JOHN 18 PETER’S IMPULSIVITY

April 1

JOHN 18
When Jesus had spoken these words, he went out with his disciples across the brook Kidron, where there was a garden, which he and his disciples entered. 2 Now Judas, who betrayed him, also knew the place, for Jesus often met there with his disciples. 3 So Judas, having procured a band of soldiers and some officers from the chief priests and the Pharisees, went there with lanterns and torches and weapons. 4 Then Jesus, knowing all that would happen to him, came forward and said to them, “Whom do you seek?” 5 They answered him, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Jesus said to them, “I am he.” Judas, who betrayed him, was standing with them. 6 When Jesus said to them, “I am he,” they drew back and fell to the ground. 7 So he asked them again, “Whom do you seek?” And they said, “Jesus of Nazareth.” 8 Jesus answered, “I told you that I am he. So, if you seek me, let these men go.” 9 This was to fulfill the word that he had spoken: “Of those whom you gave me I have lost not one.” 10 Then Simon Peter, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant and cut off his right ear. (The servant’s name was Malchus.) 11 So Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword into its sheath; shall I not drink the cup that the Father has given me?”– John 18:1-11

JOHN 18 PETER’S IMPULSIVITY
John didn’t mention the agony in the garden of Gethsemane but Matthew did in chapter 26. Matthew’s account was more detailed in terms of the physical agony of Jesus in the garden, but John 17 focused more on the prayer that Jesus spoke during this time of waiting for the hour to come. This is what is amazing with the gospels because they spoke mostly about the same events but with different perspectives. Matthew, Luke, Mark’s account of this mostly focused on the physical event, but John focused more on the prayer that Jesus prayed during this time. I wonder if he was the nearest to Jesus that he heard all of his entire prayer to the Father.
This account is a picture of how Peter reacted to the arrest of his Master. We witnessed his impulsivity when he struck the high priest’s servant’s ear. We humans react to events as if we can stop it from happening. We like to take control of things that are beyond our capabilities. So, Jesus confronted Peter and remind him, that this had to happen. He had to stop his reactions because it is the will of God that he be arrested.

REFLECTION
• What do you think drove Peter to strike the right ear of Malchus?

JOHN 17 UNITY IN GOD’S KINGDOM

March 31

JOHN 17
20 “I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, 21 that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22 The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, 23 I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me. 24 Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory that you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world. 25 O righteous Father, even though the world does not know you, I know you, and these know that you have sent me. 26 I made known to them your name, and I will continue to make it known, that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them.”-JOHN 17:20-26

JOHN 17 UNITY IN GOD’S KINGDOM
A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses
As you receive the call of God to be part of his children
The word of the Lord will bring you to closer to heaven
The steadfast love of God will flow through you
You will begin to walk in love with your neighbors
Your old nature will be transformed to the new creation
This brings unity to you, the Father, the Spirit and the Son.

The prayer of Jesus for his people continues on as he pleads the Father to bring unity among his people. He likens it to the unity that exists between him and his Father. When there is harmony between two or more people, the relationship can thrive because of the presence of peace, love, joy. This kind of loving relationship happens only if one is anchored on the love of God. Jesus humbly asks his Father, who is the source of love to bring unity to those whom he has chosen.
Because all of God’s people still live in a corrupt and fallen world, division and conflict may be inevitable. The promise of the Spirit will bring about the work in each believer’s heart so that they can live in harmony with each other amidst the challenges of the world.

REFLECTION
• What are challenges with “unity” when you have unequally yoked relationships?

JOHN 17 PURIFY THEM BY YOUR WORD

March 30

JOHN 17
11 And I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, keep them in your name, which you have given me, that they may be one, even as we are one. 12 While I was with them, I kept them in your name, which you have given me. I have guarded them, and not one of them has been lost except the son of destruction, that the Scripture might be fulfilled. 13 But now I am coming to you, and these things I speak in the world, that they may have my joy fulfilled in themselves. 14 I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. 15 I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. 16 They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. 17 Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. 18 As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. 19 And for their sake I consecrate myself, that they also may be sanctified in truth. – John 17:11-19

JOHN 17 PURIFY THEM BY YOUR WORD
A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses
There is no other way to keep oneself free from evil
Only the word of truth is what will expose the devil
If you dwell and meditate on God’s word day and night
You will be purified and will discern what is not right
Those who do not receive and keep the word of God
They will be enslaved to follow the ways of the world.

Jesus continues his prayers for those who were chosen by God. He pleads with God to keep his own people pure because even though they are living in this world, they don’t really fit in it. They belong to the kingdom of God which is the total opposite of the systems of the world. The world follows the “selfish nature” where the self is the center of the universe. God’s kingdom is about “selflessness” and service. They are two opposing systems. The disciples were taught all the things that belong to God’s kingdom and it will be a challenge for them to be in the midst of worldly ways or systems. To preserve and purify them, Jesus asks God to keep them sanctified by his truth.

REFLECTION
• Why would it be hard for Christians to live holy lives if they don’t meditate on Gods’ word? What would be their challenges?

JOHN 17 JESUS PRAYS FOR HIS OWN

March 29

JOHN 17
6 “I have manifested your name to the people whom you gave me out of the world. Yours they were, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word. 7 Now they know that everything that you have given me is from you. 8 For I have given them the words that you gave me, and they have received them and have come to know in truth that I came from you; and they have believed that you sent me. 9 I am praying for them. I am not praying for the world but for those whom you have given me, for they are yours. 10 All mine are yours, and yours are mine, and I am glorified in them. – John 17:6-10

JOHN 17 JESUS PRAYS FOR HIS OWN
A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses
When you belong to Jesus’ sheepfold
Rest assured that he is praying for you
Because you kept his word and believed in him
Your old is gone since you were washed from your sins
Those who weren’t chosen by God, denied his word
Jesus didn’t pray for those who belong to this world.

This prayer of Jesus contains a hard saying to some who believes that the whole world will be saved. When Jesus intercedes only to those who belong to his Father, he was only praying for those whom his Father chose. Many false religions and teachings think that the whole world is saved but some bible verses disagree with that notion such as these:
• Ephesians 1:4 -Even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him.
• 1 Peter 1:20 He was foreknown before the foundation of the world but was made manifest in the last times for the sake of you
• 2 Timothy 1:9 Who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began.
These verses show us that God knows all his elect even before he created the world. Some religions teach that we choose God, but clearly it is His choice, not ours.

REFLECTION
• What verses in the bible says that Jesus died only for some people and not all?

JOHN 17 CHRIST’S OBEDIENCE GLORIFIED GOD

March 28

JOHN 17
When Jesus had spoken these words, he lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, “Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you, 2 since you have given him authority over all flesh, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him. 3 And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. 4 I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work that you gave me to do. 5 And now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had with you before the world existed. – John 17:1-5

JOHN 17 CHRIST’S OBEDIENCE GLORIFIED GOD
A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses
When Jesus’ time was nearing, he prayed to his Father
He wanted to make sure that he is giving him all the glory
He revealed to his disciples the reason for his coming
It was to give eternal life to all whom God has chosen
The disciples were to know only the One true God
They were also to glorify him, since he is the Only Son.

In this account, we hear Jesus explaining the purpose of his coming on earth, that is to glorify his Father. Now that his hour is coming, he tells them that as he finishes his work for the Father, he is glorifying him and the Father will glorify him back. The work that Jesus did was to die on the cross and when he did, it will be his way back to go to sit besides his Father on his right hand. Barclay’s study bible asks How did the Cross glorify God? It’s response is “The only way to glorify God is to obey him. A child brings honour to his parents when he brings them obedience. A citizen brings honour to his country when he obeys it. A scholar brings honour to his teacher when he obeys his master’s teaching. Jesus brought glory and honour to God by his perfect obedience to him. The gospel story makes it quite clear that Jesus could have escaped the Cross. Humanly speaking, he could have turned back and need never have gone to Jerusalem. As we look at Jesus in the last days, we are bound to say: “See how he loved God! See to what lengths his obedience would go!” He glorified God on the Cross by rendering the perfect obedience of perfect love.”

REFLECTION
• Why do you think obedience is the best expression of worship?

JOHN 16 THE UPSIDE OF SUFFERING AND TRIALS

March 27

JOHN 16
25 “I have said these things to you in figures of speech. The hour is coming when I will no longer speak to you in figures of speech but will tell you plainly about the Father. 26 In that day you will ask in my name, and I do not say to you that I will ask the Father on your behalf; 27 for the Father himself loves you, because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God. 28 I came from the Father and have come into the world, and now I am leaving the world and going to the Father.”29 His disciples said, “Ah, now you are speaking plainly and not using figurative speech! 30 Now we know that you know all things and do not need anyone to question you; this is why we believe that you came from God.” 31 Jesus answered them, “Do you now believe? 32 Behold, the hour is coming, indeed it has come, when you will be scattered, each to his own home, and will leave me alone. Yet I am not alone, for the Father is with me. 33 I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” – John 16:25-33

JOHN 16 THE UPSIDE OF SUFFERING AND TRIALS
A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses
Do you wonder why there is so much trouble in life?
Why do we have to suffer, be distressed and face trials?
Count it all joy when you have trials of every kind
For it produces steadfastness and endurance
Suffering is a training ground for growing your faith
Without it, you will not develop resilience and strength.

Jesus’ last words to his disciples prepared them for the coming life ahead when Jesus leaves them to offer his life for the salvation of mankind. Earlier, Jesus was talking in figures of speech, but in this account, he was plainly saying that he is leaving them to be joined to the Father. After his death, he cautioned them that when the hour has come for him to die, they will be facing much trouble. When they are in trouble, they may be challenged to continue to be faithful to their loyalty to him because there will be a lot of resistance against the truth that they have learned from Jesus. He prepared them for a life of suffering, misery and pain. They have to expect it and remember all his teachings.

REFLECTION
• How come many of us have trouble accepting that suffering can be good for us?

JOHN 16 SORROW WILL TURN TO JOY

March 26

JOHN 16
19 Jesus knew that they wanted to ask him, so he said to them, “Is this what you are asking yourselves, what I meant by saying, ‘A little while and you will not see me, and again a little while and you will see me’? 20 Truly, truly, I say to you, you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice. You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn into joy. 21 When a woman is giving birth, she has sorrow because her hour has come, but when she has delivered the baby, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a human being has been born into the world. 22 So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you. 23 In that day you will ask nothing of me. Truly, truly, I say to you, whatever you ask of the Father in my name, he will give it to you. 24 Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.– John 16:19-24

JOHN 16 SORROW WILL TURN TO JOY
A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses
Blessed are they who endure a life full of sorrow
For the Lord promised comfort to all those who do
All of you who are carrying heavy burdens, rejoice!
Jesus died for you that you may live and have joy
Christ promised a new life to all those who love him
Repent, turn to him so you’ll be freed from sin.

Jesus gave hope to his disciples when he explained to them what he meant when he said “A little while and you will not see me, and again a little while you will see me.” He was talking to them about his death and how they will be full of sorrow, but he also comforted them that the sorrow will soon be joy. He was speaking of his sacrifice on the cross which would mean his death. He will no longer be with them physically, but later on, when he dies, he will come again (meaning his resurrection) and the Holy Spirit will be in their midst. At the time that Jesus was explaining this to them, they still could not fully fathom what he meant. He was giving them hope so that they will not mourn like those who don’t know God. They will experience the love, grace and mercy of God during his sacrifice on the cross. They will realize how much they are loved by him.

REFLECTION
• Why did Jesus liken his death to a woman giving birth to her child?

JOHN 16 IN A LITTLE WHILE

March 25

JOHN 16
12 “I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. 13 When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. 14 He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you. 15 All that the Father has is mine; therefore I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you.16 “A little while, and you will see me no longer; and again a little while, and you will see me.” 17 So some of his disciples said to one another, “What is this that he says to us, ‘A little while, and you will not see me, and again a little while, and you will see me’; and, ‘because I am going to the Father’?” 18 So they were saying, “What does he mean by ‘a little while’? We do not know what he is talking about.” – John 16:12-18

JOHN 16 IN A LITTLE WHILE
A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses
When you are going through adversities for a long time
Hold on to faith for the Lord will be there in a little while
You may not think he is there beside you at this moment
But in a little while, he will make you feel his presence
Do not despair when you undergo much suffering
If you wait patiently, in a little while, he is coming.

In this last moment that Jesus was speaking to his disciples, he lovingly assures them that although they won’t see him, they need not be afraid or worried. The promise of the Holy Spirit leading them to truth was one of the greatest gifts that they could receive from the Father. They will no longer be in the dark because the Holy Spirit will lead them to the truth which will enlighten them in terms of things that Jesus taught them that they didn’t understand at the time they were hearing it. Many of the things they didn’t understand about Jesus’ spoken word while he was still with them were later on clearer to them. That is the work of the Spirit: to lead them to truth.
When Jesus said verse 16, he was foreshadowing his upcoming death and also his resurrection. The disciples will later on understand what their Master meant.

REFLECTION
• What were some truths you didn’t understand that became clearer later?

JOHN 16 THE HELPER’S ROLE

March 24

JOHN 16
“I have said all these things to you to keep you from falling away. 2 They will put you out of the synagogues. Indeed, the hour is coming when whoever kills you will think he is offering service to God. 3 And they will do these things because they have not known the Father, nor me. 4 But I have said these things to you, that when their hour comes you may remember that I told them to you. “I did not say these things to you from the beginning, because I was with you. 5 But now I am going to him who sent me, and none of you asks me, ‘Where are you going?’ 6 But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your heart. 7 Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you. 8 And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment: 9 concerning sin, because they do not believe in me; 10 concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father, and you will see me no longer; 11 concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged. – John 16:1-11

JOHN 16 THE HELPER’S ROLE
A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses
Jesus promises his disciple a Helper who will come when he leaves
It was important to him that he goes so that the Helper could come
His role is to make them see the truth and expose the lies
This Helper will also come to convict them when they sin
But the greatest thing this Helper will do is to give Jesus the glory
He will bring light to the dark places that Satan has covered.

One of Jesus’ legacies to his disciples is that they will have a Helper. This Helper will not be able to come if he doesn’t leave them. It is interesting how the world has thwarted the word “helper.” The role of the Helper is to direct people in righteousness and in the path of God. The world system has a different notion of helper. The helper that the world knows is the one that does something for others in the light of looking good or appearing righteous. It is a transactional concept whereby the helper is doing an act so that it could be a platform for being labeled “good.” The Holy Spirit’s role is not to make himself good but to bring God and Jesus the glory because they are the only Ones who are good.

REFLECTION
• Why do you think the world view of “helper” is so different from the Helper?

JOHN 15 THE WORLD HATES THE LORD

March 23

JOHN 15
23 Whoever hates me hates my Father also. 24 If I had not done among them the works that no one else did, they would not be guilty of sin, but now they have seen and hated both me and my Father. 25 But the word that is written in their Law must be fulfilled: ‘They hated me without a cause.’26 “But when the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, he will bear witness about me. 27 And you also will bear witness, because you have been with me from the beginning.
– John 15:23-27

JOHN 15 THE WORLD HATES THE LORD
A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses
Anyone who loves the things of this world
Will surely not understand the ways of the Lord
The world loves all that is pleasurable and comfortable
The righteous bears their suffering and adversities
If you love the Lord, the world will surely hate you
Endure the trials for your Savior will never leave you.

Jesus tells his disciple another warning. They have to be prepared that they will also be hated by the world. He was giving them a picture of the things that they will suffer from after he leaves them. Jesus reiterates his promise of the Helper who will reassure and comfort them. Everything that he came here on earth for was to do his Father’s work.
When Jesus declared “They hated me without a cause”, he was quoting David’s lament in Psalm 69:4 when David was overwhelmed by his adversaries. He was unjustly being chased by many enemies constantly. David mentioned in this psalm that “those who hate him are more than the hairs of my head.” He must have expressed his intense distress from wrongful accusation from his enemies. This psalm was a foreshadowing of the same predicament that Jesus experienced when he is wrongfully accused by the Jewish leaders.
As Christians, we can learn to expect hatred from the ungodly and unbelieving. We will surely be loathed by those who do not know the Lord. So, let us lean on the Helper.

REFLECTION
• Share some ways that the world hates those who believe in Christ?