resurrection

Worship VII Day 10 King Of Kings

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Read His Words Before Ours!

John 1:1-23
Ephesians 1:3-14
Luke 4:14-21
Isaiah 53
Acts 2

Worship VII, Day 10

I’ve had the opportunity to speak at several of my church’s womens’ ministry events. One phrase I use almost every time is “King of Kings and Lord of Lords.” There is something about the majesty, power, and authority of His title that grounds me in Who Jesus is. One of the reasons I love the song “King of Kings” is its rich evidence of Who Christ is, as well as Who and what He should be to us.

“In the darkness we were waiting
Without hope, without light
‘Til from heaven You came running
There was mercy in Your eyes
To fulfill the law and prophets
To a virgin came the Word
From a throne of endless glory
To a cradle in the dirt”

The last book of the Old Testament is Malachi, and the first four books of the New Testament are the Gospels. Throughout the Old Testament, there are hundreds of prophecies of the Messiah, the Deliverer of the Israelites, Whom we meet in the Gospels. For example, Isaiah 61:1-3 speaks of the Messiah coming to comfort, provide, and make righteous. Jesus quotes it in Luke 4:18-19. Then in verse 21, He announces the prophecy has been fulfilled. Can you imagine being present for that? The long-awaited Messiah is standing in front of you!

Malachi ends by proclaiming a messenger will come ahead of the Messiah (Malachi 4:5-6), which echoed Isaiah 40:3. John the Baptist quotes this prophecy in John 1:23 to identify himself as that messenger. After Malachi’s conclusion,  four hundred years pass. Can you imagine waiting so long? I can barely wait 4 minutes! But were they truly waiting in the darkness with no hope? They were invaded and ruled by the Greeks, briefly gained their independence, then fell to the Romans in 63 BC.

So the New Testament opens with the Israelites still waiting for the Messiah to save them from oppression by another foreign nation.

All the while, their sins remained an insurmountable barrier between themselves and their God. And let’s not forget the oppression of the corrupt, self-righteous religious leaders, the Pharisees and Sadducees.

I cannot imagine their despair.

But Jesus was on the way! The Messiah had awaited this moment, willingly surrendering His heavenly throne to put on flesh and save His people. (John 1:14-18) Enter a young virgin, who miraculously gave birth to Jesus, the Word Who fulfilled every. single. word. of prophecy. (John 1:1, Matthew 1:18-24, prophesied in Isaiah 7:14).
Hallelujah!

Why would Jesus make such a sacrifice?

“For even in Your suffering
You saw to the other side
Knowing this was our salvation
Jesus for our sake You died”

The answer is found in a treasured verse of Christians, John 3:16:

“For God loved the world in this way: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.”

God loves us so much, He would not leave us separated from Him. Through Jesus, we are reconciled to Him despite our sin. There is no animal, ruler, or leader who could grant us salvation. Only the Lord of the Universe could accomplish it. So the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords came for each of us.
Praise Him!

But Jesus’ death is only part of our redemption story:

“And the morning that You rose
All of heaven held its breath
Till that stone was moved for good
For the Lamb had conquered death”

Jesus is Lord over death. It had, and has, no power over Him. On the third day, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords rose from the dead. (Matthew 28:5-7) With His resurrection, our redemption was sealed. Our place in heaven is reserved, if we trust in Him.

Not only did He conquer death; Ephesians 1 says He went beyond salvation. He also gave us “every spiritual blessing in the heavens” (verse 3), a glimpse into God’s plan (verses 9-10), an inheritance (verse 11), and the seal of the Holy Spirit (verse 13). I could cry in amazement that the One Who created all, and is over all, cares so much for us.
Glory!

“And the Church of Christ was born
Then the Spirit lit the flame”

Christ’s church was born on Pentecost, when the disciples received the promised Holy Spirit (Acts 2:1-4), Whom we also carry as Christians. Peter, in his love for Christ and the power of the Spirit, explained to the gathered crowds how Jesus fulfills every prophecy of old. (Acts 2:17-36) Thousands of people believed, and became the first church. This is the same church, the same family, into which we’ve been adopted (Ephesians 1:4-5) in Jesus!
I am honored to be your sister in Christ.

Truly grasping Who Christ is, and Who He is to you, is highly personal. I beg you, sisters, to reread the passages and verses listed here. Read cross references. Ask God to make you more aware of Jesus as King of Kings. And when He does, praise Him!

“Praise the Father
Praise the Son
Praise the Spirit three in one
God of glory
Majesty
Praise forever to the King of Kings”

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Embracing God’s fullness in our lives is rooted in scripture and memorizing His word is vital to our continued growth and depth with Jesus. Tap and hold from your mobile device to download this week’s verse and make it your phone’s lockscreen!

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Sketched VIII Day 6 Lazarus

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Read His Words Before Ours!

John 11
2 Kings 4:8-37
John 12:1-11
Psalm 145:1-7
Revelation 1:1-18

Sketched VIII, Day 6

The glory of the LORD used to fill the tabernacle (2 Chronicles 5:14),
but now God’s glory walked among us in Jesus (Hebrews 1:3).

I know this because I was dead, but Jesus called me back to life. But let me not get ahead. This story is too important to rush.

My sister, Martha, invited a great Teacher to our home. My other sister, Mary, sat at His feet and soaked up His words. I also listened intently. He was different from any other teacher or Rabbi I’d ever heard. He spoke and taught with such authority; I now understand His authority came from Yahweh (John 17:1-2). I could never have dreamed of the Messiah, in our home. But there He sat, befriending us.

Sometime later, I fell ill, but my sisters were not worried. They assured me, “We’ll call Jesus. He will take care of you.”

Our ancestor David wrote, “Put your hope in the LORD, both now and forever.” (Psalm 131:3)

So we did. My sisters sent for Jesus (John 11:3), believing if anyone could save me, He could. But as we waited, I felt my life slipping away. I hoped my sisters’ faith would survive my death. At the time, I couldn’t foresee His plan, but it turns out, He was working something far greater than my immediate healing.

My sisters tell me they were in great despair, wondering why Jesus had not come right away. I grappled with the same questions as I took my last breaths, until I remembered the words of the prophet Isaiah,

“‘For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
and your ways are not my ways.’
This is the Lord’s declaration.” (Isaiah 55:8)

In my final moments, these words brought me peace.
On the fourth day after my death, Jesus finally arrived and made the most curious statement to Martha.

“I am the resurrection and the life.
The one who believes in me, even if he dies, will live.” (John 11:25)

You see, around this time, Sadducees in my town were bickering with everyone, especially Jesus, about the impossibility of resurrection. (Mark 12:18-27) Yet, in blatant contradiction to their assertions, Jesus declared not only is there a resurrection, but the resurrection is Him!

I’m told He continued to surprise my sisters and their many comforters by weeping
in front of everyone, alongside them in their grief.
Imagine the Messiah
weeping
for my death.
I am still moved to tears just thinking about it.

Jesus instructed them to roll the stone away and proceeded to pray for the people watching to believe Yahweh sent Him. Then, He called me to arise.

I know, it sounds crazy. But if Elisha, a prophet, could receive power from God to raise the Shunamite’s son from the dead, why should we doubt the power of the Son of God to raise me? (2 Kings 4:8-37)

Through the darkness, I clearly heard Jesus, “Lazarus, come out!” (John 11:43)

At His words, I awakened to find myself wrapped in grave clothes with strips of linen over my eyes. Despite my bindings, I moved toward His voice, longing to see His face again.

I walked into the bright light and heard Jesus’ command, “Unwrap him and let him go”.
So my life began again!

By His words, I was resurrected. The One Who is the Resurrection spoke me into life; in that moment, I became a living testimony to the glory of God: a proclamation of His power, greatness, and wondrous works. (Psalm 145:3-6)

My testimony came at a cost. Because He displayed His great power, many of the leaders wanted to kill Jesus. They also plotted against me, because my resurrected life inspired many to believe in Jesus, the Messiah (John 12:9-11)

In fact, the new life He gave me accelerated His death. Just before Passover, my sister Mary anointed His feet with expensive perfume and, to our confusion, He indicated it was for His burial. (John 12:1-7) Six days later, I realized it was the beginning of His journey to the cross.

I despised that cross at first. My testimony pointed to His glory, but in the wake of His death, my new life seemed empty and pointless.

But on the third day after He died,
His gravestone was also rolled away.
He was also resurrected.
But He needed no one to call Him out of the grave.
God Incarnate raised Himself from death to life.

He was dead, then alive forever, holding the keys to death and Hades. (Revelation 1:18)
My resurrection had been a small foreshadow of His.
Jesus was truly, “The First and the Last, and the Living One”. (Revelation 1:17)

My brokenness made whole, gave others the chance to live forever with Him. It can do the same for you if you believe in Him, the Resurrection and the Life.
My sisters, believe, and live forever!

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A Note About Sketched
In this series, we are stepping into the shoes of various characters throughout history. Some are biblical, some are well-known in modern day times, and some are people our writers know personally. We do our best to research the culture and times surrounding these individuals to give an accurate representation of their first-person perspectives on life and the world, but we can’t be 100% accurate. “Sketched” is our best interpretation of how these characters view(ed) God, themselves, and the world around them. Our hope is that by stepping into their everyday, we will see our own lives a little differently!
Enjoy!
And keep watching for Sketched Themes to pop up throughout the year!

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Embracing God’s fullness in our lives is rooted in scripture and memorizing His word is vital to our continued growth and depth with Jesus. Tap and hold from your mobile device to download this week’s verse and make it your phone’s lockscreen!

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Relentless Day 3 Arise And See The Glory

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Read His Words Before Ours!

Judges 4-5
Judges 2:16-23
2 Corinthians 3:12-18

Relentless, Day 3

“Villages were deserted, they were deserted in Israel,
until I, Deborah, arose, a mother in Israel.”

Stop and ponder this sentence.
Villages were deserted.
Until
A mother arose.

Now I am guessing you haven’t found yourself walking through a literal ghost town in the last 24 hours, but have you walked through a lifeless void? Have you found yourself in a space where fullness of life would have required a literal resurrection of hope, faith, joy, peace, etc.?

The story of Deborah and Barak is found nestled in the book of Judges, which chronicles over 250 years of Israel’s history where no king ruled on the throne and the leadership largely came through judges. It was an era in which fullness of life failed to flourish due to years of oppression allowed by the Lord. It was only when the Israelites followed the leading of the judges, whom the Lord had appointed, they were able to experience the Lord’s compassion.

Until that obedience kicked in, the Israelites found themselves living in a veritable wasteland. In the time of Deborah, they had been experiencing oppression from King Jabin for 20 years. Proof positive that I am not the only person to be a little slow on the uptake as to the value of obeying and obeying the first time! Twenty Years!

In Judges 4, the scene opens with a description of Israel’s current context and then introduces Deborah by providing a brief resume: ruthless oppressor with 900 iron chariots on one side and a woman prophet sitting under a tree on the other. Only one of them had the backing of the Lord, and it is to this setting Barak arrives.

Deborah summons Barak and tells him the Lord is commanding him to gather warriors from two tribes of Judah for battle and the Lord will deliver King Jabin’s army and the victorious routing to Barak. Barak’s response was not a complete no, but it also lacked full, confident obedience. He said he would go, but only if Deborah accompanied him.

In Exodus, Moses says something similar to the Lord. On behalf of Israel, Moses state they would not go anywhere unless the Lord went with them.
How are these two scenarios different?
As I ponder on what it might be like to be in Barak’s shoes, I find myself echoing his thoughts in unexpected places in my own life.
I’ll obey that nudge from the Lord, if someone else has a similar nudge.
I’ll step out in faith and believe it was the Lord, if I get quick confirmation it was Him.
I’ll obey, if I can remove as much risk as possible.

However, faith does not preclude risk. In fact, sometimes faith and risk are synonymous, for it is in the risk that we make room for the glory of the Lord to shine for all to see (even if heaven ends up being the only observers).
When we risk for the Lord and see His faithfulness over time,
we will forever be changed.

Just as Moses shone after encountering the Lord on Mt. Sinai, our encounters with the Lord and seeing His glory displayed, changes our countenances too.
It’s the best beauty treatment there is. Collagen, move over!

Barak’s response did not finish the story. It did not tie the Lord’s hands or create a scenario in which Barak’s role suddenly ended. Instead, Deborah responded with a mother’s wisdom and a prophet’s insights by saying she would go, and the Lord would bring the victory through the hands of a woman.

All of which proved to be true. The army was defeated and its commander-in-chief met his demise after his encounter with Jael, a woman who used the ordinary elements of life to obey. Just like Deborah, Jael rose up and stepped out in faith for the glory of the Lord.

So today, regardless of your marital or parental status, how may you arise a wise mother in your sphere of influence? Is there a skill set or talent you can surrender to the Lord for His use? Are you feeling a nudge to obey in a particular aspect?

Darkness prevailed in Deborah’s day, but she chose to arise.
She listened for the voice of the Lord, and she followed through.

Never underestimate the impact of every day obedience.
They may very well be the crack through which the Lord shines His glory.

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Embracing God’s fullness in our lives is rooted in scripture and memorizing His word is vital to our continued growth and depth with Jesus. Tap and hold from your mobile device to download this week’s verse and make it your phone’s lockscreen!

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Incorruptible Day 10 Love That Lasts

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Read His Words Before Ours!

1 Peter 1:22-25 
1 Peter 2:11-16
Leviticus 19:16-18
John 13:34-35 

Incorruptible, Day 10

As the children got off the bus there was a buzz of animated chatter.
Just arriving for a week at camp, they were full of excitement and eager to get started. 

Well, most of them were... 

At the back of the line were two brothers, fear and apprehension written all over their faces.  Their response to the leaders’ friendly greetings was monosyllabic, their manner hesitant and uncertain.  It was all new to them and they had no idea what to expect. 

Fast forward a week, and children were piling back onto the bus to return home.  Again, the two brothers hung back, but this time their behaviour wasn’t motivated by fear and anxiety, but by reluctance to leave a place of happiness and a desire to say individual goodbyes to each leader. There were hugs, tears, and smiles, as we stood amazed at the radical transformation in such a short space of time. 

I’m convinced the reason was love.   

We had quickly discovered the two brothers had a difficult home situation.  They had never experienced a loving Christian community before, and the impact on them was profound.  It’s said that actions speak louder than words, and it’s true. The way we treat others and our attitudes towards them have more impact than we often realise. 

In his letter to the first-century Christians, Peter highlights this truth.  He writes to the believers about how to behave towards one another, towards their unbelieving neighbours, and those in authority.
He emphasises the lasting impact of their conduct. 

Peter implores, “show sincere brotherly love for each other,
 from a pure heart, love one another constantly.”  (1 Peter 1:22)
As these believers lived in difficult circumstances, facing opposition, persecution, and suffering, it was important they stood united. 

Peter tells them this unifying love springs from their new life in Christ.
They have been born again into His family as brothers and sisters and co-heirs with Christ (Romans 8:17).  This love isn’t the mushy, romantic, feelings-based love the world portrays in songs and movies, but the committed, selfless, sacrificial love Jesus displayed in His life, death, and resurrection.  

Jesus Himself taught that loving one another was a mark of following Him, which would impact those who witnessed it. One cannot remain unchanged by love. 

Let’s be real though.
Loving others, even other Christians, is hard sometimes.
Opinions and personalities clash, we rub each other the wrong way,
we can act thoughtlessly and selfishly, and sometimes hurt one another. 

But we are still called to love.
Not because we have the ability on our own, but because, as Peter says, “we have been born again….(by) imperishable seed.” (1 Peter 1:23)

In 1 Corinthians 13 and Colossians 3, Paul details what it means to love with our new, incorruptible nature.
And it’s radically different from the world’s image of love.
Paul describes a patient, forgiving, enduring love that allows us to live in harmony even when it’s challenging. 

This love is impossible to work up by ourselves.
Love is a fruit of the Spirit, not our own efforts.
It is the result of God working within us enabling us to love.
However, it is also a choice we make to cooperate with God’s work in us, and be committed to this kind of love.

The word translated as “constantly” in verse 22 is rendered in other versions of the Bible as “earnestly“, “fervently“, or “with all your heart,” conveying the sense that this is a love we must choose and actively pursue.   

In chapter 2, Peter goes on to write about the importance of believers conducting themselves honourably before the unbelievers around them.  He encourages them that their actions and attitudes are a witness, pointing others to God! 

For the same reason, and with the same love, believers are called to submit to figures of authority, “for it is God’s will that you silence the ignorance of foolish people by doing good.“  (1 Peter 2:15) 

These must have been incredibly challenging instructions in a culture where the believers faced ridicule and intense persecution from authority, but they were called, by their love and their honourable behaviour, to glorify God and make Him known. 

The same challenge is for us today. 
How well do we love our Christian brothers and sisters?
How well do our actions witness to those around us?  
Are we truly known for our love?   

The impact of putting Jesus’ incorruptible love on display is great! 

I doubt that the two brothers who came to camp went home remembering much of what they heard about Jesus that week, but I do know they went home having experienced, probably for the first time, a loving community where they were valued, accepted, and deeply loved. 

For those brothers, that week was only the beginning.
The two boys returned year after year, gradually they began truly taking in what was being taught. Eventually they came to faith in Jesus for themselves! 

Our little acts of love may not seem like much, but their impact can be eternal.
Incorruptible love produces incorruptible results.
As Peter reminds, so much around us is fading,
but God’s Word, and the new life we have in Him – this life of love – remain forever!

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Embracing God’s fullness in our lives is rooted in scripture and memorizing His word is vital to our continued growth and depth with Jesus. Tap and hold from your mobile device to download this week’s verse and make it your phone’s lockscreen!

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Worship III Day 12 One Glad Morning: Digging Deeper

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Digging Deeper Days

Finding the original intent of Scripture and making good application to our everyday lives as we become equipped to correctly handle the Word of Truth!

Yesterday’s Journey Study connects with today’s!
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The Questions

1) What is our “earthly tent” versus our “eternal dwelling?” 

2) What does Paul mean by “mortality may be swallowed up by life?” 

3) Who must appear before the judgment seat of Christ? 

2 Corinthians 5:1-10

5 For we know that if our earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal dwelling in the heavens, not made with hands. 2 Indeed, we groan in this tent, desiring to put on our heavenly dwelling, 3 since, when we have taken it off, we will not be found naked. 4 Indeed, we groan while we are in this tent, burdened as we are, because we do not want to be unclothed but clothed, so that mortality may be swallowed up by life. 5 Now the one who prepared us for this very purpose is God, who gave us the Spirit as a down payment. 6 So we are always confident and know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord. 7 For we walk by faith, not by sight. 8 In fact, we are confident, and we would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord. 9 Therefore, whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to be pleasing to him. 10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each may be repaid for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil. 

Original Intent

1) What is our “earthly tent” versus our “eternal dwelling?”
Paul was a tentmaker by trade and would have understood the idea of living in a tent. In fact, the Greek word for “lived among us” used in John 1:14 (speaking of Jesus) is translated “tabernacled” or “tented.” However, Paul narrowed the term to mean the body that we live in. This is made clear by his use of the terminology of “clothed,” “unclothed,” and “naked,” and amplified in verse 6 when he states we are “at home in the body.” So, if our earthly home is our body, what is our eternal dwelling? We need to refer to 1 Corinthians 15:42 where, in essence, Paul’s point is that our bodies are marred by sin while in this world, but in eternity they will be glorified. Just as Jesus Christ inhabited a physical body after His resurrection, so will we. Just as He was physically recognized (He bore the scars from the crucifixion; see John 20:24-28), so will we be. But our glorified bodies will not experience decay or death, because they are for eternity. Are you as excited for this as I am?! 

2) What does Paul mean by “mortality may be swallowed up by life?”
This phrase seems to be redundant unless we keep it in the context of the entire passage. Mortality refers to the life we have on earth; the life that swallows it is eternal life, which is greater…perfect, in fact! Scripture assures us that there is no pain or sorrow, no tears, no death or mourning in the new Heavens and Earth (Revelation 21:3-4). We will be free to worship and serve the Lord without distraction. 

3) Who must appear before the judgment seat of Christ?
Paul states in verse 10 that “we all must appear before the judgment seat of Christ.” He was speaking to the believers in Corinth; therefore, the judgment seat of Christ is a place where all believers must go. However, there is one other judgment in the end times: the Great White Throne judgment (Revelation 20:11-15). This actually precedes the other. This judgment determines whether each person ever created has their name in the book of life. If so, they enter into eternal life with Jesus in the new Heavens and the new Earth. If not, they are sent to eternal torment and separation from God in Hell. The believers in Heaven are then judged by Christ to determine heavenly rewards for deeds done on earth.  

 

Everyday Application

1) What is our “earthly tent” versus our “eternal dwelling?”
The children’s stories or myths of bodiless spirits or chubby little winged people sitting on clouds in heaven are completely false according to Scripture. God always intended humans to live with him in bodies; that was the way He created life on earth in the beginning (Genesis 2:7, 18, 21-22; 3:8). While we wait for our perfect, eternal bodies, we should take care to maintain our mortal bodies as much as possible. Hollywood and magazines try to convince us that perfection is attainable through fad diets, plastic surgery, and the latest trends. Nope, but nice try! We won’t have perfect bodies here, but we should be wise to eat well, exercise, and abstain from sin. As believers in Christ, we have been given the Holy Spirit who lives in each of us. Therefore, our bodies are God’s temples (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Maintaining healthy temples is important, and what we do with our bodies is important. Are we using our dwelling places of God’s Spirit to love others, share the gospel, and honor God? Some days my temple seems in need of major restoration or refocus…yours may, too. But God is faithful and will sustain us until He returns – or until He calls us home to Glory! 

2) What does Paul mean by “mortality may be swallowed up by life?”
We long for the perfect redemption that is bound up in the promise of eternal life in the new Heaven and new Earth, but we must remember we also have a purpose while living here.  Maybe you’ve heard the old saying, “Don’t be so heavenly minded that you’re of no earthly good.” The situations we experience, while living among and serving other people, are meant to mold and shape us as we grow deeper in love with Jesus. We are given regular, everyday opportunities to fulfill the great commission (Matthew 28:19-20) by making disciples of those around us! Lean into these opportunities as you allow the Spirit to guide you in growing deeper with Him and encouraging others in their faith! 

3) Who must appear before the judgment seat of Christ?
For those of us who have trusted Jesus as our Savior and Redeemer, we have assurance that we will enter into eternal life in heaven. But what will happen at the judgment seat of Christ? He will judge our motivation behind each deed done (1 Corinthians 4:5; Romans 14:12). What was done for selfish reasons will be burned up (1 Corinthians 3:15), but if we have lived our lives for Christ, then, dear ones, we will be awarded crowns! Spoken of are the crown of life (James 1:12), the crown of glory (1 Peter 5:4), the crown of righteousness (2 Timothy 4:7-9), and the imperishable crown for completing the race (1 Corinthians 9:24-26). The crowns are not our goal, however. Our goal, as daughters of the King, is to bring glory to Him and to share His light with others. How can you glorify Jesus in your life today?! 

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Digging Deeper is for Everyone!

1) Take this passage (or any other passage).
2) Read it, and the verses around it,
several times
3) Write down your questions
as you think of them.
4) Ask specific culture related questions and be ready to dig around for your answers. Google them, use www.studylight.org, or look them up in a study Bible and read the footnotes (click on the little letters next to a word and it will show you
other related verses!). (www.esvbible.org)
5) Check your applications with other trusted Christians that you are in community with and embrace the fullness of God
in your everyday!

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Why Dig Deeper?

Finding the original meaning is a huge deal when we study Scripture and can make all the difference in our understanding as we apply God’s truths to our everyday lives.

In our modern-day relationships, we want people to understand our original intention as we communicate; how much more so between God and humanity?!

Here’s a little bit more on why we take Digging Deeper so seriously.

Study Tools

We love getting help while we study and www.studylight.org is one of many excellent resources, providing the original Hebrew (Old Testament) or Greek (New Testament) with an English translation.

Want to know more about a specific word in a verse? Click on “Strong’s Interlinear Bible” then click the word you’d like to study. Discover “origin”, “definition” and hear the original pronunciation – That Is Awesome!

Want more background? Click “Study Tools”, then pick a few commentaries to read their scholarly approach, keeping in mind that just because a commentary says it, doesn’t mean it’s true. (just like the internet :-))

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Shepherd Day 2 My Shepherd: Digging Deeper

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Digging Deeper Days...are a pretty big deal at GT!

We search God's Word together, ask questions as we read, dig around to find the original intentions at the time of writing, and then make some applications to our everyday lives.
Along the way, we hope you'll pick up some new tools to study Scripture and you'll see truth in a new and accessible way!
Dig In!

The Passage

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Journey Study?
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John 10:1-17, 30 Christian Standard Bible (CSB)

“Truly I tell you, anyone who doesn’t enter the sheep pen by the gate but climbs in some other way is a thief and a robber. 2 The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. 3 The gatekeeper opens it for him, and the sheep hear his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4 When he has brought all his own outside, he goes ahead of them. The sheep follow him because they know his voice. 5 They will never follow a stranger; instead they will run away from him, because they don’t know the voice of strangers.” 6 Jesus gave them this figure of speech, but they did not understand what he was telling them.

7 Jesus said again, “Truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. 8 All who came before me[a] are thieves and robbers, but the sheep didn’t listen to them. 9 I am the gate. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will come in and go out and find pasture. 10 A thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I have come so that they may have life and have it in abundance.

11 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.12 The hired hand, since he is not the shepherd and doesn’t own the sheep, leaves them[b] and runs away when he sees a wolf coming. The wolf then snatches and scatters them. 13 This happens because he is a hired hand and doesn’t care about the sheep.

14 “I am the good shepherd. I know my own, and my own know me, 15 just as the Father knows me, and I know the Father. I lay down my life for the sheep. 16 But I have other sheep that are not from this sheep pen; I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. Then there will be one flock, one shepherd. 17 This is why the Father loves me, because I lay down my life so that I may take it up again. 18 No one takes it from me, but I lay it down on my own. I have the right to lay it down, and I have the right to take it up again. I have received this command from my Father.”

……30 I and the Father are one.”

The Questions

1) Why did Jesus use the analogy of sheep and a shepherd in this illustration?

2) In verse 16, who is Jesus referring to when He says He has other sheep that are not from this sheep pen?

3) In verse 30, Jesus says, “I and the Father are one.” What does this mean and why is it important?

The Findings for Intention

1) Why did Jesus use the analogy of sheep and a shepherd in this illustration?
Jesus often spoke in parables and analogies to help the people understand the point He was trying to make. The analogy of sheep and a shepherd was easy for the crowd to grasp. In their culture, the occupation of shepherd was one that people knew well, although it was not a highly respected position. They were familiar with the humble role of a shepherd and the way sheep responded to his voice and command. More importantly, those in the crowd were familiar with the Psalms and would make the parallel connection between Jesus’ claim to be a Shepherd and David’s psalm (Psalm 23). Jesus was living out David’s description of God as the Good Shepherd!

2) In verse 16, who is Jesus referring to when He says He has other sheep that are not from this sheep pen?
The “other sheep” Jesus is referring to are the Gentiles, the rest of humanity outside of those with a Jewish heritage. Jesus’ earthly ministry primarily focused on the Jewish people, but after His death, resurrection and ascension, God revealed to Peter that new life in Christ is for everyone, the Jew and the Gentile (Acts 10). The Jews thought that Jesus had come to save the Jewish people and restore Jerusalem, but God’s plan for redemption was greater than the Jews could have ever expected. The early church was made up of both Jewish and Gentile Christians.

3) In verse 30, Jesus says, “I and the Father are one.” What does this mean and why is it important?
What Jesus was saying was radical when He claimed here to be the very Son of God, which put him on the same level as God! To the crowd Jesus was speaking to, claiming to be one with God was blasphemy. The next verse says that the Jews picked up rocks to stone Him. They wanted some other explanation for who he was (v. 24), but Jesus had made it clear to them that He was indeed the long-promised Messiah.

The Everyday Application

1) Why did Jesus use the analogy of sheep and a shepherd in this illustration?
Shepherds and sheep aren’t an analogy we are familiar with in our culture. Another great picture of God that is used repeatedly in Scripture is God as our father, our Abba father, which means “daddy” (Galatians 4:6). We are all familiar with what a loving father should look like, even if we haven’t been fortunate enough to experience that relationship for ourselves. Like a shepherd, Father God protects us, provides for us, and leads us in the way we should go.

2) In verse 16, who is Jesus referring to when He says He has other sheep that are not from this sheep pen?
What great news that there are “other sheep”! Gentiles is not a word commonly used today, but if you are not Jewish or of Jewish descent, then you are a Gentile. Jesus’ sacrifice was for both Jews and Gentiles (Romans 1:16). We have unity within the body of Christ – to be of “one flock”. While we may not make distinction between Jew and Gentile today, we draw our own lines of judgement. Race, sexual orientation, alcohol consumption, homeless, where are your lines? Are you willing to extend Christ to all?!

3) In verse 30, Jesus says, “I and the Father are one.” What does this mean and why is it important?
Christians from Jesus’ day to our modern times believe in the Trinity as a core doctrine. This means God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit are One in community with each other and have been for eternity. Even now, 2,000 years later, people find it hard to believe that Jesus is the Son of God. Some people believe Jesus existed historically, but claim that He was just a good teacher or a prophet. The notion that God would send His only Son to die for sinners is hard to believe! But that is what makes the Gospel so wonderful and unique!

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I Can Do That!

1) Take this passage (or any other passage).
2) Read through it (always more than a verse or two).
3) Write down your questions as you think of them.
4) Ask specific culture related questions and be ready to dig around for your answers. Google them, use www.studylight.org, or look them up in a study Bible and read the footnotes (click on the little letters next to a word and it will show you other related verses!). (www.esvbible.org)
5) Check your applications with other trusted Christians that you are in community with and embrace the fullness of God in your everyday!

The Community!

Thanks for joining us today as we journeyed into
Shepherd Week One!
Don’t miss out on the discussion. 
We’d love to hear your thoughts!

The Tools!

We love getting help while we study and www.studylight.org is one of many excellent resources.  Just type in the verse you’re looking at and Boom! It’s right in front of you in English and Hebrew (Old Testament) or Greek (New Testament), which are the original languages the Bible was written in.

Want to know more about a specific word in a verse? Click on “Strong’s Interlinear Bible” then click the word you’d like to study. Find super awesome stuff like “origin”, “definition”, and even all the different ways that single word has been translated into English! If you want to be geeky, you can even click the word and hear its original pronunciation – That Is Awesome!

Want to get more background on a word or phrasing or passage? Click “Study Tools”, then pick a few commentaries to read their scholarly approach, keeping in mind that just because a commentary says it, doesn’t mean it’s true. (just like the internet :-))

The Why!

Finding the original meaning is a huge deal when we study Scripture and can make all the difference in our understanding as we apply God’s truths to our everyday lives.

In our modern-day relationships, we want people to understand our original intention as we communicate; how much more so between God and humanity?!

Here’s a little bit more on why we take Digging Deeper so seriously.

Embracing God’s fullness in our lives is rooted in scripture and memorizing His word is vital to our continued growth and depth with Jesus.
Download this week’s verse and make it your phone’s lockscreen!
Tap and hold on your mobile device to save.

Looking for other journeys from this theme?
See all past studies in Shepherd!

Eve Day 10 Eve of Hope

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Read His Words Before Ours!

Luke 22:39-62
Luke 23:44-56
Luke 24:36-49

Huddled in fear. Hiding in secret.      
Our lives turned upside down.

The Passover meal we’d just shared was so different from the other ones we had shared together. The intensity and fullness of every moment was pregnant with meaning and vast, unmistakable love.
The hymns we sang, the way we had prayed together, the way Jesus had prayed so intimately, out loud, in front of us…, it was as if we were in the throne room of Yahweh Himself. One could scarcely breathe it was so beautiful!

As incredible as our time together had been, the limits of our emotional and physical capacities failed us as we moved to Gethsemane to pray. It was late, the meal filling our bellies, the sweetness of being with Jesus wrapped us up, and our eyelids grew heavy despite how Jesus had urged us to stay awake and pray with Him.

Jolting awake to the stomp of soldier’s feet and rustling branches, we, the 11 disciples had peered through the leaves, watching in horror as we saw Judas betray our Lord. Peter had sprung into action, hacking away at a soldier’s ear to defend Jesus, but, astonishingly,
Jesus had rebuked Peter!
With an ever-clarifying understanding, we realized this wasn’t like all the other run-ins with the Pharisees. This wasn’t like the countless time the crowds had threatening to stone Him or push Jesus over a cliff, and He had walked away or moved into a safer political region.
There was something about this time that was ripe, full, and Jesus wasn’t backing down.
He was handing Himself over.

In the hours that followed, every fear became reality.
Jesus was flogged.
Peter denied even knowing Jesus.
The murderer Barabbas was released from prison, and Jesus….
Jesus was sentenced to death by crucifixion.

Most of us hid, or stood at a distance, as Jesus hung outside Jerusalem, fastened to a wooden cross by Roman nails, naked and alone.
Even Father God abandoned Him.
Only John was bold enough to stand at the foot of Christ’s cross, comforting Mother Mary in the midst of unspeakable agony
as a sword pierced her own heart emotionally.

Despite our distance, we could hear Jesus painfully cry out with all of His strength,
“Father, into Your hands I commit my spirit”, and then breathed His last.
Jesus was dead.
And our world was in shambles.

Some of us responded in anger, wanting to cut off our own ears as Peter had done to the soldier just hours ago,
wishing we could somehow be immune to the reality of death.
Fear was everywhere.
Would soldiers be shoving down the door to this little Upper Room to crucify us next?
We didn’t dare leave. Besides, where would we go?
Life itself had lost its meaning.

If the Pharisees weren’t out to plot against us next, we were most certainly the laughingstock of all Galilee and Judea.
We had walked every road, stayed at every town and village in the area, been with Jesus as He had healed the masses, cast out demons,
and preached love as He lived love.

But now, He was gone, swallowed up by Death.
And we were alone.

Maybe in a few weeks or months when the buzz of His death had subsided, they would be able to get back to life.
Yet, even so, fishing boats and tax ledgers no longer had the same appeal they did a few years ago.
The women cared for us, though their hands shook and their faces were etched with tear stains.
Our grief was shared by many, but that fact didn’t lessen the weightiness that Life itself had died.
We were as dead men too, our hearts having died with Him, so great was our grief.

Jesus had died on Friday, just as the Sabbath hour was nearing.
No one could do any work until Sunday morning.
Little did we know,
the work of redemption was being done in full for us
when we could do nothing for ourselves;
held back by the very Law God Himself had lovingly put in place!

The women, unbeknownst to us, had the wherewithal to follow Joseph of Arimathea to see where Jesus was buried. Despite their sadness, they worked together preparing spices to embalm His body as the last light was fading from the sky and Sabbath was being ushered in.

Sabbath.
“Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy.”
“Oh Lord, God!” our hearts cried.
Jesus, Lord of the Sabbath, lay in a borrowed tomb, lifeless.

As dusk settled in on Saturday, Sabbath ended, and tomorrow would be the 3rd day since Christ’s death.
Time was moving steadily forward, despite their overwhelming sense of loss and despair.

Good Friday had come and gone, but Sunday was coming.
It was Saturday night, but Sunday was coming.
Resurrection Sunday.
The day the triune Godhead had been anticipating since before the dawn of time,
even before the Eve of Sin.
Sunday.
When Life would defeat Death!

Ready for more? Dig Deeper!
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Don’t miss today’s Digging Deeper!     And we’d love to hear your thoughts from today’s Journey!    Comment Here!

Embracing God’s fullness in our lives is rooted in scripture and memorizing His word is vital to our continued growth and depth with Jesus. Tap and hold from your mobile device to download this week’s verse and make it your phone’s lockscreen!

Thanks for joining us today as we journeyed into Eve Week Two! Don’t miss out on the discussion below – we’d love to hear your thoughts!
Click the above image for today’s Digging Deeper!

Looking for other journeys from this theme?
Here’s a link to all past studies in Eve!