Doubting Thomas makes his appearance in John 20. He's one of the minor disciples, and he wasn't there when Jesus first appeared after his resurrection. The Bible doesn't say why, but if trying to get our family somewhere all at the same time - to church, the cinema, a party... is anything to go by, he could have been looking for his shoes, trying to find one of the cats, in the loo, or sulking in his room because he was asked to do the dishes AGAIN. The disciples were just like us. Normal people with things to do.
Whatever the reason, Thomas wasn't there the first time, and that's great for us. Why? Because when he was told the great story of Jesus' resurrection, he didn't believe them. And that's more like us than we often care to admit. Well, me, anyway. Sometimes we have doubts about God. Is He there for us? Does He like us? Why did that bad (or good) thing happen to me and no-one else?
The story of Thomas shows us that it's OK to doubt; Jesus does not reject doubts that are honest and which can lead to a deeper belief. Thomas voiced his doubts out loud; "Unless I see.... I will not believe it". And because he was openly questioning - and open to answers - Jesus answered his doubts, ending with "stop doubting and believe".
I believe that that is the important issue' stop doubting and believe. Ask your questions of Jesus, and he will answer them "out of the mouths of two or three witnesses". But once you get an answer, believe it and act upon it. Ask different questions if you need to, but each only needs to be asked once.. if you're willing to believe the answer.
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Friday, May 28, 2010
John 20,21
Rambling thoughts and digressions from Pete Connolly relating to chapters 20 and 21 from the Gospel of John.
All thoughts and statements in this posting are mine, and I am solely responsible for any errors. If anything incorrect or unbiblical is found in here, please let me know and I'll correct it.
John 19 ends with the phrase "they laid Jesus there.". He had suffered for our sins, and he had died on the cross for us. If the Gospel of John was a summer blockbuster movie, that would have been a three-tissue moment for the ladies (and probably for several gentlemen as well). And if the story of the Jesus ended there, he would have been remembered (if at all) as a rather nice man who liked people. A sort of Mother Teresa with a longer beard. But it wasn't the end.
John 20:2 (KJV) 2 Then she runneth, and cometh to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and saith unto them, They have taken away the Lord out of the sepulchre, and we know not where they have laid him. [1] Jesus had risen! He had defeated death!
Jesus' resurrection is such an important aspect of the Bible that it sometimes seems to become the target of attacks by people who want to discredit God's story. I know, because years ago I was one of those people. I was searching for something, anything, to believe in. I was happy with this person called God, who controlled everything, and I wanted to go to Him wholesale; I didn't want any priests in the way talking to me about purgatory and insisting that I tell them my sins (I was Catholic; I've got all the stories...). This person called Jesus? Nice guy, nice clothes, liked children, and could knock up a good table and chairs. But God? No... two different people. After some gentle enouragement from my best friend, I accepted that God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit were one, that Jesus was God, and that He alone could save me. At that point, the Bible became a totally different book to me; it was like layers of complexity were revealed to me that had previously been hidden. It was like peeling an onion (complete with the tears).
4. Perhaps the disciples took the body?
All thoughts and statements in this posting are mine, and I am solely responsible for any errors. If anything incorrect or unbiblical is found in here, please let me know and I'll correct it.
John 19 ends with the phrase "they laid Jesus there.". He had suffered for our sins, and he had died on the cross for us. If the Gospel of John was a summer blockbuster movie, that would have been a three-tissue moment for the ladies (and probably for several gentlemen as well). And if the story of the Jesus ended there, he would have been remembered (if at all) as a rather nice man who liked people. A sort of Mother Teresa with a longer beard. But it wasn't the end.
John 20:2 (KJV) 2 Then she runneth, and cometh to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and saith unto them, They have taken away the Lord out of the sepulchre, and we know not where they have laid him. [1] Jesus had risen! He had defeated death!
Jesus' resurrection is such an important aspect of the Bible that it sometimes seems to become the target of attacks by people who want to discredit God's story. I know, because years ago I was one of those people. I was searching for something, anything, to believe in. I was happy with this person called God, who controlled everything, and I wanted to go to Him wholesale; I didn't want any priests in the way talking to me about purgatory and insisting that I tell them my sins (I was Catholic; I've got all the stories...
Anyway, back to the resurrection. How could people attack the story of the resurrection?
1. Perhaps they got lost. The two Mary's went to the wrong tomb, saw that it was empty, and ran back to tell everyone? Silly women, just panicking...
This is easily refuted. Firstly, they were there at the correct tomb. Although John doesn't say that Mary had been to the tomb before she found it empty, Matthew 27:61 (NIV)[2] says "Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were sitting there opposite the tomb". It was one of the most catastrophic and memorable days of her life; she had seen her Lord die on the cross. She wasn't going to forget where she was. And anyway, there were two unconscious Roman soldiers lying on the ground next to the tomb (Matt 28:4 - The guards were so afraid of him (the angel of the Lord) that they shook and became like dead men.) - a bit of a clue that the two Marys were in the right place.
2. Perhaps the Chief Priests took the body away before Jesus' followers could get to it?
They may have considered this to stop His followers from venerating His remains; but if they did, then after they saw all the fuss about Jesus being resurrected, all they'd have to do is present the body from whereever they'd put it. They didn't - and couldn't - do that, because they didn't have the body. Indeed, as Matt 27:63-64[1] says, "Sir, we remember that that deceiver said, while he was yet alive, After three days I will rise again. 64 Command therefore that the sepulchre be made sure until the third day, lest his disciples come by night, and steal him away, and say unto the people, He is risen from the dead: so the last error shall be worse than the first. 65 Pilate said unto them, Ye have a watch: go your way, make it as sure as ye can. 66 So they went, and made the sepulchre sure, sealing the stone, and setting a watch."
The Pharisees were already scared about a resurrection story, so they asked the Romans to place a guard on the place. They weren't going to be the ones to start such a story!
3. Perhaps the Romans took the body?
They had no reason to. All they wanted to do was keep the peace and get home to Rome after their stint in Jerusalem was done (for Roman soldiers, Jerusalem was the equivalent of the Eastern Front for German soldiers, and a posting there was often used as a punishment). The last thing they (and Pilate) wanted to do was stir up the local Jews into a factional war.
4. Perhaps the disciples took the body?
And Peter said, "Come on, chaps, let's take the body of Jesus, hide it, and tell everyone that he rose from the dead".
Preposterous! and no, it's not in any translation of the bible. Followers of Christ prided themselves on telling the truth (ok, not Judas, or Peter denying Jesus three times... but they're exceptions...). Firstly, if that had happened, one of the disciples would have told someone else before they died - it's human nature to want to pass on a juicy bit of gossip like that. Secondly, most of the disciples died for their faith; who would want to die for a lie?
The resurrection changed the disciples. Peter changed from a weak, fickle person to a strong leader of the church; that change would not have happened had his faith not been galvanised by seeing Jesus after he rose from the dead.
5. Perhaps Jesus rose from the dead?
We know this to be true. Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 15:4-6 (NLT)
4 He was buried, and he was raised from the dead on the third day, just as the Scriptures said. 5 He was seen by Peter and then by the Twelve. 6 After that, he was seen by more than 500 of his followers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have died.
4 He was buried, and he was raised from the dead on the third day, just as the Scriptures said. 5 He was seen by Peter and then by the Twelve. 6 After that, he was seen by more than 500 of his followers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have died.
So Paul was writing about the truth of the resurrection less than 50 years after it happened. If anybody argued that Jesus wasn't resurrected, Paul could give them a few names of people to talk to. Again, if it was all fake, one of those 500 people would have told the truth. In fact, they all told the truth; Jesus was risen.
And we haven't even got into John 21 yet! We'll look at that in depth over the weekend. Now back to our regularly scheduled programming....
[1] The Holy Bible : King James Version. electronic ed. of the 1769 edition of the 1611 Authorized Version. Bellingham WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 1995.
[1] The Holy Bible : King James Version. electronic ed. of the 1769 edition of the 1611 Authorized Version. Bellingham WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 1995.
[2] The Holy Bible : New International Version NIV. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan.
[3] The Holy Bible : New Living Translation. 2nd ed. Wheaton, Ill.: Tyndale House Publishers, 2004
Thursday, May 27, 2010
John 18:19
Read these words and ponder them for a minute:
18:37 "...Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice" King James Version
"... Everyone who is of the Truth [who is a friend of the Truth, who belongs to the Truth] hears and listens to My voice." Amplified Version
If you know in your heart that Jesus is the Savior, and confess it with your mouth, and make Jesus Lord of your life, then you belong to the Truth. Therefore, you hear and listen to His voice. You are part of that inner circle, you have special privileges that not every one in this world has! This fact should make you feel special. You have been set apart.
19:10 "Do you refuse to speak to me?" Pilate said. "Don't you realize I have power either to free you or to crucify you?"
This particular scripture always makes me want to say to Pilate, "Do you realize that you have no power over your Creator?" It strikes me that many people who think they have position and power of authority over people, don't really know who they are. And sometimes we cower under their authority!
Remember the blind man from birth in John 9? He was given sight and then was questioned by the Pharisees, people of authority who think they know it all, but are blinded by their quest for power. The blind man answered their questions with boldness and did not cower under their supposed authority. His parents feared the Pharisees and did cower because they didn't want to be cast out of the synagogue. He answers boldly, not caring about their position because he is under a Greater Authority. God's Authority - he has seen the Real Power, the Real High Priest. The Pharisees throw him out because they see the truth but cannot stand it. My opinion here...
I digressed... Jesus sets Pilate straight in the next verse.
19:11 Jesus answered, "You would have no power over me if it were not given to your from above. Therefore the one who handed me over to you is guilty of a greater sin."
19:19-20 I love these verses because His title is written in Hebrew, Greek and Latin, the three main languages of that day and place. This must have really grated on the Pharisees because they did not want any references at all to what Jesus claimed to be. But here it was, written not only for the Jews to see, but the Hellenists and the Romans, too!
19:25-27 Here is Our Jesus, having suffered all manner of abuse, in extreme physical pain, his face disfigured, nailed to a cross, and He is still thinking of others! He made sure His mother was looked after.
But that brings a question to mind. Why did not Jesus's brothers take care of their own mother? Why was she given to John? Any ideas?
Chapter 19 is a great chapter; tough because of what Jesus personally went through in order to bring Salvation to the world. But beautiful because Jesus loved us so much that He went through all manner of torture to bring Salvation to the world. Have you received it?
18:37 "...Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice" King James Version
"... Everyone who is of the Truth [who is a friend of the Truth, who belongs to the Truth] hears and listens to My voice." Amplified Version
If you know in your heart that Jesus is the Savior, and confess it with your mouth, and make Jesus Lord of your life, then you belong to the Truth. Therefore, you hear and listen to His voice. You are part of that inner circle, you have special privileges that not every one in this world has! This fact should make you feel special. You have been set apart.
19:10 "Do you refuse to speak to me?" Pilate said. "Don't you realize I have power either to free you or to crucify you?"
This particular scripture always makes me want to say to Pilate, "Do you realize that you have no power over your Creator?" It strikes me that many people who think they have position and power of authority over people, don't really know who they are. And sometimes we cower under their authority!
Remember the blind man from birth in John 9? He was given sight and then was questioned by the Pharisees, people of authority who think they know it all, but are blinded by their quest for power. The blind man answered their questions with boldness and did not cower under their supposed authority. His parents feared the Pharisees and did cower because they didn't want to be cast out of the synagogue. He answers boldly, not caring about their position because he is under a Greater Authority. God's Authority - he has seen the Real Power, the Real High Priest. The Pharisees throw him out because they see the truth but cannot stand it. My opinion here...
I digressed... Jesus sets Pilate straight in the next verse.
19:11 Jesus answered, "You would have no power over me if it were not given to your from above. Therefore the one who handed me over to you is guilty of a greater sin."
19:19-20 I love these verses because His title is written in Hebrew, Greek and Latin, the three main languages of that day and place. This must have really grated on the Pharisees because they did not want any references at all to what Jesus claimed to be. But here it was, written not only for the Jews to see, but the Hellenists and the Romans, too!
19:25-27 Here is Our Jesus, having suffered all manner of abuse, in extreme physical pain, his face disfigured, nailed to a cross, and He is still thinking of others! He made sure His mother was looked after.
But that brings a question to mind. Why did not Jesus's brothers take care of their own mother? Why was she given to John? Any ideas?
Chapter 19 is a great chapter; tough because of what Jesus personally went through in order to bring Salvation to the world. But beautiful because Jesus loved us so much that He went through all manner of torture to bring Salvation to the world. Have you received it?
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
John 16-17
Chapter 16 offers some very beautiful words of encouragement for us here on earth.
- We are not alone: Jesus has sent us the Comforter Who will lead us in all truth (16:7). This Comforter is described in the Amplified Bible as a (1) Counselor - Someone to counsel us when we need wisdom. (2) Helper - Someone to help us in time of need. (3) Advocate - Someone to take our side when accused falsely. (4) Intercessor - Someone who will intercede on our behalf. (5) Strengthener - Someone to give us the strength needed to overcome. (6) Standby - Someone to take our place, we can rely on Him!
- This same Comforter is the Spirit of Truth. He is the Truth Giving Spirit. He will guide us in the the whole Truth. These will be announced and declared to you. (16:13)
- The Father loves us. The Amplified Version says it this way, "For the Father Himself [tenderly] loves you because you have loved Me and have believed that I dame out from the Father. Tenderly loves us... (16:27)
- Jesus has overcome the world. Again, the Amplified says it this way, "...For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.]" We can take courage! (16:33)
- We are different. We are no longer of the world just as Jesus is not of the world. We are set apart (17:16)
- God loves us just as much as He loves Jesus! (17:23)
I hope that these two chapters have blessed you as much as they have blessed me!
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
John 13-15
The Book of John is one of my favorites of the Bible. I learn so much about Jesus and His love for us. It inspires me!
13:23 There was reclining on Jesus' bosom one of His disciples, whom Jesus loved.
That is such a beautiful picture. I can't tell you how many times I've imagined leaning against Jesus' bosom and just chatting with Him, knowing that He loves me and enjoys the intimacy of our relationship! Once, I leaned against Him crying my soul out, and I felt His arms (a total encompassing warmth) envelop me.
13:34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another even as I have loved you, that you also love on another.
Ponder that for a few moments. How did Jesus love His disciples? With an agape love! That is a forgiving, unconditional, all-encompassing love. He loved the sinners which means we are to love the sinners. Not the sin! He abhorred and corrected the sin, but it did not stop His love for them. Are we able to do that? Can we forgive and go on still loving the person who has hurt us? Didn't Peter hurt his Best Friend when he denied Him three times? But Jesus still loved Peter, and even gave him a special commission in Chapter 21 when he was told to feed His sheep and follow Him. For more on forgiving and continuing in a love relationship, go to And Now I Must Forgive.
Jesus also showed His love by serving. He did not come to be served, but to serve. Are you waiting to be served, or are you waiting to serve? :)
13:35 By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.
Another very strong scripture. When we truly love one another, then ALL men will know that you are a follower of Jesus Christ. Do you fight back when someone hurts or humiliates you? Do you think about revenge? Do you show love to the homeless or are you above them? Your actions of love are the greatest testimony of Jesus Christ for the lost to see! Even when Jesus was dying on the cross, He asked forgiveness from the Father for those who had done all those horrors to Him. Ask God to develop in you an agape love in you for others, and see what God can do!
14:6 Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through me."
Only one way... through Jesus. Nothing more can be added to this, because this truth is simple. Only through Jesus Christ can we go the Father. There is no other way.
14:26 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you.
True! I've experienced this! As we read, study and ponder the Bible, living Words are deposited into us. Countless times the Helper has reminded me of a scripture during a situation where His help was needed. Had I not studied, then what can He remind me of? He is faithful in teaching us ALL things.
14:27 Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.
What peace do we find in the world? Financial security? Possessions? Spouse? Children? Fame? These are not His peace that He is talking about. His peace is that He is God; He knows all about you. Once you've given your life over to Him and given him Lordship over it, He leads you and guides your paths. You need not fear or be troubled. His promises are true: He will provide for you (Matthew 6:31-34). He will never leave you nor forsake you (Deuteronomy 31:6). He will keep you in perfect peace if you trust Him, keeping your mind on Him (Isaiah 26:3). The one I like best?
Psalm 46:10 Be still, and know that I am God...
That is powerful! You can be still, because you know He is God. Do you know it?
15:5 I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing.
He is the vine, the nourishment, the sustenance comes from Him to the us the branches. Without Him, we wither and die. When we abide in Him, that is live virtually united to Him, then we bear much fruit. Apart from Him we can do nothing. He feeds us through His Word, the more nourishment we take in, the more fruit we can bear for HIS Glory. Not ours! :) Those who partake of our fruit, will then be able to glorify God.
Consider this: Suppose you've been studying the love chapter exclusively for some time. Praying it, pondering it, asking God for His Wisdom in it, and you come across a situation where you show that patient love, the recipient receives it with wonder. It's not often that this person will see this type of love in the world. He may ask you where you came across it. You then share and He becomes a Believer. It's happened to me - it can happen to you!
Again He commands that we love one another just as He has loved us in 15:12.
13:23 There was reclining on Jesus' bosom one of His disciples, whom Jesus loved.
That is such a beautiful picture. I can't tell you how many times I've imagined leaning against Jesus' bosom and just chatting with Him, knowing that He loves me and enjoys the intimacy of our relationship! Once, I leaned against Him crying my soul out, and I felt His arms (a total encompassing warmth) envelop me.
13:34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another even as I have loved you, that you also love on another.
Ponder that for a few moments. How did Jesus love His disciples? With an agape love! That is a forgiving, unconditional, all-encompassing love. He loved the sinners which means we are to love the sinners. Not the sin! He abhorred and corrected the sin, but it did not stop His love for them. Are we able to do that? Can we forgive and go on still loving the person who has hurt us? Didn't Peter hurt his Best Friend when he denied Him three times? But Jesus still loved Peter, and even gave him a special commission in Chapter 21 when he was told to feed His sheep and follow Him. For more on forgiving and continuing in a love relationship, go to And Now I Must Forgive.
Jesus also showed His love by serving. He did not come to be served, but to serve. Are you waiting to be served, or are you waiting to serve? :)
13:35 By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.
Another very strong scripture. When we truly love one another, then ALL men will know that you are a follower of Jesus Christ. Do you fight back when someone hurts or humiliates you? Do you think about revenge? Do you show love to the homeless or are you above them? Your actions of love are the greatest testimony of Jesus Christ for the lost to see! Even when Jesus was dying on the cross, He asked forgiveness from the Father for those who had done all those horrors to Him. Ask God to develop in you an agape love in you for others, and see what God can do!
14:6 Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through me."
Only one way... through Jesus. Nothing more can be added to this, because this truth is simple. Only through Jesus Christ can we go the Father. There is no other way.
14:26 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you.
True! I've experienced this! As we read, study and ponder the Bible, living Words are deposited into us. Countless times the Helper has reminded me of a scripture during a situation where His help was needed. Had I not studied, then what can He remind me of? He is faithful in teaching us ALL things.
14:27 Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.
What peace do we find in the world? Financial security? Possessions? Spouse? Children? Fame? These are not His peace that He is talking about. His peace is that He is God; He knows all about you. Once you've given your life over to Him and given him Lordship over it, He leads you and guides your paths. You need not fear or be troubled. His promises are true: He will provide for you (Matthew 6:31-34). He will never leave you nor forsake you (Deuteronomy 31:6). He will keep you in perfect peace if you trust Him, keeping your mind on Him (Isaiah 26:3). The one I like best?
Psalm 46:10 Be still, and know that I am God...
That is powerful! You can be still, because you know He is God. Do you know it?
15:5 I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing.
He is the vine, the nourishment, the sustenance comes from Him to the us the branches. Without Him, we wither and die. When we abide in Him, that is live virtually united to Him, then we bear much fruit. Apart from Him we can do nothing. He feeds us through His Word, the more nourishment we take in, the more fruit we can bear for HIS Glory. Not ours! :) Those who partake of our fruit, will then be able to glorify God.
Consider this: Suppose you've been studying the love chapter exclusively for some time. Praying it, pondering it, asking God for His Wisdom in it, and you come across a situation where you show that patient love, the recipient receives it with wonder. It's not often that this person will see this type of love in the world. He may ask you where you came across it. You then share and He becomes a Believer. It's happened to me - it can happen to you!
Again He commands that we love one another just as He has loved us in 15:12.
Monday, May 24, 2010
John 11
There is something in this chapter that has always brought a question to my heart. Why did Jesus groan? Why was He troubled in Spirit? Why did He weep?
He knew He was going to raise Lazarus from the dead. He knew that Mary, Martha and others would rejoice at having their brother back. So, why would He weep and be troubled in spirit?
I've read various entries from different authors about the reasons why. But none of them satisfy me.
The one thought that keeps coming back to me over and over again is that He was troubled because He knew that this act was going to be the cataclysmic act that would begin the tough road He would now have to travel. Sure enough, right after this act, the Pharisees now plot how they should kill Him; the passover is now at hand; and He is anointed at Bethany by Mary to prepare Him for His burial; and the triumphal entry occurs.
So, in answer to my above questions, I think that He groans because He knows He will have to endure pain, humiliation, mocking, being disfigured beyond recognition, and worst of all, separation from His Father for the hours it takes to suffer the sins of the world. He groans because He will leave those He loves and knows that they will be without Him. He has been a part of this beautiful creation that He Himself fashioned with His own hands, and now He must go.
I don't know... Fanciful thinking? What are your thoughts on this?
He knew He was going to raise Lazarus from the dead. He knew that Mary, Martha and others would rejoice at having their brother back. So, why would He weep and be troubled in spirit?
I've read various entries from different authors about the reasons why. But none of them satisfy me.
The one thought that keeps coming back to me over and over again is that He was troubled because He knew that this act was going to be the cataclysmic act that would begin the tough road He would now have to travel. Sure enough, right after this act, the Pharisees now plot how they should kill Him; the passover is now at hand; and He is anointed at Bethany by Mary to prepare Him for His burial; and the triumphal entry occurs.
So, in answer to my above questions, I think that He groans because He knows He will have to endure pain, humiliation, mocking, being disfigured beyond recognition, and worst of all, separation from His Father for the hours it takes to suffer the sins of the world. He groans because He will leave those He loves and knows that they will be without Him. He has been a part of this beautiful creation that He Himself fashioned with His own hands, and now He must go.
I don't know... Fanciful thinking? What are your thoughts on this?
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