Together, with the “disciple Jesus loved,”
we will travel through Holy Week.
Jennifer stole my heart when filming “The Jesus Who Surprises” in Georgia last February. Jennifer was living near the church in subsidized housing. She came to the free monthly suppers the church offered and then heard about the pilot study for my upcoming book. She came, and Jesus met her.
Her one minute testimony (put together by Tim Mahoney) pierces my heart.
Click here:
https://vimeo.com/329015500
Walking with Jesus through Holy Week has the power to flood us with the depth of His love. Christianity is organic, in that the power comes not from us, but from Him, from abiding in the True Vine. (John 15:5)
Let’s press into this journey to the cross together, and expect to experience His love and power.
Palm Sunday
1. What stands out to you from the above and why?
2. Can you identify with Jennifer’s testimony in any way? If so, how?
Throughout this week you will see the divided reaction to Jesus culminating. Before we look at Palm Sunday, I want to take a brief look at what happened the day before when Mary of Bethany, whose brother had just been raised from the dead, causes a stir by pouring perfume worth two years wages on Jesus.
3. Read John 12:1-8
A. Summarize what happened in verses 1-7.
B. Why do you think Mary did this?
C. Do you see any parallel with Jennifer? If so, what?
4. Read John 12:9-11
A. What was the reaction of the chief priests and why?
B. Think about an area where you struggle with sin. Now think about how this struggle could be overcome if you would truly believe a promise of God.
Monday: The Heart Has Its Reasons
There is much depth to this quote, and speculation about what Pascal meant, but most agree he definitely was saying that we often believe in God with the heart before we believe with our minds. That makes sense, since as Jesus said, “You did not choose me, but I chose you…” (John 15:16) He has been wooing us from the very beginning of our lives. As children He woos us through nature, through wonder, before we begin to consider with our minds. I love how Lauren Winner put it in reflecting on the signs of His existence and love were there long before she put it all together:
Surely any idiot should have been able to see from the second chapter that it was Miss Scarlett in the conservatory with the rope.
In this song by Andrew Peterson, he looks back to his childhood, and sees how he was wooed. After watching and listening, comment.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_dtBVvMmHnY
5. What stands out to you from the above and why?
6. When you look back at your life, how do you see Jesus wooing you? (Give Him thanks!)
Returning to Pascal, this also helps me understand why without God removing the veil and wooing us, we wouldn’t believe, for we are not capable of it. First, we were like dead men, and dead men cannot do anything. God had to breath life into us.
It is also true that we have, in our sinfulness, a resistance to belief. After all, He asks us to give Him our whole lives, and if we do not trust Him, we want to hold on to the reins. If the heart does not want to believe, despite overwhelming evidence, it can influence the mind to distort the evidence. That is what I see in the chief priests when Lazarus was raised from the dead. Jesus was such a threat to them, that they were blind to the evidence right in front of their eyes. That is also what I see in the lives of some I dearly love.
Palm Sunday is interesting because many in the crowd that praised Him would turn and curse Him at the crucifixion. On Palm Sunday they saw Him as a King who would overcome their enemies and benefit them. Their hearts influenced their minds. They wanted to believe.
But on the following Good Friday, many changed their minds. This wasn’t the kind of king they wanted and those Hosannas turned to mockery. Again, their hearts influenced their heads.
7. Pray for your own heart and the hearts of those you love, that God might woo this week.
Tuesday: Your King is Coming Seated on a Donkey’s Colt
8. Read John 12:12-19
A. Palm branches, Darrel Bock points out, were symbols of nationalistic hope. The call “Hosanna” means “save please.” From what did they want to be saved?
B. This is not the horse of a victorious warrior that Jesus will ride at the second coming. How does Jesus riding a donkey serve as a metaphor for the kind of King He would be at this first coming?
C. When did they understand why Jesus rode a donkey according to John 12:16? What pieces do you think fell into place then?
9. Read John 12:20-33
A. Compare John 7:30 with John 12:23. What does this teach you?
B. Meditate on John 12:23-33 and share anything that becomes radioactive and why.
Wednesday: Do As I Have Done To You
Darrell Bock points out two significant points to John 13. First, there is Jesus intention: to show His own how deeply He loves them. Second, there is a cosmic battle.
10. Read John 13:1-5
A. How does John descript Jesus knowledge and intent in verse 1?
B. How do you see the cosmic battle in verse 2?
C. Put together verse 3 with the “so he got up and…” of verse 4. What do you see?
11. Read John 13:6-17
A. How does Peter respond and why?
B. What does Jesus tell him, and what is His meaning?
C. What is Jesus saying to each of us in verse 15?
D. How might you apply this specifically to your life and the people in your path this week?
Thursday: The High Priestly Prayer
May we understand the depth of Christ’s love for us through His prayer for us, and then, His sacrifice for us. Take off your shoes, for you are on holy ground.
12. Read carefully Jesus prayer for you in John 17:20-26
A. What is the first thing Jesus asks and why, according to verses 20-21?
B. How could better live the above out in your life circumstances?
C. Look carefully at the end of verse 23. What do you see?
D. What does Jesus want for us according to verse 24?
E. What else stands out to you from this prayer and why?
Good Friday: I Am He
Tim Keller does such a powerful presentation of John 18. Please listen and share your notes and comments.
13. What stands out to you from the above and why?
14. Read John 19 and share anything that becomes radioactive and why.
Saturday:
15. What will you remember from this week? How might you apply it?
116 comments
1. What stands out to you from the above and why? “Misconceptions about God …” to this day I still struggle with misconceptions about God, some I know and can actively battle, but I am sure there are some I do not know or that run deeper than I realize. I must study and continually remind myself of truth. I just started From Fear to Freedom hoping to add a weapon to my arsenal.
2. Can you identify with Jennifer’s testimony in any way? If so, how? She did a Dee study not foreseeing how significantly it would change her understanding. I did the same. I read Idol Lies not knowing it would break apart my idolatrous stone heart and open the door to the path of understanding.
Awww, Jill. I love your vulnerability.
Palm Sunday
1. What stands out to you from the above and why?
I love the apostle John, I love Dee Brestin and I love Jennifer. In spite of the distance, I am awed by the kinship I feel with women in this blog. I hope to stay diligent this week despite another busy time at school and at church.
2. Can you identify with Jennifer’s testimony in any way? If so, how?
I echo what Jill just wrote here. Being a part of this blog has changed my life and I see God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit as never before. I am excited to order your new book, Dee! I think your title is so apt as I look back at my life. Jesus has surely surprised me beyond my expectations and He is still doing that!
It is true — Blest be the Tie that binds!
Sunday
1. What stands out to you from the above and why?
”Christianity is organic, in that the power comes not from us, but from Him.” A good reminder to keep before me in my daily walk…Trust and Obey!
2. Can you identify with Jennifer’s testimony in any way? If so, how?
Having a misconception of God. Growing up I believed that God was up there watching my every move, ready to strike if I did something wrong. It took me many years to realize He is a God of love, a God of grace, a God of second and many more chances…a God of forgiveness! There are still times I struggle, falling back into works-righteousness and it seems to happen so subtly.
Yes, as Luther said, “It is the default mode of the human heart!”
Summarize what happened in verses 1-7. Why do you think Mary did this?
Mary poured expensive perfume on Jesus’s feet. Weeping and wiping them with her hair. She didn’t just put some of it she poured it all. That was probably the most expensive thing that they owned. That is total worship! (It says in the Bible it was worth 2 years wages and it was about a pint, I did a little research and the top selling perfumes sell for anywhere from $4000 to $12,000 an ounce, times that by 16 oz and you get an idea of the cost).
Mary couldn’t have shown her total complete thankfulness any other way, but I wonder if part of it was also her being moved by the Holy Spirit as a sign of what was to come. The anointing with oil that was supposed to be for his burial, the tears and weeping that come with a death. Also hair is mentioned as a woman’s glory in 1 Cor. 11:15 could this also be her showing that her most glorious thing is as a filthy rag?
It said that Martha was serving while Mary was at Jesus’s feet again. I wonder if Mary complained about having to clean up all the oil on the floor?
🙂 I like to think Martha’s heart was changed by now!
1. What stands out to you from the above and why? This sentence touched me…Walking with Jesus through Holy Week has the power to flood us with the depth of His love. I have found myself weary from the walk and in a place where I do not feel His love…instead I feel so thirsty for His love…which I have felt before and know I will feel again.
2. Can you identify with Jennifer’s testimony in any way? If so, how? I can relate to Jennifer’s testimony of the many misconceptions she has had of God…I think Pharisees and Prodigals alike have our misconceptions!
3. Read John 12:1-8
A. Summarize what happened in verses 1-7. Jesus went to Bethany to eat supper with Martha, Mary & Lazarus. Mary fell in worship at the feet of Jesus and lavishly poured out her costliest possession, pure nard, over Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. Judas was annoyed because the perfume could have been sold increasing the amount of money from which he had to pilfer. Mary had the heart of a worshipper while Judas had the heart of a manipulator.
B. Why do you think Mary did this? She was filled with gratitude to Jesus for raising her brother from the dead and also I think for being who they believed him to be…Messiah.
C. Do you see any parallel with Jennifer? If so, what? They were both filled with gratitude and love for their Savior.
4. Read John 12:9-11
A. What was the reaction of the chief priests and why? They were angry and threatened with the loss of their status and position and way of life. Here was Lazarus…an irrefutable piece of evidence that a miracle had happened that they could not explain away…they were even willing to kill him in order to cover up the miracle.
B. Think about an area where you struggle with sin. Now think about how this struggle could be overcome if you would truly believe a promise of God. Right now I think I am struggling most with wanting God to act in a way that seems right and “fair” to me instead of being willing to let Him surprise me with His ways. His word says My ways are not your ways and your ways are not My ways…but I am working my purposes out and no power cab thwart that…all I have to do is watch, wait, and see…praising Him in the waiting is where I am falling short.
Good insight into yourself, Lucy. I’m impressed.
Oh wow. What a beautiful gift Jennifer’s testimony is! Thank you Jennifer for sharing that with us–it melted my heart. I love her humility, and her sincere gratitude to Jesus–just beautiful! LOVE when she said –she wants everyone to know that He really cares
3. Read John 12:1-8 A. Summarize what happened in verses 1-7.
Jesus went to Bethany to have dinner with Lazarus. Martha served them and Mary anointed Jesus’ feet with expensive perfume and wiped His feet with her hair. Judas Iscariot criticized her for wasting the perfume instead of selling it and Jesus said, “Leave her alone, so that she may keep it for the day of my burial.”
B. Why do you think Mary did this?
She knew there was nothing, no One, more worthy than Jesus.
C. Do you see any parallel with Jennifer? If so, what?
Heart filled with humility and worship for Jesus
4. Read John 12:9-11 A. What was the reaction of the chief priests and why?
They wanted to kill Lazarus because after Jesus’ miraculous raising of Lazarus, many Jews were beginning to believe in Him.
B. Think about an area where you struggle with sin. Now think about how this struggle could be overcome if you would truly believe a promise of God.
Thinking of my sin of people pleasing, or wanting approval, glory-seeking. And my tendency to look to my circumstances to provide me with happiness. If I truly believed God’s acceptance and love for me, I know every hole in my heart would be more than healed, and my eyes would be less on my self and my circumstances and turned to Him—wanting only Him to be glorified.
Love that you loved Jennifer, Lizzy. She wrote to me saying how much God is continuing to surround her!
And this, so good:
If I truly believed God’s acceptance and love for me, I know every hole in my heart would be more than healed, and my eyes would be less on my self and my circumstances and turned to Him—wanting only Him to be glorified.
Sunday
3. Read John 12:1-8
A. Summarize what happened in verses 1-7.
Jesus went to the home of Lazarus to eat dinner that was prepared in His honor. Mary, wiped the feet of Jesus with her hair using a very expensive bottle of perfume and because of it the fragrance filled the house. Judas Iscriot didn’t approve because the cost of the perfume could of been used for the poor, which being a thief, he didn’t really care about. Jesus told him to leave her alone as she was preparing Him for His burial. Also, He wouldn’t always be with them like the poor would be.
B. Why do you think Mary did this?
Did she have a foot fetish? See Luke 10:39 & John 11:32…just kidding! I see a servants heart in Mary…she was teachable, submissive, selfless and she adored Jesus. Maybe these qualities gave her insight.
C. Do you see any parallel with Jennifer? If so, what?
I definitely saw a humility in Jennifer and a desire to know Him more!
4. Read John 12:9-11.
A. What was the reaction of the chief priests and why?
They decided to kill Lazarus too…it was because of him that the people had deserted them and believed in Jesus.
B. Think about an area where you struggle with sin. Now think about how this struggle could be overcome if you would truly believe a promise of God.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.
1. “Expect to experience His love and power”. My eyes well up in tears at that phrase. Together with Jennifer’s testimony, my heart sings because He allows us to experience Him. He surprises us with proof after proof of how much He loves us. He restrains His power so that we don’t run away in fear, and instead He woos us. And then He shows us glimpses of His power to whet our appetite for that day when there will be no more hiding and we see Him face to face.
2. Jennifer’s testimony. How deeply His love changes us! We are truly new creations in Him. I am not the same as I was before Him. And it is a good thing, worthy of tears, that I live in now.
3.a. While Jesus and His disciples are at a meal in her home, Mary pours expensive perfume on His feet and then wipes them with her hair. I like what Dawn said about using and seeing our glory as a rag compared to Him. Judas objects to the ‘waste’, but Jesus doesn’t let that stand. He praises Mary for doing what she could for Him.
b. Maybe she did it as a gesture of gratitude for Who Jesus was to her personally, and for what He had recently done for her brother. Maybe she was saying by her actions ‘I live in a world filled with the stench of sin and death, but You Jesus, are the fragrance of life.’
c. I see the great gratitude and joy in both the account of Mary and the testimony of Jennifer. One of the Biblical accounts has Mary crying, and the tears would be another parallel.
4.a. The chief priests dig in their heels even more. Now they aren’t content to only go after Jesus, but their hatred spreads to Lazarus. Why? Envy, rage, selfishness, fear, pride, entrenched evil in their hearts and blinded by the evil one.
b. My struggle with sin. I have trouble believing that His word is enough to sustain me.
So true, Mary!
How deeply His love changes us! We are truly new creations in Him. I am not the same as I was before Him. And it is a good thing, worthy of tears, that I live in now.
3. Read John 12:1-8
A. Summarize what happened in verses 1-7.
Jesus and his disciples were at the home of Martha, Mary and Lazarus having dinner. Mary brought a jar with expensive perfume and washed Jesus’ feet. Judas saw it as a waste but Jesus commended Mary for her worship.
B. Why do you think Mary did this?
In gratitude for what Jesus has done for their family-the raising of Lazarus. I believe that when Jesus touches our lives, we are never the same. When the hopeless turns into hope and the impossible becomes, possible, how can we not worship?
C. Do you see any parallel with Jennifer? If so, what?
Yes. Both Mary and Jennifer experienced the depth of God’s love for them. They also realized they do not deserve it so all the greater was their gratitude. Mary wiped Jesus’ feet with her hair, Jennifer showed her gratitude through her tears and courage to get up and share her testimony.
4. Read John 12:9-11
A. What was the reaction of the chief priests and why?
They plotted to kill Lazarus because many believed in Jesus on account of him being raised from the dead by Jesus.
So good, Bing:
believe that when Jesus touches our lives, we are never the same. When the hopeless turns into hope and the impossible becomes, possible, how can we not worship?
4. The song by Andrew Peterson. The line ‘the sound beyond the silence’, yes, I’ve always felt that there is so much more going on that we aren’t aware of. And the progressive sunrise shots during the chorus…”I’ve been seized by the power of a great affection”. It is a progressive understanding of and response to that light that brings greater light to us, into our hearts and minds. And then that power and light starts to flow out from us to others that are in darkness.
5. The quote from Pascal. As children, we have to be taught words to express what we feel and know on the inside. But even then, words are not adequate. Only God really understands.
6. God wooing me. He used nature. I remember sitting on a lawn with the sun shining from an angle, making the green just barely hazy and every dandelion a glorious sun. He used music. Songs like Jesus loves Me, Whisper a Prayer, and especially Into my Heart. He used His Word. Bible stories given to me by people that I believe now knew Him then and were passing Him on. He used prayer. I am convinced someone, or several someones, were praying for me. I didn’t come from a believing heritage. I even believe He used the pain of my dysfunctional family. There was a sense that what I was living wasn’t right. There had to be a better life possible.
And, oh, yes, Lord, how thankful I am that You looked on even me and called me from the grave. Thank You that You snatched me from the fire. That You loved me when to my eyes I was young and had potential, and You still love me now when I am old and realize I’ve never had anything to offer.
7. Lord, please dance with me and my niece Jennifer this week. This last week I’ve seen some inroads with her. She actually said she could see prayer working. Like the first gleam of dawn, make her understanding of Your love grow this week. May she not be blinded to it, nor only warmed by it. May she not be able to explain it away, but may she respond to Your wooing. May You rise up in her heart. Rise up as both the Light and as the Resurrection. Please, Lord, bring her to life in You.
Love this whole post!
1. What stands out to you from the above and why?Power that comes, not from us, but from abiding stood out to me along with Jennifer’s emotion and intensity.
2. Can you identify with Jennifer’s testimony in any way? If so, how?Yes, I identified with her saying that she had misconceptions of who God is. We had a guest speaker recently at church. He talked about our ideas of God the Father as sort of a stern unapproachable old man and God the son as a soft, slightly effeminate figure. He put up images a white-haired, bearded, austere-looking God the Father with lightning bolts behind him, and a flannel graph looking Jesus with lambs and children. The congregation laughed a little in recognition of his point. He asked us to consider the Hebrews verse that says “The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being” that when we’ve seen Jesus we have seen the Father. I haven’t stopped thinking about it since.
Great sermon. Reminds me a bit of Yancey’s curriculum where he shows different film clips of Jesus and asks how close or far off they were… I can’t remember which book it accompanied… and I know that is behind the Reformed feeling of not representing Jesus with pictures — though I think, especially children, need it. What are your thoughts, Chris?
3. Read John 12:1-8
A. Summarize what happened in verses 1-7. Jesus and his people were eating, Mary anointed His feet, Judas was jealous of the financial implications, Jesus defended her choice.
B. Why do you think Mary did this? I looked at several translations because in the ESV there is a “therefore” before Mary’s actions but I couldn’t find anything explaining it. It talks about Lazarus being with them. My giess is that she was just overcome. Sitting at the table, eating, her brother present tho he should have been dead and perhaps she just realized who this Jesus is and was moved to honor him, grateful.
C. Do you see any parallel with Jennifer? If so, what? With Jennifer, and so many others, Jesus surprises! (To use Dee’s phrase.). But not in a “wow I didn’t expect that!” Way… though He does do that, too, but rather He lifts the veil for us to see fully and all of a sudden something clicks. We studied the blind man who needed a two-step healing (Mark 8) yesterday and the soiritual parallel is that sometimes we see, but not really, and then sometimes we SEE, fully.
Read John 12:9-11
A. What was the reaction of the chief priests and why? They were afraid and so wanted to “get rid of the problem.” To not inly stop Jesus, himself, but evidence of Jesus work and power. They didn’t want to lose their followers and power.
B. Think about an area Where you struggle with sin. Now think about how this struggle could be overcome if you would truly believe a promise of God. My fear would be completely gone and I would be bold in the freedom to follow His daily leadings. I would see my steps as His, my hands as His, and be unphased by interruption or expectations.
So good: and be unphased by interruption or expectations.
1. What stands out to you from the above and why?
Walking through Holy Week together, through John’s eyes. So sweet.
2. Can you identify with Jennifer’s testimony in any way? If so, how?
At times I have felt this way, especially when I am in the midst of a painful situation and something beautiful happens, and I know it’s Him. I love those times. However, in the day to day grind it is hard to know how much I’m loved. I am struggling with a internal demon, who dogs me night and day, and I just need out! But, it never ceases, it is always present, and that’s when I wonder why? It is hard. I want Him to make it end. Does He love me enough to help me with this? Probably, but then why am I unable to rid myself of this internal strife?
You do have so much, Laura — I do understand why you long for Him to just end it. Seems like He usually doesn’t choose that, though sometimes He does. I think it is so helpful to look at the cross when we question His love. But I know it is hard!
3. Read John 12:1-8
A. Summarize what happened in verses 1-7.
Jesus went to the house of Mary and Martha, sisters of Lazarus whom He raised from the dead. Martha served a dinner to honor Jesus and Mary used an expensive bottle of perfume to anoint Jesus’ feet. Lazarus was there. Judas (also there) was upset because she did this, thinking her action a waste of money.
B. Why do you think Mary did this?
Well, the dinner was for Jesus, to honor Him. A way of honoring might be to wash His feet, since it was very dusty and feet were usually pretty filthy. She was showing her love for Him with this action.
I remember a few years before my mom died I decided I wanted to wash her feet. I’m not sure where I got that idea! We had a foot washing at a church where we raised our kids, but I didn’t participate. It is an intimate action; to touch someone’s feet. Plus, I’m a dancer so I really don’t want anyone touching my feet! Mom really enjoyed it and I felt like I had helped her relax.
C. Do you see any parallel with Jennifer? If so, what?
Well, Jennifer explained how she never knew Jesus as she does now. She didn’t know how much He loved her. She also says that her life has been changed. I think Mary’s life was changed too. Jennifer is very thankful and I think Mary was also showing her thankfulness.
4. Read John 12:9-11
A. What was the reaction of the chief priests and why?
They wanted to kill Him and Lazarus as well.
B. Think about an area where you struggle with sin. Now think about how this struggle could be overcome if you would truly believe a promise of God.
This is SO hard. I have one huge area and I don’t see how I can overcome it. It is totally me hyper-focusing on it, so maybe I just need to try to not think of it as much and trust that He will take charge. I know He wants me content and not internally wound up. If I focus on Him instead of being self-absorbed then I might beat this thing.
If I focus on Him instead of being self-absorbed then I might beat this thing.
Praying for you, dear one!
5. What stands out to you from the above and why? The quote by Paschal stands out to me most today for the heart indeed has reasons that reason knows not…I may know one thing in my head but my heart may feel another thing entirely!
6. When you look back at your life, how do you see Jesus wooing you? (Give Him thanks!) He placed me in a home where my parents introduced me to Him early and often; I had parents and later in-laws that prayed with and for me; He has preserved me in many dangerous situations; He calls me still to come and rest a while with Him.
7. Pray for your heart and the heart of thos you love that they might be wooed this week. Lord, just like the crowd who witnessed You ride into Jerusalem, my heart is fickle! All of us, are suffering the effects of a fallen nature embedded in a fallen world…the iniquities of the generations before us on down til now have become so twisted and interwoven that unless You tear the veil, we will never see. Please sing Your song of love tenderloin melodies that are unique to each of us this week. Draw near to us and entice us to draw near to You and enjoy a sense of Your deep love for us. Amen
B. Think about an area where you struggle with sin. Now think about how this struggle could be overcome if you would truly believe a promise of God.
Worry that wells up so suddenly at times. I need to recite Philippians 4:6-7.
Monday: The Heart Has Its Reasons
5. What stands out to you from the above and why?
The word “I was seized by the power of a great affection”. The love of Christ is so overwhelming at times that my chest hurts especially when I think of the Cross.
6. When you look back at your life, how do you see Jesus wooing you? (Give Him thanks!)
Thank you, Lord, that you brought along missionaries in my life even if I was little, raised me through God-fearing parents though they were not perfect, brought me, friends who taught me about you, You sent IVCF, CRU and later the Navigators. As I look back, there always seemed to have just a quiet assurance in my heart that you are there. Close calls, one too many. Special gifts that were unexplainable and can only be attributed to your hand. Thank you.
7. Pray for your own heart and the hearts of those you love, that God might woo this week.
Lord, I have been so tired lately but I find truth/ comfort in the song “Day by day and with each passing moment. Strength I find to meet my trials here. Trusting in my Father’s wise bestowment; I’ve no cause for worry or for fear.” Help my heart be like play-dough (thank you, Lizzy) and may it stay near you. I pray for my daughter, Ruth as she reflects on her life and her birthday week, this week. Woo her to yourself, O Lord. And pray for my friends, K and J who will be divorcing soon. LOve them, love them, Lord and if it is your will, let their dry-rock-hard marriage be watered by your grace and be blasted by the dynamo of Christlike forgiveness. Lord, I want to believe you that there is hope for these friends of mine; help my unbelief.
5. What stands out to you from the above and why?
Love the quote from Pascal (a scientist) AND Lauren Winner (who is she?).
6. When you look back at your life, how do you see Jesus wooing you? (Give Him thanks!)
I think the beauty I experienced as a child came through music, specifically that of my dad who was a musician. We always had no less than 3 different pianos in our house at one time. I would come in after a day of school to him playing some beautiful piece by Mozart. I love that we have memories like that! Thank You Lord.
Three pianos! Fun fact about Laura!
Lauren Winner is an author — I loved her Girl Meets God.
I’ll check it out! Her quote hits home.
From this week’s opening, it is obvious that Jennifer has been flooded with the love God has for her, and that power to experience His love didn’t come from herself, but from Him. She said that she had many misconceptions of God. One thing she kept saying is that she knows that He loves her more than she ever imagined that He could, and that He is understanding, wants to know what’s in her heart, and that He really cares. She didn’t name what her misconceptions about God were, but I’m guessing they are similar to most of us, before we really knew God. We look at ourselves and can’t believe that He could really love us, or we think that He may love us “in spite of” some sort of sin or ugliness in us. What I find is most difficult is not to see God through the lens of my circumstances. When they are good, and when a prayer is answered, it’s easy to feel God’s love, His smile upon me. But when circumstances are hard, or a prayer doesn’t get answered in the hoped for way, the very fact that I have to say to myself “but God is still good” means that there’s a thought there that He might not be, or that this circumstance is evidence that He just doesn’t care what’s going on in my life.
So good. On target.
Monday
5. What stands out to you from the above and why?
These words…”I will praise Him for the fields of green and gold, I will praise Him for the roars of many waters.” I got to thinking in the business of life and through self absorption, how often do I stop and just appreciate the beauty around me and praise Him and be seized by the power of His great affection?
6. When you look back at your life, how do you say Jesus wooing you? (Give Him thanks).
Lord, I thank You for wooing me through the love and example of godly parents. For giving me a mother who made Bible Stories come alive with her gift of teaching and a father who loved adventures and always included me. I never it saw it as You wooing me until now…I thank You for Dee and through her gift, Your wooing continues.
7. Pray for your own heart and the hearts of those you love, that God might woo them this week.
I pray for my heart dear Jesus, that I would be drawn to You and may I make time to stop and hear Your sweet voice.
I pray for my sister who is Buddhist and my brother who is agnostic, that you would remove the blinders that Satan has put over their hearts and bring to their minds the many Bible stories they heard and verses they memorized…woo them God!
Oh my — didn’t know about your siblings, Sharon. But you are so winsome, may they see His love in you!
7. Pray for your own heart and the hearts of those you love, that God might woo this week.
Oh Lord Jesus, what You gave, what You gave! Thank You for loving us so much that You just want us. Help me remember You in the midst of awful pain. You are good when there is nothing good in me. You love me when I don’t deserve it. Meet us this week Lord, in the ugliness of it all. Show those who don’t know You anymore (my children) or who have never known You, that You are our only hope. Help us show others Your heart Lord Jesus. Help them know it is You they are seeing through us. Amen.
8.a. The masses wanted to be saved from Rome, from political oppression. They wanted to be free from economic concerns. They wanted to be free to do whatever they wanted to do.
b. Jesus came the first time meek and humble, gentle, and under His Father’s authority. Not showy, but like the beast He rode into Jerusalem, bearing on Himself our burden of sin.
c. It was only after the resurrection and His glorification that the disciples started to get it. The prophecies lit up for them, and they were finally able to see that there were two comings talked about, two mountains. I heard it explained once that from a distance can look like one, until you get close enough to see that there’s a space between them. Just as we are living in the gap or space between His first and second comings.
9.a. Compared with John 7:30, it shows that Jesus was not riding on the swell of circumstances as many in history have done. He was acutely aware that this was the peak of history. It was the right time for His coming and death and resurrection. He was cooperating with His Father for the very day and hour.
b. Verse 27, it was for this very reason I came to this hour… The glory of the Godhead, the fulfillment of Scripture, the vanquishing of the evil one. Each tick of the clock was set by God and directed by Him. Focusing closer and closer to the moment sin would be defeated and our redemption paid for. The very hinge of time. There is no mistake with God. And I can trust Him with me.
Love your thoughts…they made me think deeper!
8. Read John 12:12-19
A. Palm branches, Darrel Bock points out, were symbols of nationalistic hope. The call “Hosanna” means “save please.” From what did they want to be saved? They wanted to be saved from Roman rule.
B. This is not the horse of a victorious warrior that Jesus will ride at the second coming. How does Jesus riding a donkey serve as a metaphor for the kind of King He would be at this first coming? He came as a servant leader to do His Father’s bidding…as Zechariah 9:9 puts it…He is just and endowed with salvation, humble, and mounted on a donkey, even on a colt, the foal of a donkey. Riding on a donkey signifies that He came in peace according to some sources.
C. When did they understand why Jesus rode a donkey according to John 12:16? The disciples did not realize why Jesus came on a donkey until after His resurrection. What pieces do you think fell into place then? I think Jesus helped connect the dots during His appearances to the disciples after the resurrection. An example is in Luke 24 when Jesus walked with 2 men on the road to Emmaeus and scripture says “And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.”
9. Read John 12:20-33
A. Compare John 7:30 with John 12:23. What does this teach you? Jesus had the full knowledge about when “His time had come”.
B. Meditate on John 12:23-33 and share anything that becomes radioactive and why. Verse 24 has long been a favorite of mine as the Lord used it to comfort me after the death of my mother…”Truly, truly I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains by itself alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.” This speaks not only of Christ’s death but also of the death of believers I think…it can bear much fruit. I do find it puzzling that verse 20tells of some Greeks who had come to worship at the feast and they wanted to see Jesus…Philip and Andrew tell Jesus of the request and that is when Jesus says His hour has come…not sure if this answer was in response to their request in that His death would usher in salvation not only for the Jews but also for the Gentiles or if He was saying the time for talking with those who sought Him was now done…He had other business to attend to at this time.
8. Read John 12:12-19
A. Palm branches, Darrel Bock points out, were symbols of nationalistic hope. The call “Hosanna” means “save please.” From what did they want to be saved?
Saved from death like Lazarus?
B. This is not the horse of a victorious warrior that Jesus will ride at the second coming. How does Jesus riding a donkey serve as a metaphor for the kind of King He would be at this first coming?
The donkey is not a white stallion…rather a more humble animal. Jesus was not necessarily a “flashy” guy.
C. When did they understand why Jesus rode a donkey according to John 12:16? What pieces do you think fell into place then?
They understood at the ascension. Not really sure about the pieces that fell into place other than that He would not be the kind of King if the past. He would not be with them, ruling over them as others had.
3. Read John 12:1-8 A. Summarize what happened in verses 1-7. It was six days before the Passover when Jesus came to Bethany and a dinner was given in His honor at the home of Lazarus and his sisters, Martha and Mary. Mary took a very expensive perfume called nard and poured it on the feet of Jesus, wiping His feet with her hair. Judas Iscariot criticized her for doing this, saying that the perfume should have been sold and the money given to the poor. In truth, he used to pilfer from the money bag. Jesus told Judas to leave Mary alone and He praised for for what she did for Him. B. Why do you think Mary did this? Perhaps ever since Jesus raised her brother Lazarus from the dead, Mary was thinking of a way to show her gratitude and love to Jesus. The magnitude of what Jesus did for her family could never be repaid with money or a material thing, but this perfume was the most prized and expensive thing she had, and she felt that Jesus was worthy to have it. C. Do you see any parallel with Jennifer? If so, what? I think perhaps that when Jesus didn’t come in time to save Lazarus from dying, Mary felt that He didn’t care. Now, Mary is fully assured of His love for her and for her family. Jennifer went from misconceptions about God to a full realization of His love and care for her, personally. 4. Read John 12:9-11 A. What was the reaction of the chief priests and why? They not only wanted to kill Jesus, but Lazarus as well, because many people were putting their faith in Jesus because of the miracle of raising Lazarus from the dead. (We aren’t told, but I’ve always wondered if they did end up killing Lazarus?) B. Think about an area where you struggle with sin. Now think about how this struggle could be overcome if you would truly believe a promise of God. A lot of my struggles with sin originate from not fully believing and relying on the love that He has for me, not fully resting in the fact that He is enough.
True for all of us!
A lot of my struggles with sin originate from not fully believing and relying on the love that He has for me, not fully resting in the fact that He is enough.
10.a. Jesus knew the time had come for Him to return to the Father.
b. The cosmic battle, this last meal together. A time to show them the depth of His love. Even while in the room there is a snake, a betrayer.
c. Fully in command of His deity and all that was due Him, yet He choose to show them that love means serving.
11.a. Peter responds first that he doesn’t want his Lord to act like a servant. But then he switches and wants to be completely served.
b. Jesus says He doesn’t expect them to understand now, but the visual aid He is using will come back to them later.
c. I need to get down off my imagined victory horse and serve just as Jesus did, realize there is no act too low that God cannot use me through it.
d. Application. I just finished reading ‘The Gospel comes with a Housekey ‘ by Rosario Butterfield. I need to be more intentional about serving those around me. My coworkers, my neighbors. The ones I so often ignore because I’m going after bright lights for myself.
I must get that book!
Mary,
Thank you for this book suggestion. Rosario has such a powerful story of how she came to Christ out of the LGBT culture. I did not know about her new book. Thank you!
Great series with Rosario on Nancy Demoss Woglemuth
https://www.reviveourhearts.com/radio/revive-our-hearts/unlikely-convert-day-1/
10. Read John 13:1-5
A. How does John descript Jesus knowledge and intent in verse 1? Jesus knew that His hour to depart from this world had come and having loved His own while He was on the earth He determined to love them well until He departed.
B. How do you see the cosmic battle in verse 2? The cosmic battle was between God and Satan…between godliness and evil…it was Satan who put it into the heart of Judas to betray Jesus.
C. Put together verse 3 with the “so he got up and…” of verse 4. What do you see? Jesus knew that the Father had “given all things into His hands” and that while He had come forth from God…He was getting ready to return to God…so He got up and girded Himself and served…it was an act of humble service done in love that His disciples would have an example to follow.
11. Read John 13:6-17
A. How does Peter respond and why? Peter is indignant that his master should stoop so low as to wash his feet…Peter was a headstrong man full of pride…it was humbling to submit to having Jesus wash his feet…Peter still didn’t “get it”.
B. What does Jesus tell him, and what is His meaning? Jesus told Peter that unless I was your feet, you have no part in me…unless there is submission and you allow me to wash you and make you clean then we cannot have fellowship with one another…this walk will require forgiveness and humility before the cosmic battle is fully won.
C. What is Jesus saying to each of us in verse 15? We too are to walk in forgiveness and humility and allow Jesus to daily wash away our sins that have accumulated as we have walked on the earth.
D. How might you apply this specifically to your life and the people in your path this week? I need to ask the Lord to more fully convict me of my sin and allow His forgiveness to flow in so that I can begin to extend that forgiveness to others in my life as well.
Great post, Luci.
This from Andrew Peterson’s Remember Me
On Sunday You came as a King
On Monday washed the temple clean
On Tuesday You told of what will be
On Wednesday You waited patiently
On Thursday You said it is time
I’ll drink this cup ’cause it is mine
On Friday, Lord, You poured the wine
Dee,
When Andrew came two weeks ago he invited us to sing parts of this song with him.
Such a valuable song to help us ponder these moments.
How wonderful!
6. When you look back at yiur life, do you see Jesus wooing you? (Give Him thanks!) Absolutely! I soent most of my childhood in Montana and the mountains and Big Sky (day and night) never fail to bubble up praise in my heart! Chris Rice sings of this (Hallelujahs). “My soul wells up with hallelujah.” I can also remember conversations, people, experiences that tethered my heart even through rebellion and hardship. In my life I have struggled with many questions, misconceptions, and doubts but I have never wondered IF God exists … He has made Himself so evident to me. Praise be, for His glory!!
7. Pray for your own heart and the hearts of those you love, that God might woo this week. God, thank you for your patience with me, your continued tether, that you woukd jeep me even when I leave. Lord, let us all see you anew this week, in Truth, would you break through misconceptions and expectations and speak to hearts that our hearts may desire yiu more fully, more fearlessly! You are amazing!
Such a good prayer “to bread through misconceptions”
8. Read John 12:12-19
A. From what did they want to be saved? They wanted to be saved from oppression from the Romans and perhaps oppresion from the Pharisees as well. They wanted life to be easier, fairer, more joyful and they thought a good king could do that as in David’s time
B. How does Jesus riding a donkey serve as a metaphor for the kind of king He would be at this first coming? He came in humility and He came doing what His Father willed, not succumbing to the expectations of people, culture, or time. He came with no effort to create an image but merely to be what He was. No distractions, no smoke and lights, just Jesus.
C. When did they understand why Jesus rode a donkey according to John 12:16? What pieces do you think fell into place then? When He was glorified and exalted. They saw the whole picture they saw the Gospel in its entirety. They realized Jesus was the King of All not just Israel.
Tuesday
8. Read John 12:12-19
A. Palm branches, Darrell Bock points out, were symbols of nationalistic hope. The call “Hosanna” means “save please”. From what did they want to be saved?
Roman rule…they were looking to Jesus as a leader/king to do this.
B. This is not a horse of a victorious warrior that Jesus will ride at the second coming. How does Jesus riding a donkey serve as a metaphor for the kind of King he would be at the first coming?
A donkey is a beast of burden and symbolized peace. This must of really confused the people who were looking to Jesus to lead them…they didn’t understand His kingship. “He didn’t come to conquer but to bring a message of peace”. (Tenney)
C. When did they understand why Jesus rode a donkey according to John 12:16? What pieces do you think fell into place then?
They finally understood after Jesus entered into His glory. The reason why He rode a donkey, His saying that the temple would be destroyed and raised back up in three days…speaking of Himself, the miracles He performed and Who He said He was…the Son of God.
9. Read John 12:20-33
A. Compare John 7:30 with John 12:23. What does this teach you?
That God is in control…His timing is perfect.
B. Meditate on John 12:23-33 and share anything that becomes radioactive and why?
Verse 26…the Amplified, “If anyone serves Me, he must (continue to faithfully) follow Me (without hesitation, holding steadfastly to Me, conforming to My example in living and, if need be, suffering or perhaps dying because of faith in Me); and wherever I am (in heaven’s glory) there will My servant be also. If anyone serves Me, the Father will honor him.”
When I read this I thought that is quite a tall order, but remembering what He endured…”giving Himself for my sins so that He might rescue me from this present evil age…” shouldn’t it be my desire to serve and follow Him? I’m so glad that He gave us the Holy Spirit Who gives us the strength, guidance and comfort. Thank You Lord Jesus for loving me so much!!
9. Read John 12:20-33
A. Compare John 7:30 with John 12:23. What does this teach you?
In one passage (7:30), Jesus points out that the hour has not come for Him to die. In the other (12:23) He says the time has come for His passing. He is in touch with the Father. He knows the plan and is in control.
B. Meditate on John 12:23-33 and share anything that becomes radioactive and why.
“Those who love their life in this world will lose it. Those who care nothing for their life in this world will keep it for eternity. Anyone who wants to serve me must follow me, because my servants must be where I am. And the Father will honor anyone who serves me.”
John 12:25-26 NLT
https://www.bible.com/116/jhn.12.25-26.nlt
This has has struck me this morning, especially the part that says, “…my servants must be where I am.” If I’m with Jesus God honors me. Wow.
5. What stands out to you from the above and why? I like the line from Peterson’s song, “I’ve been seized by the power of a great affection.” Affection is a different word than love; I looked it up and it is a feeling of “liking and caring” for someone, even tenderness. Love is,at times, more of an obligation, but affection seems to imply something more freely given. 6. When you look back at your life, how do you see Jesus wooing you? It still amazes me that I am “here” today. Though I would occasionally go with my grandma to church, no one talked to me about God when I was growing up. My mom’s generation was the “you don’t talk about religion and politics”. But God knew I was a lonely young girl; our neighbors got a dog when I was in 7th grade, and she was allowed to freely roam the neighborhood. For some reason, that dog became attached to me and was my best friend. She would bark outside the door, almost like asking if I could come out to play. We spent hours and hours together, roaming and exploring the woods. The director of volunteers at the nursing home where I volunteered at age 14 gave me a birthday card that said, “Jesus loves you, you are special in His sight!” There are many other instances of His wooing that I can look back and remember. 7. Pray for your own heart, and the hearts of those you love, that God might woo this week. When I read Pascal’s quote about “the heart has its reasons which reason knows not”, I think of how deceitful our hearts can be, that our emotions can convince us that something is true, or not true, and even distort reality. When I read the above about how they praised Jesus and hailed Him as their king because they thought He would benefit them, and their hearts influenced their minds – emotions were running high that day as they lined the street and threw down the palm branches…..yet in a few days, many of those same people turned against Him….I am so convicted of my own heart’s tendency to rule my mind and to affect what I believe to be true about God, His goodness and His character, whether I will draw near to Him or run away, whether I will trust Him or not. Lord, please draw my heart unto You. I desire that simple, childlike trust. I pray that You would capture the hearts of my children, my husband, and family members whose hearts have other loves that are greater than You, and mine, too….I know when I am loving something more than I love you.
Interesting to meditate on the word affection.
Loved the story of your neighbor’s dog. I bet they were thankful for you too!
Great closing prayer — I agree with it.
12.a. The first thing Jesus asks for is unity among believers across the ages.
B. There’s been a lot of talk in my circles lately about how easy it is to offend each other and be hurt by each other. With that in mind I can:
ask for a guard over my mouth, that I don’t talk without thinking
ask for forgiveness and mercy from any I offend or hurt
choose to be tough skinned around others, refusing to take offense, and giving grace and mercy to others.
c. God the Father loves me as He loves Jesus. That is really hard for me.
d. Jesus wants for us to be with Him and see His glory
Tender in heart and tough-skinned. Good prayer!
8. Read John 12:12-19 A. Palm branches, Darrel Bock points out, were symbols of nationalistic hope. The call “Hosanna” means “save please”. From what did they want to be saved? They wanted to be saved from the rule and oppression of the Romans. They wanted Jesus to be their king. B. This is not the horse of a victorious warrior that Jesus will ride at the second coming. How does Jesus riding a donkey serve as a metaphor for the kind of King He would be at this first coming? I believe the metaphor is that because Jesus was God coming in the flesh, He had dominion, power, and rule over everything and everyone, and He had every right to come down from heaven with flashing lightning and rolls of thunder, to bring judgment upon the earth and man. But instead, He came quietly, gently, and in peace, to bring salvation, not judgment. He made Himself “less than” He could have, cloaking His power with humility, riding into the city on a donkey’s colt, coming in peace. C. When did they understand why Jesus rode a donkey according to John 12:16? What pieces do you think fell into place then? It was after Jesus was raised from the dead that the disciples began to put the pieces together, because it says that “at first, they did not understand all this.” After He was raised, they remembered that it was written “Do not be afraid, O Daughter of Zion; see, your king is coming, seated on a donkey’s colt.” Then they realized that this Scripture had been fulfilled on that day Jesus rode into the city.
9. Read John 12:20-33 A. Compare John 7:30 with John 12:23. What does this teach you? Earlier, no man was allowed to harm Jesus because it was not the time. I believe that God had ordained the exact day and hour when Jesus would be given into the hands of men. Jesus recognized that the time had come, and what was going to be a great evil act against an innocent man, Jesus tells us that the purpose of it all was for God to be glorified. B. Meditate on John 12:23-33 and share anything that becomes radioactive and why. Verse 25, which says that the man who loves his life will lose it. I’m reading a book by Janet Davis called My Own Worst Enemy, in which she quotes a similar verse from Luke 17, “Remember Lot’s wife! Whoever tries to keep their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life will preserve it.” She writes, “If you try to plant yourself in the pst – save your life as you define it now – you will lose it.” I think the verse in John can apply to the Pharisees and Jews who loved their comfortable, religious life and refused to move forward and leave it; they “lost” their lives, in the sense of the real life that Jesus was offering them. In John 12:26 Jesus says that whoever serves Him must follow Him, implying that God calls us into a forward motion. The full meaning of verse 25 is not clear to me, however; what does it really mean to hate my life in this world?
I think it is similar to the verse about “hating your parents.” I remember Keller’s sermon on that and how he joked with his young audience that they didn’t need to be told that they already did! He said that it simply means that in comparison for our love for God, everything else almost seems like hate, yet we know we are to love one another.
That makes sense, how Keller explains this! I’ve always felt a bit guilty, for example, when Christians talk about what are your dreams, your passions, etc….and I think it always has to be a dream or a passion that has to do with Christian service…..if I say that I am passionate about (or I used to be) travel and exploring other countries, that sounds rather selfish, and then – am I just “loving my life” too much?
Dee, I finished posting this morning answers that I had started yesterday (Monday’s questions) and when I clicked submit, it said that my comment is awaiting moderation. I don’t know if that happened because I didn’t refresh the page this morning?
I don’t know since you didn’t have a link — do you want me to check with the website guys?
No, it was probably just a fluke!
10. Read John 13:1-5 A. How does John describe Jesus’ knowledge and intent in verse 1? Simply put, Jesus knew that He was going to die very soon, and His intent was to show the disciples the full extent of His love for them. B. How do you see the cosmic battle in verse 2? In this important moment in time, Satan is right there, having already filled the heart of Judas with betrayal. He is one that would be unaffected and unconverted by Jesus’ love. C. Put together verse 3 with the “so He got up and….” of verse 4. What do you see? Strong and secure in the knowledge that all things were in His power, that He had come from God and was returning to God, He took action. I am thinking that when I am overwhelmed by a situation with fear, doubt, insecurity, and even having a crisis of faith; not secure in my identity as a child of God and that God is right there with me, I am immobilized, sometimes literally. I can’t get up off the couch, I can only sit there and cry or go over and over in my mind the seemingly insurmountable problem, feeling depressed, sad, or discouraged, even helpless. Facing His own imminent death, Jesus gets up and goes into action, knowing the truth of who He is, who His Father is.
Hi girls! I’m finally getting time on here…on my day off!
Sun: Jennifer’s testimony was so moving & she is so completely genuine & filled with Love for the Lord…truly touched by Him & it shows!! 🙂
John 12:1-8 Jesus is at the home of Lazarus & Mary anoints His feet with very expensive perfume & her tears of gratitude & love & wipes his feet with her hair. Judas objects in his short sightedness. I think Mary just wanted to pour out all her love & thanks & worship in such an intimate way. She knew Jesus would understand & receive it. Also I think she must have known His death was imminent…the Holy Spirit was moving her.
The chief Priests were threatened & jealous…they planned to kill Lazarus also.
Mon: Andrew Peterson’s song is beautiful..Yes I have felt that “Great Affection” & it melts my heart as nothing else can 🙂
The people crying out Hosanna, wanted to be saved from Roman rule & oppression. They wanted a King here & now.
Tues: the Donkey showed Jesus was a Humble King…Servant. John 12:16 The disciples understood after Jesus had been raised from death. They saw fulfilled Scriptures falling into place.
John 7:30 & 12:23…what does it teach me? God has a perfect time for His plans & will to be accomplished! Jesus knew “the hour has now come”.
Jesus said “Whoever wants to serve Me must follow me, so that My servant will be with Me, where I Am” vs 26
Wed: John 13:1-5
vs 1- Jesus loved His disciples intentionally, cause even tho He knew His hour had come, He focused on showing them His love in a tangible way; He didn’t just think of Himself.
The cosmic battle in vs 2: The devil had already put betrayal into the heart of Judas. Satan was waging war against God’s Son, & Jesus was setting His face like flint to see His mission thro to the end. Thank You Jesus!
Vs 3-4: Jesus could have exalted Himself but He completely humbled Himself & served His disciples in Love.
Peter basically says “No way Lord, will You wash my dirty feet”… Jesus replies that unless Peter lets Him, he will have no part with Jesus.
What is Jesus saying to each of us in 13: 15? He has set an example for me to follow…to serve others as He has served me.
How can I put this into action the week? My husband is Jewish (tho not religious), so I’m going to make a Passover meal for the 2 of us tomorrow night & serve him in this way.
Also I can visit a lonely neighbor today & show the love & kindness of the Lord.
Jenny’s back and this is such a good post!
Wow Jenny, I just caught this…..I did not know your husband is Jewish. What a great idea to make a Passover meal and share it together! I don’t know if you’ve ever heard of the Christian author Michelle van Loon. She is Jewish (I think her husband is Dutch origins, hence her last name) but became a Christian. Anyway, I’ve heard her speak on a podcast, and she wrote a book called Moments and Days: How Our Holy Celebrations Shape Our Faith, in which she introduces the reader to the feasts and festivals of the Bible. She brings her Jewish heritage into her current faith.
8. Read John 12:12-19
A. Palm branches, Darrel Bock points out, were symbols of nationalistic hope. The call “Hosanna” means “save please.” From what did they want to be saved?
From the Romans; from earthly authority
B. This is not the horse of a victorious warrior that Jesus will ride at the second coming. How does Jesus riding a donkey serve as a metaphor for the kind of King He would be at this first coming?
Lowly, humbly
C. When did they understand why Jesus rode a donkey according to John 12:16? What pieces do you think fell into place then?
Only after Jesus was glorified ( died and resurrected)
That Jesus is really the King and He came as a servant
9. Read John 12:20-33
A. Compare John 7:30 with John 12:23. What does this teach you?
30 At this, they tried to seize him, but no one laid a hand on him, because his hour had not yet come.
3 Jesus replied, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified.
This teaches me that God is sovereign over all things that have happened and will happen. His timing is perfect and as appointed.
B. Meditate on John 12:23-33 and share anything that becomes radioactive and why.
v. 23 “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified.”
It was for this very reason I came to this hour. Father, glorify your name.
28b. Then a voice came from heaven, “I have glorified it, and will glorify it again.
Now is the time for judgment on this world; now the prince of this world will be driven out. But I, when lifted up, will draw all men to myself.
Wow! I feel like from this point on, there was no turning back. Jesus has set His face like a flint to the cross. And even in this very painful hour, His object is one and only one, that is to glorify the Father.
And at this point, the Devil was already defeated-“the prince of this world will be driven out.” Hallelujah! On the other hand, Jesus will draw men to Himself through His death.
This song spoke to me through after answering 9B.
https://youtu.be/Tu2uA6U4Fxg
And Can It Be. One of my all time favorites. I understand he wrote it shortly after his conversion.
1. What stands out to you from the above and why? – Oh my I got the chills listening to Jennifer. She is so in love with Jesus. Also, when I first saw the word organic I first thought that all of our walks with Jesus are different. We should all get to the same place, but at times our path may go off a bit and swing back around depending on the phase of life we are in. We can do nothing without Jesus’ unconditional love.
2. Can you identify with Jennifer’s testimony in any way? If so, how? – I think for me, I feel more at peace with who I am and where I’m at in life right now. I always knew of God but had a relationship with him later in life, but recently just felt a stronger tug pulling me even closer. I feel a greater peace now since my eyes are open.
Sweet testimony, Julie.
3. Read John 12:1-8
A. Summarize what happened in verses 1-7. – Jesus had gone to Bethany where Lazarus had died and he raised him from the dead. They held a feast for Jesus and Mary washed his feet with an expensive oil and Judas was upset because he wouldn’t be able to take any of the money that they could have gotten if that oil was sold.
B. Why do you think Mary did this? – I think she was grateful to Jesus for raising her brother from the dead and she knew how powerful and holy Jesus was. She wanted to show how she loved him.
C. Do you see any parallel with Jennifer? If so, what? – The gratefulness that they both had for Jesus. Jennifer was so grateful the Jesus loved her unconditionally and Mary was grateful for the miracle that Jesus performed on Lazarus.
4. Read John 12:9-11
A. What was the reaction of the chief priests and why? – they were mad and were conniving a way to kill Lazarus along with Jesus because the Jews were amazed at this miracle that Jesus did, they started following Him and believing in Him.
B. Think about an area where you struggle with sin. Now think about how this struggle could be overcome if you would truly believe a promise of God. – For me the sin I struggle with is my attitude at times. I can’t always tolerate people and it shows by how I respond back to them. Things I say don’t always come out in the best of ways. If I would just pray to God for my attitude and give my burdens to Him, I know he would help me with tolerating people and speaking love and not hate.
Thurs: John 17: 20-26
A. The 1st thing Jesus prays for is us, His followers, & also the those who will believe because of our message.
B. I could better live this out By remembering that Jesus already prayed for & covered the ones I’m reaching out to.
C. Vs 23…The Father loves me as He loves Jesus! vs24…Jesus wants us to be with Him & to see His glory.
e. What else stands out? That God could love us & desire us so much…That He was willing to go to the furthest extreme to claim us as His own. Amazing grace & so hard to grasp! Jesus made the Father known to us , so that the Father’s love for Jesus may be in us. That Jesus Himself may be in us.
10. Read John 13:1-5
A. How does John descript Jesus knowledge and intent in verse 1?
He knew His time had come to leave the world and go to the Father.
His intent was to show the full extent of His love to the disciples.
B. How do you see the cosmic battle in verse 2?
The Devil was on full force by using Judas to betray Jesus.
C. Put together verse 3 with the “so he got up and…” of verse 4. What do you see?
Jesus was confident of who He is and where He is from so getting up to do the lowly task of washing his disciples feet will in no way threaten His personhood?
11. Read John 13:6-17
A. How does Peter respond and why?
Peter did not want Jesus to wash his feet first. Peter must feel like he was undeserving. Or was he being prideful here?
B. What does Jesus tell him, and what is His meaning?
“Unless I wash you, you have no part of me.” Is Jesus talking about regeneration through the washing of His blood? Made clean through the sacrifice of Jesus at the cross?
C. What is Jesus saying to each of us in verse 15?
To wash each other’s feet to serve one another.
I think Peter felt undeserving, though maybe there was some pride. Interesting.
10. Read John 13:1-5
A. How does John descript Jesus knowledge and intent in verse 1?
Jesus knew it was time for Him to go. He had spent time with the disciples and loved them to model what they should, in turn, do for others.
B. How do you see the cosmic battle in verse 2?
The devil enters the picture by entering Judas.
C. Put together verse 3 with the “so he got up and…” of verse 4. What do you see?
Not sure here? He was acting on the idea that God had given Him the authority to be there and so the things He did.
11. Read John 13:6-17
A. How does Peter respond and why?
Peter wants to wash Jesus’ feet instead. He feels it is beneath Jesus to wash his feet.
B. What does Jesus tell him, and what is His meaning?
He says that He must wash Peter’s feet or Peter won’t belong to Him. Peter must know that none of us is better than the other in God’s eyes.
C. What is Jesus saying to each of us in verse 15?
He wants us to all take care of each other.
D. How might you apply this specifically to your life and the people in your path this week?
I will try to serve others more than usual.
11. Read John 13:6-17 A. How does Peter respond and why? First, Peter cannot believe that Jesus is going to do the task of washing his feet, saying “No, you shall never wash my feet.” Perhaps Peter realized that of all people, Jesus should not be doing this menial task because He is their Lord, their Teacher. When Jesus tells him that He must, then Peter wants more than just his feet washed; he doesn’t believe that “a little goes a long way”…..if washing my feet means I’m connected with Jesus, then wash more of me, thinks Peter. B. What does Jesus tell him, and what is His meaning? Jesus tells Peter that right now, Peter doesn’t understand the meaning behind what Jesus is doing, but later he will, and that unless He washes him, Peter has no part with Jesus. He also tells Peter that he is “clean”, and uses the metaphor of already having a bath and so you only need to wash your hands. This is a lot to unpack. First, likely after Jesus was raised and went back to heaven and Peter and the others started to carry on His mission, Peter likely realized that he now was in the position to sacrificially serve and love as Jesus did. The idea of Peter already being “clean”….I am wondering if this means that God chose Peter, as in predestination, to belong to Him, and that Peter was in fact regenerated or, like Dee often uses the metaphor of being in the birth canal, he was almost ready to be delivered! I like Lucy’s response, too – could the meaning of “Unless I wash you” mean the washing away of sin by Jesus, through His death? And we have to submit to that, that we need it, or we cannot belong to Him. C. What is Jesus saying to each of us in verse 15? Jesus says that His foot washing is an example for us to follow. It was a lowly task and not very appealing to wash someone’s dirty feet. We are not asked to literally wash dirty feet, but what is my attitude about serving others? Do I complain and grumble about it, or do I feel it should be somebody else’s job, or that I am ‘above’ doing a certain job? He just wants me to have His attitude about loving and serving. D. How might you apply this specifically to your life and the people in your path this week? I am ashamed to admit that sometimes I breathe an inward sigh of relief when the responsibility of doing something is on someone else; let them take care of it. I rationalize that I’m too busy, too tired, too stressed to help. What if I put myself out there more, and then asked God to help me with those selfish attitudes and to be more willing to put love into action?
13. Tim Keller; I am He
the Greatest Claim in History.
In John 18, Jesus says I AM. He takes the divine name for Himself. It is the verb ‘to be’ with no object. No other religious figure ever claimed this. They all say they will show the way, but Jesus says ‘I AM the way’. He doesn’t say how to go searching, He says a He came searching for us. If Jesus is not who He says He is, then Christianity should be despised. Either He is Who He says He is, and is far above all, or He isn’t and shouldn’t be listened to at all. You cannot like Him a little, thinking Him a good teacher. You need to fall on your knees and allow Him to command you.
the Greatest Problem of Human Beings.
Nobody keeps their footing in the presence of God. In John 18:6 even the seasoned Roman soldiers ‘drew back and fell down’. Most people think being ‘spiritual’ is warm , wonderful, inspiring. But the real experience of God, coming close to His holiness was a traumatic experience. It knocked people flat. Our self image is based on our performance, and is very fragile. In the presence of someone much better than yourself, your self image is crushed. And that is only with human glory! Isaiah said that in the presence of God he started to literally fall apart. What hope is there for us in the day of judgement?? Even if we were only judged by our own standards we can’t stand. We need a solution.
the Greatest Mission.
in the garden, Jesus said “forgive them and take Me”. Secularism says there is no judgement. Therefore there is no setting things right. Traditional religion says there is a judgment coming, so you better be good. Christianity says Christ came and took our judgment. Keller finds much comfort in Peter. Peter attacks with the sword after everything Jesus has told him about how He will be handed over and killed. But Jesus isn’t disgusted with him. Instead He tells Peter the gospel again. Jesus has an unyielding love. Our stupidity, or anything else, will not stop Him from loving us.
writing this down has me in tears over the greatest of our Lord and Savior. What a great hope we have this Easter season!
Great notes, Mary.
7. Read John 12:20-33
A. Compare John 7:30 with John 12:23. What does this teach you? That His time had now come. When it was mot time noone could “force” it … now it was time and so things would be allowed to happen.
B. Meditate on John 12:23-33 and share anything that becomes radioactive and why. I remember Ann Voskamp’s story about the wheat mist be broken open and spent to bear fruit. I am still struck ny that picture. If I don’t break open I’ll never bear fruit …