Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus Christ

Gospel of John – Lesson 38, 18:28-19:16a
Introduction

Last week we were in John 18:15-27. The day is probably April 3, 33 A.D. Jesus had been tied up and led away to Annas, who had been the high priest (A.D. 7 to 14) and was still a dominant leader (1). Annas had four sons who filled the office of high priest, plus his son-in-law Caiaphas (1). Peter and John followed Jesus to Annas. John was known by Annas, and went with Jesus into the courtyard. But Peter stood at the door outside. Then John spoke to the servant girl who kept the door, and brought Peter in. Then the servant girl said to Peter, “You aren’t one of this man’s disciples too, are you?” “I am not!” he said. Now Peter was standing by a charcoal fire warming himself with the servants and temple police. Jesus was questioned by Annas. Then Annas sent Him bound to Caiaphas the high priest. Now Peter is warming himself and denies that he is a disciple of Jesus a second time. Then Peter denied it a third time, and at once a rooster crowed. And the Lord turned and looked at Peter. Then Peter remembered that the Lord had said, “Before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times.” So Peter went out and wept bitterly. [Luke 22:61-62]

Jesus had three trials before religious authorities: before Annas, Caiaphas, and the Sanhedrin (the Jewish supreme court). Then He had three trials before the Roman Authorities: first before Pilate, then Pilate sent Him to Herod – the governor of Galilee, and finally Herod sent Him back to Pilate [Luke 23:6-12].

Continuing the story at John 18:28

First trial before Pontius Pilate
28 Then they led Jesus from Caiaphas to the Praetorium, and it was early morning. But they themselves did not go into the Praetorium, lest they should be defiled, but that they might eat the Passover (2). 29 Pilate then went out to them and said, “What accusation do you bring against this Man?” 30 They answered and said to him, “If He were not an evildoer, we would not have delivered Him up to you.” 31 Then Pilate said to them, “You take Him and judge Him according to your law.” Therefore the Jews said to him, “It is not lawful for us to put anyone to death,” 32 that the saying of Jesus might be fulfilled which He spoke, signifying by what death He would die. 33 Then Pilate entered the Praetorium again, called Jesus, and said to Him, “Are You the King of the Jews?” 34 Jesus answered him, “Are you speaking for yourself about this, or did others tell you this concerning Me?” 35 Pilate answered, “Am I a Jew? Your own nation and the chief priests have delivered You to me. What have You done?” 36 Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight, so that I should not be delivered to the Jews; but now My kingdom is not from here.” 37 Pilate therefore said to Him, “Are You a king then?” Jesus answered, “You say rightly that I am a king. For this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice.” 38 Pilate said to Him, “What is truth?” And when he had said this, he went out again to the Jews, and said to them, “I find no fault in Him at all.”

Final trial before Pilate
39 “But you have a custom that I should release someone to you at the Passover. Do you therefore want me to release to you the King of the Jews?” 40 Then they all cried again, saying, “Not this Man, but Barabbas!” Now Barabbas was a robber.

John 19
1 So then Pilate took Jesus and scourged Him. 2 And the soldiers twisted a crown of thorns and put it on His head, and they put on Him a purple robe. 3 Then they said, “Hail, King of the Jews!” And they struck Him with their hands.4 Pilate then went out again, and said to them, “Behold, I am bringing Him out to you, that you may know that I find no fault in Him.”

5 Then Jesus came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. And Pilate said to them, “Behold the Man!” 6 Therefore, when the chief priests and officers saw Him, they cried out, saying, “Crucify Him, crucify Him!” Pilate said to them, “You take Him and crucify Him, for I find no fault in Him.” 7 The Jews answered him, “We have a law, and according to our law He ought to die, because He made Himself the Son of God.” 8 Therefore, when Pilate heard that saying, he was the more afraid, 9 and went again into the Praetorium, and said to Jesus, “Where are You from?” But Jesus gave him no answer. 10 Then Pilate said to Him, “Are You not speaking to me? Do You not know that I have power to crucify You, and power to release You?” 11 Jesus answered, “You could have no power at all against Me unless it had been given you from above. Therefore the one who delivered Me to you has the greater sin.” 12 From then on Pilate sought to release Him, but the Jews cried out, saying, “If you let this Man go, you are not Caesar’s friend. Whoever makes himself a king speaks against Caesar.” 13 When Pilate therefore heard that saying, he brought Jesus out and sat down in the judgment seat in a place that is called The Pavement, but in Hebrew, Gabbatha. 14 Now it was the Preparation Day of the Passover, and about the sixth hour. And he said to the Jews, “Behold your King!” 15 But they cried out, “Away with Him, away with Him! Crucify Him!” Pilate said to them, “Shall I crucify your King?” The chief priests answered, “We have no king but Caesar!” 16 Then he delivered Him to them to be crucified.

Summary

Pilate said to Jesus, “Are you the King of the Jews?” Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world.” Pilate therefore said to Him, “Are You a king then?” Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. For this I was born, and for this I have come into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to My voice.”
Pontius Pilate found no grounds for charging Jesus with a crime. He said this at least three times. Yet Pilate had Him beaten with a leather whip with bits of metal at the ends. He was attempting to appease the religious Jews without executing Jesus. But they would not settle for anything less than His death. Pilate gave into their demands.

Application

You and I may be accused and even convicted for something we have not done. We may suffer unjustly. But God can cause it to work for good. In fact, God causes all things to work together for good to those who love Him, to those who are the called according to His purpose [Romans 8:28-39]. It was not good that Pilate condemned an innocent man to die on a cross. But God caused it to work together for good. While Christ was on the cross He bore all of our sins, paying the penalty for all of us. Jesus fulfilled the mission for which He came to earth. So let each one of “us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” [Hebrews 12:1-2] Your life is like a race; run it with endurance!

You may ask, “How do I do that?” Hebrews 12:1 tells us how: “Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.” When you are running a race you wear lightweight clothing; you do not have anything on you that is not necessary for the race. A believer should not let the cares of the world slow him down in the race God has set before him.

When a believer sins he needs to set it aside, confess his sin to God the Father. A believer needs the power of the Holy Spirit to enable him to run the race. When a believer sins he grieves the Holy Spirit and is out of fellowship with God. But once he confesses his sin God is faithful and just to forgive his sin and cleanse him from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). Then the Holy Spirit will guide the believer who is a follower, a disciple, of Jesus Christ “into all truth” (John 16:13). “The Holy Spirit … will teach you [the disciples in the upper room] all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I [Jesus] said to you” (John 14:26). So to run the race with endurance we must lay aside the sin that ensnares us, confess our sins to our Father in Heaven; then the Holy Spirit will bring to our mind the Word of God that we have been taught.

The supreme Model for running the race with endurance is Jesus (Reference 3). He “pioneered” the path of faith Christians should follow. He also “perfected” the way of faith since He reached its end successfully. He kept His eye on the joy set before Him, the “joy” alluded to in Hebrews 1:9 wherein He obtained an eternal throne. The believers’ share in that joy must also be kept in view. After enduring the cross and scorning the shame, Jesus assumed that triumphant position at the right hand of the throne of God (cf. Hebrews 1:3; 8:1; 10:12) which precedes His and the believers’ final victory (cf. Hebrews 1:13-14).

Footnote
1. Unger’s Bible Dictionary, 1966, p. 67
2. During the Passover, if a Jew entered a house that contained leaven, he would be ceremonially defiled and unable to celebrate the feast. Thus Jews would not enter a Gentile residence. The Passover included the Feast of Unleavened Bread.
3. The Bible Knowledge Commentary, 1983, p. 810-11, Heb. 12:1-2, Zane Hodges

Gospel of John – Lesson 39, 19:16b-30
Introduction

Two weeks ago we were in John 18:28-19:16, where we read about the trials of Jesus before Pontius Pilate. At the end of the trials Pilate brought Jesus outside. And Pilate sat down on the judge’s bench. Now it was the day of Preparation for the Passover, and it was about six a.m. Then he said to the Jews, “Look! Your king!” But they shouted, ‘Take Him away! Take Him away! Crucify Him!” Pilate said to them, “Shall I crucify your king?” “We have no king but Caesar!” the chief priests answered. So then he handed Him over to them to be crucified. [John 19:13-16a]

Continuing the story at John 19:16b

Then they took Jesus and led Him away.

The King on a Cross
17 And He, bearing His cross, went out to a place called the Place of a Skull, which is called in Hebrew, Golgotha, 18 where they crucified Him, and two others with Him, one on either side, and Jesus in the center. 19 Now Pilate wrote a title and put it on the cross. And the writing was:

JESUS OF NAZARETH, THE KING OF THE JEWS.

20 Then many of the Jews read this title, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city; and it was written in Hebrew, Greek, and Latin.21 Therefore the chief priests of the Jews said to Pilate, “Do not write, ‘The King of the Jews,’ but, ‘He said, “I am the King of the Jews.”’” 22 Pilate answered, “What I have written, I have written.” 23 Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took His garments and made four parts, to each soldier a part, and also the tunic. Now the tunic was without seam, woven from the top in one piece. 24 They said therefore among themselves, “Let us not tear it, but cast lots for it, whose it shall be,” that the Scripture might be fulfilled which says: “ They divided My garments among them, And for My clothing they cast lots.” Therefore the soldiers did these things.

Behold Your Mother
25 Now there stood by the cross of Jesus His mother, and His mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. 26 When Jesus therefore saw His mother, and the disciple whom He loved standing by, He said to His mother, “Woman, behold your son!” 27 Then He said to the disciple, “Behold your mother!” And from that hour that disciple took her to his own home.

Now I am taking some information from the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke:
Jesus was put on the cross at nine a.m. [Matthew 27:32-44, Mark 15:21-32]
1. He was mocked by the crowd, chief priests, and the two thieves. “If You are the Son of God, come down from the cross.”
Matthew 27:42-44: “He saved others; Himself He cannot save. If He is the King of Israel, let Him now come down from the cross, and we will believe Him. He trusted in God; let Him deliver Him now if He will have Him; for He said, ‘I am the Son of God.’” Even the robbers who were crucified with Him reviled Him with the same thing.
2. Then one thief said, “Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.” Jesus said, “Today you will be with Me in paradise.” [Luke 23:33-43]
Darkness covered the whole land at noon. [Matthew 27:45, Mark 15:33, Luke 23:44] For the next three hours Jesus was baring the sins of the world as a substitute for all people who have ever lived or will live. While Jesus was being judged for our sins He was separated from God the Father. At about three p.m. Jesus cried out with a loud voice, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” [Matthew 27:46, Mark 15:34]

Continuing at John 19:28

28 After this, Jesus, knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the Scripture might be fulfilled, said, “I thirst!” 29 Now a vessel full of sour wine was sitting there; and they filled a sponge with sour wine, put it on hyssop, and put it to His mouth. 30 So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit.

He said, “Father, into Your hands I commit My spirit” [Luke 23:46]. His work is finished. He has accomplished the mission His Father sent Him to earth to do. Jesus addresses Him as Father, not My God, since He is no longer forsaken. Jesus did not bleed to death. He died of his own will after He had finished His work.

Application

God has told believers that He will never leave us or forsake us! [Hebrews 13:5] We have work to do! I like to think that I will not die until my work is finished, like Jesus. I do not know exactly what my work is. Jesus is God and man so He knew exactly what His work was and when it was finished. Ephesians 2:8-10 tells us that we have been created for good works. It says, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” God has even prepared our good works for us. Our responsibility is to “walk in them.”

Gospel of John – Lesson 40, 19:31-42
Introduction

Last week we were in John 19:16-30, where we read about the crucifixion of Jesus. He was put on the cross at nine a.m. He was mocked by the crowd, the chief priests, and the two thieves who were being crucified with Him. At noon darkness covered the whole land. For the next three hours Jesus was baring the sins of the world as a substitute for each one of us. Then at three p.m. Jesus cried out with a loud voice, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” God the Father and God the Holy Spirit had forsaken Jesus because He was being judged for all of our sins.

Picking up the story at John 19:28

28 After this, Jesus, knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the Scripture might be fulfilled, said, “I thirst!” 29 Now a vessel full of sour wine was sitting there; and they filled a sponge with sour wine, put it on hyssop, and put it to His mouth. 30 So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” [Then Jesus said, “Father, into Your hands I commit My spirit” (Luke 23:46). Jesus had completed His work of paying the penalty for all of our sins; He was no longer forsaken by God; His fellowship with the Father had been restored.] And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit.
31 Therefore, because it was the Preparation Day, that the bodies should not remain on the cross on the Sabbath (for that Sabbath was a high day), the Jews asked Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away. 32 Then the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first and of the other who was crucified with Him. 33 But when they came to Jesus and saw that He was already dead, they did not break His legs. [The Jews requested Pilate that the legs of the men might be broken so that they would die quickly. With his legs broken, a victim could no longer lift his body in order to breathe and would soon suffocate. The Jews were very careful about keeping the Jewish law, according to which (Duet. 21:23) it was necessary to remove the bodies of executed criminals before sunset. They did not break Jesus’ legs because he had already died by dismissing his spirit. Some men hung suspended 3 or 4 days on a Roman cross before they died.]
34 But one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and immediately blood and water came out. 35 And he who has seen has testified, and his testimony is true; and he knows that he is telling the truth, so that you may believe. [John, the author of the Gospel of John, was an eye witness to the Crucifixion. He emphatically states the truth of his testimony.]
36 For these things were done that the Scripture [Old Testament] should be fulfilled, “Not one of His bones shall be broken” [Passover lamb: Exodus 12:46; Numbers 9:12]. 37 And again another Scripture says, “They shall look on Him whom they pierced” [Zechariah 12:10].

Jesus Buried in Joseph’s Tomb
38 After this, Joseph of Arimathea [a prominent council member, Mark 16:43], being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly, for fear of the Jews, asked Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus; and Pilate gave him permission. So he came and took the body of Jesus. 39 And Nicodemus, who at first came to Jesus by night [John 3:1-2], also came, bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about a hundred pounds. [Some months before when officers sent to apprehend Jesus returned without Him and were reproached by the rest of the Sanhedrin, Nicodemus said to them, “Our law doesn’t judge a man before it hears him and knows what he is doing, does it?” The others answered him with taunts, “You aren’t from Galilee too, are you?” Nicodemus was a council member and a secret disciple of Jesus.]
40 Then they took the body of Jesus, and bound it in strips of linen with the spices, as the custom of the Jews is to bury. 41 Now in the place where He was crucified there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb [belonging to Joseph of Arimathea, Matthew 27:60] in which no one had yet been laid. 42 So there they laid Jesus, because of the Jews’ Preparation Day, for the tomb was nearby.

Application

Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus were members of the Jewish ruling council, the Sanhedrin. They were also secret disciples of Jesus at the time He was crucified. John records in 12:42: “Even among the rulers many believed in Him, but because of the Pharisees they did not confess Him, so they wouldn’t be barred from the synagogue; for they loved praise from men more than praise from God.” After Christ’s death Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus came out in the open. They provided a proper Jewish burial for the body of Jesus. They put their positions in the Jewish ruling council on the line. They may have lost their positions and could have been barred from the synagogue. Are we willing to identify ourselves with Jesus Christ and share His message of life with those about us? Or do we prefer praise from men over praise from God?

Gospel of John – Lesson 41, 20:1-18
Introduction

Two weeks ago we were in John 19:28-42. Jesus had finished His work of baring our sins in His own body on the cross. He was judged as a substitute for us. He who knew no sin was made sin for us that we might become the righteousness of God in Him [2 Corinthians 5:21]. The Jews requested Pilate that the legs of the men (Jesus and two thieves) might be broken so that they would die quickly. The Jews were very careful about keeping the Jewish law, according to which (Duet. 21:23) it was necessary to remove the bodies of executed criminals before sunset. They did not break Jesus’ legs because he had already died by dismissing his spirit. Some men hung suspended 3 or 4 days on a Roman cross before they died. Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus, who were members of the Jewish ruling council and also secret disciples of Jesus, took the body of Jesus, bound it in strips of linen with spices, and laid it in Joseph’s new tomb.

Continuing the story at John 20:1 [The Empty Tomb]

1 Now the first day of the week Mary Magdalene went to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb. 2 Then she ran and came to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken away the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid Him.”3 Peter therefore went out, and the other disciple, and were going to the tomb. 4 So they both ran together, and the other disciple outran Peter and came to the tomb first. 5 And he, stooping down and looking in, saw the linen cloths lying there; yet he did not go in. 6 Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb; and he saw the linen cloths lying there, 7 and the handkerchief that had been around His head, not lying with the linen cloths, but folded together in a place by itself. 8 Then the other disciple, who came to the tomb first, went in also; and he saw and believed. 9 For as yet they did not know the Scripture, that He must rise again from the dead. 10 Then the disciples went away again to their own homes.

Mary Magdalene Sees the Risen Lord
11 But Mary stood outside by the tomb weeping, and as she wept she stooped down and looked into the tomb. 12 And she saw two angels in white sitting, one at the head and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain. 13 Then they said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “Because they have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid Him.” 14 Now when she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, and did not know that it was Jesus. 15 Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?” She, supposing Him to be the gardener, said to Him, “Sir, if You have carried Him away, tell me where You have laid Him, and I will take Him away.” 16 Jesus said to her, “Mary!” She turned and said to Him, “Rabboni!” (which is to say, Teacher). 17 Jesus said to her, “Do not cling to Me, for I have not yet ascended to My Father; but go to My brethren and say to them, ‘I am ascending to My Father and your Father, and to My God and your God.’” 18 Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord, and that He had spoken these things to her.

The 8th Sign in the Gospel of John [Death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ]

The disciple John went into the tomb. “And he saw and believed. For they did not yet understand the Scripture, that He had to rise from the dead.” Three years earlier [John 2:13-22] Jesus had driven the money changers out of the temple and overturned their tables; then the Jews asked for a sign. Jesus answered, “Destroy this temple and in three days I will raise it up (speaking of His body).” John commented on this sign in 2:22, “So when He was raised from the dead, His disciples remembered that He had said this. And they believed the Scripture and the statement that Jesus had made.” The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the eighth sign recorded in the Gospel of John. The first sign took place three years earlier in Cana of Galilee at a wedding, where Jesus turned water into wine. The miraculous signs two through seven recorded in the Gospel of John are:
2. Healing a nobleman’s son who was near death
3. Healing a man who had been unable to walk for 38 years
4. Feeding 5000 men plus women and children with 5 loaves and 2 fishes
5. Walking on water (The Sea of Galilee)
6. Giving sight to a man who had been born blind
7. Raising His friend Lazarus from the dead
The purpose for recording these signs is given in John 20:30-31: “And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.”

Application

Christ’s death and resurrection is the most important sign to me because it changed the fearful disciples into fearless disciples. Therefore I believe Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and I believe His message that everyone who believes in Him has eternal life.

Gospel of John – Lesson 42, Luke 24:13-35
Introduction

Last week we were in John 20:1-18. Mary of Magdala went to the tomb early, before sunrise on Sunday morning. The stone had been removed from the tomb, where Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus had placed Jesus’ body. So Mary ran to tell Peter and John. Peter and John raced to the tomb. John won the race, but did not go in. When Peter arrived at the tomb he went right in. They saw the linen wrappings [like a mummy] lying there. John went into the tomb. “And he saw and believed. For they did not yet understand the Scripture, that He had to rise from the dead.” Then they went home. Mary stooped to look into the tomb. And she saw two angels sitting there. They spoke to her. After she answered them she turned around and saw a person she thought was the gardener, but it was Jesus. Jesus spoke to Mary, but she still thought He was the gardener. He said, “Mary!” Then she recognized Him. He said, “Don’t cling to Me, since I have not yet ascended to My Father.” Mary went and told the disciples the good news.

Continuing Story, Luke 24:13 [Sunday afternoon Jesus appears to two disciples]

The Road to Emmaus
13 Now behold, two of them were traveling that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was seven miles from Jerusalem. 14 And they talked together of all these things which had happened. 15 So it was, while they conversed and reasoned, that Jesus Himself drew near and went with them. 16 But their eyes were restrained, so that they did not know Him. 17 And He said to them, “What kind of conversation is this that you have with one another as you walk and are sad?”18 Then the one whose name was Cleopas answered and said to Him, “Are You the only stranger in Jerusalem, and have You not known the things which happened there in these days?” 19 And He said to them, “What things?” So they said to Him, “The things concerning Jesus of Nazareth, who was a Prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, 20 and how the chief priests and our rulers delivered Him to be condemned to death, and crucified Him. 21 But we were hoping that it was He who was going to redeem Israel. Indeed, besides all this, today is the third day since these things happened. 22 Yes, and certain women of our company, who arrived at the tomb early, astonished us. 23 When they did not find His body, they came saying that they had also seen a vision of angels who said He was alive. 24 And certain of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said; but Him they did not see.” 25 Then He said to them, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Ought not the Christ to have suffered these things and to enter into His glory?” 27 And beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, He expounded to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself.

The Disciples’ Eyes Opened
28 Then they drew near to the village where they were going, and He indicated that He would have gone farther. 29 But they constrained Him, saying, “Abide with us, for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent.” And He went in to stay with them. 30 Now it came to pass, as He sat at the table with them, that He took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. 31 Then their eyes were opened and they knew Him; and He vanished from their sight. 32 And they said to one another, “Did not our heart burn within us while He talked with us on the road, and while He opened the Scriptures to us?” 33 So they rose up that very hour and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven and those who were with them gathered together, 34 saying, “The Lord is risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon [Peter]!” 35 And they told about the things that had happened on the road, and how He was known to them in the breaking of bread.

Summary – Highlight

Jesus explained to the disciples in all the Old Testament Scriptures the things concerning Himself. Those two disciples received the interpretation of the Scriptures from Jesus without any mistakes. Since Jesus is God (John 1:1), He is the author of the Scriptures. He knows exactly what He meant by it. Luke does not give details here of the Scriptures Jesus explained to these disciples. But Luke records in “The Acts of the Apostles” the message by Peter on the day of Pentecost where he explained that Psalm 16:8-11 refers to the resurrection of Jesus, the Christ [the English transliteration of the Greek word Christos, which refers to the same person as the Hebrew word Messiah]. This is recorded in Acts 2:22-36. Over 500 believers at one time saw the resurrected Jesus (1 Corinthians 15:6).

Application

We should study the Scriptures and observe the quotations from the Old Testament which are in the New Testament and at the same time notice how many of these quotations are about Jesus, the Christ. Jesus is the fulfillment of the prophecies of the Christ in the Old Testament.

Gospel of John – Lesson 43, 20:19-31 and Luke 24:36-43
Introduction

Last week we were in Luke 24:13-35. On the Sunday that Jesus was resurrected two disciples were traveling to Emmaus, seven miles from Jerusalem. Jesus drew near and walked with them, but their eyes were restrained so that they did not know Him. Jesus said to them, “What kind of conversation is this that you have with one another as you walk and are sad?” Cleopas said to Him, “…have you not known the things which happened there in these days?” Jesus said, “What things?” So they explained to Him concerning Jesus of Nazareth, and how He was crucified, and how certain women arrived at the tomb and did not find His body, and had seen a vision of angels who said He was alive. Beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, Jesus explained to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself. They urged Him to stay with them, since it was near evening. He took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they knew Him; and He vanished from their sight. (Luke 24:32) And they said to one another, “Did not our heart burn within us while He talked with us on the road, and while He opened the Scriptures to us?” The two disciples returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven disciples and others with them. The eleven and those with them said, “The Lord is risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon [Peter]!” Then the two disciples told about the things on the road and how He was recognized in the breaking of bread.

Continuing the Story Sunday Evening at Luke 24:36

36 Now as they said these things, Jesus Himself stood in the midst of them, and said to them, “Peace to you.” 37 But they were terrified and frightened, and supposed they had seen a spirit. 38 And He said to them, “Why are you troubled? And why do doubts arise in your hearts? 39 Behold My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself. Handle Me and see, for a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see I have.” 40 When He had said this, He showed them His hands and His feet. 41 But while they still did not believe for joy, and marveled, He said to them, “Have you any food here?” 42 So they gave Him a piece of a broiled fish and some honeycomb. 43 And He took it and ate in their presence.

Another account of that First Sunday Evening Meeting, John 20:19

19 Then, the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in the midst, and said to them, “Peace be with you.” 20 When He had said this, He showed them His hands and His side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. 21 So Jesus said to them again, “Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.” 22 And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.” [“Proclaiming the forgiveness of sins was the prominent feature of the apostolic preaching in the Book of Acts. Jesus was giving the apostles (and by extension, the church) the privilege of announcing heaven’s terms on how a person can receive forgiveness. If one believes in Jesus, then a Christian has the right to announce his forgiveness. If a person rejects Jesus’ sacrifice, then a Christian can announce that that person is not forgiven.”(1)]

Seeing and Believing
24 Now Thomas, called the Twin, one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. 25 The other disciples therefore said to him, “We have seen the Lord.” So he said to them, “Unless I see in His hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe.” 26 And after eight days His disciples were again inside, and Thomas with them. Jesus came, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, “Peace to you!” 27 Then He said to Thomas, “Reach your finger here, and look at My hands; and reach your hand here, and put it into My side. Do not be unbelieving, but believing.” 28 And Thomas answered and said to Him, “My Lord and my God!” 29 Jesus said to him, “Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

That You May Believe
30 And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book; 31 but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.

Summary – Highlight

1. Resurrection Body
a. Walk thru closed doors
b. Eat food
2. The death and resurrection of Jesus Christ is the 8th miraculous sign recorded in John’s Gospel. The Holy Spirit, Who carried John along in writing this Gospel, had a definite purpose for recording eight miraculous signs. This purpose is given in John 20:30-31: “Many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.” John’s purpose for writing has two parts.
a. The initial purpose is that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God.
b. The ultimate purpose is that you may have eternal life in His name.

Application

The snapshots of the life of Jesus recorded here are written that we may know who Jesus is. And if you have any doubt about it, read John’s Gospel over and over again.

Here is a poem that I think applies to believers and unbelievers.

“Peace, perfect peace, in this dark world of sin?
The blood of Jesus whispers peace within.

Peace, perfect peace, by thronging duties pressed?
To do the will of Jesus, this is rest.”

Footnote 1: The Bible Knowledge Commentary, New Testament Edition, 1983, p. 343

Gospel of John – Lesson 44, 21:1-14
Introduction

Two weeks ago we were in John 20:19-31. The story began during Sunday evening on the day Jesus was resurrected. The disciples were assembled behind closed doors, for fear of the Jews, when Jesus appeared and said to them, “Peace to you.” But they were terrified and supposed that they had seen a spirit. So He showed them His hands and His feet. But while they still did not believe, He said, “Have you any food here?” So they gave Him a piece of a broiled fish and some honeycomb. And He ate it. So Jesus said to them again, “Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.” Thomas was not with the disciples when Jesus came. So he said to them, “Unless I see in His hands the print of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe.” After 8 days His disciples, including Thomas, were again inside. Jesus came through closed doors and said, “Peace to you!” Thomas said to Him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” Chapter 20 closes with the primary purpose for John’s Gospel (20:30-31): “And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.”

Continue the Story at John 21:1
Have you ever been fishing? Tonight we have a Big Fish Story.

1 After these things Jesus showed Himself again to the disciples at the Sea of Tiberias [the Sea of Gallilee], and in this way He showed Himself: 2 Simon Peter, Thomas called the Twin, Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee [James and John], and two others of His disciples were together. 3 Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.”
They said to him, “We are going with you also.” They went out and immediately got into the boat, and that night they caught nothing. 4 But when the morning had now come, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. 5 Then Jesus said to them, “Children, have you any food?”
They answered Him, “No.”
6 And He said to them, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast, and now they were not able to draw it in because of the multitude of fish.
7 Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment (for he had removed it), and plunged into the sea. 8 But the other disciples came in the little boat (for they were not far from land, but about two hundred cubits), dragging the net with fish. 9 Then, as soon as they had come to land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid on it, and bread. 10 Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish which you have just caught.”
11 Simon Peter went up and dragged the net to land, full of large fish, one hundred and fifty-three; and although there were so many, the net was not broken. 12 Jesus said to them, “Come and eat breakfast.” Yet none of the disciples dared ask Him, “Who are You?”—knowing that it was the Lord. 13 Jesus then came and took the bread and gave it to them, and likewise the fish.
14 This is now the third time Jesus showed Himself to His disciples after He was raised from the dead.

Summary - Highlight

I think the author, John, who was one of the disciples in the boat, expected the net to be torn, based on his experience. I think it was a miracle because of the following details John includes in his account:
1. They fished all night without catching any fish.
2. In the morning Jesus told them to cast their net on the right side of the boat.
3. They caught 153 large fish. This was a great number of fish for this net, and they were large fish.
4. Yet the net was not torn.
I think it was a miracle: Jesus provided the 153 large fish and Jesus kept the net from breaking. This is the only miracle recorded in the Bible performed by Jesus during the forty-day period between His resurrection and ascension into heaven.

Application for Us

Quote from Dr. Ironside, John, page 886:“Think of the grace of Christ, the Son of God, cooking Peter’s breakfast that morning! There was never anything that the Lord Jesus thought too humiliating for Him to do for those He loved. Jesus loved to serve. Do you love to serve? You who say you belong to Him. Do you love to serve, or do you like to be served? Do you love to obey, or to command? The flesh likes to be served. But the one who is walking in fellowship with the Lord Jesus Christ delights to obey and delights to serve.”

Gospel of John – Lesson 45, 21:15-25
Introduction

Last week we were in John 21:1-14. Jesus appeared at the Sea of Galilee to seven of His disciples: Peter, Thomas, Nathanael, James, John, and two others. Peter said to them, “I’m going fishing.” They all went with him in the boat, and that night they caught nothing. But when daybreak had come, Jesus stood on the shore. However, the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. “Boys,” Jesus said to them, “you don’t have any fish, do you?” They answered Him, “No.” “Cast the net on the right side of the boat and you’ll find some.” So they did, and they were unable to haul it in because of the great number of fish. Therefore John said to Peter, “It’s the Lord!” Peter plunged into the sea – swimming for shore. But the other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish. So when they got out on land they saw a charcoal fire ready, with fish lying on it, and bread. Jesus told them, “Bring some of the fish you’ve just caught.” Peter went up and dragged the net onto the land, full of large fish – 153 large fish. And even though there was so many, the net was not torn. Jesus said to them, “Come and eat breakfast.” Here is Jesus, the Son of God, the Creator of all that exists, in His resurrection body that He will have forever. Here He is serving His disciples; He loves to serve. The King of kings and Lord of lords has prepared and is serving breakfast to the men He has been training for 3 years to be the leaders in His church.

Continuing the story at John 21:15 – Jesus Restores Peter

15 So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He said to him, “Feed My lambs.” 16 He said to him again a second time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He said to him, “Tend My sheep.” 17 He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?” Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, “Do you love Me?” And he said to Him, “Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.” Jesus said to him, “Feed My sheep. 18 Most assuredly, I say to you, when you were younger, you girded yourself and walked where you wished; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish.” 19 This He spoke, signifying by what death he would glorify God. And when He had spoken this, He said to him, “Follow Me.”

The Beloved Disciple [John] and His Book
20 Then Peter, turning around, saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following, who also had leaned on His breast at the supper, and said, “Lord, who is the one who betrays You?” 21 Peter, seeing him, said to Jesus, “But Lord, what about this man?” 22 Jesus said to him, “If I will that he remain till I come, what is that to you? You follow Me.” 23 Then this saying went out among the brethren that this disciple would not die. Yet Jesus did not say to him that he would not die, but, “If I will that he remain till I come, what is that to you?” 24 This is the disciple who testifies of these things, and wrote these things; and we know that his testimony is true. 25 And there are also many other things that Jesus did, which if they were written one by one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that would be written. Amen.

Epilogue

We have enough information about Jesus to believe that He is the Christ, the Son of God (John 20:30-31). We have eye witness accounts of many of the miracles that He did, including His resurrection from the dead. More books have been written about Christ than on any other person, yet the Bible gives us less than 10% of His live.

Applications

1. We should not concern ourselves with how God is using other people. We should keep our eyes on Jesus and follow Him. [Ephesians 2:10]
2. Let’s examine ourselves; do we love Jesus? We demonstrate that we do love Jesus when we keep His commandments. Here are some to keep in mind.
a. In the upper room the night before Jesus was crucified, He said to His disciples, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
b. Paul wrote in the letter to the Ephesians, “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her.”
c. Peter was commanded to feed and shepherd (guide1) Christ’s sheep. Peter was to teach God’s word to the people who believe in Jesus Christ.

Footnotes:
1. The Nelson Study Bible, 1997, p.1809 – 21:16

Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

To see the first 23 lessons in the Gospel of John (Three Years in the Life of Jesus Christ) go to the following website:

http://billsbibleblog.blogspot.com/

To see lessons 24 to 37 in the Gospel of John (Jesus Christ - The Night Before He was Crucified) go to the following website:

http://billsbibleblog1.blogspot.com/

To get your free copy of the Gospel of John go to website below.

http://www.livingwater.org/