JESUS JUSTIFIE HIMSELF IN FRONT OF THE PHARISEES

September, Friday 30^th, 2016

John 10:22-42

By this morning's word, we can see the work philosophy of Jesus.

1. No one will snatch them out of my hand (22-31)

The Phariseen's heart is in suspense. They are as funambulist who walk on a thread, because they haven't faith in Jesus. They don't believe in him and asked miracles again to believe in him. Jesus says that even if he shown miracles, they will not believe, because of their incredulity. But the true reason is that they don't belong to Jesus. They aren't his sheeps. But to these who the Father had given to Jesus, Jesus takes care of them, so that no one be loosen. We must have this faith too to sheep's salvation.

2. For which work ? (32-42)

They wanted to stone him, because they said that it's a man who believe is God, and it's a blasphemy. But with patience, Jesus argued that it's not blasphemy, because him and the Father are the same. They are one. It's obvious if we see the works coming to the Father and made by his hand. God named them gods. All the more so, if we focus our glance on Jesus and his works, we will accept that he is God. A lot of people believed. They are the sheeps of Jesus.

Prayer : Lord, help me to have faith to the salvation of sheeps. Make me keep the faith remembering your works.

Bottom line : All the sheeps, without loose any

THAT THE WORKS OF GOD MIGHT BE DISPLAYED

September, Monday 26th, 2016

John 9:1-23

Mankind is naturally myopic to not see beyond human limit. It's the same for the disciples. Jesus wanted to widen their vision to make them see what is a characteristic of God's work.

1. That the works of God might be displayed

Looking at a man blind from birth, the disciples had a lot of pity and asked Jesus who sinned. According to their system of thought, it's necessary that someone sinned for this pitiful man to be born and beg during all his life. According to them, his man reflected themselves who were poor and must ask for someone to obtain meals everyday. Their situation was lamentable enough to be compared with the situation of this man. Jesus understood their system of thougth and said that he was born like that so that the works of God might be displayed in him. The disciples didn't understand.

2. Go, wash in the pool of Siloam

Jesus spat on the ground, made mud with the saliva, and he anointed the man's eyes with the mud. Then he commanded him to go and wash. The blind man overcame his ego, went and when he came back his eyes were opened. Jesus' way of work was very modest, any doctor could do that. But Jesus used this way to show that all things can be useful to God's works. Nothing on the earth is useless to be employed in God's works. His way was incomprehensible and contemptable, but the blind man obeyed. Obedience is the beginning of God's word and the key to blessing.

Prayer: Lord, help me see God's work beyond human limit.

Bottom line : God's work 

THE TRUCH WILL SET YOU FREE

September, Saturday 24th, 2016

John 8:30-59

Since the beginning, liberty is donation. Patrick Henry said: "give me liberty or death". To mankind liberty is the most important. How can you obtain liberty ?

1. If you abide in my word (30-44)

Jesus promised that whoever listens to his word becomes his disciple and God's word sets him free. People claim they are free, as the Jews claimed to be free thanks to election. But Jesus says clearly that their father isn't God like they thought, it's the devil. They are locked up in the devil's lie, who was a liar since the beginning and they live in sin's slavery. In fact Jesus says that everyone who commits sin is a slave to sin. The Jews commited sin against God persecuting the truth and he who was sent by God. Abraham their father didn't do that. He wanted to see Jesus so much and did what was pleasant to Jesus (56).

2. You don't listen to me (45-59)

Jesus didn't look for his own glory but the Father's glory. So, his testimony is true. But the leaders didn't understand what Jesus said because they can't listen to his word (42, 47, 52b). If you listen to his word, Jesus says that you will not die. God's word is really powerful. God's word set all men free of all chains, even death. Jesus is the transcendental God. He existed since the beginning, he existed even before Abraham. He is the Creator God. He will judge the world coming back to the earth.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for setting me really free by your word. Make me live as your disciple, doing what is pleasant for you, above all listening to your word.

Bottom line: Be attentive to God's word, be a disciple, saved and liberated

JESUS DOESN'T CONDEMN SINNERS

John 7:53-8:11

One of the main problems of mankind is the problem of guilt. Today's word tells us how mankind can resolve this important problem.

1. Moses said to stone her (1-6)

While Jesus was teaching people in the synagogue, the religious leaders brought a woman who had been caught in the act of adultery. Maybe this woman enjoyed her pleasure during the feast. The leaders who should be good shepherds set a trap and picked up this woman as bait to accuse Jesus. Their question was insidious : Moses said to stone her, so what do you say ? This question put Jesus on the spot, but he asked calmly for God's wisdom, he humbled himself before God. So God gave him the best words in his mouth.

2. Neither do I condemn you

Jesus said to leaders this famous word. Facing this word of throwing a stone if someone is without sin, all went away one by one, beginning with the older ones. All felt accused by guilt. Through their going, the woman is free of  their accusing gaze. But she doesn't find really the solution to her problem, without assurance of being forgiven by God. Jesus asked for her : where are they ? Who condemns you ? She answered «No one ». By these words : Neither do I, the woman obtained the forgiveness of her sins by God. Her consciousness was completly appeased. Nevetheless Jesus gave her a direction : go, and from now on sin no more.

Prayer : Lord, thank you for forgiving my sin when I came to you. Who will condemn me if God is with me ? Now make me lead a pure life.

Bottom line : Neither do I

THE TRUTH WILL SET YOU FREE

September, Saturday 24th, 2016

John 8:30-59

Since the beginning, liberty is donation. Patrick Henry said: "give me liberty or death". To mankind liberty is the most important. How can you obtain liberty ?

1. If you abide in my word (30-44)

Jesus promised that whoever listens to his word becomes his disciple and God's word sets him free. People claim they are free, as the Jews claimed to be free thanks to election. But Jesus says clearly that their father isn't God like they thought, it's the devil. They are locked up in the devil's lie, who was a liar since the beginning and they live in sin's slavery. In fact Jesus says that everyone who commits sin is a slave to sin. The Jews commited sin against God persecuting the truth and he who was sent by God. Abraham their father didn't do that. He wanted to see Jesus so much and did what was pleasant to Jesus (56).

2. You don't listen to me (45-59)

Jesus didn't look for his own glory but the Father's glory. So, his testimony is true. But the leaders didn't understand what Jesus said because they can't listen to his word (42, 47, 52b). If you listen to his word, Jesus says that you will not die. God's word is really powerful. God's word set all men free of all chains, even death. Jesus is the transcendental God. He existed since the beginning, he existed even before Abraham. He is the Creator God. He will judge the world coming back to the earth.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for setting me really free by your word. Make me live as your disciple, doing what is pleasant for you, above all listening to your word.

Bottom line: Be attentive to God's word, be a disciple, saved and liberated

JESUS WENT UP INTO THE TEMPLE AND TAUGHT

September, Tuesday 20^th 2016

John 7:1-19

Jesus refused to go up to the feast and then he went up. Jesus taught God's word. Jesus showed his identity and his work in the midst of opponents and the protesting people so that they repented and were saved.

1. the unbelieving brother of Jesus (1-9)

Jesus' brothers wanted to glorify themselves through their very famous brother in the word. So they urged him to go to Jerusalem, because it was the feast of booths. Their time is always here. But Jesus said that his time has not yet come. These who leave for God's glory don't always have the time here. But Jesus said that it's now the time of harvest. Paul said that now is the most favourable time. It's permanently the mission time for God's servant. But for Jesus who must be crucified soon, the time has not yet come. Livingston said that God's servant will not die until he has accomplished the mission that God gave to him.

2. My teaching comes from God (10-19)

Then, Jesus went up to Jerusalem. The opinion about Jesus was divided. Jesus entered into the temple and began teaching, which caused more oppositions because people knew where Jesus came from : Galilee, a distant and despised country (52). Jesus said that his teaching is not his but from God himself, which is recognizable if we wanted to do God's will. The opposition came because they sought their own will, as Jesus' brothers are an example.

Prayer : Lord, help me seek to do your will according to your plan and your time. So I will recognize that your word cames from God.

Bottom line : not for my glory, but for His glory

TWO GROUPS AT DIFFERENT LEVELS

John 6:60-71

Jesus wanted the crowd's condition to improve, but he saw that it was deteriorating and grieved for it. Today, we learn what we must look for in this carnal generation. 

1. It is the Spirit who gives life

The crowd thought that getting bread would suffice. Jesus' teaching to them about the bread of life was like reading Victor Hugo to dogs. This kind of food was too hard to swallow, but Jesus continued to give this food so that they would be saved. 

2. To whom shall we go?

Jesus was saddened but not discouraged, since he knew that all those whom God had chosen would come to him to be saved. Jesus asked a question which could have saddened his disciples: "And you? Do you want to go away as well?" Peter answered, "Lord, to whom shall we go?" He didn't say that because the disciples were afraid of becoming orphans. Neither did he say it out of kindness. His reason was clear: they believed Jesus was the Son of God who came to save sinful humans and that this Jesus is the Christ. They also believed that He had the word of eternal life. In light of this hard teaching, the levels of these two groups were very different.

Prayer: Lord, be gracious to me, for I search for what is visible. I understand that only the Spirit gives life to my soul and like Peter, I confess that I have no where to go but with you, for you have the word of eternal life.

Bottom line: the Spirit and the Word

I AM THE BREAD OF LIFE

John 5 :35-59

Key verse : 35

In this section, Jesus seems to use a pleonasm to teach the crowd, even though the people were so closed-minded. However, this repetitive style of teaching is essential for mankind.

1. I am the bread of life

The Jews thought only of the bread received in the desert. Yet, Jesus was speaking of bread from heaven. Manna fell from the sky, but it was a kind of bread that didn’t give life, since all those who ate later died. But Jesus spoke about the bread of life that gives eternal life. Those who eat it will never be hungry. Jesus himself ate this bread, according to the will of God. He called to those predestined by God, and he distributed the bread. It is spiritual food for the soul. This bread is Jesus’ torn body and his spilled blood. Only if we eat and drink it will we have eternal life. Jesus will bring to life on the last day those who eat this bread.

2. I will raise him the last day (39, 40, 44, 54)

Jesus said he would lose none of those whom the Father had sent him (37, 39, 44). God’s will is to resurrect believers on the last day. This passage repeats that those who eat the bread of life will live eternally. Not only that, he who eats will have life in him (53) and will live by it (57). Thus, we can experience love and communion with Jesus. Life in him is abundant.

Prayer : Lord, thank you for coming to save me. I am sure all those destined for salvation will come to God. Be gracious to me, so that I have faith in you and serve by faith the lost souls in this world. Above all, help me to eat the bread of life each day and to distribute it to others.

Bottom line : Jesus is my delicious bread.

LET’S WORK FOR THE REAL FOOD

John 6 :22-34

The people desperately looked for Jesus. But their spiritual condition degenerated. Jesus leveled off their spiritual condition without looking at their actual shape and without a screen.

1.      It’s because you were given the bread

A little while ago, Jesus complained because people looked for miracles. But now Jesus saw that their spiritual condition deteriorated to a bestial condition. They failed to make Jesus their king of bread, at least they wanted to satisfy their stomach again. By an attentive examination of oneself we must improve, not regress. Sometimes it’s better to rest sitting down to think than bustle about.

           2. Look for spiritual food

Even if the people didn’t listen to him and the word was difficult to digest, Jesus wanted to give us God’s word. People think that it’s sufficient to earn money. They don’t worry about their soul. But what is important to mankind is the soul’s salvation. So, when we work, we musn’t think about what we gain or lose, but we always must wonder if we glorify God or not. The people didn’t know what God’s work is (28). Doing God’s work isn’t as difficult as they think, it’s believing in Jesus. They were proud of the manna story. It was the prefiguration of Jesus’ arrival. But they were too carnal to understand that.

Prayer : Lord, make me progress from baby to child, from child to adolescent, from adolescent to adult by constant morning meditation. It want to be satisfied by spiritual food. Satisfy my soul with you.

JESUS WALKS ON WATER

Thursday, September 15th 2016

John 6:16-21

key verse: 20

Fear had seized the disciples, but at the sight of Jesus, they were calmed. They took Him into the boat and immediately it touched land. With Jesus, we are not frightened by the storm. In Jesus, we can be victorious in all circumstances.

1. Alone in the boat

Jesus stayed on land for a bit, while the disciples left in a boat. Darkness had fallen, and the atmosphere was spooky. A storm suddenly sprang up, and the disciples were without their master. They were together in the boat, but each man thought only of saving himself. They didn't think of each other, and they didn't know how to pray either. They rowed to exhaustion. Then, fear gripped them and they imagined a ghost was coming for them. Fear makes a man blind and weak. 

2. Alone on the water

Jesus was walking on the sea and approached the boat. His late arrival was a good way to test the disciples' faith. They cried out in fear, but Jesus reassured them, saying, "It is I. Do not be afraid". When we cross stormy waters, Jesus' protective gaze surrounds us. We must listen for his gentle voice which says "It is I". 

"Do not be afraid" means "where is your faith?" In fact, recognizing Jesus' power is true consolation for the fearful soul. Therefore, fix your eyes on Him. 

Prayer: Lord, when I am alone, help me to pray in order ot be comforted by you. You are always with me, I will fear nothing. You are the mighty one who walks on water.

Bottom line: strong Jesus is near. Do not be afraid.

ANDREW’S FAITH

Thursday, 15th, september, 2016

John 6 : 1-15

The same situation had completely changed because of point of view of these who looked it. It’s that today’s text teaches us. Philip’s point of view and Andrew’s point of view was very different.

1. Two hundred pence would not be enough

A great number of people came to Jesus because they saw miracles. It’s people who wanted to establish Jesus as king after being full. Now without moan Jesus wanted to nourish them. According to another gospel, people were thirsty. Jesus used this situation to test the faith of disciples. Philip reacted negatively. His problem was that he hasn’t money. He was calculating and he couldn’t see greatness of God. He is the representative of these who are overcame by reality to not see the powerful hand of God which makes impossible possible. The tank of God is much bigger than what mankind thinks.

2. What is that among such a number…

A disciple named Andrew came on stage. He seems naïve. He addressed to Jesus. He has what Philip hasn’t. He has the faith that God can make great works from few resources. To Andrew, it’s sufficient to look for something to God and everything else God will be in charge of it. So he found 5 bread and 2 fishes which belonged to a boy. So it was not what he possessed but what the other possessed. He was a thief with innocent eyes. But the owner doesn’t reproach because the Andrew’s eyes was such shining to a noble cause and above all because of faith of God. Jesus participated with the twelve disciples in distribution of feed. All were full, even too much so that they get them head screwed on.

Prayer: Lord, make me not like Philip but like Andrew, hero of faith.

Bottom line: what is that 

GOD HAS SUFFICIENTLY SHOWN HIMSELF TO US

John 5:30-47

key verse: 31

The Jews did not listen to the word, nor believe the one whom God sent (compare verses 24 and 38). Jesus explains why they have no excuse in light of the proof given. What is this obvious proof that obliges all men to accept and believe in Jesus? The Lord Jesus mentions four types.

1) John: John was the forerunner of the Messiah. He was considered as the light and many people thought he was the Messiah. Jesus doesn't need the testimony of men; he says this so that they will be saved.

2) The works: Jesus performed many miracles, such as healing people with different illnesses. This shows that he's not an ordinary man, but rather one sent by God. 

3) God: God himself testified concerning Jesus; the Holy Spirit appeared as a dove over Jesus to show that he was the beloved Son of God. 

4) The word: Jesus is the word of God. Even if they searched night and day, the Jews could not receive the word of God, since they refused Jesus. Moses' words had no effect on them, though he did speak about Jesus. 

The problem with the Jews was that they searched for man's glory. This blinded them so that they couldn't listen to Jesus, and since they were disconnected from God, they were unable to receive his love in their hearts. But Jesus was different. He pursued the glory of God and his love, which was God's love, was overflowing. Many people felt this and were thus saved.

Prayer: Lord, help me to listen to your word and to believe in Jesus in order to attain eternal life and escape judgement.

Bottom line: Your proof is sufficient

WHOEVER HEARS MY WORD AND BELIEVES

Monday, 12^th, september, 2016

John 5:17-29

In spite of Jesus's warning, the invalid men sined. Jesus was in a big trouble. But Jesus wanted to help the religious who runed toward perdition.

1.      Passed from death to life

Jesus had the philosophy that he works continiously as long as the Father is working. There is a distinction between work of God the Father and work of God Son. Both are God, but each has a role to world's salvation. Both has power of resurrection ; the Father doen's judge but the Son judges. So the Son of God Jesus has an executive power to salvation. Verse 24 shows us how a man can be saved. First, he must hear God's word. Then he must believe God who sent his Son. So he will have eternal life and doesn't come into judgment. He has passed from death to life.

2.      The hearing of God's voce

Mankind had whether he likes it or not the occasion to hear Jesus's word. Even these who not wanted to hear God's word to the earth will hear a day his voce. Jesus will come like Judge, and he will make his voce ring to that all hear it. These who will be saved hear it like declaration of paradise passage. These who rejected God's message will hear the voce to open their life in the hell. So, it's important to hear his voce from now, and God promised to save the soul of these who hear and believe, set them free of the Last Jugdment.

Prayer : Lord, help me to work like Jesus made. Thank you to give me your word by Jesus, so that I may obey it and have eternal life.

Bottom line : Pass from death to life hearing God's word

I AM HE

Wednesday 7^th, september, 2016

John 4:16-26

It's the second part of the Samaritan woman's story. Mercy and truth are heads and tails to mankind's salvation.

1.      Go, call your husband

The woman was deep in thought during the conversation thinking « Oh ! If only I had this water. » But what was the thundrous word of Jesus ? Jesus asks to bring here her husband. Jesus wanted to touch an important problem of the woman's life. She had a marriage problem. She had a love problem. She had a problem with daily couple life. She had a pride problem, looking at her answer for her husband's absence. But the more fundamental problem of the woman was her sin problem. That's why Jesus wanted to wake her up from her daydreaming and ask her to bring her husband. It's a fundamental question of mankind, even if we hide it before of the Lord.

2.      I who speak to you am he

The woman revealed her hidden spirituality during the conversation. She wanted to know the place of worship. She wanted to receive answers for a lot of questions in her life. She wanted to know why her soul was like an arid desert in spite of changing husbands five times. But it seems that she wasn't completely desesperate in her life. She keeps hope of seeing the Messiah coming according to prophecy of yesteryear. Jesus came towards her and revealed himself as the Messiah, and the living water of Jesus slaked her thirsty soul.

Prayer : Lord, let me bring my sin problem to you to resolve it. Thank you, you are my living water which slakes my thirst.

Bottom line : Jesus, my living water 

JESUS SPEAKS WITH THE SAMARITAN WOMAN

John 4:1-15

key verse: 7

In this part, we learn how much Jesus is our humble shepherd and how we can obtain true satisfaction. 

1. Give me something to drink

The Lord didn't waste time with the religious leaders and their pointless doctrinal discussion. Instead, he left for Galilee. For Jews, it was necessary to cross the Jordan River and go along its banks in order to enter Galilee; this was due to an age-old hate towards Samaria. However, Jesus crossed Samaria. In him there is no human barrier; all people are his sheep. Jesus saw this filthy woman and humbled himself in order to ask her for a drink. The holy prince of heaven humbled himself completely in front of this despised woman. Praise be to God. Jesus came to earth to die on the cross so that despicable people like us could have eternal life. Hallelujah!

2. He will never thirst

This woman was ignorant, but Jesus didn't judge her. Rather, he made every effort so that one way or another, she would open her heart and confess her deepest desire. Jesus said that the desire of this world is unquenchable. But when Jesus visits someone, he satisfies their spiritual thirst entirely. Here, the water (well) of Jacob represents all the pleasures of the world and various distractions. It's a momentary satisfaction for the soul, but it's far from giving true satisfaction. To fill our satisfaction, we seek many types of pleasure; however, we're still troubled and in anguish, since we know that these things can't really satisfy us. What is your water of Jacob?

Prayer: Lord, thank you for humbling yourself so much to save my soul. Help me not to search for momentary satisfaction, but to look for true satisfaction in the word of God. 

Bottom line: Jesus is my satisfaction 

HE MUST INCREASE BUT I MUST DECREASE

Monday 5^th, september, 2016

John 3 : 22-36

Today's word explains the work in the last days of John. In this text, we find the greatness of John.

1.      He must increase (22-30)

When the group of Jesus had success amongst the people, John's disciples felt jealousy. It seems that John's era was finished. Because of this interior tumult, when a Jew asked them, they couldn't give a good answer. During their learning, they learned only forms from their master but not the spirit of their master.

What was John's answer when they came near him ? John doesn't become victim of his feeling of comparison and jealousy. He keeps spiritual perspicacity, beyond his ego. He delighted in Jesus like the bride in the wedding. To him, his own disappearance was normal and the appearance of Jesus was sovereign.

2.      He who comes from above (31-36)

Jesus spoke about human dichotomy : that which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit (6). John says : he who comes from above is celestial and he who is of the earth is earthly. Naturally we come from the earth so we can't understand the spiritual reality (32), and we become objects of the wrath of God (36). But according to John the Baptist's words, if we are sent by God and confess that Jesus is real and proclaim God's words, then this is by the help of Holy Spirit who is given without measure. Whoever believes in Jesus has eternal life above flesh and judgment. So John shows here his own version of new birth.

Prayer : Lord, help me overcome my ego to have access to spiritual reality and spread kingdom of Jesus.

Bottom line : he must increase and i must decrease

BLESSED BE THE LORD, THE GOD OF ISRAEL

1^st, september, 2016

PSALM 41

1)      The steadfast love of God

The psalmist exalts those who consider the poor with steadfast love, because it's a caracteristic of God. The steadfast love of God is the reason of his deliverance in illness and his support in suffering. Who was the enemy ? David' son, who had a double heart, who spoke of him in malice. In human kingdoms, there was a lot of betrayal of friends which broke the heart. Jesus also said in John 13:18 « He who ate my bread has liflted his heel against me ».

2) The praise of the God of Israel

When David was desperate because of enemies, he raised his eyes to God and kept hope because it's God who judges. He trusted in the Eternal God thinking he still delighted in him. The proof is that his enemy will be humiliated and God will restore the situation. So David praised the God of Israel. In the story, God went alway with Israel. When Israel was humiliated, God restored the situation, raised them up, blessed them, covered their fault. For exemple, Jacob and his sons in Egypt. The psalmist prophesizes : after captivity in Babylon because of David's sins, God will form a kindgom in Canaan.

The God of Israel was also our God. After the time of humiliation, God raises us up, God keeps delighting in us, so that we will be a source of blessing.