T H E G OS P E L ACCO R D I N G TO

JOHN

J ohn wanted his readers to understand that Jesus was both divine and human,
and that He is the source of salvation for all humankind. In the first chapter
he introduced Jesus as the Word, who was with God in the beginning, who was
God, and through whom creation happened (1:1–3). Each chapter of John’s Gos­
pel references Jesus’ deity in some way. While stressing His divinity, John also
highlighted Jesus’ humanity (1:14): we see one illustration of this when Jesus’ dear
friend Lazarus died. Jesus showed His very human emotional capacity when His
grief moved Him to tears (11:35).
John’s Gospel is unlike the three Synoptic Gospels. While there is similarity
among the first three, 90 percent of John’s Gospel is unique. Rather than focus­
ing on what Jesus did, John wanted his readers to know what Jesus said and who
Jesus was. John recorded long dialogues Jesus had with individuals, lengthy dis­
courses with crowds, and, perhaps most significantly, an extensive recounting of
Jesus’ last words to His disciples before He went to the cross (chs. 13–17). John’s
Gospel provides details about Jesus’ ministry in Jerusalem and Judea rather than
Galilee. Themes of contrast mark this book: light and darkness, life and death,
belief and unbelief, love and hate, the eternal and that which perishes.
The four Gospels together describe dozens of miracles Jesus performed. John
described only seven of these. He referred to these miracles as signs because he
wanted his readers to see that they pointed to the reality that Jesus was the Son
of God.
At the end of his Gospel, John clearly stated his purpose for writing: to show
that Jesus was truly the Christ and the source of human salvation (20:30–31).
Once readers realized that Jesus was the Messiah, they could be drawn to belief
in Him and have eternal life.
Jesus’ “I am” statements make up another unique element in John’s Gospel.
In Moses’ encounter with the burning bush, God revealed himself as “I am” (Ex.
3:14). Jesus harkened back to the burning bush and revealed aspects of His divin­
ity in seven metaphoric statements. Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life” (6:35,
48); “I am the light of the world” (8:12); “I am the door” (10:7, 9); “I am the good
shepherd” (10:11, 14); “I am the resurrection and the life” (11:25); “I am the way, the
truth, and the life” (14:6); and “I am the true vine” (15:1, 5). In addition to affirming
His divinity, Jesus used these metaphors to indicate ways in which He was the
ultimate solution to the human condition.
Jesus often spoke of His divinity in ways that drew deep resistance from the
Jewish religious leaders. In chapter 2 John described how Jesus cleared the tem­
ple, which set the stage for the conflict with Jewish religious leaders that grew
more intense with each encounter. For those who did not believe, Jesus’ claims
John Introduction 1580

of divinity were blasphemous and called for his death. The conflict finally culmi­
nated in Jesus’ crucifixion. John presented Jesus as the Messiah whose words
were clear only to those who believed in Him.

HISTORICAL & LITERARY CONTEXT

T his Gospel, like the others, is technically

an anonymous work. But in the second
century, church father Irenaeus promoted
author. Note several references to “one of
His disciples, whom Jesus loved” (13:23). It
seems reasonable that the author might not
the view that John was the author of the include his own name in his writing while
fourth Gospel. Internal evidence supports suggesting that he was the disciple who had
this view. For example, the author had inti­ this special status with Jesus. John was one
mate knowledge of the Jewish feasts and of the first disciples Jesus called with the
customs. He also described events from an words “Follow Me” (Matt. 4:19). He and his
eyewitness perspective and related geo­ brother, James, were fishermen and identi­
graphic details about the settings of events. fied as sons of Zebedee and called the “Sons
The fact that John’s name does not appear of Thunder” (Mark 3:17).
in this Gospel when John was one of the Scholars debate when John wrote this
three prominent disciples Jesus often took Gospel. The traditional view puts the date of
aside for significant experiences (e.g., Mark writing between the middle and the end of
5:37) seems to indicate that he was the the first century.

P R E PA R E

J ohn’s Gospel is an invitation to explore

how Jesus presented Himself as both
divine and human in ways that inspire belief
ments from these sisters (ch. 11). Reflect on
the significant postresurrection conver­
sations Jesus had with grieving Mary Mag­
leading to eternal life. As mentioned, much dalene; Thomas, who dared to express his
of John’s Gospel is a record of extended doubt (ch. 20); and Peter, who needed res­
faith-­
nurturing conversations Jesus had toration following his denial of Jesus (ch. 21).
with individuals and His disciples. As you Spend extended time in Jesus’ last words
read, notice how Jesus established rapport with His disciples in the Upper Room as they
with individuals and how He stretched their celebrated the Passover before His arrest,
thinking about theological ideas in ways trial, and crucifixion (chs. 13–17). Jesus laid
that fostered growing belief in Him. foundations in these words that the apostles
For example, in the conversation with echoed later in their writings. Think about
Nicodemus the Pharisee, note how Jesus the following themes in the Upper Room
introduced the idea of spiritual birth (3:1– Discourse: love as the mark of the Christian
21). Feel the confusion Nicodemus must community, the promise and gift of the Holy
have felt. As you read about the Samaritan Spirit, fruitfulness in the life of a follower
woman at the well (4:1–42), marvel at the of Jesus, promised comfort during coming
theological depth of the conversation Jesus persecution, and the promise of eternal life.
initiated with this woman, and note the Jesus gave His disciples what they needed to
transformation that resulted. Pay attention live faithfully after He was gone.
to the conversations that reveal the reli­ As you read and engage with John’s Gos­
gious leaders’ growing resentment of Jesus pel, meet Jesus. Welcome Him. Be prepared
(chs. 7–10). Be impressed with the way Jesus to grow in your appreciation of Christ’s
interacted with Mary and Martha after their humanity and divinity in ways that will sup­
brother, Lazarus, died. Note the faith state­ port your deepening faith.
1581 John 1:25

THE ETERNAL WORD JOURNAL

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with
God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with
God. 3 All things were made through Him, and without Him
John 1:1–13
PREPARE YOUR HEART.
nothing was made that was made. 4 In Him was life, and the Open yourself to God’s presence.
life was the light of men. 5 And the light shines in the dark- Ask God to speak to you and to
ness, and the darkness did not comprehend it. reveal Himself through His Word.
Then read the passage.
JOHN’S WITNESS: THE TRUE LIGHT REFLECT AND WRITE.
6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.
• How do these verses describe
7 This man came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light,
who Jesus is and why He came?
that all through him might believe. 8 He was not that Light, What was Jesus’ purpose
but was sent to bear witness of that Light. 9 That was the true in coming to the earth (see
Light which gives light to every man coming into the world. v. 12)? How did people receive
10 He was in the world, and the world was made through Him when He first came (see
Him, and the world did not know Him. 11 He came to His own, vv. 11–13)?
and His own did not receive Him. 12 But as many as received • According to verses 6–7,
Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to what was John the Baptist’s
those who believe in His name: 13 who were born, not of blood, purpose?
nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
• How can you be like John the
Baptist and show people the
THE WORD BECOMES FLESH truth about Jesus, the “light of
14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and the world” (8:12; 9:5)?
we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the
Father, full of grace and truth.
15 John bore witness of Him and cried out, saying, “This
was He of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me is preferred
before me, for He was before me.’ ”
16 And of His fullness we have all received, and grace for
grace. 17 For the law was given through Moses, but grace and
truth came through Jesus Christ. 18 No one has seen God at
any time. The only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the
Father, He has declared Him.

A VOICE IN THE WILDERNESS

19 Now this is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent PRAYING
priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, “Who are SCRIPTURE
you?”
John 1:19–27
20 He confessed, and did not deny, but confessed, “I am
not the Christ.” As the fame of John the Baptist
21 And they asked him, “What then? Are you Elijah?” spread, Jewish religious leaders
He said, “I am not.” began to question his identity
“Are you the Prophet?” and purposes. John affirmed he
And he answered, “No.” was not the Messiah; rather, he
22 Then they said to him, “Who are you, that we may give was just a man sent to prepare
the way for the Messiah (v. 23).
an answer to those who sent us? What do you say about your-
John added that he was not wor­
self?”
thy of untying that Man’s sandals
23 He said: “I am
(v. 27).
Evaluate your own attitude
‘The voice of one crying in the wilderness: toward Christ. Do you elevate
“Make straight the way of the Lord,” ’ Him, or do you seek to elevate
yourself? Ask God to give you
as the prophet Isaiah said.” the same attitude as John. If you
24 Now those who were sent were from the Pharisees. need to, confess any pride that
25 And they asked him, saying, “Why then do you baptize if this passage might have uncov­
you are not the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?” ered.
John 1:26 1582
CONTEMPLATE 26 John answered them, saying, “I baptize with water, but
John 1:35–51 there stands One among you whom you do not know. 27 It is
He who, coming after me, is preferred before me, whose san-
READ. Read these verses and dal strap I am not worthy to loose.”
look for a word, a phrase, or an 28 These things were done in Bethabara beyond the Jor-
image that stands out. Consider dan, where John was baptizing.
“What do you seek?” (v. 38) or
“Come and see” (vv. 39, 46). THE LAMB OF GOD
MEDITATE. Ask the Spirit to help 29 The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and
you identify the area of your life said, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the
tied to the word, phrase, or idea world! 30 This is He of whom I said, ‘After me comes a Man
you chose. What connection who is preferred before me, for He was before me.’ 31 I did not
might the Holy Spirit want you know Him; but that He should be revealed to Israel, therefore
to make? Consider how the Lord I came baptizing with water.”
beckons you to come and learn 32 And John bore witness, saying, “I saw the Spirit de-
more about Him. How do you scending from heaven like a dove, and He remained upon
respond? Him. 33 I did not know Him, but He who sent me to baptize
PRAY. Offer your meditations with water said to me, ‘Upon whom you see the Spirit de-
to the Lord as a form of prayer. scending, and remaining on Him, this is He who baptizes
Ask Him to meet you in your with the Holy Spirit.’ 34 And I have seen and testified that this
thoughts. Pray that you may is the Son of God.”
know the Father and Son more
(John 17:3). THE FIRST DISCIPLES
35 Again, the next day, John stood with two of his disci-
CONTEMPLATE. Savor the fact
ples. 36 And looking at Jesus as He walked, he said, “Behold
that Jesus, the Rabbi, has invited
you to come and see, and learn
the Lamb of God!”
from Him directly. 37 The two disciples heard him speak, and they followed
Jesus. 38 Then Jesus turned, and seeing them following, said
to them, “What do you seek?”
They said to Him, “Rabbi” (which is to say, when trans-
lated, Teacher), “where are You staying?”
39 He said to them, “Come and see.” They came and saw
where He was staying, and remained with Him that day (now
it was about the tenth hour).
40 One of the two who heard John speak, and followed
Him, was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. 41 He first found
his own brother Simon, and said to him, “We have found the
Messiah” (which is translated, the Christ). 42 And he brought
him to Jesus.
Now when Jesus looked at him, He said, “You are Simon
the son of Jonah. You shall be called Cephas” (which is trans-
lated, A Stone).

PHILIP AND NATHANAEL

43 The following day Jesus wanted to go to Galilee, and
He found Philip and said to him, “Follow Me.” 44 Now Philip
was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. 45 Philip
found Nathanael and said to him, “We have found Him of
whom Moses in the law, and also the prophets, wrote—­Jesus
of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.”
46 And Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come
out of Nazareth?”
Philip said to him, “Come and see.”
47 Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward Him, and said of
him, “Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no deceit!”
48 Nathanael said to Him, “How do You know me?”
1583 John 2:20

Jesus answered and said to him, “Before Philip called PRAYING

you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.” SCRIPTURE
49 Nathanael answered and said to Him, “Rabbi, You are John 2:1–12
the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!”
The first miracle Jesus performed
50 Jesus answered and said to him, “Because I said to
solved a significant problem at
you, ‘I saw you under the fig tree,’ do you believe? You will
an important celebration. At the
see greater things than these.” 51 And He said to him, “Most
wedding, the wine ran out, which
assuredly, I say to you, hereafter you shall see heaven open, no doubt embarrassed and wor­
and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the ried the party hosts. Jesus’ at­
Son of Man.” tention to this issue in the hosts’
time of need revealed His charac­
WATER TURNED TO WINE ter. Moreover, Jesus also demon­

2 On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee,

and the mother of Jesus was there. 2 Now both Jesus and
His disciples were invited to the wedding. 3 And when they
strated His authority over nature.
He immediately turned water into
wine—­ excellent wine (v. 10). In
ran out of wine, the mother of Jesus said to Him, “They have this one miracle, we see Jesus’ in­
no wine.” terest in the normal human prob­
4 Jesus said to her, “Woman, what does your concern have lems of life and we see Him as the
to do with Me? My hour has not yet come.” sovereign God over all creation.
5 His mother said to the servants, “Whatever He says to As you pray about the mean­
you, do it.” ing of this story in your life, con­
sider that Jesus’ first miracle
6 Now there were set there six waterpots of stone, accord-
points toward the marriage sup­
ing to the manner of purification of the Jews, containing
per of the Lamb (Rev. 19:9).
twenty or thirty gallons apiece. 7 Jesus said to them, “Fill the
waterpots with water.” And they filled them up to the brim.
8 And He said to them, “Draw some out now, and take it to the
master of the feast.” And they took it. 9 When the master of the
feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and did not
know where it came from (but the servants who had drawn
the water knew), the master of the feast called the bride-
groom. 10 And he said to him, “Every man at the beginning
sets out the good wine, and when the guests have well drunk,
then the inferior. You have kept the good wine until now!” JOURNAL
11 This beginning of signs Jesus did in Cana of Galilee, and John 2:13–22
manifested His glory; and His disciples believed in Him.
PREPARE YOUR HEART.
12 After this He went down to Capernaum, He, His mother,
His brothers, and His disciples; and they did not stay there Open yourself to God’s presence.
many days. Ask God to speak to you and to
reveal Himself through His Word.
Then read the passage.
JESUS CLEANSES THE TEMPLE
13 Now the Passover of the Jews was at hand, and Jesus REFLECT AND WRITE.
went up to Jerusalem. 14 And He found in the temple those • What was Jesus referring to
who sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the money chang- when He spoke of destroying
ers doing business. 15 When He had made a whip of cords, the temple and raising it again
He drove them all out of the temple, with the sheep and the in three days (see v. 21)? Why
oxen, and poured out the changers’ money and overturned did this confuse the religious
the tables. 16 And He said to those who sold doves, “Take these leaders (see v. 20)?
things away! Do not make My Father’s house a house of mer- • How were the religious leaders
chandise!” 17 Then His disciples remembered that it was writ- dishonoring God in the temple
ten, “Zeal for Your house has eaten Me up.” (see vv. 14–16)?
18 So the Jews answered and said to Him, “What sign do • How passionate are you about
You show to us, since You do these things?” honoring the Lord in your
19 Jesus answered and said to them, “Destroy this temple, worship? How might your zeal
and in three days I will raise it up.” compare to the way Jesus
20 Then the Jews said, “It has taken forty-­six years to build felt about the temple (see
this temple, and will You raise it up in three days?” vv. 16–17)?
John 2:21 1584

21 But He was speaking of the temple of His body. 22 There-

fore, when He had risen from the dead, His disciples remem-
bered that He had said this to them; and they believed the
Scripture and the word which Jesus had said.

THE DISCERNER OF HEARTS

23 Now when He was in Jerusalem at the Passover, during
the feast, many believed in His name when they saw the signs
which He did. 24 But Jesus did not commit Himself to them,
because He knew all men, 25 and had no need that anyone
should testify of man, for He knew what was in man.

THE NEW BIRTH

3 There was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a

ruler of the Jews. 2 This man came to Jesus by night and
said to Him, “Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher come
from God; for no one can do these signs that You do unless
God is with him.”
3 Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say
to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom
of God.”
4 Nicodemus said to Him, “How can a man be born when
he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb
and be born?”
5 Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless
one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the king-
dom of God. 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that
which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Do not marvel that I said
to you, ‘You must be born again.’ 8 The wind blows where it
wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it
PRAYING
comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of
SCRIPTURE
the Spirit.”
John 3:16–21 9 Nicodemus answered and said to Him, “How can these
When Adam and Eve sinned, things be?”
they hid in shame from God 10 Jesus answered and said to him, “Are you the teacher
(Gen. 3:8). Jesus raised a similar of Israel, and do not know these things? 11 Most assuredly, I
issue. With His arrival, light had say to you, We speak what We know and testify what We have
come into the world, but people seen, and you do not receive Our witness. 12 If I have told you
preferred the darkness because earthly things and you do not believe, how will you believe if
of their sins (v. 19). The fear of be­ I tell you heavenly things? 13 No one has ascended to heaven
ing exposed and judged makes it but He who came down from heaven, that is, the Son of Man
seem easier to stay in hiding. who is in heaven. 14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the
How can we overcome this wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, 15 that
universal problem? Jesus ad­ whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal
dressed it by saying that those life. 16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only be-
who believe in Christ will not be
gotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish
condemned (vv. 16–17). Because
but have everlasting life. 17 For God did not send His Son into
of Jesus, we can confess our sins
the world to condemn the world, but that the world through
and walk in Jesus’ light without
fear of condemnation. As you
Him might be saved.
pray through this Scripture pas­ 18 “He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who
sage, consider whether fear and does not believe is condemned already, because he has not
shame are holding you prisoner believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. 19 And
in the dark. If so, trust in God’s this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the
love and grace. Just ask, and world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because
He will purify and restore you their deeds were evil. 20 For everyone practicing evil hates
(1 John 1:9). the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should
1585 John 4:10

be exposed. 21 But he who does the truth comes to the light, JOURNAL
that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done John 3:22–36
in God.”
PREPARE YOUR HEART.
JOHN THE BAPTIST EXALTS CHRIST Open yourself to God’s presence.
22 After these things Jesus and His disciples came into Ask God to speak to you and to
the land of Judea, and there He remained with them and reveal Himself through His Word.
baptized. 23 Now John also was baptizing in Aenon near Then read the passage.
Salim, because there was much water there. And they came REFLECT AND WRITE.
and were baptized. 24 For John had not yet been thrown into
• How did John react to the news
prison.
that Jesus was also baptizing
25 Then there arose a dispute between some of John’s dis- people (see vv. 27–29)?
ciples and the Jews about purification. 26 And they came to
• What did John mean when he
John and said to him, “Rabbi, He who was with you beyond
said, “He must increase, but
the Jordan, to whom you have testified—­behold, He is bap-
I must decrease” (v. 30)? How
tizing, and all are coming to Him!”
does this demonstrate John’s
27 John answered and said, “A man can receive nothing humility?
unless it has been given to him from heaven. 28 You your-
• How can you follow John’s
selves bear me witness, that I said, ‘I am not the Christ,’ but,
example in verse 30? Are there
‘I have been sent before Him.’ 29 He who has the bride is the
areas of your life where you
bridegroom; but the friend of the bridegroom, who stands
struggle with pride? Confess
and hears him, rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom’s your prideful attitudes and
voice. Therefore this joy of mine is fulfilled. 30 He must in- actions, and ask the Lord for a
crease, but I must decrease. 31 He who comes from above is humble heart.
above all; he who is of the earth is earthly and speaks of the
earth. He who comes from heaven is above all. 32 And what
He has seen and heard, that He testifies; and no one receives
His testimony. 33 He who has received His testimony has cer-
tified that God is true. 34 For He whom God has sent speaks
the words of God, for God does not give the Spirit by measure. CONTEMPLATE
35 The Father loves the Son, and has given all things into His John 4:1–26
hand. 36 He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and
READ. Consider the kind yet di­
he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the
rect way that Jesus approached
wrath of God abides on him.”
a Samaritan, whom the Jews
considered ceremonially un­
A SAMARITAN WOMAN MEETS HER MESSIAH clean. Note the repeated use

4 Therefore, when the Lord knew that the Pharisees had

heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than
John 2 (though Jesus Himself did not baptize, but His disci-
of the word water. As you read
these verses, ask the Holy Spirit
to highlight a word, phrase, or
ples), 3 He left Judea and departed again to Galilee. 4 But He verse for you.
needed to go through Samaria.
5 So He came to a city of Samaria which is called Sychar, MEDITATE. Which word, phrase,
or verse stood out to you? Ask
near the plot of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph.
the Holy Spirit to provide insight
6 Now Jacob’s well was there. Jesus therefore, being wearied
into how it connects to your life.
from His journey, sat thus by the well. It was about the sixth
Which part of you is thirsty for
hour. revelation from these verses?
7 A woman of Samaria came to draw water. Jesus said to
her, “Give Me a drink.” 8 For His disciples had gone away into PRAY. If the Spirit has revealed
the city to buy food. a dry area, ask God to restore
9 Then the woman of Samaria said to Him, “How is it that you there. Confess any sin in this
You, being a Jew, ask a drink from me, a Samaritan woman?” area, including doubt. Ask God
For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans. to satisfy you with His truth.
10 Jesus answered and said to her, “If you knew the gift CONTEMPLATE. Proverbs 11:25
of God, and who it is who says to you, ‘Give Me a drink,’ you says, “He who waters will also be
would have asked Him, and He would have given you living watered himself.” Make it a point
water.” to refresh someone with truth.
John 4:11 1586

11 The woman said to Him, “Sir, You have nothing to draw

with, and the well is deep. Where then do You get that living
water? 12 Are You greater than our father Jacob, who gave us
the well, and drank from it himself, as well as his sons and
his livestock?”
13 Jesus answered and said to her, “Whoever drinks of this
water will thirst again, 14 but whoever drinks of the water that
I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give
him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into
everlasting life.”
15 The woman said to Him, “Sir, give me this water, that I
may not thirst, nor come here to draw.”
16 Jesus said to her, “Go, call your husband, and come
here.”
17 The woman answered and said, “I have no husband.”
Jesus said to her, “You have well said, ‘I have no husband,’
18 for you have had five husbands, and the one whom you now
have is not your husband; in that you spoke truly.”
19 The woman said to Him, “Sir, I perceive that You are
a prophet. 20 Our fathers worshiped on this mountain, and
you Jews say that in Jerusalem is the place where one ought
to worship.”
21 Jesus said to her, “Woman, believe Me, the hour is com-
ing when you will neither on this mountain, nor in Jerusalem,
worship the Father. 22 You worship what you do not know;
we know what we worship, for salvation is of the Jews. 23 But
the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers
CONTEMPLATE will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is
John 4:31–38 seeking such to worship Him. 24 God is Spirit, and those who
worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”
READ. Ask God to reveal Him­ 25 The woman said to Him, “I know that Messiah is com-
self through these verses. Then
ing” (who is called Christ). “When He comes, He will tell us
read them and pay attention to
all things.”
details. Take note of any word,
26 Jesus said to her, “I who speak to you am He.”
phrase, or verse that draws your
attention.
THE WHITENED HARVEST
MEDITATE. Did the imagery 27 And at this point His disciples came, and they marveled
Jesus used connect to anything that He talked with a woman; yet no one said, “What do You
in your life? What is the connec­ seek?” or, “Why are You talking with her?”
tion? Ask the Holy Spirit to give 28 The woman then left her waterpot, went her way into
you eyes to see anything that the city, and said to the men, 29 “Come, see a Man who told
may be relevant but not imme­
me all things that I ever did. Could this be the Christ?” 30 Then
diately obvious.
they went out of the city and came to Him.
PRAY. After pondering, turn your 31 In the meantime His disciples urged Him, saying,
meditations into prayer. Ask God “Rabbi, eat.”
to show you fields ripe for reap­ 32 But He said to them, “I have food to eat of which you
ing and opportunities to gather do not know.”
the fruits. 33 Therefore the disciples said to one another, “Has any-
CONTEMPLATE. The Lord com­
one brought Him anything to eat?”
mands us as individuals to labor 34 Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of Him
and bear fruit for His kingdom’s who sent Me, and to finish His work. 35 Do you not say, ‘There
sake, but we do not have to labor are still four months and then comes the harvest’? Behold, I
alone. Take some time to think of say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are
others you know who will share already white for harvest! 36 And he who reaps receives wages,
in the work of advancing God’s and gathers fruit for eternal life, that both he who sows and
kingdom and His glory. he who reaps may rejoice together. 37 For in this the saying is
 ENGAGE THROUGH ART

THE HARVESTER S BY PIETER BRUEGEL THE ELDER

Pieter Bruegel’s The Harvesters, completed in 1565, brings to life peasants working in a field. Workers
engage in different tasks, each one necessary to complete the harvest. One man cuts the wheat, while
another lays it in piles. Women tie up the bundles and stand them upright. One exhausted man rests
near a tree as a group shares a meal in the shade. Community, labor, rest, nature—­these profound
themes emerge from this beautiful scene.
Read John 4:27–38. Jesus, comparing people to crops, told His disciples to open their eyes to the sur­
rounding fields, the crops of which were ripe for harvest (see v. 35). He added that some people reap and
others sow. Consider whether you are doing the work God has called you to do within your community.
Are you sowing and/or reaping?

Pieter Bruegel the Elder, The Harvesters, 1565, Oil on Wood

The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York. Rogers Fund, 1919
John 4:38 1588
JOURNAL true: ‘One sows and another reaps.’ 38 I sent you to reap that
John 4:39–42 for which you have not labored; others have labored, and you
have entered into their labors.”
PREPARE YOUR HEART.
Open yourself to God’s presence. THE SAVIOR OF THE WORLD
Ask God to speak to you and to 39 And many of the Samaritans of that city believed in
reveal Himself through His Word. Him because of the word of the woman who testified, “He told
Then read the passage. me all that I ever did.” 40 So when the Samaritans had come
REFLECT AND WRITE. to Him, they urged Him to stay with them; and He stayed
there two days. 41 And many more believed because of His
• According to verse 39, why
own word.
did the Samaritans believe in
Jesus?
42 Then they said to the woman, “Now we believe, not
because of what you said, for we ourselves have heard Him
• Why did many more people
and we know that this is indeed the Christ, the Savior of the
believe in Jesus (see vv. 40–42)?
world.”
• How does spending time with
Jesus increase your faith and WELCOME AT GALILEE
trust in Him? How would you 43 Now after the two days He departed from there and
rate your desire to spend time
went to Galilee. 44 For Jesus Himself testified that a prophet
with Jesus? What can you let
has no honor in his own country. 45 So when He came to Gal-
go of in your schedule that will
ilee, the Galileans received Him, having seen all the things
allow you to spend more time
with Him daily?
He did in Jerusalem at the feast; for they also had gone to
the feast.

A NOBLEMAN’S SON HEALED

46 So Jesus came again to Cana of Galilee where He had
PICTURE IT made the water wine. And there was a certain nobleman
whose son was sick at Capernaum. 47 When he heard that
John 5:1–17 Jesus had come out of Judea into Galilee, he went to Him
PREPARE. Quiet yourself and and implored Him to come down and heal his son, for he was
ask God to prepare your heart at the point of death. 48 Then Jesus said to him, “Unless you
and guide your imagination. people see signs and wonders, you will by no means believe.”
49 The nobleman said to Him, “Sir, come down before my
PICTURE. Imagine you are at the child dies!”
pool of Bethesda under one of 50 Jesus said to him, “Go your way; your son lives.” So the
the five covered porches. Every­
man believed the word that Jesus spoke to him, and he went
where you look you see suffer­
his way. 51 And as he was now going down, his servants met
ing mingled with hope. Near
him and told him, saying, “Your son lives!”
one of the two pools, you see
a sick man talking with Jesus.
52 Then he inquired of them the hour when he got better.
The rumors are that he’s been And they said to him, “Yesterday at the seventh hour the fever
sick for more than thirty-­ eight left him.” 53 So the father knew that it was at the same hour
years. Suddenly, you see him in which Jesus said to him, “Your son lives.” And he himself
stand and roll up his bed! What believed, and his whole household.
are your first thoughts? Is Jesus 54 This again is the second sign Jesus did when He had
still there? Someone next to you come out of Judea into Galilee.
exclaims that the man really
shouldn’t pick up his bed on the A MAN HEALED AT THE POOL OF BETHESDA
Sabbath. How do you respond?

PRAY. Praise Christ that He

5 After this there was a feast of the Jews, and Jesus went up
to Jerusalem. 2 Now there is in Jerusalem by the Sheep
Gate a pool, which is called in Hebrew, Bethesda, having five
never stops doing His Father’s
work! The Jews were distracted porches. 3 In these lay a great multitude of sick people, blind,
by a teaching added on to the lame, paralyzed, waiting for the moving of the water. 4 For an
law. Ask God to remove similar angel went down at a certain time into the pool and stirred
distraction from you and to in­ up the water; then whoever stepped in first, after the stirring
crease your own compassion to­ of the water, was made well of whatever disease he had. 5 Now
ward others. a certain man was there who had an infirmity thirty-­eight
1589 John 5:29

years. 6 When Jesus saw him lying there, and knew that he
already had been in that condition a long time, He said to him,
“Do you want to be made well?”
7 The sick man answered Him, “Sir, I have no man to put
me into the pool when the water is stirred up; but while I am
coming, another steps down before me.”
8 Jesus said to him, “Rise, take up your bed and walk.”
9 And immediately the man was made well, took up his bed,
and walked.
And that day was the Sabbath. 10 The Jews therefore said
to him who was cured, “It is the Sabbath; it is not lawful for
you to carry your bed.”
11 He answered them, “He who made me well said to me,
‘Take up your bed and walk.’ ”
12 Then they asked him, “Who is the Man who said to you,
‘Take up your bed and walk’?” 13 But the one who was healed
did not know who it was, for Jesus had withdrawn, a multi-
tude being in that place. 14 Afterward Jesus found him in the
temple, and said to him, “See, you have been made well. Sin
no more, lest a worse thing come upon you.”
15 The man departed and told the Jews that it was Jesus
who had made him well.

HONOR THE FATHER AND THE SON

16 For this reason the Jews persecuted Jesus, and sought CONTEMPLATE
to kill Him, because He had done these things on the Sabbath. John 5:19–23
17 But Jesus answered them, “My Father has been working
until now, and I have been working.” READ. As you read Jesus’ re­
18 Therefore the Jews sought all the more to kill Him, be- sponse to the Jews seeking to kill
cause He not only broke the Sabbath, but also said that God Him, notice the use of repetition.
was His Father, making Himself equal with God. 19 Then Jesus Pay special attention to which
aspect of Jesus’ relationship with
answered and said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, the
the Father moves you.
Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father
do; for whatever He does, the Son also does in like manner. MEDITATE. In this passage Jesus
20 For the Father loves the Son, and shows Him all things that said that He does what the Fa­
He Himself does; and He will show Him greater works than ther has shown Him. With that
these, that you may marvel. 21 For as the Father raises the in mind, how can you come to
dead and gives life to them, even so the Son gives life to whom reflect the example and charac­
He will. 22 For the Father judges no one, but has committed all teristics of Jesus as described in
judgment to the Son, 23 that all should honor the Son just as His Word?
they honor the Father. He who does not honor the Son does PRAY. Turn your meditation into
not honor the Father who sent Him. a prayer, sharing your heart and
mind with the Father. Praise
LIFE AND JUDGMENT ARE THROUGH THE SON Him for our adoptions as sons
24 “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and daughters, and for Jesus’
and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and unique and eternal relationship
shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into with Him.
life. 25 Most assuredly, I say to you, the hour is coming, and
CONTEMPLATE. We can truly
now is, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God; do nothing to advance God’s
and those who hear will live. 26 For as the Father has life in kingdom and glory if we rely on
Himself, so He has granted the Son to have life in Himself, our own power. Yet we have the
27 and has given Him authority to execute judgment also, be- promise that we can do any­
cause He is the Son of Man. 28 Do not marvel at this; for the thing through Christ, who gives
hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear us strength (Phil. 4:13). Seek that
His voice 29 and come forth—­those who have done good, to strength through prayer and
the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the contemplation on His Word.
John 5:30 1590
PRAYING resurrection of condemnation. 30 I can of Myself do nothing.
SCRIPTURE As I hear, I judge; and My judgment is righteous, because I do
John 5:24–30 not seek My own will but the will of the Father who sent Me.
The prophet Isaiah wrote that a
THE FOURFOLD WITNESS
critical problem for human be­
31 “If I bear witness of Myself, My witness is not true.
ings is that our sins have sep­
32 There is another who bears witness of Me, and I know that
arated us from a holy God (Is.
59:2). Without access to God,
the witness which He witnesses of Me is true. 33 You have sent
people languish and then perish. to John, and he has borne witness to the truth. 34 Yet I do
While talking with the religious not receive testimony from man, but I say these things that
leaders of the day, Jesus solved you may be saved. 35 He was the burning and shining lamp,
the problem that Isaiah identi­ and you were willing for a time to rejoice in his light. 36 But
fied. In love the Father had sent I have a greater witness than John’s; for the works which the
the Son. The Son would offer His Father has given Me to finish—­the very works that I do—­
life as a sacrifice for our sins, bear witness of Me, that the Father has sent Me. 37 And the
paying the full cost once and Father Himself, who sent Me, has testified of Me. You have
for all. Those who believe in the neither heard His voice at any time, nor seen His form. 38 But
Son have then crossed over the you do not have His word abiding in you, because whom He
divide, moving from death to life sent, Him you do not believe. 39 You search the Scriptures, for
(v. 24). in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they
Thank Jesus for being the which testify of Me. 40 But you are not willing to come to Me
bridge to life. Thank Him for
that you may have life.
being a just and merciful Judge
41 “I do not receive honor from men. 42 But I know you,
(v. 30). Praise God that through
that you do not have the love of God in you. 43 I have come
Jesus’ sacrifice true life has been
in My Father’s name, and you do not receive Me; if another
made available to all (v. 24).
comes in his own name, him you will receive. 44 How can you
believe, who receive honor from one another, and do not seek
the honor that comes from the only God? 45 Do not think that I
shall accuse you to the Father; there is one who accuses you—­
Moses, in whom you trust. 46 For if you believed Moses, you
would believe Me; for he wrote about Me. 47 But if you do not
believe his writings, how will you believe My words?”

FEEDING THE FIVE THOUSAND

6 After these things Jesus went over the Sea of Galilee,

which is the Sea of Tiberias. 2 Then a great multitude fol-
lowed Him, because they saw His signs which He performed
on those who were diseased. 3 And Jesus went up on the
mountain, and there He sat with His disciples.
4 Now the Passover, a feast of the Jews, was near. 5 Then
Jesus lifted up His eyes, and seeing a great multitude coming
toward Him, He said to Philip, “Where shall we buy bread,
that these may eat?” 6 But this He said to test him, for He Him-
self knew what He would do.
7 Philip answered Him, “Two hundred denarii worth of
bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may
have a little.”
8 One of His disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, said
to Him, 9 “There is a lad here who has five barley loaves and
two small fish, but what are they among so many?”
10 Then Jesus said, “Make the people sit down.” Now there
was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, in number
about five thousand. 11 And Jesus took the loaves, and when
He had given thanks He distributed them to the disciples, and
the disciples to those sitting down; and likewise of the fish, as
much as they wanted. 12 So when they were filled, He said to
1591 John 6:36

His disciples, “Gather up the fragments that remain, so that JOURNAL

nothing is lost.” 13 Therefore they gathered them up, and filled John 6:15–21
twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves
which were left over by those who had eaten. 14 Then those PREPARE YOUR HEART.
men, when they had seen the sign that Jesus did, said, “This Open yourself to God’s presence.
is truly the Prophet who is to come into the world.” Ask God to speak to you and to
reveal Himself through His Word.
JESUS WALKS ON THE SEA Then read the passage.
15 Therefore when Jesus perceived that they were about to REFLECT AND WRITE.
come and take Him by force to make Him king, He departed
• How do these verses illustrate
again to the mountain by Himself alone.
Jesus’ power and influence?
16 Now when evening came, His disciples went down to
the sea, 17 got into the boat, and went over the sea toward • Even though Jesus’ power and
influence were evident, why do
Capernaum. And it was already dark, and Jesus had not come
you think He resisted taking an
to them. 18 Then the sea arose because a great wind was blow-
earthly throne (see v. 15)?
ing. 19 So when they had rowed about three or four miles, they
saw Jesus walking on the sea and drawing near the boat; and • How can you invite Jesus to be
they were afraid. 20 But He said to them, “It is I; do not be King of your life? How can you
open yourself up to His power
afraid.” 21 Then they willingly received Him into the boat, and
and influence?
immediately the boat was at the land where they were going.

THE BREAD FROM HEAVEN

22 On the following day, when the people who were stand-
ing on the other side of the sea saw that there was no other PRAYING
boat there, except that one which His disciples had entered, SCRIPTURE
and that Jesus had not entered the boat with His disciples, but John 6:22–40
His disciples had gone away alone—­23 however, other boats
When more and more people
came from Tiberias, near the place where they ate bread after
discovered that Jesus had been
the Lord had given thanks—­24 when the people therefore saw
healing the sick and feeding the
that Jesus was not there, nor His disciples, they also got into
hungry, they began to follow
boats and came to Capernaum, seeking Jesus. 25 And when Him from place to place (vv. 24–
they found Him on the other side of the sea, they said to Him, 25). Jesus called their motives
“Rabbi, when did You come here?” into question. They were look­
26 Jesus answered them and said, “Most assuredly, I say to ing for Him in order to get free
you, you seek Me, not because you saw the signs, but because food (v. 26)! Jesus encouraged
you ate of the loaves and were filled. 27 Do not labor for the them to set their sights higher,
food which perishes, but for the food which endures to ever- calling them to look for food
lasting life, which the Son of Man will give you, because God that would give them eternal life
the Father has set His seal on Him.” (v. 27)—­namely, the Bread of Life,
28 Then they said to Him, “What shall we do, that we may Himself (v. 35).
work the works of God?” What does this interaction
29 Jesus answered and said to them, “This is the work of between Jesus and the people
God, that you believe in Him whom He sent.” mean to you? Ask God to reveal
30 Therefore they said to Him, “What sign will You per- your motives for following Him.
Ask Him to show you how to bet­
form then, that we may see it and believe You? What work
ter feed on the Bread of Life.
will You do? 31 Our fathers ate the manna in the desert; as it is
written, ‘He gave them bread from heaven to eat.’ ”
32 Then Jesus said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you,
Moses did not give you the bread from heaven, but My Fa-
ther gives you the true bread from heaven. 33 For the bread
of God is He who comes down from heaven and gives life to
the world.”
34 Then they said to Him, “Lord, give us this bread always.”
35 And Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. He who
comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me
shall never thirst. 36 But I said to you that you have seen Me
John 6:37 1592

and yet do not believe. 37 All that the Father gives Me will
come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will by no means
cast out. 38 For I have come down from heaven, not to do My
own will, but the will of Him who sent Me. 39 This is the will of
the Father who sent Me, that of all He has given Me I should
lose nothing, but should raise it up at the last day. 40 And this
is the will of Him who sent Me, that everyone who sees the
Son and believes in Him may have everlasting life; and I will
raise him up at the last day.”

REJECTED BY HIS OWN

41 The Jews then complained about Him, because He said,
“I am the bread which came down from heaven.” 42 And they
said, “Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and
mother we know? How is it then that He says, ‘I have come
down from heaven’?”
43 Jesus therefore answered and said to them, “Do not
murmur among yourselves. 44 No one can come to Me unless
the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up
at the last day. 45 It is written in the prophets, ‘And they shall
all be taught by God.’ Therefore everyone who has heard and
learned from the Father comes to Me. 46 Not that anyone has
seen the Father, except He who is from God; He has seen the
Father. 47 Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me
has everlasting life. 48 I am the bread of life. 49 Your fathers
ate the manna in the wilderness, and are dead. 50 This is the
bread which comes down from heaven, that one may eat of it
and not die. 51 I am the living bread which came down from
heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever; and
the bread that I shall give is My flesh, which I shall give for
the life of the world.”
52 The Jews therefore quarreled among themselves, say-
CONTEMPLATE
ing, “How can this Man give us His flesh to eat?”
John 6:61–69 53 Then Jesus said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you,
READ. Ask God to speak to you
unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His
through His Word. Read these blood, you have no life in you. 54 Whoever eats My flesh and
verses slowly. Take special notice drinks My blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the
of any phrase or idea that seems last day. 55 For My flesh is food indeed, and My blood is drink
particularly important. Reread indeed. 56 He who eats My flesh and drinks My blood abides
the verses as necessary. in Me, and I in him. 57 As the living Father sent Me, and I live
because of the Father, so he who feeds on Me will live because
MEDITATE. Dwell on Peter’s of Me. 58 This is the bread which came down from heaven—­
confession: “You are the Christ,
not as your fathers ate the manna, and are dead. He who eats
the Son of the living God” (v. 69).
this bread will live forever.”
How would you rephrase it in
your own words? How has know­
59 These things He said in the synagogue as He taught in
ing Christ changed you?
Capernaum.

PRAY. Take your thoughts to God MANY DISCIPLES TURN AWAY

in prayer. Feel free to wrestle 60 Therefore many of His disciples, when they heard this,
with Him. What is your response said, “This is a hard saying; who can understand it?”
to Jesus’ question in verse 67? 61 When Jesus knew in Himself that His disciples com-
CONTEMPLATE. Even if we don’t plained about this, He said to them, “Does this offend you?
understand all of God’s tenets, 62 What then if you should see the Son of Man ascend where
obedience often brings clarity He was before? 63 It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh prof-
later. In faith, receive Jesus’ words its nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they
as spirit and life (v. 63). are life. 64 But there are some of you who do not believe.” For
1593 John 7:22

Jesus knew from the beginning who they were who did not
believe, and who would betray Him. 65 And He said, “There-
fore I have said to you that no one can come to Me unless it
has been granted to him by My Father.”
66 From that time many of His disciples went back and
walked with Him no more. 67 Then Jesus said to the twelve,
“Do you also want to go away?”
68 But Simon Peter answered Him, “Lord, to whom shall
we go? You have the words of eternal life. 69 Also we have
come to believe and know that You are the Christ, the Son of
the living God.”
70 Jesus answered them, “Did I not choose you, the twelve,
and one of you is a devil?” 71 He spoke of Judas Iscariot, the
son of Simon, for it was he who would betray Him, being one
of the twelve.

JESUS’ BROTHERS DISBELIEVE

7 After these things Jesus walked in Galilee; for He did not

want to walk in Judea, because the Jews sought to kill
Him. 2 Now the Jews’ Feast of Tabernacles was at hand. 3 His
brothers therefore said to Him, “Depart from here and go
into Judea, that Your disciples also may see the works that
You are doing. 4 For no one does anything in secret while he
himself seeks to be known openly. If You do these things,
show Yourself to the world.” 5 For even His brothers did not
believe in Him.
6 Then Jesus said to them, “My time has not yet come, but
your time is always ready. 7 The world cannot hate you, but it
hates Me because I testify of it that its works are evil. 8 You
go up to this feast. I am not yet going up to this feast, for My
time has not yet fully come.” 9 When He had said these things
to them, He remained in Galilee.

THE HEAVENLY SCHOLAR

JOURNAL
10 But when His brothers had gone up, then He also went
up to the feast, not openly, but as it were in secret. 11 Then John 7:10–15
the Jews sought Him at the feast, and said, “Where is He?” PREPARE YOUR HEART.
12 And there was much complaining among the people con-
Open yourself to God’s presence.
cerning Him. Some said, “He is good”; others said, “No, on the
Ask God to speak to you and to
contrary, He deceives the people.” 13 However, no one spoke
reveal Himself through His Word.
openly of Him for fear of the Jews.
Then read the passage.
14 Now about the middle of the feast Jesus went up into
the temple and taught. 15 And the Jews marveled, saying, REFLECT AND WRITE.
“How does this Man know letters, having never studied?” • Describe the different opinions
16 Jesus answered them and said, “My doctrine is not people had about Jesus. Why
Mine, but His who sent Me. 17 If anyone wills to do His will, he do you think people disagreed
shall know concerning the doctrine, whether it is from God or so much about Him?
whether I speak on My own authority. 18 He who speaks from • According to verses 14–15, why
himself seeks his own glory; but He who seeks the glory of did people marvel at Jesus?
the One who sent Him is true, and no unrighteousness is in • What do you do when people
Him. 19 Did not Moses give you the law, yet none of you keeps have different opinions about
the law? Why do you seek to kill Me?” Jesus than you do? Is your
20 The people answered and said, “You have a demon. tendency to argue, stay quiet,
Who is seeking to kill You?” or engage them in a respectful
21 Jesus answered and said to them, “I did one work, and conversation about what God’s
you all marvel. 22 Moses therefore gave you circumcision (not Word says about Jesus?
John 7:23 1594

that it is from Moses, but from the fathers), and you circum-
cise a man on the Sabbath. 23 If a man receives circumcision
on the Sabbath, so that the law of Moses should not be bro-
ken, are you angry with Me because I made a man completely
well on the Sabbath? 24 Do not judge according to appearance,
but judge with righteous judgment.”

COULD THIS BE THE CHRIST?

25 Now some of them from Jerusalem said, “Is this not He
whom they seek to kill? 26 But look! He speaks boldly, and they
say nothing to Him. Do the rulers know indeed that this is
truly the Christ? 27 However, we know where this Man is from;
but when the Christ comes, no one knows where He is from.”
28 Then Jesus cried out, as He taught in the temple, say-
ing, “You both know Me, and you know where I am from; and
I have not come of Myself, but He who sent Me is true, whom
you do not know. 29 But I know Him, for I am from Him, and
He sent Me.”
30 Therefore they sought to take Him; but no one laid
a hand on Him, because His hour had not yet come. 31 And
many of the people believed in Him, and said, “When the
Christ comes, will He do more signs than these which this
Man has done?”

JESUS AND THE RELIGIOUS LEADERS

32 The Pharisees heard the crowd murmuring these things
concerning Him, and the Pharisees and the chief priests sent
officers to take Him. 33 Then Jesus said to them, “I shall be
with you a little while longer, and then I go to Him who sent
Me. 34 You will seek Me and not find Me, and where I am you
CONTEMPLATE
cannot come.”
John 7:37–39 35 Then the Jews said among themselves, “Where does He
intend to go that we shall not find Him? Does He intend to
READ. Ask God to speak to you
go to the Dispersion among the Greeks and teach the Greeks?
through His Word. Read these
verses on the promise of the
36 What is this thing that He said, ‘You will seek Me and not
Holy Spirit. Try to picture as find Me, and where I am you cannot come’?”
much detail as you can.
THE PROMISE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
MEDITATE. Which details cap­ 37 On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood
tured your attention? Perhaps and cried out, saying, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me
you noticed that Jesus “cried and drink. 38 He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said,
out” (v. 37) or that a heart can
out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” 39 But this He
flow with living water (vv. 37–38).
spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him
PRAY. Take your meditations to would receive; for the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because
God. Recount to Him anything Jesus was not yet glorified.
about His Son that brings you a
sense of wonder. Allow time for WHO IS HE?
Him to respond. 40 Therefore many from the crowd, when they heard this
CONTEMPLATE. Hebrews 1:3
saying, said, “Truly this is the Prophet.” 41 Others said, “This
tells us that Jesus is the bright­ is the Christ.”
ness of God’s glory and that He But some said, “Will the Christ come out of Galilee? 42 Has
sits “at the right hand of the not the Scripture said that the Christ comes from the seed of
Majesty on high.” Dwell on the David and from the town of Bethlehem, where David was?”
thought of Him seated there. 43 So there was a division among the people because of Him.
Thank Him for pouring living wa­ 44 Now some of them wanted to take Him, but no one laid
ter into you. hands on Him.
1595 John 8:17

REJECTED BY THE AUTHORITIES PICTURE IT

45 Then the officers came to the chief priests and Phar- John 8:1–12
isees, who said to them, “Why have you not brought Him?”
46 The officers answered, “No man ever spoke like this PREPARE. Quiet yourself and
Man!” ask God to prepare your heart
47 Then the Pharisees answered them, “Are you also de- and guide your imagination.
ceived? 48 Have any of the rulers or the Pharisees believed PICTURE. Picture Jesus teach­
in Him? 49 But this crowd that does not know the law is ac- ing in the temple. As He finishes,
cursed.” a woman caught in the act of
50 Nicodemus (he who came to Jesus by night, being one adultery is brought before Him.
of them) said to them, 51 “Does our law judge a man before it Imagine being there when this
hears him and knows what he is doing?” happens. What are people say­
52 They answered and said to him, “Are you also from Gali- ing? How does the crowd react?
lee? Search and look, for no prophet has arisen out of Galilee.” Imagine the juxtaposition of
Jesus ignoring them so that they
AN ADULTERESS FACES THE have to continue to ask (v. 7).
LIGHT OF THE WORLD How does the woman react?
53 And everyone went to his own house. The scribes and Pharisees are

8
interested not in justice or righ­
But Jesus went to the Mount of Olives.
teousness but rather in trapping
2 Now early in the morning He came again into the tem-
Jesus (v. 6). What do Jesus’ words
ple, and all the people came to Him; and He sat down and
in verse 10 sound like? Can you
taught them. 3 Then the scribes and Pharisees brought to Him hear the authority behind them?
a woman caught in adultery. And when they had set her in the
midst, 4 they said to Him, “Teacher, this woman was caught in PRAY. Imagine Jesus saying
adultery, in the very act. 5 Now Moses, in the law, commanded verse 10 directly to you; then
us that such should be stoned. But what do You say?” 6 This respond to Him in prayer. Try to
they said, testing Him, that they might have something of name and repent of the corpo­
which to accuse Him. But Jesus stooped down and wrote on rate or individual sins that come
to mind. Ask God to bring you
the ground with His finger, as though He did not hear.
into the light (v. 12).
7 So when they continued asking Him, He raised Himself
up and said to them, “He who is without sin among you, let
him throw a stone at her first.” 8 And again He stooped down
and wrote on the ground. 9 Then those who heard it, being
convicted by their conscience, went out one by one, begin-
ning with the oldest even to the last. And Jesus was left alone,
and the woman standing in the midst. 10 When Jesus had
raised Himself up and saw no one but the woman, He said to
her, “Woman, where are those accusers of yours? Has no one
condemned you?”
11 She said, “No one, Lord.”
And Jesus said to her, “Neither do I condemn you; go and
sin no more.”
12 Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light
of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness,
but have the light of life.”

JESUS DEFENDS HIS SELF-­WITNESS

13 The Pharisees therefore said to Him, “You bear witness
of Yourself; Your witness is not true.”
14 Jesus answered and said to them, “Even if I bear wit-
ness of Myself, My witness is true, for I know where I came
from and where I am going; but you do not know where I
come from and where I am going. 15 You judge according to
the flesh; I judge no one. 16 And yet if I do judge, My judgment
is true; for I am not alone, but I am with the Father who sent
Me. 17 It is also written in your law that the testimony of two
John 8:18 1596
PRAYING men is true. 18 I am One who bears witness of Myself, and the
SCRIPTURE Father who sent Me bears witness of Me.”
John 8:23–25 19 Then they said to Him, “Where is Your Father?”
Jesus answered, “You know neither Me nor My Father. If
Who are you? That was the ques­
you had known Me, you would have known My Father also.”
tion the Jews asked Jesus. Jesus
20 These words Jesus spoke in the treasury, as He taught
told them the truth about His
in the temple; and no one laid hands on Him, for His hour
identity: He was from above and
not of this world (v. 23). He could
had not yet come.
forgive their sins, thereby iden­
tifying Himself as God (v. 24). JESUS PREDICTS HIS DEPARTURE
Jesus also told the Jews about 21 Then Jesus said to them again, “I am going away, and
their identity: they were of this you will seek Me, and will die in your sin. Where I go you can-
world, from below (v. 23). And, not come.”
He said, they were dead in their 22 So the Jews said, “Will He kill Himself, because He says,
sins unless they believed in Him ‘Where I go you cannot come’?”
(v. 24). 23 And He said to them, “You are from beneath; I am from
How would you answer the above. You are of this world; I am not of this world. 24 There-
question Who are you? Some fore I said to you that you will die in your sins; for if you do
people define themselves ac­ not believe that I am He, you will die in your sins.”
cording to ethnicity, profession, 25 Then they said to Him, “Who are You?”
family name, education, or tal­ And Jesus said to them, “Just what I have been saying to
ents. But those who have ac­
you from the beginning. 26 I have many things to say and to
cepted Jesus are God’s children
judge concerning you, but He who sent Me is true; and I speak
(John 1:12). As you pray, thank
to the world those things which I heard from Him.”
God for adopting you as His
child. Pray that He would help
27 They did not understand that He spoke to them of the
you live each day according to
Father.
your identity, as Jesus did. 28 Then Jesus said to them, “When you lift up the Son of
Man, then you will know that I am He, and that I do nothing
of Myself; but as My Father taught Me, I speak these things.
29 And He who sent Me is with Me. The Father has not left Me
alone, for I always do those things that please Him.” 30 As He
spoke these words, many believed in Him.

THE TRUTH SHALL MAKE YOU FREE

31 Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you
abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. 32 And you
shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
33 They answered Him, “We are Abraham’s descendants,
and have never been in bondage to anyone. How can You say,
‘You will be made free’?”
34 Jesus answered them, “Most assuredly, I say to you,
whoever commits sin is a slave of sin. 35 And a slave does not
abide in the house forever, but a son abides forever. 36 There-
fore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.

ABRAHAM’S SEED AND SATAN’S

37 “I know that you are Abraham’s descendants, but you
seek to kill Me, because My word has no place in you. 38 I
speak what I have seen with My Father, and you do what you
have seen with your father.”
39 They answered and said to Him, “Abraham is our fa-
ther.”
Jesus said to them, “If you were Abraham’s children, you
would do the works of Abraham. 40 But now you seek to kill
Me, a Man who has told you the truth which I heard from God.
Abraham did not do this. 41 You do the deeds of your father.”
1597 John 9:7

Then they said to Him, “We were not born of fornication; JOURNAL
we have one Father—­God.” John 8:42–47
42 Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would
love Me, for I proceeded forth and came from God; nor have PREPARE YOUR HEART.
I come of Myself, but He sent Me. 43 Why do you not under- Open yourself to God’s presence.
stand My speech? Because you are not able to listen to My Ask God to speak to you and to
word. 44 You are of your father the devil, and the desires of reveal Himself through His Word.
your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the be- Then read the passage.
ginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no REFLECT AND WRITE.
truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own
• Even though the Jews claimed
resources, for he is a liar and the father of it. 45 But because I
God was their father, who did
tell the truth, you do not believe Me. 46 Which of you convicts Jesus say was their father (see
Me of sin? And if I tell the truth, why do you not believe Me? v. 44)? Why did He say this (see
47 He who is of God hears God’s words; therefore you do not v. 42)? Who did Jesus say is
hear, because you are not of God.” the father of lies (see v. 44)? In
verse 45, why did Jesus say the
BEFORE ABRAHAM WAS, I AM Jews don’t believe Him?
48 Then the Jews answered and said to Him, “Do we not • How can verse 47 help you
say rightly that You are a Samaritan and have a demon?” understand why some people
49 Jesus answered, “I do not have a demon; but I honor don’t hear God’s words? How
My Father, and you dishonor Me. 50 And I do not seek My own does this verse challenge you?
glory; there is One who seeks and judges. 51 Most assuredly, I
say to you, if anyone keeps My word he shall never see death.”
52 Then the Jews said to Him, “Now we know that You have
a demon! Abraham is dead, and the prophets; and You say,
‘If anyone keeps My word he shall never taste death.’ 53 Are
You greater than our father Abraham, who is dead? And the
prophets are dead. Who do You make Yourself out to be?”
54 Jesus answered, “If I honor Myself, My honor is noth- CONTEMPLATE
ing. It is My Father who honors Me, of whom you say that He John 9:1–12
is your God. 55 Yet you have not known Him, but I know Him.
READ. Before you read, take a
And if I say, ‘I do not know Him,’ I shall be a liar like you; but
moment to thank God for His
I do know Him and keep His word. 56 Your father Abraham
Word. Look for a word, a phrase,
rejoiced to see My day, and he saw it and was glad.”
or an idea that stands out. Con­
57 Then the Jews said to Him, “You are not yet fifty years sider “revealed” (v. 3), “I am the
old, and have You seen Abraham?” light of the world” (v. 5), or “He
58 Jesus said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, before anointed the eyes of the blind
Abraham was, I AM.” man with the clay” (v. 6).
59 Then they took up stones to throw at Him; but Jesus hid
Himself and went out of the temple, going through the midst MEDITATE. Why did the word,
of them, and so passed by. phrase, or idea catch your atten­
tion? Can you relate something
in your life, your calling, or your
A MAN BORN BLIND RECEIVES SIGHT

9
culture to your meditation?
Now as Jesus passed by, He saw a man who was blind
from birth. 2 And His disciples asked Him, saying, “Rabbi, PRAY. Take your gleanings to
who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” God in prayer. Be encouraged
3 Jesus answered, “Neither this man nor his parents that no detail is too small to talk
sinned, but that the works of God should be revealed in him. over with Him.
4 I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; CONTEMPLATE. Jesus is “the
the night is coming when no one can work. 5 As long as I am same yesterday, today, and for­
in the world, I am the light of the world.” ever” (Heb. 13:8). Even now He is
6 When He had said these things, He spat on the ground willing and able to give sight to
and made clay with the saliva; and He anointed the eyes of the blind. Ask the Lord for eyes
the blind man with the clay. 7 And He said to him, “Go, wash to see and ears to hear when you
in the pool of Siloam” (which is translated, Sent). So he went read His Word or listen to it be­
and washed, and came back seeing. ing preached.
John 9:8 1598

8 Therefore the neighbors and those who previously

had seen that he was blind said, “Is not this he who sat and
begged?”
9 Some said, “This is he.” Others said, “He is like him.”
He said, “I am he.”
10 Therefore they said to him, “How were your eyes
opened?”
11 He answered and said, “A Man called Jesus made clay
and anointed my eyes and said to me, ‘Go to the pool of Si-
loam and wash.’ So I went and washed, and I received sight.”
12 Then they said to him, “Where is He?”
He said, “I do not know.”

THE PHARISEES EXCOMMUNICATE

THE HEALED MAN
13 They brought him who formerly was blind to the Phar-
isees. 14 Now it was a Sabbath when Jesus made the clay and
opened his eyes. 15 Then the Pharisees also asked him again
how he had received his sight. He said to them, “He put clay
on my eyes, and I washed, and I see.”
16 Therefore some of the Pharisees said, “This Man is not
from God, because He does not keep the Sabbath.”
Others said, “How can a man who is a sinner do such
signs?” And there was a division among them.
17 They said to the blind man again, “What do you say
about Him because He opened your eyes?”
He said, “He is a prophet.”
18 But the Jews did not believe concerning him, that he
had been blind and received his sight, until they called the
parents of him who had received his sight. 19 And they asked
them, saying, “Is this your son, who you say was born blind?
How then does he now see?”
20 His parents answered them and said, “We know that
this is our son, and that he was born blind; 21 but by what
means he now sees we do not know, or who opened his eyes
we do not know. He is of age; ask him. He will speak for him-
self.” 22 His parents said these things because they feared the
Jews, for the Jews had agreed already that if anyone con-
fessed that He was Christ, he would be put out of the syna-
gogue. 23 Therefore his parents said, “He is of age; ask him.”
24 So they again called the man who was blind, and said to
him, “Give God the glory! We know that this Man is a sinner.”
25 He answered and said, “Whether He is a sinner or not I
do not know. One thing I know: that though I was blind, now
I see.”
26 Then they said to him again, “What did He do to you?
How did He open your eyes?”
27 He answered them, “I told you already, and you did not
listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you also want to
become His disciples?”
28 Then they reviled him and said, “You are His disciple,
but we are Moses’ disciples. 29 We know that God spoke to
Moses; as for this fellow, we do not know where He is from.”
30 The man answered and said to them, “Why, this is a
marvelous thing, that you do not know where He is from; yet
He has opened my eyes! 31 Now we know that God does not
1599 John 10:16

hear sinners; but if anyone is a worshiper of God and does PRAYING

His will, He hears him. 32 Since the world began it has been SCRIPTURE
unheard of that anyone opened the eyes of one who was born John 9:35–39
blind. 33 If this Man were not from God, He could do nothing.”
After Jesus healed a blind man,
34 They answered and said to him, “You were completely
the Pharisees grilled the man
born in sins, and are you teaching us?” And they cast him out.
about how it could have hap­
pened. The man told the truth, but
TRUE VISION AND TRUE BLINDNESS they threw him out of the temple.
35 Jesus heard that they had cast him out; and when He Jesus found the man (v. 35) and
had found him, He said to him, “Do you believe in the Son talked to him about faith in God.
of God?” As the man saw that Jesus was
36 He answered and said, “Who is He, Lord, that I may God’s Son, he worshiped. Thus the
believe in Him?” blind man gained both his phys­
37 And Jesus said to him, “You have both seen Him and it ical sight and his spiritual sight.
is He who is talking with you.” The Pharisees, however, remained
38 Then he said, “Lord, I believe!” And he worshiped Him. in spiritual blindness (vv. 39–41).
39 And Jesus said, “For judgment I have come into this What does this story of heal­
world, that those who do not see may see, and that those who ing and redemption say about
see may be made blind.” the natural state of a human
40 Then some of the Pharisees who were with Him heard being? Notice that the Pharisees
these words, and said to Him, “Are we blind also?” thought their vision was perfect.
How can we be sure we are see­
41 Jesus said to them, “If you were blind, you would have
ing with clear spiritual vision?
no sin; but now you say, ‘We see.’ Therefore your sin remains.
Ask God to show you any planks
that may be clouding your eye­
JESUS THE TRUE SHEPHERD

10
sight (Matt. 7:3–5).
“Most assuredly, I say to you, he who does not enter
the sheepfold by the door, but climbs up some other
way, the same is a thief and a robber. 2 But he who enters by
the door is the shepherd of the sheep. 3 To him the door-
keeper opens, and the sheep hear his voice; and he calls his PICTURE IT
own sheep by name and leads them out. 4 And when he brings
out his own sheep, he goes before them; and the sheep follow John 10:1–10
him, for they know his voice. 5 Yet they will by no means fol- PREPARE. Quiet yourself and
low a stranger, but will flee from him, for they do not know ask God to prepare your heart
the voice of strangers.” 6 Jesus used this illustration, but they and guide your imagination.
did not understand the things which He spoke to them.
PICTURE. What sort of door do
you imagine Jesus being? Is it
JESUS THE GOOD SHEPHERD strong and secure or broken
7 Then Jesus said to them again, “Most assuredly, I say to down? Jesus says He is the door
you, I am the door of the sheep. 8 All who ever came before Me that protects His flock from
are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not hear them. 9 I thieves and robbers. He also
am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will says that He is the way to the
go in and out and find pasture. 10 The thief does not come ex- pasture and that His sheep re­
cept to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they spond when He calls. Picture the
may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. safe, bountiful pastures that God
11 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His has provided for you. What do
life for the sheep. 12 But a hireling, he who is not the shepherd, they look like? Do you feel safe
one who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and in them? How do you respond
leaves the sheep and flees; and the wolf catches the sheep and when other people talk of other
scatters them. 13 The hireling flees because he is a hireling “doors” that lead into the pas­
and does not care about the sheep. 14 I am the good shepherd; ture of God’s presence?
and I know My sheep, and am known by My own. 15 As the Fa- PRAY. Thank God for His pro­
ther knows Me, even so I know the Father; and I lay down My tection and care. Celebrate that
life for the sheep. 16 And other sheep I have which are not of only through Jesus can someone
this fold; them also I must bring, and they will hear My voice; be brought into God’s family and
and there will be one flock and one shepherd. find abundant life (v. 10).
John 10:17 1600
PRAYING 17 “Therefore My Father loves Me, because I lay down My
SCRIPTURE life that I may take it again. 18 No one takes it from Me, but I
John 10:22–31 lay it down of Myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have
power to take it again. This command I have received from
At the Feast of Dedication, the
My Father.”
Jews questioned Jesus about
19 Therefore there was a division again among the Jews
His identity. Despite His many
because of these sayings. 20 And many of them said, “He has
attempts to show Himself as
the Son of God, they continued
a demon and is mad. Why do you listen to Him?”
to reject Him. In this case Jesus 21 Others said, “These are not the words of one who has a
told them that He and the Father demon. Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?”
were one (v. 30). When He identi­
fied Himself as God in the flesh, THE SHEPHERD KNOWS HIS SHEEP
they tried to stone Him. 22 Now it was the Feast of Dedication in Jerusalem, and it
Why do you think the Jews was winter. 23 And Jesus walked in the temple, in Solomon’s
wanted to kill Him? Reflect on porch. 24 Then the Jews surrounded Him and said to Him,
the opposition Jesus faced. As a “How long do You keep us in doubt? If You are the Christ, tell
follower of Christ, such opposi­ us plainly.”
tion might also be part of your 25 Jesus answered them, “I told you, and you do not be-
life. Ask God for the faith to face lieve. The works that I do in My Father’s name, they bear wit-
those challenges in a way that ness of Me. 26 But you do not believe, because you are not of
brings glory to Him. My sheep, as I said to you. 27 My sheep hear My voice, and I
know them, and they follow Me. 28 And I give them eternal
life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch
them out of My hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to Me,
is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My
Father’s hand. 30 I and My Father are one.”

RENEWED EFFORTS TO STONE JESUS

31 Then the Jews took up stones again to stone Him.
32 Jesus answered them, “Many good works I have shown you
from My Father. For which of those works do you stone Me?”
33 The Jews answered Him, saying, “For a good work we
do not stone You, but for blasphemy, and because You, being
a Man, make Yourself God.”
34 Jesus answered them, “Is it not written in your law, ‘I
said, “You are gods” ’? 35 If He called them gods, to whom the
word of God came (and the Scripture cannot be broken), 36 do
you say of Him whom the Father sanctified and sent into the
world, ‘You are blaspheming,’ because I said, ‘I am the Son of
God’? 37 If I do not do the works of My Father, do not believe

ENGAGE THROUGH ART

THE SHEEPFOLD, MOONLIGHT BY JEAN-­F RANÇOIS MILLET

Moonlight streams across a flock of sheep as a shepherd guides the animals into a pen. In this oil paint­
ing, Jean-­François Millet (1814–1875) emphasized the lonely, late-­night work of the shepherd. Shown as a
faceless silhouette, the shepherd dedicates himself to caring for the sheep. The painting demonstrates
Millet’s intimate knowledge of a shepherd’s life. Born in rural France in 1814, he labored with his father
on a farm until age eighteen. Although he worked as an artist in Paris, many of his paintings portray
nineteenth-­century rural life.
Read John 10:1–21. Jesus is our Good Shepherd, laying down His life for us. We find peace and direc­
tion by listening to His voice. We can always trust Him, and He cares for us tenderly and faithfully. Even
in the dark, His voice will guide us.

Jean-­Francois Millet, The Sheepfold, Moonlight, 1856–1860, Oil on Panel

John 10:38 1602

Me; 38 but if I do, though you do not believe Me, believe the
works, that you may know and believe that the Father is in Me,
and I in Him.” 39 Therefore they sought again to seize Him,
but He escaped out of their hand.

THE BELIEVERS BEYOND JORDAN

40 And He went away again beyond the Jordan to the place
where John was baptizing at first, and there He stayed. 41 Then
many came to Him and said, “John performed no sign, but all
the things that John spoke about this Man were true.” 42 And
many believed in Him there.

THE DEATH OF LAZARUS

11 Now a certain man was sick, Lazarus of Bethany, the town

of Mary and her sister Martha. 2 It was that Mary who
anointed the Lord with fragrant oil and wiped His feet with her
hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick. 3 Therefore the sisters
sent to Him, saying, “Lord, behold, he whom You love is sick.”
4 When Jesus heard that, He said, “This sickness is not
unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God may
be glorified through it.”
5 Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. 6 So,
when He heard that he was sick, He stayed two more days in
the place where He was. 7 Then after this He said to the disci-
ples, “Let us go to Judea again.”
8 The disciples said to Him, “Rabbi, lately the Jews sought
to stone You, and are You going there again?”
9 Jesus answered, “Are there not twelve hours in the day?
If anyone walks in the day, he does not stumble, because he
sees the light of this world. 10 But if one walks in the night,
he stumbles, because the light is not in him.” 11 These things
He said, and after that He said to them, “Our friend Lazarus
JOURNAL sleeps, but I go that I may wake him up.”
12 Then His disciples said, “Lord, if he sleeps he will get
John 11:17–44 well.” 13 However, Jesus spoke of his death, but they thought
PREPARE YOUR HEART. that He was speaking about taking rest in sleep.
Open yourself to God’s presence.
14 Then Jesus said to them plainly, “Lazarus is dead. 15 And
Ask God to speak to you and to I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, that you may
reveal Himself through His Word. believe. Nevertheless let us go to him.”
Then read the passage. 16 Then Thomas, who is called the Twin, said to his fellow
disciples, “Let us also go, that we may die with Him.”
REFLECT AND WRITE.
• How do Martha’s statements in I AM THE RESURRECTION AND THE LIFE
verses 21–22 demonstrate her 17 So when Jesus came, He found that he had already been
faith in Jesus’ power? in the tomb four days. 18 Now Bethany was near Jerusalem,
• How do verses 25–26 hint at about two miles away. 19 And many of the Jews had joined the
what Jesus will do in verses women around Martha and Mary, to comfort them concern-
38–44? ing their brother.
• How does Jesus’ statement 20 Then Martha, as soon as she heard that Jesus was com-
bring you hope (see vv. 25–26)? ing, went and met Him, but Mary was sitting in the house.
• What difference does believing 21 Now Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if You had been here, my
in the promise of verse 26 brother would not have died. 22 But even now I know that
make in your life? Write down whatever You ask of God, God will give You.”
some ways your life has 23 Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.”
changed through your belief in 24 Martha said to Him, “I know that he will rise again in
eternal life through Jesus. the resurrection at the last day.”
1603 John 11:48

25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He PICTURE IT

who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. 26 And John 11:35–44
whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you be-
lieve this?” PREPARE. Quiet yourself and
27 She said to Him, “Yes, Lord, I believe that You are the ask God to prepare your heart
Christ, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.” and guide your imagination.

PICTURE. Pause and imagine

JESUS AND DEATH, THE LAST ENEMY you can see Jesus weeping.
28 And when she had said these things, she went her way Watch Him cry over the evil of
and secretly called Mary her sister, saying, “The Teacher has death and the loss of His friend
come and is calling for you.” 29 As soon as she heard that, Lazarus. Perhaps as He cries He
she arose quickly and came to Him. 30 Now Jesus had not yet comforts Mary and their genuine
come into the town, but was in the place where Martha met sobs mingle together and affect
Him. 31 Then the Jews who were with her in the house, and those watching. As a few in the
comforting her, when they saw that Mary rose up quickly and crowd grumble, they all, Martha
went out, followed her, saying, “She is going to the tomb to included, make their way to the
weep there.” tomb of Lazarus. Now see the
32 Then, when Mary came where Jesus was, and saw Him, scuffle as Jesus has the stone
removed. Are you close enough
she fell down at His feet, saying to Him, “Lord, if You had
to smell the decay? Imagine
been here, my brother would not have died.”
watching Jesus pray and com­
33 Therefore, when Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews
mand Lazarus to come out.
who came with her weeping, He groaned in the spirit and was How do you feel as Lazarus ac­
troubled. 34 And He said, “Where have you laid him?” tually comes out? Are you brave
They said to Him, “Lord, come and see.” enough to approach Lazarus to
35 Jesus wept. 36 Then the Jews said, “See how He loved remove his graveclothes?
him!”
37 And some of them said, “Could not this Man, who PRAY. Respond to God in prayer
opened the eyes of the blind, also have kept this man from by sharing your thoughts and re­
actions to the raising of Lazarus.
dying?”
Thank God for His honest sorrow
and mastery over death.
LAZARUS RAISED FROM THE DEAD
38 Then Jesus, again groaning in Himself, came to the
tomb. It was a cave, and a stone lay against it. 39 Jesus said,
“Take away the stone.”
Martha, the sister of him who was dead, said to Him,
“Lord, by this time there is a stench, for he has been dead
four days.”
40 Jesus said to her, “Did I not say to you that if you would
believe you would see the glory of God?” 41 Then they took
away the stone from the place where the dead man was lying.
And Jesus lifted up His eyes and said, “Father, I thank You
that You have heard Me. 42 And I know that You always hear
Me, but because of the people who are standing by I said this,
that they may believe that You sent Me.” 43 Now when He had
said these things, He cried with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come
forth!” 44 And he who had died came out bound hand and
foot with graveclothes, and his face was wrapped with a cloth.
Jesus said to them, “Loose him, and let him go.”

THE PLOT TO KILL JESUS

45 Then many of the Jews who had come to Mary, and had
seen the things Jesus did, believed in Him. 46 But some of
them went away to the Pharisees and told them the things
Jesus did. 47 Then the chief priests and the Pharisees gath-
ered a council and said, “What shall we do? For this Man
works many signs. 48 If we let Him alone like this, everyone
John 11:49 1604
CONTEMPLATE will b
­ elieve in Him, and the Romans will come and take away
John 11:49–52 both our place and nation.”
49 And one of them, Caiaphas, being high priest that year,
READ. Read the high priest’s said to them, “You know nothing at all, 50 nor do you consider
prophetic response to Jesus, that it is expedient for us that one man should die for the peo-
whom the Jewish leadership ple, and not that the whole nation should perish.” 51 Now this
considered a threat and trou­ he did not say on his own authority; but being high priest that
blemaker. If it’s helpful, read the year he prophesied that Jesus would die for the nation, 52 and
verses aloud to dramatize the
not for that nation only, but also that He would gather to-
event. Look for a word or phrase
gether in one the children of God who were scattered abroad.
that captures your attention.
53 Then, from that day on, they plotted to put Him to
MEDITATE. Which word or death. 54 Therefore Jesus no longer walked openly among the
phrase stood out to you? Does Jews, but went from there into the country near the wilder-
it spark a connection with your ness, to a city called Ephraim, and there remained with His
life? Write your reflections on disciples.
paper, if that’s helpful. 55 And the Passover of the Jews was near, and many
PRAY. Quiet your mind and take went from the country up to Jerusalem before the Passover,
your meditations and questions to purify themselves. 56 Then they sought Jesus, and spoke
to God in prayer. Allow Him time among themselves as they stood in the temple, “What do you
to respond. think—­that He will not come to the feast?” 57 Now both the
chief priests and the Pharisees had given a command, that
CONTEMPLATE. How are you if anyone knew where He was, he should report it, that they
affected by the Pharisees and
might seize Him.
chief priests’ panic about Jesus?
Thank Jesus for being brave and
THE ANOINTING AT BETHANY

12
self-­sacrificing on your behalf.
Then, six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Beth-
any, where Lazarus was who had been dead, whom He
had raised from the dead. 2 There they made Him a supper;
and Martha served, but Lazarus was one of those who sat at
the table with Him. 3 Then Mary took a pound of very costly
oil of spikenard, anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped His feet
with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of
JOURNAL the oil.
John 12:12–19 4 But one of His disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son,
who would betray Him, said, 5 “Why was this fragrant oil not
PREPARE YOUR HEART.
sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?” 6 This
Open yourself to God’s presence. he said, not that he cared for the poor, but because he was a
Ask God to speak to you and to thief, and had the money box; and he used to take what was
reveal Himself through His Word.
put in it.
Then read the passage.
7 But Jesus said, “Let her alone; she has kept this for the
REFLECT AND WRITE. day of My burial. 8 For the poor you have with you always, but
• How does the people’s re­ Me you do not have always.”
sponse to the news of Lazarus’s
resurrection compare to THE PLOT TO KILL LAZARUS
the Pharisees’ response (see 9 Now a great many of the Jews knew that He was there;
vv. 17–19)? and they came, not for Jesus’ sake only, but that they might
• Why do you think the Pharisees also see Lazarus, whom He had raised from the dead. 10 But
didn’t want people following the chief priests plotted to put Lazarus to death also, 11 be-
Jesus? cause on account of him many of the Jews went away and
• When you hear about God believed in Jesus.
performing a miracle or
answering prayer, how do you THE TRIUMPHAL ENTRY
respond? How can you be more 12 The next day a great multitude that had come to the
like Lazarus’s friends (see v. 17) feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem,
when you experience or wit­ 13 took branches of palm trees and went out to meet Him,
ness a miraculous occurrence? and cried out:
1605 John 12:35

“Hosanna!
‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!’
The King of Israel!”

14 Then Jesus, when He had found a young donkey, sat on

it; as it is written:

15 “Fear not, daughter of Zion;

Behold, your King is coming,
Sitting on a donkey’s colt.”

16 His disciples did not understand these things at first;

but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that
these things were written about Him and that they had done
these things to Him.
17 Therefore the people, who were with Him when He
called Lazarus out of his tomb and raised him from the dead,
bore witness. 18 For this reason the people also met Him, be-
cause they heard that He had done this sign. 19 The Pharisees
therefore said among themselves, “You see that you are ac-
complishing nothing. Look, the world has gone after Him!”

THE FRUITFUL GRAIN OF WHEAT

20 Now there were certain Greeks among those who came
up to worship at the feast. 21 Then they came to Philip, who
was from Bethsaida of Galilee, and asked him, saying, “Sir, we
wish to see Jesus.”
22 Philip came and told Andrew, and in turn Andrew and
Philip told Jesus.
23 But Jesus answered them, saying, “The hour has come
that the Son of Man should be glorified. 24 Most assuredly, I
say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and
dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain.
25 He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in
this world will keep it for eternal life. 26 If anyone serves Me,
let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be
also. If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honor.

JESUS PREDICTS HIS DEATH ON THE CROSS

27 “Now My soul is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father,
save Me from this hour’? But for this purpose I came to this
hour. 28 Father, glorify Your name.”
Then a voice came from heaven, saying, “I have both glo-
rified it and will glorify it again.”
29 Therefore the people who stood by and heard it said that
it had thundered. Others said, “An angel has spoken to Him.”
30 Jesus answered and said, “This voice did not come be-
cause of Me, but for your sake. 31 Now is the judgment of this
world; now the ruler of this world will be cast out. 32 And I, if
I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself.”
33 This He said, signifying by what death He would die.
34 The people answered Him, “We have heard from the
law that the Christ remains forever; and how can You say, ‘The
Son of Man must be lifted up’? Who is this Son of Man?”
35 Then Jesus said to them, “A little while longer the light
is with you. Walk while you have the light, lest darkness
John 12:36 1606
PRAYING ­ vertake you; he who walks in darkness does not know where
o
SCRIPTURE he is going. 36 While you have the light, believe in the light,
John 12:37–40 that you may become sons of light.” These things Jesus spoke,
and departed, and was hidden from them.
The people who saw Jesus heal
the sick, feed the hungry, and
WHO HAS BELIEVED OUR REPORT?
raise the dead also heard Him
37 But although He had done so many signs before them,
teach about God’s kingdom. Nev­
ertheless many did not believe in
they did not believe in Him, 38 that the word of Isaiah the
Him (v. 37). The rejection of Jesus prophet might be fulfilled, which he spoke:
was willful. The apostle John
wrote that the people’s willful dis­ “Lord, who has believed our report?
belief gradually made it so they And to whom has the arm of the
could not believe in Jesus (v. 39). Lord been revealed?”
John quoted Isaiah to explain
that the inability to believe came 39 Therefore they could not believe, because Isaiah said
from a hardened heart (v. 40). again:
As you pray, invite God to help
you maintain a healthy, humble 40“He has blinded their eyes and
heart. This begins with a will­ hardened their hearts,
ing surrender of your life to the Lest they should see with their eyes,
lordship of Jesus. Pray also that Lest they should understand with
God would develop and preserve
their hearts and turn,
softhearted people in your work­
So that I should heal them.”
place, community, and family.

41 These things Isaiah said when he saw His glory and spoke
of Him.

WALK IN THE LIGHT

42 Nevertheless even among the rulers many believed in
JOURNAL Him, but because of the Pharisees they did not confess Him,
John 12:42–50 lest they should be put out of the synagogue; 43 for they loved
the praise of men more than the praise of God.
PREPARE YOUR HEART. 44 Then Jesus cried out and said, “He who believes in
Open yourself to God’s presence. Me, believes not in Me but in Him who sent Me. 45 And he
Ask God to speak to you and to who sees Me sees Him who sent Me. 46 I have come as a light
reveal Himself through His Word. into the world, that whoever believes in Me should not abide
Then read the passage. in darkness. 47 And if anyone hears My words and does not
REFLECT AND WRITE. believe, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the
• Why did the rulers who
world but to save the world. 48 He who rejects Me, and does
believed in Jesus remain not receive My words, has that which judges him—­the word
quiet about their belief (see that I have spoken will judge him in the last day. 49 For I have
vv. 42–43)? not spoken on My own authority; but the Father who sent Me
gave Me a command, what I should say and what I should
• In these verses, what claims
did Jesus make about Himself?
speak. 50 And I know that His command is everlasting life.
For example, He said He came Therefore, whatever I speak, just as the Father has told Me,
to save the world, not to judge so I speak.”
it (see v. 47).
JESUS WASHES THE DISCIPLES’ FEET

13
• Examine your heart. Are you
unafraid to let others know you
Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew
believe in Jesus Christ? Or do that His hour had come that He should depart from
you care more about receiving this world to the Father, having loved His own who were in
approval from people than the world, He loved them to the end.
pleasing God (see v. 43)? Ask 2 And supper being ended, the devil having already put it
God to reveal His truth to you; into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray Him,
then confess and repent if you 3 Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into His
need to. hands, and that He had come from God and was going to
1607 John 13:30

God, 4 rose from supper and laid aside His garments, took a CONTEMPLATE
towel and girded Himself. 5 After that, He poured water into a John 13:2–17
basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them
with the towel with which He was girded. 6 Then He came to READ. First, read verses 3–5 and
Simon Peter. And Peter said to Him, “Lord, are You washing allow Jesus’ humility to pene­
my feet?” trate your heart. Then read verses
7 Jesus answered and said to him, “What I am doing you 2–17. Note Jesus’ use of “bathed”
do not understand now, but you will know after this.” (v. 10), “wash” (vv. 8, 10, 12, 14), and
“clean” (vv. 10–11).
8 Peter said to Him, “You shall never wash my feet!”
Jesus answered him, “If I do not wash you, you have no MEDITATE. How does Jesus
part with Me.” differentiate these three words
9 Simon Peter said to Him, “Lord, not my feet only, but associated with cleansing in re­
also my hands and my head!” lation to our inner lives? What
10 Jesus said to him, “He who is bathed needs only to wash insight does Hebrews 10:22 pro­
his feet, but is completely clean; and you are clean, but not all vide? Does an area of your heart
of you.” 11 For He knew who would betray Him; therefore He need to be cleansed from an evil
said, “You are not all clean.” conscience?
12 So when He had washed their feet, taken His garments, PRAY. Do you regularly take time
and sat down again, He said to them, “Do you know what I to let Jesus wash you of your sin?
have done to you? 13 You call Me Teacher and Lord, and you Spend time letting Him do so
say well, for so I am. 14 If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have now. Ask the Spirit to bring things
washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. to mind that you may have over­
15 For I have given you an example, that you should do as I looked.
have done to you. 16 Most assuredly, I say to you, a servant is
CONTEMPLATE. Rest in the love
not greater than his master; nor is he who is sent greater than
and work of Jesus. Consider how
he who sent him. 17 If you know these things, blessed are you you can extend forgiveness to
if you do them. others as a faithful testimony to
Christ, just as you yourself have
JESUS IDENTIFIES HIS BETRAYER been forgiven.
18 “I do not speak concerning all of you. I know whom I
have chosen; but that the Scripture may be fulfilled, ‘He who
eats bread with Me has lifted up his heel against Me.’ 19 Now
I tell you before it comes, that when it does come to pass,
you may believe that I am He. 20 Most assuredly, I say to you,
he who receives whomever I send receives Me; and he who
receives Me receives Him who sent Me.”
21 When Jesus had said these things, He was troubled in
spirit, and testified and said, “Most assuredly, I say to you,
one of you will betray Me.” 22 Then the disciples looked at one
another, perplexed about whom He spoke.
23 Now there was leaning on Jesus’ bosom one of His dis-
ciples, whom Jesus loved. 24 Simon Peter therefore motioned
to him to ask who it was of whom He spoke.
25 Then, leaning back on Jesus’ breast, he said to Him,
“Lord, who is it?”
26 Jesus answered, “It is he to whom I shall give a piece of
bread when I have dipped it.” And having dipped the bread,
He gave it to Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon. 27 Now after the
piece of bread, Satan entered him. Then Jesus said to him,
“What you do, do quickly.” 28 But no one at the table knew
for what reason He said this to him. 29 For some thought, be-
cause Judas had the money box, that Jesus had said to him,
“Buy those things we need for the feast,” or that he should give
something to the poor.
30 Having received the piece of bread, he then went out
immediately. And it was night.
John 13:31 1608
PRAYING THE NEW COMMANDMENT
SCRIPTURE 31 So, when he had gone out, Jesus said, “Now the Son of
John 13:31–35 Man is glorified, and God is glorified in Him. 32 If God is glo-
rified in Him, God will also glorify Him in Himself, and glo-
After the Last Supper, Jesus gave
rify Him immediately. 33 Little children, I shall be with you a
the disciples some final instruc­
little while longer. You will seek Me; and as I said to the Jews,
tions. He wanted them to love
‘Where I am going, you cannot come,’ so now I say to you. 34 A
one another. These were not mere
words. Jesus said He wanted them
new commandment I give to you, that you love one another;
to love one another just as He had as I have loved you, that you also love one another. 35 By this
loved them (v. 34). He wanted all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for
them to live like Him in love, not one another.”
just feel it or talk about it. More­
over, He wanted them to love one JESUS PREDICTS PETER’S DENIAL
another so the world would iden­ 36 Simon Peter said to Him, “Lord, where are You going?”
tify them as His followers (v. 35). Jesus answered him, “Where I am going you cannot fol-
How will people know who low Me now, but you shall follow Me afterward.”
you are? According to this pas­ 37 Peter said to Him, “Lord, why can I not follow You now?
sage, Christians should be known I will lay down my life for Your sake.”
for loving others the way that 38 Jesus answered him, “Will you lay down your life for My
Jesus loves us. As you pray, ask sake? Most assuredly, I say to you, the rooster shall not crow
God to transform your character till you have denied Me three times.
more and more to the likeness
of Jesus, who loved us enough
THE WAY, THE TRUTH, AND THE LIFE

14
to die for us (John 15:13). Ask God
“Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God,
to make your heart overflow with
believe also in Me. 2 In My Father’s house are many
Jesus’ love for others.
mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to pre-
pare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you,
I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am,
there you may be also. 4 And where I go you know, and the
way you know.”
CONTEMPLATE
5 Thomas said to Him, “Lord, we do not know where You
John 14:1–11 are going, and how can we know the way?”
6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.
READ. Ask God to reveal Himself
No one comes to the Father except through Me.
in His Word. Read these verses
and look for repeated words like
“know,” “believe,” and “prepare.” THE FATHER REVEALED
Choose a word or an idea that 7 “If you had known Me, you would have known My Fa-
speaks to you and meditate on it. ther also; and from now on you know Him and have seen
Him.”
MEDITATE. Why is the word or 8 Philip said to Him, “Lord, show us the Father, and it is
idea important to you? What pos­ sufficient for us.”
sible connection does it hold to
9 Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and yet
your life? Does it challenge you,
you have not known Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen
comfort you, or confuse you?
the Father; so how can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? 10 Do you
PRAY. Spend time responding to not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me? The
God in prayer. Share your medi­ words that I speak to you I do not speak on My own authority;
tations on what it means to be but the Father who dwells in Me does the works. 11 Believe Me
able to be in His presence. that I am in the Father and the Father in Me, or else believe
CONTEMPLATE. Reread verses 1–4
Me for the sake of the works themselves.
as if Jesus were speaking directly
to you. Take comfort knowing that THE ANSWERED PRAYER
there is a place Jesus Himself is 12 “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the
preparing just for you. Thank Him works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these
not only for preparing a place but he will do, because I go to My Father. 13 And whatever you ask
also for being the way for you to in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in
access His Father’s presence. the Son. 14 If you ask anything in My name, I will do it.
1609 John 15:7

JESUS PROMISES ANOTHER HELPER JOURNAL

15 “If you love Me, keep My commandments. 16 And I will John 14:19–24
pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that
He may abide with you forever—­17 the Spirit of truth, whom PREPARE YOUR HEART.
the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor Open yourself to God’s presence.
knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and Ask God to speak to you and to
will be in you. 18 I will not leave you orphans; I will come reveal Himself through His Word.
to you. Then read the passage.

REFLECT AND WRITE.

INDWELLING OF THE FATHER AND THE SON
• When people truly love God,
19 “A little while longer and the world will see Me no
what do they do (see vv. 21, 23)?
more, but you will see Me. Because I live, you will live also.
20 At that day you will know that I am in My Father, and you • When you keep God’s com­
mandments (see v. 21), what
in Me, and I in you. 21 He who has My commandments and
does He promise to do? When
keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will
you keep God’s Word (see v. 23),
be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest My-
what does God promise to do?
self to him.”
22 Judas (not Iscariot) said to Him, “Lord, how is it that • Which of God’s commands are
most difficult for you to follow?
You will manifest Yourself to us, and not to the world?”
Spend some time asking God
23 Jesus answered and said to him, “If anyone loves Me, he
to help and strengthen you in
will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will
these areas.
come to him and make Our home with him. 24 He who does
not love Me does not keep My words; and the word which you
hear is not Mine but the Father’s who sent Me.

THE GIFT OF HIS PEACE PRAYING

25 “These things I have spoken to you while being present SCRIPTURE
with you. 26 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father John 14:25–31
will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring
Jesus promised to give His dis­
to your remembrance all things that I said to you. 27 Peace I
ciples His peace (v. 27) and the
leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives
Holy Spirit (v. 26). He encouraged
do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it them not to be discouraged or
be afraid. 28 You have heard Me say to you, ‘I am going away afraid. The Holy Spirit, whom He
and coming back to you.’ If you loved Me, you would rejoice called the Helper (John 14:15),
because I said, ‘I am going to the Father,’ for My Father is would be with them.
greater than I. The word peace can carry
29 “And now I have told you before it comes, that when it different connotations: the ab­
does come to pass, you may believe. 30 I will no longer talk sence of conflict, fear, or anxiety;
much with you, for the ruler of this world is coming, and he a deep awareness of God’s love;
has nothing in Me. 31 But that the world may know that I love self-­
confidence. What kind of
the Father, and as the Father gave Me commandment, so I do. peace do you think Jesus prom­
Arise, let us go from here. ised the disciples? As you pray,
assess whether you are expe­
THE TRUE VINE riencing that peace. If this is a

15 “I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. struggle, ask Him to show you
obstacles that prevent you from
2 Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes
feeling His peace. Tell Jesus what
away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may
is troubling your heart (v. 27) so
bear more fruit. 3 You are already clean because of the word
He can lift your burden (Matt.
which I have spoken to you. 4 Abide in Me, and I in you. As the 11:28–30).
branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine,
neither can you, unless you abide in Me.
5 “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in
Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can
do nothing. 6 If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out
as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw
them into the fire, and they are burned. 7 If you abide in Me,
John 15:8 1610
PICTURE IT and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and
John 15:1–8 it shall be done for you. 8 By this My Father is glorified, that
you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.
PREPARE. Quiet yourself and
ask God to prepare your heart LOVE AND JOY PERFECTED
and guide your imagination. 9 “As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in
PICTURE. Picture a field with My love. 10 If you keep My commandments, you will abide in
plants in neat rows. Now imagine My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and
coming upon a plant laden with abide in His love.
fruit. Notice how just below this 11 “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may
plant there is a dry and brittle remain in you, and that your joy may be full. 12 This is My
dead branch. What’s this branch commandment, that you love one another as I have loved
good for now? As you ponder this, you. 13 Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down
the farmer goes down another one’s life for his friends. 14 You are My friends if you do what-
row with his pruning shears. ever I command you. 15 No longer do I call you servants, for
You’re amazed as he takes a per­ a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have
fectly lovely looking plant and called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father
removes a shocking amount of I have made known to you. 16 You did not choose Me, but I
the foliage and tosses it all into a
chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear
wheelbarrow. From your point of
fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you
view this treatment looks harsh
ask the Father in My name He may give you. 17 These things I
and unnatural, but glancing back
at the fruit-­laden plant near you,
command you, that you love one another.
you can’t argue with his results.
THE WORLD’S HATRED
PRAY. Ask God to prune what He 18 “If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me
needs to in your life. Give Him before it hated you. 19 If you were of the world, the world
your trust, and be confident that would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world,
He knows what needs to stay and but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates
what needs to go
you. 20 Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A servant is
not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they
will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep
yours also. 21 But all these things they will do to you for My
CONTEMPLATE name’s sake, because they do not know Him who sent Me.
John 15:9–17
22 If I had not come and spoken to them, they would have
no sin, but now they have no excuse for their sin. 23 He who
READ. Ask God to speak to you hates Me hates My Father also. 24 If I had not done among
through His Word. Then read them the works which no one else did, they would have no
the verses and note any word sin; but now they have seen and also hated both Me and
or phrase that stands out to My Father. 25 But this happened that the word might be ful-
you. Consider “abide in My love” filled which is written in their law, ‘They hated Me without
(vv. 9–10), “joy” (v. 11), or “friends”
a cause.’
(vv. 13–15).

MEDITATE. Dwell on your word THE COMING REJECTION

or phrase. Search your heart for 26 “But when the Helper comes, whom I shall send to you
meaning. Will you give yourself from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the
space to grow through Jesus’ Father, He will testify of Me. 27 And you also will bear witness,
gentle command? Allow your­ because you have been with Me from the beginning.

16
self time to steep in His words. “These things I have spoken to you, that you should
What will it mean in your life not be made to stumble. 2 They will put you out of the
to love others as Christ has synagogues; yes, the time is coming that whoever kills you
loved you? will think that he offers God service. 3 And these things they
PRAY. Turn verses 9–12 into a will do to you because they have not known the Father nor
prayer: Father, I ask You to help Me. 4 But these things I have told you, that when the time
me abide in Jesus’ love by keep- comes, you may remember that I told you of them.
ing His commandments, just as “And these things I did not say to you at the beginning,
Jesus kept Your commandments. because I was with you.
1611 John 16:28

THE WORK OF THE HOLY SPIRIT Thank You for fullness of joy as I
5 “But now I go away to Him who sent Me, and none of remain in Jesus.
you asks Me, ‘Where are You going?’ 6 But because I have said CONTEMPLATE. Write out verses
these things to you, sorrow has filled your heart. 7 Neverthe- 16 and 17 and personalize them
less I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; with your own name where ap­
for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but propriate.
if I depart, I will send Him to you. 8 And when He has come,
He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and
of judgment: 9 of sin, because they do not believe in Me; 10 of
righteousness, because I go to My Father and you see Me no
more; 11 of judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged. PRAYING
12 “I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot SCRIPTURE
bear them now. 13 However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has
John 16:1–4
come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak
on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; In the middle of hardships and
and He will tell you things to come. 14 He will glorify Me, for suffering, we often wrongly con­
He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you. 15 All things clude that God has abandoned
that the Father has are Mine. Therefore I said that He will take us. We imagine that God will give
of Mine and declare it to you. us idyllic lives, and when that
doesn’t occur, we think God has
not fulfilled His promises. In this
SORROW WILL TURN TO JOY
passage Jesus told His disciples
16 “A little while, and you will not see Me; and again a little
that they would be excluded from
while, and you will see Me, because I go to the Father.”
the synagogue, treated as out­
17 Then some of His disciples said among themselves, casts, and persecuted (v. 2). He
“What is this that He says to us, ‘A little while, and you will told them ahead of time so they
not see Me; and again a little while, and you will see Me’; and, wouldn’t stumble in their faith
‘because I go to the Father’?” 18 They said therefore, “What is due to false expectations (v. 1).
this that He says, ‘A little while’? We do not know what He is What do you expect from
saying.” God? Do your expectations align
19 Now Jesus knew that they desired to ask Him, and He with God’s promises in the Scrip­
said to them, “Are you inquiring among yourselves about tures? As you pray, ask God to
what I said, ‘A little while, and you will not see Me; and again give you courage to stand firm
a little while, and you will see Me’? 20 Most assuredly, I say to in the faith during times of suf­
you that you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice; fering and loss. He promised to
and you will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will be turned into never abandon us (Matt. 28:20),
joy. 21 A woman, when she is in labor, has sorrow because her and He promised that nothing
hour has come; but as soon as she has given birth to the child, could separate us from His love
(Rom. 8:31–39). These are the
she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a human
promises we should expect to
being has been born into the world. 22 Therefore you now
see the Lord fulfill.
have sorrow; but I will see you again and your heart will re-
joice, and your joy no one will take from you.
23 “And in that day you will ask Me nothing. Most as-
sured­ly, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in My name
He will give you. 24 Until now you have asked nothing in My
JOURNAL
name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.
John 16:16–24
JESUS CHRIST HAS OVERCOME THE WORLD PREPARE YOUR HEART.
25 “These things I have spoken to you in figurative lan-
Open yourself to God’s presence.
guage; but the time is coming when I will no longer speak to
Ask God to speak to you and to
you in figurative language, but I will tell you plainly about the
reveal Himself through His Word.
Father. 26 In that day you will ask in My name, and I do not
Then read the passage.
say to you that I shall pray the Father for you; 27 for the Fa-
ther Himself loves you, because you have loved Me, and have REFLECT AND WRITE.
believed that I came forth from God. 28 I came forth from the • How did Jesus confuse the dis­
Father and have come into the world. Again, I leave the world ciples with His words? To which
and go to the Father.” future event was He referring?
John 16:29 1612
• Why did Jesus’ return to the 29 His disciples said to Him, “See, now You are speaking
Father establish our ability to plainly, and using no figure of speech! 30 Now we are sure that
use Jesus’ name in prayer? You know all things, and have no need that anyone should
• Jesus instructed His disciples question You. By this we believe that You came forth from
to ask their requests of God in God.”
Jesus’ name (see vv. 23–24). 31 Jesus answered them, “Do you now believe? 32 Indeed
They would be continuing the hour is coming, yes, has now come, that you will be scat-
Jesus’ work on His behalf after tered, each to his own, and will leave Me alone. And yet I am
He was gone. When you pray not alone, because the Father is with Me. 33 These things I
and ask in Jesus’ name, what have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the
are you asking God? For your
world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have
will—­or His?
overcome the world.”

JESUS PRAYS FOR HIMSELF

17 Jesus spoke these words, lifted up His eyes to heaven,

and said: “Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your
Son, that Your Son also may glorify You, 2 as You have given
PRAYING
SCRIPTURE Him authority over all flesh, that He should give eternal life
to as many as You have given Him. 3 And this is eternal life,
John 17:1–8
that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ
After you read through Jesus’ whom You have sent. 4 I have glorified You on the earth. I
prayers for Himself and for have finished the work which You have given Me to do. 5 And
His disciples, consider putting now, O Father, glorify Me together with Yourself, with the
those words into prayers of your glory which I had with You before the world was.
own. Glorify God by recognizing
Jesus’ authority and kingship
JESUS PRAYS FOR HIS DISCIPLES
(vv. 1–2). Humbly recognize and
6 “I have manifested Your name to the men whom You
rejoice that you’ve been counted
have given Me out of the world. They were Yours, You gave
among those who have been of­
fered eternal life (v. 3). Ask God
them to Me, and they have kept Your word. 7 Now they have
for the strength to manifest known that all things which You have given Me are from You.
Jesus’ name to people you know 8 For I have given to them the words which You have given Me;
(v. 6). Ask God to grow obedience and they have received them, and have known surely that I
and love in your heart and in came forth from You; and they have believed that You sent Me.
the people with whom you fel­ 9 “I pray for them. I do not pray for the world but for those
lowship (v. 6). Affirm your belief whom You have given Me, for they are Yours. 10 And all Mine
in Jesus as the Son of God, and are Yours, and Yours are Mine, and I am glorified in them.
praise Him (v. 8). 11 Now I am no longer in the world, but these are in the world,
and I come to You. Holy Father, keep through Your name
those whom You have given Me, that they may be one as We
are. 12 While I was with them in the world, I kept them in Your
name. Those whom You gave Me I have kept; and none of them
CONTEMPLATE is lost except the son of perdition, that the Scripture might be
fulfilled. 13 But now I come to You, and these things I speak in
John 17:9–19
the world, that they may have My joy fulfilled in themselves.
READ. Jesus prayed for Himself, 14 I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them
the disciples, and future believers because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.
before His betrayal in the Garden 15 I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but
of Gethsemane. Hear Jesus’ heart that You should keep them from the evil one. 16 They are not
for the world, His final prayer, be­ of the world, just as I am not of the world. 17 Sanctify them by
fore the crucifixion. Which word, Your truth. Your word is truth. 18 As You sent Me into the world,
phrase, or verse stands out to you I also have sent them into the world. 19 And for their sakes I
personally in these verses? sanctify Myself, that they also may be sanctified by the truth.
MEDITATE. Meditate on your
word, phrase, or verse in its con­ JESUS PRAYS FOR ALL BELIEVERS
text. Why might the Holy Spirit 20 “I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who
be bringing it to your attention? will believe in Me through their word; 21 that they all may be
1613 John 18:16

one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may PRAY. Take your meditations to
be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. the Father in prayer. Allow Him
22 And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that time to respond. Think of some­
they may be one just as We are one: 23 I in them, and You in one you can encourage with any
Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world newfound understanding.
may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You CONTEMPLATE. Be still and
have loved Me. know that the Father honors the
24 “Father, I desire that they also whom You gave Me may Son’s prayer to keep you in His
be with Me where I am, that they may behold My glory which name (v. 12).
You have given Me; for You loved Me before the foundation
of the world. 25 O righteous Father! The world has not known
You, but I have known You; and these have known that You
sent Me. 26 And I have declared to them Your name, and will
JOURNAL
declare it, that the love with which You loved Me may be in
them, and I in them.” John 17:20–26
PREPARE YOUR HEART.
BETRAYAL AND ARREST IN GETHSEMANE

18
Open yourself to God’s presence.
When Jesus had spoken these words, He went out with
Ask God to speak to you and to
His disciples over the Brook Kidron, where there was a
reveal Himself through His Word.
garden, which He and His disciples entered. 2 And Judas, who Then read the passage.
betrayed Him, also knew the place; for Jesus often met there
with His disciples. 3 Then Judas, having received a detach- REFLECT AND WRITE.
ment of troops, and officers from the chief priests and Phari- • Whom was Jesus praying for in
sees, came there with lanterns, torches, and weapons. 4 Jesus verse 20? How does this make
therefore, knowing all things that would come upon Him, you feel?
went forward and said to them, “Whom are you seeking?” • Why was unity so important to
5 They answered Him, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Jesus (see v. 21)?
Jesus said to them, “I am He.” And Judas, who betrayed • How can you work toward
Him, also stood with them. 6 Now when He said to them, “I am better unity with others?
He,” they drew back and fell to the ground.
7 Then He asked them again, “Whom are you seeking?”
And they said, “Jesus of Nazareth.”
8 Jesus answered, “I have told you that I am He. Therefore,
if you seek Me, let these go their way,” 9 that the saying might CONTEMPLATE
be fulfilled which He spoke, “Of those whom You gave Me I John 18:4–6
have lost none.”
READ. The Lord asked the officers
10 Then Simon Peter, having a sword, drew it and struck
and troops whom they were seek­
the high priest’s servant, and cut off his right ear. The ser-
ing (v. 4). Read what happened
vant’s name was Malchus.
next, and pay attention to any­
11 So Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword into the sheath. thing that stands out to you.
Shall I not drink the cup which My Father has given Me?”
MEDITATE. Note the simplic­
BEFORE THE HIGH PRIEST ity of Jesus’ response. When He
12 Then the detachment of troops and the captain and the spoke, why do you think they fell
officers of the Jews arrested Jesus and bound Him. 13 And back?
they led Him away to Annas first, for he was the father-­in-­ PRAY. Take your thoughts on
law of Caiaphas who was high priest that year. 14 Now it was these verses to God in prayer.
Caiaphas who advised the Jews that it was expedient that one
man should die for the people. CONTEMPLATE. Rest in the su­
premacy of the Son, His power,
His humility, and His gentleness.
PETER DENIES JESUS
15 And Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so did another
disciple. Now that disciple was known to the high priest, and
went with Jesus into the courtyard of the high priest. 16 But
Peter stood at the door outside. Then the other disciple, who
was known to the high priest, went out and spoke to her who
 ENGAGE THROUGH ART

THE TAKING OF CHRIST BY MICHELANGELO MERISI DA CARAVAGGIO

Caravaggio’s depiction of Jesus’ arrest includes, from left to right, John, Jesus, Judas, three soldiers, and
a man holding a lantern. Caravaggio shows John fleeing the scene in fear, perhaps based on Mark 14:50,
which describes the disciples quickly deserting Jesus. The arresting officer in the center wears highly
polished armor on his arm. Franco Mormando, associate professor of Italian studies at Boston College,
suggested that the artist may have been “inviting his viewers to see themselves reflected in the behavior
of Judas and the other tormentors of Christ.”
Read John 18:1–12. Jesus knew of Judas’s greed-­motivated betrayal beforehand (see Mark 14:17–20).
Jesus remained in control, fulfilling the eternal will of the Father (see John 18:11). Judas’s sin fractured his
relationship with Jesus and left him in despair. Do you need to confess any sin that is keeping you from
experiencing deep communion with God?

Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio, The

Taking of Christ, 1602, Oil on Canvas
1615 John 18:36

kept the door, and brought Peter in. 17 Then the servant girl PRAYING
who kept the door said to Peter, “You are not also one of this SCRIPTURE
Man’s disciples, are you?” John 18:12–27
He said, “I am not.”
Roman soldiers brought Jesus
18 Now the servants and officers who had made a fire of
into the courtyard of Annas, the
coals stood there, for it was cold, and they warmed them-
father-­in-­law of the high priest
selves. And Peter stood with them and warmed himself.
(v. 12). Peter followed Jesus into
the courtyard, but not into the
JESUS QUESTIONED BY THE HIGH PRIEST house where Jesus met with
19 The high priest then asked Jesus about His disciples Annas. Peter knew that the re­
and His doctrine. ligious and political authorities
20 Jesus answered him, “I spoke openly to the world. I al- were against Jesus. Identify­
ways taught in synagogues and in the temple, where the Jews ing himself as a follower could
always meet, and in secret I have said nothing. 21 Why do you have led to his arrest also. As
ask Me? Ask those who have heard Me what I said to them. this chapter shows, Peter denied
Indeed they know what I said.” knowing Jesus three times.
22 And when He had said these things, one of the officers Jesus said that the world
who stood by struck Jesus with the palm of his hand, saying, would hate His followers (John
“Do You answer the high priest like that?” 17:14). Because the world is cor­
23 Jesus answered him, “If I have spoken evil, bear witness rupt and God is holy, your follow­
of the evil; but if well, why do you strike Me?” ing Jesus might put you at odds
with the culture in which you
24 Then Annas sent Him bound to Caiaphas the high
work and live. This happened to
priest.
Peter. Pray that God would make
you wise and bold when opposi­
PETER DENIES TWICE MORE tion comes. Also ask God to help
25 Now Simon Peter stood and warmed himself. Therefore you serve Him as a positive influ­
they said to him, “You are not also one of His disciples, are ence for Christ.
you?”
He denied it and said, “I am not!”
26 One of the servants of the high priest, a relative of him
whose ear Peter cut off, said, “Did I not see you in the garden
with Him?” 27 Peter then denied again; and immediately a
rooster crowed.

IN PILATE’S COURT
28 Then they led Jesus from Caiaphas to the Praetorium,
and it was early morning. But they themselves did not go
into the Praetorium, lest they should be defiled, but that they
might eat the Passover. 29 Pilate then went out to them and
said, “What accusation do you bring against this Man?”
30 They answered and said to him, “If He were not an evil-
doer, we would not have delivered Him up to you.”
31 Then Pilate said to them, “You take Him and judge Him
according to your law.”
Therefore the Jews said to him, “It is not lawful for us
JOURNAL
to put anyone to death,” 32 that the saying of Jesus might
be fulfilled which He spoke, signifying by what death He John 18:33–38
would die. PREPARE YOUR HEART.
33 Then Pilate entered the Praetorium again, called Jesus,
Open yourself to God’s presence.
and said to Him, “Are You the King of the Jews?”
Ask God to speak to you and to
34 Jesus answered him, “Are you speaking for yourself
reveal Himself through His Word.
about this, or did others tell you this concerning Me?”
Then read the passage.
35 Pilate answered, “Am I a Jew? Your own nation and the
chief priests have delivered You to me. What have You done?” REFLECT AND WRITE.
36 Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If My • Why did Pilate ask Jesus so
kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight, so that many questions?
John 18:37 1616
• What does Pilate seem unable I should not be delivered to the Jews; but now My kingdom
to find or determine (see v. 38)? is not from here.”
Why does Pilate decide to let 37 Pilate therefore said to Him, “Are You a king then?”
Jesus go? Jesus answered, “You say rightly that I am a king. For
• How does Jesus’ kingship this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the
impact you personally? How world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who
are you honoring your King is of the truth hears My voice.”
with your actions, thoughts, 38 Pilate said to Him, “What is truth?” And when he had
attitudes, and relationships? said this, he went out again to the Jews, and said to them, “I
How are you serving Him and find no fault in Him at all.
His kingdom?
TAKING THE PLACE OF BARABBAS
39 “But you have a custom that I should release someone
to you at the Passover. Do you therefore want me to release
to you the King of the Jews?”
40 Then they all cried again, saying, “Not this Man, but
Barabbas!” Now Barabbas was a robber.

THE SOLDIERS MOCK JESUS

19 So then Pilate took Jesus and scourged Him. 2 And the

soldiers twisted a crown of thorns and put it on His
head, and they put on Him a purple robe. 3 Then they said,
“Hail, King of the Jews!” And they struck Him with their hands.
4 Pilate then went out again, and said to them, “Behold, I
am bringing Him out to you, that you may know that I find
no fault in Him.”

PILATE’S DECISION
CONTEMPLATE 5 Then Jesus came out, wearing the crown of thorns and
John 19:13–22 the purple robe. And Pilate said to them, “Behold the Man!”
6 Therefore, when the chief priests and officers saw Him,
READ. Ask God to speak to you
they cried out, saying, “Crucify Him, crucify Him!”
through His Word, and ask the
Pilate said to them, “You take Him and crucify Him, for I
Holy Spirit to guide your thoughts.
find no fault in Him.”
Read the verses and pay attention
to any word or idea that stands
7 The Jews answered him, “We have a law, and according
out to you. Consider “Behold your to our law He ought to die, because He made Himself the Son
King!” (v. 14) or “What I have writ­ of God.”
ten, I have written” (v. 22). 8 Therefore, when Pilate heard that saying, he was the
more afraid, 9 and went again into the Praetorium, and said to
MEDITATE. Meditate on your Jesus, “Where are You from?” But Jesus gave him no answer.
chosen word or idea in the con­ 10 Then Pilate said to Him, “Are You not speaking to me?
text of Christ’s crucifixion. How
Do You not know that I have power to crucify You, and power
does reading about this moment
to release You?”
in the life of Jesus affect you?
11 Jesus answered, “You could have no power at all against
PRAY. Share your meditations Me unless it had been given you from above. Therefore the
with God in prayer. Journal them one who delivered Me to you has the greater sin.”
as you let the Holy Spirit con­ 12 From then on Pilate sought to release Him, but the Jews
tinue to speak to you. cried out, saying, “If you let this Man go, you are not Caesar’s
CONTEMPLATE. Christ was
friend. Whoever makes himself a king speaks against Caesar.”
mocked during His last hours on 13 When Pilate therefore heard that saying, he brought
earth, but a time is coming when Jesus out and sat down in the judgment seat in a place that
all people will reverently acknowl­ is called The Pavement, but in Hebrew, Gabbatha. 14 Now it
edge Him as the King of kings. Try was the Preparation Day of the Passover, and about the sixth
to imagine what this scene will be hour. And he said to the Jews, “Behold your King!”
like. What thoughts and emotions 15 But they cried out, “Away with Him, away with Him! Cru-
fill you as you do so? cify Him!”
1617 John 19:31

Pilate said to them, “Shall I crucify your King?” JOURNAL

The chief priests answered, “We have no king but Caesar!” John 19:23–37
16 Then he delivered Him to them to be crucified. Then
they took Jesus and led Him away. PREPARE YOUR HEART.
Open yourself to God’s presence.
THE KING ON A CROSS Ask God to speak to you and to
17 And He, bearing His cross, went out to a place called the reveal Himself through His Word.
Place of a Skull, which is called in Hebrew, Golgotha, 18 where Then read the passage.
they crucified Him, and two others with Him, one on either REFLECT AND WRITE.
side, and Jesus in the center. 19 Now Pilate wrote a title and put
• Why did John point out how
it on the cross. And the writing was:
certain events came true—­or
were fulfilled—­that were
JESUS OF NAZARETH, THE KING OF THE JEWS. prophesied in the Old Testa­
ment (vv. 24, 28, 36)? Why does
20 Then many of the Jews read this title, for the place where this matter?
Jesus was crucified was near the city; and it was written in
• Why was it important for Jesus
Hebrew, Greek, and Latin. to fulfill Scripture (see v. 28)?
21 Therefore the chief priests of the Jews said to Pilate,
• How does knowing that Jesus
“Do not write, ‘The King of the Jews,’ but, ‘He said, “I am the
fulfilled every prophecy about
King of the Jews.” ’ ”
the Messiah increase your faith
22 Pilate answered, “What I have written, I have written.”
and strengthen your decision
23 Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took to follow Him?
His garments and made four parts, to each soldier a part, and
also the tunic. Now the tunic was without seam, woven from
the top in one piece. 24 They said therefore among them-
selves, “Let us not tear it, but cast lots for it, whose it shall
be,” that the Scripture might be fulfilled which says:

“They divided My garments among them,

And for My clothing they cast lots.”

Therefore the soldiers did these things.

BEHOLD YOUR MOTHER

25 Now there stood by the cross of Jesus His mother, and
His mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Mag-
dalene. 26 When Jesus therefore saw His mother, and the
disciple whom He loved standing by, He said to His mother,
“Woman, behold your son!” 27 Then He said to the disciple,
“Behold your mother!” And from that hour that disciple took
her to his own home.

IT IS FINISHED
28 After this, Jesus, knowing that all things were now
accomplished, that the Scripture might be fulfilled, said, “I
thirst!” 29 Now a vessel full of sour wine was sitting there; and
they filled a sponge with sour wine, put it on hyssop, and put
it to His mouth. 30 So when Jesus had received the sour wine,
He said, “It is finished!” And bowing His head, He gave up
His spirit.

JESUS’ SIDE IS PIERCED

31 Therefore, because it was the Preparation Day, that the
bodies should not remain on the cross on the Sabbath (for
that Sabbath was a high day), the Jews asked Pilate that their
legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away.
John 19:32 1618

32 Then the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first and
of the other who was crucified with Him. 33 But when they
came to Jesus and saw that He was already dead, they did not
break His legs. 34 But one of the soldiers pierced His side with
a spear, and immediately blood and water came out. 35 And
he who has seen has testified, and his testimony is true; and
he knows that he is telling the truth, so that you may believe.
36 For these things were done that the Scripture should be
fulfilled, “Not one of His bones shall be broken.” 37 And again
another Scripture says, “They shall look on Him whom they
pierced.”

JESUS BURIED IN JOSEPH’S TOMB

38 After this, Joseph of Arimathea, being a disciple of
Jesus, but secretly, for fear of the Jews, asked Pilate that
he might take away the body of Jesus; and Pilate gave him
permission. So he came and took the body of Jesus. 39 And
Nicodemus, who at first came to Jesus by night, also came,
bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about a hundred
pounds. 40 Then they took the body of Jesus, and bound it in
strips of linen with the spices, as the custom of the Jews is to
bury. 41 Now in the place where He was crucified there was a
garden, and in the garden a new tomb in which no one had
yet been laid. 42 So there they laid Jesus, because of the Jews’
PRAYING Preparation Day, for the tomb was nearby.
SCRIPTURE
John 20:3–10 THE EMPTY TOMB
Scholars debate what the disciple
who outran Peter (v. 4) instinc­
20 Now the first day of the week Mary Magdalene went
to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that
the stone had been taken away from the tomb. 2 Then she ran
tively believed when he arrived at and came to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, whom
the tomb: either that Jesus’ body
Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken away the
had been removed or that Jesus
Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have
had risen (v. 8). Regardless, later
laid Him.”
there would be no confusion or
doubt. He was risen! What have
3 Peter therefore went out, and the other disciple, and
you seen that has caused you to were going to the tomb. 4 So they both ran together, and the
believe in the risen Christ? How other disciple outran Peter and came to the tomb first. 5 And
has He changed you? Share your he, stooping down and looking in, saw the linen cloths lying
thoughts with God. Ask Him to there; yet he did not go in. 6 Then Simon Peter came, following
help you shine His light so others him, and went into the tomb; and he saw the linen cloths lying
may also believe in our risen Sav­ there, 7 and the handkerchief that had been around His head,
ior (Matt. 5:14–16). not lying with the linen cloths, but folded together in a place

ENGAGE THROUGH ART

THE DESCENT FROM THE CROSS BY REMBRANDT VAN RIJN

This Rembrandt painting (1634) depicts the careful lowering of Jesus’ body from the cross. A single lamp
illuminates the night scene. Two men on a ladder remove the nail from Jesus’ left hand, still pinned to
the cross, as a man strains to support His body. A small crowd has gathered, some of them mourning.
Read John 19:30–37. Remember that Christ endured death and rose again to life so that we could
become like Him. If you had been standing at the foot of the cross, how would you have been changed?
Will you allow Jesus to change you today?

Rembrandt van Rijn, The Descent from the Cross, 1634, Oil on Canvas
John 20:8 1620

by itself. 8 Then the other disciple, who came to the tomb first,
went in also; and he saw and believed. 9 For as yet they did not
know the Scripture, that He must rise again from the dead.
10 Then the disciples went away again to their own homes.

MARY MAGDALENE SEES THE RISEN LORD

11 But Mary stood outside by the tomb weeping, and as she
wept she stooped down and looked into the tomb. 12 And she
saw two angels in white sitting, one at the head and the other
at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain. 13 Then they said
to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?”
She said to them, “Because they have taken away my Lord,
and I do not know where they have laid Him.”
14 Now when she had said this, she turned around and
saw Jesus standing there, and did not know that it was Jesus.
15 Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom
are you seeking?”
She, supposing Him to be the gardener, said to Him, “Sir,
if You have carried Him away, tell me where You have laid
Him, and I will take Him away.”
16 Jesus said to her, “Mary!”
She turned and said to Him, “Rabboni!” (which is to say,
Teacher).
17 Jesus said to her, “Do not cling to Me, for I have not
yet ascended to My Father; but go to My brethren and say to
them, ‘I am ascending to My Father and your Father, and to
My God and your God.’ ”
18 Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she
had seen the Lord, and that He had spoken these things to her.
CONTEMPLATE
John 20:19–23 THE APOSTLES COMMISSIONED
19 Then, the same day at evening, being the first day of
READ. Ask God to reveal Himself
the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were
through His Word. As you read,
assembled, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in the
note anything that sparks your
imagination. Which phrase or
midst, and said to them, “Peace be with you.” 20 When He had
idea is particularly compelling? said this, He showed them His hands and His side. Then the
In verses 21–23, note that Jesus disciples were glad when they saw the Lord.
commissioned the disciples, re­ 21 So Jesus said to them again, “Peace to you! As the Father
leased the Holy Spirit into them, has sent Me, I also send you.” 22 And when He had said this,
and gave them instruction on He breathed on them, and said to them, “Receive the Holy
the forgiveness of sins. Spirit. 23 If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them;
if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.”
MEDITATE. Consider your phrase
or idea in the context of your own
SEEING AND BELIEVING
life. Does it instruct you, comfort
you, or warn you? In what ways
24 Now Thomas, called the Twin, one of the twelve, was not
are you compelled to action?
with them when Jesus came. 25 The other disciples therefore
said to him, “We have seen the Lord.”
PRAY. Invite God to speak to you So he said to them, “Unless I see in His hands the print
as you pray through your medi­ of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and
tations. put my hand into His side, I will not believe.”
CONTEMPLATE. Pause a mo­ 26 And after eight days His disciples were again inside,
ment to marvel that Jesus, sent by and Thomas with them. Jesus came, the doors being shut,
the Father, sends us out as priests and stood in the midst, and said, “Peace to you!” 27 Then He
in the power of the Holy Spirit to said to Thomas, “Reach your finger here, and look at My
minister to the world about the hands; and reach your hand here, and put it into My side. Do
forgiveness of sins (1 Pet. 2:5, 9). not be unbelieving, but believing.”
1621 John 21:16

28 And Thomas answered and said to Him, “My Lord and JOURNAL
my God!” John 20:24–31
29 Jesus said to him, “Thomas, because you have seen Me,
you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and PREPARE YOUR HEART.
yet have believed.” Open yourself to God’s presence.
Ask God to speak to you and to
THAT YOU MAY BELIEVE reveal Himself through His Word.
30 And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of Then read the passage.
His disciples, which are not written in this book; 31 but these REFLECT AND WRITE.
are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the
• Why did Thomas refuse to be­
Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.
lieve that Jesus was alive (see
vv. 24–25)?
BREAKFAST BY THE SEA

21
• According to Thomas’s
After these things Jesus showed Himself again to the
response in verse 28, how do
disciples at the Sea of Tiberias, and in this way He
you think he felt when Jesus
showed Himself: 2 Simon Peter, Thomas called the Twin, Na-
appeared to him?
thanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others
of His disciples were together. 3 Simon Peter said to them, “I • Whom does Jesus call
“blessed” (v. 29)? How does
am going fishing.”
2 Corinthians 5:7 support
They said to him, “We are going with you also.” They
Jesus’ statement? Do you find
went out and immediately got into the boat, and that night
it difficult to believe without
they caught nothing. 4 But when the morning had now come, seeing? Why?
Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that
it was Jesus. 5 Then Jesus said to them, “Children, have you
any food?”
They answered Him, “No.”
6 And He said to them, “Cast the net on the right side of
the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast, and now they PICTURE IT
were not able to draw it in because of the multitude of fish.
7 Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, John 21:1–14
“It is the Lord!” Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the PREPARE. Quiet yourself and
Lord, he put on his outer garment (for he had removed it), ask God to prepare your heart
and plunged into the sea. 8 But the other disciples came in and guide your imagination.
the little boat (for they were not far from land, but about two
hundred cubits), dragging the net with fish. 9 Then, as soon PICTURE. Place yourself in the
text. Feel the boat sway, and look
as they had come to land, they saw a fire of coals there, and
around you. The sun is coming
fish laid on it, and bread. 10 Jesus said to them, “Bring some
up, but there’s nothing to show
of the fish which you have just caught.”
for it. The others reel in their
11 Simon Peter went up and dragged the net to land, full nets. A man shouts, and your
of large fish, one hundred and fifty-­three; and although there stomach rumbles as you all re­
were so many, the net was not broken. 12 Jesus said to them, ply. Next thing you know, your
“Come and eat breakfast.” Yet none of the disciples dared ask friends are obeying the mystery
Him, “Who are You?”—­knowing that it was the Lord. 13 Jesus man and casting their nets back
then came and took the bread and gave it to them, and like- into the water. Suddenly Peter
wise the fish. dives out of the boat, but you’re
14 This is now the third time Jesus showed Himself to His distracted by the strain on the
disciples after He was raised from the dead. ropes. The boat pitches and rolls
as you drag the nets to shore.
JESUS RESTORES PETER You look up and see Jesus cook­
15 So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon ing breakfast over the flames.
Peter, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?” PRAY. Having directed the fish­
He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” erman to catch fish, Jesus yet
He said to him, “Feed My lambs.” again revealed His power and su­
16 He said to him again a second time, “Simon, son of premacy. Ask God to direct your
Jonah, do you love Me?” own efforts as you walk in obedi­
He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” ence to Jesus.
John 21:17 1622
CONTEMPLATE He said to him, “Tend My sheep.”
John 21:15–19 17 He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do
you love Me?” Peter was grieved because He said to him the
READ. Begin by putting aside third time, “Do you love Me?”
any distractions. Read the verses And he said to Him, “Lord, You know all things; You know
and note any word or verse that that I love You.”
stands out to you. Consider the Jesus said to him, “Feed My sheep. 18 Most assuredly, I
concept of restorative love as you say to you, when you were younger, you girded yourself and
read.
walked where you wished; but when you are old, you will
MEDITATE. How does the word stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry
or verse speak to your life? Ask you where you do not wish.” 19 This He spoke, signifying by
the Holy Spirit to give you insight what death he would glorify God. And when He had spoken
and clarity as you meditate on this, He said to him, “Follow Me.”
the word or verse.

PRAY. Take your meditations to

THE BELOVED DISCIPLE AND HIS BOOK
the Lord in prayer. Invite Him to 20 Then Peter, turning around, saw the disciple whom
speak to your thoughts and re­ Jesus loved following, who also had leaned on His breast at
flections. If you need restoration the supper, and said, “Lord, who is the one who betrays You?”
through forgiveness, He will re­ 21 Peter, seeing him, said to Jesus, “But Lord, what about this
ceive you and make you clean, just man?”
as 1 John 1:9 says: “If we confess 22 Jesus said to him, “If I will that he remain till I come,
our sins, He is faithful and just to what is that to you? You follow Me.”
forgive us our sins and to cleanse 23 Then this saying went out among the brethren that this
us from all unrighteousness.” disciple would not die. Yet Jesus did not say to him that he
would not die, but, “If I will that he remain till I come, what
CONTEMPLATE. Contemplate
the question Jesus asked Peter.
is that to you?”
Considering your own forgive­ 24 This is the disciple who testifies of these things, and
ness of sins, let Jesus ask you the wrote these things; and we know that his testimony is true.
same question. He loves you. 25 And there are also many other things that Jesus did,
which if they were written one by one, I suppose that even
the world itself could not contain the books that would be
written. Amen.