While Jesus was in Jerusalem for the Passover, many people saw him do signs and believed in his signs. He knew the hearts of others and knew many did not believe in him.
11a) The disciples believed in who Jesus was. The belief of many was superficial, as they believed in what Jesus was doing.
b) It doesn’t really challenge my faith, but it does emphasize the importance of believing in Jesus versus what he can do for you.
12a) He knew that many would be against him, so he had to be careful so he could fulfill his duty for mankind. He also could not commit to others who did not believe in him.
b) It’s comforting, actually. I know that Jesus knows what I’m feeling even when I can’t express it.
c) He draws me every day, by being there for me, by putting others in my life I can help and who help me, and by putting His work in front of me to do.
Love the differentiation of belief here. Many people believe in what Jesus can/does do for them, but they don’t believe in him and his sacrifice for us. Super important for us to keep in mind when we are talking to others about Jesus since many come to Jesus looking for him to do something in their lives, rather than looking for Jesus himself.
It’s important that we, as believers, remember that Jesus does know our heart and our heart’s motivations. Even if we believe in Jesus, we must still be vigilant in our actions and our motivations in life. Sin is always closer than we think.
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The Jewish leaders asked Jesus’ authority to do all this. He said, “Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days.” Jesus was speaking of the temple as his body that would rise again in three days, not the actual temple.
9a) Because Jesus’ actions were audacious. The Jewish leaders allowed this to happen, so it made them look bad to let Jesus do their job.
b) They maybe might be thinking Jesus is the Messiah, so they want more proof. Or, they are looking to disprove him altogether.
c) No, not really.
10a) He said, “Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days.” Jesus was speaking of the temple as his body that would rise again in three days, not the actual temple. He willingly laid down his life for us.
b) The false witnesses testified that Jesus said he himself would destroy the temple, God’s holy place, and raise it in three days.
I love how Jesus answers the Jewish leaders with profound wisdom, and I love Jesus’ body as the temple. Such depth here.
Jesus told them that they would destroy his temple (him), but he would rise again. The body of Christ is still a temple of sorts as embodied by the church.
Note Jesus says he will raise himself from the dead and in John 10:18. Also, note that God (Romans 6:4 and Galatians 1:1) and the Holy Spirit (Romans 1:4 and 8:11) raise Jesus, too. It was the power of the Holy Trinity at work here.
Jesus often answers a question asked of him like this. He is not lowering himself to respond to such questions.
The disciples only connected Jesus’ meaning here after his death. This is a frequent occurrence for them that they did not understand at the time but only later.
The Scripture they believed is here: Psalm 16:10 where Jesus would not be abandoned in the realm of the dead nor would he decay.
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Jesus went to Jerusalem for Passover. When he saw that inside the temple courts people were selling cattle, sheep, and doves, he drove all of the money lenders out of the temple.
He told them to stop turning His Father’s house into a market.
6) Passover. At Passover, a sacrificial lamb is required to cleanse them of sin. If the people traveled, they could instead tithe silver. The money lenders were there to supply these requirements to the Jewish people.
7a) He got angry. He made a whip and drove the money lenders out.
b) To take bold, immediate action when you see something being done that is not right.
8a) Psalm 69:9: “for zeal for your house consumes me, and the insults of those who insult you fall on me.” This speaks to the zeal Jesus had for the purity of the temple. And, God speaks this in Psalm, but here it explains Jesus’ actions. It is implied that Jesus is acting for/as God here.
b) Jesus will come to the temple and purify it, which is what he did when he kicked out the money lenders.
I love this example of Jesus’ very human emotions and his direct action to correct the wrong.
Bible scholars estimate that more than 2 million Jews came to Jerusalem for Passover. Paying the temple tax was required, which is why there were money lenders there.
Background: The money lenders were in the Court of the Gentiles, the only place the Gentiles could allowed to pray and offer sacrifices. Jesus sees this as a defiling of the temple since it’s been turned into a marketplace. Great synopsis HERE
Furthermore, the temple tax had to be paid in Tyrian shekels, which had the most amount of silver in it, so the money changers had to exchange the Jews’ coinage in order to satisfy this requirement.
Making a whip would take a bit to time. Jesus did this methodically. He did not drive out the money lenders out of passion.
The outer court was where Gentiles could worship the Lord. With the money lenders there, this space was not corrupt.
Jesus converts water first, then cleanses the temple. Conversion first, then cleansing of the temple.
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Jesus attends a wedding with his mother and disciples in Galilee. When they run out of wine, Mary asks Jesus to help. Jesus turns water into wine for the wedding banquet. It was choice wine.
This is the first of many signs that Jesus performed that revealed his glory and who he was. Jesus then traveled to Capernaum.
3a) They ran out of wine for the wedding banquet. This is an embarrassment and could bring shame upon the couple. Hospitality was huge back in ancient times, and failing to provide your guests with adequate drink was a major faux pas.
b) I think Mary was asking Jesus for a solution, not necessarily a miracle. We see this when she tells her servants to do whatever Jesus tells them to do. She responds with obedience.
c) If you approach Jesus with the expectation he will do what you want, you can expect a poor response. If you approach Jesus with an open heart and looking for help, you can expect him to answer in his way.
d) Jesus is hesitant to reveal himself yet to the masses, but he does so.
4) Miracles but also answering people’s requests with an active answer.
5a) Jesus did something only the Messiah could do.
b) It shows me that not only is anything possible with God, but anything is possible when you have an open heart and mind.
I love this miracle! It solves a basic human need (drink) and helps avoid an embarrassing situation (shows Jesus’ compassion), and it’s done in an unpresumptuous way.
The 3rd day refers to the continuation of John’s telling of events: the beginning (John 1:19-28), Day 1: (John 1:29-34), Day 2: (John 1:35-42), Day 3: (John 1:43-51)
Jesus blesses weddings (he does this as we see by attending them). He blesses events in our lives when we invite him in.
It is presumed that Joseph died young since he is not mentioned here. Many Bible scholars believe Jesus took care of the family until they were of age. This is why he stayed in Nazareth and left when they were all cared for.
Mary probably approaches Jesus as the head of the household who is used to solving problems. It’s no different today from going to your family members to solve problems.
By calling Mary “woman,” Jesus is distancing himself since he is now in the public eye.
Fun Fact: Many only appears in the Gospel of John one more time — at the cross (John 19:26)
When Jesus spoke of “his hour,” he meant the cross.
Jesus most likely prayed before performing this miracle and did not do it just to please Mary.
Note that not very many words of Mary’s are recorded in the Bible. Those that are point to Jesus as Sovereign. As we see here, you are to do whatever he tells you to do.
Jesus used the existing water pots, allowing the servants who filled them to share in his miracle.
The pots were filled to the brim; a transformation was coming, not an additive to the water.
They took out the water in faith that was now wine.
Whether the wine was transformed in the pot or at the pouring, we do not know. There was extra, which the couple could have sold for more money for a start in life.
This is the FIRST of SEVEN signs recorded in John’s Gospel, each designed to bring the reader to faith in Jesus.
Fun Fact: The Greek word for “signs” is used 74 times in the New Testament, 23 times in John’s Gospel.
Note the hint of the 3rd day of glory as this miracle happened on the 3rd day.
The disciples believed in Jesus more after the miracle, which was probably a motivation for Jesus performing it — to strengthen their faith.
We believe more in the Lord when He does great things for us, too!
Mary expects great things and lets Jesus do it his way. Great example!
Capernaum was on the shore of the Sea of Galilee. Jesus spends a lot of time here during his ministry. (Matthew 4:13).
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Jesus calls Philip in Galilee to follow him. Philip tells Nathanael that they have found Jesus of Nazareth, the one Moses wrote about in the Law.
Nathanael asks if anything good can come from Nazareth. He meets Jesus who tells him that there is no deceit in him because he saw him while still under a fig tree.
Upon hearing this, Nathanael believes Jesus is the Son of God. He tells him he will see great things, including ‘heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending on’ the Son of Man.”
11) Jesus called Philip to follow him. Philip does and tells Nathanael, too.
12a) Skeptical. Prejudiced. Hesitant.
b) Kindly. Matter-of-factly. By telling him there is no deceit in his heart and proving who he was.
c) Jesus has come to bring heaven to humanity. Jesus is the ladder or bridge to God for humanity.
13) Unsure. Put out feelers and keep giving God the glory. When you talk about Jesus, you never know who is listening.
I love how everyone comes to Jesus differently. Great stuff!
So simple words (Follow me); such a profound impact on a life and on others.
Nathanael was prejudiced against those from Nazareth, as we see by his response. Jesus challenged him to come and see for himself.
Bible scholars differ on if Nathanael actually prayed under a fig tree or if this common expression of the times meant he meditated on the Scriptures.
All believers can expect to see greater things when they believe in Jesus.
Jesus is the link between heaven and earth. He came to bring us to heaven. Jesus is the mediator for us to God.
Jesus calls himself The Son of Man frequently because it was a title that referred to the Messiah.
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Two of Jesus’ disciples followed Jesus after hearing John the Baptist call Jesus “The Lamb of God.” One was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. He brought his brother, Simon (renamed Peter), who followed Jesus, too.
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John the Baptist’s influence. I love how when John the Baptist validated who Jesus was, he gained two disciples. This is great! It shows how much credibility John had.
Their initial response. The two disciples immediately followed Jesus. There was no doubt or question. I love this!
Their interaction with Jesus. Jesus asked them their intent and they replied with Teacher. I love how this shows their hearts for Jesus immediately.
The impact on Simon Peter. This then influenced Simon Peter to follow Jesus since his brother was doing so. Love the impact of family here!
10a) I want to know you.
b) Jesus has invited me and all of us to know him better through prayer, his Word, others, and creation. He has invited me though Bible studies such as BSF and others, too.
c) So much! His compassion, his love, his desire to help others and support others, how he picks us up when we fall, and how he’s there for us.
d) In every way: career, family, life, personally, and more.
I didn’t remember this story of how Peter came to Jesus! Love the influence of others here!
Andrew is identified here as one of the two disciples who followed Jesus. Bible scholars think John himself was the other.
Jesus asks everyone what do they seek. He wanted to know their motivations.
Fun Fact: Every time Andrew is mentioned in the Bible, he is bringing someone to Jesus! (John 6:8 and 12:22) That is so cool! Could the same thing be said about you?
Many people have an Andrew in their life — someone who brings them to Jesus.
Note that Andrew knew Jesus to be the Messiah.
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John sees Jesus coming. He calls out “Look, the Lamb of God!” He is the one.
John testified that he saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove on him. God told John that this will be the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit. He says this is God’s Chosen One.
6a) The lamb was the sin offering that cleansed the people from sin. It’s blood was poured out to atone for sin. With John calling Jesus the Lamb of God, he is saying Jesus is the one who has come to cleanse the people of sin. He is saying Jesus is perfect as the lamb had to be as well.
b) I’m in awe. It’s so hard to believe Jesus would die for my sins, but it’s the truth I hold on to!
7) Jesus was sent by God as the Spirit descending from heaven upon him proved. God declared “This is my Son.” This is the Messiah who was sent by God to save the world and who is God incarnate.
8 ) Water baptism is an outward sign that you accept Jesus’ sacrifice for your sins into your heart. Jesus’ baptizes with the Holy Spirit and saving grace, granting us eternal life with the Father.
So powerful! Can you imagine seeing Jesus get baptized?! What a sight!
Scholars believe this scene was after John baptized Jesus and after the 40 days of temptation in the wilderness. Jesus is paying a visit to John.
Note that John points out Jesus’ great reason for coming: to save us!
Note there’s only one sin of the world. Jesus takes away all sin.
Jesus was before all; he is eternal.
God gave a visible symbol of who Jesus was. This allowed John to be a witness for Jesus, the Son of God.
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John the Baptist says he is not the Messiah, Elijah, or a prophet when asked who he was by the Jewish leaders. Instead, he quotes Isaiah and says he’s the one preparing the way for the Lord.
The leaders ask John why he baptizes then if he’s not the Messiah. He says he baptizes with water. He says that Jesus is coming after him. They do not know him, but he is not worthy to untie his sandals.
This happened in Bethany on the other side of the Jordan where John was baptizing.
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Question 1 – 1:19-20 Question: Who are you? John answered, “I am not the Messiah.”
Question 2 – 1:21a (Malachi 3:1; 4:5) Question: Are you Elijah? John answered: “I am not.”
Question 3 – 1:21b (Deuteronomy 18:15) Question: Are you the Prophet? John answered: “No.”
Question 4 – 1:22-23 (Isaiah 40:3) Question: Who are you? Give us an answer to take back to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?” John answered: “I am the voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way for the Lord.’”
Question 5 – 1:24-27 Question: “Why then do you baptize if you are not the Messiah, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?” John answered: “I baptize with water,” John replied, “but among you stands one you do not know. He is the one who comes after me, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie.”
4) He was solid in his identity. He understood Jesus was much greater than him. John is very clear about his purpose and calling and never questions it. He wants no attention on himself.
5) John never wavers. He quotes the Bible for his answers. He makes simple statements. He is straightforward. I think we all could be like this.
I love how John does not cave when confronted by the Jewish leaders. He stands firm in his purpose and for the Lord. Fabulous!
Here, we see for the first time in John’s Gospel the word “Jews,” referring to one particular group here, the religious leaders.
Fun Fact: Jews meaning Jewish leaders appears almost 70 times in John’s Gospel.
John says who he is not, not who he is. He does not want any attention focused on himself.
Remember that Jesus referred to John as a type of Elijah in spirit. (Matthew 11:13-14 and Mark 9:11-13).
John’s work is to prepare for the work of the Lord. He baptized people to prepare for Jesus, cleansing them.
Baptism in Jesus’ time was only for Gentiles who converted to Judaism. Here, John is baptizing Jews as a sign of repentance.
The lowest slave untied sandals. John is saying he is below the lowest when it came to Jesus.
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