John chapter 5

[Debra R]

John chapter 5.

May God bless all who read and study with us. :hug:

I think I will use the New American Standard bible this time.
I am sure Momof5 will use the New King James. :)
I thought it may be good to have a few different versions.


(NASB) John 5:1) After these things there was a feast of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem.

(taken from John Gill's commentary) ...and Jesus went up to Jerusalem;
according to the law of God, which obliged all the males to appear there at that time; and to show his compliance with it, and obedience to it, whom it became to fulfil all righteousness; and this he did also, that he might have an opportunity of discoursing, and doing his miracles before all the people, which came at this time, from the several parts of the land.



2) Now there is in Jerusalem by the sheep {gate} a pool, which is called in Hebrew Bethesda, having five porticoes.



I was reading this in John Gill's commentary and found it very interesting.



(John Gill) Now this place may be an emblem of the means of grace, the ministry of the word, and ordinances: the house of God, where the Gospel is preached, may be called a Bethesda, an house of mercy;

since here the free, sovereign, rich, and abundant grace and mercy of God, through Christ, is proclaimed, as the ground and foundation of a sinner's hope;


the mercy of God, as it is displayed in the covenant of grace, in the mission of Christ, and redemption by him, in regeneration, and in the forgiveness of sin, and indeed, in the whole of salvation, from first to last, is here held forth for the relief of distressed minds:

and this Bethesda being a pool, some of the ancients have thought, it was an emblem of, and prefigured the ordinance of baptism;

and that the miraculous virtue in it, was put into it, to give honour and credit to that ordinance, shortly to be administered: but as that is not the means of regeneration and conversion, or of a cure or cleansing, but pre-requires them;

rather it might be a symbol of the fountain of Christ's blood, opened for polluted sinners to wash in, and which cleanses from all sin, and cures all diseases; and this is opened in the house of mercy, and by the ministry of the word:

or rather, best of all, the Gospel itself, and the ministration of it, mass be signified; which is sometimes compared to waters, and a fountain of them; see (Isaiah 4:1) (Zechariah 14:8) (Joel 3:18) ;

and whereas this pool was in Jerusalem, and that so often designs the church of Christ under the Gospel dispensation, it may fitly represent the ministry of the word there: and it being near the sheep-market, or gate, or a sheep-pool, may not be without its significancy;

and may lead us to observe, that near where Christ's sheep are, which the Father has given him, and he has died for, and must bring in, he fixes his word and ordinances, in order to gather them in:

and inasmuch as there were five porches, or cloistered walks, leading unto, or adjoining to this place, it has been thought by some of the ancients, that the law, as lying in the five books of Moses, may be intended by them;

for under the law, and under a work of it, men are, before they come into the light and liberty, and comfort of the Gospel; and as the people which lay in these porches, received no cure there, so there are no relief, peace, joy, life, and salvation, by the law of works.

3) In these lay a multitude of those who were sick, blind, lame, and withered, [waiting for the moving of the waters;

4) for an angel of the Lord went down at certain seasons into the pool and stirred up the water; whoever then first, after the stirring up of the water, stepped in was made well from whatever disease with which he was afflicted.]

5) A man was there who had been ill for thirty-eight years.

6) When Jesus saw him lying {there,} and knew that he had already been a long time {in that condition,} He *said to him, "Do you wish to get well?"

7) The sick man answered Him, "Sir, I have no man to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up, but while I am coming, another steps down before me."

8) Jesus *said to him, "Get up, pick up your pallet and walk."

9) Immediately the man became well, and picked up his pallet and {began} to walk. Now it was the Sabbath on that day.



Have a very blessed day! :)

In Christ's love,

Debra

[Momof5]

Debra, you know me too well :) :hug:

NKJV - John 5

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, which is called in Hebrew Bethesda, having five porches.

3) In these lay a great multitude of sick people, blind, lame, paralyzed, waiting for the moving of the water.

4) For an angel went down at a certain time into the pool and stirred up the water; then whoever stepped in first, after the stirring of the water, was made well of whatever disease he had.

5) Now a certain man was there who had an infirmity thirty-eight years.

6) When Jesus saw him lying there, and knew that he already had been in that condition a long time, He said to him, "Do you want to be made well?"

7) The sick man anwered Him , "Sir, I have no man to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up; but while I am coming, another steps down before me."

8) Jesus said to him, "Rise, take up your bed and walk."

9) And immediately the man was made well, took up his bed, and walked. And that day was the Sabbath.

Jesus had told this to John the Baptist when he sent his disciples to find out if Jesus was Messiah: Matthew 11:2-5 - And when John had heard in prison about the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples and said to Him, "Are You the Coming One, or do we look for another?" Jesus answered and said to them, "Go and tell John the things which you hear and see: The blind see and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up and the poor have the gospel preached to them."

Sometimes miracles happen to us BEFORE we exhibit any signs of faith that can bring us to the saving faith in Jesus.

[Debra R]

Hi Momof5 :),

Thank you! :hug:

I was so tired last night I went to sleep around 6:00.

But I was wide awake this morning at 3:00 :eek:.

It's going to be a long day.

I am going to do some reading on our study and post some more :).

[Debra R]

Momof5-Jesus had told this to John the Baptist when he sent his disciples to find out if Jesus was Messiah: Matthew 11:2-5 - And when John had heard in prison about the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples and said to Him, "Are You the Coming One, or do we look for another?" Jesus answered and said to them, "Go and tell John the things which you hear and see: The blind see and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up and the poor have the gospel preached to them."

This is spoken of in Isaiah too....

Isaiah 35:5)
Then the eyes of the blind will be opened
And the ears of the deaf will be unstopped.

6) Then the lame will leap like a deer,
And the tongue of the mute will shout for joy.
For waters will break forth in the wilderness
And streams in the Arabah.


Momof5-Sometimes miracles happen to us BEFORE we exhibit any signs of faith that can bring us to the saving faith in Jesus.
Yes, also in my life, God did some remarkable things to enable me to see His hand in my life and build my faith and trust in Him.

Sometimes I think we have been so blinded that God has to do these things in order that we can "see".

[Debra R]

(NASB) John 5:10) So the Jews were saying to the man who was cured, "It is the Sabbath, and it is not permissible for you to carry your pallet."

11) But he answered them, "He who made me well was the one who said to me, 'Pick up your pallet and walk.'"

12) They asked him, "Who is the man who said to you, 'Pick up your pallet and walk'?"

13) But the man who was healed did not know who it was, for Jesus had slipped away while there was a crowd in that place.

14) Afterward Jesus found him in the temple and said to him, "Behold, you have become well; do not sin anymore, so that nothing worse happens to you."

15) The man went away, and told the Jews that it was Jesus who had made him well.

16) For this reason the Jews were persecuting Jesus, because He was doing these things on the Sabbath.

[Momof5]

I will repeat each post using NKJ in order to have comparison :hug:

John 5

10) The Jews therefore said to him who was cured, "It is the Sabbath; it is not lawful for you to carry your bed."

11) He answered them, "He who made me well said to me, "Take up your bed and walk"."

12) Then they asked him, Who is the Man who said to you, "Take up your bed and walk?"

13) But the one who was healed did not know who it was, for Jesus had withdrawn, a multitude being in that place.

14) Afterward Jesus found him in the temple and said to him, "See you have been made well, Sin no more lest a worse thing come upon you."

15) The man departed and told the Jews that it was Jesus who had made him well.

16) For this reason the Jews persecuted Jesus and sought to kill Him, because He had done these things on the Sabbath.

The Jewish leaders had many, many rules and regulations about what could not be done on the Sabbath. Jesus did not break the Law - he broke the Jewish leaders' traditions.

Something that struck me is that when the Jewish leaders asked the man who healed him, he did not know. He did not know Jesus. When Jesus found him later in the temple, he said "Sin no more" which, in my opinion, he forgave the man's sin. That is when the man knew Jesus and told the Jewish leaders that it was Jesus who healed him.

[Debra R]

Good Morning :) :) :)

Happy Friday :pp





Momof5-The Jewish leaders had many, many rules and regulations about what could not be done on the Sabbath. Jesus did not break the Law - he broke the Jewish leaders' traditions.

As I was reading yesterday it struck me that if they knew the man who was sick and had been this way all his life, that when they saw he was made well, why were their thoughts only of him breaking their "rules" by carrying his pallet. Why were they not rejoicing with this man whom Jesus healed? To me that is sad :(.

Momof5-When Jesus found him later in the temple, he said "Sin no more" which, in my opinion, he forgave the man's sin. That is when the man knew Jesus and told the Jewish leaders that it was Jesus who healed him.
Thanks :), I hadn't thought of that. And that verse refers to this one.....

Mark 2:5) And Jesus seeing their faith said to the paralytic, " Son, your sins are forgiven."

7) "Why does this man speak that way? He is blaspheming; who can forgive sins but God alone?"

9) "Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, 'Your sins are forgiven'; or to say, 'Get up, and pick up your pallet and walk'?

10) "But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins"--He said to the paralytic,

11) "I say to you, get up, pick up your pallet and go home."


Thank you Momof5 :hug:


Next verses......




John 5:17) But He answered them, "My Father is working until now, and I Myself am working."


18) For this reason therefore the Jews were seeking all the more to kill Him, because He not only was breaking the Sabbath, but also was calling God His own Father, making Himself equal with God.

19) Therefore Jesus answered and was saying to them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, unless it is something He sees the Father doing; for whatever the Father does, these things the Son also does in like manner.


Be blessed
in Christ's love,
Debra

[Momof5]

John 5:17) But He answered them, "My Father is working until now, and I Myself am working."

18) For this reason therefore the Jews were seeking all the more to kill Him, because He not only was breaking the Sabbath, but also was calling God His own Father, making Himself equal with God.

19) Therefore Jesus answered and was saying to them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, unless it is something He sees the Father doing; for whatever the Father does, these things the Son also does in like manner.

I did not post NKJV this time :blush: Jesus simply told them that since God works 24/7, so does He. He claimed unity with His Father and deity and the Jewish leaders knew what He was saying.

[Debra R]

:) :) :)



John 5:
19) Therefore Jesus answered and was saying to them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, unless it is something He sees the Father doing; for whatever the Father does, these things the Son also does in like manner.




Momof5-He claimed unity with His Father and deity and the Jewish leaders knew what He was saying.




The Jewish leaders knew exactly what Jesus was saying. And in a way Jesus was also telling them they may have thought they knew God, but in reality they did not know Him. These leader who zealously followed their traditions. And I imagine they were very puffed up with their knowledge and with their self importance. No wonder they hated our Lord for He showed them up for who they really were at heart. And what hardened hearts most of them had. There was the Lord God in their midst and they did not know Him.


References for verse 19...

John 6:
38) "For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me.


John 12:
49) " For I did not speak on My own initiative, but the Father Himself who sent Me has given Me a commandment as to what to say and what to speak.



John 14:
10) "Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father is in Me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on My own initiative, but the Father abiding in Me does His works.



We can see and know God our Father through our Lord Jesus Christ. For all the things that Jesus did were as if done by the Father also. For all that Jesus did was commanded of Him to do by God the Father. And we know God the Father was with Him. And through Jesus we see God the Father is also compassionate, has mercy, and dearly loves us, and desires for all to know Him. For that is why the Lord Jesus came.


God bless

[Debra R]

Next Verses :) ....



John 5:
20) " For the Father loves the Son, and shows Him all things that He Himself is doing; and the Father will show Him greater works than these, so that you will marvel.


21) "For just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, even so the Son also gives life to whom He wishes.


22) "For not even the Father judges anyone, but He has given all judgment to the Son,


23) so that all will honor the Son even as they honor the Father. He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent Him.



References....


2 Peter 1:
17) For when He received honor and glory from God the Father, such an utterance as this was made to Him by the Majestic Glory, "This is My beloved Son with whom I am well-pleased"--


John 14:
12) "Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do, he will do also; and greater works than these he will do; because I go to the Father.


John 9:
39) And Jesus said, " For judgment I came into this world, so that those who do not see may see, and that those who see may become blind."


Luke 10:
16) " The one who listens to you listens to Me, and the one who rejects you rejects Me; and he who rejects Me rejects the One who sent Me."


1 John 2:
23) Whoever denies the Son does not have the Father; the one who confesses the Son has the Father also.



I want to say that just as the Father loves the Son, likewise, He loves us too.



Be blessed

in Christ's love,

Debra

[Momof5]

We can see and know God our Father through our Lord Jesus Christ. For all the things that Jesus did were as if done by the Father also. For all that Jesus did was commanded of Him to do by God the Father. And we know God the Father was with Him. And through Jesus we see God the Father is also compassionate, has mercy, and dearly loves us, and desires for all to know Him. For that is why the Lord Jesus came.


Amen! Very well put :hug:

Now I have to go study so I can post tomorrow :)

[Momof5]

:) :)

NKJV John 5

20) For the Father loves the Son, and shows Him all things that He Himself does; and He will show Him greater works than these, that you may marvel.

Jesus does what God, the Father, does because the Father loves the Son and revealed everything to Him. Jesus told them that He was going to do greater things than heal this man!

21) For as the Father raises the dead and gives life to them, even so the Son gives life to whom He will.

Jesus gives us spiritual life. The Jewish leaders understood that Jesus told them that He has the same power as God.

22) For the Father judges no one, but has committed all judgment to the Son,

23) that all should honor the Son just as they honor the Father. He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent Him.

In these verses Jesus told them that He has equal authority with God. Throughout all these verses, He clearly showed them who He is and they were too blind to see. Like Debra said, the Lord God was in their midst and they did not know Him.

[Debra R]

:) :)

NKJV John 5

20) For the Father loves the Son, and shows Him all things that He Himself does; and He will show Him greater works than these, that you may marvel.

Jesus does what God, the Father, does because the Father loves the Son and revealed everything to Him. Jesus told them that He was going to do greater things than heal this man!

21) For as the Father raises the dead and gives life to them, even so the Son gives life to whom He will.

Jesus gives us spiritual life. The Jewish leaders understood that Jesus told them that He has the same power as God.

22) For the Father judges no one, but has committed all judgment to the Son,

23) that all should honor the Son just as they honor the Father. He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent Him.

In these verses Jesus told them that He has equal authority with God. Throughout all these verses, He clearly showed them who He is and they were too blind to see. Like Debra said, the Lord God was in their midst and they did not know Him.
Amen! Momof5!!

They knew by Jesus' words, that Jesus was revealing Himself to be God. For to have the same power and authority as God, He had to be God. For no one could do the things that Jesus did, unless He were God.

Just to think that God loves us so much, that He came to this earth. That we may not die in our sin. But Jesus has offered us new life. Spiritual life, that we may live, and be with Him forever. Incredible. :)

[Debra R]

:) :) :)
Next verses.....

NASB) John 5
24) "Truly, truly, I say to you, he who hears My word, and believes Him who sent Me, has eternal life, and does not come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life.


25) "Truly, truly, I say to you, an hour is coming and now is, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live.

26) "For just as the Father has life in Himself, even so He gave to the Son also to have life in Himself;


27) and He gave Him authority to execute judgment, because He is the Son of Man.

[Debra R]

:)



NASB) John 5
24) "Truly, truly, I say to you, he who hears My word, and believes Him who sent Me, has eternal life, and does not come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life.


John 3:
18 ) " He who believes in Him is not judged; he who does not believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

[Debra R]

:) :) :)



John 5:25) "Truly, truly, I say to you, an hour is coming and now is, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live.



Luke 15:24) for this son of mine was dead and has come to life again; he was lost and has been found.' And they began to celebrate.

We can compare that to us. We were dead. Spiritually dead. We were lost, separated from God.

And then Jesus found us, we heard His voice. I am reminded of this verse in thinking of God rejoicing over us....

Zephaniah 3:17)
"The LORD your God is in your midst,
A victorious warrior.
He will exult over you with joy,
He will be quiet in His love,
He will rejoice over you with shouts of joy.


God bless :hug:.

Debra

[Momof5]

:) :)

NKJV John 5

24) Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judment, but has passed from death into life.

25) Most assuredly, I say to you, the hour is coming, and now is, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God; and those who hear will live.

26) For as the Father has life in Himself, so He has granted the Son to have life in Himself,

27) and has given Him authority to execute judgment also, because He is the Son of Man.

Again, Jesus is telling them (and us) that He is THE way to the Father and once we believe, we have life - not judgment. We will stand before the judgment seat of Christ, but not judgment of sin because our sin has been forgiven! In verse 25 when He says ".....the hour is coming and now is.....", He is talking about now spiritually, like Debra said, when we heard His voice, we were no longer dead but have life. He also is talking about physically later. How awesome is that to be spiritually alive now and have a new physical body later!!!!

[Debra R]

:) :)

NKJV John 5

24) Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judment, but has passed from death into life.

25) Most assuredly, I say to you, the hour is coming, and now is, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God; and those who hear will live.

26) For as the Father has life in Himself, so He has granted the Son to have life in Himself,

27) and has given Him authority to execute judgment also, because He is the Son of Man.

Again, Jesus is telling them (and us) that He is THE way to the Father and once we believe, we have life - not judgment. We will stand before the judgment seat of Christ, but not judgment of sin because our sin has been forgiven! In verse 25 when He says ".....the hour is coming and now is.....", He is talking about now spiritually, like Debra said, when we heard His voice, we were no longer dead but have life. He also is talking about physically later. How awesome is that to be spiritually alive now and have a new physical body later!!!!
:) :)

Hi Momof5!!

Amen, Amen and Amen!

Have a wonderful blessed day! :hug:

Love you,
Debra

[Momof5]

Good morning, Debra :hug:

Moving along to the next verses.....

NKJV John 5

28) Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming to which all who are in the graves will hear His voice.

29) and come forth-those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation.

Jesus told them it shouldn't shock them. They knew the Scripture! And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, Some to everlasting life, some to shame and everlasting contempt. Daniel 12:2 NKJV

30) I can of Myself do nothing. As I hear, I judge; and My judgment is righteous, because I do not seek My own will but the will of the Father who sent me.

Jesus did nothing independent of the Father.

The resurrection of life is for those who have done good. The only good we can do is to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ!

[Debra R]

Good morning, Debra :hug:

Moving along to the next verses.....

NKJV John 5

28) Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming to which all who are in the graves will hear His voice.

29) and come forth-those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation.

Jesus told them it shouldn't shock them. They knew the Scripture! And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, Some to everlasting life, some to shame and everlasting contempt. Daniel 12:2 NKJV

30) I can of Myself do nothing. As I hear, I judge; and My judgment is righteous, because I do not seek My own will but the will of the Father who sent me.

Jesus did nothing independent of the Father.

The resurrection of life is for those who have done good. The only good we can do is to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ!
Good morning, Momof5 :) :hug:,

I don't have anything to add to those verses. I really like this... The only good we can do is to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ!
And we can not do any good of ourselves. I know in myself there is not any good thing. It is Christ's goodness that He has imparted to us.

And it is Christ who has prepared the way in which we should walk. And He enables us to do the good He would have us do.

The wonders of His grace!

God bless you! :hug:

[Debra R]

Next verses :) :)


(NASB) John 5:

31) If I alone testify about Myself, My testimony is not true.

32) "There is another who testifies of Me, and I know that the testimony which He gives about Me is true.

33) "You have sent to John, and he has testified to the truth.

34) "But the testimony which I receive is not from man, but I say these things so that you may be saved.


I was reading this in the Matthew Henry commentary this morning and thought I would post it :)
Matthew Henry commentary.......

In these verses our Lord Jesus proves and confirms the commission he had produced, and makes it out that he was sent of God to be the Messiah.

I. He sets aside his own testimony of himself (John 5:31) "If I bear witness of myself, though it is infallibly true ( John 8:14), yet, according to the common rule of judgment among men, you will not admit it as legal proof, nor allow it to be given in evidence."

Now, 1. This reflects reproach upon the sons of men, and their veracity and integrity.
Surely we may say deliberately, what David said in haste, All men are liars, else it would never have been such a received maxim that a man's testimony of himself is suspicious, and not to be relied on; it is a sign that self-love is stronger than the love of truth.

And yet, 2. It reflects honour on the Son of God, and bespeaks his wonderful condescension, that, though he is the faithful witness, the truth itself, who may challenge to be credited upon his honour, and his own single testimony, yet he is pleased to waive his privilege, and, for the confirmation of our faith, refers himself to his vouchers, that we may have full satisfaction.

II. He produces other witnesses that bear testimony to him that he was sent of God.

1. The Father himself bore testimony to him (John 5:32): There is another that beareth witness. I take this to be meant of God the Father, for Christ mentions his testimony with his own (John 8:18): I bear witness of myself, and the Father beareth witness of me. Observe,

(1.) The seal which the Father put to his commission: He beareth witness of me, not only has done so by a voice from heaven, but still does so by the tokens of his presence with me. See who they are to whom God will bear witness.

[1.] Those whom he sends and employs; where he gives commissions he give credentials.

[2.] Those who bear witness to him; so Christ did. God will own and honour those that own and honour him.

[3.] Those who decline bearing witness of themselves; so Christ did. God will take care that those who humble and abase themselves, and seek not their own glory, shall not lose by it.

(2.) The satisfaction Christ had in this testimony: "I know that the witness which he witnesseth of me is true. I am very well assured that I have a divine mission, and do not in the least hesitate concerning it; thus he had the witness in himself." The devil tempted him to question his being the Son of God, but he never yielded.

2. John Baptist witnessed to Christ, John 5:33, &c. John came to bear witness of the light (John 1:7); his business was to prepare his way, and direct people to him: Behold the Lamb of God.

(1.) Now the testimony of John was, [1.] A solemn and public testimony: "You sent an embassy of priests and Levites to John, which gave him an opportunity of publishing what he had to say; it was not a popular, but a judicial testimony."

[2.] It was a true testimony: He bore witness to the truth, as a witness ought to do, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. Christ does not say, He bore witness to me (though every one knew he did), but, like an honest man, He bore witness to the truth.

Now John was confessedly such a holy, good man, so mortified to the world, and so conversant with divine things, that it could not be imagined he should be guilty of such a forgery and imposture as to say what he did concerning Christ if it had not been so, and if he had not been sure of it.

(2.) Two things are added concerning John's testimony:--

[1.] That it was a testimony ex abundanti--more than he needed to vouch (John 5:34): I receive not testimony from man. Though Christ saw fit to quote John's testimony, it was with a protestation that it shall not be deemed or construed so as to prejudice the prerogative of his self-sufficiency.

Christ needs no letters or commendation, no testimonials or certificates, but what his own worth and excellency bring with him; why then did Christ here urge the testimony of John? Why, these things I say, that you may be saved.

This he aimed at in all this discourse, to save not his own life, but the souls of others; he produced John's testimony because, being one of themselves, it was to be hoped that they would hearken to it.

Note, First, Christ desires and designs the salvation even of his enemies and persecutors.

Secondly, The word of Christ is the ordinary means of salvation.

Thirdly, Christ in his word considers our infirmities and condescends to our capacities, consulting not so much what it befits so great a prince to say as what we can bear, and what will be most likely to do us good.

Be blessed
in Christ's love,
Debra

[Momof5]

Thank you for posting that, Debra :hug: I certainly have nothing to add!

I will move to the next verses:

NKJV John

35) He was the burning and shining lamp, and you were willing for a time to rejoice in his light.

36) But I have a greater witness than John's; for the works which the Father has given Me to finish - the very works that I do - bear witness of Me, that the Father has sent Me.

37) And the Father Himself, who sent Me, has testified of Me. You have neither heard His voice at any time, nor seen His form.

38) But you do not have His word abiding in you, because whom He sent, Him you do not believe.

39) You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me.

40) But you are not willing to come to Me that you may have life.

In verse 36 Jesus talks about the witness of the works He was sent to finish -this was spoken of in Isaiah: Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. Then the lame shall leap like a deer, And the tongues of the dumb sing. For waters shall burst forth in the wilderness, And streams in the desert. Isaiah 35: 5,6 NKJV

The Old Testament was the only Scripture at that time and the Jewish leaders knew the Scripture. God's Word testifies of Jesus throughout Scripture and the Jewish leaders rejected Him. Jesus told them they did not have God's Word abiding in them. He saw their hearts and saw that they would not humble themselves (be willing) to come to Him.

[Debra R]

Thank you Momof5 :hug:,



Thank you for posting that, Debra :hug: I certainly have nothing to add!

I will move to the next verses:

NKJV John

35) He was the burning and shining lamp, and you were willing for a time to rejoice in his light.

36) But I have a greater witness than John's; for the works which the Father has given Me to finish - the very works that I do - bear witness of Me, that the Father has sent Me.

37) And the Father Himself, who sent Me, has testified of Me. You have neither heard His voice at any time, nor seen His form.

38) But you do not have His word abiding in you, because whom He sent, Him you do not believe.

39) You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me.

40) But you are not willing to come to Me that you may have life.

In verse 36 Jesus talks about the witness of the works He was sent to finish -this was spoken of in Isaiah: Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. Then the lame shall leap like a deer, And the tongues of the dumb sing. For waters shall burst forth in the wilderness, And streams in the desert. Isaiah 35: 5,6 NKJV

The Old Testament was the only Scripture at that time and the Jewish leaders knew the Scripture. God's Word testifies of Jesus throughout Scripture and the Jewish leaders rejected Him. Jesus told them they did not have God's Word abiding in them. He saw their hearts and saw that they would not humble themselves (be willing) to come to Him.Their hearts were so hardened. And even today, there are many with their hearts hardened and refuse to humble themselves and come to the One who gives life.

And I admit, I at one time, had allowed my heart to harden. And I confess, it was painful when our Lord began to work on my heart.

But, He would only do that when I became willing, to let Him work on my heart. I am so thankful Jesus didn't give up on me.

And that He loved me and waited for me to come to Him and that He has give me new life.

I'll post a few more verses for now :) ....

(NASB) John 5:


41) " I do not receive glory from men;

42) but I know you, that you do not have the love of God in yourselves.

43) "I have come in My Father's name, and you do not receive Me; if another comes in his own name, you will receive him.

44) "How can you believe, when you receive glory from one another and you do not seek the glory that is from the one and only God?



God bless.
Debra

[Momof5]

Sorry I have been so busy baking and cooking today and don't have my whole post ready :blush: It will probably be after the weekend.

When we are worried about how we appear to others, and do things for the praise of men and to impress others, we are not seeking God's glory. I hope I continue to grow in not worrying about what others think of me or my life, by living for Jesus! I have a long way to go and never will see perfection this side of heaven but He will guide me and protect me every step of the way.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving :hug:

[Debra R]

Sorry I have been so busy baking and cooking today and don't have my whole post ready :blush: It will probably be after the weekend.

When we are worried about how we appear to others, and do things for the praise of men and to impress others, we are not seeking God's glory. I hope I continue to grow in not worrying about what others think of me or my life, by living for Jesus! I have a long way to go and never will see perfection this side of heaven but He will guide me and protect me every step of the way.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving :hug:Thank you Momof5!! :hug:

I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Thought I would add a little more to our previous verses too. :)

(NASB) John 5:41) " I do not receive glory from men;

The Lord Jesus did not seek glory from men. He always sought to bring glory to the Father. His purpose was to do the will of the Father in order that the Father would be glorified.


John 12:28) " Father, glorify Your name." Then a voice came out of heaven: "I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again."

John 17:4) "I glorified You on the earth, having accomplished the work which You have given Me to do.

5) "Now, Father, glorify Me together with Yourself, with the glory which I had with You before the world was.


By Jesus glorifying the Father, He was glorified by the Father...


John 13:3)1 Therefore when he had gone out, Jesus said, "Now is the Son of Man glorified, and God is glorified in Him;

32) if God is glorified in Him, God will also glorify Him in Himself, and will glorify Him immediately.

In His death Christ and the Father were glorified. In the resurrection and exaltation the Father glorified Christ and validated all His claims.











42) but I know you, that you do not have the love of God in yourselves.

The Lord Jesus knew their hearts, they did not have the love of God, therefore, they did not know God.....


1 John 4:7) Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.

8) The one who does not love does not know God, for God is love.



43) "I have come in My Father's name, and you do not receive Me; if another comes in his own name, you will receive him.

44) "How can you believe, when you receive glory from one another and you do not seek the glory that is from the one and only God?


Momof5....When we are worried about how we appear to others, and do things for the praise of men and to impress others, we are not seeking God's glory. I hope I continue to grow in not worrying about what others think of me or my life, by living for Jesus! I have a long way to go and never will see perfection this side of heaven but He will guide me and protect me every step of the way.



Amen Momof5, we don't have to worry about what others think of us. Our goal is to bring glory to Jesus. That others may know Him, our Savior, and know of His goodness and His love. In order that they too, may have eternal life.

I know I will never see perfection this side of heaven, for I know my many shortcomings, but our Savior will guide and protect us every step of the way. Praise God!!


Have a blessed day!! :hug:

Love you,
Debra

[Debra R]

The last verses of chapter 5.....


(NASB) John 5:45) "Do not think that I will accuse you before the Father; the one who accuses you is Moses, in whom you have set your hope.

46) "For if you believed Moses, you would believe Me, for he wrote about Me.

47) "But if you do not believe his writings, how will you believe My words?"

Be blessed in Christ's love,
Debra

[Momof5]

NKJV John 5

45) "Do not think that I shall accuse you to the Father; there is one who accuses you - Moses, in whom you trust.

The people would be condemned by the Law that they said they kept.

46) For if you believed Moses, you would believe Me; for he wrote about Me.

Moses wrote about Jesus throughout his writings - in the promises, the history of the exodus from Egypt and more. Deuteronomy 18:15- The Lord your God will raise up for you a Prophet like me from your midst, from your brethren. Him you shall hear. Deuteronomy18:18 - I will raise up for them a Prophet like you from among your brethren, and will put My words in His mouth, and He shall speak to them all that I command Him.

47) But if you do not believe his writings, how will you believe My words?"

The bottom line is the people did not believe God's Word! And Jesus told them so!

That reminds me of Luke 16: 31 - But he said to him, "If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded though one rise from the dead."

I am thankful for the opportunity to participate in this study. I have been so blessed and learned things I did not know before. Our God is so awesome in giving us the understanding He wants us to have when He wants us to have it! I look forward to Chapter 6 :hug:

[Debra R]

NKJV John 5

45) "Do not think that I shall accuse you to the Father; there is one who accuses you - Moses, in whom you trust.

The people would be condemned by the Law that they said they kept.

46) For if you believed Moses, you would believe Me; for he wrote about Me.

Moses wrote about Jesus throughout his writings - in the promises, the history of the exodus from Egypt and more. Deuteronomy 18:15- The Lord your God will raise up for you a Prophet like me from your midst, from your brethren. Him you shall hear. Deuteronomy18:18 - I will raise up for them a Prophet like you from among your brethren, and will put My words in His mouth, and He shall speak to them all that I command Him.

47) But if you do not believe his writings, how will you believe My words?"

The bottom line is the people did not believe God's Word! And Jesus told them so!

That reminds me of Luke 16: 31 - But he said to him, "If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded though one rise from the dead."

I am thankful for the opportunity to participate in this study. I have been so blessed and learned things I did not know before. Our God is so awesome in giving us the understanding He wants us to have when He wants us to have it! I look forward to Chapter 6 :hug:

That reminds me of Luke 16: 31 - But he said to him, "If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded though one rise from the dead."

Great scripture reference Momof5 :hug:.
I rmember when I first read that and realized they were talking about Jesus. Even though He arose from the dead, many would still refuse to believe in Him.

I am thankful for the opportunity to participate in this study. I have been so blessed and learned things I did not know before. Our God is so awesome in giving us the understanding He wants us to have when He wants us to have it! I look forward to Chapter 6I am thankful too. These studies have been great and have helped me tremendously. Thank you, Brenda :hug:.
I look forward to chapter 6 too, and I am thankful to our Lord for blessing us with this opportunity to study together and learn more about Him :).



As I read these verse I thought of this in Corinthians, I like the rendering in the NKJ....

(NKJV) 2 Corinthians 3:
14) But their minds were blinded. For until this day the same veil remains unlifted in the reading of the Old Testament, because the veil is taken away in Christ.

15) But even to this day, when Moses is read, a veil lies on their heart.

16) Nevertheless when one turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away.



They were truly blinded and could not "see".
When I was first drawn to the Lord I encountered some people who were in what would be considered a cult. At first I assumed them to be "Christian". But as I learned of their beliefs and read God's word to see if what they were saying was truth, I found what they said was not true, according to what God's word said. Their "leaders" kept them out of the Old Testament and only encouraged their reading of the New Testament. They refuse to see Jesus as God. They refused His claim of Deity.

They were blinded to the revealing of who Jesus is, especially from the writings in the Old Testament. That is when I realized they didn't know Jesus. And I realized they were "blind". I saw them as likened to the Jews and Pharisees with the "veil" preventing them from "seeing" truth. I did try to share what our Lord had shown me in His word. But they refused to see. I think that was one of the most sorrowful experiences I had, my heart truly grieved for those people. I still pray our Lord will reach them someday.



Thank you again Brenda.

God bless you.

Love you, my sister in Christ,

Debra