This is Week 3’s summary of Following Jesus 101: Gospel of John – Bible Reading Plan Challenge! This week Jesus is still showing the people who He is. He’s performing miracles by giving sight to the blind and raising Lazarus from the dead. He’s also starting to claim that He’s the messiah and the Jewish leaders want him killed. He’s fulfilling scriptures, but the Jews still don’t believe that He’s God’s son. Jesus says we can’t serve two masters. So who will you believe most and choose?
I will give you the scripture verses or comments about the verses that stood out to me. Feel free to tell us what scriptures stood out to you and how you apply them to your life in the comments! Let’s get started…
Day 15:
“They kept demanding an answer, so he stood up again and said, “All right, but let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone!” Then he stooped down again and wrote in the dust.” (John 8:7-8)
We all are guilty of something, because we all sin every single day. Unfortunately, no one can point the finger at anyone – without the thumb pointing back at them. We ALL sin and fall short of God’s glory so who are we to judge one another?
Day 16:
“Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave of sin. A slave is not a permanent member of the family, but a son is part of the family forever. So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free.” (John 8:34-36)
Everyone who lives in sin on a regular basis is trapped. Trapped from living the life that God has intended. Trapped into a life full of disappointment and despair. Trapped into a life that’s doomed for eternal death. But once we believe in Jesus, He sets us free from the bondage of sin. We truly become free for eternity.
Day 17:
“We must quickly carry out the tasks assigned us by the one who sent us. The night is coming, and then no one can work. But while I am here in the world, I am the light of the world.” (John 9:4-5)
When we accept Jesus as our Lord, we all are given at least one gift to be used for His glory. Our job is to use our gifts to help others learn and discover Him while we are here on earth. When Jesus comes back for His people and His church, then our work is done.
Day 18:
“Then Jesus told him, “I entered this world to render judgment—to give sight to the blind and to show those who think they see that they are blind.” Some Pharisees who were standing nearby heard him and asked, “Are you saying we’re blind?” “If you were blind, you wouldn’t be guilty,” Jesus replied. “But you remain guilty because you claim you can see.” (John 9:39-41)
Jesus is telling us not to get caught up in believing things that are not of God. A lot of religious leaders who claim to know the Bible front to back are leading people away from God’s word and promoting themselves. They are picking and choosing from the Bible and only teaching things that the world wants to hear. Jesus wants our eyes to be open to the truth so we are not mislead by Satan’s ways.
Day 19:
“I am the good shepherd; I know my own sheep, and they know me, just as my Father knows me and I know the Father. So I sacrifice my life for the sheep. I have other sheep, too, that are not in this sheepfold. I must bring them also. They will listen to my voice, and there will be one flock with one shepherd.” (John 10:14-16)
Followers and believers of Christ truly know His voice and can hear Him when He speaks. Sometimes we may feel that it’s hard to hear Gods voice – or don’t quite know if He’s really talking with us. But when we have a one-on-one personal relationship with Jesus, His voice will become loud and clear within our hearts and soul.
Day 20:
“Jesus replied, “I have already told you, and you don’t believe me. The proof is the work I do in my Father’s name. But you don’t believe me 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 will never perish. No one can snatch them away from me, for my Father has given them to me, and he is more powerful than anyone else. No one can snatch them from the Father’s hand. The Father and I are one.” (John 10:25-30)
It’s sad when people still choose not to believe in God, even when He’s proven himself over and over again in their lives. I’m grateful to God that I know His voice and I am His forever. I will never be snatched away from His hand. Aren’t you grateful that you belong to Him?
Day 21:
“Jesus told her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying. Everyone who lives in me and believes in me will never ever die. Do you believe this, Martha?” (John 11:25-26)
Jesus raised Martha’s brother and his friend, Lazarus from the dead. He also did this to show and prove to the naysayers and unbelievers, who He truly was once again. Lazarus was dead for four days when Jesus arrived. Even after Lazarus got up and walked, most didn’t believe. But Mary did and so do I. Do you truly believe in Jesus?
What have you learned from these scriptures? What are your favorite verse(s)? How will you apply His word to your life this week? Please share your thoughts and testimonials in the comments…
God loves you and so do I…
Wanda
