The second half of John covers the life of Jesus from the death of Lazarus until Jesus leaves to ascend. It reminds us of why Jesus came: to glorify God and love others. I found it encouraging that John included Mary’s distress towards Jesus regarding the death of Lazarus. She wept before Jesus and He joined her weeping for the death of His friend. He loved Lazarus and loved Mary, just as He loves us. Jesus taught by example: love others as He loved us. He washed the disciples dirty feet that were covered in dust, dirt, and probably animal waste before eating their Passover meal. His love was shown through His actions. Jesus asked His disciples and us to do the same by serving and loving others. Christ loved us so much that He died on a cross for us, so that we could have eternal life. He glorified God through all of His actions.
I’ve read through the gospels before, but had not noticed the last few sentences before. Simon Peter is asking Jesus about John’s future, but Jesus tells him to mind His own business. God’s will for others is not important when it comes to our walk. We are all called to walk different paths and that is perfectly okay. One person can be called to serve overseas as a missionary, while another is called to serve the local homeless. There is nothing wrong with either of those callings. I have friends that are fierce prayer warriors, but while I pray and have my own conversations with Him, I have been called to serve Him in other ways. We are not to be jealous or angry at what others have been called to do. We are to joyfully serve the Lord in the ways that He asks us to.
My job as a believer is to love others as I am loved by God and to seek out His will for me, even when it is a challenge. Do you show God’s love to others? I hope that through my actions, God’s light shines through.
Passage:
John 11 – 21
Discovered:
- Lazarus was ill and Jesus did not come right away. Lazarus died.
- Jesus arrived, told Martha, “I am the resurrection and the life, those who believe in me will not die. Mary blamed Jesus for Lazarus’ death. Jesus wept for Lazarus. -> Jesus raised Lazarus 4 days after his death.
- Pharisee council feared Romans would destroy all because of Jesus, so they plotted to kill Him.
- At Bethany, Mary anointed Jesus with expensive perfume. Judas protested saying it should have been sold, but Jesus said let her, you won’t always have me.
- Chief priests wanted Lazarus put to death too.
- Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey and people met Him with palm branches praising Him – fulfilled prophecy.
- Even the Greeks were following Jesus.
- Jesus asked God to save Him to glorify God’s name – God replied, “I have and will glorify it again.”
- Even though Jesus did many signs, many still did not believe – just as Isaiah prophesied
- I come into the world as light, so that those who believe will not be in darkness -> came to save, not to judge.
- Before Passover, Jesus washed the disciple’s feet -> I am your teacher and have washed your feet, so you should wash others feet too -> serve others
- Jesus sent Judas out to betray Him – the others did not understand.
- New commandment: love one another as I have loved you.
- Jesus tells Simon Peter that he will deny Jesus 3 times before the rooster crows.
- Jesus: I am going to prepare a place for you -> I am the way, the truth and the life: no one comes to the father but through me. I will send a helper – the Holy Spirit
- If the world hates you, remember they hated me first. Take heart I have overcome the world.
- Those who are believers are all one – the Church.
- Christ loves us as God loves us. His job was to make God’s love known.
- Judas and soldiers went to the garden seeking to arrest Jesus. He willingly admitted who He was.
- Jesus was brought before the high priests and questioned, struck by Annas, and sent to Caiaphas who sent Him on to Pilate.
- Simon Peter snuck into the high priests to watch the trial of Jesus – he denied that he was a follower of Jesus 3 times.
- Pilate questioned Jesus (His response: I bear truth) but found no guilt and tried to release Him for Passover, but the crowd insisted on Barabas.
- Jesus was put in a purple robe and a crown of thorns and beaten.
- Pilate tried again to release Jesus but the Jews demanded that He be crucified.
- Jesus was crucified between 2 men, a sign saying ” King of Jews” was placed on His cross. The Jews did not like this sign.
- Soldiers cast lots for His clothes – fulfilled scripture
- Jesus asked for a drink, then said “it is finished” then died. Jesus was pierced then removed by the soldiers – fulfilled not a broken bone, but pierced for our transgressions.
- Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus quickly buried Jesus with linen and spices as Sabbath was coming.
- First day of the week, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb, and found it empty, ran to Simon Peter and John and they saw the empty tomb.
- Guys went home but Mary stayed weeping – Jesus appeared to her.
- Jesus appeared to the disciples in a locked room.
- Thomas would not believe until he touched Jesus’ wounds.
- Jesus appeared to 7 who went fishing and did not catch anything. He told them to cast again and they caught a ton.
- They then had breakfast with Jesus.
- Jesus told Simon Peter to fend/tend His sheep.
- When asked about John, Jesus told Simon Peter it didn’t matter to him what His will would be for John – (follow your own path)
Help me to remember:
I am loved and through my faith and belief, I am saved. My job is to love others as I am loved.
Lord, I ask that . . .
I am to be reminded and given the strength to love others even when it is hard.
Heavenly Father, I am thankful for . . .
the knowledge that I am not to worry about God’s will for others, just the path that God has given me.
