God, but he was God. This means...

1. He cannot be just a noteworthy historical figure. He is too exclusive for that. He didn’t claim to be one way of many, like Buddha, Ghandi, Muhammad or any other thought leader. He claimed to be the only way to the Father (John 14.6). He doesn’t allow us to lump him with other historical figures.
2. He cannot be just a prophet. He claims to know too much. Unlike others to whom God came down to reveal to his will, Jesus claims to have come from the very presence of God (John 3.12-13). In fact, Jesus claims to be the final revelation of God’s will (John 12.44-47; see Hebrews 1.1-4). No prophet ever claimed that (consider 1 Peter 1.10).
3. He cannot be just a good man. He demands attention that expects change and requires people to come to him. Either he must be obeyed, followed, and worshipped or he needs to be sent to the nut house.

To validate his claim, Jesus asserts that he would give spiritual life (21), judge the world (21-22) and raise the dead (28-29). For him to make these claims and not fulfill them would not only make him a liar, but immediately make him irrelevant. The fact that he claimed it, it is documented, and we are still talking about it means that somebody tested and proved it to be true. Otherwise history would have destroyed this claim.

To believe that Jesus was anything other than the Son of God would be a baseless fabrication. He claimed equality with God. And so, we have no choice but to either accept him as such or reject him. The dichotomy is intentional to force us to decision. We need not ask, “Who is Jesus?”, but rather, “What will I do with him?”

“No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is himself God and is in closest relationship with the Father, has made him known” (John 1.18, NIV)