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John 1:1–18 ESV

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light. The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. (John bore witness about him, and cried out, “This was he of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me ranks before me, because he was before me.’ ”) For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father’s side, he has made him known.

HOMILETICS

CONTENT

1:1 In the beginning was Word. Word was with God. Word was God. All things made through him.

1:4 In him was life and light to men. The light shines, darkness has not overcome it.

1:6 John (the Baptist, hereinafter JtB) was sent from God, to bear witness about light (=Word), so that all might believe through him. JtB not = the light.

1:9 While true light (=Word) gives light to all and light was in world, world did not know him. He came to his own people, they did not receive him.

1:12 But those who received and believed in his name, he gave them right to become children of God, born not of blood, will of flesh, nor will of man, but born of God.

1:14a The Word became flesh, dwelt among us.

1:14b We have seen glory of the only Son from Father. Son is full of grace and truth.

1:15 JtB bore witness about him: He comes after me, ranks before me, because he was before me.

1:17 The law was given thru Moses, grace and truth came through Jesus Christ (=Word, =light).

1:18 No one ever seen the only God. He who is at the Father’s side (=Christ) has made him known.

DIVISIONS

A. Christ is fully God as the Second Person of the Trinity, John 1:1-5

B. John the Baptist as a continuation of the Old Testament prophets proclaimed Christ as God, John 1:6-8, 15

C. Through Christ God Willed some to be Children of God, John 1:9-13

D. Christ became God Incarnate who gave us Abundant Grace and made God known to Us, John 1:14-18

SUBJECT SENTENCE

The Word, Jesus Christ, is God Incarnate who Dwelt Among Us, John 1:1-18

AIM

CATL that:

A. Jesus Christ is himself God and therefore creator of all things including life, he came into the darkness to overcome darkness and reveal the light,

B. John the Baptist as a continuation of the Old Testament prophets bore witness to Jesus Christ being God so that all might believe through him,

C. Jesus Christ the creator of the world who:

1 came into the world and enlightened all men

2 was rejected by the world and even his own people because of the curse of Adam’s sin on all humanity,

3 by God’s will some received Him and were made adopted children of God,

D.

1 Jesus Christ the Son of God accomplished this by himself taking on flesh and dwelling among us,

2 we all violated the law given through Moses and deserve eternal punishment,

3 we have received grace in place of grace through the fullness of Jesus Christ,

4 through Jesus Christ we know God.

PRINCIPLES

A. Jesus Christ was fully God as the second person of the Trinity.

B. John the Baptist as a continuation of the Old Testament prophets bore witness that Jesus Christ was fully God and fully man.

C. By God’s will alone men believe in Jesus Christ and are made His adopted children.

D. Because of Jesus Christ, the God-man, we have received grace upon grace and know God.

APPLICATIONS

A. Who do you admire the most in the realm of sports, history, politics, or music? John intends to give you reasons to supremely admire Jesus Christ? How does the truth that Jesus Christ is fully God and fully man cause you to have supreme admiration for Him?

B. John the Baptist as a continuation of the Old Testament prophets bore witness that Jesus Christ was fully God and fully. How does the bearing witness of the Old Testament prophets to Jesus Christ as being fully God and fully man lead you to be more confident in the person of Jesus Christ.

C. No man believes in Jesus Christ except by the will of God. How does this truth that you did not contribute to our salvation lead you to glorify God more than you would if you believed you played a role in your salvation?

D. Jesus Christ the eternal God-man has pour out grace upon grace upon you and made God known to you. How does this truth lead you to have such gratitude that you desire to live in a manner worthy of what Jesus Christ has done for you?

John 1:4 ESV

In him was life, and the life was the light of men.

Christ, Deity, In Him was Life

John 1:6 ESV

There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.

The Authority for John the Baptist's Ministry, John 1:6

The authority for John the Baptist's ministry:

John 1:6 a mand sent from God.

John 5:35: Jesus says that John was a lamp burning . . .

John 1:6–9 ESV

There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light. The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world.

John 1:19–34 ESV

The Witness to the Light, John 1:6-9, Sermon by Dr Graham

All scripture points us to Christ. But the four gospels specifically tell us about the life of Christ. Each of these four books tell us about John the Baptist. His message is inseparable from the life of Christ.

1 The Witness: John, v 6, 8

John the Baptist we read was sent from God. The OT predicted that there would be a forerunner would be sent. John made it clear he was not the light but to bear witness to the light.

There is a phrase - live the gospel and if necessary, use words. This is quite contrary to John the Baptist. He used words in addition to living the gospel.

2. The Subject: Jesus the Light, v7a, 9

Jesus is the light. People do not want the true light. They want false lights. The people wanted political leaders. They wanted John the Baptist to be the leader. As great as Jesus said John the Baptist was, Jesus was the light.

Who do I testify to be the light? The President? Your pastor? Or, do you realize that these leaders are not the light and that Jesus is the only light? Let’s listen to what John the Baptist said about Christ.

Christ is the Light Preeminent, v26, 27, 30

Christ has the preeminent ability to regenerate the heart of man, v26

Christ is preeminent in his being, v27

Christ is the Light with Singular Purpose, v29. He came to be the lamb of God to pay for our sin.

Christ is the Light Divine, v23, 34. John said the Christ was Lord. This word Lord refers to God.

3 The Appeal: Repentance and Faith, v7b, 20:31

We are called by John to believe in Christ. That he is the son of God. That he died for our sins. Do you have faith in this?

John 1:7 ESV

He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him.

About John the Baptist

Purpose: to bear witness about the light that all might believe through him, John 1:7-8.

Character: he was not the Christ, John 1:8.

Authority: See separate note: The Authority of John the Baptist's Ministry.

John 1:7 ESV

He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him.

John's testimony about Christ in John, John 1:7

John's testimony about Christ.

John 1:7 is the first of several verses in the book of John that discuss John the Baptist's testimony about Christ. John 1:7 indicates that John's purpose was to bear witness about the light. John's purpose was for another purpose- that all might believe through him. His testimony played a role in bring others to believe in Christ.

John 1:15 indicates that John bore witness to the fact that Jesus was greater than he and that he existed before he was born (even though John the Baptist was born before him).

In John 1:19-23, John does not claim to be the Christ. In John 1:26-42, John exalts the Christ over himself.

John 1:29-42 indicates that John the Baptist bore witness that Jesus was the Lamb of God.

In John 3:22-36, John again exalts Christ over himself when he tells his disciples that Christ must increase and that he must decrese.

In John 5:33 Jesus tells the Pharasees that John the Baptist testified about him.

The terms "witness" or "bear witness" receive special attention in this gospel, reflecting the courtroom language of the OT where the truth of a matter was to be established on the basis of multiple witnesses (8:17, 18; cf. Deut. 17:6; 19:15). Not only did John the Baptist witness regarding Jesus as Messiah and Son of God (vv. 19–34; 3:27–30; 5:35), but there were other witnesses: 1) the Samaritan woman (4:29); 2) the works of Jesus (10:25); 3) the Father (5:32–37); 4) the OT (5:39, 40); 5) the crowd (12:17); and 6) the Holy Spirit (15:26, 27).

MacArthur, John Jr. The MacArthur Study Bible. electronic ed. Nashville: Word Pub., 1997, c1997.

John 1:9 ESV

The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world.

Soteriology (Creation and Antropology??)

John 1:9-11

Verse 9 indicates that the true light (Christ) enlightens everyone.* Yet verse 10 indicates that the world** did not know him.***

Verse 11 indicates he came to his own people but they did not receive him.****

So, in some sense Christ enlightened everyone but yet in another sense no one knew him. In another sense his own people did not receive him.

*1:9 the true Light...coming into the world. The marginal note is the preferred translation. The words "coming into the world" would be better grammatically if attached to "light" rather than "every man" and thus translated "the true Light coming into the world gives light to every man." This highlights the incarnation of Jesus Christ (v. 14; 3:16).

**the world. The basic sense of this Gr. word meaning "an ornament" is illustrated by the word "cosmetic" (1 Pet. 3:3). While the NT uses it a total of 185 times, John had a particular fondness for this term, using it 78 times in his gospel, 24 times in 1–3 John and 3 times in Revelation. John gives it several shades of meaning: 1) the physical created universe (v. 9; cf. v. 3; 21:24, 25); 2) humanity in general (3:16; 6:32, 51; 12:19); and 3) the invisible spiritual system of evil dominated by Satan and all that it offers in opposition to God, His Word, and His people (3:19; 4:42; 7:7; 14:17, 22, 27, 30; 15:18, 19; 16:8, 20, 33; 17:6, 9, 14; cf. 1 Cor. 1:21; 2 Cor. 4:4; 2 Pet. 1:4; 1 John 5:19). The latter concept is the significant new use that the term acquires in the NT and that predominates in John. Thus, in the majority of times that John uses the word, it has decidedly negative overtones.

Gr. Greek

MacArthur, John Jr. The MacArthur Study Bible. electronic ed. Nashville: Word Pub., 1997, c1997.

***which gives light to every man. Through God’s sovereign power, every man has enough light to be responsible. God has planted His knowledge in man through general revelation in creation and conscience. The result of general revelation, however, does not produce salvation but either leads to the complete light of Jesus Christ or produces condemnation in those who reject such "light" (see notes on Rom. 1:19, 20; 2:12–16).

MacArthur, John Jr. The MacArthur Study Bible. electronic ed. Nashville: Word Pub., 1997, c1997.

****1:11 His own...His own. The first usage of "His own" most likely refers to the world of mankind in general, while the second refers to the Jewish nation. As Creator, the world belongs to the Word as His property but the world did not even recognize Him due to spiritual blindness (cf. also v. 10). John used the second occurrence of "His own" in a narrower sense to refer to refer to Jesus’ own physical lineage, the Jews. Although they possessed the Scriptures that testified of His person and coming, they still did not accept Him (Is. 65:2, 3; Jer. 7:25). This theme of Jewish rejection of their promised Messiah receives special attention in John’s gospel (12:37–41).

MacArthur, John Jr. The MacArthur Study Bible. electronic ed. Nashville: Word Pub., 1997, c1997.

John 1:9–13 ESV

The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.

Born of God, John 1:9-13, Sermon by Dr Graham

How many of you were born on your own terms?

Being born physically is not of our own effort and neither is our spiritual birth.

1. Born of the Light, v9, Col 1:13-14

Jesus was the light. Light is a theme that runs throughout the Scripture. If we are born of the light we will love the light.

2. Born of the Gracious Creator, v10-11, John 1:3

Christ is God. He was present at the creation and was the creator.

3. Born of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, v12-13, John 1:1-8

Some by God’s grace received him. The scripture commands us to believe in Jesus. It isn’t about doing good works apart from believing who Christ is. We must believe in him.

If we believe, it is because we are born of God, not our act.

John 1:12 ESV

But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God,

Islam, Incorrect View of God as our Father, John 1:12-13

False Religions and Cults

John 1:12-13

Islam: Incorrect View of God as our Father

Islam teaches that God cannot be our Father. The Qur'an explicitly denies the fact that God can be a Father to those who follow him. To be Father, many of these passages say, would imply some kind of sexual and physical fatherhood, and thus this idea is rejected in Islam. They consider it to be blasphemous to call God Father.

Islam is correct that God is not our father in a sexual sense is blasphemous. But John 1:12-13 teaches that God is our father in an ethical sense- those who obey God are those who have Him as Father. Secondly, the idea of having God as our Father, conveys the special love God has for His children (see 1 John 3:1). Thridly, when the Bible calls God Father, it is not teaching that he loves all people without any kind of distinction. It is only those who belive in Jesus who have the right to become children of God.

John 1:12 ESV

But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God,

Adoption

John 1:12 ESV

But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God,

Evidence of Genuine Faith, Belief

John 1:13 ESV

who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.

Regeneration, Of God not Man

John 1:14 ESV

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.

Son of God

John 1:14 ESV

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.

Incarnation, Christ became Flesh

John 1:14–18 ESV

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. (John bore witness about him, and cried out, “This was he of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me ranks before me, because he was before me.’ ”) For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father’s side, he has made him known.

The Truth, The Grace, and The Glory, John 1:14-18, Sermon by Dr Graham

Introduction- The Word became Flesh and Tabernacled among us, v14-15, Rev 21:3

If you boil down the message of Christmas to four words it would be that The Word became Flesh.

But he also dwelt with us. That word dwell means tabernacle with us. That involves an intimacy with us. We see the ultimate fullfillment of this in Rev 21:3.

When you see God dwelling with his people you will see three things: the truth of God, the grace of God, and the glory of God.

In Israel there was the ark of the covenant that contained the truth of God in the tablets of the law. But there was also grace in that the high priest would sprinkle blood on the ark. In Israel acknowledging their sin and God’s holiness in the sacrificial system, the glory of God was revealed.

1 Jesus Christ- The Full Truth of God, v14, 17, John 8:31-32

Jesus was the full truth of God. He taught truth. He fought falsehood with truth. He lived the truth. He was the fullness of truth.

Verse 17 indicates that Jesus fulfilled the truth of the law.

Many may prefer a different Jesus - one that supports their own idea of truth but that is not the real Jesus.

2 Jesus Christ- The Full Grace of God, v16

The text says that Jesus was full of grace. We cannot fulfill the law but Jesus graciously did for us and he graciously died for our sins.

3 Jesus Christ- The Full Glory of God, v18, Is 42:8, 48:11

The text teaches Jesus’ deity. So, Jesus is the full glory of God.

Have you come to know the fullness of Jesus who tabernacled among us.

John 1:15 ESV

(John bore witness about him, and cried out, “This was he of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me ranks before me, because he was before me.’ ”)

See list of John the Baptist's testimony about Christ at John 1:7.

What does he mean "before me" the second time John says it?

John 1:16 ESV

For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.

Salvation, Seemingly for Everyone

We have all received grace?

John 1:16 ESV

For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.

Salvation, Accomplished through Christ

The Means by which we have grace. Verse 16 says it is from his fullness that we have received grace. Verse 17 says that grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.

John 1:17 ESV

For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.

Law, Purpose of Law

The law demonstrates our need for grace.

John 1:17 ESV

For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.

Purpose of the Law, John 1:17

God designed the law as a means to demonstrate the unrighteousness of man in order to show the need for a Savior, Jesus Christ (Rom. 3:19, 20; Gal. 3:10–14, 21–26).

MacArthur, John Jr. The MacArthur Study Bible. electronic ed. Nashville: Word Pub., 1997, c1997.

A. The Immaterial God

God is spirit and therefore does not have a material body (John 4:24).

When Scripture attributes human anatomy to God, it does so figuratively.

The Bible speaks of God's hands (Jer. 18:6), eyes (2 Chron. 16:9), arms (Isa. 53:1), and ears (Ps. 130:2).

God sometimes describes Himself using human qualities in order to reveal Himself to us in ways that we can most easily understand.

God uses baby talk to communicate to us what he is like.

Rather than being a limitation, God's absence of a physical body is part of what makes Him the divine Lord of all.

Since He has no body, God is not subject to spatial constraints.

As such, God can be present in all places at all times, which is his omniscience.

When Steve Lawson preached for the first time as a freshman in college, he clung to Heb 13 - that God was with him as he spoke.

It is precisely because God does not have a physical body that He is able to keep His promises to be with His people (Matt. 28:20; Heb. 13:5).

Because God is spirit, we can be assured that wherever we go and no matter how alone we may feel, God is with us still. This is comforting, is it not?

B. The Invisible God

Because God does not have a material body, He cannot be seen by human eyes.

John 1:18 - no one has seen God at any time.

Though people sometimes claim to have seen God (John MacArthur's story - a man saw God while shaving), the truth is that He is invisible (1 Tim. 1:17).

Moses could only see God's "after glow" or else he would have died.

The only physical manifestation of God in human form is Jesus Christ, the God-man (John 1:18; Col. 1:15).

While we cannot actually see God, we must know Him through His revelation to us.

We can know about God by examining the world (general revelation) that He has made.

If you went to Steve Lawson's house, you would learn he loved golf, that he was married, and had children. So it is with God and his creation. Rom 1:20 speaks about God's attributes being clearly seen from his creation. From his creation, we see intelligence of God from the intricacies, we see his wrath in tsunami's and earthquakes, we see his love in the provision of rain.

We can know about God by reading what the Bible (special revelation) says about Him.

Kids will ask what does God look like? The way to respond to that is to point them to Christ.

We can know about God by entering into a relationship with Jesus Christ, who is God in human form (John 1:14).

When Philip asked Jesus to show him the Father, Jesus said that if you have seen me, you have seen the Father. (John 14:1-11)

Heb 1:3 says that Jesus is the radiance of the Father's glory.

Because God is invisible, Christians must live by faith, hoping for the day when we shall be in His physical presence and see Him face to face.

C. The Infinite God

As a spirit being, God has no ontological boundaries or limits (Sproul).

No matter where we are at, the fullness of His being permeates every part of time and space.

God's greatness surpasses human understanding.

The mystery of God ought to heighten our sense of worship.

If it were possible for us to figure out God completely, we would not be drawn to worship Him.

Because He is beyond human comprehension, He brings us to our knees in wonder and amazement.

Since we can never know God completely, there is always room for us to grow and deepen in our relationship with Him.

Job 9:10 - God does great things, unfathomable. The concept of his infinitude, it stretches us as far as we can think about God.

This is the God we want to know more deeply as we follow Jesus Christ.

Even if we have spent a great amount of time studying God, we have not yet come to a point where we have fully understood him.

John 1:19 ESV

And this is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, “Who are you?”

John the Baptist's Testimony about Jesus, John 1:19

See John's testimony about Christ at John 1:7

John 1:19–51 ESV

And this is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, “Who are you?” He confessed, and did not deny, but confessed, “I am not the Christ.” And they asked him, “What then? Are you Elijah?” He said, “I am not.” “Are you the Prophet?” And he answered, “No.” So they said to him, “Who are you? We need to give an answer to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?” He said, “I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord,’ as the prophet Isaiah said.” (Now they had been sent from the Pharisees.) They asked him, “Then why are you baptizing, if you are neither the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?” John answered them, “I baptize with water, but among you stands one you do not know, even he who comes after me, the strap of whose sandal I am not worthy to untie.” These things took place in Bethany across the Jordan, where John was baptizing. The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! This is he of whom I said, ‘After me comes a man who ranks before me, because he was before me.’ I myself did not know him, but for this purpose I came baptizing with water, that he might be revealed to Israel.” And John bore witness: “I saw the Spirit descend from heaven like a dove, and it remained on him. I myself did not know him, but he who sent me to baptize with water said to me, ‘He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain, this is he who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’ And I have seen and have borne witness that this is the Son of God.” The next day again John was standing with two of his disciples, and he looked at Jesus as he walked by and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God!” The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus. Jesus turned and saw them following and said to them, “What are you seeking?” And they said to him, “Rabbi” (which means Teacher), “where are you staying?” He said to them, “Come and you will see.” So they came and saw where he was staying, and they stayed with him that day, for it was about the tenth hour. One of the two who heard John speak and followed Jesus was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. He first found his own brother Simon and said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (which means Christ). He brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, “You are Simon the son of John. You shall be called Cephas” (which means Peter). The next day Jesus decided to go to Galilee. He found Philip and said to him, “Follow me.” Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. Philip found Nathanael and said to him, “We have found him of whom Moses in the Law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.” Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him and said of him, “Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no deceit!” Nathanael said to him, “How do you know me?” Jesus answered him, “Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.” Nathanael answered him, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!” Jesus answered him, “Because I said to you, ‘I saw you under the fig tree,’ do you believe? You will see greater things than these.” And he said to him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you will see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.”

John: Lesson 2

John the Baptist’s Witness and the First Disciples

John 1:19-51

Lesson Questions

First Day: Read Lesson 1 Notes.

The notes and lecture fortify the truth of the passage for understanding and application to daily life.

1. What truth from the lecture made John’s prologue especially meaningful and practical

to you?

2. How did a specific truth from the notes expand your thinking or challenge you?

Second Day: Read John 1:19-28.

A Jewish delegation from Jerusalem questioned John the Baptist.

BSF Engage

News travels fast. Momentous news travels even faster. After 400 years of seeming silence, God sent His prophet who arrived on the scene with a riveting declaration. In his prologue, John introduced another man named John—John the Baptist—whom God sent to testify concerning Jesus. The arrival of Messiah’s forerunner and the Messiah Himself headlined earth-shattering news. With humility and boldness, John the Baptist fulfilled his call. Very quickly, crowds gathered to hear him preach. Many responded in repentance and were baptized. Ultimately, everything John the Baptist said and did deflected glory from himself and pointed to Jesus. As he proclaimed Jesus, some believed, others denied, but many were intrigued.

With John’s majestic prologue still ringing in our ears, our attention now turns to Jesus’s first week of public ministry. John the Baptist witnessed publicly about Jesus to those ready to believe and others poised to reject Him. Jesus called disciples who did not understand everything about Him but recognized His authority and followed Him. John the Baptist’s humble witness sets an example for us. God calls every Christian to proclaim Jesus. No greater message or mission exists than to point to Jesus, the Lamb of God sent to bear the sin of humanity.

BSF notes re Preparing for Jesus – John 1:19-28

John the Baptist’s Preaching and Baptism A wide cross section of Jewish society poured out of Judea and Jerusalem to listen to John the Baptist.1 The Holy Spirit spoke powerfully through him, convicting many of their sins. Cut to the heart, they confessed their need for God’s cleansing and were baptized to express repentance and God’s work in their hearts.2

For the most part, Jewish people presumed that as God’s people they were already clean. John the Baptist’s listeners saw the reality of their sin in God’s sight and realized they needed spiritual cleansing as much as any Gentile sinner. This movement challenged traditional Jewish thinking and authority. John the Baptist’s rising ministry stirred up hope of the Messiah’s coming. Old Testament prophets foretold a cleansing ministry associated with the Messiah.3 People began to ask if John the Baptist was the promised Messiah.4

1. Crowds seek John the Baptist: Matthew 3:5-6; Mark 1:5; Luke 3:7

2. John the Baptist’s call to repent: Luke 3:3, 7-9

3. Cleansing: Isaiah 52:15; Ezekiel 36:25; Zechariah 13:1

4. The Messiah: Luke 3:15

BSF Hold Fast

John the Baptist humbly pointed to Jesus, the Lamb of God sent to take away the sin of the world. When questioned by an official Jewish delegation, John the Baptist clearly denied being the Messiah, Elijah, or God’s promised prophet. He powerfully testified to Jesus’s superiority. He had seen God’s Spirit descend from heaven and rest on Jesus in the form of a dove. All John the Baptist wanted to do was get out of the way so God’s Chosen One would be received and exalted.

Jesus demonstrated His authority by calling His first disciples. Trusting John the Baptist’s bold witness, two of his disciples—Andrew and likely John—were bid by Jesus to “come.” They left what they were doing to follow Jesus. Andrew quickly found his brother Simon who also responded to Jesus’s invitation. With simple words, Jesus called Philip and revealed Himself to Nathanael. Jesus gathered a growing list of disciples who committed to follow Him but had minimal understanding of the glorious adventure ahead. This first trickle of faith will continue to flow until believers from every tribe, tongue, people, and nation have joined its mighty stream.28 What a privilege it is to be a witness for Jesus—the world’s only Savior!

28. Stream of faith: Revelation 5:9

For context, I think it is important to note that the following events occured after John 1:18 and John 1:19:

Part V: The Beginning of John the Baptist’s Ministry

Sec. 20: The Beginning of the Gospel

Sec. 21: The Messiah’s Herald

Sec. 22: John’s Preaching

Sec. 23: John’s Expectation of the Messiah

Part VI: The Beginning of Christ’s Public Ministry

Sec. 24: The Baptism of Jesus

Sec. 25: The Temptations of Jesus

Sec. 26: John the Baptist’s Testimony

Sec. 27: The Lamb of God

Sec. 28: Jesus’ First Disciples

Sec. 29: Jesus’ First Sign—Turning Water into Wine

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This can also be seen here: https://ref.ly/logosres/syn4gospaland?ref=Bible.Lk2.41-52&off=17.

This can also be seen here: https://ref.ly/logosres/hcsbharmnygos?ref=Bible.Lk2.51-52&off=281

3. Record the five questions the Jewish delegation asked John the Baptist and his answer to each question. (The Old Testament references offer some context for the questions asked.)

BSF notes re Questions from a Jewish Delegation

John the Baptist’s call for repentance and messianic rumors troubled the Jewish leadership council, the Sanhedrin. The Jewish hierarchy sent an official contingent from Jerusalem to investigate John the Baptist and his influence. Who was this strange man who preached in the wilderness and baptized without their official sanction?5 This confrontation represents the earliest opposition to Jesus and His message.

John’s Gospel records the escalation of opposition throughout Jesus’s ministry. John’s Gospel uses the word “Jews” (or as the NIV translates here, “Jewish leaders”) almost 70 times. Obviously Jesus Christ and John were Jews. However, John usually used this word to represent those who resisted Jesus. From the beginning, this Gospel makes it clear that whenever Jesus is revealed, opposition arises because of sin and unbelief. Picking up on the theme introduced in his prologue, John continues to highlight the wonder of belief alongside the hostility of unbelief.6 John’s Gospel powerfully presents this combination of God’s love and human rejection—the offer of grace and the warning of judgment.

The apostle John, likely a disciple of John the Baptist at this time, recorded this conversation. The Jewish delegation engaged John the Baptist in a series of questions regarding his identity and baptism. Their inquiry did not arise from an honest quest for truth but from a desire to deny his claim of authority. True to his calling, John the Baptist seized every opportunity to exalt Jesus and not himself.

5. John the Baptist’s strange ways: Matthew 3:4-6; Mark 1:6

Question 1 (implied) – 1:19-20

The Jewish leaders asked: Who are you? John the Baptist answered: I am not the Christ.

BSF notes re Who Are You? – 1:19-23

“Are You the Messiah?” (implied) – 1:19-20

The Jews longed for the coming of the Messiah—an expectation that began in the Old Testament7 and developed in Judaism between the time of the Old Testament and the New Testament. Some key features identified with the Messiah include:

● He would be King David’s descendant.

● He would be guided and empowered by the Spirit of God.

● He would exhibit supernatural power.

● He would defeat nations and enemies of God.

● He would purge Jerusalem of sin.

● He would bring worldwide peace.

● He would establish an eternal reign of justice and righteousness.

The Old Testament promises about the Messiah often blended Jesus’s first and second comings in ways that people failed to understand. Jewish expectations of the Messiah did not include the divine nature of the Messiah as God’s own Son nor His earthly mission to die as the Suffering Servant. The Jewish leaders schooled on the promise of the Messiah failed to recognize Jesus when He came to earth.

7. Expectation of the Messiah: 2 Samuel 7:8-16; Isaiah 11:1-11; Jeremiah 23:5-6; Micah 5:2; Matthew 1:1

Question 2 – 1:21a (Malachi 3:1; 4:5)

What then? Are you Elijah? Answer: I am not.

Mal 3:1 - Malachi was a prophet to the remnant of Judah who prophesied about the Lord coming to His temple. Malachi prophesied that before that, the Lord would send his messenger to “prepare the way before me.” It was a common for kings in the ancient near east to send messengers before they arrived.

Mal 4:5 - Malachi, in the last paragraph of the OT, indicates that the LORD will send Elijah the prophet before the great and awesome day that the LORD comes.

In Matt 11:14, Jesus said that John the Baptist was the fulfillment of Mal 4:5. So, what John the Baptist must be saying here is that he is not a physical return of the ancient prophet who did not die but was taken up (2 Kings 2:11).

BSF notes re “Are You Elijah?”– 1:21a

With their second question, the Jewish representatives checked another possibility off their list. Elijah, Israel’s great reformer, did not experience death but was mysteriously taken to heaven in a whirlwind.8 The prophet Malachi spoke of Elijah’s return to prepare God’s people for “the day of the Lord,” the final judgment of the world.9 John the Baptist’s lifestyle and ministry paralleled the style of Elijah.10 Both Elijah and John the Baptist confronted evil leaders, had their lives threatened by self-serving queens, and struggled with discouragement.11

John the Baptist’s reply left no room for doubt. He was not Elijah. However, Jesus later connected Malachi’s promises with John when He said, “I tell you, Elijah has already come.”12 How do we reconcile John the Baptist’s firm denial with the Lord’s words? Zechariah, John the Baptist’s father, received a prophetic message that his son would come “in the spirit and power of Elijah.”13 John the Baptist was not actually Elijah but was sent by God to fulfill a similar role with similar power.

8. Elijah’s departure: 2 Kings 2:11

9. Elijah’s return: Malachi 4:5

10. Parallel to Elijah: 1 Kings 18:21; 2 Kings 1:7-8; Matthew 3:1-4

11. John the Baptist and Elijah: 1 Kings 18:18; 19:1-4; Matthew 11:2-3; 14:3-4, 8-11

12. Jesus’s words about Elijah: Matthew 17:11-12

13. Spirit and power of Elijah: Luke 1:16-17

Question 3 – 1:21b (Deuteronomy 18:15)

Are you “the Prophet” (definite article: the, Prophet capitalized)? Answer: No.

Deut 18:15 - In this verse, the LORD establishes that he will continue the office of prophet beyond the preeminent prophet Moses. In this verse, after Moses has given the law, Moses tells the people that the LORD your God will raise up a prophet like him (Moses) from among the brothers and that the people are to listen to him. Deut 18:18 goes on to say that the LORD will put His words in the prophet’s mouth and they are to obey it. In Deut 18:20-22, the means of discerning false prophets is given - a true prophet will not lead people astray and a true prophet will made prophetic predictions that will come true.

While the LORD sent many prophets after Moses, the ultimate fulfillment of this is the Messiah who would be “the Prophet”:

the Prophet. There were different expectations among first-century Jews concerning the “prophet like me” that Moses announced in Deut. 18:15. Here the priests and Levites want to know whether John considers himself to be this Prophet.1

1 Sproul, R. C. (Ed.). (2015). The Reformation Study Bible: English Standard Version (2015 Edition) (p. 1853). Orlando, FL: Reformation Trust.

BSF notes re “Are You the Prophet?” – 1:21b

This question likely refers to Deuteronomy 18:15-18, the source of a Jewish expectation of another prophet like Moses. Most likely, Jesus Himself fulfilled this prophecy. John the Baptist simply and straightforwardly answered, “No.”

Question 4 – 1:22-23 (Isaiah 40:3)

Who are you? What do you say about yourself? Answer: I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, “Make straight the way of the Lord”.

Is 40:3 - Isaiah called himself a voice crying in the wilderness who was preparing the way of the LORD and calling people to make straight the highway in the desert for our God.

In quoting Is 40:3, John the Baptist was identifying himself as a an Old Testament prophet like Isaiah as he was continuing to speak for the LORD. See also Jesus own statement that John the Baptist was an Old Testament prophet at Matt 11:13.

BSF notes re “What Do You Say about Yourself?” – 1:22-23

With their checklist of options growing thin, the Jewish delegates sought a viable answer to take back to the Sanhedrin. Because John the Baptist had revealed only who he was not, they diligently tried to extract a claim regarding his identity. John the Baptist’s steadfast aim was to turn attention away from himself and direct the focus on the good news of the Messiah’s coming. He replied by quoting Isaiah 40:3: “I am the voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way for the Lord.’” The “Lord” in Isaiah 40:3 is none other than Yahweh, the Lord God. John the Baptist prepares for the coming of God—Jesus. He humbly deflected any specific title or name and only identified himself as the “voice.”

Question 5 – 1:24-27

Then why are you baptizing, if you are nether the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet? Answer: I baptize with water, but among you stands one you do not know, even he whom comes after me, the strop of whose sandal I am not worthy to untie.

BSF notes re Why Are You Baptizing? – 1:24-28

Without a satisfying answer regarding John the Baptist’s identity, the inquiring panel moved on to ask for the reasons behind his practice of baptism. Perhaps they suspected he was a false prophet. They wanted John the Baptist to declare what right he had to baptize, as he did so without their authority.

Once again, John the Baptist pointed away from himself and directly to Jesus. He did not want anyone distracted by his practice of baptism with mere water. All he sought to do was prepare people for the gloriously worthy One who had come. He again humbly expressed his own lowly position before Jesus who was coming behind him. “He is the one who comes after me, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie.”

The apostle John provides distinct geographical details regarding the location of this recorded conversation. There were evidently two towns known as “Bethany”—one near Jerusalem14 where Jesus raised Lazarus and one “on the other side of the Jordan, where John was baptizing.” John offered this clarifying eyewitness detail to eliminate any confusion regarding the location of this confrontation.

14. Bethany near Jerusalem: Mark 11:1; John 12:1

4. What did John the Baptist’s responses reveal about his personal identity and his perception of the Messiah?

John the Baptist’s responses revealed that he was not the Messiah, that he was not the physical return of Elijah (as they had expected), that he was as an Old Testament prophet calling out for people to prepare the way for the Messiah, and that the Messiah would be one who was far greater than he was (i.e., John the Baptist was not worthy to untie his sandals).

5. What do you learn from John the Baptist that you can apply to your own witness for Christ?

First, John the Baptist’s identification as an Old Testament prophet increases my confidence in Jesus being the Messiah. I would expect that an Old Testament prophet would prepare the way for the long-awaited Messiah because so many major events in the OT were preceded by God’s prophets. In fact, the Old Testament prophets said that there would be a prophet that prepared the way for the Messiah. So, John the Baptist’s identification as an Old Testament prophet who was preparing the way for the Messiah gives me increased confidence in the truth that Jesus was in fact the Messiah. That confidence gives me boldness to witness to Christ myself.

Second, John the Baptist’s humility in saying that he was not worthy to untie the sandals of the Messiah speaks to Christ’s supremacy. Since we love to talk about great people who do great things (think about how people speak about sport stars), John the Baptist’s proclamation of Christ’s supremacy should lead me to love to witness about Christ.

Third, I need to be more like John the Baptist and spend less time talking about myself and spend more time directing people to each person of the Trinity and their work.

Fourth, John the Baptist’s testimony about Christ in the face of the potential persecution by Jewish leaders gives me boldness to also witness about Christ even at the risk of persecution.

BSF Apply It

John the Baptist sets an amazing example of denying self to exalt Christ. Though praised by Jesus29 and filling an important role in God’s redemptive plan, he constantly yielded the spotlight to Jesus. He boldly confronted sin but humbly proclaimed Christ. How do we, as naturally prideful humans, properly exhibit the elusive quality of humility? How do we balance faith-filled boldness with proper surrender? What helps us determine when to step up and speak out and when to step back and bow down? We do not win the battle with self by simply trying harder. Ultimately, Adam’s children gain a proper self-perspective through an exalted view of Christ and an accurate assessment of their own spiritual neediness. In what ways might you unknowingly promote yourself, even as you seek to serve the Lord? How can you fix your eyes on Jesus so that your own agenda fades in the light of His greatness?

29. Jesus praised John: Matthew 11:11

Third Day: Read John 1:29-34.

John the Baptist testified to Jesus’s purpose and authority.

BSF notes re Proclaiming Jesus – John 1:29-34

John used the phrase “the next day” more than once to indicate the chronological flow of events through Jesus’s first week of ministry. Prior to the Jerusalem delegation’s confrontation of John the Baptist, Jesus had already been baptized by John the Baptist and overcome Satan’s temptation in the wilderness.15 John 1:29 indicates that Jesus approached John the Baptist the day after the Jerusalem delegation’s visit. In verses 32-34, John recalled God’s confirmation of Jesus at His baptism which had occurred earlier.

15. Jesus’s baptism and temptation: Matthew 3:13–4:2

6. John the Baptist presented Jesus as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.

a. Tell how John the Baptist’s proclamation relates to the Old Testament ceremonies and symbols that were a part of Israel’s worship? (See also Leviticus 4:32-35; 5:5-6.)

Lev 4 establishes the laws for bringing sin offerings to the tabernacle such that a persons sins were atoned for. Within this chapter, there are four groups described, each of whom is given separate instructions for making sin offerings. Lev 4:32-25 refers to the fourth of four groups and provides instructions as to how common people make sin offerings. While groups one through three offer bulls or goats, this fourth group offers a lamb.

Lev 5:1-13 is either a continuation of the instructions for making sin offering or is a separate set of instructions for making a guilt offering. In either case, Lev 5:5-6 involves instructions to make the sin or guilt offering by bringing a lamb or a goat to make atonement for sin.

RSB:

It is debated whether this section belongs with what precedes (the sin offering, ch. 4) or with what follows (the guilt offering, 5:14–6:7). Because of the similarity of 4:1 and 5:14, as well as the occurrence of the Hebrew term for “sin offering” throughout 4:1–5:13, many argue that the description of the guilt offering begins at 5:14. Alternatively, the occurrence of the Hebrew word asham (meaning “guilt” or “guilt offering”) in 5:6, 7 has led some to conclude that the discussion of the guilt offering begins in 5:1.1

1 Sproul, R. C. (Ed.). (2015). The Reformation Study Bible: English Standard Version (2015 Edition) (p. 164). Orlando, FL: Reformation Trust.

In regards to the significance and design of the sin/guilt offering, the RSB notes:

With the words “If anyone sins” (4:2), Moses introduces his instruction to the laity regarding the sin or purification offering. While most sacrifices make atonement for sin to some extent, purification is the dominant concern of the sin offering. Sin and uncleanness make a person unfit to be in God’s presence and also pollute the sanctuary, making it impossible for God to dwell there. The sin offering is designed to cope with this aspect of sin by purifying the sanctuary. The distinctive feature of the sin offering is the use to which the sacrificial blood is put. In other sacrifices the animal’s blood is splashed over the side of the altar, but in the case of the sin offering it can be applied to the horned corners of the altar, or sprinkled inside the tabernacle tent (on the incense altar or veil) or even inside the Most Holy Place.1

1 Sproul, R. C. (Ed.). (2015). The Reformation Study Bible: English Standard Version (2015 Edition) (p. 162). Orlando, FL: Reformation Trust.

So, John the Baptist’s reference to Jesus being the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, is packed with OT meaning. This phrase communicates that we have sin that makes us unfit to be in God’s presence but that Jesus who is from God (lamb of God) and that he will be sacrificed like a lamb to atone for our sins (as in the sin/guilt offering) so that we can be in the presence of God (which was the result of making a right sin/guilt offering).

BSF notes re John the Baptist Proclaims Jesus as the Lamb of God – 1:29-31

When John the Baptist saw Jesus, he announced the most important message of his life: “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” Jesus, God’s chosen Lamb, “surpassed” John the Baptist because “he was before” John the Baptist. Although Jesus was 6 months younger than John the Baptist in physical age,16 He had always existed in eternity past. John the Baptist’s exclamation of Jesus as the Lamb of God connected Him with important symbolism rooted in the past—the first Passover celebration.

In coming to earth to offer Himself as the sinless substitute for humanity’s sin, Jesus fulfilled the symbolism to which the Old Testament sacrificial system pointed. From the terrible moment when sin first entered the world, God made a way for people to grasp their inability to save themselves from sin’s death grip. In Israel, someone who sinned brought a lamb to the door of the temple, laid hands on the lamb’s head, confessed the specific sin, and then killed the lamb.17 The innocent lamb paid the price for the sinful person to be made right with God. The priest then sprinkled the lamb’s blood on God’s altar to show that death accomplished the required judgment for that sin.

The prophet Isaiah connected the image of the sacrificial lamb with the Messiah, saying, “the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed…and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.”18 By God’s design, Jesus’s death fell during Passover as He offered Himself as God’s perfect substitute for sinners.19 Jesus died as the true Passover Lamb.20 Though few understood the magnitude of John the Baptist’s words, he prepared people to recognize that Jesus was indeed God’s promised Messiah.

16. John the Baptist older than Jesus: Luke 1:26-33

17. Sacrificial lamb: Leviticus 4:32-35; 5:5-6

18. Perfect sacrifice: Isaiah 53:5-10; Hebrews 7:27

19. During Passover: Matthew 27:62; Mark 15:42; Luke 23:54: John 19:14, 31, 42; Acts 2:23

20. Passover Lamb: Exodus 12:1-29; 1 Corinthians 5:7

b. In what ways does this truth about Jesus personally impact you? (See also Isaiah 53 and 1 Peter 1:18-20; 2:24.)

Is 53 is Isaiah’s prophecy about the Messiah’s substitutionary atonement on the cross (see especially verses 6 and 8). Is 53:10 specifically describes the LORD’s crushing the Messiah as being a offering for guilt.

1 Peter 1:18-20 describes Jesus as a lamb without blemish (a requirement of the sin/guilt offering) who ransomed us with his precious blood. 1 Peter 2:24 adds that Jesus bore our sin on the cross and that by this we have been healed.

So, this truth that Jesus was the lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world impacts me because I am a sinner in the world. Because of my sin, I am unfit to be in God’s presence. The OT sacrificial system cannot atone for my sins according to Heb 10:4. Rather, the OT sacrificial system just points me to Christ, who would be the Lamb. As John the Baptist proclaimed, Jesus Christ was the Lamb of God who took away my sins. Is 53 and 1 Peter 1:18-20, 2:24 make clear that Jesus Christ accomplished substitutionary atonement for me, taking my sin upon himself (and his righteousness was imputed to me, 2 Cor 5:21). So, instead of being cast out, away from God’s presence, into His eternal wrath, my sins and guilt have been atoned for by the Lamb of God who has taken away my sin! Praise be to Christ!

7. How did John the Baptist’s testimony of his experience at Jesus’s baptism in verses 32-34 support his claim of Jesus’s origin and identity? (See also Matthew 3:13-17.)

In John 1:33 John the Baptist is recorded as giving the testimony that “he who sent me to baptize” (cf John 1:6 wherein John the author of this gospel states that John the Baptist was sent from God) said to him: “He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain, this is he who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.” In John 1:32 John the Baptist is recorded as seeing the sign fulfilled “I saw the Spirit descend from heaven like a dove and it remained on him.” The “him” in John 1:32 is a reference to Jesus in John 1:29.

The fulfillment of this vision led John the Baptist to identify Jesus as the Lamb of God as recorded in John 1:20 and the Son of God as recorded in John 1:34. Technically, the sign only indicated that the person on whom the Spirit descended and remained was the one “who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.” The fulfillment did not indicate that this person was the Lamb of God or the Son of God.

But we learn from Matt 3:13-17 (discussed in more detail below) that when Jesus was baptized, a voice from heaven said “this is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” From this, John the Baptist rightly called Jesus the Son of God (John 1:34). I don’t see anything about Jesus baptism by John the Baptist giving direct indication that Jesus was the Lamb of God. So, John the Baptist’s statement that Jesus was the Lamb of God in John 1:20 is an independent prophecy from God communicated through John the Baptist as an Old Testament prophet but certainly consistent with Old Testament prophecy about the Messiah being God (Is 9:6, Jer 23:5-6, Prov 19:21, Michah 5:2, Ps 2:7-12, Is 7:14, Ps 45:6-7, Hosea 1:7, Zech 2:10-11).

Going beyond the matter of the support John the Baptist had for identifying Jesus as the Lamb of God and the Son of God and speaking more broadly about Jesus’ origin and identify, Matt 3:13-17 (cited in the question) records that John the Baptist tried to prevent Jesus from being baptized since his (John the Baptist’s) baptism was one of repentance and John the Baptist understood Jesus as the Son of God and the Lamb of God did not sin and therefore did not have anything of which to repent. It is noteworthy that Jesus did not dispute John's point but Jesus did indicate that His baptism was necessary "to fulfill all righteousness" (v. 15). As noted in Table Talk The Baptism of Christ | Reformed Bible Studies & Devotionals at Ligonier.org | Reformed Bible Studies & Devotionals at Ligonier.org:

This statement overflows with christological significance. First, it shows that by His baptism, Jesus fully identified with His people as their representative. He did the same things that we do, albeit without sin, so He can stand in our place. Second, by this act of obedience in being baptized, Jesus shows us that our salvation would not be possible through His death alone. We have broken God's commandments, and to make up for that, there must be full obedience to His statutes. John's baptism was a command God gave to His people, and so it had to be obeyed. If our Savior had neglected this rule, His obedience to His Father would have been lacking, and He could not have saved us.

So, John the Baptist identified Jesus as the Lamb of God and the Son of God based on the fulfillment of the sign and his position as an Old Testament prophet. Further, in subjecting Himself to John the Baptist’s baptism, Jesus was demonstrating that he was the Lamb of God by identifying himself with his people so he could bear their sin. Further, by submitting to John the Baptist’s baptism that was being commanded by God’s prophet (John the Baptist), Jesus was showing that as the Lamb of God, he must be righteous - that is, he must be a Lamb without blemish, and that this required that he obey God’s commands, including the command of God’s prophet, John the Baptist, to be baptized.

This amazingly brief record of Jesus’ baptism is packed with meaning. If we unpack it as a deep study of the scriptures allows, we learn so much about the person and work of Christ, the long-awaited Messiah that it leads us to doxology!

BSF notes re John the Baptist Proclaims Jesus as God’s Chosen One – 1:32-34

John the Baptist remembered a defining moment in his understanding of Jesus’s identity. God promised to confirm the Messiah’s identity to John the Baptist with a physical sign: “The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.” John’s Gospel does not mention that John the Baptist baptized Jesus but simply notes the sign that confirmed Jesus’s identity. John the Baptist saw the Spirit descend from heaven and rest on Jesus in the form of a dove. With this scene etched in his memory and heart, John confidently declared, “I have seen and I testify that this is God’s Chosen One.”

8. What is the difference between John the Baptist’s water baptism and the baptism Jesus gives? (See also John 7:38-39; Acts 2:38; and 1 Corinthians 12:13.)

John the Baptist himself indicated a difference when he said that “I baptise with water” (John 1:26)

and Jesus would baptize with the Holy Spirit (John 1:33).

John 7:38-39 indicates that Jesus said that if anyone thirsts let him come to Him and drink and whoever believes in Him as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.

Acts 2:38 indicates that Peter commanded after Pentecost that people repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins, and that the people would receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

1 Cor 12:13 is where Paul writes that Jews and Greeks were baptized into one body and made to drink of one Spirit.

MSB notes re significance of John the Baptist’s water baptism:

The OT associated the coming of Messiah, with repentance and spiritual cleansing (Ezek. 36, 37; Zech. 13:1). John focused attention on his position as forerunner of Messiah, who used traditional proselyte baptism as a symbol of the need to recognize those Jews who were outside God’s saving covenant like Gentiles. They too needed spiritual cleansing and preparation (repentance-Matt. 3:11; Mark 1:4; Luke 3:7, 8) for Messiah’s advent. See notes on Matt. 3:6, 11, 16, 17 for an explanation of the significance of John’s baptism.1

1 MacArthur, J., Jr. (Ed.). (1997). The MacArthur Study Bible (electronic ed., p. 1575). Nashville, TN: Word Pub.

RSB notes re the baptism of the HS:

The OT anticipated the time of redemption as the time when the Spirit would be poured out on God’s people (Is. 44:3–5; Ezek. 37:1–10; Joel 2:28–32). Paul refers to Jesus as the second Adam who became “a life-giving spirit” (1 Cor. 15:45 note; cf. Mark 1:7, 8). It is after Jesus returns to heaven that He sends this heavenly helper to dwell with His people on earth (14:26; 16:7; Acts 2:32, 33). The baptism of the Holy Spirit occurs with the new birth that constitutes helpless sinners as sons and daughters of God (vv. 12, 13; 1 Cor. 12:13). This baptism also empowers all believers for Christian service (Luke 24:49; Acts 1:8; 2:1–4).1

1 Sproul, R. C. (Ed.). (2015). The Reformation Study Bible: English Standard Version (2015 Edition) (p. 1853). Orlando, FL: Reformation Trust.

The symbolism of John’s baptism likely had its roots in OT purification rituals (cf. Lev. 15:13). Baptism had also long been administered to Gentile proselytes coming into Judaism. The baptism of John thus powerfully and dramatically symbolized repentance. Jews accepting John’s baptism were admitting they had been as Gentiles and needed to become the people of God genuinely, inwardly (an amazing admission, given their hatred of Gentiles). The people were repenting in anticipation of the Messiah’s arrival. The meaning of John’s baptism differs somewhat from Christian baptism.1

1 MacArthur, J., Jr. (Ed.). (1997). The MacArthur Study Bible (electronic ed., p. 1396). Nashville, TN: Word Pub.

So, John the Baptist’s baptism was just a water baptism from the Jewish tradition of proselyte baptism for the purpose of preparing people’s hearts for the Messiah. Jesus’ baptism would not be with water but would be with the HS, who would be poured out on God’s people in a special way causing them to be born again and empowering them for service.

Having distinguished John the Baptist’s baptism with water from the baptism with the HS, we also need to distinguish the baptism Christ commanded in Matt 28:19 from John the Baptist’s baptism. The baptism Jesus commanded in Matt 28:19 involved baptizing in the name of the triune God, representing a union with Christ whereas as John the Baptist’s baptism was different in that it involved the preparation for Christ and did not involve baptizing in the name of the triune God. RSB notes make this distinction:

Christian baptism is not identical with the baptism of John. Although Christian baptism retains the symbolism of repentance and purification (Acts 22:16; Eph. 5:26), it is performed in the name of the triune God (28:19) and signifies our union with Christ in His death and resurrection (Rom. 6:3–6; 1 Cor. 12:13; Gal. 3:27; Col. 2:12). See note on Mark 1:4.1

1 Sproul, R. C. (Ed.). (2015). The Reformation Study Bible: English Standard Version (2015 Edition) (p. 1675). Orlando, FL: Reformation Trust.

We must also distinguish the baptism Christ commanded in Matt 28:19 from the baptism with the Holy Spirit lest we fall into the error of believing that we are born again when we are baptized. This discussion would be too long to record here but see Is Baptism Necessary for Salvation? | Desiring God. With regards to the related case for baptizing infants, see here: The Baptism of Christ | Reformed Bible Studies & Devotionals at Ligonier.org | Reformed Bible Studies & Devotionals at Ligonier.org Both of these are saved as Logos notes as well under Ecclesiology.

BSF notes re differences:

John the Baptist’s water baptism pictured the true spiritual cleansing all people need and only Christ’s death could accomplish. Through repentance and water baptism, John the Baptist prepared Israel for the coming of Jesus who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.21 Jesus taught that sinners need to be born again of the Spirit.22 After Jesus ascended to heaven, God poured out His Holy Spirit upon His people.23 The baptism of the Holy Spirit is God’s gift to all who receive new life through faith in Christ.24

21. Baptism of the Holy Spirit: Luke 3:16

22. Born again: John 3:3, 5, 8

23. Spirit poured out: John 7:38-39; Acts 1:5; 2:1-4

24. God’s gift: 1 Corinthians 12:13; Ephesians 2:8-9

Fourth Day: Read John 1:35-42.

Jesus called two disciples to follow Him.

9. Give details of Jesus’s call to two of John the Baptist’s disciples that you find meaningful.

The two disciples Jesus called were Andrew (identified in John 1:40) and the other was presumably John, who is too humble to mention himself in the text. Both were told by John the Baptist that Jesus was the Lamb of God. Presumably, this took place in Bethany across the Jordan (John 1:27). Andrew and John approached Jesus and Jesus called them to see where he was staying and to stay with him.

This event is not in and of itself a call to be disciples. It is just a record of Andrew and John’s first encounter with Jesus. From Matt 4:18-21, Mark 1:16-22 and Luke 5:1-11, we learn the details of the call of Simon, Andrew, James, and John. Matt 4:18-21 and Mark 1:16-22 indicate that Jesus was walking by the Sea of Galilee when he saw Simon and Andrew casting nets into the sea. He told both of them to follow him and he will make them fishers of men. From there, he called the two brothers, James and John (author of the Gospel of John) who were both sons of Zebedee, while they were mending their nets. They also immediately left the boat and followed Jesus.

John 1:40-42 is consistent with the aforementioned parallel verses if we properly interpret these passages as follows. There were two towns called Bethany. One was hear Jerusalem (see reference to BSF notes below). The other was also known as "Bethany beyond the Jordan" (as referred to in John 1:28) and was also known as Bethabara.[33] Bethabara is only about 20 miles south of the most Southern shore of the Sea of Galilee. Peter was in Bethany beyond the Jordan (i.e., Bethabara) with Andrew at the time of the events in John 1:35-39. On that day, Andrew introduced Peter to Jesus when Jesus said to Peter you shall be called Cephas/Peter (John 1:40-42). The next day Jesus decided to go to Galilee (John 1:43) which as noted is a trip of about 20 miles and probably took a day or two. At sometime after Jesus arrived in Galilee, Jesus saw Simon, Andrew, James and John by the Sea of Galilee fishing. This is when the events in Matt 4:18-21, Mark 1:16-22 and Luke 5:1-11 occured. After that, the events of John 1:43ff occur with Jesus finding Philip and Philip finding Nathanael.

A full list of the disciples is at Mark 3:18 and Matt 10:2.

BSF notes re two towns called Bethany:

14. Bethany near Jerusalem: Mark 11:1; John 12:1

John the Baptist’s influence

Andrew and John are noted to be disciples of John the Baptist. Therefore, they undoubtedly knew that John the Baptist had identified Jesus as the Lamb of God and the Son of God along with his evidences for it (fulfillment of the sign at His baptism) and understood John the Baptist to be a prophet of God. As such, John the Baptist’s identification of Jesus as the Lamb of God directly to Andrew and John undoubtedly influenced them to introduce themselves to Jesus.

Their initial response

In response to Jesus inquiry about what they were seeking, Andrew and John called him Rabbi, meaning teacher. They didn’t given any profound theological answer. They simply asked where he was staying. I don’t think the fact of Jesus location was what Andrew and John were inquiring about. Rather, it seems to me that this is a polite way of asking if they could have a speak with Jesus for an extended time.

Their interaction with Jesus

We read that in response to Andrew and John’s question, Jesus invited them to come and see where he was staying, which again is not really so that they could see the location of his current residence but rather an invitation to speak with each other for an extended time.

We are not told by John about the conversation they had with Jesus from 4:00 pm on through the rest of the evening that they stayed with Jesus. But, we know from Andrew’s actions and words to Simon that he was convinced of Jesus being the Messiah and that he was so excited he found Simon to tell him.

The impact on Simon Peter

We are told what Simon’s reaction was to his brother Andrews exciting claim to have found the Messiah. Was he himself excited? Was he doubtful of his brother’s conclusions? We don’t know. But we do know that Simon went with his brother Andrew to Jesus.

Jesus, being himself the Prophet and informed by the HS, knew that Simon would be in his inner circle of disciples and Jesus remained him Peter. We aren’t told what Peter’s reaction is to this. We do know that after Peter returned to Galilee and to his fishing boat, Jesus officially called Peter (and Andrew, James and John) to follow Him (in Matt 4:18-21, Mark 1:16-22) and Peter did.

BSF notes re Following Jesus – John 1:35-51

John the Baptist’s Disciples Follow Jesus – 1:35-42

On the third day of this pivotal week, John the Baptist directed two of his own disciples so humbly and emphatically that they left him to follow his Lord—Jesus. One of these men was Andrew and the other was likely the apostle John, who never names himself in his Gospel. When John the Baptist drew their attention to Jesus, the Lamb of God, they followed Him. Jesus met them with a searching question, “What do you want?” Jesus knew every thought and impulse within these two men. He made it easy for them to follow Him without fear.

The two men called Jesus “Rabbi”—a sign of respect. Their question for Jesus communicated their desire to have more than a casual acquaintance with Him: “Where are you staying?” These two men may have struggled to know what to say in this powerful moment. Jesus answered with a beautifully simple promise that magnetically drew their searching hearts, “Come, and you will see.” Few people grasp the eternal significance of Jesus’s gracious invitation to “come.” This moment remained so indelibly fixed in John’s mind that about 60 years later, he remembered that this life-changing interaction occurred at 4 p.m.

Andrew, also moved by his encounter with Jesus, immediately found his brother Simon. He confidently announced the joyful news that he had “found the Messiah.” Whenever the Gospels mention Andrew, he was busy bringing people to Jesus—his brother Simon Peter, a boy with a lunch to share, or Greeks who wanted to meet Jesus.25

Jesus “looked” at Simon. The original Greek word describes a searching, penetrating gaze. Jesus spoke to Simon and changed his name from Simon to Cephas, an Aramaic word meaning “rock,” translated into Greek as “Petros” or “Peter” in English. This new name anticipated Jesus’s transformative work in Peter’s life. The apostle Peter became a faithful, tender shepherd who did not shrink back from following Jesus.26 Jesus not only knows who we are, He knows who we can be by His transformative power.

25. Andrew’s invitations: John 1:42; 6:8-9; 12:20-22

26. Peter: John 21:18-19; Acts 4:13, 19-21; 1 and 2 Peter

10. Consider your own experience of learning about, knowing, and following Jesus.

a. How would you answer the question, “What do you want?” if Jesus asked you that today?

I think that Rom 1 informs us as to what we want in our flesh - that is, we want nothing to do with God and we want things that are sinful. So, if Jesus asked me what I wanted when I was in an unregenerate state (i.e., not born again), I would not be asking for anything that was good. Having said that, if the HS causes me to be born again, then my desires change and I would ask for that which is good.

It seems to me likely that John and Andrew were born again when they desired to learn more from Jesus in John 1:38 and that this led them to desire to know Jesus and learn from Him. Being born again, I would desire the same thing that John and Andrew sought - to know Jesus more and learn from him. That is why I study His Word.

b. In what way has Jesus invited you to “come” and “see”? (See also Isaiah 1:18 and Matthew 11:28.)

As noted above, Jesus invitation to Andrew and John to come and see was not so much a direct answer to their inquiry about the location of where he was staying as it was an invitation to learn more about Jesus. After Jesus called his disciples, he taught them about himself and the work that he came to do, as we will see through the rest of this gospel. Then in Matt 28:19, as Jesus was returning to heaven, he instructed them to make disciples. So, this invitation by Jesus to Andrew and John to learn more about him really does extend to all nations. The primary way to learn more about the person and work since the end of the apostolic age is through God’s word. So, the invitation to me is to learn more about the person and work through the Bible, which, because I have been graciously born again by the HS, I am willing and desire to do.

c. What have you learned about Jesus as you have walked with Him?

Broadly speaking, I have learned about God’s redemptive plan for humanity through the person and work of Jesus Christ for the purpose of ultimately restoring a new heaven and a new earth in which we will glorify God and enjoy Him forever.

d. In what ways has Jesus called you to believe Him?

There are a couple of different aspects to this answer. The secondary means by which Jesus calls me to believe in him is through an external call, that being the gospel proclamation. Rom 10:14 teaches us that people are saved through the hearing (or reading) the gospel. Yet we know that not every one that hear the gospel are chosen (Matt 22:14). So, the primary means by which Jesus calls me to believe in Him is from an internal call, which is an effectual calling (See The Westminster confession of faith. (1996). Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc. at Chapter X, Section 1.) Since this is by God’s free and special grace alone (WCF, Chapter X, Section 2), the LORD gets all the praise and honor for me believing in him.

Fifth Day: Read John 1:43-51.

Jesus called Philip and Nathanael.

11. How did Jesus reach Philip? How did Philip respond?

Jesus went to Galilee and found Philip. He commanded Philip: Follow me. We don’t know whether there was more to this conversation than this command but we do know that Philip followed Jesus because he is listed as a disciple in Mark 3:18 and Matt 10:2. But we can also infer that Philip was excited about finding and following Jesus because he went Nathanael to tell him that he found the Messiah (John 1:45).

BSF notes re: Philip and Nathanael Follow Jesus – 1:43-51

The next day while traveling to Galilee, Jesus found Philip and issued a call to follow Him. Like Andrew, Philip could not keep this glorious news to himself and found his friend Nathanael. He boldly claimed, “We have found the one Moses wrote about in the Law, and about whom the prophets also wrote—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” Both Philip and Nathanael were godly men who clung to God’s promises about the Messiah.

12. a. What words would you use to describe Nathanael?

I would say that Nathanael was a good Berean. He was testing Philip’s truth claim that he found the Messiah. Nathanael knew there was no prophecy that the Messiah would come from Nazareth.

b. How did Jesus speak to Nathanael in a way that broke barriers and reached his heart?

After Nathanael asked: “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?”, which evidence a criticism of Philip’s claim that he found the Messiah, Philip responded: “Come and see” (interestingly a quote from what Jesus told Andrew and John). When Jesus saw Nathanael coming, he said Behold, Israelite in whom no deceit. Nathanael asked how Jesus knew him. Jesus responded by telling Nathanael that before Philip called him, He saw him under a fig tree. We don’t know any details about Jesus seeing Nathanael when he was at the fig tree. However, whatever the circumstances were, it was a sign that led Nathanael to change from disbelief to conclude that Jesus was the Son of God and King of Israel. Jesus replied, you believe because of this? You’ll see greater things than that. You’ll see heaven opened, angels ascending and descending on Son of Man.

BSF notes re Nathanael:

Nathanael immediately questioned whether anything good could come from Nazareth—likely a reference to the insignificance of this small Galilean village. Philip did not argue but simply invited Nathanael to “come and see.” Nathanael approached Jesus to discover the truth for himself. Jesus seemed to recognize and speak to Nathanael’s inquisitive mind. He praised Nathanael as “an Israelite in whom there is no deceit.” Astonished by Jesus’s words, Nathanael questioned how Jesus knew him.

Jesus’s response to Nathanael immediately overcame his doubts and penetrated his heart. When Jesus mentioned he had seen Nathanael under the fig tree before Philip called him, Nathanael immediately confessed that Jesus was God’s Son and the king of Israel. In ways we cannot fully understand, Jesus’s words demonstrated His omniscience [RM note: I contend Jesus set aside his deity and that the way Jesus saw Nathanael under the fig tree was through a vision that the HS gave Jesus. This would be akin to the way the HS gave visions to Old Testament prophets] and deity that personally broke down barriers in Nathanael’s heart. Jesus’s intimate and personal knowledge brought Nathanael’s immediate confession.

c. Read John 14:6. How does this verse help you understand Jesus’s words in verse 51?

(See also Genesis 28:10-17.)

John 14:6 is a very direct, clear, and explicit statement by Jesus that he was God. Jesus said that if you have seen Him (Jesus), you have seen the Father. Further, he states that no one comes to God except through Him (Jesus). This statement in John 14:6 is consistent with what Jesus tells Nathanael in John 1:49-51.

Jesus reference to Nathanael seeing angels ascending and descending on the Son of Man is a reference to Jacob’s ladder in Gen 28:10-17.

BSF notes:

Jesus’s response to Nathanael’s budding faith indicated that even greater revelation awaited him. The Savior who knew when and where he sat would reveal far greater truth. Jesus referenced their ancestor Jacob’s dream of a ladder to heaven—a familiar image of angels ascending and descending from heaven.27 Through Jesus, God offered Nathanael an open door to His presence and unbroken fellowship with Him.

27. Jacob’s ladder: Genesis 28:10-17

13. Who do you need to bring to Jesus? What does that mean in practical terms?

This is a good application question. The broad command in Matt 28:16-20, is to teach all nations about Jesus Christ. But before we set off for a far away place to find people who aren’t disciples, we must also recognize that the LORD calls us to teach our children about Jesus Christ. (Proverbs 22:6, Ephesians 6:4, Proverbs 29:15, Isaiah 54:13, Proverbs 1:8-9, Psalm 127:3, Matthew 19:14, Proverbs 17:6, 3 John 1:4, Deuteronomy 5:29).

Practically speaking, I believe this necessitates me to have my children understand that everything thing there is to learn can teach them about God because God is the author of all things and is the sustainer of all things such that all that they learn should drive them to worship the LORD. Practically speaking, I do not believe it is possible in the US in the 2020s for a parent to fulfill this command while sending their children to a public school.

With regards to the broader command to teach all nations, I believe this practically speaking means becoming a missionary or supporting missionaries in gospel ministry to people who have not heard about the LORD and His gospel.

BSF notes:

John the Baptist pointed to Jesus and called people to Him. Andrew and Philip met Jesus and immediately shared the news. God calls every Christian to proclaim Jesus. There is no greater message than truth about Jesus and no greater privilege than sharing that good news with others.

BSF Apply It:

When Jesus called His first disciples, they responded with immediate surrender. They left whatever they were doing to follow Jesus. Competing loyalties challenge everyone who desires to walk with Christ in this life. Daily cares such as earning a living, paying bills, and caring for family represent duties that require much time and focus. While God does not call every believer to vocational ministry, He plans important work for all His children. Whoever you are, wherever you live, and whatever you do, Jesus’s invitation reaches to you. In many ways and across time, He says, “Come, and you will see.” God has positioned you right where He wants you. Following Jesus is more important than anything else you are doing. How is God leading you to speak for Him within your circle of influence? What is holding you back?

Jesus’s encounter with Nathanael demonstrates His intimate knowledge and intentional love for every individual. We do not know exactly why Jesus’s custom-crafted words made Nathanael ready to follow Him. Somehow, Jesus spoke “Nathanael” to Nathanael. Jesus knows exactly how to reach each of His children. Some hear God’s call through hardship, others through success. God arrests some people’s attention by engaging their minds with lingering questions. Other people are forever changed when they experience God’s power, presence, and intervention. God’s Word can powerfully melt resistance and negate excuses to bring surrender. How is Jesus saying, “Follow me” to you? What has God used to unlock your heart to the truth? In what unique ways has the Lord reached to you so you would hear Him? No matter how you have discerned God’s voice, when you follow Jesus, greater and greater wonders await you

Sixth Day: Review John 1:19-51.

God calls every Christian to proclaim Jesus.

14. What stands out to you about Jesus and how to respond to Him from this passage?

What stands out to me about John 1:19-51 is that Jesus is God Himself who graciously came to sacrificing Himself as the Lamb of God for those who are is in fulfillment of the OT promises. What also stands out to me is His gracious invitation to learn from Him (which is the meaning of following Him as disciples/students) as He teaches about God and his redemptive work. Praise God for His Mercy to us!

John 1:19–51 ESV

HOMILETICS

CONTENTS

1:19 Jewish leaders from Jeru asked: who are you? JtB testimony: I’m not Christ. Elijah? No. The Prophet? No. I am voice crying in wilderness: Make straight way of Lord - Isaiah.

1:24 Jewish leaders, sent by Pharisees: Why then are you baptizing? JtB: I baptize w/ water, but among you there’s one you don’t know who comes after me (cf v15), who is greater than me.

1:28 This took place in Bethany across the Jordan (the one 20 mile South of Sea of Galilee), where John was baptizing.

1:29 Next day, JtB saw Jesus. JtB: Behold, Lamb of God, takes sins of world away. This is who I said comes after me, ranks before me, because before me.

1:31 I myself did not know him, but I baptized w/ water so he might be revealed to Israel.

1:32 JtB bore witness: I saw Spirit descend from heaven, remained on him. I didn’t know him. He who sent me to baptize said: He on whom Spirit descends and remain is one who baptizes w/ HS.

1:34 And I have seen and have borne witness: this [Jesus] is Son of God.

1:35 Next day, JtB with 2 disciples, saw Jesus walk by: Behold, Lamb of God. 2 disciples heard and followed Jesus. Jesus: What seeking? 2: Rabbi, where are you staying?

1:39 Jesus: Come see. They stayed w/ him that day, for it was 4 pm.

1:40 1 of 2 was Andrew. Andrew found his bros, Simon Peter, said: We’ve found Messiah (Christ). Brought him to Jesus. Jesus: You are Simon, son of John, you’ll be called Cephas (Peter).

1:43 Next day, Jesus went to Galilee. Found Philip: Follow me. Philip from Bethsaida, as were Andrew and Peter.

1:45 Philip found Nathanael: We’ve found him whom Moses and prophets wrote, Jesus of Nazareth, son of Joseph. Nathanael: Can anything good come from Nazareth? Philip: Come see.

1:47 Jesus saw Nathanael coming: Behold, Israelite in whom no deceit. Nathanael: How know me? Jesus: Before Philip called you, I saw you under fig tree. Nathanael: You are SoG, King of Israel.

1:50 Jesus: You believe because of this? You’ll see greater things than that. You’ll see heaven opened, angels descending on Son of Man.

DIVISIONS

A. John the Baptist as an Old Testament Prophet proclaimed the Messiah had Arrived, John 1:19-28

B. John the Baptist’s Identified Jesus as Lamb of God and Son of God, John 1:29-34

C. Jesus Called His First Disciples to Follow Him, John 1:35-51

SUBJECT SENTENCE

John the Baptist identified Jesus as Lamb of God and Jesus called His First Disciples, John 1:19-51

AIM

CATL that:

A.

1 John the Baptist and his call for repentance drew many to repent and be baptized but it also drew the Jewish religious leaders who did not authorize his teaching or baptizing and desired to undermine John the Baptist’s authority and teaching,

2 the OT prophets prophesied of the Messiah’s coming,

3 after 400 years of silence, John the Baptist identified himself as an OT prophet,

4 John the Baptist prophesied that the Messiah (Greater One) had now arrived,

5 we must be like John the Baptist by imitating his humility and his pointing to the supremacy of Christ and not robbing glory from Him.

B.

1 John the Baptist as an OT prophet identified Jesus as the Lamb of God and the Son of God who takes away the sin of the world,

2 that this reference to Jesus as the Lamb of God is a reference to the OT sin offering and indicates Jesus mission on earth,

3 John the Baptist’s reference to “world” is not a reference to every person in the world (and this is important to know as this is used through out John),

4 John the Baptist’s identification of Jesus was based on an authenticating sign of the HS.

C.

1 John the Baptist proclaimed Jesus as the Lamb of God and Son of God to Andrew and John,

2 Andrew and John desired to learn more about Jesus when they followed Jesus and asked where he was staying,

3 Jesus taught Andrew and John and they were convinced he was the Messiah, (4) believing in Jesus as the Messiah is a work of the HS alone (reference: John 1:12-13),

4 Andrew and Philip did not just believe but excitedly told others about Jesus (Andrew told Simon and Philip told Nathanael),

5 Philip’s and the others Holy Spirit ordained decision to follow Jesus was sacrificial,

6 Nathanael’s questioning of Philip’s claim to have found a person from Nazareth to be the Messiah was consistent with Jesus statement that Nathanael was an honest Israelite because Nathanael knew that scripture provided no prophecy that the Messiah would come from Nazareth,

7 Jesus provided a sign to Nathanael to authenticate himself as the Messiah (as God had done for John the Baptist),

8 Jesus reference to doing greater things than the vision he gave to Nathanael teaches us that visions and miracles are signs of Jesus being the Messiah and not the ultimate work of Jesus,

9 Jesus is the object of Jacob’s vision of the ladder in Gen 28:12 and this teaches us that that his work will result in us having access to heaven, (xi) Jesus purpose in selecting His disciples (Andrew, John, Simon, Philip, Nathanael) was to give them unique authority to bear witness about Him as the foundation for the church such that to reject what the disciples (later apostles) bore witness to would be to reject what Christ himself proclaimed.

PRINCIPLES

A. The prophet prophesied in Mal 4:5 was John the Baptist who proclaimed that the long-awaited Messiah had arrived.

B. Jesus is the Lamb of God who takes away sin of the world and is the Son of God.

C. Jesus called disciples to give them unique authority to bear witness about Him as the foundation for the church such that to reject what the disciples (later apostles) bore witness is to reject what Christ himself proclaimed.

APPLICATIONS

A. How does John the Baptist’s testimony as an Old Testament prophet preparing the way for the Messiah give you increased confidence that Jesus Christ was the Messiah? How does John the Baptist’s testimony that he was not worthy to untie the coming Messiah’s sandals better lead you to be more humble and proclaim the supremacy of Jesus Christ? John the Baptist commanded that people make straight the way of the LORD, which was a command to prepare themselves for the ministry of Jesus by repenting. Of what sins do you need to repent in preparation for Christ’s ministry to you? How does John the Baptist’s testimony despite the threat of Jewish persecution lead you to do likewise?

B. John the Baptist as an OT prophet identified Jesus as the Messiah as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. How does this description understanding its OT references lead you to have greater affections for Christ, who John the Baptist also identified as being the Son of God? How does the fact that John the Baptist identification of Jesus as the Lamb of God and the Son of God was based on the fulfillment of the sign God gave him give you increased confidence in the truth claims of John the Baptist?

C. Jesus as the Lamb of God bore your sins and has given you access to heaven to be in God’s presence for eternity. How does this truth and Andrew’s and Philip’s examples of excitedly proclaiming Christ as the Messiah lead you proclaim Jesus as the Messiah? How does the truth that Jesus bore your sin and the examples of Peter, James, John, Philip and Andrew to follow Jesus lead you to follow Jesus? In what specific ways is the HS leading you to follow Him? How does Jesus statement to Nathanael that He will do greater things that the signs he performed lead you to change your view of the relative importance of Jesus’ signs to His redemptive work as the Lamb of God? How does Jesus selection of these disciples (and the others) lead you to hold the disciples (later Apostles) teachings as provided in our NT cannon in higher regard? How is God leading you to speak for Him within your circle of influence? What is holding you back?

John 1:25 ESV

They asked him, “Then why are you baptizing, if you are neither the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?”

1:21 Are you Elijah. In Matt. 11:14 Jesus, clearly referring to Mal. 4:5, tells the crowd that John is “Elijah who is to come.” John comes in the “spirit and power of Elijah” (Luke 1:17), but the Baptist here affirms that he is not Elijah himself.

the Prophet. There were different expectations among first-century Jews concerning the “Prophet like me” that Moses announced in Deut. 18:15. Here the priests and Levites want to know whether John considers himself to be this Prophet.

John 1:26 ESV

John answered them, “I baptize with water, but among you stands one you do not know,

See John's testimony about Christ at John 1:7

John 1:29 ESV

The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!

Names of Christ, John 1:29

Christology

John 1:29

Names of Christ: Lamb of God

The Lamb of God. The use of a lamb for sacrifice was very familiar to Jews. A lamb was used as a sacrifice during Passover (Ex. 12:1–36); a lamb was led to the slaughter in the prophecies of Isaiah (Is. 53:7); a lamb was offered in the daily sacrifices of Israel (Lev. 14:12–21; cf. Heb. 10:5–7). John the Baptist used this expression as a reference to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus on the cross to atone for the sins of the world, a theme which John the apostle carries throughout his writings (19:36; cf. Rev. 5:1–6; 7:17; 17:14) and that appears in other NT writings (e.g., 1 Pet. 1:19).

MacArthur, John Jr. The MacArthur Study Bible. electronic ed. Nashville: Word Pub., 1997, c1997.

John 1:29 ESV

The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!

John the Baptist's testimony about Jesus, John 1:29

See John's testimony about Christ at John 1:7

John 1:29 ESV

The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!

Atonement, Accomplished by Christ

Jesus role in taking away the sin of the world

John 1:29 ESV

The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!

Atonement, Extent of Atonement, Universal?

Christology

Extent of Atonement

Verses Suggesting Universal Atonement

sin of the world. See note on v. 9; cf. 3:16; 6:33, 51. In this context "world" has the connotation of humanity in general, not specifically every person. The use of the singular "sin" in conjunction with "of the world" indicates that Jesus’ sacrifice for sin potentially reaches all human beings without distinction (cf. 1 John 2:2). John makes clear, however, that its efficacious effect is only for those who receive Christ (vv. 11, 12). For discussion of the relation of Christ’s death to the world, see note on 2 Cor. 5:19.

MacArthur, John Jr. The MacArthur Study Bible. electronic ed. Nashville: Word Pub., 1997, c1997.

who takes away the sin of the world. The “world” designates humanity in its hostility to God, as elsewhere in this Gospel. Although not all persons without exception will be saved, the sacrifice is the only atonement for human sin, and its effectiveness is not limited by time or place (3:16 note).

John 1:30 ESV

This is he of whom I said, ‘After me comes a man who ranks before me, because he was before me.’

Deity, Christ was before John the Baptist

John 1:31 ESV

I myself did not know him, but for this purpose I came baptizing with water, that he might be revealed to Israel.”

Baptism, John’s vs the HS’s

There is a distinction between John the Baptist's baptism with water and Christ baptizing with the Holy Spirit.

John's baptism, see John 1:31, 33a

Christ baptism would be with the Holy Spirit, John 1:33c.

1:33 who baptizes with the Holy Spirit. The Old Testament anticipated the time of redemption as the time when the Spirit would be poured out on God’s people. Paul refers to Jesus as the second Adam who became “a life-giving spirit,” (1 Cor. 15:45 note). It is after Jesus returns to heaven that He sends this heavenly Helper to dwell with His people on earth (14:26; 16:7). The baptism of the Holy Spirit occurs with the new birth that constitutes helpless sinners as sons and daughters of God (vv. 12, 13; 1 Cor. 12:13). This baptism also empowers them for Christian service (Luke 24:49; Acts 1:8).

John 1:31 ESV

I myself did not know him, but for this purpose I came baptizing with water, that he might be revealed to Israel.”

Did John the Baptist know Jesus before Jesus' Baptism? John 1:31

1:31 I did not know Him. Though John the Baptist may have had previous personal contact with Jesus (cf. Luke 1:39–45), he did not know who Jesus was (the Lamb and Son of God) until the Spirit identified Him (v. 32). See “The Baptism of Jesus” at Mark 1:9.

John 1:31 ESV

I myself did not know him, but for this purpose I came baptizing with water, that he might be revealed to Israel.”

John notes here how it is that he knew that Jesus was the Lamb of God (v29). There are three parts to this.

He was told to Baptize for so it might be revealed who was the Christ

John the Baptist says in John 1:31 that he did not know who the Lamb of God was. He says that he was baptizing for the purpose that the Christ might be revealed to Israel. Who sent him to baptize? John 1:33 indicates that "he who sent me to baptize." He is not capitalized so it does not make a clear reference to me that he was told by God. At any rate, John was somehow told that he needed to baptize (v31, v33) and that the Christ would be revealed when he did that (v31).

He was told that the one on whom the Spirit descends and remain is the Christ

John 1:32-34 indicates how it is that he know Jesus was the Lamb of God. He indicates that "he who sent me to baptize said that on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain this is he who baptizes with the Holy Spirit. So this was a miraculous revelation God made to John.

John the Baptist saw the Spirit descended and remain on Jesus

John 1:32 indicates that John the Baptist saw the Spirit descend on Jesus like a dove and remain on him.

John the Baptist is recounting this in John 1:29-34. See the footnote for the references in Matthew, Mark and Luke to this event.

John 1:32 ESV

And John bore witness: “I saw the Spirit descend from heaven like a dove, and it remained on him.

John the Baptist's testimony to Jesus being the Son of God, John 1:32

Christology

John 1:32

John the Baptist's testimony to Jesus being the Son of God

I note that this testimony is based on John's bearing witness to Jesus baptism where the Spirit came on him.

John 1:32–34 ESV

And John bore witness: “I saw the Spirit descend from heaven like a dove, and it remained on him. I myself did not know him, but he who sent me to baptize with water said to me, ‘He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain, this is he who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’ And I have seen and have borne witness that this is the Son of God.”

Deity, John the Baptist’s Testimony

John 1:36 ESV

and he looked at Jesus as he walked by and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God!”

See John 1:7 for John the Baptist's testimony about Jesus.

John 1:37 ESV

The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus.

Andrew's and John's Response to Jesus, John 1:37

See People's Responses to Christ, His Miracles, and his Message at John 1:51.

John 1:37 ESV

The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus.

The Order of the Disciples mentioned in John, John 1:37

The Order of the disciples:

In John 1:37 we read of the first two disciples of Jesus. One of these was Andrew (v 40.) We can assume that the other was John since he wrote about this.

In John 1:42 we see Peter added to the group.

Phillip and Nathanael were added in John 1:42-51.

There is no referense in John's gospel to the adding of the other seven disciples.

John 1:42 ESV

He brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, “You are Simon the son of John. You shall be called Cephas” (which means Peter).

Peter's Response to Jesus, John 1:42

See Peoples' Responses to Christ, his Miracles and his Message at John 1:51.

John 1:43 ESV

The next day Jesus decided to go to Galilee. He found Philip and said to him, “Follow me.”

Philips' Response to Jesus, John 1:43

See Peoples' Responses to Christ, his Miracles and his Message at John 1:51.

John 1:48 ESV

Nathanael said to him, “How do you know me?” Jesus answered him, “Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.”

Incarnate Omniscience?

John 1:48 ESV

Nathanael said to him, “How do you know me?” Jesus answered him, “Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.”

Nathaneal's Response to Jesus, John 1:48

See Peoples' Responses to Christ, his Miracles and his Message at John 1:51.

John 1:51 ESV

And he said to him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you will see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.”

People's Responses to Christ, his Miracles, and his Message in John, John 1:51

Peoples' Responses to Christ, his Miracles and his Message

See John's testimony about Christ at John 1:7.

John 1:37: Andrew and John respond to John the Baptist's proclamation that Christ is the Lamb of God.

John 1:42: Peter followed Andrew to see Christ after Andrew's proclaimation of who Jesus was.

John 1:43: Phillip followed Jesus.

John 1:48-51: Nathaneal responds to Jesus miracule with an acknowledgement of belief that Jesus is the Son of God and the King of Israel.

John 2:4: the disciples response to Jesus first miracle was belief in him.

John 2:20: the Pharasees demanded a sign and scoffed at Jesus answer.

John 3:1-15: Jesus was doing signs according to Nicodemus (see also 2:23) and he notes the purpose of Jesus doing these miracles- so that the people would know that he his God. Nicodemus acknowledges the nature of the miracels- no one could do them unless God was within him.

John 4:1-45: The women at the well initially responded to Jesus with sceptisim but after he miraculously told her about her life, she accepted him as a prophet and after he revealed that he was the Messiah, she accepted him as the Christ. Interestingly, many people of her village subsequently also believed him to be the Christ.

John 4:45: The Galilieans are said to have welcomed Jesus since they had been at the feast. Although, according to John 4:48, they welcomed him more as miracle worker than as Messiah.

John 4:46-54: The Official from Caprnaum responded to Jesus (perhaps because he heard of the miracle of turning the water into wine which occurred in his area) by asking Jesus to heal his son. When Jesus said that his son will live, the official believed him.

John 5:1-17: The lame man who was healed by Jesus responded by doing what Jesus said to do- carrying his mat. When he learned that it was Jesus who healed him, he told the Pharasees. It is not stated whether the man believed in Jesus.

John 5:18: The Jews' response to Jesus was to kill him because he broke the Sabbath and made himself equal with God.

John 6:2 The Crowds response to all the signs he was doing on the sick was to follow him.

John 6:14: Response of the 5000 was to proclaim him as the prophet and try to make him king by force. Jesus withdrew.

John 6:19-21: Response of the Disciples after Jesus walked on water: They were frightened. But when he said do not be afraid it is I, they were glad to take him into the boat.

John 6:25ff The response of the people at Capernaum. These people sought Jesus after he fed the 5000 but they sought him for the wrong reason- to get more food. Jesus goes on to tell them what is really important- eternal life. When they learn that Jesus is not going to give them what they want, they grumbled (John 6:41) and then they started to point out that he was just a man (John 6:42). Then they disputed his teaching (John 6:52). Then they grumbled somemore (John 6:60). And ultimately, they turned back and walked with him no longer (John 6:66).

John 6:60: Assuming that Jesus disciples here includes people that were with Jesus before the feeding of the 5000, then we have a separate group of people's responses to consider. These people heard a hard teaching (either the teaching about God alone being the efficient cause of their salvation or the teaching on the eating Christ's flesh and drinking his blood, or both teachings) and they followed him no longer.

John 6:67-69: The Disciples Respone to Jesus Teaching on God Alone being the Efficient Cause of Regeneration and of Eating his Flesh and Drinking his Blood. The twelve, unlike the other disciples, acknowledged Jesus to have the words of eternal life and they acknowledged him as teh Holy One of God.

John 7:5: Response of Jesus' brothers. Jesus brothers did not believe him. In John 7:3-4, we see what might be considered in light of verse 5 as sarcasim by the brothers toward Jesus.

John 7:11-13: The Responses of the People at the Festival of the Booths. The Jews were looking for him (to kill him?), some of the people said he was a good man, some of the people said he is leading the people astray.

John 7:14-24: The Response of the Jews at the Temple on the Festival of the Booths. Here the Jews mocked Jesus' teaching, suggesting he was a false teacher and said that he was a demon.

John 7:25-31: The Response of Some of the People of Jersualem at the Festival of Booths. Some of the people of Jerusalem wondered if Jesus really is the Christ because Jesus was speaking openly and the authorities said nothing to him. This caused them to wonder if Jesus really was the Christ. Beginning in verse 27, we see a division among these people. Some thought that no one would know where the Christ came from and they knew where Jesus came from. As such, they concluded that he could not be the Christ*. But other people in this group, especially after Jesus' teaching in verses 28-29, concluded that he was the Christ. This was aparently based in large part on all the miracles Jesus had done, verse 31.

*It is unclear to me whether these people are the ones refered to in verse 30 as seekng to arrest him. There is no reference to these people being in a position of authority to seek to arrest him. This may refer back to "the Jews" at John 7:11, 15. It could also refer to the Pharasees who are mentioned at John 7:32 and actually are noted to have sent officers to arrest Jesus.

John 7:32ff Response of the Pharisees at the Festival of Booths. The Pharisees heard the crowd muttering the aforementioned things (see John 7:14-31) and took this opportunity to arrest Jesus by sending officers.

The response of these Pharasees continues at John 7:34 where they appear to be confused over Jesus' teaching about being with them a littel while longer and going to him who sent him.. . (verse 33). The do not understand that he is referring to his return to God.

The response of these Pharasees continues again at John 7:45 where the officers tell them that they did not bring Jesus in because no one ever spoke like this man. The Pharasees respond to this by telling them that they have been deceived- presumably Jesus is the deceiver. They cite the fact that none of the authorities or Pharasees believe in him in support of their contention. However, Nicodemus, a Pharasee, was apparenlty at least one Pharasee who believed in Jesus. This is implied by his comment that it was against the law to judge a man without a hearing to learn what he has done. Bu the Pharasees mock him with this repeated comment that no prophet comes from Gaillee.

John 7:40-44: Response of the the people on the last day of the Festival of Booths. After Jesus' teaching on the last day of the festival of booths, some people said this is really the prophet and others said that this is the Christ. But yet others questioned whether Jesus could be the Christ since he was from Gaililee. They interpreted the Scriptures to say that the Christ must be from the line of David and come from Bethlehem. Presumably, this latter group wanted to arrest him.

John 7:45-46: The Response of the Pharisees' Officers at the Festival of Booths. The officers of the Pharasees who were sent to arrest Jesus (John 7:32) responded to Jesus by not arresting him as they had been told. When confronted by the Pharasees about this they simply reported that no one ever spoke like this man. They were so taken by the words he spoke that they could not accomplish their task. Were they saved when Jesus spoke to them? Perhaps. If the Pharasees were like the Romans, these officers may have been killed for not fulfiling their duties. If that was the case, then these officers may have been saved and returned ready to die for Christ. On the other hand, it may be that they were not saved at all but just stayed by God's soveriegn of hand (cf John 7:44).

John 8:1-11: Response of the Scribes and Pharasees. They tried to test him that they might bring a charge against him.

John 9:1-34: Response of the Pharasees to Jesus healing of the Man who was Blind from Birth

Here in John 9:16 Jesus makes a man who was blind from birth see but the Pharasees cannot get over the fact that he broke the Sabbath. I cannot believe that this offense is substantive. Rather, I think that they hated Jesus and this was the best thing that they could come up with to accuse him of wrong doing. I do not think that they were all that concerned about the Sabbath being violated. Rather, they did not love Jesus.

I note that not all of the Pharasees were concerned about Jesus performing a miracle on the Sabbath. Verse 16b indicates that some others questioned the first group of Pharasee's assessment that Jesus was not from God. This second group inquired how a man who is a sinner could do such signs.

In John 9:18, it is noted that these Pharasees did not even believe that the miracle really even took place. So they called the parents in in verses 18-23. Even after they heard the parents, they did not believe that the miracle took place because they had to ask the man again in verse 24 to 27.

In verse 27, they indicate that they still did not believe that Jesus had done a miracle after they heard the man's testimony again.

In verse 28, they did not hesitate to hold themselves above Jesus, claiming that they are disciples of Moses and derogating Jesus by saying they do not know where he comes from.

In verses 30 to 33 the blind man makes the significance of this miracle clear to them but in verse 34, they object to being taught by this man and they cast him out.

People's reaction to the Parable of the Good Shepherd.

In John 10:19-20 we see the people's responses to the parable of the good shepherd. The response was divided. Some said he was a demon and is insane. Others said that he could not be a demon because demons don't open the eyes of the blind. No one is recorded by responding to the parable by acknowleding Jesus as the Christ.

Pilate

In John 18:38, Pilate responds to Jesus. After interrogating him and finding no fault with him and having Jesus explain that he is a king but that his kingdom is not of this world, Jesus tells him that everyone who is of the truth listens to Jesus' voice. Pilate proves that he is not of the truth by stating with cynicism: what is truth?

Response of the Jews in Jerusalem at Jesus' Last Passover

At John 19:15, these people responded to Jesus by crying out crucify him. The contempt that they have for Christ is evident from their willingness to have Barrabas released instead of Jesus. It is also evident from them openly acknowledging that they have no king but Caesar.

John 1:51 ESV

And he said to him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you will see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.”

Deity, Christ’s Claim of Deity

John 1:51 is the first verse where Jesus claims greatness. Here he claims to be means by which the angels of God ascend and descend from heaven to earth.

John 2:1 ESV

On the third day there was a wedding at Cana in Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there.

Marriage, Jesus Endorsement

Jesus appearance at this wedding shows support for the institution of marriage.

John 2:1–25 ESV

On the third day there was a wedding at Cana in Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Jesus also was invited to the wedding with his disciples. When the wine ran out, the mother of Jesus said to him, “They have no wine.” And Jesus said to her, “Woman, what does this have to do with me? My hour has not yet come.” His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” Now there were six stone water jars there for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons. Jesus said to the servants, “Fill the jars with water.” And they filled them up to the brim. And he said to them, “Now draw some out and take it to the master of the feast.” So they took it. When the master of the feast tasted the water now become wine, and did not know where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew), the master of the feast called the bridegroom and said to him, “Everyone serves the good wine first, and when people have drunk freely, then the poor wine. But you have kept the good wine until now.” This, the first of his signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee, and manifested his glory. And his disciples believed in him. After this he went down to Capernaum, with his mother and his brothers and his disciples, and they stayed there for a few days. The Passover of the Jews was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. In the temple he found those who were selling oxen and sheep and pigeons, and the money-changers sitting there. And making a whip of cords, he drove them all out of the temple, with the sheep and oxen. And he poured out the coins of the money-changers and overturned their tables. And he told those who sold the pigeons, “Take these things away; do not make my Father’s house a house of trade.” His disciples remembered that it was written, “Zeal for your house will consume me.” So the Jews said to him, “What sign do you show us for doing these things?” Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” The Jews then said, “It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and will you raise it up in three days?” But he was speaking about the temple of his body. When therefore he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this, and they believed the Scripture and the word that Jesus had spoken. Now when he was in Jerusalem at the Passover Feast, many believed in his name when they saw the signs that he was doing. But Jesus on his part did not entrust himself to them, because he knew all people and needed no one to bear witness about man, for he himself knew what was in man.

John: Lesson 3

Water to Wine and Temple Cleansing

John 2

Lesson Questions

First Day: Read Lesson 2 Notes.

The notes and lecture fortify the truth of the passage for understanding and application to daily life.

1. What truths in last week’s notes or lesson discussion about John the Baptist’s witness or the disciples’ call stood out to you? Why?

2. In what way did the lecture help inspire you to proclaim the promise and person of Jesus?

I thought it was helpful to hear the lecturer talk about John the gospel writer being like that of a lawyer making a case for Jesus being the Messiah with the prologue being opening statements and John the Baptist being his first witness. That angle helps me realize that John is making the case for Jesus being the Christ. Of course, John is also doing more than that - he is giving us reasons to be in awe of Christ and to desire to be his disciples (John 20:30-31).

Second Day: Read John 2:1-12.

Jesus and His first disciples attended a wedding.

BSF Engage:

At some point and to varying degrees, everyone desires transformation. We often seek a better version of ourselves or some sort of upgrade—a new home, more education, fresh coat of paint, new city, job promotion, or even maturity as the years pass. While any of these may be good, the rejuvenation eventually recedes into the everyday. We yearn for more. The transformation this world offers yields only partial refreshment and momentary excitement.1

In the opening days of Jesus’s public ministry, He attracted followers and offered evidence of His majesty. The Lord began to share His heavenly perspective with the world. At a wedding in Cana, in the temple courts of Jerusalem, and through His encounters with fellow Jews, Jesus redefined transformation. Only the spiritual regeneration Jesus provides can bring lasting change. Jesus wields transforming authority. He desires and has the power to change His people from the inside out.

1. Worldly treasure: Matthew 6:19-21

BSF notes re Jesus’s Miraculous Signs in John’s Gospel

● Turned water into wine – 2:1-11

● Healed royal official’s son – 4:46-54

● Healed paralyzed man – 5:1-15

● Fed 5,000 – 6:1-14

● Walked on water – 6:16-21

● Healed blind man – 9:1-41

● Raised Lazarus – 11:1-44

● Resurrected – 20:1-29

(Scholars differ regarding the numbering of the signs. Some, for example, do not count Jesus’s walking on water but do count the resurrection as the seventh and pinnacle of all the other signs.)

BSF notes re Jesus Displays His Power – John 2:1-12

Jesus performed His first sign soon after gathering His first disciples.1 This recorded miracle took place at a wedding and was the first of many signs to point to His authority, divinity, and regenerating power.

Wedding at Cana – 2:1-5

The Setting – 2:1-2

Jesus had just recruited Nathanael, Philip, and Peter to follow Him. Additionally, two of John the Baptist’s former disciples, Andrew and likely John (this Gospel’s writer), left their fishing nets to follow Jesus. The newly formed group traveled together to a wedding in Cana, a village near Jesus’s hometown of Nazareth.

In Jewish culture, weddings presented a time of joyful fellowship. The celebration typically consisted of events lasting an entire week or more. The bride and groom were treated like a king and queen. A wedding provided respite from days of hard work, poverty, and Roman oppression.

1. First disciples: John 1:35-51

BSF Hold Fast

Jesus began His public ministry with a quiet miracle at a wedding in Cana. He transformed ordinary water stored in stone jars designed for ceremonial cleansing into fine wine. Similarly, sinful humans cannot be purified or made new through external religious ceremonies but only through the miracle of Jesus’s transforming power and authority. Jesus then boldly entered and cleansed the Jerusalem temple of the profiteering commerce that polluted God’s intended purpose. Jesus came to bring a solution to sin’s corruption and purify human hearts to know and honor God as He intended. As He performed miraculous signs to gathering crowds in Jerusalem, Jesus discerned their shallow interest and withheld truth they would not accept. Jesus revealed His transforming power to the world to fulfill God’s plan.

Jesus overturns convention and expectation. He levels the field in a world where people seek to get ahead. He honors and serves the humble, lowly, and downtrodden. He offers freedom from the power and propensity to sin. In and through Jesus, we learn to see others as God’s children to love and serve. The transformation He brings and that we experience rises as our spiritual act of worship back to Him.26

26. Living sacrifice: Romans 12:1-2

3. a. Describe the problem that occurred at the wedding and the possible embarrassment this could have caused.

i the problem

Verses 1-3a indicate that on the third day Jesus was in Galilee, there was a wedding at Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there. Jesus and disciples invited and attended. The problem was that the wine ran out. The significance of this may not just be an inconvenience but it could result in guests leaving earlier than planned.

ii the embarrassment

I suppose running out of wine at a wedding would be akin to running out of food. When you have friends over to your home for dinner and you ran out of food, it would be an embarrassment because it would be communicating to your guests that they weren’t special. If they were special, you would have made adequate provisions for the meal. When it comes to running out of wine at this wedding, it would be an embarrassment to the bride and groom (see v10 which suggests that it was the bride and groom who directed the provisions) for the same reason. The guests would not feel special because the bride and groom did not make adequate provisions for hosting them.

It appears that Mary may have had some level of responsibility for throwing the wedding such that some of the embarrassment fell upon her.

Having noted the above, Jesus did not perform this sign to solve a problem and save newly weds or event his mother from embarrassment. As with many of His miracles, He used this problem as an opportunity to teach people, including and perhaps especially his disciples, about Himself and his work, as we will see below.

BSF notes re The Problem – 2:3-4

This wedding, likely that of a relative or family friend, involved Jesus’s mother, Mary. The scene opens with Mary scrambling to find a solution to a critical need—a shortage of wine that would have humiliated the hosts of such a festive occasion. Although drunkenness has always been a sin,2 wine was considered essential at weddings and other important celebrations. In ancient times, wine was often a regular part of daily life.

2. Drunkenness: Proverbs 20:1; 23:29-35; Isaiah 5:11, 22; Habakkuk 2:5, 15

b. What do you think Mary intended when she approached Jesus? How did she respond after hearing Jesus’s words?

i Mary intended

In verse 3b-5 we read that Jesus’ mother went to Jesus and told him that they ran out of wine. We can reasonably infer, especially from verse 5, that she told him this because she knew he could solve the problem. It was not that Jesus was a vinedresser on the side and that she was appealing to those skills. Rather, Jesus’ response in verse 4 where he said “My hour has not yet come” suggests that Mary thought that Jesus’ position as Messiah gave him some ability to solve the problem.

What basis did Mary have for believing Jesus could solve this problem as Messiah? Mary’s basis may have been very simple based on her experience with raising him and his wisdom. But she may have had a deeper basis. Mary certainly knew Jesus was the Messiah from the angel even before he was born (Matt 1:18-25). Jesus likely taught Mary about how he would fulfill being Messiah. We see a glimpse of Jesus teaching his parents about his mission in Luke 2:49 when he was a boy. It seems to me to be reasonable to infer that Mary understood from the OT and from Jesus that when the timing was right He would perform signs that authenticated Him as being the Messiah. We may even be able to go so far as to say that Mary had a deep understanding of the nature of those signs, including signs that demonstrated the Messiah’s fulfillment of Is 25:6-9 which well-aged wine and rich food metaphors pointed to the abundant fruitfulness characteristic of the coming new creation of the latter days as described by Hos. 2:22; Joel 2:19, 24; 3:18; Amos 9:13, 14; Zech 9:17. Whether Mary had this deep of a basis for asking him to address this problem or not, it does it appear to me that Jesus had an intention to use this as an opportunity to teach about His person and His work and that it led the disciples to believe in him (v11).

BSF notes:

In desperation, Mary turned to the One she trusted most to find a solution. She simply approached Jesus and stated her problem: “They have no more wine.” Because Mary’s husband is not mentioned, she may have been a widow at this time. She would naturally turn to her eldest son for help.

Luke’s Gospel makes it clear that Mary knew Jesus’s true identity since before He was born.3 Had Mary heard the pronouncements of John the Baptist?4 Did she think it was time for Jesus to reveal Himself to the world? Or did she simply want more wine for the wedding guests?

3. Jesus’s identity: Luke 1:35-56; 2:1-52

ii. Jesus words

I will note here Jesus statements to Mary before commenting on Mary’s response. Jesus said to her, as recorded in verse 4: “Women, what does this have to do with me? My hour has not yet come.”

ii. Mary’s response

Despite Jesus’ refusal in verse 4, Mary in verse 5 told the servant to “do whatever he tells you.” we don’t need to understand this statement as meaning she knew he would perform a miracle. All we this statement could indicate is that Jesus would take some kind of action to solve the problem, whether it be related to Him being the Messiah (such as using the opportunity to perform a miracle that authenticates him as a prophet) or not.

BSF notes re A Mother’s Response – 2:5

With trust in her son and Lord, Mary instructed the wedding servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” In faith, Mary demonstrated the appropriate response to Jesus’s absolute authority— obedience. Mary’s example continues to speak to us today.

c. How might your intentions affect the way you approach Jesus?

We ask God for help when we need to have a problem solved. Phil 4:5-7 does teach us that we need not be anxious for anything but in everything, we can go to the LORD in prayer and supplication with thanksgiving. However, we must learn from Jesus that we need to seek God’s will (as the Lord’s Prayer instructed, “thy will be done.” God will always answer our prayer although it is not necessarily the way we anticipated it. Like Mary, the LORD may answer our prayers in a far greater way than we could ask or imagine (Eph 3:20).

d. What lessons do you draw from Jesus’s words to Mary?

That Jesus decided to perform a sign by turning water into wine tells us that His Father, through the HS, answered Jesus question: what does this have to do with me? The HS prompted Jesus to see how solving this problem would teach the people and especially His disciples, about Himself and His work, which lessons I will comment further on below.

This idea that the HS led Jesus to do things is supported by the account of Jesus being baptized and then going to the wilderness to be tempted, as recorded in Matt 4:1-11, Mark 1:12-13, and Luke 4:1-13. In each of these accounts it indicates that Jesu was “led up by the Spirit into the wilderness” (Matt 4:1-11), that “The spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness (Mark 1:12-13), and “was led by the Spirit in the wilderness” (Luke 4:1-13). In each of these cases we see the HS taking action to direct Jesus to do something. I see this shift in John 2:4 from Jesus not seeing how the wine problem had anything to do with his Messianic ministry to a point where he decided to take action in John 2:7 as being the HS prompting him to use this as an opportunity to teach about Himself and His work.

We might be offended by Jesus referring to his mother as “women”. However, this is apparently a respectful way of addressing a woman in that culture because Jesus normally addressed other women this way as recorded in John 4:21, 8:10.

That Jesus calls Mary women instead of mother and then says, “what does this have to do with me?”, teaches us that Jesus was responding to her in his position as Messiah. From all of this and the additional comments “My hour has not yet come” indicates that Mary’s special relationship as Jesus’ mother gave her no authority to intervene in Christ’s messianic career. This is a strong argument against offering prayer to Mary.

We might think it odd that Jesus says that his hour has not yet come when Jesus by this point had called his disciples (at least some of them) and according to the synoptic gospel accounts, he had already started his preaching ministry. However, Jesus usually refers to his “hour” as the time of His suffering and death (7:30; 8:20; 12:23, 27; 13:1; 17:1). Jesus is asserting that His Father, not Mary, must determine the timetable of His earthly ministry.

BSF notes:

Jesus gently, firmly, and succinctly replied to Mary’s request. Consider three noteworthy points in His response:

“Woman”

Jesus respectfully addressed His mother in the same manner He would from the cross, the only other time Mary appears in this Gospel.5 Using “woman” as a common expression, Jesus moved Mary to see Him no longer as the son of her flesh but as Lord of her life. Mary’s relationship with Jesus would become even more intimate through faith in Him as her Savior and Lord.

“Why do you involve me?”

Like the term “woman,” this phrase should not be considered discourteous. Rather, Jesus understood the work His Father sent Him to do. While His mother sought a solution to a practical problem, Jesus focused on an eternal timeline. Jesus’s words reveal that He and His mother had different primary concerns.

“My hour has not yet come.”

Jesus understood that He came into this world to accomplish His Father’s purpose.6 By divine omniscience [Phil 2:6-7 teaches contrarily. I believe that the HS informed Jesus as noted above], Jesus knew everything His Father planned long before He entered the world [except that Phil 2:6-7 says he laid those attributes aside]. Whenever Jesus spoke of His “hour,” He referred to the cross.7 Throughout His ministry, Mary and others desired for Jesus to reveal Himself more broadly and urgently as the Messiah. However, Jesus’s “hour” would not come until He entered Jerusalem as King and Messiah, riding on a donkey and fulfilling prophecy.8 Though at the point of Mary’s request Jesus had not yet offered signs of His authority, He offered many before His “hour” on the cross.

Jesus’s “hour” would overturn expectations of the Messiah as a conquering king. Jesus’s path to His eternal throne would instead include suffering and death. The Lamb of God must die and rise again to defeat death and provide salvation for God’s people.9 Everything Jesus did during His earthly life pointed toward the eternal impact of His saving act on behalf of humanity.

4. Proclamation of the Messiah: John 1:32-34

5. “Woman”: John 19:26

6. Jesus’s purpose: Luke 2:41-49; John 1:1-5; 17:1-5

7. "Hour" of the cross: John 7:30; 8:20; 12:23, 27; 13:1; 17:1

8. Triumphant entry: Zechariah 9:9; John 12:12-16

9. Salvation: John 3:16

4. Which attributes did Jesus reveal about Himself in His first miraculous sign of turning water into wine?

i the first miraculous sign

The first miraculous sign is recorded in John 2:6-9a. The response is recorded in John 2:9b-10.

BSF notes re Water to Wine – 2:6-10

The Water – 2:6-8

Nearby stood six stone jars, each with the capacity of 20-30 gallons (75-115 liters). These jars held water for the traditional ceremonial cleansing of hands, feet, and household objects. Jewish tradition rather than God’s law dictated this cleansing ritual. Perhaps these now empty jars supplied water for a ritual within the wedding ceremony.

The servants obeyed Jesus and filled the jars to the brim with water. Next they drew a sample from the vessels to take to the banquet master. God positioned these servants as eyewitnesses to Jesus’s transformational power. Scripture does not tell us whether these servants knew about Jesus or His identity as the Messiah. The Lord accomplishes extraordinary work through ordinary people and ordinary things.

The Wine – 2:9-10

Jesus transformed the water within the stone jars into new wine. Jesus, who was with the Father “in the beginning” when the heavens and earth came into being,10 summoned His divine, creative power to provide more than enough wine for this wedding feast. Jesus’s generous heart gave more than Mary had asked. The One who transforms hearts of stone to love and obey God would regenerate ordinary water into fine wine. God is in the business of transformation. The banquet master testified to the excellence of the wine. He marveled that the best wine would be served at this point in the festivities. Typically hosts served lesser quality wine when their guests’ palates were dulled. In Jesus, God offers the world His best—and with His perfect timing.

8. Triumphant entry: Zechariah 9:9; John 12:12-16

9. Salvation: John 3:16

10. In the beginning: Genesis 1; John 1:1-3

ii which attributes

I don’t think that Jesus performance of this miracles proved he was God, as many people have a tendency to say. To assert that would fail to remember that Moses performed miracles as recorded in the Pentateuch. Elijah and Elisha also performed miracles as recorded in 1 and 2 Kings. Others also performed miracles in the OT. No one asserts that these people were God. That’s because miracles don’t prove the performer to be God but rather authenticated the performer as a true prophet of God.

The performance of this miracle authenticated Jesus as a true prophet of God. Then, Jesus prophesied (in the sense of speaking truth from God) that he was the Messiah God-man. From this authenticated message leads us to logically conclude that Jesus was the Messiah God-man.

This miracle does show Jesus compassion to resolve an embarrassing problem as described above and to allow for an appropriate wedding celebration (Rom 12:15). This is an attribute that will be repeatedly revealed in his miracles. Having said that, I think it is important to note that the compassion Jesus demonstrated in this and his other miracles was intended to point to his greater compassion as Messiah and his work to obey the law completely and to offer himself as a substitution for us on the cross.

5. a. Read verse 11. Explain how Jesus revealed His glory through this sign. (You may use other Scripture references to support your answer.)

Jesus revealed his glory through this sign by signifying the transformation of the old order associated with Moses (symbolized by the stone water jars used for ceremonial washing, v. 6) into the new order (the wine standing for eternal life in God’s kingdom) through Himself (1:16, 17; cf. 2 Cor. 5:17). This glorifies Christ because it reveals God’s (and Jesus’ as second person of the Trinity’s) grace, to eternal life instead of the just eternal death we deserve based on our violations of the law of Moses.

Jesus also revealed his glory through this sign by signifying what he was going to accomplish for us as Messiah. Abundant fruitfulness of vines and wine was characteristic of the coming new creation of the latter days as described by Hos. 2:22; Joel 2:19, 24; 3:18; Amos 9:13, 14; Zech 9:17. Jesus would give us access to God through His person and work. This gives Christ glory because this is a gracious work (see paragraph above) but also because the results of the work are supremely wonderful for us!

BSF notes re The Signs of His Time – 2:11-12

Signs – 2:11

Jesus’s transformation of water into wine at the wedding in Cana presented the first of countless miracles He would perform throughout His public ministry. In his Gospel, John refers to Jesus’s miracles as “signs” designed to reveal Him as the Messiah.11 Jesus came to earth to do more than heal the sick, multiply food, and give sight to the blind. He intended for His miracles of compassion to achieve a higher purpose. They were “signs” specifically meant to lead people to believe in Him.12 Jesus offered visible and tangible expressions of His divine authority.

Jesus’s first miracle occurred at a wedding. The context of this sign hints at the great wedding feast to come on a glorious day in the future. Jesus will return to establish the new heavens and new earth. Jesus the Bridegroom will be united, eternally and in glory, with His bride—His people, His Church.13

11. Signs of the Messiah: Isaiah 25:4-8; Jeremiah 31:11-12; Joel 2:24-28; 3:18; Amos 9:13 12. Signs: John 20:30-31

13. Wedding supper: Matthew 22:1-14; Revelation 19:7-9; 21:9

b. In what ways does Jesus’s revelation of His glory in this passage help you?

Jesus revelation of his glory through this miracle helps me see the profundity of His Messianic work and the results of His work, as I have described above. That is, I see that Jesus as the Messiah was coming to establish a new covenant (Luke 22:7-20) that is based on grace (represented by wine and an abundant feast) not justice (the law as represented by ceremonial vessels) and the result of this new covenant is a blessed access to God (again, represented by the wine and an abundant feast).

John records in John 2:11, that this is “the first of Jesus’ signs did at Cana in Galilee.” My first impression is that it seems strange that this is Jesus’ first sign because Jesus (in his humanity) was not the one who planned the circumstances that led to the miracle. Rather, it was a problem that occured and his mother asked him to solve the problem. My first impression is that Jesus first miracle would be one in which Jesus planned the circumstances that would lead to the performance of the first miracle (or all of them). But upon further reflection, most of the signs/miracles Jesus performed followed this pattern of some one approaching him with a problem and Him using that as an opportunity to perform a sign that would teach people about Himself and His work. It is apparent from John 2:19, that the primary sign Jesus planned to show that he was the Messiah was not his first miracle but his last, that being His resurrection from the dead.

BSF Apply It:

It Mary turned to Jesus when a crisis dampened the joy of wedding festivities. Jesus turned a social predicament, an inadequate supply of wine, into a miraculous expression of His regenerating power. Jesus provided relief, joy, and evidence of His compassionate heart. The ordinary became extraordinary. The miraculous overtook the mundane. A troubled mother experienced relief and help from her earthly son who was truly God’s Son. God sparked new life in water confined in jars designed to provide cleansing only God can accomplish. Jesus instituted a new way. How have you experienced the internal transformation only God can produce? Can you sense the new life the Holy Spirit generates within you? In what ways have you seen God revive and change your thinking, priorities, and actions as you look to Jesus as your source of hope? Like Mary, will you present your needs to Jesus and trust Him to supply what only He can provide? Jesus works through the ordinary moments of life to reveal His extraordinary power and authority.

Third Day: Read John 2:13-17.

Jesus cleared the temple courts.

For context, we are told in John 2:12 that after the wedding feast, Jesus went down to Capernaum with this mother and his brothers (also translated brothers and sisters) and his disciples and they stayed there a few days. In verse 13, we see that Jesus went up (as a statement of increased elevation, not direction) to Jerusalem. We will read about this trip to Jerusalem through John 4:54.

BSF notes re Moving On – 2:12

Jesus and His followers soon left Cana for the town of Capernaum, about 16 miles (26 km) away, which would serve as the base of Jesus’s ministry in Galilee. From there, the group traveled to Jerusalem where Jesus would make His first rightful claim to His authority over His temple and His people. Jesus started His public ministry with a quiet display of His transformative power. Jesus’s trip into Jerusalem to celebrate Passover14 brought public confrontation and God-ordained conversations as He carried out His Father’s plan. The faith of Jesus’s mother, brothers, and disciples would grow as they followed and abided in Him.

14. Jesus’s trip into Jerusalem: John 2:13–4:54

6. For which Jewish festival did Jesus travel to Jerusalem? How might this celebration explain the sale of animals and the presence of money changers? (See also Exodus 12:1-11, 24-28 and Deuteronomy 14:24-26; 16:5-7.)

a. which festival

It was the Passover of the Jews. (Its’s interesting to me that he add “of the Jews”, which would seem at first glance to us to be an unnecessary addition. But, that John adds this phrase hints that he understood this gospel account would be read by first century Gentiles who were not familiar with Jewish traditions).

b. explain sales

Ex 12:1-11, 24-28 - In these verses we read the record of the LORD establishing the Passover festival that was to be celebrated forever and one in which parents were to teach their children about God saving his people.

Deut 14:24-26 -In these verses the LORD establishes the yearly tithe from the yield of the field in the place the LORD will choose (v23). Beginning in verse 24, the LORD provides that if the trip from where a person lives to the place where the LORD will choose to offer the tithe is too long, then the tithe which would otherwise be in the form of grain, wine, oil, or an animal would be converted into money and given at the place the LORD will choose. When the person arrived in the the place the LORD will choose for sacrifices, they were to buy with their money whatever their heart desires to eat.

Deut 16:5-7 - In these verses the LORD prohibits people from making Passover sacrifices any place other than the place that the LORD will choose.

So, we can see that people in Jesus day would come to Jerusalem to obediently observe the Passover. In lieu of hauling grain, wine, oil, or animals (including the Passover lamb) from their homes to Jerusalem, they converted those items into money (Roman coins) and brought that money to Jerusalem. The Roman coins in Jesus’ day were Phoenician shekel and half-shekel, Jewish Hasmonean lepton, Roman denarius, and the "Widow's Mite". Some of these coins had idolatrous imagery and/or wording on them. It is apparent from the presence of money changers in the temple where oxen, sheep and pigeons were being sold for the Passover sacrifice that the temple leaders deemed the Roman coins as being inappropriate to purchase the Passover sacrifice. As such, it is apparent that people were required to exchange their Roman coins for temple coins and would then use the temple coins to buy their Passover sacrifice.

Jesus Displays His Authority – John 2:13-17

Jesus and His followers moved from a wedding in Cana to Passover in Jerusalem—from one glorious celebration and reflection of God’s relationship with His people to another. Passover offered a sacred remembrance of God’s miraculous deliverance of His people from bondage and slavery in Egypt.

Passover in Jerusalem – 2:13-14

Passover was one of three annual Jewish festivals that required the presence of Jewish males aged 12 years and older.15 Passover became tied to the seven-day Feast of Unleavened Bread that immediately followed. While those who did not live near Jerusalem were excused from this obligation, many traveled from far away to celebrate. The people revered the Jerusalem temple as a holy place symbolizing God’s presence and pledge to dwell with His people.16

The Feast of Unleavened Bread, which followed Passover, required sacrifices of bulls, lambs, goats, or doves depending on the worshiper’s financial resources. These sacrifices provided God’s way for His people to enter a restored relationship with Him. Like the Passover lamb, these sacrifices foreshadowed the perfect sacrifice, Jesus Christ, whose blood was shed for the sins of the world.

The outer court of the temple, known as the Court of the Gentiles, became a place of commerce. This court was the only place of the temple open to non-Jews. Overflowing with merchants, noise, and greed, this holy ground had been turned into a market and impeded God’s intended purpose for the temple. A place designed for welcome, worship, and serenity turned into a bustling marketplace that distracted visitors from focusing on God.

15. Festivals: Exodus 23:14-17; Deuteronomy 16:16

16. God’s dwelling: Exodus 25:8

7. a. How did Jesus respond to what He saw in the temple court?

First I want to note what Jesus saw. He found those who were selling the Passover offerings of oxen, sheep, and pigeons to be in the temple and he found money-changers there as well.

In terms of Jesus response, he made a whip of cords and drove all of these people out of the temple and overturned the tables of the money-changers. Jesus said “Take these things away; do not make my Father’s house a house of trade.”

BSF notes re Clearing the Temple – 2:15-16

With justifiable anger, Jesus made a whip out of cords and drove out the money changers and livestock. “Get these out of here! Stop turning my Father’s house into a market!” With His purifying whip and authoritative words, Jesus transformed this sacred place, at least for this moment.

The other Gospel writers include another record of Jesus clearing the temple the week prior to His crucifixion. Sin never escapes the Lord’s notice. In His second encounter, Jesus used even stronger language to confront corruption: “‘My house will be called a house of prayer,’ but you are making it ‘a den of robbers.’”17

Jesus’s reference to the temple as “my Father’s house” and “my house” clearly stood as messianic claims. Both times Jesus cleared the temple, He demonstrated His divine authority to transform—like turning water into wine. These events also point to the Messiah and the end times. Jesus claimed authority over the place considered the most sacred spot on the earth for a Jew. Ultimately, the final clearing and cleansing of the Lord’s temple—His people—will take place on the day of judgment.18

17. Second temple cleansing: Matthew 21:12-17; Mark 11:15-18; Luke 19:45-48

18. Judgment day: Malachi 3:1-4

b. What lessons might be learned from Jesus’s actions?

It is clear that Jesus was not chastising people for observing the Passover or from making the offerings in the temple as outlined in Deut. What Jesus was chastising the people for is that the sale of the animals and the money-changers were in the temple. From this we can reasonably infer that Jesus was teaching the lesson that the sale of the animals and the money exchanging should have been occuring outside the temple, not in it. It is hard to imagine why that could not be done in the market place rather than the temple. I think the likely reason that this occured in the temple was that the temple leaders benefited financially from these transactions, perhaps charging vendors for the space within the courts to sell their products. While it is not evident from the text, the Jewish leaders could have set an unfair exchange rate from Roman coins to Temple coins and profited from this. Whatever the case, the Temple leaders had allowed the Temple to become a house of trade which was contrary to the purpose of offering Passover sacrifices.

The lesson that Jesus is teaching us here is subset of several principles that the Bible teaches us about corporate worship, all of which are intended for us to be in awe and reverence of God. The particular lesson that Jesus is teaching here is reverence is required in the places where we corporately worship God, namely our church buildings. That requires that our churches to be places that draw our attention to the LORD and to reverence and awe of Him, particularly on the days of corporate worship. There should not be distractions from that by the presence of secular things and activities.

We should also learn that we should love what God loves and hate what God hates. Ps 119:113-120

Rom 12:9. We can also learn that this hatred under certain circumstances needs to be acted upon. Since Jesus was the Son of God and the Temple was His, he had authority to do what he did in John 2:13-16. Since we don’t have the same authority as Jesus, we don’t have the right to perform the same acts he did. However, we should still exercise righteous anger against evil in other ways appropriate to the circumstances.

From an application standpoint, we can ask: What sin in my life does Jesus need to remove? What does he desire that I “take these thugs away”?

8. a. Which Messianic prophecy did Jesus’s actions cause His disciples to remember? (See also marginal references for the Old Testament verse quoted in John 2:17.)

Verse 17 indicates that Jesus’s actions led them to remember Ps 69:9a. Ps 69 is cry of a soul that has been in distress for a long time and yet still trusts in God to bring salvation. Ps 69:9 relates to the person doing good but in so doing, attracts the hatred of the wicked. The disciples were right to think of Ps 69:9 as the events in John 2:13-22 occurred because Jesus was doing good and he was hated and attacked by the Jewish leaders for it.

b. In what way did Jesus’s actions also fulfill the prophecy of Malachi 3:1-4? How does this affect your perspective of Jesus?

Mal 3:1a indicates that “my messenger” (i.e., the LORD’s messenger) will prepare the way for “me” (i.e, the LORD). This is a reference to John the Baptist. Mal 3:1b indicates that Lord whom you seek will come suddenly into his temple. How will the Lord come suddenly? Mal 3:1c indicates that this will be by the coming of “the messenger of the covenant in whom you delight”. This person seems to be distinct from the messenger who is preparing the way. What will this messenger of the covenant do? Mal 3:2-4 indicate that he will sanctify the people such that they bring right offerings to the LORD that are pleasing to Him.

So, Mal 3:1-4 is a Messianic prophecy that was fulfilled by Jesus with this initial cleansing of the temple as well as the second temple cleansing in Mark 11:15.

BSF notes re Fulfilling Prophecy – 2:17

Every day the disciples spent with their Lord brought them more revelation of His perfect nature. Here at God’s temple, they witnessed Jesus’s burning desire to honor His Father and allow both Jews and Gentiles to enter His presence. Before their eyes, Psalm 69:9 came alive: “Zeal for your house consumes me.” Through moments like this, the roots of the disciples’ faith grew deeper. As you spend time with Jesus in His Word, will you draw closer to Him? Take to heart the perfect attributes of Jesus’s character, will, and zeal for you, His people, and His Father.

Fourth Day: Read John 2:18-22.

Jesus foretold the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem.

BSF notes re Jesus Displays His Divinity – John 2:18-25

Jesus issued a clear statement of His divine authority when He boldly drove out and admonished the merchants in the temple courts. Such a revelation demands a response. Jesus invited scrutiny as He boldly launched His confrontation of Israel’s religious leaders. Certainly God’s own Son, the Sovereign Lord of eternity, was fit for this challenge.

9. a. Why would the Jews (a term John often uses to denote the Jewish religious authorities) question the source of Jesus’s authority?

That the Jews questioned His authority certainly affirms that the selling of the animals and the presence of the money changers was done with the Jewish leaders consent, if not their plan. If the Jewish leaders had not authorized such activities, they certainly would not have challenged Jesus removal of them. So, Jesus removal of the sellers of animals and money changes was a challenge to the Jewish leader’s authority to do what they had sanctioned. Therefore, after they learned of what Jesus did, they questioned what authority he had to overturn their decision.

b. What do they reveal in their request for another sign?

While the Jewish leaders sanctioning of the selling of animals and the presence of money changers is the temple was wrong, they were not wrong in their understanding of signs. A sign, which is a miracle that only God could give a person to perform, would show that the person was a prophet of God.

The question indicates that the Jewish leaders were asking for “another” sign. This would presuppose that they were aware of the first sign, that being the miracle of turning water into wine in Galilee. I don’t see clear evidence that the Jewish leaders would have known about that sign. So, I don’t see the Jewish leaders request as recorded in John 1:18 to be a request for “another” sign. Rather, I see the demand for a sign being appropriate, except for the fact that they should have recognized all on their own that the sanctioning of merchants and money changers in the Temple was wrong. Unfortunately for them, Jesus told them he would give them the ultimate sign, but they were not given an understanding of what Jesus meant.

BSF notes re Jesus’s Purpose – 2:18-22

The Jews’ Challenge – 2:18

The authority Jesus visibly demonstrated quickly brought questions from the religious leaders who likely blessed and benefited from the temple court commerce. Blind to the fact that they stood face-to-face with God’s Son, “the Jews” asked a logical question: “What sign can you show us to prove your authority to do all this?” These religious experts missed the fact that Jesus fulfilled the prophecies of Zechariah and Malachi, who promised the Messiah would sweep the temple clean.19 They failed to ask, “Could this be the Messiah?”

19. Cleansed temple: Zechariah 14:20-21; Malachi 3:1-15

c. Have you ever questioned, challenged, or acknowledged Jesus’s authority over you? What were the results?

Of course, yes. I grew up in the Lutheran church, with my parents both having leadership roles in the church (my dad was an elder, my mom worked in a deaconess type position). I went to Lutheran grade school, high school and a year and a half at a Lutheran college. But in my 20s, I rejected all of what I had learned. I either wasn’t saved when I was young or I was but I became a prodigal son. But to answer the question, the way that I questioned Jesus’ authority during my 20s was to deny the existence of God. If God doesn’t exist (or another god who is not the Triune God exists instead), then I don’t need to obey Jesus. It is very easy to deny the existence of the Triune God, at least for a while. But then your guilt catches up with you and that becomes very painful. When the HS changed my heart unto salvation (or as a prodigal son my eyes were opened), I saw that Christ paid for my sin and took away my guilt and I desired to submit to his authority by reading His Word and obeying it out of a sense of gratitude for all that he had done for me.

10. a. How did Jesus respond to their request and what did He mean? (See also John 10:17-18.)

In verse 19, it is recorded that Jesus told them that the sign they requested would be this - “Destroy the temple in 3 days and I will raise it up.”

In verse 20, we read that the Jewish leaders questioned his ability to fulfill this sign since it had taken 46 years to build the temple, thinking that he was referring to the physical temple. There misunderstanding Jesus’ teaching is characteristic of those who are not His, in comparison to those who are His (see John 1:5, 1:12).

In verse 21, John explains that Jesus was speaking about the real temple, that being himself, not the facsimile.

b. How were Jesus’s words twisted at His trial and crucifixion? (See also Matthew 26:59-61; 27:40.)

Matt 26:59-61 gives the account of Jesus before Caiaphas and the Council. In verse 61, we read that two men came forward and both said that Jesus said he was able to destroy the temple of God and to rebuild it in 3 days.

Matt 27:40 gives the account of Jesus on the cross when some mocked him saying “You who would destroy the temple and rebuild it in 3 days, save yourself!

Both of these accusations are incorrect restatements of what Jesus said upon His first cleansing of the temple. Jesus did not actually say He would destroy the temple. He said that they, the Jewish leaders, would destroy the temple.

In verse 22, we learn of when the disciples came to see this sign fulfilled when after Jesus resurrection (as recorded in John 20) when they remembered that Jesus had said this and apparently at that time understood that Jesus was referring to his body.

BSF notes re Jesus’s Response – 2:19

Throughout Jesus’s ministry, people constantly questioned the source of His authority. Often the religious leaders tried to trap Jesus in error or self-incrimination. Jesus’s wise answers and the shrewd questions He returned to His detractors always probed beneath the surface. With intentionality, Jesus exposed people’s motives and sin as well as His own identity. Jesus offered a profound answer to their question: “Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days.”

Jesus’s Meaning – 2:20-22

The questioners focused only on the magnificent structure in front of them. How could the temple that took a lifetime to build be destroyed, much less rebuilt in three days? Later at His trial and crucifixion, Jesus’s enemies twisted His words to falsely accuse Him.20

The people at the temple courts that day did not understand the truth that would soon become clear to Jesus’s disciples. His words represented God’s good news, the greatest sign of all. Death would be defeated. Jesus, the true Temple and presence of God, conquered sin and death and rose from the grave. Through faith in Jesus, God “rebuilds” people who are dead in their sin, transforming them to enjoy God’s glorious presence in this life and forever.

The Greek word naos used here means “temple.” Jesus spoke of His own body as the temple. But He also knew the Jewish temple these people so admired would be destroyed within a generation. The symbolism of the temple pointed to Jesus. God’s glory filled the Most Holy Place until the time of Israel’s exile.21 Now God’s glory stood present among them and before them in Jesus. After Jesus died, rose, and ascended into heaven, the Jerusalem temple became obsolete.22 Jesus, God’s true Temple, fulfilled everything the temple foreshadowed.

The truth about Jesus would unfold throughout His earthly ministry—Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life.23 Jesus would demonstrate that He came to earth as the one, true God

to give life and light to all who believe in Him. Everyone who trusts in Jesus Christ shares in His victory. As man, Jesus was filled with the Holy Spirit.24 Today the Holy Spirit lives in God’s people—all who have received Jesus as Lord and Savior—and our bodies are His temple.25 New life flows through Jesus, the giver of life.

20. Twisted words: Matthew 26:60-61; 27:40

21. God’s glory: Exodus 40:34-35; 2 Chronicles 7:1-3; Ezekiel 10

22. Temple obsolete: Hebrews 8:1-6

23. The way: John 14:6-7

24. The Holy Spirit in Jesus: John 3:34; Luke 4:1, 14, 18

25. Temple of the Spirit: Luke 11:13; 1 Corinthians 6:19; Romans 8:16

Fifth Day: Read John 2:23-25.

Jesus performed more signs and discerned the hearts of people.

11. a. What was the difference between the disciples’ belief in Jesus (John 2:11) and the “belief” of many at Passover (John 2:23)?

In John 2:23 we read that Jesus did signs (plural) when he was in Jerusalem at the Passover Feast. We are not told about the signs here. But we are told that many “believed in his name”. This is a strong statement since, as noted in the RSB on verse 23, “In biblical times, the “name” summed up a person’s character, activity, and place in God’s purpose.” So, they believed what Jesus taught the people about Himself and His work, namely, that he was the Messiah. However, this belief is apparently no different than the belief that demons have as described in James 2:19. In other words, this was not a saving faith in that it lacked the fiducia (the third of three element of saving faith, loving and complete trust in Christ for salvation granted by the HS alone). As noted in the RSB notes on this verse “The faith of those mentioned here remains superficial, however, because they come to it only because they have seen “the signs” (Introduction: Theology of John). For that reason, Jesus does “not entrust himself to them” (v. 24).”

The question then asks us to compare the belief of the disciples after they saw the first sign, that being Jesus turning water into wine. It is recorded in John 2:11 that his disciples “believed in him.”

Unlike those in Jerusalem at the Passover in John 2:23, Jesus entrusted himself to His disciples because their belief involved saving faith (belief plus , that was not just based on seeing the signs.

b. In what way does this passage challenge your faith?

It challenges my faith because this calls me to ask myself which type of belief do I have. Do I believe in him only in the sense that I believe everything Jesus said about himself and his work is true? If so, I am no different than the demons who believe. Or, do I believe in him in the sense of having a loving and complete trust in Christ for salvation? This passage challenges me to ensure that I have saving faith, not just a belief that the demons have.

12. a. Why would Jesus not entrust Himself to people gathering around Him at Passover?

There are a couple of aspects to this answer. First, Jesus did not entrust himself those who saw the signs he was doing and believed in his name because he knew something about them. As stated in verse 24, “because he knew all people and needed no one to bear witness about man, for he himself knew what was in a man.” We also see in John 6:64b that Jesus knew from the beginning who those were who did not believe, and who it was who would betray him. (As an aside, I would argue here as elsewhere that Jesus was not omniscient in his human nature and that he set aside his divine attributes as noted in Phil 2:6-7. So, I think that this knowledge was given to him by the HS, as the HS had done with the Lord’s OT prophets).

Second, the verse suggests that there was something lacking in their faith. As noted above, it appears that that their belief only involved assent to Jesus’ truth claims and that it lacked fiducia, that being that loving and complete trust in Jesus for salvation.

BSF notes re More to Come – 2:23-25

Jesus’s Signs – 2:23

Though the full revelation of Jesus’s glory awaited the cross, He revealed His true identity through powerful signs and authoritative words. While in Jerusalem, Jesus offered many signs as He invited people to believe in Him. Jesus fulfilled His purpose as people in Jerusalem believed in His name.

Jesus’s Scrutiny – 2:24-25

With effortless accuracy, Jesus knows the absolute truth about every human heart. [RM note: I would say that it was the HS that informed Jesus of these things since Jesus laid aside his divine attributes, Phil 2:6-7.] As crowds gathered and word of His miracles spread, Jesus discerned what human statistics cannot measure. Jesus wisely determined the scope, target, and timing of what He revealed about Himself. He knew the Jerusalem throngs sought only the spectacular and did not recognize His unique identity. Jesus gradually revealed His message and mission to a carefully chosen and growing circle of disciples. Still, the good news was on the move, by God’s design and according to His plan.

Jesus disclosed who He was in timely and divinely orchestrated increments. As His public ministry began, hints of His greatness emerged. Everywhere Jesus went and through everything He did, His power and purpose surfaced. Jesus wields transforming authority. His power cannot be suppressed and stands available to all who place their faith in Jesus.

b. How does Jesus’s complete knowledge of the deepest motivations of your heart impact you?

It is scary because if he has complete knowledge of the deepest motivations of my heart, he knows how often I obey Him externally but not with the right heart. He knows that even the best of my obedience has selfish motivations and therefore is mixed with sinfulness.

This impacts me because it drives me to understand that if he is going to save me from God’s wrath, he must take my sin and impute it to Christ and give me Christ’s righteousness or else I have no hope. And, God does this. For doing this, God gets glory from me for his mercy and grace as I spend eternity worshipping Him for all of who He is.

BSF Apply It:

The livestock market and money exchange at the temple courts benefited a few at the expense of many. By stark contrast, Jesus came to earth at His expense for the good of all. He lived with and died for fallen, sinful humankind. He exposed evil and demonstrated righteousness. Jesus’s broken body hung on the cross, but He rose victorious over death. Jesus offered Himself as the required atoning sacrifice for all humankind. Because of Jesus, we enjoy a renewed relationship with God Himself. What habit or lifestyle choice would Jesus overturn in your life? Has a festering sin or lingering distraction lured you from God? How might you, intentionally or unintentionally, take advantage of others for your personal benefit? Jesus longs to cleanse you from anything that dishonors God. His regenerating power compassionately reveals sin and offers power to yield to Him in obedience. How will you respond this week to Jesus’s gracious intervention to rescue you from sin? He will transform you from the inside out.

God accurately assesses the reality within your heart. With divine omniscience, God searches and knows the undeniable bottom line of who you are and how you think. He knows what you seek and why. He recognizes what you understand and what confuses you. He discerns the authority exerting the most power over you and your daily choices. While God’s unlimited knowledge of our inmost being can be daunting, this fact also brings comfort. God also knows the right way and perfect timing to reveal truth so we can hear and understand. Jesus offers transforming power to the lives of those who follow, love, and worship Him. How have you responded to Jesus’s offer? What excuses hold you back from fully trusting Jesus? Will you ask God to help you see and believe all He has revealed to you through His Word? What keeps you from the Savior who loves you and longs for relationship with you?

c. Share with your group a way that God has drawn you to Himself.

This question is addressed in John 6:44 where it says that no one can come to me (Jesus) unless the Father who sent me draws him, and I will raise him up at the last day. We will also see that next week as we study John 3:1-15 where we read that no can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again (John 3:3) and unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God (John 3:5).

So, the way in which God has drawn me to Himself is that the Father has drawn me by causing me to be born again, which is to be born of water and the Spirit, such that I enter the kingdom of God.

By monergistically saving me from His wrath, God gets all the glory and I cannot rob any glory from God. Praise be to God for his grace and mercy to me. I long for the day when I will be in his presence in a glorified state and able to obey him perfectly and without dishonoring him in sin and particularly worship him for him saving us by his grace alone, by faith alone, on account of Christ alone as we see in Rev 5:9-14.

BSF doctrine: Transformed into New Life

The Doctrine of Regeneration

God created human beings for an eternal relationship with Him. However, beginning in the garden, sin fractured that sacred bond with our Father and Creator.1 Because God is completely holy and perfectly righteous,2 sin is incompatible with His presence.3 In our natural sinful state, we are like a heart that is not beating—dead to God. We can do nothing to revive ourselves and restore our relationship with Him. No noble act, payment, right thinking, or self-help program will do what only God can do.4

Only God regenerates. In mercy and love, God sent His Son to die on the cross and pay sin’s penalty for us.5 Through faith in who Jesus is and what He did, the Holy Spirit regenerates those dead in sin to life everlasting. God brings new, eternal life to those born again as only He can. Like the empty jars at a wedding in Cana or the cleansed temple court in Jerusalem, Jesus regenerates a dead heart and a meaningless, empty life into one filled with peace, joy, celebration, worship, and a renewed, eternal relationship with Him.

A dead heart cannot turn to Jesus for salvation. Without the Spirit’s regeneration and creation of spiritual life within, you will not seek God or recognize the depth of your sin.6 Your feeble attempts to clean up your life and be a better person can never satisfy God’s righteous standard.

Only God can spark [RM note: cause] spiritual life and regenerate a dead heart. The Holy Spirit awakens us to new hope and vitality. Jesus died so we do not remain dead in our sin. God raised Jesus from the dead so He could raise you from sin and death to live a vibrant new life in His power.7 Jesus’s life-giving power regenerates dead hearts with new life.8

1. Sin’s damage: Genesis 3; Ephesians 2:1-6

2. God’s holiness: Isaiah 6:1-6

3. Incompatibility with sin: Psalm 5:4

4. No human effort: Ephesians 2:8-9

5. Jesus died for us: John 3:16; Romans 5:8; 8:32

6. Dead in sin: Romans 3:10-18

7. New life: Romans 6:1-14

8. Jesus’s regenerating power: John 3:6-7; 4:10; 5:24

Sixth Day: Review John 2.

Jesus wields transforming authority.

13. What has this chapter taught you about the transformational power and authority of Jesus?

This chapter has taught me that Jesus has the authority of God. This is evident from his first miracle of changing water into wine. It is also evident from his reference to rising again from the dead. That Jesus performed these miracles that only God could do clearly demonstrates that Jesus had the authority of a prophet of God.

This chapter also taught me about the transformational power of Jesus. The miraculous turning of water into wine was not just for the purpose of demonstrating Jesus was a prophet of God. It was also for the purpose of showing how we would be transformed from sinners deserving eternal wrath based on our violation of God’s law (as illustrated by the clay jars) to those who were made clean by the person and work of the Messiah, such that we would have access to God in heaven and the new heaven and earth (which is illustrated by the wine and the feast).

This chapter also teaches me about the person of Jesus. This chapter teaches me that Jesus was the incarnate second person of the Trinity. The temple represented God’s presence with His people. Jesus equated Himself to the temple when he said in John 2:19 - destroy this temple and I will raise it up in three days.

The combined teaching of this chapter is amazing and inspires awe and reverence for Jesus Christ! Praise be to God!!!

John 2:1–25 ESV

HOMILETICS

CONTENT

2:1 On 3rd day, was wedding at Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother there. Jesus and disciples invited. Wine ran out. Mother to Jesus: No wine. Jesus: What do w/ me? My hr not yet come. Mother to servants: Do whatever he tells you.

2:6 Six stone water jars for Jewish rites of purification, 20-30 gallons each (6 x 25 gal = 150 gal). Jesus to servants: fill jars w/ water to brim. Then, Jesus to servants: draw some, take to master of feast. They took it t omaster, it had become wine.

2:9b Master did not know where it came from, called bridegroom: usually, good wine first. YOu have saved best for last.

2:11 This was the first of Jesus signs Jesus di at Cana in Galilee and manifested his glory. Disciples believed in him.

2:12 After this, Jesus went down to Capernaum w/ mother and brothers and his disciples, stayed a few days.

2:13 Jesus went up to Jerusalem for Passover. In temple, he found those selling animals for sacrfice, money changers sitting there. Jesus made whip, drove all of them out of temple with animals, saying: away, don’t make my Father’s house a house of trade.

2:17 Jews said: What sign do yo show us for doing these things? Jesus: Destroy this temple, I will raise it in 3 days. Jews: It’s taken 46 years to build temple, raise in 3 days? But Jesus speaking abut temple of his body.

2:22 When Jesus was raised from dead, his disciples remembered this, and believed teh Scripture Jesus spoke.

2:23 When Jesus was in Jerusalem for Passover, many believed when they saw signs he was doing. But Jesus did not entrust himself to them because he knew all people, needed no one to bear witness about man, knew himself what was in man.

DIVISIONS

A. Jesus performed His First Sign of turning Water into Wine at Cana in Galilee, John 2:1-12

B. Jesus clears Temple of Money Changers in Temple at Passover, John 2:13-22

C. People in Jerusalem at Passover believed when Jesus performed other Signs, John 2:23

SUBJECT SENTENCE

Jesus performs his First Sign at Cana Wedding and Cleanses the Temple for First Time, John 2

AIM

CATL that:

A.

1 Jesus laid aside his divine attributes as we are taught in Phil 2:6-7 but that the HS led Jesus to do and know many things, as we see in the synoptic gospel accounts of the Spirit leading Jesus into the wilderness and that Jesus change in position from questioning how the running out of wine had anything to do with his being the Messiah to performing a sign that solved the problem was likely the Spirit leading Him to do it,

2 this miracle authenticated Jesus as a true prophet of God such that those at the wedding celebration would know that Jesus was a prophet of God and therefore believe Jesus truth claims about Himself as being the Messiah as the disciples did (John 2:11) and John sought others to do (John 20:30-31).

3 there was a purpose to the miracle beyond authenticating Jesus as a true prohet, that being that this miracle teaches us of Jesus the Messiah’s transformation of the old order associated with Moses (symbolized by the stone water jars used for ceremonial washing, v. 6) into the new (the wine standing for eternal life in God’s kingdom) order through Jesus Christ (1:16, 17; cf. 2 Cor. 5:17), such that we undestand that we are saved by grace to eternal life instead of the just eternal death we deserve based on our violations of the law of Moses,

4 abundant fruitfulness of vines and wine was characteristic of the coming new creation of the latter days as described by Hos. 2:22; Joel 2:19, 24; 3:18; Amos 9:13, 14; Zech 9:17 and through this sign Jesus was revealing what he was going to accomplish for us as Messiah, that being blessed access to God.

B.

1 this cleansing of the temple in John 2:13-21 is different than the cleansing of the temple in the synoptic gospels in that John’s account is carefully dated at the beginning of Jesus’ ministry (John 2:20; Mark 1:9) and John’s account compared to the synoptic gospels accounts have several differences: in John, Jesus comes with His disciples, and His actions recall to their minds Ps. 69:9. whereas in the Synoptic accounts Jesus comes in triumphal messianic glory and justifies His actions by quoting Is. 56:7 and Jer. 7:11,

2 Jesus is the final and full expression of what was only a shadow in the OT (Heb. 10:1), including the temple that stood on Mount Zion,

3 Jesus equating Himself to the temple means that he was claiming deity since the temple represented God’s presence with His people,

4 Jesus reference to rebuilding the temple in three days was a reference to Him being raised from the dead and is His first recorded reference to his resurrection in John,

5 John’s record of the temple cleansing immediately after the miracle at Cana (vv. 1–11 note) offers another sign that the old order (water of ceremonial cleansing in Herod’s temple) was replaced with the new (the wine of salvation, Is. 25:6–9; the risen Lamb as the new temple, Rev. 21:22),

6 Jesus cleansing of the temple demonstrates that his temple was to be a place of sincere, reverant corporate worship with no distractions or contradictions,

7 Jesus cleansing the temple is an example to us of hating what God hates and loving what God loves.

C.

1 Jesus set aside his divine attributes as we are taught in Phil 2:6-7 such that His knowing all people’s hearts was based on the indwelling special presence of the HS,

2 people may believe because they have seen the signs as demons do (James 2:19) but do not saving faith in Christ and, as such, Christ does not entrust himself to them.

3 those who have saving faith are God’s children by the will of God, not of men (John 1:12) but Jesus does not entrust himself to those who don’t receive him (cf. John 1:11).

PRINCIPLES

A. Jesus authenticated Himself as a true prophet of God by performing the sign of changing water into wine and in so doing taught us through the sign that we would believed that we are justly guilty of violating the law but that he transforms us by grace to eternal life in the new heaven and new earth.

B. Jesus was the true temple of God in that he was the incarnate God with as proven by the sign of His resurrection such that we are to submit to His authority by obedience to His commands, including the command to right worship.

C. In order to having saving faith, we must not just believe in the person and work of Jesus Christ but lovingly trust him for saving us from God’s deserved wrath.

APPLICATIONS

A. Jesus transformation of water into wine for the purpose of showing how we have been transformed from sinners deserving eternal wrath based on our violation of God’s law (as illustrated by the clay jars) to those who were made clean by the person and work of the Messiah, such that we would have access to God in heaven and the new heaven and earth (which is illustrated by the wine and the feast). How does this amazing gracious gift from God ead you to live in a manner worthy of what he has accomplished for you?

B. Jesus cleansed the temple, instructing the Jewish leaders to “take these thigns away”. What areas of disobedience in your life is Jesus telling you to “take these things away?” How will you exercise the means of grace so that the HS increased your love for God and what he commands such that you will hate what God hates and love what God loves and thereby worship him righly through your thoughts, words and deeds?

C. Some people believed in Jesus but did not have saving faith in Him. How has this challenged you to evaluate your belief in Jesus? Do you only believe the truth of his claims as demons do or do you having saving faith in Him? Is this belief based on you lovingly trusting Jesus Christ as saving you from your deserved wrath from God? Do your actions show forth any evidence of that love?

John 2:6 ESV

Now there were six stone water jars there for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons.

Miracles of Jesus in John

Miracles of Jesus in John.

John 2:6 The Wedding at Cana

John 4:46-54 Miracles, Jesus Heals the Official's Son

John 5:2-17 Miracles, Jesus heals the lame man at the pool on the Sabbath

John 6:1-14 Miracles, Jesus feeds the 5000

John 6:19 Miracles, Jesus walked on water

John 9:6 Miracles, Healing the man who was blind from birth who washed in the pool of Siloam

John 2:6 ESV

Now there were six stone water jars there for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons.

Miracles, Water into Wine

John 2:11 ESV

This, the first of his signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee, and manifested his glory. And his disciples believed in him.

Faith, Scriptural Terms for Faith, Pisteuein

Faith, Scriptural Terms for Faith, Pisteuein, Construction with eis

This use conveys the idea of an absolute transference of trust from ourselves to another, a complete self surrender to God.

John 2:11 ESV

This, the first of his signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee, and manifested his glory. And his disciples believed in him.

Discples Response to Jesus Miracle of Turning Water into Wine, John 2:11

See John 1:51 for note on people's response to Jesus.

John 2:13 ESV

The Passover of the Jews was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem.

See note at John 4:21 about Jesus reform of worship.

John 2:16 ESV

And he told those who sold the pigeons, “Take these things away; do not make my Father’s house a house of trade.”

Worship, Importance of Right Worship to Christ

Jesus cleanses the temple of those who made his Father's house a house of trade.

What happened here? What was Jesus so upset about? He did not want his Father's house to be a house of trade (v16). What was it about the temple being a house of trade that upset Jesus?

John MacArthur notes:

Quoted from Ps. 69:9 to indicate that Jesus would not tolerate irreverence toward God. When David wrote this psalm, he was being persecuted because of his zeal toward God’s house and his defense of God’s honor. The disciples were afraid that Jesus’ actions would precipitate the same type of persecution.

MacArthur, John Jr. The MacArthur Study Bible. electronic ed. Nashville: Word Pub., 1997, c1997.

John 2:17 ESV

His disciples remembered that it was written, “Zeal for your house will consume me.”

Messianic Prophecies, Zeal for My House

John 2:18 ESV

So the Jews said to him, “What sign do you show us for doing these things?”

Prophecy, Jesus Death and Resurrection

Here in John 2:18, Jesus predicts that he will be raised from the dead (v 22). This was fulfilled in John 20:9.

John 2:18 ESV

So the Jews said to him, “What sign do you show us for doing these things?”

Jesus Predictions of the Future, and their Fulfillment in John, John 2:18

Jesus Predictions of the Future and, where applicable, their Fulfillment

John 2:18: Jesus predicted his death and then resurrection on the third day. This was fulfilled at his resurrection.

John 8:28: Jesus predicts that he will be lifted up.

John 10:17- he predictes that he will lay down his life and that he will take it up again.

John 2:18 ESV

So the Jews said to him, “What sign do you show us for doing these things?”

Pharasee's Response to Jesus, John 2:18

See John 1:51 for People's responses to Jesus.

sign. The Jews demanded that Jesus show some type of miraculous sign that would indicate His authority for the actions that He had just taken in regulating the activities of the temple. Their demand of a sign reveals that they had not grasped the significance of Jesus’ rebuke that centered in their need for proper attitudes and holiness in worship. Such an action itself constituted a "sign" of Jesus’ person and authority. Moreover, they were requesting from Jesus a crass display of miracles on demand, further displaying their unbelief.

MacArthur, John Jr. The MacArthur Study Bible. electronic ed. Nashville: Word Pub., 1997, c1997.

John 2:23 ESV

Now when he was in Jerusalem at the Passover Feast, many believed in his name when they saw the signs that he was doing.

Means of Regeneration, Not Seeing Miracles

Soteriology

John 2:23

The Effect of Miracles on the Heart of the Reprobate

This verse tells us that some saw the signs Jesus and that many believed in his name when they saw the signs he was doing but Jesus did not entrust himself to them.

What I am interpreting from this verse is that these people were not in fact true believers. I am assuming that if they were true believers, Jesus would have entrusted himself to them.

Assuming the accuracy of my interpretation, we can conclude that Jesus performing miracles before people is insufficient to cause someone to become regenerate. Only the Holy Spirit can do that.

John 2:23 ESV

Now when he was in Jerusalem at the Passover Feast, many believed in his name when they saw the signs that he was doing.

Miracles, Summary Statements

Christology

John 2:23

Miracles of Jesus.

Here we are told that Jesus did other signs besides what has already been mentioned. It is interesting that he calls these signs.

John 2:23 ESV

Now when he was in Jerusalem at the Passover Feast, many believed in his name when they saw the signs that he was doing.

See note at John 3:16 regarding what belief in Jesus means.

John 2:23 ESV

Now when he was in Jerusalem at the Passover Feast, many believed in his name when they saw the signs that he was doing.

Ligonier National Conference, 2022

A Continuing Reformation, Michael Reeves

The Reformation was not a one and done event. The church is to be continually reforming.

The Catholic Church teaches that grace is necessary fro salvation but that it is like an enabling can of Red Bull that enables us to do that which we must do to be saved. But the Reformers taught that by grace alone we actually are completely justified through Christ alone. That is, grace means that we don;’t get Red Bull, we get Christ. In particular, we get His righteousness.

It was this message, the real gospel message, changed Western Civilization. It changed the printing press industry, which started to produce pamphlets about the Word of God. Biblical literacy increased. Unlike his competitors, these pamphlets were written in the common language of the day, not Latin. We have a similar opportunity today with the internet.

At the time of the Reformation, the Catholics had a reformation of their own but it was limited to the church behaving better, in essence. This was quite different that the Reformers whose reformation involved a return to the proclamation of the true gospel. For us in our day, we need to remember this if we seek a continuing reformation.

Before the Reformation the people called their priests strawberry priests. That is, they would show up one a year in church like strawberries come out once a year. Priests did not preach the Word of God. The Reformation changed that. The Reformation involved expositional word of God that was faithful to exalt Christ, his sufficient work, and living in a matter worthy.

Before the Reformation a the Pope would teach and a Catholic church member could believe that they were saved by grace through faith. The problem is that they had different meanings for these words that the Reformers did. In our day, the Catholics can say the same thing and our Protestant churches are not going to continue the Reformation if we are not clarifying what we mean by being saved by grace through faith.

Another clarification that needs to be made in our day is relating to the person and work of Christ. Christ is not just a man, but the eternal God-man. Christ was not just an example, he accomplished an atonement. His work was not just partial, leaving us to finish his work, it was complete.

Another clarification that needs to be made in our day is that it is not enough to change behavior, we need to be born again.

Finally, Luther was at a point where he did not love God but hated God. If we find someone who is ambivalent about God or even hates God, know that there is great transformation available by presenting the gospel to people. If we can reveal to them the person of Christ and his all sufficient work on the cross, God may use that to a buoyant humility.

John 2:24 ESV

But Jesus on his part did not entrust himself to them, because he knew all people

Incarnate Omniscience?

This verse indicates that Jesus did not take a certain action, i.e. commit himself or entrust himself to them, because of some knowledge that he had about what was in a man.

We also know that this was a comment specific to a man but rather, as is indicated in verse 24, he knew ALL people.

We also know that this knowledge came without the assistnace of any man. Verse 25 says that Jesus needed no one to bear witness about man because he himself knew what was in a man.

So we know that Jesus knew what was in all people. The only question left is what did he know? This becomes evident when we look at verse 23 where we see that many believed when they saw the signs that he was doing. It was these people that Jesus did not entrust himself to them because of what he knew about them and all people.

The most likely answer is that these people professed a belief in who he was based on their seeing his signs but did not really believe in him. He knew this and therefore did not entrust himself to them. So, what he knew about them was whether they really believed in him (i.e. had saving faith).

I am assuming that if they were true believers, Jesus would have entrusted himself to them.

John 3:1 ESV

Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews.

Whosoever Believes, John 3:9-21, Sermon by Burke Parsons.

Nicodemus was confused about what it meant to be born again.

We have used the label “born again” Christians to differentiate between real and false Christians although it really is an oxymoron.

Nicodemus asks several questions in our text about being born again. Many nonbelievers ask us about our faith but it makes no sense to them and we get angry with them. But, Nicodemus was not just any old person - Jesus calls him the greatest teacher of Israel. Nicodemus and many in Israel knew the OT very well. But, they did not understand it.

Jesus was teaching a new subject but Jesus was frustrated with Nicodemus because He thought Nicodemus had sufficient knowledge tolerance and understand the new teaching.

Dr Parsons says that we need to know God’s word better. We’d need to study it more thoroughly so we can understand it better.

Jesus told Nicodemus that He was declaring what He knew and what he had seen. This is what we do when we evangelize. In our day, it is no longer cool to speak the truth and to evangelize. It is cool to just say- this is what I believe in my opinion and you are free to believe whatever you believe. This is not evangelizing. Even adding - you need to decide for yourself whether this is true be you have to have your own faith. We cannot say that there are many ways to God and what is important is that you believe it sincerely. What is required is the declaring of the truth of God as Jesus did to Nicodemus.

What was Jesus referring to when he said “what we have seen.” It probably was the conversions through Jesus and John the Baptist.

When Jesus sees that Nicodemus is not understanding, he tells the greatest teacher of Israel that he does not understand the scriptures and he explains the gospel to him.

Jesus makes a clear claim of his divinity - the one promised in the OT. Then Jesus says that He must be lifted up.

Jesus says that whosoever believes in him will be saved.

Jesus knew that Nicodemus needed to believe before he could understand heavenly things. We must do the same.

John 3:1–36 ESV

Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. This man came to Jesus by night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him.” Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Nicodemus said to him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?” Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.” Nicodemus said to him, “How can these things be?” Jesus answered him, “Are you the teacher of Israel and yet you do not understand these things? Truly, truly, I say to you, we speak of what we know, and bear witness to what we have seen, but you do not receive our testimony. If I have told you earthly things and you do not believe, how can you believe if I tell you heavenly things? No one has ascended into heaven except he who descended from heaven, the Son of Man. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed. But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God.” After this Jesus and his disciples went into the Judean countryside, and he remained there with them and was baptizing. John also was baptizing at Aenon near Salim, because water was plentiful there, and people were coming and being baptized (for John had not yet been put in prison). Now a discussion arose between some of John’s disciples and a Jew over purification. And they came to John and said to him, “Rabbi, he who was with you across the Jordan, to whom you bore witness—look, he is baptizing, and all are going to him.” John answered, “A person cannot receive even one thing unless it is given him from heaven. You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, ‘I am not the Christ, but I have been sent before him.’ The one who has the bride is the bridegroom. The friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom’s voice. Therefore this joy of mine is now complete. He must increase, but I must decrease.” He who comes from above is above all. He who is of the earth belongs to the earth and speaks in an earthly way. He who comes from heaven is above all. He bears witness to what he has seen and heard, yet no one receives his testimony. Whoever receives his testimony sets his seal to this, that God is true. For he whom God has sent utters the words of God, for he gives the Spirit without measure. The Father loves the Son and has given all things into his hand. Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.

John: Lesson 4

Jesus, Nicodemus, and John the Baptist

John 3

Lesson Questions

First Day: Read Lesson 3 Notes.

The notes and lecture fortify the truth of the passage for understanding and application to daily life.

1. What truths from the notes or discussion on Jesus’s power and authority changed your thinking?

2. In what ways did the lecture help you understand or appreciate God’s gift of salvation?

Second Day: Read John 3:1-8.

BSF Engage

Did darkness frighten you as a child? Even as adults, the darkness of today’s world alarms us as uncertainty, violence, sin, fragility, and vulnerability surround us. Humanity’s darkness threatens our joy, contentment, and hope for the future. Sometimes we choose physical or metaphorical darkness to hide what we don’t want others to see, know, or believe about us. We might even try to hide from God, who sees and knows all.

God responded to our need in a glorious way: Jesus Christ, the Light of the World, left heaven’s glory to dispel darkness. Under the cover of night, Jesus shed light on Nicodemus’s greatest need—to be born again. This conversation helps us understand the light of salvation that Jesus shines on humanity. John the Baptist also aimed the spotlight on the One who came to save. Jesus offers the world the profound gift of Himself. He bids us to believe in Him and receive His gift. Jesus gives light and new life to those who believe in Him.

BSF Take to Heart

Hold Fast

Nicodemus approached Jesus in the dark and was exposed to the Light of the World. In His dialogue with this inquisitive Pharisee, Jesus outlined for all believers the necessity of being born again to see the kingdom of God. No mere wise and righteous teacher, Jesus is God in the flesh. Through faith in Jesus, believers are sealed with the Holy Spirit and promised an eternal relationship with God beginning immediately and continuing into the heavenly kingdom. To believe in Christ is to believe He is the Son of God. This is what you were created for. To believe in Jesus is to lean on Him, love Him, and flourish in His light.

John the Baptist loved Jesus. God gave him the role and privilege of introducing Jesus to the world. John the Baptist did not feel slighted by taking a secondary role but fulfilled His God given purpose with contentment and joy. He never sought to collect disciples for himself. John the Baptist modeled Jesus’s call to all His followers—to share the gospel with the world and make disciples of all nations.35

35. Make disciples: Matthew 28:18-20

Nicodemus meets with Jesus who tells him about being “born again.”

3. a. What might have been Nicodemus’s motivation to approach Jesus? Why at night? (See also John 2:13-20, 24.)

Nicodemus’ statement that he (among other Pharisees, because he used the word “we”) knew Jesus was a teacher come from God because no one could do the signs (see gospel harmonies for all the signs done to this point) that he did unless God was with him, demonstrates a proper understanding of the purpose of the signs, that is, to authenticate the performer as coming from God. While Nicodemus may not have been born again at this point, as “the” teacher of Israel (v10) he sought to learn from Jesus, whom he called Rabbi. Nicodemus did not request another sign but properly understood the signs Jesus has already done. I believe this was Nicodemus’ motivation.

That John especially noted that Nicodemus came “by night” seems significant. If he had come during the day, people could see that Nicodemus came to Jesus. Since the Pharisees did not receive Jesus and His disciples testimonies (v11), Nicodemus would have drew the ire of his fellow Pharisees for speaking with Jesus whom they rejected. This may have also have been an act of respect to Jesus so as not to interrupt Him while he was teaching during the day and/or to have a longer conversation with Him.

I will note there that Jesus did not entrust Himself to those who believed when they saw the signs he was doing. Yet, he entrusts Himself to Nicodemus in the sense that He taught Nicodemus some very profound truths about Himself and His work. Therefore, we can sense that Jesus “knew what was [or would be] in [this] man.” (John 2:25). As we read in John 6:60, Jesus knew from the beginning who those were who did not believe, and who it was who would betray him. As we will see by John 19, Nicodemus appears to have had saving faith in that he helped bury Jesus’ body.

BSF notes re Nicodemus Encounters Jesus – John 3:1-15

Jesus increasingly attracted attention as His public ministry progressed. He cleared the temple courts, foretold His resurrection, and performed signs that revealed His divine authority. Everything Jesus did stirred curiosity and raised questions. Many professed to believe but Jesus knew the truth about their hearts. Most in the gathering crowd did not truly know or understand that Jesus was their Messiah and Savior and surrender to Him.1

Light in the Darkness – 3:1-3

Who Was Nicodemus? – 3:1

A Pharisee named Nicodemus became intrigued by Jesus. A wealthy member of the Pharisees, a scholarly sect of Jewish leadership, Nicodemus also served as an influential member of the Sanhedrin—the ruling council. Nicodemus did not oppose Jesus but neither was he convinced that Jesus was the Messiah. Because the Pharisees had already begun to oppose Jesus,2 Nicodemus exercised guarded curiosity and discretion in meeting Jesus.

Nicodemus sought a private conversation with Jesus at night to ask his rising questions, likely unwilling to compromise his stature among his peers and community. Little did Nicodemus know that he would encounter the Light of the World in the darkness of that night.

Who Is Jesus? – 3:2

A well-schooled authority on Jewish scripture, Nicodemus respectfully greeted Jesus as “Rabbi.” Nicodemus approached Jesus with a power-packed statement revealing his understanding that Jesus’s miracles revealed divine power. Nicodemus’s words set up a basic question every person must answer: Who is Jesus?

1. Jesus knows hearts: John 2:23-24

2. Rising opposition: John 2:18

b. What is your motivation for seeking Jesus?

My motivation is to be saved from the wrath of God that I justly deserve for my sin. I don’t believe that I seek Jesus because I just want to get something from Him or that I like to read about the miracles He performed, as in the people referred to John 2:23-25. I do believe that I seek to know more about Him because I love how He is and I love what He has done. So, I believe that my motivation for seeking Jesus is a right one and that this is a result of the HS causing me to be born again, which is the subject of the next verses.

By being born again, I do seek to learn from Jesus and that is why I am committed to studying God’s word.

I don’t want to seek Jesus to just avoid God’s wrath but to see God, his truth, beauty and goodness.

4. a. Why would Jesus talk to Nicodemus about being born again before saying anything else?

I think we can reasonably infer from the text that Nicodemus inquired why it is the Pharisees, the religious leaders, for the most part were not receiving Jesus as the Christ. We can infer this from Nicodemus saying “we” (i.e, the Pharisees) know you are a teaching who has come from God because no one can do the sign you do unless God is with him (v2), from Jesus’ teaching that the only people that see or enter the kingdom of God are those who are born again (v3, 5), from Jesus’ teaching that the Spirit is like the wind that blows where it wishes, but you don’t know where it comes from or where it goes, from the fact that the Pharisees did not receive Jesus (v11c). Whether this is what Nicodemus asked or not, Jesus nonetheless determined that Nicodemus to learn why the Pharisees were not receiving him (v11c). Further, I think that it was also the gospels writer’s intention under the superintending of the HS to answer the question of why people in general did not believe Jesus as being the Christ. This is evident form John, under the super intending of the HS, placing this teaching after John 2:23-25 where we read that some believed because they saw the signs that he was doing but apparently did not receive Jesus in a salvific sense because Jesus did not entrust Himself to them.

I think that we will see this pattern occurring again in John 6:60-71 where a large number of people did not believe at all and left being Jesus’ disciples (John 6:60-64) and John, the gospel writer, inserted Jesus teaching explaining that no one can come to the Father unless He draws them (John 6:65-71).

BSF notes re Jesus’s Response – 3:3

Rather than responding directly to Nicodemus’s statement, Jesus reached for this curious Pharisee’s heart. “Jesus replied, ‘Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.’” As a Pharisee, Nicodemus believed religious knowledge, upright character, and the high regard of his peers adequately prepared him to enter God’s kingdom.

Like all Jewish boys, Nicodemus had been circumcised eight days after birth, the mark of belonging to God’s people. He lived as a devout and upright Jew and did not doubt his place in God’s kingdom. However, Nicodemus’s conversation with Jesus took an unexpected turn. Jesus upended Nicodemus’s preconceived ideas by unveiling his need to be born again.

b. What did Nicodemus reveal in verse 4 as he answered Jesus?

I think there are a couple of layers to this answer. On the surface layer, we see in verse 4, Nicodemus said to him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?” Nicodemus similarly asked in v9 - how can these things be? What this revealed is a misunderstanding of what Jesus had said in verse 3: “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again (and born from above) he cannot see the kingdom of God.” That is, Nicodemus thought that Jesus was referring to a physical rebirth.

But the deeper layer of meaning here is that the Pharisees who were not receiving Jesus were not born again and therefore don’t see and have not entered the Kingdom of Heaven. This was evidenced by their not receiving Jesus, the OT prophets, and John the Baptist testimony (v11).

The unstated question of why is it the Pharisees don’t receive Jesus as the Christ (cf question and answer 4a above) is here answered by Jesus - it is because such people are not born again.

BSF notes re Exposed to the Light – 3:4-8

Practical Question – 3:4

Nicodemus responded to Jesus’s stunning statement with a practical question. He could not fathom the physical perplexity behind the words “born again.” Nicodemus reasoned that no one could reenter their mother’s womb. John records multiple times when people routinely misunderstood Jesus.3

Yet Nicodemus possibly recognized a spiritual implication within Jesus’s answer. Could Jesus’s words mean that he lacked preparation to enter God’s kingdom despite his tidy religious background? At this moment Nicodemus could not yet understand the spiritual truth Jesus declared. Like every human ever born, Nicodemus did not need a second beginning; he needed a new beginning—rebirth by the Holy Spirit.

3. Misunderstanding: John 2:19-21; 3:3-4; 4:10-11, 32-33; 6:32-33

5. Explain what Jesus meant by the word “flesh” in verse 6? (See also John 1:14; 6:51-56, 63 and Romans 8:5-9.)

For context, Jesus said in verse 6: “That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.”

John 1:14 indicates that Jesus became flesh and dwelt among us.

John 6:51-56 indicates that Jesus identified Himself as the living bread that came down from heaven, that if anyone eats this bread he will live forever, and that the bread He will give for the life of the world was His flesh. John 6:63 adds that it is the Spirit who gives life, that the flesh is no help at all, and that the word Jesus spoke are spirit and life.

Romans 8:5-9 indicates that those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh but that those who live according to the spirit set their mind on the things of the Spirit.

So, Jesus use of the word flesh here in John 3:6 seems to be consistently used by Jesus and Paul at other times as well to refer to the physical body but also to the desires of the non-born again (unregenerate) soul/spirit. The former is obvious and the latter is less obvious but is intended since Jesus implies a problem with the fleshly desires in John 6:63 when he indicates that the flesh is no help at all in giving life. What is implied in John 6:63 is clear in Rom 8:5-9 where Paul writes about the mind’s desires of the flesh versus the mind’s desires of those who have the Spirit.

BSF notes re Born of Water and the Spirit – 3:5-8

Jesus continued to add depth and clarity to His first statement. His expanded explanation begins with a defining truth: “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit.”

Born of the Spirit

Jesus explained the difference between being born of flesh and the Spirit. Being born of “flesh” points to physical birth in a physical body, which includes our will, thoughts, and emotions. Humanity’s fall in Eden left all flesh subject to temptation, weakness, sin, and death.4 Though Jesus descended from heaven to be born in the flesh through a human mother,5 He is the only sinless person to ever live. Therefore, Jesus alone could offer the only appropriate sacrifice to pay for the sin of humankind.

Being born of “the Spirit” refers to new birth by the Holy Spirit, who indwells all who believe in Jesus as Savior. Only God can give spiritual life, which allows a sinner to be born again as a new creation in Christ.6 In this regenerated state, God gives His redeemed children a new will to live for Him. The Holy Spirit enables those who become a new creation in Christ to “see” God’s kingdom. With God-given spiritual eyesight, believers understand that God has rescued them from their sinful state and delivered them “into the kingdom of the Son he loves.”7 The Spirit gives believers eternal life and an unending relationship with God that cannot be reversed, even by physical death.8

Jesus compared the Spirit with the wind, an unseen but observable expression of nature. Those born of the Spirit recognize His leading. In both Hebrew and Greek, the original languages of the Bible, the word for spirit is also the word for wind. The Holy Spirit is as refreshing as a cool breeze on a hot day.

4. Fall: Genesis 3

5. Word became flesh: John 1:14

6. New creation: 2 Corinthians 5:17; Ephesians 4:24; Colossians 3:10

7. Rescued: Colossians 1:13

8. Eternal security: John 10:27-29

6. a. How did Jesus describe someone who has not yet experienced new birth? Why is new birth essential? (See also John 5:24 and Ephesians 2:1, 5.)

Eph 2:1, 5 indicates that in our non-born again state (i.e., unregenerate state), we are dead in our trespasses and sins but that while we were in this state God made us alive together with Christ.

i someone not experienced new birth

John records in John 3:3 that unless one is born again (i.e., born from above, born of water and the Spirit), he cannot see the kingdom of God. In John 3:5, we read that Jesus taught that unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. Eph 2:1, 5 teaches why we cannot see or enter the kingdom of God in our non-born again (i.e, unregenerate) state - it is because we are spiritually dead and unable to do anything. So, a person that is not born again cannot see or enter the kingdom of God and in fact cannot do anything because he is spiritually dead.

ii why new birth essential

It is evident that being born again is essential from Jesus teaching in John 3:3, 6 when he specifies “unless one is born again”. This means that being born again is a prerequisite (i.e., necessary precondition) to seeing and entering the kingdom of heaven. If that prerequisite is not met (i.e., you are not born again), then you will not see or enter the kingdom of God.

Why is this the case? It is because we are spiritually dead as we read in Eph 2:1, 5.

b. According to this passage, can anyone know whether they are born again? Do you know whether you are born again?

i. can anyone know/what is the basis for knowing?

In John 1:8, Jesus is recorded as analogizing the issue of who is born again by saying: “The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.” This seems to lead us to ask the question - since the Spirit (same word as wind) blow but we don’t know where He goes, can anyone know whether they are born again? We are also led to ask that question based on John 1:12-13.

In order to answer the above question we must also ask - what is the basis for being born again and what is the evidence of it? If we don’t get that right, we will conclude that our act of believing is the basis for our being born again.

We might think from John 5:24 (cited in the question) and many other verses that being born again is based on our believing of it. However, John also wrote in his gospel in John 1:12-13 that those who did receive him and were given the right to become the children of God were “born not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.” Eph 2:1-9 further makes it clear that we are made spiritually alive (i.e., born again) by grace (vs 5, 7, 8) and not of our own doing (v8), not the results of works (v9), such that no one may boast (v9).

How do we reconcile the teaching of John 1:12-13, John 3:1-8, John 6:65, and Eph 2:1, 5 (not to mention others) and John 3:16, John 5:24 (cited in the question above ) along with many other verses that indicate that whoever hears Jesus’ words and believes him who sent me has eternal life?

Perhaps we would think that God looks down the corridors of time to see who will respond positively by believing in Jesus and then in time he causes those people to be born again. However, if our being born again (to use Jesus words in John 3:1-8, see also the word born in John 1:12-13) and we are made alive with Christ (which is the same thing described by Paul in Eph 2:1-9) based on God seeing whether we believe in Christ, then our being born again and made alive in Christ is a work performed by us (the act of belief) while we were dead in our trespasses and a work that is of our own doing. Such belief would be the determinative action of whether we were born again or not. Such a determinative act is contrary to the the analogies of being born and being dead. As such, this cannot be a consistent understanding between these sets of verses.

I think the way in which we consistently understand these verses about God’s role in our being born again and made alive together with Christ and our believing in Christ is to understand that we are first born again by the monergistic work of God by the HS and that the first fruits (that is, the first outward or external manifestation) of that work is a belief in Jesus as your Lord and savior. In this way, our believing is not a work that contributes to our being born again and but rater is just the first fruits of being born again and is therefore the first external evidence that we are born again and therefore have eternal life. In this way, God gets all of the glory and we will spend eternity giving all praise and glory to Christ and retain no glory for ourselves, as we see in Rev 5. To misunderstand this would lead us to think that our believing is the basis of our being born again and rob God of the glory He alone is due.

So, we can know whether we or others are born again based on the first fruit of being born again - believing. But here we need discernment. We just read in John 2:23-25 that there were those who believed in Jesus name (which is a strong statement of belief because it encompasses the person and work of Jesus) but then there was the additional statement that his occurred “when they saw the signs he was doing”. Jesus knew through the HS that these people’s belief was not real. So, these people believed, but yet they were not born again (i.e., they did not have saving faith). In the last lesson on John 2, I noted that John 2:23-25 teaches us that there is a belief that acknowledges the truth about who Jesus is and what he came to do but that this is only the type of belief that demons have according to James 2:19. Saving faith involves another thing besides just believing the truth of who Jesus is, what he has done, and what he taught. It also involves a loving trust in Him to save you from God’s wrath. We can contrast the disciples (at least 11 of them) who had this 3rd and final element of saving faith (the first being noticia, the second assensus, and the third being fiducia).

As noted above, true belief (that is, saving faith) in Jesus is just the first fruit of being born again but it should not be the only fruit that we should ever see of being born again. As we progress in our sanctification we should the fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5) and we should desire and do good works (James 2:26)

So, one can know if they are born again if they know about the person and work of Jesus, they believe it to be true, they have a loving trust in Jesus for who he is, what he has done and what he taught. All of this is to demonstrate saving faith as evidenced by a proclamation of belief. In time, people can further be assured of their salvation by their manifestation of the fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5), and they do good works with the right motive in accordance with God’s commands (James 2:26).

ii. am I born again

Do I have this? I believe I do using the criteria above.

What reduces my assurance is my sin. When I sin I have to admit that I am loving sin more than I am loving God. This legitimately should leads me to question whether I have that third element of saving faith. I think that this is intended by God. That is, as one loses assurance of their salvation, if they are really saved that lack of assurance concerns them enough to lead them to repent and turn back to God. This is how God intends to sanctify us. So, I should not question my salvation because I sin but I should question my salvation if I sin and don’t repent of that sin but rather dwell in it and, even worse, make it a lifestyle.

For more reading, see my Logos note under Soteriology: Assurance of Salvation, How have Assurance when I keep Committing the Same Sin for an article from John Piper entitled: “Is My Repentance Real If I Keep Committing the Same Sin?”

BSF Apply It

Nicodemus, a well-educated and admired leader, lived a morally upright life. Yet he remained a sinner in need of the Savior. He sought out Jesus with curious questions. What questions do you have for Jesus? How do the words “you must be born again” speak to you? If you are uncertain about the idea of new birth, will you pour out your questions to God? Faith is not a leap in the dark but reasonable trust in eternal truth. Today God calls you to step into the light of His truth—questions and all! How might you allow the Lord to provide necessary answers as you trust Him? If you know Jesus by faith already, then rejoice in what you have received— forgiveness and new life—as an amazing eternal gift from God.

Third Day: Read John 3:9-15.

Jesus expands on His divine identity.

7. a. What witnesses did Jesus include when He used “we” instead of “I” in John 3:11? (See also John 1–2.)

I believe he would be intending to include the Old Testament prophets who prophesied about the coming Messiah and John the Baptist who was referred to by John in John 1-2 in his position as an Old Testament prophet. He may also be referring to his disciples that he had called so far (who would later be given the title Apostles, meaning ones who speak on behalf of a king).

BSF notes re The Fulfilled Promise – 3:9-15

Spiritual Ignorance – 3:9

Despite his vast knowledge of the Old Testament, Nicodemus remained perplexed. Unable to grasp Jesus’s disconcerting words and seemingly challenged for a meaningful response, Nicodemus simply asked, “How can this be?”

“What We Know” – 3:10-11

Despite his extensive learning, Nicodemus remained blinded by unbelief. Jesus marveled that Israel’s teacher failed to understand what Scripture plainly promised and that Jesus came to fulfill. By contrast, Jesus’s first disciples—unschooled fishermen—immediately left their livelihoods to follow Him.9 Their first encounter with Jesus resulted in belief in Him as the Messiah. Nicodemus questioned who Jesus is, whereas the disciples accepted Jesus with childlike faith. 10

Jesus exposed the root of Nicodemus’s confusion—a refusal to believe. The plural “we” in Jesus’s statement regarding those who know and see likely includes His Father and the Holy Spirit as well as those who already believed. Faithful followers such as John the Baptist and Jesus’s disciples recognized God’s glory in Jesus. Conversely the Jewish leaders, including Nicodemus, witnessed Jesus’s authority but refused to believe.

9. Followed the Messiah: Matthew 4:18-22; John 1:41, 49

10. Childlike faith: Luke 18:17

b. What accusation did Jesus make against Nicodemus and the Pharisees? (See also John 1:19-28; 2:13-25.)

The Reformation Study Bible notes that the “you” in reference to the phrase “I say to you” is in the singular form. The footnote on the word “you” in reference to “you do not receive our testimony” indicates that the word you is in plural form. So, Jesus accuses the Pharisees, of which Nicodemus is a part, of not receiving the testimony of Jesus, John the Baptist and possibly the disciple’s testimony.

John 1:19-28 is John’s account of the Jewish leaders being sent to John the Baptist to inquire who he was and what he was doing. This may be in part what Jesus was referencing as “you do not receive our testimony.”

John 2:13-25 is John’s account of the Jews rebuking Jesus for clearing the temple of the animal sellers and money changers. Again, his may be in part what Jesus was referencing as “you do not receive our testimony.”

In John 1: 11-13, John wrote that those who received Jesus believed in Jesus name, they were given the right to become children of God. The corollary of not receiving Jesus is that they would not become children of God. In John 8:44, Jesus called these Jewish leaders who reject him as being the children of the devil.

BSF notes:

Jesus exposed the root of Nicodemus’s confusion—a refusal to believe. … [T]he Jewish leaders, including Nicodemus, witnessed Jesus’s authority but refused to believe.

8. How does the incident involving Moses in the wilderness point to Jesus? (See also Numbers 21:4-9.)

I think that John 3:13-14 teaches us about the result of Jesus’ work, the proof that Jesus accomplished his desired result, and the person of Jesus.

Num. 21:4–9 records the story of God sending fiery serpents to punish the disobedient Israelites. God then told Moses to put a bronze serpent on a pole, with the promise that whoever looked at it would live. Jesus’ comparison of the Son of Man (Him) to Moses’ serpent teaches us about the result of His work. That is, His impending crucifixion (lifted up) under God’s curse will impart salvation to those who believe in him.

I think it is important to note here that immediately preceding Jesus reference to Moses in verse 14 are his comments in verse 13 where Jesus connects the “lifted up” phrase in verse 14 to ascending into heaven, which is a reference to Jesus’ ascension in Luke 24:50-53, Mark 16:19-20. That is, Jesus is teaching us that the proof that He accomplished our salvation will be His ascension.

In John 3:13, Jesus teaches that he descended from heaven. This teaches us about the person of Jesus, which is, that he is God himself. As indicated in John 1:14, the Word (who was God according to John 1:1) became flesh and dwelt among us.

As with so many short sayings of Jesus, they are packed with meaning.

BSF notes:

Divine Authority – 3:12-13

Belief in Jesus, the one God sent, is the only way to know and understand heavenly truth. As their conversation continued, so did Jesus’s call for Nicodemus to believe. Jesus, the Son of Man, came from heaven to reveal eternal truth. He challenged Nicodemus to acknowledge His divine authority and accept Him as the promised Messiah. Jesus taught with authority. He alone came from heaven to declare truth about Himself and His kingdom.11

The Cross to Come – 3:14-15

Reaching back to an Old Testament text that would have been familiar to Nicodemus, Jesus offered a tremendous revelation—the redemptive work of the cross. Responding to His people’s rebellion in the wilderness, God brought a plague of poisonous snakes.12 The dying Israelites asked Moses to pray. God commanded Moses to make a bronze snake which illustrated the sting of sin and death. As the snake was lifted on a pole, God promised He would heal anyone bitten who looked at the snake. This miraculous physical deliverance received by looking at the snake pointed to Jesus and His defeat of death on the cross, a demonstration of God’s mercy for humanity.

Jesus told Nicodemus that He, the only Son of God, came to take our sin, death, and punishment. He would be lifted up like the snake.13 The Israelites who obeyed God’s Word in faith and looked at the snake lived. All who look by faith to Jesus, who bore sin’s punishment on the cross, receive eternal life. Because of Jesus’s sacrifice, believers do not face eternal punishment but live as God’s beloved children by the power of the Holy Spirit.14 The words “so the Son of Man must be lifted up” point first to the cross and also look ahead to Jesus’s ascension into glory as the Son of Man and Son of God.15 To receive eternal life by faith is to see Christ uplifted and dying for you on the cross and now ascended into heaven alive forevermore. “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to [Him]’.16 He is our Lord and our Savior, equal with God the Father.

11. Witness to the Father: John 1:18

12. Plague of snakes: Numbers 21:6-9

13. Jesus took our sin: Isaiah 52:13–53:12; 2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Peter 2:24

14. Salvation: John 5:24; Romans 8:1, 14-17

15. Jesus’s ascension: Acts 2:33; 5:31; Philippians 2:9

16. Jesus’s authority: Matthew 28:18

9. a. Describe your personal understanding of what it means to be saved. (See also Acts 4:12 and Romans 10:13.)

RC Sproul asked the question - saved from what? He noted how few Christians could answer that question. It seems that the most common answer is “from hell.” But that seriously misses the point. What it means to be saved is to be saved from God’s deserved wrath. In Rom 1-3:20, we learn that we deserve God’s wrath. In Rom 3:21-5:11, we learn we are saved from that wrath through faith and in Rom 5:12-21, we learn that we are saved by faith in the person and work of Christ.

Acts 4:12 teaches that Jesus is the exclusive means of salvation.

Romans 10:13 everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. Of course, given what we learned in John 2:23-25, Rom 10:13 must be understood to mean those who truly call on the name of the Lord will be saved.

Eph 2:1-8 tells us that this salvation is by grace alone and not by my works at all. I didn’t deserve it in any regard. I was saved only by God’s grace.

But beyond knowing what we are saved from, we must also note what we are saved to. John 1:12 indicates that we are given the right to become the children of God. John 1:4 indicates that we are given understanding (light). John 1:14 indicates that we see the Word’s glory! John 1:18 indicates that we have known God, who was previously unknown.

BSF notes re From the Darkness of Death to the Light of Life

The Doctrine of Salvation

Nicodemus did not realize he was a man in need of Jesus’s salvation. Nicodemus and all people enter the world as sinners deserving death. Jesus, our only hope, died in our place. As we are born again through faith in Jesus Christ, we receive God’s gift of salvation. The sins for which Jesus died will never rise to accuse or haunt believers again.1

Salvation in Christ brings freedom from sin’s penalty, power, and presence. Sin results in death:2 physical death and spiritual death—eternal condemnation by God and separation from Him. Through His death on the cross, Jesus bore sin’s death penalty for all who place their faith in Him. Salvation from sin’s power describes the present dimension of salvation. The Holy Spirit works within a believer to recognize and overcome sin in daily life.3 This gradual victory over sin’s power will not be complete until we are glorified. Although we still struggle on earth with sin’s pull and power, all Christians anticipate a future day when Jesus ushers in a new creation and they are forever delivered from sin’s presence.4

To ignore or reject Jesus’s gift of salvation means you must bear sin’s penalty and live under its present bondage without hope of eternal deliverance. If Jesus does not pay the price for your sin, you must bear that burden yourself. Purpose in life and assurance regarding eternity rest on Jesus Christ and His gift of love. Without faith in Jesus’s atoning sacrifice and resurrection life, the grave beckons without hope.

God did not ignore our perilous state as sinners but sent His own Son to die a death He did not deserve to give us life we could not earn. Because of Jesus, believers face the challenges of life and the certainty of physical death with unquenchable hope. Sin’s cost is paid. Sin’s tyranny is broken. Sin’s stranglehold will end. The glory of Christ and the wonder of His love bring a heart of humility and gratitude for such an indescribable gift. Jesus came to earth so we could walk in the light with Him. What a wonderful Savior!

1. Sin forgiven: Psalm 103:11-12; Isaiah 38:17; Jeremiah 31:34

2. Sin’s wages: Romans 6:23

3. Overcoming sin’s power: Romans 6; 8:1-17; Philippians 2:13; Colossians 1:13-14.

4. Sin’s presence removed: Revelation 21:1-8

b. What part of your definition of “saved” puzzles you or moves you to praise God?

What puzzles me about my definition of saved is why God would choose me to be saved. I am also puzzled by why he hasn’t taken my salvation away from based on the sins I have committed since the the time he caused me to be born again.

While I will agree I am puzzled by this, I know from the Word of God that he saved me through Christ so that I would be a worshipper of Christ and to give Him all the praise He is due. While I have regrettably sinned and continue to struggle with sin, I must continually fall at his feet and confess my need for Him, which repentance brings Him glory now. In eternity, I will praise him as in Rev 5 for taking the wrath I deserved.

BSF Apply It:

Jesus spoke the truth to Nicodemus—no one may enter God’s kingdom unless they are born of water and the Spirit. God gives everlasting life through His Word and the mysterious working of the Holy Spirit. Today many people of the world and even in our churches, believe if they behave well, they will earn God’s favor. At the same time, these same people hesitate to give complete allegiance to Jesus. Jesus knows the hearts of all people—those who truly seek Him and those who do not. Nicodemus was curious enough to seek Jesus out but not courageous enough to walk into the light at that moment. What do you risk in following Jesus? Where do you take your questions or concerns? Go to the source of truth and perfect wisdom. The world is full of people who “stand condemned” and will perish unless they know and believe in Jesus. Jesus came not to condemn the world but to save us. If you have questions, who will you speak with regarding salvation? Will you ask God to guide you as you tell others about the salvation that comes only through God’s Son?

Fourth Day: Read John 3:16-21.

God gave Jesus as a gift to humankind.

10. Describe what is true of a person who believes in Jesus. (See also John 3:36.)

John 3:15-21 teaches what people who believe in Jesus will receive and what people who don’t believe in Jesus will receive and why people believe or don’t believe.

John 3:16 teaches that what is true of a person who believes in Jesus Christ is that they have eternal life, according to John 3:16.

John 3:17-18 indicates that what is true of a person who believes in Jesus is that they are saved from condemnation.

John 3:19-21 teach about people who are in darkness and either come to the light or do not come to the light and why. John 3:19-20 teaches us that the light, Jesus, came into the world and the people loved darkness rather than the light because their works were evil and they don’t want to have their works exposed. John 3:21 contrasts those who does what is true with those in John 3:19-20 who do what is wicked. I believe that given the context of John 3:15-21, doing what is wicked and doing what is true in John 3:19-21 is the equivalent of not believing and believing. John 3:21 teaches that those who do what is true/believe come to the light for a reason - that it may be clearly seen that his works (doing what is true/believing) has been carried out by God. So, to answer the question, what is true about a person who believes in Jesus - they believe so that it may be clearly seen that his belief has been carried out in God. We will see that John the Baptist is such a person.

BSF notes re Jesus Alone Brings Salvation – John 3:16-21

God chose to save us because He loves us. Willingly and obediently, Jesus Christ took on flesh, casting His light in our dark world. He came to die in our place so we might live with Him forever. God is love. God is light. God is our salvation.

The Love Gift: Jesus – 3:16

At this point the dialogue with Nicodemus seems to stop, and John writes words that crystallize and summarize Jesus’s amazing message. The wonder contained in this well-loved verse can be lost in its familiarity. Out of His great love, the Father willingly offered His only Son to die on the cross as an atonement for our sin.17 God’s own Son suffered so that eternal life and joy would be available to all who believed. Had God’s love for humanity been less or had there been another way, God never would have sent His Son to die. Those who receive God’s love gift of Jesus receive life for all eternity. [RM note: Using the word “receive” is confusing in that it suggests that there is some action on our part that determines our salvation when the text is clearly indicating that this is not the case.]

When people truly believe in Jesus, they have everlasting life now and have “crossed over from death to life.”18 Believing this, we can live with confidence in Jesus’s profound promise: “I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand.”19

No Condemnation – 3:17

Jesus came to earth to redeem, not condemn, humanity. Jesus came to make salvation possible.20 [RM note: Jesus did not come to make salvation possible. We need to give Him more glory than that. Jesus came to make salvation certain for those whom God elected - see John 10:28-29].

13. Jesus took our sin: Isaiah 52:13–53:12; 2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Peter 2:24

14. Salvation: John 5:24; Romans 8:1, 14-17

15. Jesus’s ascension: Acts 2:33; 5:31; Philippians 2:9

16. Jesus’s authority: Matthew 28:18

17. Atonement: John 10:11; 15:13

18. Crossed over to life: John 3:36; 5:24

19. Eternal life: John 10:28

20. Savior: 1 Timothy 4:10

11. From each passage below, describe someone who does not believe in Jesus.

John 3:16 - Someone who does not believe in Jesus will perish.

John 3:17-19 - Someone who does not believe in Jesus will be condemned.

John 3:36 - Someone who does not believe in Jesus has the wrath of God remaining upon them.

2 Thessalonians 1:8-9 - Someone who does not believe in Jesus will suffer eternal punishment, they will be away from the presence of the Lord, and be away from the glory of His might.

BSF notes:

Death without Him – 3:18

Like two sides of the same coin, salvation for all who believe means judgment for those who do not. All people are like sheep, prone to stray and destined to perish.21 Many people joke dismisses the idea. Jesus’s frequent warnings and the teaching of Scripture make judgment in hell and the dreadful face of eternal punishment clear.22

To refuse to believe and receive God’s gift means to receive the “second death.”23 Hell represents the eternal, conscious torment that results from rejecting Christ. Just as Scripture describes the incomprehensible beauty and blessing of God’s eternal kingdom,24 the reality of hell is far worse than we can fathom. 25

Light Versus Darkness – 3:19-21

Jesus brings light into this darkened world. Those who reject Jesus love darkness, sin, and rebellion against God. Only Jesus delivers people from the sin so deeply rooted within us. He brings people out of darkness and into the light of His love. A desire for Jesus and His power in your life indicates that you truly seek God and His goodness and light. John’s Gospel does not record Nicodemus’s response to the truth about salvation that Jesus presented. Later when the Sanhedrin attacked Jesus, Nicodemus called for patience in giving Jesus a hearing.26 And after Jesus’s death, Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea took Jesus’s body off the cross and wrapped Him in spices and linen in accordance with the Jewish burial customs.27 Many believe that Nicodemus responded to Jesus’s offer of salvation after this encounter but before Jesus’s crucifixion. [RM note: If he “responded” it was because God caused him to be born again, not because of anything spiritually dead Nicodemus did].

21. Like sheep: Isaiah 53:6

22. Eternal punishment: Matthew 7:13; 11:24; 18:6, 8; Luke 16:19-31; John 3:36

23. Second death: Revelation 20:14-15

24. Eternal kingdom: Revelation 21–22

25. Reality of hell: Matthew 13:42, 49-50; 25:41; John 8:24

26. Nicodemus calls for hearing: John 7:50-51

27. Burial customs: John 19:39-40

12. How do the truths in verses 16-21 challenge or encourage you?

These verses challenge me to see the necessity of being born of the Spirit in order to believe in the person and work of Jesus, which is to see and enter the Kingdom of God.

These verses challenge me to see that my belief in Jesus is not a work of my own but a work carried out in God. That the work of believing is not a work of my own is evident form John 3:21 and from the analogy of being born, which act I did not participate in. This is a challenge because we sinfully and unwisely want our salvation to be based on something we did. It is a challenge to acknowledge that God saved us based on nothing we did. Yet, that is what we are to do so that God gets the glory.

I am encouraged to know that if I am born again, I have believed in Jesus, I have seen the kingdom of God, and I have entered the kingdom of God. I am encouraged by this because it makes my salvation based on God keeping me rather than me keeping myself.

Fifth Day: Read John 3:22-36.

John the Baptist accepts his role in relation to Jesus.

13. a. What concern did John the Baptist’s disciples bring to him?

In John 3:22-26, John the Baptist's disciples brought a concern to John the Baptist about Jesus baptizing and people going to him instead of going to John the Baptists.

BSF notes re John the Baptist Exalts Jesus – John 3:22-36

Disciples’ Concern – 3:22-26

After His encounter with Nicodemus, Jesus left Jerusalem for the province of Judea where John the Baptist continued to call people to repent and be baptized. During this time, Jesus baptized people as well. Earlier, Jesus personally identified with us through His own baptism by John.28

John the Baptist’s disciples saw his influence waning as Jesus’s popularity grew. The thought of another teacher siphoning people from the godly man they loved, admired, and followed concerned them. They took their complaint directly to their leader.

God’s people are not immune from shortsighted envy and its divisive results. Paul admonished the church at Corinth for their contentious alignment around their preferences.29 Jesus Himself would admonish His disciples for lobbying for positions of prominence.30 John the Baptist could easily have felt neglected or forgotten as the spotlight shifted to Jesus, who seemingly owed much to John the Baptist for introducing Him to the world.

28. Jesus’s baptism: Matthew 3:13-17; John 1:31-34

29. Believers’ preferences: 1 Corinthians 1:10-17

30. Seeking prominence: Matthew 18:1; 20:20-22

b. How did John the Baptist respond to the growing interest in Jesus?

In John 3:27-36, John the Baptist responds in several different ways to the growing interest in Jesus. All the responses communicate that it is a good thing that there is more of an interest in Jesus than in himself (John the Baptist)

In John 3:27, John the Baptist communicates that he he received what he taught from heaven, meaning God, which is consistent with his role as an Old Testament prophet of God.

In John 3:28, John the Baptist reminded his disciples that he was not the Christ, just the one who prepared the way for the Christ.

In John 3:29-30, he responded by analogizing himself to that of being a friend of the bridegroom and Jesus being the bridegroom such that he rejoices with Jesus and, in fact, his joy is complete as he has arrived and is doing His work. He summed it all up by saying that Jesus must increase, and he (John the Baptist) must decrease.

BSF notes re John the Baptist’s Reply – 3:27-30

John the Baptist’s wise and humble reply proves his godliness, surrender, and God’s purpose for all believers. He recognized the truth: It’s all about Jesus. John the Baptist contentedly focused on the work God had given him.31 He repeatedly confirmed that he was not the Messiah.32 He rejoiced when Jesus, the Bridegroom, made Himself known.33 John the Baptist remained clear about his place and purpose—God called him to point and make way for the One who came to save.

John the Baptist felt utter delight when people left him to follow Jesus because he saw the visible fruit of his obedient, God-honoring labor. John the Baptist rejoiced that God had sent him to point others to Jesus, the Bridegroom. His role was to be a friend who brings to the Bridegroom the bride—God’s people, the church. What a friend John the Baptist had in Jesus!

John the Baptist closed with an inspiring statement that should challenge us—“He must become greater; I must become less.” His deepest desire was for Jesus to become greater. If you have received Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord, is this your life’s goal? Seeking a following represents a true temptation. There is no higher calling than leading others to Jesus.

31. Believer’s purpose: Matthew 28:18-20; Romans 12:2

32. Not the Messiah: John 1:19-20

33. The Bridegroom: Matthew 3:1-17; Mark 1:4-11; John 1:29-34

c. In what way do you want to follow John the Baptist’s example?

We are all all tempted to be prideful. It may be the number 1 temptation that we have. John the Baptist’s humility in making Christ supreme and himself low is a good example to follow.

It is interesting to me that John, the gospel writer under the influence of the HS, placed this story about John the Baptist and his joy in seeing Jesus increase and his own willingness to decrease after the account of Jesus teaching about being born again to be saved from God’s wrath and entering into God’s kingdom. I think that that the intention is for us to model John the Baptist in our understanding of our salvation. We may react negatively to Jesus teaching that our salvation is all of Him and none of us such that even our believing is a fruit of the work that God alone has done. Yet, immediately after that teaching, we see the example of John the Baptist who was glad that Jesus was receiving more glory than he (John the Baptist) received. So also we must be glad that Jesus receive more glory in our salvation and that we be glad to receive less glory - in fact, no glory at all.

14. Who did John the Baptist say Jesus is? Who do you say He is?

a. who/John the Baptist

In John 3:31-34, John the Baptist says that Jesus is Divine and that he teaches the words of God, and gives the Spirit of God without measure.

In John 3:35a, John the Baptist says that there is a relationship between Jesus and God, that relationship is Father and Son and that the Father loves the Son.

In John 3:35b, John the Baptist teaches what the Father has given to the Son - all things.

In John 3:36, John the Baptist as an Old Testament prophet of God reaffirms what Jesus taught Nicodemus - that whoever believes in the Son has eternal life but whoever does not obey the Son has the wrath of God remaining on him.

BSF notes re The Greatness of Jesus – 3:31-36

Four Qualities – 3:31-35

Four distinct qualities set our Lord Jesus Christ apart from John the Baptist.

● Jesus’s origin – 3:31: Jesus was and is above all. Jesus is from heaven; John is from earth.

● Jesus’s insight – 3:32: Jesus declared what He had seen and heard in heaven. John the Baptist’s knowledge, while inspired by the Holy Spirit, was limited. “No one accepts his testimony” refers to most people in John the Baptist’s day and, sadly, in our day. Counter to the world’s thinking, John the Baptist accepted God’s Word as true. Still he had only partial knowledge.

● Jesus’s truthfulness – 3:33: Jesus spoke the very words of God. All that Jesus says is true. Jesus brings the “last word” of God.34

● The Holy Spirit without limit – 3:34-35: John the Baptist ministered in the Holy Spirit’s power, but Jesus alone baptizes with the Holy Spirit. Though fully God, Jesus lived as a man indwelt by the Holy Spirit without limit. The Father placed all things in the hands of Jesus, His only, beloved Son.

Eternal Life – 3:36

This chapter ends with a resounding conclusion: “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on them.” One of two destinies awaits every person. God’s wrath remains suspended over everyone who does not turn to Christ for salvation. God’s Word could not be clearer, and His gift could not be more glorious. He wipes away the debt and shame of sin. Jesus gives light and new life to those who believe in Him.

b. who/me

I believe all that Jesus taught about Himself and His work and what John the Baptist taught about Jesus. Here, I must acknowledge based on the teaching of John 1-3, that this belief is not from me but from the HS causing me to be born again. Praise be to God!

BSF Apply It:

John the Baptist’s example of humility and surrender should inspire us. How easy it is to seek the attention and favor of others and to desire our fame more than God’s glory. John the Baptist stepped up to obey God and stepped back to exalt Jesus. In what ways do you struggle to achieve that balance? Denying self remains a constant battle, even as we seek to serve the Lord. How willing are you to serve God and others in ways people seldom notice? How bold are you to step up and speak out when doing so risks the criticism of others? Pointing to Jesus represents the greatest privilege we can experience. How willing are you to shine the light on the Light of the World? The giver of life is worthy of the wholehearted devotion of our lives.

Sixth Day: Review John 3.

Jesus gives light and new life to those who believe in Him.

15. What glorious truth about Jesus most impacted you in this week’s study?

The glorious truth about Jesus that impacted me the most in John 3 is that I believe not because I in my dead state decided to believe in Jesus but because the God caused me to be born again. Because of this, I have eternal life and not wrath of God remains on me. May God get all the Praise and Glory he is due (which is all of it)!!!

John 3:1–36 ESV

HOMILETICS

CONTENT

3:1 Now, Pharisee Nicodemus came at night to Jesus: We know you are teacher from God b/c no one could do these signs (cf. ch 2) unless God w/ him.

3:3 Jesus: Unless one is born again he cannot see KoG.

3:4 Nic: How be born again from mother’s womb if old?

3:5 Jesus: Unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the KoG. There is diff between being born in flesh and Spirit.

3:7 Don’t marvel at man needing to be born again. Wind blows but you don’t know where it comes from or goes. So it is w/ everyone born of Spirit.

3:9 Nic: How can this be? Jesus: You are “the” teacher of Israel and you don’t understand?

3:11 Jesus: We (Jesus + JtB + His disciples) speak of what we know, bear witness to what we’ve seen, but you do not receive it.

3:12 If you don’t believe the earthly things, how can you believe heavenly things I proclaim?

3:13 Jesus: The Son of Man descended from heaven and will ascend into heaven. As Moses’ serpent lifted, Son of Man must be lifted up.

3:15 Whoever believes in the Son of Man may have eternal life. For God so loved world, gave only Son, whoever believes in him, will have eternal life.

3:17 God did not send Son to condemn world but that world might be saved thru him.

3:18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned. Whoever d/n believe in him, is condemned already, b/c he has not believed in the name of SoG.

3:19 This is the judgment: light has come into world, people loved darkness and did not want evil works exposed in light.

3:21 But whoever does what is true, comes to light, so that it may be seen that his works have been carried out in God.

3:22 After this, Jesus & disciples went thru Judean countryside, Jesus remained there w/ them, was baptizing (cf John 4:2 - it was just Jesus’ disciples). JtB was also baptizing at Aenon near Salim. People were coming and being baptized before JtB was in prison.

3:25 Discussion arise betwen JtB disciples and a Jew re purification. They said to JtB: Jesus is baptizing and all are going to him.

3:27 John: I received everything from heaven. As I said, I am not the Christ. I am a preparer for Him. He is the bridegroom. I am just a friend of bridegroom. I rejoice w/ Him and my joy is now complete. He must increase, I must decrease.

3:31 He from above is above all. He who is of earth belongs to earth, speaks earthly way. He from above is above all. He bears witness to what he has seen, heard.

3:32b Yet, not one receives his testimony. Whoever receives his testimony sets his seal that God is true. For whom God has sent utters the words of God for he gives Spirit w/o measure.

3:25 The Father loves the Son, given him all things. Whoever believes in Son, has eternal life, whoever d/n obey the son, God’s wrath remains on him.

DIVISIONS

A. Jesus teaches Nicodemus about the Necessity of being Born of the Spirit to Believe in Jesus and have Eternal Life, John 3:1-21

B. John the Baptist Exalts joyfully exalts Jesus the Son of God such that whoever Believes in Him will have Eternal Life, John 3:22-36

SUBJECT SENTENCE

Jesus teaches Nicodemus about the Necessity of Being Born again and John the Baptist affirms belief in Jesus provides Eternal Life, John 3:1-36

AIM

CATL that:

A.

1 Nicodemus was a Pharisee (cf MacArthur Study Bible note on Matt. 3:7 and John 3:1) and a great teacher of Israel (cf MacArthur Study Bible note on John 3:10),

2 Nicodemus either feared coming to Jesus by day, and if so, he sought to learn from Jesus at night when he would not be seen by his colleagues, evidencing the early persecution of Jesus by the religious leaders and/or Nicodemus sought a time when he could have a prolonged and uninterrupted time of learning from Jesus,

3 Nicodemus had a proper understanding of signs, that being an authentication of God’s messengers,

4 Jesus as an authenticated messenger of God addressed the issue of why some truly believe and others don’t believe at all or don’t truly belief (cf John 2:23-25) by teaching that only those who born again by the Spirit (cf John 1:11-13, John 1:33) will believe, meaning that we contribute nothing to our being born again and that God does it all through the Spirit such that he gets all the glory and we receive no glory,

5 Jesus taught that God is sovereign over who is born again (i.e., saved from God’s wrath) based Jesus’ teaching that the wind blows where it wishes (John 3:8).

6 The Pharisees rejected what Jesus, John the Baptist and His disciples taught and bore witness to, evidencing that they were not born again.

7 Those who are not born again do not have understanding (cf John 1:11-13) as Nicodemus was in darkness and did not have understanding up to this point.

8 Jesus as an authenticated messenger of God identified himself as the Son of Man and in fact is His preferred self-designation (cf Reformation Study Bible note at Matt. 8:20) that has OT meaning,

9 Jesus taught that he was Son of Man descended from heaven (cf John 6:41-42, Eph 4:8-10) , that he would be lifted up on the cross and exalted (cf Reformation Study Bible note at John 3:14), and ascend back into heaven (cf. John 1:52, John 6:62) an insodoing, communicated his divinity, incarnation, authority to teach and rule (John 5:27)

10 The first fruits of being born of the Spirit is a loving trust/belief in Jesus as the Son of Man who will save you from God’s deserved wrath for your sin.

11 Those who don’t believe because they love the darkness and don’t want their wicked acts to be exposed.

12 Because people are born again by God alone and their believing is just a fruit of being born again, it is clearly seen that this work of belief has been carried out in God and not man, although this is a barrier to many peole (see John 6:65-66, 1 Cor 1:18-31).

B.

1 Jesus and his disciples baptized but that this was not the Triune baptism of Matt 28 but rather the same baptism that John the Baptist administered, that being a baptism of repentance.

2 John the Baptist was an Old Testament prophet whose message was from God and who proclaimed that he was not the Christ but that he had been sent before the Christ (John 3:27-28),

3 As an Old Testament prophet of God, John the Baptist proclaimed that Jesus was the one for whom he had prepared the people such that John the Baptist rejoiced at Jesus being present and happily let Him increase (John 3:29-30).

4 As an Old Testament prophet of God, John the Baptist asserted that Jesus was divine, having “come from above/heaven” and teaches what he has seen and head, which is to say, Jesus taught the truth about God and heaven (John 3:31-34).

5 As an Old Testament prophet of God, John the Baptist asserted that the relationship between Jesus and God was that of Father and Son and that the Father loved the Son (John 3:35a)

6 As an Old Testament prophet of God, John the Baptist asserted that Jesus as the Son of God was given all things (John 3:35b).

7 As an Old Testament prophet of God, John the Baptist reaffirmed what Jesus just taught Nicodemus - whoever believes in Jesus will have eternal life but he who does not believe, the wrath of God remains on them.

PRINCIPLES

A. Jesus is the Divine and incarnate Son of Man who was lifted up on the cross and returned to heaven so that whoever is born again by the Spirit will truly believe in him and have eternal life.

B. John the Baptist affirmed Jesus was the Son of God who taught the Words of God, through whom He gives the Spirit and to whom the Father has given all things such that whoever believes in Jesus will have eternal life.

APPLICATIONS

A. Jesus taught that we must be born again by God before we will believe in Jesus and have eternal life such that God is sovereign over who is saved from His wrath and who isn’t. If you are professing true belief in Jesus as your savior, how does this teaching of God’s sovereignty over your salvation give you greater gratitude for your salvation? How do you give more glory to God for your salvation knowing that it was all of Him, having nothing to do with your actions?

B. If you thought that your believing was the basis for God saving you, how does Jesus teaching that God is sovereign in your salvation lead you to joyfully desire that the amount of glory God gets for our salvation increases and the glory you get in your salvation decreases?

John 3:2 ESV

This man came to Jesus by night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him.”

Miracles, Purpose, Authentication of Messenger, Nicodemus’ Proper Response

John 3:2 ESV

This man came to Jesus by night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him.”

Nic correctly interprets the significance of Jesus' miracles.

John 3:2 ESV

This man came to Jesus by night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him.”

Nichodemus . . . at night, John 3:2

Nicodemus came by night- why? To not let the other pharasees know what he was doing?

John 3:2 ESV

This man came to Jesus by night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him.”

See John 1:5 for People's response to Jesus.

John 3:3 ESV

Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

Regeneration, Man’s Moral Inability

Soteriology

John 3:3

Who does the work in being born again?

The Holy Spirit

In verse 3, note 3 in the ESV notes that born again can be translated born from above. This latter translation would tell us that it is God who causes us to be born again.

In verse 5, Jesus notes that being born again involves being born of water and the Spirit.

Man?

If Jesus intended to show that we had some effort in our rebirth, he chose a bad analogy. What effort does a baby have in its birth? None.

The other analogy used by Christ is that of being dead and being made alive. This likewise is a poor analogy if Jesus intended to show that we are born again based on some effort of our own.

Jesus notes in verse 6 that that which is born of flesh is flesh. 1 Cor 15:50 gives a similar testimony. We are unable to do anything to be born again.

Man has no capacity for spiritual life. This is plainly taught in the word of God, John 5:42, Rom 3:9-18, Rom 7:18, 23, Rom 8:7, 2 Tim 3:4, and of the scripture truth that it is God who inclines the will, Rom 9:16, Phil 2:13.

It is the work of hte Holy Spirit directly and exclusively, Ezek 11:19; John 1:13, Acts 16:14; Rom 9:16; Phil 2:13.

John 3:3 ESV

Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

Regeneration, Necessary Precondition of Salvation

The note indicates that it can also be translated born from above. We know that it does not refer to a physical rebirth, as Nicodemus thought.

In verse 5 says Jesus responds to Nicodemus's question by indicating that being born again or born from above means that we are born of water and the Spirit.

Verse 6 indicates that what is born of the flesh is flesh and that which is born of the spirit is spirit.

So, we know that being born again involves a spritual regeneration by the Spirit.

John 3:3 ESV

Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

Regeneration, Necessary Precondition to Salvation

Verses 3 says that there is a necessary condition to seeing the kingdom of heaven. It is being born again. Unless that happens, no one can see the kingdom of heaven.

I note that that in verse 5 he says that we have to be born of water and the Spirit in order to enter the kingdom of God. Which is a little different.

So, being being born again is a necessary prerequisite to see and enter the kingdom of heaven.

How does the Spirit work?

We get a little glimpse at how the Spirit works in verse 8, the wind blows where it wishes, we hear its sounds but we do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with the Spirit. So, we know that he works but we cannot see him work. We can only hear the effects of his work.

What part does the water play in being born again?

See Ezek 36:25 ff for a prophecy. See other verses at note 4 of verse 6.

How sufficient is the being born again to our seeing and entering the kingdom of God?

I note that Jesus says that you have to be born again to see and enter the kingdom of heaven.

John 3:3 ESV

Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

John 3:3 ESV

Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

regeneration

Being a true Christian is not something you can visibly see. It is an internal, spiritual reality that evidences itself over the course of time. Just because someone says they are a Christian doesn’t mean they are, but for those who truly are born again, they enjoy several immediate (and amazing!) benefits.

Your sins are forgiven. Everything wrong you have ever done is removed from your permanent record. God will no longer count it against you. All debts are completely forgiven. (1 John 1:9)

You are justified before God. To be “justified” is a legal term that means to be declared righteous in God’s sight. Someone might ask, how can God justify letting sinners into heaven? Answer: Because of what Christ has done, our faults are not counted against us, and therefore that decision is justified. We enjoy a right standing with God. (Romans 5:1)

You are adopted into God’s family. God is Father only to those who are brought into his family. Every believer who repents and has saving faith in Christ enjoys this status, being adopted into the family of God as a beloved son or daughter. Your Dad is the King of the universe! (John 1:12)

You pass from darkness to light. There are two kingdoms at war: the kingdom of darkness and the kingdom of light. When we are born again, we pass from the rulership of the devil to the rulership of Christ. We are rescued from the domain of Satan and become partakers in God’s kingdom. (Colossians 1:13)

You are filled with the Holy Spirit. God’s Spirit indwells every believer, granting them faith and the power to live a new life. This is evidenced by the fruit of the Spirit, as God’s work in our lives slowly makes us more Christlike. (Ephesians 1:13)

You inherit eternal life. We usually think of eternal life as something we will experience later on, but the Bible teaches that we receive eternal life at the moment of conversion. Every time eternal life is spoken of for Christians, it is done so in the present tense—meaning it is a current, not future, reality. Though our bodies will die, our spirit is alive forever, and later on will be reunited with our resurrected physical bodies. (John 3:36)

You move out from under God’s wrath. As sinners, all people are under God’s just wrath. He is angry over our sin, and it offends him greatly. But through our faith in Christ, we move out from under God’s wrath to being under his eternal blessing. God becomes forever and always for us, not against us. (John 3:36)

You are given Christ’s righteousness. Not only are our sins forgiven, but we are also given the righteousness of Christ. This means that the perfect, sinless life of Jesus is credited to our account. This has been called by some the great exchange, because we give God our worst and in response are given his best. (2 Corinthians 5:21)

You are granted a place and reward in God’s kingdom. Though we are shut out from God’s kingdom and presence because of our sin and rebellion, through faith in Christ we can be welcomed back into it. We will forever be in God’s presence, participating in kingdom life with all of the redeemed. (Matthew 25:34)

Your eyes are opened to the beauty of God. Sin clouds our vision. Because of this we see sin and think it looks wonderful, and in turn see God and think he looks boring. When we are born-again, however, the eyes of our hearts are opened and we begin to truly see God for who he really is: Creator, Father, Saviour, Treasure. (2 Corinthians 4:3-6)

Your sin nature is defeated. Without God’s intervention, sin rules over us. We are slaves to its desires, unable to walk in holiness or please God at all. But through the new birth, we are new creations in Christ, and the rule of sin in our hearts is broken. Though we will continue to sin until we die and are glorified, the controlling power of sin is defeated, and we can overcome it through the help the Spirit provides. (Romans 6:11)

Your salvation is guaranteed. It would be a worrisome thing indeed if all of this were given to us but was able, through some fault of our own, to slip through our fingers and be lost. But the good news is that not only are all of these blessings bought for us by the blood of Christ, they are also secured for us by the blood of Christ. No one that belongs to Jesus will ever be cast away by him. He will ensure that our faith endures to the end. (Philippians 1:6)

John 3:5 ESV

Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.

John 3:6 ESV

That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

Man in Fallen State, Moral Inability

John 3:8 ESV

The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.”

Salvation, Who Will Receive Salvation?, Man’s Inability to Know

John 3:8 ESV

The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.”

Salvation, Experience of It

John 3:10 ESV

Jesus answered him, “Are you the teacher of Israel and yet you do not understand these things?

Because Jesus expects Nicodemus to know this, we can assume that the OT taught this.

John 3:11 ESV

Truly, truly, I say to you, we speak of what we know, and bear witness to what we have seen, but you do not receive our testimony.

Outline of Jesus Discourse with Nicodemus, John 3:11

3:11–21 The focus of these verses turns away from Nicodemus and centers on Jesus’ discourse regarding the true meaning of salvation. The key word in these verses is "believe," used 7 times. The new birth must be appropriated by an act of faith. While vv. 1–10 center on the divine initiative in salvation, vv. 11–21 emphasize the human reaction to the work of God in regeneration. In vv. 11–21, the section may be divided into 3 parts: 1) the problem of unbelief (vv. 11, 12); 2) the answer to unbelief (vv. 13–17); and 3) the results of unbelief (vv. 18–21).

MacArthur, John Jr. The MacArthur Study Bible. electronic ed. Nashville: Word Pub., 1997, c1997.

John 3:13 ESV

No one has ascended into heaven except he who descended from heaven, the Son of Man.

Jesus Unique Position to Speak of the Things of God- He was from Heaven, John 3:13

3:13 No one has ascended to heaven. This verse contradicts other religious systems’ claims to special revelation from God. Jesus insisted that no one has ascended to heaven in such a way as to return and talk about heavenly things (cf. 2 Cor. 12:1–4). Only He had His permanent abode in heaven prior to His incarnation and, therefore, only He has the true knowledge regarding heavenly wisdom (cf. Prov. 30:4).

MacArthur, John Jr. The MacArthur Study Bible. electronic ed. Nashville: Word Pub., 1997, c1997.

John 3:14 ESV

And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up,

Faith, Necessary Precondition to Salvation

John 3:14 ESV

And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up,

Prophecy, Death and Resurrection

3:14 so must the Son of Man be lifted up. Cf. 8:28; 12:32, 34; 18:31, 32. This is a veiled prediction of Jesus’ death on the cross. Jesus referred to the story of Num. 21:5–9 where the Israelite people who looked at the serpent lifted up by Moses were healed. The point of this illustration or analogy is in the "lifted up." Just as Moses lifted up the snake on the pole so that all who looked upon it might live physically, those who look to Christ, who was "lifted up" on the cross for the sins of the world, will live spiritually and eternally.

MacArthur, John Jr. The MacArthur Study Bible. electronic ed. Nashville: Word Pub., 1997, c1997.

John 3:16 ESV

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

Example of God's Love, John 3:16

Theology Proper

John 3:16

Example of God's Love

John 3:16 ESV

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

Faith, Meaning of Faith

3:18 believed in the name. This phrase (lit. "to believe into the name") means more than mere intellectual assent to the claims of the gospel. It includes trust and commitment to Christ as Lord and Savior which results in receiving a new nature (v. 7) which produces a change in heart and obedience to the Lord.

lit. literally

MacArthur, John Jr. The MacArthur Study Bible. electronic ed. Nashville: Word Pub., 1997, c1997.

cf John 2:23-24

2:23, 24 many believed in His name.... But Jesus did not commit Himself. John based these two phrases on the same Gr. verb for "believe." This verse subtly reveals the true nature of belief from a biblical standpoint. Because of what they knew of Jesus from His miraculous signs many came to believe in Him. However, Jesus made it His habit not to wholeheartedly "entrust" or "commit" Himself to them because He knew their hearts. Verse 24 indicates that Jesus looked for genuine conversion rather than enthusiasm for the spectacular. The latter verse also leaves a subtle doubt as to the genuineness of the conversion of some (cf. 8:31, 32). This emphatic contrast between vv. 23, 24 in terms of type of trust, therefore, reveals that "belief into His name" involved much more than intellectual assent. It called for whole-hearted commitment of one’s life as Jesus’ disciple (cf. Matt. 10:37; 16:24–26).

Gr. Greek

MacArthur, John Jr. The MacArthur Study Bible. electronic ed. Nashville: Word Pub., 1997, c1997.

John 3:16 ESV

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

Salvation, Seemingly By Works, Believing

Soteriology

John 3:16-21

Does John 3:16 state that we are saved by believing?

This is often quoted as evidence that we saved when we believe. In other words, believing is the efficient caue of regeneration. But these verses really don't say anything about the source of our believing or why we believe. It just says if we believe then we will be saved.

Other texts indicate that those who God causes to be born again become children of God.

There is a hint of belief being a fruit of regeneration instead of an efficient cause of it: verses 20 and 21 are about two different kinds of people, those who hate the light and those that do what is true.

John 3:16 ESV

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

External Call, Components of, Promise of Forgiveness and Salvation

Elements External Call (Gospel Message)

Berkoff cites John 3:16-18, 36 to support the proposition that an essential element of the external call is the promise of forgiveness and salvation.

John 3:16 ESV

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

Faith, Meaning of Faith

This use conveys the idea of an absolute transference of trust from ourselves to another, a complete self surrender to God.

John 3:16 ESV

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

Deity, Son of God

John 3:16 ESV

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

Eternal Life, John 3:16

3:15 eternal life. This is the first of 10 references to "eternal life" in John’s gospel. The same Gr. word is translated 8 times as "everlasting life." The two expressions appear in the NT nearly 50 times. Eternal life refers not only to eternal quantity but divine quality of life. It means lit. "life of the age to come" and refers therefore to resurrection and heavenly existence in perfect glory and holiness. This life for believers in the Lord Jesus is experienced before heaven is reached. This "eternal life" is in essence nothing less than participation in the eternal life of the Living Word, Jesus Christ. It is the life of God in every believer, yet not fully manifest until the resurrection (Rom. 8:19–23; Phil. 3:20, 21).

Gr. Greek

lit. literally

MacArthur, John Jr. The MacArthur Study Bible. electronic ed. Nashville: Word Pub., 1997, c1997.

John 3:16 ESV

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

How much involvement do we have in being born again?

Above, I note that Jesus says that we are born again. I note from that and other verses that we do not have any involvement in our being born again.

But here in John 3:16 ff, it appears that it is those who believe who are saved. It seems that entering the kingdom of heaven is based on belief.

Other verses that appear to teach that our being saved is dependent on our belief or our faith:

Acts 3:16; Acts 10:43; Acts 15:9, 11; Acts 16:31; Acts 20:21; Acts 26:18; Rom. 3:22–28; Rom. 9:33; Rom. 10:4, 9; Gal. 2:16; Gal. 3:1–29; Gal. 5:6; Eph. 1:12–14; Eph. 3:12, 17; Eph. 4:13; Phil. 3:9; Col. 2:7; 1 Tim. 1:16; 2 Tim. 1:13; 2 Tim. 2:1; 2 Tim. 3:15; Heb. 4:16; Heb. 6:19; Heb. 10:22; Heb. 12:2; Heb. 13:7; 1 Pet. 1:8; 1 Pet. 2:6, 7 Isa. 28:16. 2 Pet. 1:1; 1 John 3:23; 1 John 5:4, 5, 10, 13, 14; Jude 21; Rev. 1:17; Rev. 3:18, 20

Swanson, James, and Orville Nave. New Nave's. Oak Harbor: Logos Research Systems, 1994.

Is there a conflict between John 3:1-15 and other verese that say we have no part in our rebirth and John 3:16 ff and other verses that suggest that it is our belief that saves us?

There is no conflict between these groups of verses if we understand belief to be a fruit of being born again.

If we look at John 3:16-18 (and all the other verses that talk about people hearing the gospel and being saved) we see that verses do not say anything about the grounds or the basis by which some will believe.

We see from John 3:19-21 that those who do not believe fail to believe because they loved the darkness. The corolalary is that those who love the light believe in Jesus.

John 3:16 ESV

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

9/13/21

Good morning my name is Randy MacArthur and I am one of the board members here at Bloomfield Christian School.

On behalf of the board of directors, I want to welcome you to another school year here at BCS. We are glad you are here. We are excited about another school year and we hope you are too.

At the beginning of another school year, it is good to be reminded of our mission here at BCS. At BCS, we, along with your parents, desire that God do two things – first, that God give you faith in Christ and second, that God sanctify you.

With regard to God giving you faith in Christ, the board at BCS desires that you hear the gospel message every day. The gospel message we desire you to hear is this:

• God owns and rules everything (Psalm 103:19).

• That means He has authority over our lives and we owe Him obedience and worship.

• God is holy (Isaiah 6:3); and God requires us to be holy. (1 Peter 1:16)

• However, the Bible says that no human is holy. Rather, all humans are sinners (1 Kings 8:46, Romans 3:10-12).

• God's holiness and justice demand that all sinners receive eternal punishment (Ezekiel 18:4; Romans 6:23).

• That’s the bad news.

• The Good News of the gospel is that even though God's justice demands eternal punishment, God has provided Jesus Christ as our Savior (1 Peter 3:18).

• Christ's perfect life satisfied the demands of God's holiness (2 Corinthians 5:21)

• Christ's death on the cross satisfied the demands of God's justice (2 Corinthians 5:21)

• His resurrection is proof that His life and death were acceptable to God. (Romans 4:25).

• Because of Jesus Christ, God is able to forgive and save sinners who have faith in Him (Romans 3:26).

• So, the question is - do you have faith in Jesus Christ?

• If you have faith in Jesus Christ, you will confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead.

• If you have faith in Jesus Christ, you will repent of your sin.

• Repentance is

o agreeing with God that you are sinful,

o confessing your sins to Him,

o and making a Spirit caused choice to:

 turn from sin (Luke 13:3, 5; 1 Thessalonians 1:9),

 pursue Christ (Matthew 11: 28-30; John 17:3),

 and obey Him (1 John 2:3, Ephesians 2:10).

• So, I call you to have faith in Jesus Christ.

• If you have this faith, you must know that this is a gift from God, by God’s grace alone, through Christ’s work alone.

• The promise of God is this – if you have faith in Jesus Christ, you will not receive eternal punishment but instead will receive eternal life.

• So, if you have you have this faith, give God all the glory he deserves and don’t rob from God of any of his glory.

But there is a second thing we desire. After receiving faith in Christ, we at BCS, along with your parents, desire that God sanctify you.

The Bible says that sanctification is a process whereby God separates us from sin and sets us apart for holiness. (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24, Romans 6:12-13, 17-1, Eph 4:22-24). After receiving faith, this is a life-long process.

The way in which God sanctifies those who have faith is by rightly ordering their affections.

The reason that BCS is so committed to providing a classical Christian education is that Classical Christian education is fundamentally about “rightly ordering your affections”.

Classical Christian education does this by exposing you to the depths of who God is and to what God has done in every area of life - including history, literature, science, and math. (John 14:14)

When God gives you faith in Christ AND you are exposed to the depths of who God is and to what God has done, THEN God will develop in you a love for that which is true, good, and beautiful.

When you savor that which is true, good, and beautiful, you will love God supremely and will become deeper worshipers of the Lord Jesus Christ. From this supreme love for God, you will also love your neighbor.

God alone gives you faith in Christ. You cannot get faith by works. And in your sanctification, the Spirit is always working in you to both will and to do God’s will (Phil 2:13). But in sanctification, you cannot be passive. (2 Cor. 7:1; Phil. 3:10–14; Heb. 12:14).

So, I call you to cooperate with the Spirit in your sanctification. When you are in class or doing your homework, ask yourself – what does this teach me about how I can love God more and worship him more deeply. It is fair to ask your teachers that question if you don’t know the answer.

So, in closing, it is our desire, our hope, and our prayer here at BCS that God will:

• give you the gift of faith in Christ

• that God will sanctify by “rightly ordering our affections”,

• that he will cause you to love that which is true, good, and beautiful,

• and that you worship God more deeply every passing year.

This is why we are glad you are here. This is why we are excited about another school year. I pray that you are excited for the same reasons. By God’s grace, He will do all of this.

John 3:16–17 ESV

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.

Atonement, by Christ

John 3:17 ESV

For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.

Did Jesus come to condemn the World or not?, John 3:17

Did Jesus come into the world to condemn the world or not?

3:17 to condemn the world. Jesus elsewhere says that judgment does attend His coming into the world (John 9:39). His point is not that He will not judge, but that the time is not ready. The world was already under threat of judgment before He came, but with His coming salvation became a reality offered to a hostile world (Matt. 23:37; Rom. 5:8).

See John 5:27

John 3:19 ESV

And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil.

Man, In Fallen State, Loves the Darkness

This verse tells us why it is some people do not believe in Jesus and therefore have eternal life. It is because in order to believe in Jesus they have to change there ways. But these people loved the darkness. They loved their sin. So, they do not believe in the light.

John 3:21 ESV

But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God.”

Salvation, Seemingly by Works

John 3:22 ESV

After this Jesus and his disciples went into the Judean countryside, and he remained there with them and was baptizing.

Baptism, Jesus and his disciples baptized

John 3:22 ESV

After this Jesus and his disciples went into the Judean countryside, and he remained there with them and was baptizing.

John the Baptist's Testimony about Jesus, John 3:22

See John's testimony about Christ at John 1:7.

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