Read chapter in full: biblegateway.com/passage/?version=ESV&search=John+010
 

John 10 English Standard Version (ESV)

I Am the Good Shepherd

¹ “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door but climbs in by another way, that man is a thief and a robber. ² But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. ³ To him the gatekeeper opens. The sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. ⁴ When he has brought out all his own, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. ⁵ A stranger they will not follow, but they will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers.” ⁶ This figure of speech Jesus used with them, but they did not understand what he was saying to them.

⁷ So Jesus again said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. ⁸ All who came before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. ⁹ I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture. ¹⁰ The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. ¹¹ I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. ¹² He who is a hired hand and not a shepherd, who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees, and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. ¹³ He flees because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for 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; and I lay down my life for the sheep. ¹⁶ And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd. ¹⁷ For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life that I may take it up again. ¹⁸ No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This charge I have received from my Father.”

¹⁹ There was again a division among the Jews because of these words. ²⁰ Many of them said, “He has a demon, and is insane; why listen to him?” ²¹ Others said, “These are not the words of one who is oppressed by a demon. Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?”

 

REFLECTION

• Read over this passage a few times slowly. If time allows, read the whole chapter.
• The “good shepherd” is a unique designation, for it emphasizes the willingness of the shepherd to die for his sheep. A “hired man” – here Jesus refers to Israel’s religious leaders – will care for the sheep only so long as it is profitable or safe. The good shepherd who values the sheep for themselves will lay down his life for them. In fact, it is in this, the laying down of his life, that the goodness of the shepherd is established.
• If it seems foolish to think of a man being willing to die for mere animals, however great his affection for them, remember this. There is a far greater gap between God and human beings than there is between human beings and sheep! The amazing goodness of God is fully displayed in this awesome wonder: Jesus loved us enough to lay down His life for us.
• Have you ever felt like a little lost sheep, alone and frightened in a dark and hostile world? Remember the Good Shepherd. You can know He loves you because He laid down His life for you. He who loved you this much will never desert you. In Jesus, you are never, never alone.
• What usually prompts you to have doubts about your salvation or your walk with Christ? —Your own sin? Feelings of unworthiness? Personal failures? Talk honestly with Christ about your doubts.

 

PRAYER

Lord, thank You for comforting me through today’s scripture and strengthening my resolve to follow You! Yes, You are the good shepherd, and the good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep; I am Your sheep, and I know Your voice. Thank You for taking me through the mountains and valleys, to the stream with lush water and grass, and leading me all the way to today. Lord, I used to be a rebellious and stubborn sheep. Even if I heard Your voice, I turned a deaf ear, so that I went astray several times. Thank You for pulling me back to Your side from the lost way time and time again, enabling me to establish an intimate relationship with You. Lord, although I follow You closely now, I still sometimes have doubts and fears in my heart; in this dark and evil world, there are lions and wolves around me from time to time. I pray that Your rod and staff will comfort me, protect me, and give me greater faith to follow You to the end. I understand that I am just a sojourner in this world. Because of Your guidance and protection, I will not be afraid of harm, and I will follow You to a more beautiful hometown in heaven in the future. Amen!

 

HYMN

The Power of the Cross – youtu.be/hAk0nvV5jJo

 

Read chapter in full: biblegateway.com/passage/?version=ESV&search=John+009

 

John 9 English Standard Version (ESV)

¹³ They brought to the Pharisees the man who had formerly been blind. ¹⁴ Now it was a Sabbath day when Jesus made the mud and opened his eyes. ¹⁵ So the Pharisees again asked him how he had received his sight. And he said to them, “He put mud on my eyes, and I washed, and I see.”¹⁶ Some of the Pharisees said, “This man is not from God, for he does not keep the Sabbath.” But others said, “How can a man who is a sinner do such signs?” And there was a division among them. ¹⁷ So they said again to the blind man, “What do you say about him, since he has opened your eyes?” He said, “He is a prophet.”

¹⁸ The Jews did not believe that he had been blind and had received his sight, until they called the parents of the man who had received his sight ¹⁹ and asked them, “Is this your son, who you say was born blind? How then does he now see?” ²⁰ His parents answered, “We know that this is our son and that he was born blind. ²¹ But how he now sees we do not know, nor do we know who opened his eyes. Ask him; he is of age. He will speak for himself.” ²² (His parents said these things because they feared the Jews, for the Jews had already agreed that if anyone should confess Jesus to be Christ, he was to be put out of the synagogue.) ²³ Therefore his parents said, “He is of age; ask him.”

²⁴ So for the second time they called the man who had been blind and said to him, “Give glory to God. We know that this man is a sinner.” ²⁵ He answered, “Whether he is a sinner I do not know. One thing I do know, that though I was blind, now I see.”

 

REFLECTION

• Read over this passage a few times slowly. If time allows, read the whole chapter.
• The stunned neighbors brought the now-sighted man to the Pharisees in hopes of an explanation. These men were regarded as religious experts. Perhaps they could explain what had happened.
• The Pharisees tried so hard to ignore Jesus and discredit the blind man’s story. But every time the man responded with a truth so obvious that the foolishness of the Pharisees’ position was exposed.
• “We know this man (Jesus) is a sinner” (v24), the Pharisees announced. The blind man just shrugged and refused to be drawn into that kind of argument and replied, “Whether he is a sinner I do not know. One thing I do know, that though I was blind, now I see.”(v25)
• The Pharisees could say whatever they wanted about Jesus. But they had to face the fact that Jesus gave sight to a man born blind.
• Today too, people can pass any judgment on Jesus. But if they are honest they have to face the fact that millions testify to Jesus’ transforming work in their lives. John Newton, once a slave trader, experienced a transformation and wrote this hymn:

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound, That saved a wretch like me….
I once was lost but now am found, Was blind, but now, I see.
T’was Grace that taught… my heart to fear. And Grace, my fears relieved.
How precious did that Grace appear… the hour I first believed.

• Sing softly this hymn and reflect on your life before and after encountering God’s grace. Use this hymn as your thanksgiving to God for His wonderful transforming “work in progress” in you.

 

PRAYER

Dear Lord Jesus, I am the same as the blind man recorded in the scripture. I was blind before, but now I can see! I see You are gentle and kind, loving others as Yourself; I also see You are meek and humble, and willing to sacrifice Yourself. I also see You shed blood and sacrificed for us on the cross, bearing our sins and transgressions, resurrected from the dead, ascended to heaven in victory, abolished the power of death, and accomplished the great work of redemption. Lord, You are the glorious and victorious Lord of life, You are the true light of life, and You will enlighten all people born in the world. I used to be a sinner, but now I am saved by You, I confess my sins and repent, and I become a new creation. Lord, I am like a dry tree that sprouts new shoots, and my life is renewed and changed day by day. May the Lord continue to care for me and prune me, so that this small tree that You have carefully watered will continue to grow stronger in the rain, snow, wind and frost, so that the branches will be full of flowers, the leaves will be shaded, and it will bear abundant fruits. Amen!

 

HYMN

Amazing Grace – youtu.be/CDdvReNKKuk

 

Read chapter in full: biblegateway.com/passage/?version=ESV&search=John+008

John 8 English Standard Version (ESV)

The Woman Caught in Adultery

^7:53 They went each to his own house,

¹ but Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. ² Early in the morning he came again to the temple. All the people came to him, and he sat down and taught them. ³ The scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in adultery, and placing her in the midst ⁴ they said to him, “Teacher, this woman has been caught in the act of adultery.⁵ Now in the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. So what do you say?” ⁶ This they said to test him, that they might have some charge to bring against him. Jesus bent down and wrote with his finger on the ground.⁷ And as they continued to ask him, he stood up and said to them, “Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her.” ⁸ And once more he bent down and wrote on the ground. ⁹ But when they heard it, they went away one by one, beginning with the older ones, and Jesus was left alone with the woman standing before him. ¹⁰ Jesus stood up and said to her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” ¹¹ She said, “No one, Lord.” And Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more.”

 

REFLECTION

• Read over this passage a few times slowly. If time allows, read the whole chapter.
• Imagine yourself in the crowd that day. Picture the embarrassed and shamed expression on the woman’s face. Hear the condescending voices of the religious leaders. Feel the dirt blowing against you as Jesus bends down and writes something in it.
• What’s stunning in this incident is Jesus’ reaction to the accusations brought by the teachers of the Law and Pharisees. As one who was without sin, and who had been appointed by the Father to judge humankind (5:22), Jesus refused to condemn the woman despite her guilt.
• Come honestly before God and ask the Spirit to reveal to you the sins you’ve engaged in recently. Then imagine yourself in the same situation as this woman. You’re caught in this sin, exposed. Imagine you and Jesus having the same conversation: “Does no one condemn you?” “No one, Master.” He looks you in the eye. “Neither do I. Go on your way. From now on don’t sin.”
• Jesus’ words echoes John’s words in 3:17. Jesus did not come into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. And that salvation involves more than forgiveness. It involves a change of life: a change reflected in Christ’s words, “Go now and leave your life of sin.”
• What are you feeling? Thinking?

 

PRAYER

Dear Lord Jesus, You are a holy and righteous Lord, and also a merciful and kind Lord. You have the authority to forgive sins. Anyone who comes to You with a sad and contrite heart and sincerely confesses their sins, You will forgive them. Your salvation is not only the forgiveness of sins, so that we can be accepted as sons and daughters of the heavenly Father, but also includes the change of life, so that we have the essence of the sons and daughters of the heavenly Father. Lord, I know that changing my life is difficult. Like a child learning to walk, I will definitely experience countless times of weakness and falls, and even fall to the point where my head bleeds. It is not terrible to fall down, but what is terrible is to be unable to recover from a setback, and what is even more terrible is to sink willingly, like a pig being washed clean, and then rolling in the mud again. I ask the Lord to give me a heart that is willing to confess and repent, so that my life can be continuously renewed through repentance again and again. Amen!

 

HYMN

Far Too Wonderful – youtu.be/uQYnIM80PtQ

 

Read chapter in full: biblegateway.com/passage/?version=ESV&search=John+007

John 7 English Standard Version (ESV)

³¹ Yet many of the people believed in him. They said, “When the Christ appears, will he do more signs than this man has done?”

Officers Sent to Arrest Jesus

³² The Pharisees heard the crowd muttering these things about him, and the chief priests and Pharisees sent officers to arrest him. ³³ Jesus then said, “I will be with you a little longer, and then I am going to him who sent me. ³⁴ You will seek me and you will not find me. Where I am you cannot come.” ³⁵ The Jews said to one another, “Where does this man intend to go that we will not find him? Does he intend to go to the Dispersion among the Greeks and teach the Greeks? ³⁶ What does he mean by saying, ‘You will seek me and you will not find me,’ and, ‘Where I am you cannot come’?”

Rivers of Living Water

³⁷ On the last day of the feast, the great day, Jesus stood up and cried out, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. ³⁸ Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’” ³⁹ Now this he said about the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were to receive, for as yet the Spirit had not been given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.

Division Among the People

⁴⁰ When they heard these words, some of the people said, “This really is the Prophet.” ⁴¹ Others said, “This is the Christ.” But some said, “Is the Christ to come from Galilee? ⁴² Has not the Scripture said that the Christ comes from the offspring of David, and comes from Bethlehem, the village where David was?” ⁴³ So there was a division among the people over him. ⁴⁴ Some of them wanted to arrest him, but no one laid hands on him.

⁴⁵ The officers then came to the chief priests and Pharisees, who said to them, “Why did you not bring him?” ⁴⁶ The officers answered, “No one ever spoke like this man!” ⁴⁷ The Pharisees answered them, “Have you also been deceived? ⁴⁸ Have any of the authorities or the Pharisees believed in him? ⁴⁹ But this crowd that does not know the law is accursed.” ⁵⁰ Nicodemus, who had gone to him before, and who was one of them, said to them, ⁵¹ “Does our law judge a man without first giving him a hearing and learning what he does?” ⁵² They replied, “Are you from Galilee too? Search and see that no prophet arises from Galilee.”

 

REFLECTION

• Read over this passage a few times slowly. If time allows, read the whole chapter.
• Jesus’ teaching had its impact. While many remained uncertain, some “put their faith in Him”. (v31) Afraid that the Jesus movement would gain momentum, the members of the Sanhedrin sent temple guards to arrest Him. Yet the temple guards were impressed with Jesus’ teaching, they didn’t arrest Jesus (v45).
• Nicodemus, the Pharisee that visited Jesus at night (v50, ch 3) had apparently became a believer, despite the overwhelming hatred of Jesus from his fellowmen. He risked his reputation and defended for Jesus. He attacked them for breaking their own rules and exposed their hypocritical motive.
• How do you respond when you hear people around you (relatives or strangers) criticizing or blaspheming Jesus?
• Sit quietly before the Lord. Try to imagine what Jesus encountered, vicious attack and murder threat. What feelings are stirred up in you? Talk to Jesus and listen to His response.

 

PRAYER

Dear Lord Jesus, today’s scripture reveal to me that although You are the Son of God and have accomplished the great work of redemption for us, You are still rejected, slandered, and attacked by the world. Today, there are countless people in the world who still cannot tolerate You like the Pharisees back then. These people are all around me, some are even my relatives and friends. They are full of puzzlement, ridicule, and contempt for you, and they will apply the same attitude to us Christians who follow You. Lord, those who maliciously attack You are even in Your church. They are hypocrites and do all kinds of deceitful things. They profess You as Lord with their lips, but their hearts are full of unbelief and rebellion. Lord, please forgive them, please also let me see my own weakness and rebellion, imitate You more meekly and humbly, walk in the light every day, and use my true and abundant life to stand for You in front of those who attack You. Be a good testimony and give you all the glory. Amen!

 

HYMN

Stand Up Stand Up for Jesus – youtu.be/xUII9PabHPE

 

Read chapter in full: biblegateway.com/passage/?version=ESV&search=John+006

John 6 English Standard Version (ESV)

³⁵ Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst. ³⁶ But I said to you that you have seen me and yet do not believe. ³⁷ All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out.³⁸ For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will but the will of him who sent me. ³⁹ And this is the will of him who sent me, that I should lose nothing of all that he has given me, but raise it up on the last day. ⁴⁰ For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in him should have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day.”

⁴¹ So the Jews grumbled about him, because he said, “I am the bread that came down from heaven.” ⁴² They said, “Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? How does he now say, ‘I have come down from heaven’?” ⁴³ Jesus answered them, “Do not grumble among yourselves. ⁴⁴ No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day.⁴⁵ It is written in the Prophets, ‘And they will all be taught by God.’ Everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to me— ⁴⁶ not that anyone has seen the Father except he who is from God; he has seen the Father. ⁴⁷ Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes has eternal life. ⁴⁸ I am the bread of life. ⁴⁹ Your fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, and they died. ⁵⁰ This is the bread that comes down from heaven, so that one may eat of it and not die. ⁵¹ I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. And the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh.”

 

REFLECTION

• Read over this passage a few times slowly. If time allows, read the whole chapter.
• Jesus identified Himself as the bread of life (v48). He did not say He had the bread of life, but that He was that bread. This sermon on the Bread of Life did seem confusing to doubters. But it confirmed the faith of the believers. That sermon offers Jesus’ own assurance that we possess eternal life now.
• There are people who “hope” they have eternal life. Others “trust they will have” eternal life. And others insist “How can you know until you’re dead?” Yet others will say, “What makes you think you’re so much better than me?” Pause for a moment and ask yourself: what is your understanding or belief about eternal life?
• Jesus wants us to know that we have eternal life (v37). After we responded to God, He will keep us safe forever. Again, in vv 39-40, it’s not “will have” eternal life, not “may have”, and not “maybe have”. It’s “he who believes has everlasting life.”(v47)
• Since Jesus says you have eternal life and you can take His word for it.
• Take time to thank God for His salvation and eternal life for you.

 

PRAYER

Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for Your salvation and eternal life. You are the Lord of life, and those who believe in You will live forever; You are also the bread of life, and those who eat this bread will never be hungry again, and will never die. Lord, these words are clearly written in the scripture, and they are always in my heart. I hope that I will not only remember these words, but in this life, I can actually experience and live out the true way of Your life. I know very well that the road of pursuing the world is a road leading to perdition. All kinds of prosperity, vanity, and pleasure in the world cannot satisfy the hunger and thirst in my soul, and will cause greater emptiness and pain. Lord, I would like to follow You wholeheartedly, and in the process of growing and maturing, truly understand the meaning of eternal life, get spiritual satisfaction, and experience heavenly peace and joy. May the Lord strengthen my resolve, give me the strength and courage to do this, and guide me and pave my way. Amen!

 

HYMN

Living Hope – youtu.be/9f2FXxDVO6w

 

Read chapter in full: biblegateway.com/passage/?version=ESV&search=John+005

John 5 English Standard Version (ESV)

The Healing at the Pool on the Sabbath

¹ After this there was a feast of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem.

² Now there is in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate a pool, in Aramaic called Bethesda, which has five roofed colonnades. ³ In these lay a multitude of invalids—blind, lame, and paralyzed. ⁵ One man was there who had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. ⁶ When Jesus saw him lying there and knew that he had already been there a long time, he said to him, “Do you want to be healed?” ⁷ The sick man answered him, “Sir, I have no one to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up, and while I am going another steps down before me.” ⁸ Jesus said to him, “Get up, take up your bed, and walk.” ⁹ And at once the man was healed, and he took up his bed and walked.

 

REFLECTION

• Read over this passage a few times slowly. If time allows, read the whole chapter.
• The pool of Bethesda was a gathering place for the infirm, hoping to benefit from its healing waters. There was this man who had been paralyzed for most of his life.
• Jesus asked him, “Do you want to get well” (v6)? It might be obvious to answer “Of course!” for the man. But the man’s answer is basically, “Yes, I want to be made well, but I don’t see how this can happen.” The sick man does what we nearly all do. He limits God’s help to his own ideas and does not dare promise himself more than he conceives in his mind.
• B. Phillips wrote a famous book about this problem, titled“Your God is Too Small”. For many of us, we create a small God in our heads, a God who is limited by whatever “box” we try to put God into. ( thecommonlife.com/files/books/Your_God_is_Too_Small.pdf )
• Jesus told the man, “Get up and walk.” At once, the cure came, and he got up and walked. The man obeyed. And in obeying, he experienced the healing.
• We must know that faith is not an absolute prerequisite of healing. Jesus is not limited by human frailty as He does the works of God. “Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, who alone does wondrous things.” (Ps 72:18)

 

PRAYER

Lord, You are a God who alone does wondrous things! You chose me, not I chose You. You are here to accomplish the Great Commission, not to do this or that according to my logic, reason, and emotion. I often limit You within my own framework, and thus limit Your work on me, preventing me from living a life of freedom and excellence. Lord, spiritually, I am often like the paralyzed man in today’s scripture, wanting to be free, but seeing no good way from a human perspective. May I always remember that You are a mighty God, that Your thoughts are higher than my thoughts, and Your ways are higher than my ways. Lord, I would like to open myself completely to You, come before You humbly, and ask You to change me in Your way and according to Your heart. May Your will be done and give me abundant life. Amen!

 

HYMN

Jesus – youtu.be/cEbQswNB6Wc

 

Read chapter in full: biblegateway.com/passage/?version=ESV&search=John+004

John 4 English Standard Version (ESV)

⁴³ After the two days he departed for Galilee. ⁴⁴ (For Jesus himself had testified that a prophet has no honor in his own hometown.) ⁴⁵ So when he came to Galilee, the Galileans welcomed him, having seen all that he had done in Jerusalem at the feast. For they too had gone to the feast.

Jesus Heals an Official’s Son

⁴⁶ So he came again to Cana in Galilee, where he had made the water wine. And at Capernaum there was an official whose son was ill. ⁴⁷ When this man heard that Jesus had come from Judea to Galilee, he went to him and asked him to come down and heal his son, for he was at the point of death. ⁴⁸ So Jesus said to him, “Unless you see signs and wonders you will not believe.” ⁴⁹ The official said to him, “Sir, come down before my child dies.” ⁵⁰ Jesus said to him, “Go; your son will live.” The man believed the word that Jesus spoke to him and went on his way. ⁵¹ As he was going down, his servants met him and told him that his son was recovering. ⁵² So he asked them the hour when he began to get better, and they said to him, “Yesterday at the seventh hour the fever left him.” ⁵³ The father knew that was the hour when Jesus had said to him, “Your son will live.” And he himself believed, and all his household. ⁵⁴ This was now the second sign that Jesus did when he had come from Judea to Galilee.

 

REFLECTION

• Read over this passage a few times slowly. If time allows, read the whole chapter.
• This story shows how difficult having faith is. When the anxious father came, Jesus seemed quite indifferent and said to the father: “Unless you people see miraculous signs and wonders you will never believe.” And when the father asked Jesus again, Jesus replied, “You may go. Your son will live.”
• This is the dilemma of faith. God, in response to our desperate appeals, speaks to us and says, “It’s done. Go home and you’ll find the sick healed.” And what is there for us to do? If we keep begging Jesus to come with us, we display unbelief. But to go means to head home with no evidence at all that the promised healing has taken place!
• Faith is still very much the same. We come to God desperate for salvation. And all He says is, “you may go.” The work is done, your healing accomplished. And, though we lack evidence, in faith we walk away as Jesus said.
• When you bring your problem to God, do you tend to accept His word or keep fretting and fussing? Do you actually live out your life in a way that demonstrates that you really believe God is in control and wants the best for you?
• Talk to God about this and listen to His response.

 

PRAYER

Dear Lord Jesus, Your life, Your salvation and resurrection, and Your commands and promises to us have all been clearly written in the Bible, so why should I doubt it? But I still often worry, and I have to ask for convincing evidence from my own perspective. Lord, I know that life grows by faith, not by evidence that eyes can see and ears can hear. You are loving and faithful, and it is enough to live in Your word. You said, blessed are those who believe without seeing You. Lord, I also want to be such a blessed person. When I can’t see You, even when I’m groping in the dark, I still have peace and joy in my heart. I believe in You, but my faith is not enough. Please give me greater faith and walk with me every day. Amen!

 

HYMN

I Believe in Jesus – www.youtube.com/watch?v=gPE746HeUi0

 

Read chapter in full: biblegateway.com/passage/?version=ESV&search=John+003

John 3 English Standard Version (ESV)

For God So Loved the World

¹⁶ “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. ¹⁷ For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. ¹⁸ Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. ¹⁹ And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. ²⁰ For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed. ²¹ But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God.”

 

REFLECTION

• Read over this passage a few times slowly. If time allows, read the whole chapter.
• This, undoubtedly, is the most famous verse in the Bible. It links what God has done with what we must do. God has provided eternal life in Jesus. Our part is to believe.
• In John 1:12, John defined “believe” in terms of “receive”. In 3:16-18, “believe” is defined in terms of “repent”.
• Both repenting and receiving are aspects of a true belief in God. Biblical belief is turning from ourselves and our old ways to God, and trusting God enough to open our hearts to the gift He wants to give us.
• Is there any word or phrase that touches you in a special way? What do you feel when you read these words or terms? Does it have anything to do with your present situation? What is God trying to say to you? What does God want you to do?
• Memorize vv16-17. Speak to God about your desire to repent and receive His grace of salvation. Thank God for the promise of the new life that lasts to eternity.

 

PRAYER

Dear Lord Jesus, through today’s Bible reading and devotional, I realize that although I have accepted You, I am often unwilling to sincerely confess my sins to You. Although I want to follow You wholeheartedly, as Your apostle Paul said, there is often another kind of power in me that prevents me from doing what I want, but often does what I don’t want to do. I don’t think of myself as an evildoer, but I often fall into sin and transgression and cannot extricate myself. Lord Jesus, please have mercy on my weakness! Today I would like to sincerely confess my sins and repent to You, and ask You to forgive all my transgressions, including those sins that I am not aware of and hidden, I also ask You to forgive them one by one. I would like to continue to pursue Your true way of life and walk in Your holiness and light. I beg You to hold my hand and not let my feet slip! Please surround me with Your grace and love, and strengthen me with Your righteousness and faithfulness. Please give me greater faith, know how to rely on You in weakness, and show that everything I do depends on You. Amen!

 

HYMN

Christ Our Hope in Life and Death – youtu.be/OibIi1rz7mw

 

Read chapter in full: biblegateway.com/passage/?version=ESV&search=John+002

John 2 English Standard Version (ESV)

The Wedding at Cana

¹ On the third day there was a wedding at Cana in Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. ² Jesus also was invited to the wedding with his disciples. ³ When the wine ran out, the mother of Jesus said to him, “They have no wine.” ⁴ And Jesus said to her, “Woman, what does this have to do with me? My hour has not yet come.” ⁵ His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.”

⁶ Now there were six stone water jars there for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons. ⁷ Jesus said to the servants, “Fill the jars with water.” And they filled them up to the brim. ⁸ And he said to them, “Now draw some out and take it to the master of the feast.” So they took it. ⁹ When the master of the feast tasted the water now become wine, and did not know where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew), the master of the feast called the bridegroom ¹⁰ and said to him, “Everyone serves the good wine first, and when people have drunk freely, then the poor wine. But you have kept the good wine until now.” ¹¹ This, the first of his signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee, and manifested his glory. And his disciples believed in him.

¹² After this he went down to Capernaum, with his mother and his brothers and his disciples, and they stayed there for a few days.

Jesus Cleanses the Temple

¹³ The Passover of the Jews was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. ¹⁴ In the temple he found those who were selling oxen and sheep and pigeons, and the money-changers sitting there. ¹⁵ And making a whip of cords, he drove them all out of the temple, with the sheep and oxen. And he poured out the coins of the money-changers and overturned their tables. ¹⁶ And he told those who sold the pigeons, “Take these things away; do not make my Father’s house a house of trade.” ¹⁷ His disciples remembered that it was written, “Zeal for your house will consume me.”

 

REFLECTION

• Read over this passage a few times slowly. If time allows, read the whole chapter.
• Jesus miraculously transformed water into wine and brought joy and blessing to the would-be-embarrassed groom and displayed His glory (vv1-11).
• In the second event (vv13-17), Jesus purified the temple. He drove out corruption and insisted that the worship of God be holy and clean.
• He does these two things – transformation and purification – in our lives too. As He transforms He cleanses, and purifies us making us worthy to worship and honour God. And the price of transforming and purifying us was the sacrificial death of God’s one and only Son Jesus.
• What have you noticed of God’s transforming and purifying work in your life lately? How did you respond to it?

 

PRAYER

Dear Lord Jesus Christ, You can turn water into wine, make the blind see, the lame walk, set the oppressed free, and heal the sick! In my own life, I have also witnessed the miracles and wonders You have done: You have transformed my corrupt old life into a new life full of peace, joy and continuous growth; The stone heart was replaced by a soft and fervent heart of flesh. Lord Jesus, I know that it is no longer I who live, but You live in me. I would like to imitate Your image, be humble and meek, take up my cross and follow You. I want to learn Your love and holiness, to have a kind and forgiving heart to love others, and to have a strong and brave heart to fight against evil. May You drive out all kinds of filth and corruption in my heart like you cleansed the temple, so that I can live a holy life with a pure conscience and pure faith, and strive to run the road ahead. Amen!

 

HYMN

Nothing but the Blood of Jesus – www.youtube.com/watch?v=BYjhGeAIG6k

 

Read chapter in full: biblegateway.com/passage/?version=ESV&search=John+001

 

Gospel of John
John closes his book by revealing his purpose in writing Jesus’ story: These are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.(20:31)

John begins his book by echoing words from the Bible’s creation story—In the beginning—showing his readers that this is a story of a new creation. Just as the first creation was completed in seven days, John uses the number seven to structure his book. For the Jews the number seven represented completeness and wholeness, a finished work of God revealing his purpose for the world.

The story is told in two main parts. The first describes Jesus’ public ministry and has seven sections. Each section closes with a report on how people respond to Jesus, either in faith or unbelief. The second part is devoted to the Passover weekend, when Jesus gave his life for the world.

John records seven instances in which Jesus revealed his identity by using the phrase I am, the name by which God had revealed himself earlier. Similarly, John records seven miraculous signs that Jesus performed. John’s narrative mentions twice that the resurrection of Jesus took place on the first day of the week. In this way he confirms that the power of a new creation has broken into our world.

 

www.bible.com/zh-TW/bible/111/JHN.INTRO1.NIV

 

 

John 1 English Standard Version (ESV)

The Word Became Flesh

¹ In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. ² He was in the beginning with God. ³ All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. ⁴ In him was life, and the life was the light of men. ⁵ The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

⁶ There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.⁷ He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him. ⁸ He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light.

⁹ The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. ¹⁰ He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. ¹¹ He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. ¹² But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, ¹³ who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.

¹⁴ And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. ¹⁵ (John bore witness about him, and cried out, “This was he of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me ranks before me, because he was before me.’”) ¹⁶ For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. ¹⁷ For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. ¹⁸ No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father’s side, he has made him known.

 

REFLECTION

• John opens his Gospel with a hymn of praise to Christ. It is one of the most profound passages in all the Bible written in simple, straightforward language.
• Read over this passage a few times slowly. If time allows, read the whole chapter.
• John tells us that Jesus, the Word of God, is the one through whom we hear God’s voice. He is the One in whom we meet God and welcome God into our lives. The life Christ offers us shines in our world as a bright light. Like a beacon to a lost traveler, the light shining in Jesus offers all men hope, not only hope for life after death, but hope for a rich and meaningful life here and now.
• When it says “and dwelt among us” (v14), how does that make you feel? What would your life be like if God moved to your street or shared the workspace with you? How would the environment of your neighborhood be different if God had moved in? How might your life be different?
• Meditate on these words “In Him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it.” (vv4-5)

 

PRAYER

Dear Lord Jesus, I am deeply moved by today’s scripture! I seem to see You standing in front of me, looking at me lovingly and tenderly, applauding my growth and pitying my weakness. You held my hand with Your nail-scarred hand, showed me a sunny smile, and drove away all the dark clouds and darkness in my heart! You are the true light that will illuminate all people born in the world, and You are the resurrected Lord of Life! Your appearance is as gentle and humble as I imagined, and as described in today’s scripture, You are full of the glory of the only begotten Son of the Father! Dear Lord Jesus Christ, You have done great things for us, our Father in heaven has given You all authority in heaven and on earth. You are the first and the last, and You will come back to reign in a glorious new heaven and new earth. Dear Lord, thank You for choosing me! I have received Your truth and salvation from Your abundant and endless grace, and I am willing to follow You all my life, live a holy life, and have a share in the glory of the kingdom of heaven in the future. Please continue to lead me and walk with me. Amen!

 

HYMN

Jesus Light of the World – youtu.be/AK4QKYU77Cs