New Beginnings - New Life - The Teacher is Here

 JOHN 11

John 11:28-37 (NIV)

"After she had said this, she went back and called her sister Mary aside. “The Teacher is here,” she said, “and is asking for you.” When Mary heard this, she got up quickly and went to him. Now Jesus had not yet entered the village, but was still at the place where Martha had met him. When the Jews who had been with Mary in the house, comforting her, noticed how quickly she got up and went out, they followed her, supposing she was going to the tomb to mourn there.When Mary reached the place where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet and said, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.”  When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled. “Where have you laid him?” he asked. “Come and see, Lord,” they replied. Jesus wept. Then the Jews said, “See how he loved him!” But some of them said, “Could not he who opened the eyes of the blind man have kept this man from dying?”

After her declaration of faith, Martha abruptly returned to her sister; showing the busy character that we see in her elsewhere (Luke 10:38-42). Ever the manager, she informed her sister Mary that Jesus was asking for her though John doesn't record Jesus making that request.

The encounter earlier between Martha and Jesus was initiated with Martha's blunt verbal affirmation. Mary's approach was subtly but significantly different. She humbly fell at Jesus's feet before she spoke. The first words spoken by both sisters was the same. But Mary had already acted on her faith, though neither sister expected what was about to happen.

John tells us that seeing Mary and those following her weeping "deeply moved" and "troubled" Jesus. Various explanations have been considered regarding Jesus's tears. Some read the tears as signs of Jesus's care for Lazarus; others questioned Jesus's motive for withholding healing. We are left with the facts of Jesus's tears--signs of humanity and engagement, evidence of emotional vulnerability. We who often cannot explain our own tears are touched by Jesus's demonstration that "we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathise with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are--yet did not sin" (Hebrews 4:15 NIV).

Mary and Martha didn't know what Jesus would do, but they did know Jesus. That was enough.

Getting Personal

1. Jesus knew what he was going to do (John 11:11), so why do you think John made a note of his tears leading up to a great miracle?
2. What does it mean to you that Jesus understands your tears--even the ones unshed?

Jesus's tears confirm our permission to grieve, as long as we are not "uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that [we] do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope" (1 Thessalonians 4:13, NIV). Tears do not have to be hopeless. Jesus is not ashamed to cry with us, even before He intervenes miraculously.

Putting It Into Action

Jesus completely understands your emotional responses to him as you pray. Even when words don't come easy in prayer, he understands your heart. So pray freely and honestly.

Bible Verse

"Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin". Hebrews 4:14-15 (NIV)

Prayer

Dear Father in heaven, we look to Jesus Christ, who is at your right hand, through whom you have promised help for the whole world. Unite us with him so that we may receive authority to help all people according to your will. May your name be kept holy among us, for your children have every reason to rejoice in the Saviour you have given them. We thank you for everything you have shown to those who believe in you. We pray to you, hasten the time when your day shall come with glory, the day when you will give the glory to Jesus Christ, when he will reign and triumph over all evil and bring the peace you have always wanted to give the world. We wait and long for this. In Jesus Name. Amen.

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Martin      082 645 3008

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New Beginnings - The Resurrection & The Life

 JOHN 11

John 11:17-27 (NIV)

"On his arrival, Jesus found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days. Now Bethany was less than two miles from Jerusalem, and many Jews had come to Martha and Mary to comfort them in the loss of their brother. When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went out to meet him, but Mary stayed at home. “Lord,” Martha said to Jesus, “if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask.” Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.” Martha answered, “I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.” Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” “Yes, Lord,” she replied, “I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.”"

The maths behind these events isn't difficult: one day for the messenger to find Jesus (during which Lazarus dies), two days of intentional delay, and one more day of travel to Bethany for Jesus and his disciples. Burials in the Middle East were not delayed since conditions led to quick deterioration of a body. Once the body was buried, the grieving went on for a few days.

Exchanges with people in deep grief are usually awkward. Martha heard that Jesus was approaching and felt compelled to share both her frustration and faith. Her greeting is not easy to understand fully. It is possible she hoped God would give Jesus whatever he asked and raise her brother to life, but her later comments don't seem to reflect that expectation. She may have been saying something like "I know my brother would have been healed if you had been here, and even though he died, I continue to believe in your special relationship with God". In that case, she would have been speaking about her own relationship with Jesus, not what she hoped he might still do for Lazarus.

Jesus said to Martha, "I am the resurrection and life", declaring himself Lord over both life and death. Any believer in Jesus will live--even those who experience physical death. Life in Jesus is eternal, and not even death can prevent it.

Jesus's gentle confrontation, "Do you believe this?" echoes across the generations to the present day. Martha's simple, direct response was unconditional faith. She didn't make her brother's situation a factor in her belief in Jesus.

Getting Personal

1. How do you apply Jesus's claims of resurrection and life to your own thoughts about death?
2. What would have been the outcome of this story if Martha's last statement had been. "I will believe if you raise my brother back to life?"
3. If Jesus asked you "Do you believe this?", what will your response be? 

Martha's declaration to Jesus--"You are the Messiah, the Son of God"--puts Jesus beyond the company of wise men and profound teachers. The Son of God requires our ultimate response because he is the only one we can trust.

Putting It Into Action

Echo Martha's declaration in your own prayer time: "You are the Messiah, the Son of God". Thank God that every prophetic word of Scripture is true: The promised Messiah did come into the world to be your Saviour.

Bible Verse

"On this mountain he will destroy the shroud that enfolds all peoples, the sheet that covers all nations; he will swallow up death forever. The Sovereign Lord will wipe away the tears from all faces; he will remove his people's disgrace from all the earth. The Lord has spoken". 

Isaiah 25:7–8, NIV

Prayer

Lord our God, your kingdom is coming. Your help reaches us. However much we may suffer, we look to you, for you have given us your promise. You have promised that all shall go well with us. You have promised that while still on earth your people may have strength to trust in you and wait for you in patience and joy. So lay your hands upon us, O Lord our God, and let your redeeming strength be revealed in us. You know all our needs. You see into each heart and know how to help, as you have promised. Bless us and help us, and may your name be honoured among us. May your kingdom come, and your will be done on earth as in heaven. In Jesus Name. Amen.

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Martin      082 645 3008

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New Beginnings - New Life - Time to Go

 JOHN 11

John 11: 7-16 (ESV)

"Then after this he said to the disciples, “Let us go to Judea again.” The disciples said to him, “Rabbi, the Jews were just now seeking to stone you, and are you going there again?” 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. But if anyone walks in the night, he stumbles, because the light is not in him.” After saying these things, he said to them, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep, but I go to awaken him.” The disciples said to him, “Lord, if he has fallen asleep, he will recover.” Now Jesus had spoken of his death, but they thought that he meant taking rest in sleep. Then Jesus told them plainly, “Lazarus has died, and for your sake I am glad that I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him.” So Thomas, called the Twin,[Didymus] said to his fellow disciples, “Let us also go, that we may die with him.”"

As far the disciples were concerned, Jesus's announcement that he wanted to return to Judea came as an unwelcome development. They raised the possibility of a hostile welcome for Jesus in that territory. 

Jesus responded by telling them his main purpose was to "awaken" Lazarus. But he also included a "hidden" statement about the hours of the day and the difference between walking by light and or in darkness. Jesus was using the observation about natural light to point to the significance of supernatural light and the specific time frame by which his "day" was unfolding on earth. As long as the disciples were walking in the light of Christ, they would not stumble like those in the world who had no real light.

When the disciples realised that Jesus was finally answering the call to help Lazarus, they were puzzled by what they thought was Jesus's unnecessary visit to a friend recovering from an illness. So Jesus clarified by telling them his friend was dead and that there would be a benefit for them because of Jesus's absence during Lazarus's sickness and death. His purpose was that they "may believe". Jesus intended to bring his friend back to life, and part of his purpose was to strengthen the faith of the disciples.

When Jesus then said, "Let us go to him", Thomas voiced what must have been the general thought among the disciples: "Let us also go, that we may die with him". The mixed faith revealed by Thomas was precisely the reason Lazarus was raised.

Getting Personal

1. In what ways might following Christ open you up to new areas and therefore new fears?
2. What incidents in your life with Christ have particularly increased your faith?

God knows our faith is always a work in progress. We believe, and yet we struggle with unbelief. Even though Thomas couldn't imagine a good outcome, he was still willing to go. We often won't take even that first important step of faith to follow Jesus wherever he leads.

Putting It Into Action

Thank God that he is more powerful, and more wonderful than we are able to imagine. Ask Him to give you faith to follow where he leads, no matter how uncertain the future may seem.

Bible Verse

To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:31–32, NIV

Prayer

Dear Father in heaven, grant that we may come to you in the Spirit. Through your Spirit gather us and many others on earth around our Lord Jesus Christ, the great Savior of humankind. May our hearts become truly free because you deliver us from all bondage to our own natures and to the world around us. As free people may we be led safely through distress, fear, and want, through need and death. May we become happy children whom Jesus Christ has called to life, children who are not discouraged by the struggle but who fight joyfully for your kingdom until it can be revealed to all the world. I Jesus Name. Amen.

 

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Martin      082 645 3008

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New Beginnings - New Life

 JOHN 11

John 11:1-6 (NIV)

"Now a man named Lazarus was sick. He was from Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. (This Mary, whose brother Lazarus now lay sick, was the same one who poured perfume on the Lord and wiped his feet with her hair.)  So the sisters sent word to Jesus, “Lord, the one you love is sick.” When he heard this, Jesus said, “This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it.” Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. So when he heard that Lazarus was sick, he stayed where he was two more days".

John 11 opens with an individual named Lazarus who was sick. We learn Lazarus is from Bethany and that he has two sisters (Mary & Martha). Luke has already introduced Mary & Martha (Luke 10:38-42), creating the impression that Jesus was a frequent guest in their home. Now the sisters sent word to Jesus that "the one you love is sick:.

Jesus treated family units in ways that allowed them to learn significant spiritual lessons about themselves and about him. He treated them as individuals, but he also spoke into their relationships with one another--most notably with Mary and Martha in handling Martha's complaint that her sister was not playing the part of hostess (Luke 10:38-41). Jesus recognised the needs presented to him, but he also underlying needs that were even more important. Even though we might consider keeping someone from dying as the highest priority for action, Jesus clearly made decisions based on his authority even over life and death. This is apparent in his actions related to the sisters urgent message that their brother was sick.

Jesus declared that the events about to happen were not about dying but about the glory of God. Since it is likely that Lazarus was already dead by the time the messenger found Jesus, it seems ironic that Jesus could say, "This sickness will not end in death". Lazarus did die, so what was Jesus saying? Jesus rejected the understanding that "death" and "end" were synonymous, even in casual conversation. He knew more. Death for Lazarus would come, but it wouldn't be the end of the story. Jesus would make sure of that.

John heightened the tension for his readers by pointing out that Jesus "loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus", but he remained where he was for "two more days". By mentioning both aspects of Jesus's actions, John shows that Jesus's response did not alter his love for these three siblings. This delay is directly connected with the purpose of this event: "for God's glory so that God's Son may be glorified through it". 

Words related to the Greek expression doxa are used for "glory" and "glorified", a term we also use directly in doxology--meaning "words of praise or glory to God". Jesus could see that what would happen in the lives of his friends would bring a heightened awareness (glory) to others about God. This incident demonstrates how both delightful and difficult times can point others to God. God's glory can be described as anything that makes God more difficult to ignore. The more we are exposed to the truth, divinity, and power of God's character, the more we find our attention drawn to him; and the more we become aware of God's glory.

Getting Personal

1. How do you tend to respond when you ask God for help and he seems to delay?
2. In what ways are you most aware of God's love for you?

We see three values at work in this incident with Lazarus: what God does about our needs in the short term, what God does regarding his plans, and what God does for us in the long term. We tend to expect God to act based on our immediate needs, but he repeatedly teaches us that he has a much larger picture in mind.

Putting It Into Action

Praise God that his plans and his means are always greater than your own. Ask him to help you trust him in confusing circumstances and long periods of waiting. Ask him to show you his glory, even in your difficult circumstances.

Bible Verse

"As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God?...Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God". Psalm 42: 1–2, 5, NIV

Prayer

Lord our God, as the deer pants for refreshing water, so our souls long for you, O God. Our souls thirst for you, for the living God. We stand in your presence and pour out our hearts to you. We bring before you everything that is painful to us, all our suffering and needs. We also bring you all our hopes and the many proofs you have given us that our lives need not go to ruin but can be directed to greater things. May the light of your Spirit shine on us today and always. In Jesus Name. Amen.

For Further information please contact

Martin      082 645 3008

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MARTHA

(Mary & Lazarus's Sister)

"As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:38-42 (NIV)

Many older brothers and sisters have an irritating tendency to take charge, a habit developed while growing up. We can easily see this pattern in Martha, the older sister of Mary and Lazarus. She was used to being in control.

The fact that Martha, Mary and Lazarus are remembered for their hospitality takes on added significance when we note that hospitality was a social requirement in their culture. It was considered shameful to turn anyone away from your door. Apparently Martha's family met this requirement very well.

Martha worried about details. She wished to please, to serve, to do the right thing--but she often succeeded in making everyone around her uncomfortable. Perhaps as the oldest she feared shame if her home did not measure up to expectations. She tried to everything she could to make sure that wouldn't happen. As a result, she found it hard to relax and enjoy her guests and even harder to accept Mary's lack of cooperation in all the preparations. Martha's frustration was so intense that she finally asked Jesus to settle the matter. He gently corrected her attitude and showed her that her priorities, though good, were not the best. The personal attention she gave her guests should be more important than the comforts she tried to provide for them.

Later, following her brother Lazarus's death, Martha could hardly help being herself. When she heard Jesus was finally coming, she rushed out to meet him and expressed her inner conflict of disappointment and hope (John 11:20). Jesus pointed out that her hope was too limited. He was not only Lord beyond death, he was Lord over death--the resurrection and the life! Moments later, Martha again spoke without thinking, pointing out that four-day-old corpses are well on their way to decomposition. Her awareness of details sometimes kept her from seeing the whole picture, but Jesus was consistently patient with her.

In our last picture of Martha, she is once again serving a meal to Jesus and his disciples. She has not stopped serving. But the Bible records her silence this time (John 12:2). She has begun to learn what her younger sister already knew--that worship begins with silence and listening to the Word.

Strengths

1. Martha was known as a hospitable homemaker.
2. Martha believed in Jesus with growing faith.
3. Martha had a strong desire to do everything exactly right.

Mistakes

1. She expected others to agree with her priorities.
2. Was overly concerned with details.
3. Limited Jesus's power to this life

Lessons to Learn from Martha

1. Getting caught up in details can make us forget the main reasons for our actions. 
2. There is a proper time to listen to Jesus and a proper time to work for him.
3. Martha learns that very important 'one thing' that Jesus wants for all of us. Jesus teaches Martha that the most important thing in life is to seek His presence. We need to have a close and intimate relationship with Him. When we get that 'one thing' right then everything else will fall into place. Pray that God gives you a listening ear to hear his voice so that you know how to respond to him.

Bible Verse

"Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The Lord, the Lord, is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation". Isaiah 12:2, NIV

Prayer

Dear Father in heaven, we thank you that you are so near us and that we may be near you. We thank you that throughout our days we may be people who listen to you with all our hearts and minds, a listening people who can receive what is good and true for our lives and who can witness to the power you give us through the Savior. Protect us in all things. Look into our hearts and into the situation of each one of us, where many things are still faulty and unclear. Deliver us from evil, for the kingdom shall be yours. From you the power shall come. Your glory shall radiate from our lives, and we shall praise and thank you forevermore. In Jesus Name. Amen.

For Further information please contact

Martin      082 645 3008

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For any additional information email ccnokuphila1@gmail.com

New Beginnings - New Life - Sisters

MARY 

(Martha & Lazarus's Sister)

"As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:38-42 (NIV)

Hospitality is an art. Making sure a guest is welcomed, warmed, and well fed requires creativity, organisation and teamwork. Their ability to accomplish these goals makes Mary and her sister, Martha, one of the best hospitality teams in the Bible. Their frequent guest was Jesus Christ.

For Mary, hospitality meant more attention to the guest himself than to the physical needs he might have. She would rather talk and listen than cook. She was more interested in her guest's words than in the cleanliness of her home or the timeliness of her meals. She let her older sister, Martha, take care of those details. Mary's approach to events shows she is more of a "responder". She did little preparation--her role was participation. Unlike her sister who had to learn to stop and listen. Mary needed to learn that action is often appropriate and necessary.

We first meet Mary during a visit Jesus paid to her home. She simply sat at his feet and listened. When Martha became irritated at her sister's lack of help. Jesus stated that Mary's choice to enjoy his enjoy his company was the most appropriate response at the time. Our last glimpse of Mary shows her to have become a woman of thoughtful and worshipful action. Again she was at Jesus's feet, washing them with perfume and wiping them with her hair. She seemed to understand, better than many of the disciples, why Jesus was going to die. Jesus said her act of worship would be told everywhere, long with the gospel, as an example of costly service. 

Putting it into Action

1. What kind of hospitality does Jesus receive from your life?
2. Are you sometimes so busy planning and running your life that you neglect precious time with him?
3. Or do you respond to him by listening to his Word, then finding ways to worship him with your life? It is that kind of hospitality Jesus longs for from each of us.

Strengths

1. Perhaps the only person who understood and accepted Jesus's coming death, taking time to anoint his body while he was still living.
2. She learned when to Listen and when to Act.

Lessons from her Life

The busyness of serving God can sometimes become a barrier to knowing him personally. Small acts of obedience and service have widespread effects. Pray that God may give you an ear to hear and a willingness to serve him with your life.

Bible Verse

"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus". 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18, NIV

Prayer

Father in heaven, we thank you that we may feel your leading, your lordship, for you have blessed us with every spiritual and heavenly gift in Christ. We thank you that we may be among those who receive true life always anew, who praise and glorify you, exulting even in difficult days. For it is just in the difficult days that we need to belong to those who are thankful and joyful, who always find new certainty in their lives. With them may we experience the good you give on earth so that humankind may be blessed and come at last into your hands. In Jesus Name. Amen.

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Martin      082 645 3008

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New Beginnings - New Life - Sisters

 Mary & Martha

Luke 10:40-42 (NIV)

"But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”"

As with all siblings, Mary and Martha each had their own unique gifts and personalities. Martha was hard-working and concerned about details while Mary simply enjoyed the opportunity to be with Jesus. We are given a glimpse into the heart of Mary when we see her anoint Jesus with expensive perfume shortly before his death. Mary's extravagant act of love and devotion was hypocritically criticized by Judas. As we seek God and surrender our lives to him, fully devoting all that we have to his service, others will criticize us. We must remember that pleasing God is what truly matters. 

When their brother, Lazarus, died, the events that followed allowed each of the sisters to grow in her understanding of Jesus. Jesus knew that if he delayed coming to them, he wouldn't arrive until after Lazarus's death. If he had come before Lazarus died, he certainly could have healed him, but by coming later, Jesus was able to do something even more glorious--raise him from the dead!

For Mary and Martha, the delay was painful. The ultimate outcome, however was a deeper faith and fuller experience of the joy that comes from trusting God with the details of life. As we go through difficult times, we may not always understand what God is doing, but we will grow in strength and faith as we wait patiently. There is always hope when the God who can raise the dead is on our side.

Strengths

1. Both were devoted followers of Jesus
2. Martha was hardworking, efficient and conscientious.
3. Mary attentively listened to Jesus

Weaknesses/Mistakes

1. Martha was so concerned with the details of life that she missed spending time with Jesus.

Lessons from their Lives

We may get so busy doing things that relate to spiritual growth -- even good things -- that we may forget to spend time with Jesus. Jesus valued greatly the contributions of women among his followers.

The story of Martha and Mary is found in Matthew 26:6-13; Luke 10:38-42; John 11:1-45.

Bible Verse

"As for you, see that what you have heard from the beginning remains in you. If it does, you also will remain in the Son and in the Father. And this is what he promised us – eternal life". 1 John 2:24–25, NIV

Prayer

Lord our God, we want to find our joy in you and in all your promises to us. For you have promised that in the midst of all the pain and sorrow, you are preparing what pleases you and serves your honor in every heart. May we experience in our lives the fulfillment of many of your promises, so that again and again we can go forward joyfully, rising above difficult times and situations. Have mercy on us and protect us in your strength. In Jesus name. Amen.

For Further information please contact

Martin      082 645 3008

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New Beginnings - New Life

 JOHN 11

Read John 11:1-57

Chapter 11 of the Gospel of John brings us to the beginning of Jesus's final week before the Cross. At the centre of these events is man named Lazarus who was sick, then died, and then was brought back to Life by Jesus. This chapter includes one of the memorable and crucial statements Jesus made about himself: "I am the Resurrection and the Life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe me" (John 11:25-26 NIV). Jesus's Question is one that each one of us must answer.

Illness and Suffering

John 11:5

"Jesus loved Martha and her Sister and Lazarus".

When we suffer or are sick, it does not mean that Jesus doesn't love us. Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus, and they loved Jesus with strong friendship, affection and devotion. Nevertheless, they experienced sorrow, sickness and death. Today these troubles can and will happen to God's faithful and chosen believers. Churches will have people like Mary persevering in loving devotion to the LORD, Martha faithful in good deeds, and Lazarus suffering and dieing. Families that experience this may cry out "How long, O LORD? will you forget me forever?" (Psalm 13:1). Jesus says the delay is not due to a lack of love, mercy or compassion, but for the Glory of God (John 11:4) and for his Kingdom and for the ultimate eternal good of the sufferers (John 11:23-26; 40-44). Our confidence must not rest or depend on what God is presently doing but on who He is.

John 11:35

"Jesus wept".

These to words reveal the deep sympathy God feels for the sorrow of His people. The verb "wept" indicates that probably Jesus burst into tears, then wept silently. Let this be a comfort to all who experience sorrow. Christ feels the same sympathy for us that he felt for the relatives of Lazarus. He loves us that much. Note that this verse occurs in the book that stresses his deity more than any other book. This was Jesus--God in the Flesh, deity himself--weeping. God does have a deep, emotional and sympathetic love for us and many others (Luke 19:41).

Bible Verse

"He withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.”" Luke 22:41-42, NIV

Prayer

Dear Father in heaven, we lift our eyes to you. You allow earthly events to follow their own course, and even your own Son had to suffer and die. But your plan is already prepared and you will act in our time according to your will. We pray, “Your will be done, your will!” In the midst of all the suffering let your love be revealed in many places, wherever it is possible for people to understand it. You have always protected us; protect us still. You have done much for us and we want to praise your name. We want to be people who always acknowledge you and praise you, for you will never let any be lost who hope in you. Be with us this always, help us, and send us the strength we need to serve you, also in our everyday life. In Jesus name. Amen.

For Further information please contact

Martin      082 645 3008

Tryphosa 067 091 4402

For any additional information email ccnokuphila1@gmail.com

New Beginnings - The Good Shepherd - The Son of God

 JOHN 10

John 10: 34-42

"Jesus answered them, “Is it not written in your Law, ‘I have said you are “gods”? If he called them ‘gods,’ to whom the word of God came—and Scripture cannot be set aside— what about the one whom the Father set apart as his very own and sent into the world? Why then do you accuse me of blasphemy because I said, ‘I am God’s Son?  Do not believe me unless I do the works of my Father. But if I do them, even though you do not believe me, believe the works, that you may know and understand that the Father is in me, and I in the Father.” Again they tried to seize him, but he escaped their grasp". Then Jesus went back across the Jordan to the place where John had been baptizing in the early days. There he stayed, and many people came to him. They said, “Though John never performed a sign, all that John said about this man was true.” And in that place many believed in Jesus".

Jesus answered his accusers by challenging them to check the facts. At least three kinds of evidence had been give to convince people about Jesus: (1) Verbal proof convinced some, such as the people who said, "No man has ever taught like this one!" (Mark 1:22). (2) Character proofs convinced others who had spent time with Jesus and observed his life. (3) Signs and miracles demonstrated his power over time, space and the laws of nature. Jesus recognised that some who might not be convinced one way might be open to other evidence. He invited his listeners to consider his miracles if they found his words too difficult to believe. After all, the prophet said that the Messiah would do great works (Isaiah 34:4-6). The purpose of all this evidence was to help people "know and understand" that the Father and Jesus are one.

On those with minds already made up, all the evidence had no effect. But many considered the evidence and "believed in Jesus".

Getting Personal

1. When do you tend to doubt what you've been taught about Jesus and God?
2. What evidence is most helpful to your faith?
3. In what ways do the facts about Jesus help you as you share the truth about him with others?

Although Salvation comes by faith alone, having faith does not mean jumping into the dark or believing without facts. Jesus told his accusers to use their minds and to consider all the evidence. Today, we have the advantage of even more evidence for the truth of Jesus's claims -- the Resurrection, the eyewitness accounts in the New Testament, and 2000+ years of changed lives. God wants us to renew our minds (Romans 12:22), not close them. He wants us to study and know his Word (2 Timothy 2:15), and to compare Bible teachings with what the Bible says (Acts 14:11). The evidence is there for those who wish to see. We can know and trust our Saviour (2 Timothy 1:12).

Putting it into Action

Thank God for all you are learning about Jesus through his Word. Ask God to strengthen your devotion to Christ as you listen to and study his clear teachings and claims, his amazing works, his sinless life, his atoning death in your place, his resurrection, and his work in countless lives. 

Bible Verse

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2, NIV

Prayer

Grant us your Spirit, Lord our God, that we may discern your good, acceptable, and perfect will. Give us joy in fighting on your side, so that what is good, acceptable, and perfect may be given to the world. Wherever we are and whatever work we do, give us energy to serve you and be guided by you so that your will may be done and your kingdom come, so that already today we may find happiness even though only in hope. In Jesus name. Amen.

For Further information please contact

Martin      082 645 3008

Tryphosa 067 091 4402

For any additional information email ccnokuphila1@gmail.com

New Beginnings - The Good Shepherd - The Son of God

 JOHN 10

John 10:19-33

"The Jews who heard these words were again divided. Many of them said, “He is demon-possessed and raving mad. Why listen to him?” But others said, “These are not the sayings of a man possessed by a demon. Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?” Then came the Festival of Dedication at Jerusalem. It was winter, and Jesus was in the temple courts walking in Solomon’s Colonnade. The Jews who were there gathered around him, saying, “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly.” Jesus answered, “I did tell you, but you do not believe. The works I do in my Father’s name testify about me, but you do not believe because you are not my sheep.  My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.” Again his Jewish opponents picked up stones to stone him, but Jesus said to them, “I have shown you many good works from the Father. For which of these do you stone me?” “We are not stoning you for any good work,” they replied, “but for blasphemy, because you, a mere man, claim to be God.”"

With all that Jesus was teaching and doing, the Jews were divided in their ideas about his identity. So they gathered around and asked Jesus to clear up the controversy -- was he the Messiah or not? A straightforward answer probably would not have convinced them, however, because they had already made up their minds. So Jesus said, in effect, "What I say won't make a difference because you do want to hear it. And that's because you don't believe in me -- you are not my sheep". Next, Jesus stated who he was by summarising the effects of the Gospel. Those who know him have eternal life, will "never perish" and are secure in his care. Then Jesus closed by giving one of the clearest affirmations of his divinity in the whole Bible, saying "I and the Father are One".

The Jews who were against Jesus got the point -- his claim to be God was unmistakable. The religious leaders wanted to kill Jesus because their laws said that anyone claiming to be God should die. Nothing (despite all the miraculous signs & teachings) could convince them that Jesus's claim was true. So they picked up stones to kill him, declaring, "We're stoning you... for blasphemy! You a mere man, claim to be God".

Getting Personal

1. What difference does Christ's divinity make in how you think and how you act?
2. What would you say to someone who says "I believe Jesus was a good moral example and teacher, but he was just a man?
3. Has the evidence truly convinced you that Jesus is more than a man -- that he is, in fact, God in the Flesh?

The Jews in Jesus's audience understood what Jesus meant. Though they didn't believe him, they knew he asserted equality with God. Jesus's greatest critics have considered him to be nothing more than a man and some say that he never claimed to be divine -- that the idea of his divinity was added later. Yet the greatest enemies of Jesus's time (the religious leaders) recognised that he was most definitely asserting to be God.

Putting into Action

In your worship today, affirm that Jesus is God. Praise him for his incredible sacrifice of becoming like you in order to save you. Give him the glory that is due to his name (1 Chronicles 16:29).

Bible Verse

"We know also that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true. And we are in him who is true by being in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life". 1 John 5:20, NIV

Prayer

Lord our God, we turn our faces to you and plead with you to come to us earthly and often struggling people. May we find strength in the Lord Jesus Christ, through whom redemption is promised to us all. May your kingdom at last be revealed and everything change for the better even though we do not see it yet. May we always honour your name above all others, for you are our Father and we want to hold fast to your grace that lets us call you Father. In our troubled times we want to have enduring faith that you can bring a new time when good shall at last emerge from all the distress. Grant that every broken and needy person may experience your help, your grace, and your salvation, and may know that these always surround us, if only our eyes are open to see and recognize them. So we want to thank and praise you at all times, and at last know the joy of eternity, to your glory and honor. In Jesus name. Amen.

For Further information please contact

Martin      082 645 3008

Tryphosa 067 091 4402

For any additional information email ccnokuphila1@gmail.com