John 4:1-26 Notes

                                                               John 4:1-26 Notes

John 4:1-26  Notes

Title: Living Water Leaping into Eternity: Jesus is the Messiah who is Solemnly is Doing this Miracle.

Purpose of John’s Gospel:  But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name (St. John 20:31)

4:1 Therefore, hen the Lord knew that the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John 2(though Jesus Himself did not baptize, but His disciples), 3 He left Judea and departed again to Galilee. 4 But He needed to go through Samaria.  Jesus is God.  He knew what the Pharisees heard.  Jesus did not hear what the Pharisees knew.  Cana is in the larger area of Galilee where Jesus did His first miracle at a wedding (John 2).

5 So He came to a city of Samaria which is called Sychar, near the plot of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph. 6 Now Jacob’s well was there. Jesus therefore, being wearied from His journey, sat thus by the well. It was about the sixth hour.  Sychar is Shechem located Northwest of Jerusalem.  The sixth hour is high noon.  Jesus is tired.  Jesus is human.  Jacob’s well has been there for a long time.  Necessary for people and herds of animals.  Animals drink a lot of water.  The well was an underground spring rather than a place to collect rain water.  This kind of well/spring was also known as living water because it kept bubbling up and kept people and large herds alive in desert like conditions.

7 A woman of Samaria came to draw water. Jesus said to her, “Give Me a drink.” 8 For His disciples had gone away into the city to buy food.  9 Then the woman of Samaria said to Him, “How is it that You, being a Jew, ask a drink from me, a Samaritan woman?” For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans.  All the details of an eye-witness account.  Samaritans were syncretists.  The held to some of the teaching of Moses but combined with pagan beliefs.  This mostly occurred because of mixed marriages between Jews and pagans.  Jesus’ request would sound to the Samaritan woman like the following does to us, ‘Excuse me ma’am.  May I have a drink?  I am exhausted from my travels in this heat.’  But her question is relevant.  Jews and Samaritans didn’t mix.

10 Jesus answered and said to her, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, ‘Give Me a drink,’ you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water.”  The text has already told you who God is (4:1 & 4:6) but it will be made more specific at the end of this passage.  So, who is God?  What is the gift Jesus is giving according to John 4:4?

11 The woman said to Him, “Sir, You have nothing to draw with, and the well is deep. Where then do You get that living water? 12 Are You greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well, and drank from it himself, as well as his sons and his livestock?”  Complete misunderstanding.  Jesus was speaking of Himself and not another well.  

13 Jesus answered and said to her, “Whoever drinks of this water (Jacob’s well or our tap water) will thirst again, 14 but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life.”  Again, what is the gift?

15 The woman said to Him, “Sir, give me this water, that I may not thirst, nor come here to draw.”  Misunderstands again.  She is thinking about physical thirst and getting out of her daily chores.

16 Jesus said to her, “Go, call your husband, and come here.”  17 The woman answered and said, “I have no husband.”  Jesus said to her, “You have well said, ‘I have no husband,’ 18 for you have had five husbands, and the one whom you now have is not your husband; in that you spoke truly.”  Important: Jesus’ humanity never lessens His divinity.  This is one of the few times when Jesus uses His divinity.  And yet, whenever Jesus acts on His divinity it is never for Himself but rather in service to do His Father’s will.

19 The woman said to Him, “Sir, I perceive that You are a prophet. 20 Our fathers worshiped on this mountain, and you Jews say that in Jerusalem is the place where one ought to worship.”  The conversation changes.  First, Jesus is perceived as only a Jewish man.  Now He is perceived to be a Jewish prophet.

21 Jesus said to her, “Woman, believe Me, the hour is coming when you will neither on this mountain, nor in Jerusalem, worship the Father.  What is it to -- believe Me. Romans 3:22 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference.  Galatians 2:16 16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.  Romans 1:17 17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith (of Jesus) to faith (His faith for me): as it is written, The just shall live by (Jesus’ - Habakkuk 2:4) faith (alone - Luther’s simplification).  Let me ask again, Who is Jesus and what gift does He give?

22 You worship what you do not know; we know what we worship, for salvation is of the Jews. 23 But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. 24 God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”  Who is seeking whom?  What is a true worshiper?  God is seeking people who worship Him in spirit and truth.  This is a passage that shows the partnership of the Holy Spirit and Holy Scripture.  Question #93 from the Explanation of the Catechism asks, “Who is God?”  Answer: God is spirit (a personal being without a body); eternal; unchangeable; almighty/all-powerful; all-knowing; located everywhere; holy (sinless & hating sin); faithful; good; merciful; gracious; love.

25 The woman said to Him, “I know that Messiah is coming” (who is called Christ). “When He comes, He will tell us all things.”  Question #116: Why is He called Christ?  The title Christ (Greek) or Messiah (Hebrew) means “The Anointed.”  Jesus has been anointed by the Holy Spirit without limit (John 3:34) to be our Prophet, Priest, and King.  Note: Anointing was the way prophets, priests and kings were set apart for special work.  Acts 10:38 God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.

26 Jesus said to her, “I who speak (solemnly proclaiming) to you AM He.”  I AM solemnly proclaiming (My Father’s doctrine) to you in Holy Spirit and in Truth (Holy Scripture & Jesus is the Truth - see John 14).  Jesus is the I AM who spoke to Moses from the burning bush in Exodus 3.  This is when the Samaritan woman slowly stumbles backwards and runs off to tell her village… next week;)  Jesus is giving eternal life by means of Holy Baptism which is the living (Spirit & Truth added to) water springing up to eternal life.  God is seeking people who will receive and remain in this gift - which is also called worship.

Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life

Sunday, June 25, 2017

John 3:22-36

Title: Jesus is the Bomb - Whoever has the faith of the Son has eternal life!

Invocation

Opening Prayer

3:22 After these things Jesus and His disciples came into the land of Judea, and there He remained with them and baptized.   This is an introduction to Jesus’ next sermon which starts in Chapter 4.  These introductory verses explain how John the Baptist office of baptism was to prepare for the coming of Jesus.  Now that Jesus has come, the office of baptizing is back to the one who gave it - Jesus.  John the Baptist becomes less and Jesus the Christ becomes greater.  This office comprises nothing else but preaching, teaching, praying, baptizing, eating, sleeping, and preaching… So John the Baptist is not to be the ruler but the forerunner.

3:23 Now John also was baptizing in Aenon near Salim because there was much water there. And they came and were baptized.  Salim nestles in the mountains, not right on the Jordan but some distance away. John did not remain in one place but traveled here and there until he also reached this place. He began his work among the tribe of Judah, and then transferred his activity to Galilee, where he was beheaded. Christ reversed the order: Jesus began in Galilee, and here He traveled into Judea and toward Jerusalem, where He was crucified.

3:24 For John had not yet been thrown into prison.

3:25-26 25 Then there arose a dispute between some of John’s disciples and the Jews about purification. 26 And they came to John and said to him, “Rabbi, He who was with you beyond the Jordan, to whom you have testified—behold, He is baptizing, and all are coming to Him!” The dispute was between John’s disciples and some Jews.  The message of John was “If you would enter life, keep God’s Commandments” (Matt. 19:17) but Christ says: “He who believes and is baptized will be saved” (Mark 16:16). How do these two statements harmonize: that he who keeps the Law will be saved and that he who believes will be saved? Which is the true purification? This is a bone of contention to the present day.

3:27 John answered and said, “A man can receive nothing unless it has been given to him from heaven.  John the Baptist begins his sermon to his disciples and some Jews.  Luther says: Since the beginning of the world the question has been raised and hotly debated whether salvation is attained by God’s grace or by works. The chief purification must precede, for “grace and truth come through Jesus Christ” (John 1:17). Furthermore, “from His fullness have we all received, grace upon grace” (John 1:16). After that we do not forbid good works. However, we do preach that good works can neither make up nor bring about this purification. But Christ must purify us with His blood; then the other purification will follow from grace.

More Luther: John’s Baptism in itself does not purify; it must be enveloped in faith. It is not derived from man; it comes from God and from heaven. Thus faith, too, springs from no one but God. This is also true of purification. God had also commanded circumcision, but it was a means to the end, Christ; it was enveloped and wrapped up in faith. Thus all the sacrifices by the prophets had to be ordained by God, not by man; otherwise they should have been trampled underfoot. We must accost the Turk and say: “Where did God command the message preached by Mohammed? It has nothing to do with faith.” The pope has brought out his canon law once more; and he rules the church with chasubles, cowls, and tonsures. If I were asked to comply with such things on the supposition they are commanded, I would not place so much as a thread on the altar. But he says: “You must obey the church.” “You lie,” I reply. “God did not command from heaven these externals with which you deal. That is why you have no faith.”

29 He who has the bride (Christians/church) is the bridegroom (Jesus); but the friend of the bridegroom (here it is John the Baptist), who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom’s voice. Therefore this joy of mine (John the Baptist) is fulfilled.

30 He (Jesus) must increase, but I (John the Baptist) must decrease.

31 He (Jesus) who comes from above is above all; he (all of us) who is of the earth is earthly and speaks of the earth. He (Jesus) who comes from heaven is above all.

32 And what He (Jesus) has seen and heard (from the Father), that He (Jesus) testifies; and no one receives His (Jesus/the Father’s) testimony.

33 He (Jesus) who has received His (the Father’s) testimony has certified that God (Father) is true.

34 For He (Jesus) whom God (the Father) has sent speaks the words of God (the Father), for God (the Father) does not give the (Holy) Spirit by measure.  WOW!  The Gospel is not measured out.  Like the Sower of the Seed who sows liberally.  Throwing seed that is landing on rocks (devil) and weeds (world) and sun-scorched soil (sinful flesh) and good soil (Christ).  Note: speaks the words of God - is rather “solemnly proclaims the Divine Word of God.  Also, this sermon of John is not recorded in the other Gospels.

35 The Father loves the Son and has given all things into His (the Son’s/Jesus’) hand. This is the great commission of Father to the Son.  

36 He (anyone) who believes (in the) Son (Jesus the Christ) has everlasting life; WOW!! Jesus is the Bomb!?!  Believing or faith is itself a work of God accomplished but hearing “solemn proclamation of the Divine Word of God”.  HAS - this work was done when God purified you with water + Divine Word.  The life your were given in that purification (Holy Baptism) is nurtured in the hearing of the Divine Word.  This Divine Word is preached and taught and prayed which is how God gives life.  The Divine Word is also attached to water and to bread and wine.  How is one purified?  How does one believe?  How does one come to faith? By hearing the Divine Word by which the Holy Spirit is given without measure so you may receive the faith of Jesus.  This passage is clearly speaking of the teaching of the effective Word as the means of grace.

...and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.

Close with the Lord’s Prayer.

Battle of the Gods

June 21, 2017

Wednesday Bible Study

Isaiah 41:1-7

Title: Battle of the Gods - The Lord recalls the history of Abraham to put forth why He Himself alone is God.

Opening Prayer

Intro: The Lord continues to both rebuke and comfort His people.  However, He is agitated.

1. Listen to me in silence, Two cannot talk at one time.  Stop talking with each other and listen to Me for a change.   O coastlands; these are the people.  The Israelites live along the coast of the Mediterranean Sea (also known as the Great Sea).  let the peoples renew their strength The imagery is changing from one set of clothing to another.  Put on strength.  Let us together draw near for judgment.  Let us have a contest.  Put forth your argument and I will put forth Mine.\

2. Who stirred up from the east  This is speaking about Abraham who came from the Babylonian area to Judea.  A righteous man Abraham was previously wicked and an idolater/pagan.  He called him to travel from his homeland through dangerous territory, trusting God alone.  (Psalm 105:13)  Abraham is the only one called out from the Babylonian worship of Hur (which means fire - they worshipped god before the fire).  Abraham’s parents did not give up the worship of Hur.  This is the first miracle.  Abraham actually left his homeland.  Many friends and family would certainly argue against such a thing.  But, his wife and many servants/helpers willingly follow.  At every step.  God led Abraham every step.  This is a Hebrew idiom understood as every dangerous step.  Abraham then had many enemies.  He gives up nations before him.  This is the second miracle.  Abraham was never harmed.  Genesis 14.  Four kings pursue five kings during which Lot is captured.  Abraham allies with three kings to make four kings.  Lot is rescued.  The five mightier kings/emperors are defeated.  No harm to Abraham or Lot.  Luther, thinking according to the flesh, calls Abraham a simpleton.  But look at God does and what Abraham receives by faith.  He tramples kings under foot  Luther says: “See how exceedingly powerful his faith and word were and made the opposing kings afraid. This is so because faith consoles the godly and terrifies the ungodly to such an extent that they think they are surrounded by enemies on all sides.”

4. I am the God of the first and the last. Luther: “Noah was the first in relation to those who came after him but the last in relation to Adam. So we are the last in view of our ancestors and the first in the view of our descendants. This God has established the limits of kingdoms and rulers for all, as Acts 17:28 says, “In Him we have our being.” Just as all kingdoms have their boundaries, they will not go one thread beyond them.”

5.  They are afraid  They are not afraid of God but they are afraid of being defeated.

6. Each one helps his neighbor.  The enemies gather together and support each other against the truth and against changing their ways.  Take courage!  Stand strong against the Creator and those who speak His word faithfully.

7. The craftsman encourages the goldsmith, and he who smooths with the hammer him who strikes the anvil.  They work hard to make idols and then hammer Scripture to fit their understanding of their own gods.  Saying of the soldering: It is good.  and then hammer Scripture to fit it to their understanding of their gods rather than follow God.  Even Christian false teachers do this such as Enthusiasts (those who separate the Holy Spirit from Holy Scripture and therefore think of God’s Word needs to be defended and made effective by God’s people) or Anabaptists (those who place reason above Scripture and therefore reject of the power of God - ie. good confession of a person before baptism, Holy Communion as a Christian gathering but without the forgiveness of sins)  He has fastened it with nails  Luther; “he has tacked it down, because that wretched god is so impotent that he must be nailed down so that he may appear to stand.”  For us, God’s Word stands on its own; God’s Word endures forever on its own.  God has promises.  Let us trust Him by being faithful to His strong and enduring Word.

Some Questions:

1. How was Abraham made righteous?  Genesis 15:6

2. Was this before or after the war?

3. How are the faithful warred against today in our setting?

4. What protects the Word of God from being destroyed?

5. What promises has God given in the Book of Isaiah that are important?  Is. 7:14; 40:31;...

6. What is the key to Abraham’s righteousness and your righteousness?

Isaiah 40:31 They Shall Renew Their Strength

                                    Isaiah 40:31  They Shall Renew Their Strength

Isaiah 40:31  They Shall Renew Their Strength

Morning Prayer  

40:27 Why do you say, O Jacob, And speak, O Israel: “My way is hidden from the Lord, And my just claim is passed over by my God”? This is the complaint of the despairing.  They believe the Lord does not notice them and has passed on by.  The Lord is puzzled at the complaint because none of it is true.  He has not passed by the claims of His people.

 28 Have you not known? Have you not heard?  The everlasting God, the Lord... Let us keep in mind who is speaking.  It is God Himself.  This is difficult.  If a friend speaks a word about anything.  That is one thing.  But when God speaks His Word then my sinful flesh wakes up.  If I believe “your sins are forgiven you” and “this is My body” why should I despair and whom should I fear?  No one, because I know this is the Word of God.  Luther says, “I am the infinite God, I set My Word against hell, death, and devil, because I am the infinite God who prevails over them all. I endure forever, and My Word will flourish under foolishness and the guise of weakness, although this does not seem to be the case, yes, the opposite seems to be the case.” Therefore He sends us His Word so that we may be consoled when view and appearance are hostile, as if to say: “Cling to Me. Although for a time I shall seem weak, it will not really be so, but believe that I am the everlasting God.”

 The Creator of the ends of the earth Luther “I have made all these things, they are My creatures, they are under My control, they cannot touch the least hair of your head. Do not be afraid.” The flesh says: “The opposite is true. You are barely God in a flea and in a nook.”

Summary: What we lack He has in ample supply. Therefore you must not lose heart when appearance is to the contrary, when you see the loftiness, greatness, and strength of the nations lifted up to heaven. Cling to the Word, not to your reason. Then you will not despair before them.

 Neither faints nor is weary.  God is describing Himself according to our reason and our reason can’t imagine anyone never losing strength as much as our reason can’t imagine that something is impossible to eventually understand.  That is unbelief.  You get tired of Satan’s tricks but you have a God that does not get tired.  How beautiful is that! Luther Here God consoles those who labor and are wearied: ‘I will not become weary. I have always been active, I am fresh and new. I can help you.’ A certain nun by the name of Mechtild 24 kept repelling the onslaughts of Satan with one word: “I am a Christian.” So I, too, must say: “I am dead, but Christ lives; I am a sinner, but Christ is righteous, because I believe in Jesus Christ and am baptized in His name.

 His understanding is unsearchable.  Luther It is as if He were saying: “Let them be as wise and acute as they wish. I will be more than a match for them and be wise. Just stay with Me. Look at Me as you would at a mirror. In you there is death, sin, despair, destruction. In Me there is life, righteousness, consolation, and deliverance. Since My Word is everlasting, cling to it. Do not dwell on your own thoughts.”

 29 He gives power to the weak, And to those who have no might He increases strength.  Today, power is desired more than wisdom.  Most talk, arguments, and conflicts are a struggle for power.  The powerless seek power.  God does not give power to the powerful but to the powerless.  Reason hears and understands power but it doesn’t want to be weak or worn out.   Luther So all the self-righteous willingly receive strength from God, but they do not want to be faint, as if God would not give strength to the weary. What need is there for the secure to receive strength? But God gives strength to the weary, the oppressed, and the troubled. The emphasis lies on the word “faint,” but we look for the stress on the word “power.”

 30 Even the youths shall faint and be weary, And the young men shall utterly fall, The argument is from weakness and not strength.  The youth are all who rely on their own strength.

Luther: Thus if I should say today that the most vigorous youth is nothing against the Turk, the flesh would not believe it. The illustration of Abraham in the next chapter will show how Abraham hardly had the strength to chase away the flies, and yet he conquered four kings.

 31 But those who wait on the Lord; those who look to their God in the midst of weakness and impotence and in faith wait against all enemies.

 They shall renew their strength, that is, they will be adorned with a heavenly victory against the resources of the world. The prophet reviews three kinds of strength:

 They shall mount up with wings, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.. Depicted is the consolation of all who are afflicted because of the Word and work of God. These, I say, in the midst of the darkness of the Word lay hold of Christ, who is wealthy, strong. As our adversaries are moved to complain about us, so let us become fit for the divine consolation.