Witness 6: Holy Spirit

John included seven witnesses to prove Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God; so that readers of his gospel would believe in Jesus and believing, would have eternal life!

One of the most misunderstood, and often feared, aspects of the Christian life is the role and work of the Holy Spirit.  Maybe it’s the use of the word spirit; the images of scary, spooky ghosts that we conjure up when hearing that word.  Maybe it’s the idea of some nebulous “thing” living within us.  Or maybe the abuse of the Holy Spirit in some circles has caused us to swing too far in the opposite direction, to a point of almost squashing His power and influence.

Whatever the cause, many Christians have been stunted in their spiritual growth, weakened in their ability to influence others, and made largely ineffective in bringing change to a lost world… all because of a lack of understanding and cooperation with the Holy Spirit.  Amazingly, a little bit of simple knowledge can change all that.

Jesus made clear one role of the Holy Spirit:

“When the Counselor comes, the One I will send to you from the Father – the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father – He will testify about Me.” (John 15:26)

Testifying about Jesus – leading people into a saving knowledge of Christ and His ministry – this is the work of the Holy Spirit.  Do you doubt Jesus?  Do you wonder if this is real?  Ask the Spirit to help you.  It is His desire and joy to do so.

How does He testify about Jesus?

When you study the life of Jesus, when you contemplate His teachings or try to decide what is true, it is the Spirit that confirms His truth within you.  When you sense that this must be right, that is the work of the Spirit.  When you are convinced deep within yourself (even if you don’t understand how or where that conviction came to you) that is Him at work.

He quietly testifies by confirming the truth: Jesus is the Christ, the Messiah, the Son of God sent to take away the sins of the world.  Listen to the Spirit.  Believe.  Be changed and be blessed!

Witness 5: Scriptures

John included seven witnesses to prove Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God; so that readers of his gospel would believe in Jesus and believing, would have eternal life!

You pore over the Scriptures because you think you have eternal life in them, yet they testify about Me. (John 5:39)

Anyone who reads the Bible with an open mind will find Jesus is the Messiah.  From the beginning to the end – Genesis to Revelation; creation to culmination – all Scripture speaks of God’s plan to redeem a portion of mankind to live with Him for eternity.  Jesus is the means that makes possible this plan.

In this passage from John’s Gospel, Jesus is discussing with the Jewish religious leaders all the people/things that testify about Him.  In this verse, it is the Bible that testifies.

Remember, in Jesus’ day the Scriptures the religious leaders would “pore over” would be the Old Testament writings (the New Testament had not been written).  One of their key Old Testament figures, and important contributor to Old Testament Scripture, was Moses.  He was revered and his writings – the Pentateuch; first five books in the Bible – were studied regularly and in depth.  So Jesus takes this opportunity to remind the Jewish leaders that Moses wrote about Him.

Do not think that I will accuse you to the Father.  Your accuser is Moses, on whom you have set your hope.  For if you believed Moses, you would believe Me, because He wrote about Me.  (John 5:45-46)

A similar statement was made by Jesus (as recorded by Luke) when relating the story of the rich man and Lazarus:

“But Abraham said, ‘They have Moses and the prophets; they should listen to them…If they don’t listen to Moses and the prophets, they will not be persuaded if someone rises from the dead.’” (Luke 16:29,31)

And Jesus was right.  He did rise from the dead, and still many Jewish leaders did not believe!  They refused to believe – they purposefully made that choice – even though their revered Moses and the prophets believed and bore witness to Jesus.

Indeed, all Scripture points to God and to His solution for mankind’s sin problem: Jesus.  Eternal life is in Jesus.  The Scriptures testify that this is true.

Seven Signs Summary

John included seven attesting miracles – 7 signs – that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God; so that readers of his gospel would believe in Jesus and believing, would have eternal life!

Recall John’s expressed desire in writing his Gospel:

But these are written so that you may believe Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and by believing you may have life in His name. (John 20:31)

John wanted to prove Jesus was the Messiah, the Son of God.  He used seven attesting miracles – seven signs of the Savior – as evidence to support his claim.

Sign 1: Water Into Wine - John 2:1-11
Sign 2: The Nobleman's Son - John 4:46-54
Sign 3: The Miracle Pool - John 5:1-11
Sign 4: Feeding Five-Thousand - John 6:1-14
Sign 5: Walking on Water - John 6:16-21
Sign 6: The Man Born Blind - John 9:1-7
Sign 7: Lazarus, Come Out - John 11:1-44

The seventh, and last, attesting miracle is one of the most amazing events in Jesus’ earthly ministry.  He actually raised a dead person back to life!  (Surprisingly, most Christians don’t remember that Jesus did this several times during His ministry.)

Certainly now, looking back, we can read John’s Gospel and see with 20/20 vision that Jesus is the Christ.  So, John has accomplished his first purpose in writing this Gospel.

But what of the second purpose: “and by believing you may have life in His name?”  Think for a moment.  What crosses your path, seeking to rob your life of joy, peace, contentment and happiness?

Is it not problems, setbacks, failures and fears – unexpected issues which startle and scare us?  Of course it is.  But look at what John has done.  He has shown that not only is Jesus the Messiah, but he has proven that…Jesus is able, desires to, and will help us with all the problems in our lives!

The most important thought to take away from this 7 Signs of the Savior series is this:

Not only was it John’s desire that his readers have life in Jesus’ name – a good life, a meaningful life, a pleasing and productive life, and a God honoring life – but it also (and most importantly) is God’s desire that you have such a life!

Jesus said: “I have come that they may have life and have it in abundance.” (John 10:10)

King David wrote:

You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.  Only goodness and faithful love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. (Psalm 23:5b-6)

My/your problem becomes God’s opportunity to meet my/your needs and bring Himself honor and glory, and to honor and glorify Christ!  This choice is yours.  Either you will let your problems and the issues of life get you down, depressed, derailed and defeated.  Or, you will allow God to deal with them through you; whereby you are strengthened and He is glorified!

Put that way, it’s really a simple choice.  And one you can make right now.

Sign 7: Lazarus, Come Out!

John included seven attesting miracles – 7 signs – that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God; so that readers of his gospel would believe in Jesus and believing, would have eternal life!

There is a good reason the old saying goes as it does: Hindsight is 20/20.  And of course, the reason is because the saying is true!

The path you already have walked is clearly visible.  You can turn around and see it.  But one’s future path – those are the steps which must be made into the darkness and the unknown.

But the past…the past is clear; and even may begin to make sense as one observes the course that one has traveled.  I feel somewhat that way as I finish writing about the seven attesting signs in John’s Gospel.  Looking back I see clearly the purposes of John when choosing events in Jesus’ life to include.  Remember his purpose for writing this gospel:

But these are written so that you may believe Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and by believing you may have life in His name. (John 20:31)

John is stating his case: Jesus is the Son of God, the Messiah, the Christ!  Certainly the seventh attesting miracle does this.

Consider this: If Jesus can do nothing about death, then whatever else He can do amounts to nothing.

Paul wrote: “If we have placed our hope in Christ for this life only, we should be pitied more than anyone.” (1 Corinthians 15:19).  But Jesus did defeat death – for Himself and for others; as John shows in this last attesting miracle.

The Sisters’ Plea

So the sisters sent a message to Him: “Lord, the one You love is sick.” (John 11:3)

Their plea is the perfect guide for us; particularly when we find ourselves in the midst of difficulties.  First, they sent for Jesus.  Second, they informed Him of the need.  And third, they reminded Him of His great love.  We should do the same.

The Disciple were Perplexed

Probably, several things perplexed them as this event unfolded.  First, why did Jesus allow Lazarus to become sick?  He had healed others; even from a distance.  Why would He not heal His good friend?  Second, why would Jesus delay going to him?  The Bible makes clear that Jesus actually waited two days before leaving for Bethany.  If Jesus loved Lazarus so much, why was He behaving this way?

Even when Jesus explains why He must go to Judea, the disciples still show that they do not understand.  Verse 14 is almost humorous: So Jesus told them plainly, “Lazarus has died.”  He had to spell it out; He had to tell them plainly.

How could they have walked with Jesus for so long, and yet have understood so little of his ways and purposes?  Perhaps we should ask ourselves the same question.

Jesus had a Plan

Personally, I get a lot of comfort from the fact that Jesus was never surprised, nor caught off guard, by any occurrence in His life.  It gives me an assurance that He is prepared to handle my life and problems.

When Jesus first heard the sisters’ plea through the messenger, He spoke the two purposes of this whole event.  In other words, He knew the end at the beginning.  He knew the reason before they made their request.  He even spoke the purposes to the disciples immediately upon hearing of Lazarus’ sickness:

“This sickness will not end in death but is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it.” (John 11:4)

Two reasons: (1) for God’s glory; and (2) for the Son to be glorified through it.

The disciples were correct.  Jesus could have prevented this sickness coming upon Lazarus.  He could have stopped the sickness when told about it.  He could have made sure Lazarus did not die.  But Jesus chose not to do any of these.  He saw what the disciples did not see: an opportunity to bring honor and glory to God.

Warren Wiersbe wrote: It is not important that we Christians are comfortable, but it is important that we glorify God in all that we do.1

Is it possible that some of the issues and problems in your life – or that may yet come into it – are there so that God may work in such a way as to meet your needs and bring honor and glory to His Name?  If this passage is true, then yes; it’s absolutely possible, and often likely!

My/your problem is God’s opportunity!

                                                                     

1 Wiersbe, Warren W.  The Bible Exposition Commentary: Volume 1  (Wheaton: Victor Books, 1989), pg. 334.

Sign 6: The Man Born Blind

John included seven attesting miracles – 7 signs – that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God; so that readers of his gospel would believe in Jesus and believing, would have eternal life!

Do you enjoy a good mystery?

Lots of people do; maybe you are one of them.  I have family members who really enjoy mystery novels and detective stories.  I remember enjoying the Hardy boy’s books when I was young.  Even now, one of my favorite kinds of movie is one with adventure, intrigue and a good does of mystery and surprise.

Apparently, the mystery genre is very popular.  Just look at the mystery section in any book store.  Authors and publishers churn out mysteries by the dozens each year.

What makes a mystery, a good mystery?  I believe it occurs on the rare occasion when an author is able to capture us with a splendid use of the who, what, when, where and how questions as he develops the story-line.

But only in the rarest of circumstances does an author adequately delve into the why of the mystery story.  Those who do, and do it well, write classics.  It is the why question which most authors leave alone.  Perhaps they do so because it is the hardest question to answer.

Look at real-life mysteries as proof.  A mother drowns her two sons by putting them in the back seat of her car and rolling it into the lake.  A jury convicts her of the horrendous crime.  We know the who, what, when, where and how.  What we do not know, nor ever will we understand, is why.  Why did she do it?  Why do two men in a small boat pull alongside the USS Cole, stand and salute, then commit suicide in an attempt to destroy the ship?  Why do men hijack two planes and fly them into the World Trade Center towers in New York?  Why, why why?

Eventually – particularly for those in the church, but even for those outside her as well – our why questions lead back to God.  “God, why…,” we ask.  Some of our why questions may not be answered on this side of eternity.  But still, it is important to ask.

In the verses below, the why question is paramount; and its answer reveals so much about our Lord Jesus and what He offers to us all.  But first, we should answer the who, what, when, where and how questions about the narrative.

As He was passing by, He saw a man blind from birth.  His disciples questioned Him: “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?”  “Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” Jesus answered.  “This came about so that God’s works might be displayed in him.  We must do the works of Him who sent Me while it is day.  Night is coming when no one can work.  As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.”  After He said these things He spit on the ground, made some mud from the saliva, and spread the mud on his eyes.  “Go,” He told him, “wash in the pool of Siloam” (which means “Sent”).  So he left, washed, and came back seeing.  (John 9:1-7)

Who…?

The participants in the passage are: Jesus, the disciples and the man born blind.  By implication, through the disciple’s question, we may include the man’s parents as well.

What…?

As they are walking away from the temple (John 8:59), the disciples notice a man who from birth has been blind.  Perhaps the disciples truly wanted an answer to a great theological question: sin and its impact on humanity.  But the question they asked only revealed their agreement with the belief of their day: illness was caused by sin, either your own or that of your parents.

When…?

The when question has to do with the timing of the sin.  Did this man do the sin which caused his blindness; therefore it occurred in his lifetime (since he was born blind, they would have assumed God knew the man would later sin and thus caused the blindness at birth).  Or, did the sin occur before his time.

Where…?

The disciples want to know where to place blame for the man’s situation.  The common belief of their day said the blindness must be either his fault, or that of his parents.

Let’s expand their question a little.  We could easily ask it of any situation in which we find ourselves, or in which we see others.  Who is at fault?  Where do we place the blame?

We do this all the time.  “It’s not my fault!  It’s my parents’ fault for mistreating me.  It’s the government’s fault.  My second grade teacher is to blame.  It has to be somebody’s fault.  Someone is to blame for this situation in which I find myself!”

Let me ask you a different question:  So what?

Certainly there are times when knowing where the fault lies is an appropriate step toward mending the situation.  But usually, placing blame helps nothing!  In fact, it often hurts greatly.  Many confrontations are, at best, an effort to avoid blame and place it upon another.  The disciples simply wanted to know, “Where do we place the blame?”

How…?

Inferred in the disciples’ question is an understanding of the how.  They believe sin is the cause – sin is the reason this man is in this predicament.  They never pause to question their own understanding of the how.  It is assumed.

The disciples asked Jesus the wrong questions about the man.  They asked who: “Who sinned, this man or his parents?”  They asked what: “What sin caused this blindness?”  They asked when: “When did this sin occur; was it of his own doing, or of his parents’?”  They asked where: “Where was the sin; in him, or in others?”  They even inferred how: “Sin is the reason for this blindness.”

Jesus answered their questions with one word of correction.  They then delved much deeper to answer the question they had dared not ask…

Why…?

Why was the man born blind?  Jesus was absolutely clear.  His blindness was not a result of his sin, his parents’ sin, or anyone else’s sin.  Therefore, as if often the case, placing blame was not going to solve the man’s problem; blaming somebody was not going to help anything!

This man was in this situation for one reason: so that God could be glorified.

Did this happen?  Yes, it did; in the remainder of chapter nine as the man was healed and reported the events to all the people – to anyone who would listen.  Indeed, he still is testifying to us of God’s goodness (through the writings of John) some 2000 years later!  God’s good works are still being praised.

Do you get it?

Bad situations and tragic circumstances may come into your life – not because they are anybody’s fault – but rather, so that God may do a miraculous work in your life through which He is glorified!  He works in our life, He blesses us, so that we will boasts of Him.

Jesus’ lesson to the disciples can transform the way you and I view difficulties and problems we encounter.  Instead of placing blame, we begin by looking to God; and looking for the manner by which He may be glorified through it all.

As we do so, God responds.  In this passage, the man who had never seen opened his eyes and saw – saw his family, the world around him, even himself.  And later, he even got to look into the face of Jesus!

Last Thought

It is okay to ask God, “Why?” when terrible things come into your life.  Just be sure to look for the way those terrible things may bring Him glory as well.

In what way God may the circumstances of my life bring honor and glory to You?

When you can answer that question, you will begin to understand all the why’s? about the circumstances of your life.

Sign 5: Walking on Water

John included seven attesting miracles – 7 signs – that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God; so that readers of his gospel would believe in Jesus and believing, would have eternal life!

Maybe so many people experience Bible study, or the reading of Scripture, as a boring activity because they approach the pages macroscopically.  What will transform one’s impression of Scripture, and one’s life, is learning to approach the text microscopically.  Let me explain.

Macro means “big.”  Looking at something macroscopically is to look at the big picture, as from a distance.  Micro means “small.”  Looking microscopically is to look intimately at the tiniest details; close-up, perhaps even looking inside, as a microscope peers inside a cell.

The difference between the two easily can be seen as one approaches a range of mountains.  From the plain, many miles away, you see the mountains as a distant blur.  Often bluish in hue, there is little detail, just a distant figure higher than the horizon.  This vantage point is macroscopic: big picture.

Now imagine experiencing the same mountains by hiking up and down their slopes and over their crests.  Seeing the valleys and the cliffs, the rock outcroppings and the vegetation under the trees; now you are seeing them microscopically.

In the first instance you learn almost nothing about the mountains; and thus, there is little to gain or hold your interest.  But in the second, every placement of your foot must be carefully observed.  Each new curve or crest opens up new, glorious vistas.  The details of the mountains now are alive to you.  In fact, you quickly learn that there is more than you can possibly take in or see in one trip through these majestic parts.

This is how people approach Scripture.  Many take a quick glance from afar.  A few intimately peer into the details.  Admittedly, the first can lead to a lack of learning or understanding.  Boredom may result.  The second approach though…you can hardly put into words!

I want to share a small Scripture passage with you; one which many will read through quickly and brush off as highly improbable (at best), and continue racing through the text.  But, at least for now, attempt the second approach – microscopically examine the words.  For your effort, you will discover an exciting story full of great danger and deliverance.

GREAT DANGER

The danger began when the crowd wanted to make Jesus king:

Therefore, when Jesus knew that they were about to come and take Him by force to make Him king, He withdrew again to the mountain by Himself.  (John 6:15)

John the Baptist’s last public question had been directed at Jesus: “Are You the One who is to come, or should we expect someone else?” (Matthew 11:3).  The crowd on the hillside had experienced many of Jesus’ miracles, including the just completed feeding of the great multitude.  They believed they had their answer.  This is “the One!”  And by force, if necessary, they intended to install Him as king.

We only can imagine some of the excitement the disciples must have been feeling.  Perhaps they even ventured to guess their own positions in this new kingdom: John – Chief of Staff; Matthew – Department of Revenue; Peter – Prime Minister; Judas – Treasurer; and Andrew – Secretary of State

Well, maybe not; but it certainly was an exciting time – it just was not the right time for Jesus to become king.  For that reason He withdrew to the mountain, alone, to pray.  John relates what happened next:

When evening came, His disciples went down to the sea, got into a boat, and started across the sea to Capernaum.  Darkness had already set in, but Jesus had not yet come to them.  Then a high wind arose, and the sea began to churn.  After they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea.  He was coming near the boat, and they were afraid.  (John 6:16-19)

Jesus either commanded, or at the least allowed, His disciples to start across the sea without Him.  This raises an interesting question: Did Jesus know that a storm was coming?

Of course He did; He is Jesus!  Then, someone may ask, "Why did He deliberately send the disciples into danger?"  Answer: He did not.

In fact, Jesus rescued them from a greater danger!

He rescued them from the very real danger of being swept along by a fanatical crowd; a crowd that did not know, nor care about, God’s timing or Jesus’ purpose.  Jesus ensured that they would not be blinded by momentary glory.  He sent them out of harm’s way.

It jsut didn't feel that way to the disciples.  John writes: “the sea began to churn.” 

What are we to make of the storm?  It certainly was strong enough to cause the disciples some concern (though several were seasoned sailors from this very sea).  And though they were only half-way across, they began to row toward land.  Matthew records that the wind and sea both were beating against them as they floundered in the boat (Matthew 14:24).

Jesus had a purpose in allowing the disciples to experience this storm: balance.  They had experienced the great joy in the feeding of the multitude miracle.  They had been flushed with excitement as the crowd murmured its intentions of making Jesus king.  Perhaps even in the boat they had dared dream, “Is now the time for His kingdom to be established?”

The storm was necessary to bring them back to reality.  They must learn to trust Jesus as more than a miracle worker swept along by the crowds; but as the Lord of life and all creation.

If the feeding of the multitude was the lesson, then the storm was the examination!

Storms may play the same role in our lives.  Sometimes we get caught in a storm because we disobey God.  Jonah is a perfect, Biblical example.  And sometimes we find ourselves in great storms when we obey God; as did the disciples in this narrative.  In either case, once we turn to Jesus we experience…

GREAT DELIVERANCE

As if the storm was not bad enough, the disciples peered across the tempest sea and saw a spirit coming near them.  At first they did not know it was Jesus and were very afraid.  In their fear they froze… until Jesus said:  “It is I.  Don’t be afraid!”  (John 6:20b).

What great words of comfort and compassion from our Lord.  And because they received Him gladly into the boat, immediately they were at their destination.  Complete deliverance; not just from the storm, but also from the situation.

That is what Jesus offers each of us.  His very presence to walk with us, to calm our fears and to bring us safely to the shore.

The disciples had rowed hard, but could not make their [destination] until they had taken Christ into the ship, and then the work was done suddenly.  If we have received Christ Jesus the Lord, though the night may be dark and the wind high, yet we may comfort ourselves with this, that we shall be at the shore shortly, and are nearer to it than we think.1

There are really several miracles in this narrative.  Jesus walking on the water; then Peter doing the same (see Matthew 14:28-32); Jesus stilling the storm; and the boat immediately coming to the far shore.  One writer put it so well when summing up the narrative of the feeding of the five-thousand and calming the storm on the sea:

Jesus had lead His people into the green pastures (John 6:10).  And now He brought them into the still waters (Psalm 23:2).  What a wonderful Shepherd His is!2

When you find yourself in the storm – even that of daily living – you can know that Jesus will come alongside and lead you safely to shore…even if it takes a miracle!

                                                                     

1 Church, Rev. Dr. Leslie F., ed.  The NIV Matthew Henry Commentary: In One Volume  (Grand Rapids: Zondervan Publishing House, 1992), pgs. 341-342.

2 Wiersbe, Warren W.  The Bible Exposition Commentary: Volume 1  (Wheaton: Victor Books, 1989), pg. 310.

Witness 4: Works of Jesus

John included seven witnesses to prove Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God; so that readers of his gospel would believe in Jesus and believing, would have eternal life!

Recently someone gave me a list of church bulletin bloopers.  Among them was the following:

Today’s message: “Jesus Walking on the Water.”  Tonight’s message: “Searching for Jesus.”

I thought it was funny!  Somebody did not think it through very well.

Walking on water was one of many amazing things Jesus did.  Each alone, and certainly all of them collectively, testify to Jesus being the Messiah, the Son of God.  John records Jesus saying this as well:

“But I have a greater testimony than John’s because of the works that the Father has given Me to accomplish.  These very works I am doing testify about Me that the Father has sent Me.”  (John 5:36).

Other passages in John’s Gospel also state that Jesus’ works testify about Him:

“The works that I do in My Father’s name testify about Me.”  (John 10:25b)

“Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father is in Me.  Otherwise, believe because of the works themselves.”  (John 14:11).

As you read through the New Testament and you come across the telling of some amazing thing Jesus did (miracles, healings, raising the dead, feeding the multitudes, stopping storms, etc.), remember these are not just interesting anecdotes from His life.  They are included for a purpose: to testify that Jesus is the Messiah, the One sent from the Father.  And this testimony is included so that you will believe.

As Jesus said, you should believe Him.  But if you are having a hard time with that, then look at all His works.  What do they say to you?  Can you at least, as Jesus requested, “believe because of the works themselves?”