Una palabra preciosa de Dios

Jesús dijo, “Yo soy el camino, y la verdad, y la vida. Nadie viene al Padre sino por mi.”
Juan 14:6 (NET)

¿Has estado alguna vez perdido y no has podido encontrar tu camino? Quizás tu sabias a donde quieres ir pero no sabias como llegar hasta allá desde donde estabas. Recuerdo cuando mi hijo aprendió a manejar; él no tenia ni idea de como llegar a ninguna parte! Me di cuenta que enseñándole “el camino” seria tan importante como enseñarle a manejarJ

Ésta semana los discípulos revelan que ellos están tan despistados o sin la menor idea de como llegar o encontrar el Camino que los conduciría a donde quieren ir tal como lo estaba mi hijo!

Studio: Dia Uno

Lea Juan 11:55-57; 12:20-33.

Diamantes en el Mundo: Lee el pasaje complete desde Juan 11:55 hasta Juan 12:33; Nosotros nos hemos saltado partes por cuestiones de tiempo. Nota los principales eventos en esta sección.

Algunos Griegos (refiriéndose a los fariseos¹) se acercaron a Felipe para ver si podían hablar con Jesús. La respuesta de Jesús indicaba que el interés de ellos era la señal de que su hora había llegado.

1. Vamos a seguir lo que Jesús ha dicho hasta ahora sobre la llegada de “Su hora” en el libro de Juan. Escribe lo que El dijo y como se aplica a la situación en cuestión. Tu tendrás que leer algunos versos adicionales alrededor de este para entender el contexto. ¿Que aprendiste sobre “Su hora”?

a. Juan. 2:4

b. Juan. 7:30

c. Juan. 8:20

2. Que aprendiste sobre la enseñanza de Jesús en Juan 12:23-33 y el significado de “Su hora”?

3. Compara las palabras de Jesús en Juan 12:27-28 con las de Marcos 14:36 (mira el contexto).

4. Que paso en Juan 12:27-30? Como te hubieses sentido de haber sido un transeúnte?

5. Pregunta compartida: El punto esencial de la oración de Jesús en Juan 12:27-28 es muy duro para la mayoría de nosotros para orar. Comparte con tu grupo una situación en la cual llegarías hacer una oración similar para Dios en lugar de una propia tuya. Que te ha llevado a cambiar tu oración?

6. Respondiendo a Dios: Si tú estas en una situación difícil ahora mismo en tu vida, ora para que la Gracia de Dios te ayude aceptar los designios de Dios en lugar de los tuyos. Cualquiera que sea tu situación, ora para que la Gloria de Dios este contigo donde estas ahora. Tu vas a querer revisar las oraciones del reino que se encuentran en la parte de atrás de este cuaderno de ejercicios. Escribe tu oración abajo.

Studio: Dia Dos

Lee Juan 12:37, 42-43.

Diamantes en el mundo: Lee la sección completa , Juan 12:34-50. Nota los temas que ya hemos visto a través de Juan: luz / oscuridad, unidad entre Jesús y el Padre, y creencia / incrédulo.

7. Que conocimiento nos da Juan en estos versos sobre la aceptación de Jesús entre los Jesuitas? (Los mandatarios, lideres , o autoridades “denotados como los miembros del Sanedrín, el cuerpo legal, legislativa y judicial mas alto entre los Judíos.”²) Compara Gal. 1:10 con vv. 42-43.

8. Pregunta para compartir: Todos nosotros estamos tentados a complacer las personas antes de complacer a Dios. Eres un complacedor de personas o eres un complacedor de Dios? Que personas o en que situaciones estas mas propenso en complacer en lugar de complacer a Dios?

Ahora hemos llegado a Juan 13, donde el libro se divide entre lo que Burge llama “El Libro de las señales” (capítulos 1-12) y “El Libro de la Gloria” (capítulos 13-21). El dice, “el enfoque de la primera mitad de Juan esta en las señales de Jesús, evidencias de su identidad nació por trabajos milagrosos. El enfoque de la segunda mitad de Juan es en la hora. Jesús ahora decir adiós a sus seguidores y comenzar su retorno hacia el Padre através de su arresto, crucifixión, resurrección y ascensión..”³

Lee Juan 13:1-17.

“Fuentes antiguas muestran que el lavado de pies era una tarea denigrante y baja… in ningún caso encontramos aquellos con estatus mas altos lavando los pies de personas por debajo de ellos… (Jesús) esta tomando la posición de un esclavo.”⁴

9. Que fue lo que Jesús nos ejemplifica con lavar los pies de sus discípulos (Juan 13:12-17)? En la vida real que tanto un líder de la Iglesia sigue Su ejemplo?

10. Pregunta para compartir: Como te habrías sentido si Jesús te hubiese lavado los pies? Cual es una manera practica en la cual tu puedes “lavar los pies” de otro creyente? Hay algo que tu puedas hacer esta semana — quizás por tu esposo, hijos, compañeros de trabajo que estén debajo tuyo? Si es axial, comparte con tu grupo lo que hiciste y su efecto.

11. Respondiendo a Dios: Pídele a Dios por la humildad de servirle a otros. Escribe una oración o poema abajo.

Estudio: Dia Tres

Lee Juan 13:18-30.

12. Por que Jesús estaba tan atribulado, afligido, o disgustado (Juan 13:21)? (Esta es la misma palabra griega que vimos en Juan 11:33Juan 12:27.)

13. Que hemos aprendido sobre esto como lectores de Juan en Juan 6:70-71; Juan 13:2, 11?

14. Jesús cita Salmos. 41:9. Léelo en mas de una traducción y copia tu favorita abajo.⁵ Como te haría sentir tal situación y por que?

Diamantes en el Mundo: Lee solamente en tus comentarios sobre Juan 13:18-30.

Juan 13:19 podría ser leído como otra de las declaraciones del ego. Los editores del NET Bible encuentran esto incierto.⁶ Carson explica: “Aquí el contenido del Consuelo de Jesús … es que ellos podrían creer el ego— una expresión diaria que puede carecer de significados teológicos … o puede venir a la mente como el nombre indescriptible de Dios, el YO SOY, el YO SOY LO QUE SOY , , , el YO SOY EL de Ser. 41:4; 43:10.”⁷ En otras palabras, no es seguro si esto se refiere a Jesús como el YO SOY o no.

15. Pregunta para compartir: Has sido traicionado de alguna manera por algún amigo o pariente? Quizás la persona te difamo o te quito algo de alguna manera. Haz sido capaz de perdonarlo/la aun? Si así fue como llegaste hasta el punto del perondo?

16. Respondiendo a Dios: Ora por la gracia de Dios para que perdones incluso aquellos que te han traicionado. Escribe tus pensamientos abajo.

Estudio: Dia Cuatro

Lee Juan 13:31-14:11.

Diamantes en el Mundo: Mira la palabra griega en Juan 14:2 para la traducción en español es habitaciones o moradas. Lee en tus comentarios sobre estos versos.

17. Que era Jesús en la declaración Yo Soy? (Este es el verso para memorizar de esta semana) Cual fue la pregunta que causo que El les dijera la verdad de El Mismo?

18. Como esta afirmación de Yo Soy hace paralelo a lo que hemos visto antes?

19. Jesús nos afirma de que El es “el camino” lo cual no es muy popular en nuestros días ahora. Nuestro mundo dice que hay muchos caminos; Jesús es simplemente una opción. La afirmación de Jesús de exclusividad no es nueva en este verso. Lee estos versos y escribe como hacen paralelo a “Yo Soy el camino”… nadie llega al Padre excepto a través de mi.”

a. Juan 3:3

b. Juan 3:18

c. Juan 5:24

d. Juan 6:53

e. Juan 8:24

f. Juan 10:9

20. Pregunta para compartir: “Como has visto reaccionar a los no-Cristianos con respecto a esa declaración de Jesús “nadie llega al Padre excepto a través de mi”?

21. Respondiendo a Dios: escribe una oración agradeciendo a Jesús por haber venido a la tierra para darte un camino hacia el Padre, sabiendo que estabas perdido sin Su provisión. Ilustra tu oración con un dibujo mostrando que no hay salida en tu situación sin esperanza.

Estudio: Dia Cinco

Revisa Juan 14:1-11.

22. Lee estos versos escribe los motivos por los cuales las personas rechazan la afirmación de Jesús sobre “nadie viene al Padre excepto a través de Mi”.

a. Juan 3:19-20

b. Juan 5:39-40

c. Juan 5:44

d. Juan 7:16-17

e. 2 Corintios. 4:3-4

23. Cual es la promesa para los creyentes en Juan 14:13-14?

Carson explica la condición supuesta en esta promesa: “Oraciones en su nombre son oraciones que son ofrecidas de acuerdo con el gran significado de Su nombre (Por ejemplo Su nombre no es usado en encantos mágicos: compare.1 Juan. 5:14), y en reconocimiento que la única forma de acercarse a Dios , aquellos que disfrutan de orar saben que su único camino hacia Dios… es el mismo Jesús.”⁸

Diamantes en el Mundo: Lee el resto de Juan 14. Toma nota especialmente de lo que Jesús enseñó aquí en tres temas: el Espíritu Santo, el amor que Sus seguidores tienen por El, y Su partida.

24. Pregunta para compartir: tomando en consideración el verso #22, en que manera puedes orar por tus amigos y familiares que aun no creen en Jesús? Comparte con tu grupo una persona en particular y la oración exacta por la cual tu intentas orar.

25. Respondiendo a Dios: ora esa oración para Dios y escríbela abajo.

Nuestras historias esta semana son sobre llegar a esas personas que no creen con amor y gracia de Dios. Nosotros no siempre vemos resultados cuando lo hacemos, pero sabemos que la salvación esta y viene de Dios quien puede usar las semillas que nosotros plantamos.

Historia de Jan

Ban y yo comenzamos a salir juntos desde que estábamos en la secundaria en Chicago, pero yo venia del lado equivocado del camino, entonces no era aceptada en sus reuniones sociales. Sin embargo nos casamos secretamente en la Universidad, lo cual no ayudaba mucho a la situación pero se veían forzados a aceptartla. Mientras estábamos en la Universidad tuvimos nuestro primer hijo, entonces pasamos bastante tiempo con su familia. Muchos miembros de la familia de mi esposo se preguntaban porque yo era tan amable con mi suegra cuando ella me trataba tan mal; sin embargo, cuando ella me hacia llorar, ella estaba siempre muy confundida y me decía que ella solo estaba echándome en cara todas mis culpas para mi propio beneficio.

Un DIA cuando estábamos sentados y hablando con los padres de Ban su madre dijo “Jan me recuerda de Susie, la pequeña niña de al lado, una pequeña ternura, pero hay algo especial sobre ella que no puedes contener”. Yo estaba encantada y cuando estuve a solas con mi esposo le decía, “yo le simpatizo a tu mama, tu mama me quiere” y Ban me dijo, “primero se congela el infierno antes de que mi mama te llegue a querer”. y Ban said to me, "Hell will freeze over before my Mom likes you". No obstante desde ese momento me sentí animada y siempre ore por ella.

Mientras oraba por ella, Dios me dio un amor real por ella y me permitió compartir la palabra de Dios y el porque yo creí cuando tuve la oportunidad, pero siempre trataba de no ser fastidiosa. Vivimos en diferentes estados con nuestros 4 hijos, pero la visitábamos todos los anos y le escribíamos frecuentemente. Mi suegra desarrollo artritis reumatoidea en su anos cuarenta para cuando tenia 50 ya estaba en una silla de ruedas. A la edad de 60 ya estaba en un ancianato. Nosotros vivíamos en Houston cuando recibimos la inesperada noticia de que ella había muerto. Nosotros pudimos encontrar alguien que se quedara con nuestros hijos y fuimos al funeral en Chicago. En el servicio, la enfermera negra que había estado con ella la noche anterior a su muerte le dijo que me buscara. Ella dijo que la señora Capron le había dicho que fuera a su funeral y encontrara su nuera y le dijera lo que sucedió esa noche. El auxilio la guió hacia El Señor la noche anterior y ella quería que yo supiera que ella me había visto en el cielo. No puedo esperar por ese día.

La historia de Peggy

En mi trabajo como consejero mentor, era responsable de los consejeros de 10 nuevas escuelas de primaria. Yo visitaba un colegio cada semana para estar seguro de que ellos no estaban abrumados y para estar seguros de que estaban siguiendo las guías del estado para consejeros de escuelas. Claro que yo hacia amistades en el camino. Siempre te encuentras con uno que te desafía mas. Yo llamare al mi David. David era uno de esas personas que casi nunca la contrataban para hacer el trabajo por su actitud. Consejeros son personas alegres, que te suben el animo cierto? Pero no David. Todo era un “asunto” para el. Pero yo acepte el desafió y empezamos. El podía hacer el trabajo y hacerlo bien. El simplemente no tenia la actitud apropiada. Yo siempre me mostraba amable y lo animaba y hablamos muchas noches en casa.

Al comienzo del año, David me dijo que el sabia que había algo diferente en mi y el quería ser como yo. Yo le dije que lo que hacia diferente era el amor por Jesucristo, mi Señor y Salvador. Yo sabia que esto le daría en los nervios a David porque David es Judío. Sin embargo, aunque yo hable por un rato sobre como El Señor me había proveído todo el tiempo y de como si yo llegara a morir hoy yo sabia que llegaría al cielo, David no dijo nada. Yo sabia que el no sabría que decir. Yo nunca presione a David y tampoco intente de llevarlo a la iglesia conmigo porque yo sabia que el no iría. Tuvimos muchas conversaciones a lo largo del año sobre nuestras religiones. La actitud de David cambio muchísimo en ese año. Nosotros aceptamos la religión de cada uno y fuimos capaces de comparar nuestras religiones.

Yo no creo que David ha aceptado a Cristo, pero el año pasado fue nominado como cónsul del año y su actitud es grandiosa. Yo no he hablado con el mas o menos en un año pero se que si el acepta a Cristo el me llamara. Yo aun oro por el.

Jana’s Story

Mi grupo de estudio bíblico tuvo una oportunidad única el año pasado de ayudar a dos señoras musulmanes de Turquía. Una de las señoras en nuestro grupo trabaja con las dos señoras musulmanes quienes están aquí por trabajos en la escuela de medicina. Ella tenia el habito de completar su trabajo de estudio bíblico durante su hora de almuerzo. Ellas se dieron cuenta de su trabajo y le comenzaron a hacer preguntas. Ella compartió con aquellas señoras lo que estaba estudiando, lo cual en ese momento era mujeres de la Biblia. Ella las invito a que viniesen a visitar nuestro grupo de estudio y ellas estuvieron de acuerdo.

Estas mujeres han sido criadas con algunos puntos de vista erróneos sobre el Cristianismo. A ellas les habían dicho que los Cristianos eran materialistas, mundanos, vanidosos, tacaños y promiscuos. Ellas tenían la curiosidad de ver si estas cosas eran en verdad realidad.

Nuestro grupo fue muy amigable y no-critico. Ellas respondieron sus preguntas en una forma educada y respetuosa. Las clases parecían de su interés, y fue muy interesante notar como ellas vorazmente basaban los versos citados en la Biblia que la señora de nuestro grupo les había dado. Las dos señoras eventualmente dejaron de asistir debido a obligaciones laborales y que una de ellas se caso con un musulmán que no estaba de acuerdo con que ella atendiera a las clases. Sin embargo, yo creo que plantamos unas buenas semillas y les dimos un buen ejemplo de quien en realidad Jesús es y del verdadero significado de ser Cristianos. La señora en nuestro grupo es un también un buen ejemplo de como pequeñas cosas que hacemos pueden tener un impacto gigante en otros si estamos dispuestos a ser abiertos y honestos sobre lo que creemos.

¹ “La palabra ‘Griegos’ . . . no necesariamente describe a alguien de Grecia, pero era una etiqueta para describer a cualquier persona que no fuese Judio—Eso es desde el punto de vista Judio, ‘Gentiles’ (Burge, 342)

² Nota #20 in NET Bible on Juan 12:42.

³ Burge, 363.

⁴ Ibid., 369.

⁵ Una forma facil de ver varias traducciones al mismo tiempo es mediante la pagina de internet bible.org y luego escribes los versos en la casilla de arriba que dice “Search Bible.”

⁶ Nota # 23 in NET Bible on Juan 13:19.

⁷ Carson, 471.

⁸ Carson, 497.

The audio for this series is a 3-part lecture series delivered by Gwynne Johnson at the Women’s Retreat of Northwest Bible Church, Dallas TX, April 20-21, 2007.

Lecture #1: Introduction to Psalms and Psalms for “The Comfort Zone”

(Friday)

The psalms are “songs for the journey”—a wonderful gift from the Lord. They help us express our emotions in a God-honoring way and help us put words to life’s experiences. Psalms for “The Comfort Zone” form a foundation for living through future crisis, reminding us of God’s canopy of certainty amidst the uncertainty of life. Five types of comfort psalms include those of: orientation (Ps. 115); creation (Ps. 104); Torah (Ps. 119, 145); wisdom (Ps. 37, 14); and well-being (Ps. 131).

Praise

The Hebrew name for the Book of Psalms is “Praises” [Heb tehillah (root: halal))—to praise, celebrate, glory, sing, boast], and praise and its cognates are mentioned in the Psalms over 180 times, more than in any other book. God is to be praised for His awesome character and mighty works by all of His creatures and creation, regardless of the triumphs, tragedies, sorrows, or joys of this temporal life. The Greek title “Psalms” [Gk psalmos—to twang or pluck] includes the concept of singing accompaniment with a stringed instrument, and the Psalms remain the primary hymnal of the people of God.

Hallelujah combines praise with the covenant name of God [Heb halal and Yah—YHWH, Yahweh, or Jehovah] producing the exclamation “Let us praise Yahweh” or “Praise the LORD.”

Questions for Group Discussion

Reflection: What aspect or lesson from last week’s introduction for this series most encouraged or challenged you?

Psalms for the comfort zone record reflections upon God’s faithfulness in history and promises for wisdom today. Remember to begin your study in prayer for His wisdom.

1. Name the three subject categories of the Psalms discussed last week. How does this increase your understanding of Psalms?

A.

B.

C.

2. Psalms of orientation provide a worldview that includes God in our thinking. Each of the following three Psalms teaches us something that will give our lives stability today.

A. Read Psalm 114. What do you learn about the power and care of God from this Psalm? How might this affect the way you view life?

B. Read Psalm 115. What do you learn about God’s care for His own? What do you learn about those who trust in gods of their own making?

C. Read Psalm 116. Where does the psalmist go in trouble? What comfort and encouragement might you discover from this for times of difficulty in your own life?

3. Read Psalm 145. List at least three attributes of God’s character that you find in this Psalm.

A.

B.

C.

4. Which attribute of God’s character did you need to remember this week? Why?

Which were you tempted to forget as a result of present circumstances?

B. What additional insights do you gain from the cross references on praising God for His character, attributes, and activities in the Optional Studies for Personal Enrichment?

5. List three promises from Psalm 145 to those who fear the Lord.

6. Read Psalm 119:1–8. List several benefits of an obedient walk. How have you experienced any one of these? What does that imply about a disobedient walk?

7. Read Psalm 119:9–16. What keeps our life pure, according to these verses? Paraphrase and summarize these verses in your own words below.

8. Read Psalm 119:89–104. What are several benefits of the law of God? How have you experienced one or more of these? Which benefit was most important to you this week or in the recent past?

9. What commitment would you like to make regarding the Word of God as a result of reading these verses? Write it in a prayer to God below.

10. What hope and encouragement do you find in Psalm 119:114? Have you ever experienced this personally?

11. What one insight or lesson do you want to remember from this week’s lesson? Note it below and on the journal page entitled “Songs for My Soul” at the back of the workbook

Choose one verse from this week’s lesson to memorize. Write it here and meditate on it. Or write it on a card and place it in a prominent place to review this week.

Optional Studies for Personal Enrichment

Psalms: Songs for the Soul - Comfort Zone

All of creation, including the sun and moon, and every creature in the heavens, on the earth, and under the earth will ultimately praise the Lord. The psalmist declares in Psalm 103:1, “Praise the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, praise His holy Name!” Understanding God’s character enables us to praise Him more completely. List the insights you gain about God from the related scriptural cross references. How do these insights enhance your understanding of the character of God and stimulate your response of faith in praise to our awesome God, Savior, and Lord?

Praise God for His Character, Attributes, and Activities

Ps 16:7; 111:10

Ps 18:46

Ps 28:7; 59:17

Ps 40:1–3

Ps 42:5

Ps 68:19

Ps 96:6

Ps 103:1–3, 10–12

Ps 104:1,14; 136:25

Ps 107:8; 136:1

Ps 138:5

Ps 138:7

Who Should Praise the LORD?

Ps 30:4

Ps 103:20

Ps 148:1–13

Ps 150:6

How Should Praise be Offered?

Ps 9:1; 111:1; 119:7

Ps 35:28; 71:6, 14

Ps 63:5; 98:4

Ps 105:2; Eph 5:19

Resolve to praise the Lord this week for who He is and for all that He has done and is continuing to do for you!

Editor’s Note: This article is the lightly edited manuscript for the accompanying audio message that Vickie delivered.

Light and darkness! What do you feel when you think of light? Of darkness? Do you not have an immediate mood response? Darkness is associated with fear, danger, gloom, coldness, disaster, death, shadows, lostness, alienation and overwhelming evil. The first thing we do when we walk into a dark room is turn on a light. Light means safety, life, direction, warmth, beauty, color, variety, purpose, purity, joy, fellowship, healing and overwhelming goodness.

The Bible has hundreds of references to light and darkness. God’s first recorded words were Let there be light. God is Light. Satan is the prince of darkness. Sin is hidden by darkness and exposed by light. We were born in darkness and born again into light. The contrasts are sharp, unmixed, with no shadows. Light is good, darkness is evil. We must have light to live. Today’s lesson is about two kinds of darkness—physical and spiritual. Of the two the worst is spiritual darkness.

Jesus and His disciples had just celebrated the Feast of Tabernacles which celebrated their years in the wilderness. One of the features of this celebration was the lighting of giant lamps in the women’s court of the temple enclosure. The people sang and danced before the Lord as they remembered that He was their Light in the pillar of cloud and fire all through their wilderness wanderings. During this celebration Jesus had declared the second of His great “I AM” statements.

John 8:12 (NIV) I am the Light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.

There can be no physical life without the light of the sun, and no spiritual life without JESUS.

This was a claim to be both God and Messiah. The O.T. called both God and Messiah Light. He promised light for all of life to those who believed in Him. But instead of seriously considering Jesus’ claim, the Pharisees challenged and argued with Him for the rest of the Chapter. They were determined to not believe regardless of the evidence.

Their discussion ended with an attempt to stone Him. But Jesus slipped away from them and as He and His disciples went along they saw a blind man sitting there by the side of the road. Blindness is one of the most dreaded afflictions that can happen to a person. And this man had been born blind. He had never seen his parent’s faces, never seen a flower or tree, a river or mountain. Never seen any colors at all. He lived in constant unrelieved darkness. The only thing he could do was beg for a living.

Notice the difference in the way Jesus and His disciples viewed this man.

John 9:2

To the disciples this man was just the trigger for a theological discussion. There was no compassion, no expectation or even a request that Jesus heal him. Jesus had healed blind people before. One of the signs of the Messiah was that He would make the blind see. (Is. 35:5, 42:7) but all they could think of was a question with just two alternatives!

“Who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” (NIV)

There was a popular assumption that some sin before birth was responsible for congenital blindness. This idea came from pagan sources which believed in reincarnation. This man had sinned in another life. Their other suggestion was that this man had reaped the consequences of his parents’ sins. This of course is possible. (Venereal disease, drugs)

We can see from this that the idea that all sickness or affliction is the result of personal sin is not a new idea. We often believe or hear the same thing today. Jesus gave them an answer that can help us today in trying to sort out the reasons for the trials we may be going through.

John 9:3

Jesus did not mean that this man and his parents were sinless, but that the blindness was not a direct consequence of their personal sin. Really said, “This man is blind so that I might come and cure him and God might receive the glory.”

That is pretty heavy stuff. Think of all the years he had suffered in the darkness. For this moment!

Time does not mean to God what it does to us. If you and I could look at the suffering we are going through and say, ALord, you know all about this. You can change this situation immediately if you want to. But if not, all I ask is that my response and the outcome will bring glory to you. Let other people know that it is only Jesus who enables me to endure this day by day. What a difference that would make.

John 9:4-5

Day meant the time He had left on earth to finish the work God sent Him to do. Night was coming. His death and the time He would no longer be in the world. Now was the time for Him to do the miracles that proved He was the Messiah. He had said He was the Light of the world and now He would prove it.

John 9:6-7

Imagine the blind man. He did not know who Jesus was, had never seen him or heard his voice before. Suddenly he felt some wet heavy clay being placed over his eyes. And an authoritative but kind voice said to him, “Go, wash in the pool of Siloam.”

The pool was a good distance away. Jesus did not even tell him why He was sending him there, gave no promise of healing. Would he do it? The man got up and groped his way there with his eyes covered with mud. When he reached the pool he bent down and splashed water on his face. When he opened his eyes he could see for the first time in his lifeClight, color, beauty and human faces. Can you not see him running home, shouting for joy! But notice the reaction of his neighbors.

John 9:8-12

First they questioned his identity and he had to insist that he really was the blind beggar. Then they were just interested in the mechanics of his healing. There was no sharing his joy in being healed, just one question after another. But all he knew was that a man called Jesus had given him his sight. So they brought him to the Pharisees for further questioning.

John 9:14-16

Talk about missing the point! The only thing some of these Pharisees focused on was that Jesus had violated their Sabbath rules. They had added hundreds of restrictions defining work on the Sabbath. Making clay was forbidden. And healing someone was also forbidden unless their condition was life threatening. But they argued among themselves because some of the others had sense enough to reason that miracles like this could only be from God.

John 9:17

Even though this man was illiterate, he knew something about the Scriptures and he could think for himself. The Old Testament prophets performed miracles, so this man must be a prophet. This made sense to him. Notice the fact that he had not even seen Jesus yet, but his perception of him was gradually increasing. But the Pharisees were relentless in pursuing their investigation.

“Maybe we are dealing with a fraudulent healing here. Let us find out from the man’s parents if this really is their blind son, and no one else has been substituted for him.”

John 9:18-23

Notice the parent’s cautious answer. They knew only three things. Their son had been born blind, he now could see, and he was of age to speak for himself. They really did not know how he had been healed and they did not want to be excommunicated from the synagogue. They knew that was the predetermined penalty for believing that Jesus was the Messiah. This was a kangaroo court. Who would have ever thought that being healed from congenital blindness could cause so much trouble?

John 9:24-25

Put him under oath to tell the truth. “We know this man is a sinner.” (NIV)

But he was not going to be drawn into their argument. He knew one thing, “I was blind, but now I see.” He stuck to his guns. No one could obliterate the evidence or nullify his experience. All the theological discussions in the world could not erase the reality of what had happened to him. There is no argument that can win against a personal experience. That is why we must always share what Jesus Christ has done for us personally with others--not just give cold facts.

John 9:26-27

Now they provoked him to the point that he lost his fear of them and became sarcastic. This illiterate beggar had the nerve to challenge them, the strict keepers of the law, and actually imply that they would want to be Jesus’ disciples!

John 9:28-33

They were the authorities, unused to having their word questioned and here this ignorant nobody dared to stand up against their decision. But the former blind man’s logic was wonderful.

1. Even they knew that God did not listen to sinners but to the godly.

2. But no one had ever given sight to a man born blind.

No record in Old Testament of miracle like this.

3. Therefore this man must be from God.

And you smart people cannot figure that out!

Nobody was going to tell him that this miracle was not from God. He did not care what these influential men with all of their degrees had decided. He was the one who had been blind and now he could see.

Sometimes we have to stand alone against rigid positions people take because of the way they interpret the Bible. We must stand firmly that the only way to God is through faith in Jesus Christ.

I remember when I was about 12 and my mother, sister and I moved to a new apartment. We had a landlady who believed you must worship on Saturday. One day after her efforts to convince us seemed to be getting nowhere, she told me, “You will never go to heaven unless you worship on Saturday.” But I knew she was not right. My mother had shown my sister and me the truth from the Bible and I was able to stand in the truth without doubting.

We must not believe that because something is legal that it is moral (abortion).

We have to help our children in school to realize that they do not have to believe in evolution, just because some scientists with a lot of degrees say that it is the way life came into being. The Bible says God created the world and everything in it.

The Bible says sex before or outside of marriage is wrong even if everyone else says it is OK. Teach them to stand for truth while young.

The Pharisees’ dishonesty, pride and hostility to Jesus were revealed by their response.

John 9:34

How could a person be “steeped in sin” at birth? These experts were sure that his blindness was for personal sin even before he was born. How dare he lecture the righteous! So they excommunicated him. He was cut off from fellowship with the community of his people. This was really serious!

Can you not see him as he started back home. He was mystified, angry and probably a little glum. The day had started with him in his usual place, blind and begging. Now he was penalized because he could see. He was alone. Even his parents had been wishy-washy instead of sharing his joy. Just did not make sense.

This should not surprise us. When we take a firm stand for Jesus Christ the results are not always trouble-free for us. You may not be given a promotion at work. You may be rejected by members of your family. You may lose some old friends. Your children may not be invited to some parties. You may have your good name slandered. Jesus warned that these things would happen.

Matthew 5:11-12

Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. (NIV)

This man had received his physical sight instantly, and his spiritual sight was increasing gradually. He first called Jesus, “a man they call Jesus,A prophet, then a man from God, but He still did not know Him.

Now Jesus took the initiative again to bring him full spiritual sight. For the first time He actually saw Jesus.

John 9:35-38

Son of Man was a title for Messiah to the Jews. Daniel the prophet saw all men and nations worship Him. (Dan. 7:13-14) Jesus asked this man, “Do you personally believe in the Son of Man?”

His response was so open. “Tell me who He is so that I may believe.”

Jesus completely revealed His identity. “You have now seen Him; in fact, He is the one speaking with you.”

“Lord, I believe.” And he worshiped Him.

He now had both physical and spiritual sight. He had responded to light and was given more light until he could fully see. Rejected by religious leaders. Welcomed by Jesus.

John 9:39-41

This confrontation is explained by

John 3:16-21

What a great illustration this incident was. The blind man received his physical sight through the touch of Jesus. When he received further light he believed on the Lord Jesus as his Messiah and his spiritual eyes were also opened.

The Pharisees, on the other hand, claimed to have spiritual sight, but they rejected Jesus, the Light of the world, as their Messiah, so they were spiritually blind. They condemned themselves and remained in darkness.

God is very patient with ignorance. He gives further light. But He will not tolerate arrogance. They remained guilty before God because they claimed to have light while still in darkness. They claimed to be righteous when they were sinners. They rejected the true Light of the world.

Have you ever noticed how many false religions and self-development courses claim to have light? Light from the eastern religions, light from the mystics, light from within, light from the energy of the universe and on and on. This is because “Satan masquerades as an angel of light.” (2 Cor. 11:14)

How many followers would he get at the start if he really exposed himself as the prince of darkness? Do not fall for any of these seductive appeals. Light from any source other than Jesus Christ is darkness. He is the True Light that gives light to every man 1:9.

John 9:5

But He is not physically in the world now. Who is the light of the world now?

Matthew 5:14-16 (NIV) You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.

Do you see the responsibility that the Lord has placed on you and me? In our daily lives, at home, at work, at leisure, at hobbies, at church, whatever we do---we are to be light bearers. Christ’s light should shine through our words, attitudes, and actions. There is a distinguishable difference between light and darkness. Have you ever noticed how a very small light can overcome a very great darkness? You do not have to be a famous person reaching thousands to be light to the world. You have an area of influence, a place where others are in darkness, where you can shine as light. That is why we must have this as our goal.

John tells us something more in his first epistle.

1 John 1:5-7

In the days when light was given by oil lamps, the wicks had to be trimmed and the glass kept clean for the light to shine clearly. The same is true of us. What part of your life, your thought, attitudes, actions are in darkness? In God there is no darkness at all. When we hang on to favorite sins, we do not have fellowship with God or with other believers. We may say we do, but we are lying. Our light is not shining brightly. Our Father wants us to be in warm, close fellowship and He has provided for our cleansing from these sins that hurt us. The blood of Jesus Christ keeps on cleansing us from all sin. The Pharisees remained in darkness because they would not confess their blindness, their sin. Let us not let that happen to us.

Is there a particular sin that God has convicted you about? Will you confess and let Him cleanse you? Then as you carefully follow the Lord, you will see the impact you can have on others as His light shines through you to overcome the darkness of the world around you.

What does Jesus reveal about our heavenly Father in this story?

• Our Father is omnipotent.
• Our Father notices and cares for each individual.
• Our Father has a purpose for our lives, even through suffering, that will bring Him glory.
• Our Father takes the initiative to give us both physical and spiritual light.
• Our Father can act in our behalf without a requestCthat He knows our needs.
• Our Father is not limited by wrong human perceptions or bound by man-made rules about what He can or cannot do.
• Our Father is patient with ignorance and intolerant of arrogance.

Jesus revealed that those who do not respond to His light condemn themselves to greater darkness.

Have you responded in faith to the Son of God as the only one who can guide you into the light you need for time and eternity?

Editor’s Note: This article is the lightly edited manuscript for the accompanying audio message that Vickie delivered.

How do you classify people? Do you think of some people as more “worthy” of hearing the Gospel? Are there some people you think are such terrible sinners that they are sort of hopeless cases? Sometimes, when you read the paper about a person that has committed a terrible crime, do you almost hope that he never has a chance to be forgiven, because he really deserves to suffer eternal punishment? We human beings have such a different way of looking at each other than God does. I think that there is a little of the attitude the Pharisee in our story displayed in all of us, if we are honest.

Jesus was becoming very popular. And why not? When had there ever been anyone like Him? He healed every kind of disease, He cast out demons, he made the blind see, the lame walk, the deaf hear and the dead live again. But as His popularity increased, so did the opposition against Him. The Jewish religious leaders, the Pharisees, Sadducees and Scribes or Teachers of the Law had for many years been in the driver’s seat. They were the arbiters of what was right and wrong. They considered the common people ignorant rabble. They were very particular about whom they associated with and judged others the same way.

The Pharisees were a strict religious sect that was based on separation. In fact, that is the meaning of their name, to separate. There were about 6000 of them spread throughout the country. They were teachers in the synagogues and appointed themselves guardians of the proper observance of the law. They added hundreds of rules to interpret the Mosaic Law in order to attain a legal righteousness. They had great influence and even the Roman rulers did not want to antagonize them. The major distinction of the Pharisees was that they gave equal authority to the oral lawCall the additions to the Mosaic LawCas they gave to the Scriptures. They considered their tradition as binding as God’s Word, and many times it directly contradicted God’s Word. We have similar things today. We must always make a distinction between what God’s Word says and the way it is interpreted and applied by men. That is why it is so important to check what anyone tells you with the Scripture.

For instance, the Pharisees despised sinners. And they felt that they reflected accurately God’s attitude towards sinners. By “sinners”, of course, they meant tax collectors, prostitutes, thieves and murderers. They considered themselves righteous because they obeyed the hundreds of rules they had made. They actually taught that there is joy before God “when those who provoke him perish from the world.” In their thinking, God hated sinners and withdrew Himself from the. Since Christ welcomed sinners and even ate with them the Pharisees generally concluded He could not be from God.

Luke 5:29-32

This is just one place where we hear their complaint. Of course, Jesus did not mean that there was anyone so righteous that they did not need His salvation. But only a person who admits that he is a sinner is open to the Gospel. The last thing a Pharisee thought himself to be was a sinner.

Luke 7:29-30

They had not repented when John the Baptist preached and consequently rejected God’s purpose for themselves. Jesus exposed their closed minds and contradictory standards by His comments in

Luke 7:33-34

Purpose: Not Faith, But Judgment

Keep this in mind as we read about their invitation to dinner from a Pharisee named Simon.

Luke 7:36

Why did Simon invite Him? Was it because he believed in him? Was it because he sincerely wanted to observe Him and check Him out? Or was it because he had already made up his mind and wanted to get more evidence to support his presupposition?

In those days, people did not sit around the table in chairs as we do. They reclined on couches with their heads near the table and their fee extending away from it. It was permissible in that day for uninvited guests to come and listen when an important person was a guest in someone’s home. The needy could also come to receive some of the leftovers. In that town was a woman, a sinful woman, most likely a prostitute. She must have heard Jesus speak on previous occasions. Maybe she even witnessed some of His miracles. In any event, she had believed in Him. When she heard that He was right there in town at Simon’s house, she wanted to show her love and gratitude and did the only thing she knew how to do.

Luke 7:37-38

Can you not imagine the scene? Jesus is eating and conversing at the table. Suddenly he feels something on His feet. There is a woman, weeping. Her tears are falling on his feet. She came to anoint Him with an expensive perfume, but before she could even open the jar, she is overwhelmed with emotion. These are tears that expressed repentance and gratitude. Then she stoops and in an act of deepest intimacy and humility, she kneels, takes her unbound hair and wipes his fee. Then she kisses His feet over and over and pours perfume on them. Jesus, who knew her heart and her motives, calmly stays as he is and lets her express in her own way her love for Him. He is not embarrassed nor uncomfortable. He is not annoyed by a crying woman. He accepts us as we are. He knows our motives. He accepts our worship. He knows just what each of us is offering in sacrifice to Him. This woman came with an expensive perfume and poured it all out on Him. The fragrance of her devotion filled the room. No one could miss what was happening.

Can you not see Simon, the host? He is observing the scene wit icy disapproval. What is this notorious woman doing in HIS house? And why has Jesus let her do this to Him? Does not he know what kind of woman she is?

Luke 7:39

You see, this just gave him the evidence he needed to support his foregone conclusion. His reasoning was that if Jesus were a prophet, He would know what kind of woman was anointing His feet. If He knew what she was He would not let her do it. Since He did let her do it He was no true prophet. This of course was based on his presupposition that God HATES sinners and will not accept them. He did not have to say anything. Jesus knew what he was thinking and spoke to him.

Luke 7:40-43

Such a simple story. Two debtors. One owed about $50,000 and one owed $5000 by today’s standards. But neither could pay their debt. Instead of throwing them into prison, or making them work as slaves to pay it off, the creditor just canceled the debts. Both of the debtors were now free of obligation and could go on with their lives. But Jesus’ question was not dealing with the law, but with the heart. Who would love the most? Simon reluctantly gave the obvious answer. Now Jesus makes a very relevant application.

Luke 7:44-47

Simon’s polite reception of Jesus into his home had had no warmth of real welcome. His deficiencies as a host showed what he really though of Jesus. Simon did not consider himself a sinner, therefore he had no need of forgiveness and consequently felt no love for Jesus. But what sins does he display in jus this episode?

Pride, hypocrisy, harsh, judgmental attitude, self-righteousness, coldness, lack of generosity as a host, lack of compassion and unbelief in Jesus Christ. These are just the sins we see demonstrated HERE! Jesus in no way implied that Simon’s sins were little, but that Simon did not consider himself in need of forgiveness because he did not believe he was a sinner.

Simon did what you and I usually do. We compare ourselves with other people whose sins are blatant and offensive: the prostitute, the homosexual, the thief, the rapist, the murderer, the pornographer, the drug dealer and of course we come out looking very good. But that is because we are comparing on a horizontal basis.

If we are walking down Main Street, we would see people who are shorter or taller, thinner or heavier, younger or older than we are. But if we went to the top of one of those new buildings and looked down, everyone would look like bugs about the same size.

When God looks down from heaven, he knows that we are ALL sinners. That is why He says:

Romans 3:10-12, 22b-23

There is no one righteous, not even one; there is no one who understands, no on who seeks God. All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one… There is no difference, for ALL have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. (NIV)

We are sinners by nature. The ways we choose to express that nature differ. But that gives us no reason to assume that we have a better chance with God because we are not as bad as other people. In fact, it is often harder for the moral unbeliever to admit that he is a sinner and must come to God the same way as the worst sinner in the world.

Jesus freely acknowledged that her sins were many. And they were ALL forgiven. Why were the forgiven? Because she loved Jesus? No, her love was the RESULT of being forgiven, not the BASIS for forgiveness.

Luke 7:48-50

Then Jesus said to her, Your sins are forgiven. (NIV)

Your immorality, your greed, your impurity, your infidelity, your breaking of all the laws of God are ALL forgiven. Can you not see the other guest turning to each other and saying, “Who is this that even forgives sins?” They knew that God alone could forgive sins. Luke 5:21. But they refused to acknowledge that Jesus was God in spite of all the miraculous evidence they had seen.

Why was this woman forgiven?

Your faith has saved you. Go in peace. (NIV)

It is faith alone that saves. Faith in who Jesus Christ is God. And faith in what He has done died in our place on the cross and rose again.

She believed in the Lord Jesus and she was forgiven and saved from a sordid life which had no escape hatch. He could say, “Go in peace,” because He not only forgave her many sins, but gave her a clear conscience as well.

Hebrews 9:14

How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself unblemished dot God cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God! (NIV)

I think many of us carry the guilt of past sins which God has forgiven because of our faith in Jesus Christ. This guilt eats away at our sense of worth and keeps us from serving God freely. Let us see what God does when we put our faith in Christ, our Substitute, the Lamb of God who TAKES AWAY the sin of the world.

• OUT OF SIGHT, Is. 38:17.
• OUT OF MIND, Jer. 31:34, Heb. 8:12
• OUT OF REACH, Mic. 7:19; Ps. 103:12
• OUT OF EXISTENCE, Ps. 51:1, 2; Is. 43:25; 44:22

This is what happens to your past sins when you trust Christ. If you have never done this, I invite you to trust Him as your Savior today. He is God’s gift. The only way o get a gift is to reach out and take it. That is FAITH.

But how about the sins we BELIEVERS commit each day? Impatience, bad temper, selfishness, self-pity, disobedience, bitterness, malice, criticism, promotion disunity, gossip, greed, materialism, bad use of money, impurity or immorality in thought or deed. How about the person you just cannot forgive? Do you think that a true Christian does not commit sins like these?

1 John 1:7-10

God has provided a way for us to continue to have close fellowship with Him. Our relationship is not broken when we sin; we still are His children. But we do not feel close. We do not feel like reading our Bible or praying. Even coming to church gets to be a drag. God wants fellowship with Him restored because he loves us.

“Confess” means to agree with God that what you have done is sin. As long as we keep calling “sins” mistakes and sicknesses; as long as we keep blaming everything on our background, on what someone else has done to us, we will never take responsibility for our own action s and responses. That is why God requires that we agree with Him that our PROBLEM is sin.

You see, He can forgive sin because the penalty is paid. That is why He is JUST. And He WILL forgive because He has promised to. That is why He is faithful.

But even when we confess, we often do not FEEL forgiven, do we? That is why I believe we ought to always tell the Lord.

“With an act of my will I accept your forgiveness. Now you have to handle my emotions.”

Do you have something you cannot seem to forgive yourself for? Does a little voice inside say to you, “If people ever knew what I did!” Or “How could I ever have done that?”

Satan is called the “accuser of believers.” He is the one who wants you to be crippled by guilt, not Jesus. Jesus shed His blood to give you a clear conscience so that you may “go in peace,” just as He told this woman to. Tell the Lord you accept His forgiveness and you will never bring that past sin up to Him again because, He has blotted it out from your record!

What Did Jesus Reveal To Us About God In This Incident?

• That God wants to reach the moral, upright sinner as well as the flagrantly immoral sinner. He associated with both. He ate with tax collectors and Pharisees.
• That there are no hopeless cases with God. He extends His grace to everyone!
• That God loves and forgives women equally with men.
• There are no second class members of His family.
• That God knows our hearts and motives even when we do not say anything.
• That God will never stay in the box we put Him in.
• That God hates hypocrisy and self-righteousness.
• That God fully forgives ALL our sins and gives us peace.
• That God accepts us individually.
• He accepts our love and worship and the manner in which we express it.

This woman showed her love for the Lord by her weeping, her kissing His feet, and her anointing them with a precious perfume. She loved much because she had been forgiven much.

Do We Really Love The Lord Jesus Christ?

How do we show our love? Or do we show it at all? We have all been forgiven much. The Lord gave His life for us. All he wants from us is that we live for Him day by day.

MEMORY VERSE: 2 Cor. 5:15

Maybe for you the way to live for Him today is to forgive someone that you have not been able to forgive.

Colossians 3:13 (NIV) Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. (for Jesus sake)