Weighing the Word: John Two

This week's Weighing the Word has taken us to the second chapter of the Gospel of John.
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I begin, remarkably, with the simplicity of setting and timing. Let's review. Jesus was baptized near Bethbara (Bethany) and within two days traveled to the region of Galilee. On His way there, he aquired some followers, Disciples. These men were Andrew, Simon Peter, Philip, Nathanael, and one unamed disciple of John, the baptizer. The close of John One finds us with Jesus and these five men in the town of Bethsaida. By this time, we have been three days with Jesus.
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Which brings us to the second chapter's reading. The chapter begins with timing: "On the third day." It struck me that these first verses of John take us through a succession of days in the life of Jesus. This would have taken place the "third day" after Jesus was baptized. So... This was before Jesus was taken to the desert and tempted (Matthew 4, Luke 4)?

We also find that Jesus has traveled once again to Cana. There He, His mother and the five disciples attend a wedding. In verse two, we learn Jesus went for a very obvious reason - He was invited.

1. Jesus goes where He is invited.

Jesus and his family likely knew the families who were hosting the wedding. Mary's concern for the reputation of the groom's family seems to indicate a relationship. Then the dilemma. Picture Mary leaning into her son and whispering in His ear, "They have run out of wine, my Son."

And Jesus' response, "Dear woman, what does that have to do with me? It's not quite my time to shine." In essence, His response is "Not Yet."
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But, Mary's faith in Jesus is persistent. She turns and tells the servants to do whatever He tells them to do.
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And, just like that, God changed His mind? I don't think it really comes down to that. Jesus taught that we are to honor the authority placed before us in our lives. So, how could He preach and teach "Honor your father and mother..." If He, Himself, refused to honor His own mother. I believe her persistence and faith in Him moved His heart to have compassion on her.
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2. The Miracle.
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What was significant about this miracle? Here are a few things I observed:

* The persistence of faith expressed in Mary's request of Jesus prompted Him to action even though His initial response was "Not yet."
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* The wine was not made from just any old water in any old pot. It was made, in fact, from water that was set aside and used for ceremonial cleansing. These posts held anywhere from 20-30 gallons of water each. Jesus told the servants to the fill the pots and they did - the brim. Overflowing. That is approximately 120-180 gallons of water. In the NKJV it says that water was set aside for the purification of the Jews.
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* Water in the Bible often represents many things, but in this case - the picture is clear. Water meant to be used for Cleansing was used instead for what? For celebration, for anointing? Think about this. The miracle at Cana represents precisely what Jesus had experienced just days before in the Jordan river. A baptism of repentence in the waters of the Jordan - a cleansing. And the anointing and blessing of His Father as He came out. Then others believed in Him because of what they had witnessed.
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How beautiful is that picture? That when we submit ourselves in obedience and persistence of faith, the result is purification (cleansing) through repentance and the anointing and blessing of the Father upon our lives.

A few other notes of interest from the wedding reading: The symblism of Jesus' first miracle being performed at this wedding in Cana - is not lost on me. This entire thing will culminate in the ultimate Wedding Feast when we all gather in heaven to spend eternity with our Father and Bridegroom. HMM! HMMM! HMMMM! Why did Jesus say His time had not yet come? As I said in the first paragraph, I believe the context of the Scripture indicates that this wedding took place before the Spirit led Him into the desert to be tempted for forty days. Why?
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The next verse: "This beginning of signs Jesus did in Cana of Galilee, and manifested His glory..." (vs. 11) Jesus knew that the temptation and testing had to come before He went forth. Jesus was telling His mother that it was not yet time for His glory as God's Only Begotten Son to be revealed.
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Jesus saved the best for last... Let's hold onto that truth. He didn't throw the best out there right at the beginning - He could change the water into wine at any moment. He could have literally changed the bad wine into better wine... good wine. But, He didn't. He waited until they had exhausted all of their resources and then gave them not just what was better, but what - indeed was best.
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After the wedding, Jesus travels and spends a few days (NLT) in Capernaum, where His brothers join this traveling caravan of people. Why did His brothers join them? Well, because Passover was coming - that is why. The annual pilgrimage to Jerusalem was at hand. It was time for the family to make their trip to the holy city to observe the custom of Passover. Jesus' ministry begins and ends with Passover.

Upon arriving in Jerusalem, the family likely paid a visit to the temple to make the necessary sacrifices. Jesus' passion for His Father and the temple that bore His presence and His name overflowed as He watched the moneychangers and the vendors selling their wares right in the temple courts. The indignation and righteous anger rose up in Him and He made a whip and scourged those who would defile His Father's house. He drove out the corruption and the greed that sat before Him. His disciples even remembered the verse Psalm regarding the Messiah's zeal for God's House. But, is it lost on anyone else... Just days before He was obedient to His authority when His mother asked for a miracle. Then this day - He breaks the law of the Romans by interfering with the work of the money-changers. And still... Pilate would say three years later, "I find no fault in Him." HMMM!

I noted the following points:

1. Evidence requires little faith.

The Jews were asking for evidence of His identity at every turn. They wanted EVIDENCE to prove His authority. But, they did not realize that the requirement of evidence exhibits very little faith. Jesus was living and observing the traditional Jewish customs of His day, but He was also redefining the standard and the truth about what would come after Him. The Jews were so caught up in their own ideas of "God" that they missed Him. Legalism always blinds eyes, deafens ears, dulls hearts and confuses understanding.

2. Faith confirms evidence.

The disciples and others who witnessed the miracles and words of Jesus during those days in Jerusalem came to believe He was the one who had been promised. They put their faith in Him.
In turn, they recognized the evidence the Jewish Leaders had been looking for but unable to see. You see, I believe that verses 24-25 speak so loudly to us today:

"But Jesus did not commit (entrust, NLT) Himself to them, because He knew all men, and had no need that anyone should testify of man, for He knew what was in man."

Jesus understood that humanity is limited. We struggle with the limitations of our flesh and a fallen existence. He did not need anyone to explain to Him why the leaders wouldn't believe Him and why common, ordinary folks in the streets would. He already knew and recognized those He came into contact with everyday.

I believe this brings clarity to us as ministers of His gospel. Jesus never got caught up in what the people expected of Him. What they thought the Messiah should look like. He was discerning and focused on one thing: The will of His Father. Jesus came to do the work of His Father in the person of the Son, the Messiah. His ministry demonstrated His anointing and His authority had come from God the Father. The miracles demonstrated His power and His Love that overflowed in Him through the Holy Spirit.
Those who experienced His presence without expectation did not question Him - they simply believed. Jesus must always be glorified.

I read these translations as I met with God this week. If you have read John Two this week, please share your insights in a blog post or comment. If you share a blog post please use MR. LINKY and link us directly to your post so we can read and learn from your insights as well! Thanks for Weighing the Word with me this week. It's been a joy!

Weighing the Word: John One

I am so excited about our inaugural Weighing the Word post. Let's dig right on in... Shall We?
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First, I must make a confession. I did not read the Chapter for seven days. I only read it six days. I did not get the reading in from the New Century Version as I had planned - I got a little tied up in the Amplified actually. Sunday was also a really busy day for us - church early and another event late. No excuses... I just didn't get it done on Sunday.

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From the very beginning of this week one thing stood out to me about John's Gospel. He is writing from an "attorney's argument" position. He begins with an opening statement establishing the foundation upon which he will build his case. Then he proceeds to provide evidence and "witnesses" to affirm his position. I love that the youngest of the group, and a varitable "rough-neck" from the fishing class would write an eloquent and detailed argument for Christ. It is just a beautiful display of how God does not call the equipped, He equips the called. And the glory of the testimony is that John's obedience brought forth the fruit of such a beautiful legacy that has been used to build the new-found faith of Christians throughout the centuries. Okay, I am rambling. But this is really a big deal for me... Especially since I wanted to be a lawyer as a young woman.
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This week as I focused on the inspired words of John Chapter One I met with several individuals and one particular group of inquirers.
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.The Word made flesh.

Jesus. My observations about Jesus from this week's reading range from the standard, verbatim text quotes to the images and "object" type of lessons that were taking place in my mind as I read and reread the text. So for the standard observations, He is the very Word of God. (John 1:1) He is the creative force of the Godhead - all things were created through Him and nothing was created without Him. (John 1:2-3) He is the source of Life and Light for all men. (John 1:3-4) He has always been and will always be FULLY God. (John 1:1, 18) Yet, in His divine nature is a compassion so deep that He would leave the infinity of His existence and become finite as He brings Grace and Truth to complete God's plan for mankind.

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He is, in fact, the revealed glory of God to mankind. Yet He is in the Bosom of His Father. (v.18) I love how this verse gives us a picture of the intimacy with which Jesus related to His Father, God. I wrote in my notes: "Jesus intimately knows and is always actively involved in relationship with His Father."

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In this chapter Jesus is identified in these ways: The Word, Creator (Maker of all things), Life, Light, A Man, The Revealed Glory of God, The only Begotten (born) Son of God, The Lamb of God, He is the Lord, Rabbi or Teacher, The Messiah, King of Israel, Jesus of Nazareth, Son of Joseph, and The Son of Man.

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In this chapter we see the following qualities that Jesus possessed: Humility - the Son of God was right there, but no one noticed Him. He was the first person who ever had the Holy Spirit come upon Him and remain. He was sought after, hospitable and welcoming, discerning, influential, a leader and a prophet. John, the baptizer, said that He would baptize with the Holy Spirit.
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Here are some of the notes I made as a result of my reading:

1.) Salvation (Redemptive Revelation through the Light) is available to EVERY MAN. Salvation and relationship are a choice. We (mankind) are all elected for adoption (chosen by God to be His child). It is, however, our decision that activates God's will to adopt us into His family. An old phrase from some good old fashioned Southern Baptist teachings popped into my head at the moment I recorded this note: "A gift is not really your gift until you open it."

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2.) Grace and truth bring completion. When we partake of Christ's fullness we receive grace for grace (abundance), and the completion of absolute Grace and TRUTH. In verse 17 the Law, given by Moses, is contrasted against the completing work of Christ in, Grace and Truth. I wrote: "The Law was given by God through a man, Moses. But, Grace (unearned, undeserved favor and spiritual blessing -from AMP) and Truth came by God through God the Son, Jesus Christ." From this I concluded that the Law represents boundaries that have been given to protect us - keep us safe. Grace and Truth, however, were given to us by Christ for the purpose of liberating us (the permission for us to be free) and the revelation that will set us ultimately free.
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3. He was right here and many did not even recognize Him. They were looking for Him, but they did not even recognize Him. How often do we do this in our own lives? How often are we looking for something so specific as evidence of God's presence in our lives that we miss what He is doing entirely?
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4. LIGHT. As I thought about the light, I heard the words of my Art I teacher in high school. Mrs. A said that we could only view color if we understood it in its relationship to light. She went on to explain that the color white was not really a color at all, but white was what happened when the absolute presence of PURE LIGHT consumed something. And Light is primarily an absolute reflection. There is no darkness at all in pure light. She went on to say that black was also not a color, but instead it was the total absence of light - a VOID. As I considered this something occurred to me. Before Christ came, the world was CONSUMED with Darkness. But, when Christ came, the Light shone in the darkness. He revealed the true nature of darkness. But, He did not stop there - He also revealed the true nature of God in the LIGHT. In Light, nothing remains hidden. In pure light - flaws and darkness are exposed in reality. They cannot be hidden, glossed over or denied. Darkness has never consumed the light, but when light comes into darkness darkness leaves every time. The light must be turned (tuned) out for darkness to rule.
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5. As I read the Amplified, I saw that Christ existed before men, came after men, took priority over men. John said, Christ takes rank above me, He existed before I did - He advanced before me. He is my Chief. (AMP)
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The Baptizer who prepares the way.

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John knew his place in the pecking order. As I noted previously he acknowledged Jesus as superior and superceding Him. John knew that He came to bear witness to Christ - not to be the Christ. Scripture notes that John's testimony would lead many to hear about Christ and so believe in Him. He was also questioned by representatives of the Pharisees. He unabashedly told the truth. He saw himself as God saw him. A messenger promised by Isaiah. He was not the Messiah, nor was he Elijah or Moses. He was a man sent to do a job. John Preached Jesus. (v. 15)

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John was a natural born leader and influencer. He knew his calling and he had a life verse. He was the picture of boldness and humility all rolled up into one man. He had followers and disciples but when the time came for him to step out of the way he admonished his followers to follow after "the Lamb of God" and stepped out of the way. He also admitted that his role was to prepare the way for the Lord, but he didn't really know who the Lord was until God revealed Him.

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I believe the picture of John telling his own disciples, Don't follow me, follow Jesus is such a compelling portrait of this man. It says to me Don't compete. Don't feel compelled to rescue because others expect you to do so. John did not ever assume the role of Savior. He Preached Jesus.
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One of the things I realized about John was that he was the one "shouting" in the desert. My natural question was: Who really is listening to you in the desert? Lost people that's who...

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"And I have seen and testified that this is the Son of God." (John 1:34)
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The First Disciples believed.

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The first two disciples were sent to Jesus by John. The two were Andrew of Bethsaida and an unamed companion. They were standing with John when Jesus passed them. John pointed to Him and told them He was the Lamb of God. Andrew and his friend immediately followed after Jesus and called Him Rabbi or teacher.
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I thought their question was interesting: Where are you staying? Why on earth would that be important?
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As I examined the disciples I found the following reflected in these five men:
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1. There was one who was not readily identified. A nameless, faceless follower.
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2. Andrew who immediately sought out his closest family member and introduced him to the Messiah.

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3. Peter whose identity was immediately changed by one word from Jesus.
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4. Philip who heard Christ say, "Follow Me." And Philip just followed. In essence, Philip's response was "OKAY."
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5. Then we have Nathanael. The skeptic. He had to have some evidence, and a personal encounter that revealed something about Nathanael, himself, before he would believe in this Messiah. Nathanael is the first clue that Jesus came by an unexpected route to be the Messiah of Israel.

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I love how the broader fabric of believers who come to Christ is represented in these five men. Some come easily and in instant obedience, others come just because the see something that makes them curious, while others immediately bring those closest to them to Christ, still others linger in the background fully believing but reluctant to be identified. Then there is the one whose identity was changed by one word from Jesus. Speak, Lord. And finally the skeptic who required evidence. Yet, when he realized the truth --- He was sold out! He even received a promise greater than salvation for the trouble. WHEW! What a day.

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The Pharisees inquired.

The Pharisees were looking for a Messiah. At the first inclination that someone was preaching and teaching with authority they sent out a band of inquistors to investigate the matter. These men were Jewish, most likely priests and Levites from Jerusalem. As a matter of fact - the NKJV identifies them in just this way. They questioned John about who He was and what he was doing preaching repentence through water baptism. They were looking for a redeemer. Any redeemer would do: Elijah, Moses, the Christ... When John answered them... The inquisitors were the first to hear John's testimony of Jesus, but still they demanded more of an answer. They clearly did not understand what John was telling them.

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From this account I realized the Pharisees were desperate to see Prophecy regarding the Messiah fulfilled. They needed a redeemer and deliver. However, The Pharisees were merely curious to know if John was the Messiah, but not driven to pursue their curiousity themselves. They did not want to be caught questioning John. Why? The same reason we often do not go to God and ask ourselves and receive from Him. Because they knew that the knowledge could change the game completely and they were not quite ready to surrender everything to receive the promise.

John's testimony to the inquisitors was that the Messiah was already among them and they didn't even recognize Him. He said, as the AMP translates it, "[the Messiah is one] of whom you know nothing." As I conclude my observations about the Pharisees, I realize that these Jewish leaders refused to see the truth that they were looking for... They only recognized their own limited authority and intellectual understanding and the broader, further reaching power of the Roman, secular government. They had no foundation upon which to build their revelation upon. They only believed in their idea of God, not the truth of God. OUCH!
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In closing I would like to add a few notes from my reading that I have not yet included. John confessed openly the truth about his identity to the priests and Levites who came to question him. In the AMP confession is identified as simply "stating the truth." John not only admitted the truth, he also did not try to conceal it. He boldly proclaimed, "I am not the Christ." John also admits he did not previously know the Christ. He simply knew that his purpose in baptizing with water was to bring revelation to the manifest presence of God in the Christ. His evidence was that the Holy Spirit came to rest upon Jesus and was never to depart.

As I read this I realized, no one in John's generation had ever seen a visible representation of the Holy Spirit before. But, that is the very sign John was looking for. God promised John a sign to help him recognize when the Messiah showed up and John patiently served until he saw what he had been looking for. Before the day that John saw the Spirit come down and rest upon Jesus... The Spirit came and went empowering men only for seasons of ministry. But John saw the advent of a new era when the Holy Spirit would rest upon man and never depart. I love how the AMP version notes that John's words carry this message - "I really saw it happen!" As if to say - there is no way I'm making this up, this is really the Son of God. (LOVE IT!)
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The setting of this first chapter is in Bethany (Bethabara, east of the Jordan - at the Jordan crossing) and Galilee, near Bethsaida.

I also noted that from the AMP version I wrote down that to believe in means to adhere to, trust in, rely upon. That the Light that Jesus brought was a genuine, perfect and steadfast light that illumines every person. And, that receiving Jesus means to welcome Him. When we receive Him he gives us authority that brings the power, privilege and right to become Children of God. We owe our spiritual birth to God, we are born of Him when we receive Christ. And... in closing I recognized that as a man, Jesus' only glory was His relationship with His Father.

I weighed the Word in
four primary translations:

Okay... So it's now your turn... What did you find in your reading of the book of John this week: (be sure to link directly to your post... and add the linky below)!

Weighing the Word: Reading Assignments Through May 28th

Week One Reading: John Chapter One.

Remember to read the entire chapter each day!

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If you would like to join us, click the picture icon (left), read the requirements and post a comment with your name and city or state to acknowledge you will be joining us on this weekly journey! Then dive on in.

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A few TIPS:

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1. Pray daily before your reading. Be sure to A) Confess any known sins, and B) ask the Holy Spirit to guide you and reveal to you anything He wants you to know, and C) Ask God to clarify anything that you had trouble understanding from the day before.

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2. When you read, look for the following:

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* Things that are repeated often.

* Make special note of anything you sense God is drawing to your attention. (Mark your Bible and/or Journal as you read)

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* Make note of any observations you have for the first time.

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* Anything that makes you laugh or strikes you as unusual. Things that makes you laugh, go HMM... or HUH?
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* Anything that helps you to identify and relate to Christ in a more meaningful way.

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* If a particular Scripture speaks specifically to something in your life. (THIS IS FREE: Write that Scripture on an index card and memorize it!)

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*Write down things that confuse or distract you. Write down Questions and ask the Holy Spirit to guide you into all truth.

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3. Keep a journal/paper and pen handy to keep track of your notes or to process what you read daily.

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4. Read from at least two or three translations of the chapter during the week. (If you don't have more than one copy, you can use http://www.biblegateway.com/ for your reading.) This will help to keep it fresh.

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5. Try to avoid making this a "religious exercise" and look at this as a "relationship exercise." Put away what you've been taught and already know and ask for fresh spiritual eyes to see the chapter anew. Do what works for you... speaks to you... This is about you relating to and getting to know God through His Word on a daily basis more than it is about keeping a set of standards or rules. Accountability is important, so if you get stuck or are struggling - join us for our weekly post and read through what others observed and share what you are struggling with so we can pray for you. Also, even if you are very familiar with a story - look for things you've never read, observed or noticed before.

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6. Check in and pray for those who are participating with us. And Most of ALL ENJOY IT!

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Read the entire Chapter
Daily for seven days:

April 1-7:
John Chapter One
(Post the 8th)

April 8-14:
John Chapter Two
(Post the 15th)

April 15-21:
John Chapter Three
(Post the 22nd)

April 22nd-28th:
John Chapter Four
(Post the 29th)

April 29-May 5:
John Chapter Five
(Post the 6th)

May 6-12:
John Chapter Six
(Post the 13th)

May 13-19:
John Chapter Seven
(Post the 20th)

May 20-27:
John Chapter Eight
(Post the 28th)

Calling All Followers

Are you a follower?
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Well, if you are - there may be a pit in your future... Unless you are following Jesus, of course! .

That is exactly what this post is about. I want to do something kind of fun, kind of cool and definitely a way to gain great insight and perspective from our Lord.

So my question now is are you game?
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Here are the guidelines for participation:
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1. Commit to 21 weeks of Bible Reading.
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2. Be willing to write a post each week about what you observe as you read.
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3. Be willing to post here and leave a link back to your post for others to read.
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4. A heart ready to discover new heights and depths of the reality and TRUTH that is our God!
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5. Advertise this opportunity on your blog by asking others join you in reading and sharing observations.
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6. OH! And I should add, you cannot use study aids such as Study Bible Notes, Bible Dictionaries or Lexicons, Commentaries, or other resources to help you gain understanding. The Holy Spirit will be our guide.
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7. Leave a comment on this post if you are able to join us for this fun and insightful opportunity.
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Leave you name and city or state in the comments of this post please... Our first reading assignment will come on Wednesday, April 1st. And that is not an April Fool's joke. Let's start this off right by choosing to do something exceptional and not be a fool, but grow in Wisdom and truth instead.

Here we go! Check it out.