Thursday, December 9, 2010

The Joy of Jesus is to Grow in Love

"As the Father hath loved me, so I have loved you" (John 15:9). There is no change of theme, only another aspect of it. In the two previous verses the Lord had described three of the consequences of abiding in Him in order to fruitfulness; here, and in the three verses that follow, He names three of the varieties of the fruit home; and it is very striking to note that they are identical with the first three and are given in the same order as those enumerated in Galatians 5:22, where the "fruit of the Spirit" is defined. Here in John 15:9, it is love; in John 15:11, it is joy; while in John 15:12 it is peace—the happy issue of brethren loving one another.
"As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you." "As the Father loved Him from everlasting, so did He love them; as His Father loved Him with a love of complacency and delight, so did He love them; as the Father loved Him with a special and peculiar affection, with an unchanging, invariable, constant love, which would last forever, in like manner does Christ love His people; and with this He enforces the exhortation which follows" (Dr. John Gill).
"As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you; continue ye in my love." (John 15:9). Christ’s love to us is unaffected by our changeableness, but our enjoyment of His love depends upon our continuance in it. By this continuance in His love, or abiding in it, as it should be (the Greek word is the same), is meant our actual assurance of it, our reposing in it. No matter how mysterious His dispensations be, no matter how severe the trials through which He causes us to pass, we must never doubt His immeasurable love for us and to us. The measure of His love for us was told out at the Cross, and as He is the same to-day as yesterday, therefore He loves us just as dearly now, every moment, as when He laid down His life for us. To "abide" in His love, then, is to be occupied with it, to count upon it, to be persuaded that nothing shall ever be able to separate us from it. Dwelling upon our poor, fluctuating love for Him, will make us miserable; but having the heart fixed upon His wondrous love, that love which "passeth knowledge," will fill us with praise and thanksgiving. Very blessed but very searching is this. To "abide" in Christ is to abide in His love. Our growth proceeds from love to love.

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

The Joy of Jesus is Peace

Stilling the Storm

Matt 8:23; Mark 4:35; Luke 8:22

Luke 8:22-25 (web)
Now it happened on one of those days, that he entered into a boat,
himself and his disciples, and he said to them,
"Let’s go over to the other side of the lake."
So they launched out.
But as they sailed, he fell asleep. A wind storm came down on the lake,
and they were taking on dangerous amounts of water.
They came to him, and awoke him, saying, "Master, master, we are dying!"
He awoke, and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water,
and they ceased, and it was calm.
He said to them, "Where is your faith?"
Being afraid they marveled, saying one to another,
"Who is this, then,
that he commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him?"
What does this teach about Jesus?

He is Lord over nature, commanding the wind and sea.

What is an application to the Christian life?

We shouldn't panic when we are following the Lord, regardless of the situation.

"You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you."Isaiah 26:3
So we say with confidence, "The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?" Heb 13:6

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

The Joy of Jesus is Healing & Hearing

Healing a Deaf Mute

Mark 7:31

Mark 7:31-37 (web)
Again he departed from the borders of Tyre and Sidon,
and came to the sea of Galilee, through the midst of the region of Decapolis.
They brought to him one who was deaf and had an impediment in his speech.
They begged him to lay his hand on him.
He took him aside from the multitude, privately,
and put his fingers into his ears, and he spat, and touched his tongue.
Looking up to heaven, he sighed, and said to him, "Ephphatha!" that is, "Be opened!"
Immediately his ears were opened,
and the impediment of his tongue was released, and he spoke clearly.
He commanded them that they should tell no one,
but the more he commanded them, so much the more widely they proclaimed it.
They were astonished beyond measure, saying,
"He has done all things well. He makes even the deaf hear, and the mute speak!"
What does this reveal about Jesus?

He can make the deaf to hear and mute to speak.

Notes & Applications:

The most closed people are naturally reluctant to seek out Jesus themselves. Others may have to bring them to Jesus. But these others need to come to realize that they can only bring them to the living water. To really become open, this closed person has to have personal contact with Jesus, experiencing his love and empathy. Then he will become open to perceive spiritual truth and give praise to God.

Do you understand how the Word of God applies to you? Is it a natural part of your lifestyle to speak spiritual things to others? If not, then get together with Jesus and let him heal you.

Monday, December 6, 2010

The Joy of Jesus is Love

What success they should have in their prayers: "What you ask, that will I do," John 14:13. And again (John 14:14), "I will do it. You may be sure I will: not only it shall be done, I will see it done, or give orders for the doing of it, but I will do it;" for he has not only the interest of an intercessor, but the power of a sovereign prince, who sits at the right hand of God, the hand of action, and has the doing of all in the kingdom of God. By faith in his name we may have what we will for the asking.

4. For what reason their prayers should speed so well: That the Father may be glorified in the Son. That is, (1.) This they ought to aim at, and have their eye upon, in asking. In this all our desires and prayers should meet as in their centre; to this they must all be directed, that God in Christ may be honoured by our services, and in our salvation. Hallowed be thy name is an answered prayer, and is put first, because, if the heart be sincere in this, it does in a manner consecrate all the other petitions. (2.) This Christ will aim at in granting, and for the sake of this will do what they ask, that hereby the glory of the Father in the Son may be manifested. The wisdom, power, and goodness of God were magnified in the Redeemer when by a power derived from him, and exerted in his name and for his service, his apostles and ministers were enabled to do such great things, both in the proofs of their doctrine and in the successes of it.

Sunday, December 5, 2010

The Joy of Jesus is Trusting God

Luke 16:11 If therefore you have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches? (WEB KJV WEY ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

John 1:12 But all who have received Him, to them--that is, to those who trust in His name--He has given the privilege of becoming children of God; (WEY)

John 2:24 But Jesus didn't trust himself to them, because he knew everyone, (WEB WEY ASV DBY YLT NAS RSV NIV)

John 3:18 He who trusts in Him does not come up for judgement. He who does not trust has already received sentence, because he has not his trust resting on the name of God's only Son. (Root in WEY)

John 5:45 Do not think that I will accuse you to the Father: there is one that accuseth you, even Moses, in whom ye trust. (KJV DBY WBS)

John 14:1 "Let not your hearts be troubled. Trust in God: trust in me also. (WEY NIV)

John 17:20 "Nor is it for them alone that I make request. It is also for those who trust in me through their teaching; (WEY)

Saturday, December 4, 2010

The Joy of Jesus is The most Precious Stone

The Rejected Stone Became the Chief Cornerstone



Psalm 118:22-23 The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone. This was the LORD'S doing; it is marvelous in our eyes.
Isaiah 28:16 Therefore thus says the Lord GOD: "Behold, I lay in Zion a stone for a foundation, a tried stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation; whoever believes will not act hastily.
Matt 21:42-43 Jesus said to them, "Have you never read in the Scriptures: `The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone. This was the Lord's doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes'? "Therefore I say to you, the kingdom of God will be taken from you and given to a nation bearing the fruits of it.
- The "stone" is the Messiah, the "builders" are the Jews.
- The Jews forced Pilate’s hand in crucifying Jesus.
- The rejection of the Jewish Messiah by His own countrymen was the Lord’ doing, and it was planned before the foundation of the world.
- In ancient times the cornerstone was the stone at the corner of two walls that united them. It was the visible corner of the foundation of the building and the starting point of all future building above the foundation. It was the most costly stone because of its beauty and strength. It was also the largest, most solid and carefully constructed stone.
- To cast aside the cornerstone would be to resist any future building on that foundation.
- The Cornerstone was the place where the building was joined and also the place where it rested.
- Jesus was not only the Cornerstone but the "chief" (highest) Cornerstone.
- The stone is mentioned in the Book of Daniel as cut out of the mountains without hands and broken in pieces consuming all kingdoms and becomes a mountain that fills the whole earth.
- The new temple will exceed the former temple in its glory (Hag 2:9).
- In 1 Peter 2:4-10 the apostle Peter gives detail concerning Jesus as the stone.
- In Romans 9:32-33 Paul the apostle speaks about Jesus as the stone.
- The hallel Psalms (Ps 113-118) were sung at various festivals.
- These words were sung by the Jews on the feast of tabernacles, when carrying palm branches in their hands and pouring water on the pavement of the Temple symbolizing Messiah and His kingdom.
- This hymn was also sung by the Jewish children when Christ made his public entry into Jerusalem. (Matt 21:9).
- Jesus sung this farewell hymn with His disciples as He left the Passover for Gethsemane.
- The place which the rejected Jesus now bears in the church, and the honor bestowed upon Him as the head of the church, and the triumph of His gospel in the world, all testify that it is the work of God and it is marvelous in our eyes.

The Joy of Jesus is more than Life

New International Version (©1984)
Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
New Living Translation (©2007)
Jesus told him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.

English Standard Version (©2001)
Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

New American Standard Bible (©1995)
Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.

International Standard Version (©2008)
Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

GOD'S WORD® Translation (©1995)
Jesus answered him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one goes to the Father except through me.

King James Bible
Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

American King James Version
Jesus said to him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man comes to the Father, but by me.

American Standard Version
Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, and the truth, and the life: no one cometh unto the Father, but by me.

Bible in Basic English
Jesus said to him, I am the true and living way: no one comes to the Father but by me.

Douay-Rheims Bible
Jesus saith to him: I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No man cometh to the Father, but by me.

Darby Bible Translation
Jesus says to him, I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father unless by me.

English Revised Version
Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, and the truth, and the life: no one cometh unto the Father, but by me.

Webster's Bible Translation
Jesus saith to him, I am the way, and the truth, and the life: no man cometh to the Father, but by me.

Weymouth New Testament
"I am the Way," replied Jesus, "and the Truth and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

World English Bible
Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me.

Young's Literal Translation
Jesus saith to him, 'I am the way, and the truth, and the life, no one doth come unto the Father, if not through me;


Barnes' Notes on the Bible
I am the way - See Isaiah 35:8. By this is meant, doubtless, that they and all others were to have access to God only by obeying the instructions, imitating the example, and depending on the merits of the Lord Jesus Christ. He was the leader in the road, the guide to the wandering, the teacher of the ignorant, and the example to all. See John 6:68; "Thou hast the words of eternal life;" 1 Peter 2:21; "Christ - suffered for us, leaving us an example that ye should follow his steps;" Hebrews 9:8-9.

The truth - The source of truth, or he who originates and communicates truth for the salvation of men. Truth is a representation of things as they are. The life, the purity, and the teaching of Jesus Christ was the most complete and perfect representation of the things of the eternal world that has been or can be presented to man. The ceremonies of the Jews were shadows; the life of Jesus was the truth. The opinions of men are fancy, but the doctrines of Jesus were nothing more than a representation of facts as they exist in the government of God. It is implied in this, also, that Jesus was the fountain of all truth; that by his inspiration the prophets spoke, and that by him all truth is communicated to men. See the notes at John 1:17.

The life - See John 11:25, and the notes at John 1:4.

No man cometh to the Father but by me - To come to the Father is to obtain his favor, to have access to his throne by prayer, and finally to enter his kingdom. No man can obtain any of these things except by the merits of the Lord Jesus Christ. By coming by him is meant coming in his name and depending on his merits. We are ignorant, and he alone can guide us. We are sinful, and it is only by his merits that we can be pardoned. We are blind, and he only can enlighten us. God has appointed him as the Mediator, and has ordained that all blessings shall descend to this world through him. Hence he has put the world under his control; has given the affairs of men into his hand, and has appointed him to dispense whatever may be necessary for our peace, pardon, and salvation, Acts 4:12; Acts 5:31.

Clarke's Commentary on the Bible
I am the Way - That leads so the Father: - the Truth that teaches the knowledge of God, and directs in the way: - the Life that animates all those who seek and serve him, and which is to be enjoyed eternally at the end of the way.

Christ is the Way:

1. By his doctrine, John 6:68.

2. By his example, 1 Peter 2:21.

3. By his sacrifice, Hebrews 9:8, Hebrews 9:9.

4. By his Spirit, John 16:13.

He is the Truth:

1. In opposition to all false religions.

2. To the Mosaic law, which was only the shadow, not the truth or substance, of the good things which were to come. And

3. In respect to all the promises of God, 2 Corinthians 1:20.

He is the Life, both in grace and glory; the life that not only saves from death, but destroys it.

No man cometh unto the Father - By any other doctrine, by any other merit, or by any other intercession than mine.

Gill's Exposition of the Entire Bible
Jesus saith unto him, I am the way,.... Our Lord takes the opportunity of this discourse about the place he was going to, and the way unto it, more fully to instruct his disciples concerning himself, saying, "I am the way"; Christ is not merely the way, as he goes before his people as an example; or merely as a prophet, pointing out unto them by his doctrine the way of salvation; but he is the way of salvation itself by his obedience and sacrifice; nor is there any other; he is the way of his Father's appointing, and which is entirely agreeable to the perfections of God, and suitable to the case and condition of sinners; he is the way to all the blessings of the covenant of grace; and he is the right way into a Gospel church state here; no one comes rightly into a church of Christ but by faith in him; and he is the way to heaven: he is entered into it himself by his own blood, and has opened the way to it through himself for his people: he adds,

the truth he is not only true, but truth itself: this may regard his person and character; he is the true God, and eternal life; truly and really man; as a prophet he taught the way of God in truth; as a priest, he is a faithful, as well as a merciful one, true and faithful to him that appointed him; and as a King, just and true are all his ways and administrations: he is the sum and substance of all the truths of the Gospel; they are all full of him, and centre in him; and he is the truth of all the types and shadows, promises and prophecies of the Old Testament; they have all their accomplishment in him; and he is the true way, in opposition to all false ones of man's devising. And this phrase seems to be opposed to a notion of the Jews, that the law was the true way of life, and who confined truth to the law. They have a saying (r), that , "Moses and his law are the truth"; this they make Korah and his company say in hell. That the law of Moses was truth, is certain; but it is too strong an expression to say of Moses himself, that he was truth; but well agrees with Christ, by whom grace and truth came in opposition to Moses, by whom came the law: but when they say (s), , "there is no truth but the law", they do not speak truth. More truly do they speak, when, in answer to that question, , "what is truth?" it is said, that he is the living God, and King of the world (t), characters that well agree with Christ.

And the life: Christ is the author and giver of life, natural, spiritual, and eternal; or he is the way of life, or "the living way"; in opposition to the law, which was so far from being the way of life, that it was the ministration of condemnation and death: he always, and ever will be the way; all in this way live, none ever die; and it is a way that leads to eternal life: and to conclude all the epithets in one sentence, Christ is the true way to eternal life It is added by way of explanation of him, as the way,

no man cometh unto the Father but by me; Christ is the only way of access unto the Father; there is no coming to God as an absolute God, not upon the foot of the covenant of works, nor without a Mediator; and the only Mediator between God and man is Christ: he introduces and presents the persons and services of his people to his Father, and gives them acceptance with him.

(r) T. Bab. Bava Bathra. fol. 74. 1. Bemidbar Rabba, fol. 223. 2.((s) Hieros. Roshhashanah, fol. 59. 1. Praefat. Echa Rabbati, fol. 36. 2.((t) Ib. Sanhedrin, fol. 18. 1.

Vincent's Word Studies
I am the way

The disciples are engrossed with the thought of separation from Jesus. To Thomas, ignorance of whither Jesus is going involves ignorance of the way. "Therefore, with loving condescension the figure is taken up, and they are assured that He is Himself, if we may so speak, this distance to be traversed" (Milligan and Moulton). All along the course to the Father's house they are still with Him.

The truth

As being the perfect revelation of God the Father: combining in Himself and manifesting all divine reality, whether in the being, the law, or the character of God. He embodies what men ought to know and believe of God; what they should do as children of God, and what they should be.

The life

Not only life in the future world. He is "the principle and source of life in its temporal development and future consummation, so that whoever has not received Him into himself by faith, has become a prey to spiritual and eternal death" (Meyer). "He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life." Compare Colossians 3:4; John 6:50, John 6:51; John 11:25, John 11:26.

"I am the way, the truth, and the life. Without the way there is no going; without the truth there is no knowing; without the life there is no living. I am the way which thou shouldst pursue; the truth which thou shouldst believe; the life which thou shouldst hope for" (Thomas a Kempis, "Imitation of Christ," iii., 56). On ζωή, life, see on John 1:4.

Unto the Father

The end of the way.

Geneva Study Bible
Jesus saith unto him, I am {d} the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

(d) This saying shows unto us the nature, the will, and office of Christ.

People's New Testament
14:6 I am the way, and the truth, and the life. This is said in reply to Thomas. Without him there would be no Way revealed; no divine and saving truth, no immortal life.

No man cometh unto the Father, but by me. Not only can no one enter the Father's house without him, but no man can come to the Father on earth so as to enjoy his favor. There is no other name given under heaven among men whereby we must be saved (Ac 4:12).

Wesley's Notes
14:6 To the question concerning the way, he answers, I am the way. To the question concerning knowledge, he answers, I am the truth. To the question whither, I am the life. The first is treated of in this verse ; the second, Joh 14:7 - 17; the third, 14:18, and c.

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary
14:1-11 Here are three words, upon any of which stress may be laid. Upon the word troubled. Be not cast down and disquieted. The word heart. Let your heart be kept with full trust in God. The word your. However others are overwhelmed with the sorrows of this present time, be not you so. Christ's disciples, more than others, should keep their minds quiet, when everything else is unquiet. Here is the remedy against this trouble of mind, Believe. By believing in Christ as the Mediator between God and man, we gain comfort. The happiness of heaven is spoken of as in a father's house. There are many mansions, for there are many sons to be brought to glory. Mansions are lasting dwellings. Christ will be the Finisher of that of which he is the Author or Beginner; if he have prepared the place for us, he will prepare us for it. Christ is the sinner's Way to the Father and to heaven, in his person as God manifest in the flesh, in his atoning sacrifice, and as our Advocate. He is the Truth, as fulfilling all the prophecies of a Saviour; believing which, sinners come by him the Way. He is the Life, by whose life-giving Spirit the dead in sin are quickened. Nor can any man draw nigh God as a Father, who is not quickened by Him as the Life, and taught by Him as the Truth, to come by Him as the Way. By Christ, as the Way, our prayers go to God, and his blessings come to us; this is the Way that leads to rest, the good old Way. He is the Resurrection and the Life. All that saw Christ by faith, saw the Father in Him. In the light of Christ's doctrine, they saw God as the Father of lights; and in Christ's miracles, they saw God as the God of power. The holiness of God shone in the spotless purity of Christ's life. We are to believe the revelation of God to man in Christ; for the works of the Redeemer show forth his own glory, and God in him.



John 1:4 In him was life, and that life was the light of men.
John 1:14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
John 1:17 For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.
John 10:9 I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. He will come in and go out, and find pasture.
John 11:25 Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies;
Acts 9:2 and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any there who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, he might take them as prisoners to Jerusalem.
Romans 5:2 through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.
Ephesians 2:18 For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.
Hebrews 9:8 The Holy Spirit was showing by this that the way into the Most Holy Place had not yet been disclosed as long as the first tabernacle was still standing.
Hebrews 10:20 by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body,
1 John 5:20 We know also that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true. And we are in him who is true--even in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.
New International Version ©1984 by Biblica

Except Replied Says Truth Unless

Except Jesus Life Truth Unless True. Way

Except Jesus Life Truth Unless True. Way

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
I am. 10:9 Isa 35:8,9 Mt 11:27 Ac 4:12 Ro 5:2 Eph 2:18 Heb 7:25 Heb 9:8 10:19-22 1Pe 1:21

the truth. 1:14,17 8:32 15:1 18:37 Ro 15:8,9 2Co 1:19,20 Col 2:9,17 1Jo 1:8 5:6,20 Re 1:5 3:7,14 19:11

the life. 19 1:4 5:21,25-29 6:33,51,57,68 8:51 10:28 11:25,26 17:2,3 Ac 3:15 Ro 5:21 1Co 15:45 Col 3:4 1Jo 1:1,2 5:11,12 Re 22:1,17

no. 10:7,9 Ac 4:12 Ro 15:16 1Pe 2:4 3:18 1Jo 2:23 2Jo 1:9 Re 5:8,9 Re 7:9-17 13:7,8 20:15

Bible Gateway: John Chapter 14 Verse 6 NIV ESV NKJV NLT KJV Message Amplified

Alphabetical: am and answered but comes except Father him I Jesus life me No one said the through to truth way

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