Author: iolaHC

I am an Artwork in progress

The Truth and the Life

~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

John 14:1-7 Let not your heart be troubled: you believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. And whither I go you know, and the way you know. Thomas said unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way? Jesus said unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man come unto the Father, but by me. If you had known me, you should have known my Father also: and from henceforth you know him, and have seen him. 

 ‘You believe in God, believe also in me’ Believing in God is no proof that you are justified by faith alone, for even devils believe without justification. (Jas. 2:19) This trust is to have confidence that God will do all that He says and we must live in obedience to all that He commands.

The 32nd New Testament prophecy in John that is unfulfilled: ‘In my Father’s house are many mansions … I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there you may be also.’ This will be fulfilled at the rapture (1Thes. 4:16; 1Cor. 15:23, 51-58; Php. 3:21; Col. 3:4; Eph. 5:27). At this time He will receive to Himself all the dead and living in Christ who will come back to earth with Him 7 years later at the second coming for the Battle of Armageddon (Zec. 14:5; Jud. 1:14; Rev. 19:11-21). Since Christ is in heaven, that is where we are to go at the rapture (Acts 1:11; Eph. 1:20; Heb. 8:1; 9:24).

‘House’ Greek word oikia: dwelling place. The Father’s dwelling place is Heaven (2Cor. 12:1-4; Rev. 4-5; Eph. 1:20; Heb. 8:1; 9:24; Acts1:11).

‘I am the way’ Christ Is a Sevenfold Way: The only way to God (Matt. 7:14; John 10:1, 7, 9; 14:6); the way of escape (1Cor. 10:13); the way into the holiest (Heb. 9:8-15; 10:19-23); the new and living way (Heb. 5:9; 10:20); the way of truth (2Pet. 2:2); the right way (2Pet. 2:15); the way of righteousness (2Pet. 2:21; 1Cor. 1:30).

‘Truth’ This word is used by Jesus in John 22 times. He is the truth of God that sets free (John 8:32-36). He is the teacher and source of truth (Matt. 22:16; Mark 12:14; John 1:14, 17). The word is often quoted: “the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32) by the world, but without knowing the Truth [having a relationship with Jesus] there shall be no freedom.

‘Life’ This word is used 44 times in John. Christ is the only source of eternal life.

‘No man come unto the Father, but by me’ There is no other way to salvation, but through Christ Jesus. “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12) “For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.” (Eph. 2:18) If you know Christ, you also know the Father; and if you are known by Christ, the Father knows you!

Peter’s Denial Foretell

~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

John 13:36-38 Simon Peter said unto him, Lord, whither goest thou? Jesus answered him, Where I go, thou cannot follow me now; but thou shall follow me afterwards. Peter said unto him, Lord, why cannot I follow thee now? I will lay down my life for thy sake. Jesus answered him, Will thou lay down thy life for my sake? Verily, verily, I say unto thee, The cock shall not crow, till thou hast denied me thrice. 

The 30th New Testament prophecy in John that is fulfilled: ‘Where I go, thou cannot follow me now; but thou shall follow me afterwards.’

Peter wanted to know just why He could not follow Jesus now. He was willing (so he said) to die and go along with Him now. Christ knew Peter better than he knew himself, so made a prediction that proved it.

Peter’s answer to Jesus was that he was ready to go with Him, both into prison and to death. (Luke 22:33) This kind of pride and boastfulness was the cause of Peter’s downfall (Pro. 16:18). Such is likely to happen to anyone who does not take heed (1Cor. 10:12-13).

The 31st New Testament prophecy in John that is fulfilled: The cock shall not crow, till thou hast denied me thrice.’ This prophecy seems to have been uttered more than once: in the upper room (John 13:38; Luke 22:34) and once after leaving it (Mat. 26:30-35; Mark 14:26-32).

In Luke 22:32 Jesus said the following to Peter: “But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fails not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.” This does not mean that Peter had not been converted, for he had been and had served God for over three years. It simply refers to the fact that he was headed for a fall, and that he would come back to God and be reconverted becoming stronger than before. This is not the case with all men that fall into pride.

A New Commandment

~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

John 13:31-35 Therefore, when he was gone out, Jesus said, Now is the Son of man glorified, and God is glorified in him. If God be glorified in him, God shall also glorify him in himself, and shall straightway glorify him. Little children, yet a little while I am with you. You shall seek me: and as I said unto the Jews, Whither I go, you cannot come; so now I say to you. A new commandment I give unto you, That you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this shall all men know that you are my disciples, if you have love one to another. 

The 29th New Testament prophecy in John that is fulfilled: Jesus said that He was glorified by being appointed to save the world and the Father is glorified in Him saving the world. The Father and Jesus are glorified together in seeing Their ruined work redeemed and restored.

Jesus warned that He was there with them for only a short time and then they will seek Him, but cannot follow where He goes. Jesus was with them for one more day before the crucifixion, and He remained dead for 3 whole days. Then they could see Him for 40 more days and no more after that (Mat. 12:40; Acts 1:3, 11). He said this to the Jews (John 7:34; 8:21), and to His disciples: when He did finally go they cannot follow Him, but He will come back for them at a later time (John14:1-3).

‘New’ the Greek word kainos meaning renewed. This is the same as the old commandment in Leviticus 19:18, “Thou shall love thy neighbour as thyself.” The renewed commandment here has an additional part, “as I have loved you.” Christ more than fulfilled the Mosaic precept. He not only loved His neighbour as Himself, but He loved him more than Himself, for He laid down His own life for others. In this, He called upon His disciples to follow Him: to be ready on all occasions to lay down their lives for each other and for enemies, if it would save them from hell (Rom. 5:8-11). This surpassed by far the moral systems of all religions. No system ever prescribed anything so pure and unselfish.

Christ explained to them, that they have been ambitious, envious, and at strife for supremacy. This cannot be. They must love as He loves. By this shall all people know them to be Christians. Disciples of different teachers were known by their habits, or some particular creed or rite; but the Disciples of Christ were to be known by the love they had for one another (1Jn. 3:11-18; 4:7-21).

One of You Will Betray Me

~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

John 13:21-30  When Jesus had thus said, he was troubled in spirit, and testified, and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me. Then the disciples looked one on another, doubting of whom he spoke. Now there was leaning on Jesus’ bosom one of his disciples, whom Jesus loved. Simon Peter therefore beckoned to him, that he should ask who it should be of whom he spoke. He then lying on Jesus’ breast said unto him, Lord, who is it? Jesus answered, He it is, to whom I shall give a sop, when I have dipped it. And when he had dipped the sop, he gave it to Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon. And after the sop satan entered into him. Then said Jesus unto him, That thou doest, do quickly. Now no man at the table knew for what intent he spake this unto him. For some of them thought, because Judas had the bag, that Jesus had said unto him, Buy those things that we have need of against the feast; or, that he should give something to the poor. He then having received the sop went immediately out: and it was night. 

After Jesus washed the disciples’ feet, Judas was still with them, having his feet washed along with the rest. The 27th New Testament prophecy in John, that is fulfilled: Jesus said that one of them shall betray Him.

The disciples looked to one another, doubting of whom Jesus spoke. Judas was not suspected. They had absolute confidence in him and Judas must have been a good actor as well as demon-inspired to go through this ordeal of pretending such innocence. Were not these dealings of Jesus to break him if possible and bring him to repentance?

John, the writer of this gospel was known as the one whom Jesus loved, was leaning on Jesus’ bosom, sitting close by Him. Peter asked John to hear from the Lord who the one was that would betray Him. The 28th New Testament prophecy in John that is fulfilled: Jesus answered that it is he to whom He gave a sop after He dipped it.

‘Sop’ is the Greek word psomion meaning a morsel. It was a portion of the paschal supper, collected in the fingers, dipped in the sauce, and handed to one of the guests. It was a mark of honour for the guest who received it. The Lord had appealed to the conscience of Judas, and now He appealed to his heart, but it was too hard to respond. Judas must have been on the left of Jesus so he could take it from Him.

Satan had put it in Judas’s heart before this and the deal was already made (Mat. 26:14-16). Judas hardened his heart at the last appeal of Jesus, so now he was open for satanic control. Jesus now knowing that Judas had submitted to satan and that further appeal was useless, dismissed him for the work he was to do. Satan entering into Judas simply means Judas submitted to satan’s temptation to betray Jesus. He became one with satan, like men become one in spirit with God when joined to Him in consecration (1Cor. 6:17).

Judas Became a Betrayer

~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

John 13:18-20 I speak not of you all: I know whom I have chosen: but that the scripture may be fulfilled, He that eats bread with me hath lifted up his heel against me. Now I tell you before it come, that, when it is come to pass, you may believe that I am he. Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that receives whomsoever I send receives me; and he that receives me receives him that sent me. 

The ‘all’ of verse 18 refers to Judas again (vv. 10-11). Jesus prayed all night for the will of God concerning whom He should choose (Luke 6:12-16) when He chose His disciples. He chose Judas, not as a wicked man, nor that he should become such; but He foresaw that he would not remain true to Him, and would deliver Him into the hands of His enemies and bring ruin upon himself. Jesus even tried to prevent this, but Jesus would not listen.

The 9th Old Testament prophecy in John which is fulfilled. Eating bread with Jesus made the crime of Judas all the more sinful, for in the East it is a custom that eating bread with an enemy makes you friends and rights of hospitality cannot be broken. It seals the bond of mutual friendship, kindness, and protection of each other.

Plenty of facts are mentioned about Judas in the Word: he was an apostle (Matt. 10; Mark 3:13-19); he was filled with the Spirit (Matt. 10:20); he was ordained to teach (Mark 3:13); and ordained to heal (Mark 3:13-14); he was endowed with power (Matt. 10:1-8); a successful teacher and healer (Mark 6:7-13; Luke 9:6,10); he baptized others in water (John 4:1-2); and was a possessor of eternal life (John 17:2 with v12); he was a saved man and had his name in the book of life (Acts 1:20 with Ps. 69:25-28; cp. Luke 10:20 with Mark 6:13); he was a familiar friend of Christ (Ps. 41:9) and trusted by Christ (Psalm 41:9). Since Christ knew what was in men (John 2:25) He knew Judas could be trusted like any saved man until he falls. He was not an enemy of Christ, not one that hated Him, but an equal in grace, a guide, and an acquaintance who counselled and fellowshipped with Him (Ps. 55:12-14). Later, he became a thief (John 12:4-6), an adversary (John 6:70), and unclean (John 13:10-11), and “by transgression fell” like all backsliders (Acts 1:25; Mark 14:21)

‘Lifted up his heel’ A reference to an ill-natured horse that sometimes kicks even the person who feeds and cares for him.

Jesus Washes the Disciples’ Feet

~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

John 13:1-17 Now before the feast of the passover, when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end. And supper being ended, the devil having now put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray him; Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God; He rises from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself. After that he pour water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded. Then come he to Simon Peter: and Peter said unto him, Lord, dost thou wash my feet? Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou know not now; but thou shall know hereafter. Peter said unto him, Thou shall never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me. Simon Peter said unto him, Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head. Jesus said to him, He that is washed need not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit: and you are clean, but not all. For he knew who should betray him; therefore said he, You are not all clean. So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, and was set down again, he said unto them, Know you what I have done to you? You call me Master and Lord: and you say well; for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you. Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him. If you know these things, happy are you if you do them. 

‘Before the feast of the passover’ refers to the preparation day for the passover, Nisan the 14th-15th, our Tuesday sunset to Wednesday sunset, the day of the crucifixion. Judas plots to betray Jesus (Matt. 26:14-29; Mark 14:10-25; Luke 22:1-38).

‘End’ to the furthest extent, referring not so much to a period of time, but to readiness to do the most humble service in their behalf.

‘The Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God’ note this statement of His divinity, authority, and coming glory, made just before He humbled Himself to take the place of a slave to wash feet.

‘He rises from supper’ He arose from the supper table when the preparation had been completed and began to wash the disciples’ feet. The reason for this was their argument about who would be “the greatest” among them (Luke 22:24). Earlier He had rebuked this kind of spirit by setting a little child in their midst and stating that they had to become as little children and not seek to lord it over each other (Matt. 18:1-10). He had also rebuked this spirit on other occasions (Mat. 20:20-28; Mark 10:35-45). Years had gone by now and they had not yet learned their lesson on this point. He was seeking to get rid of this passion for worldly honour and dignity which would have wrecked the foundation of the congregations of believers after His death.

They removed their outer robes whenever they worked or slept. ‘Took a towel, and girded himself’ this was the duty of the lowest slave. Some think He began with Judas, so as to meet him with kindness and show how to act toward enemies.

‘Wash’ the Greek word nipto is used that means to wash part of the body and not bapto which means to dip in, immerse, from which we get our word “baptize.”

In verse 7 Jesus said that they won’t understand what He does until afterwards when He explains His actions to them.

Peter didn’t want Christ to do something below His dignity, such as washing their feet. Christ’s answer was that Peter would have no part of Him if he wouldn’t allow the washing. There was something more than mere washing of feet involved. The reason for such an example was to emphasize the absolute necessity of getting rid of self-exaltation among Christians. One must get rid of the spirit of wanting to lord it over all other Christians or he will not be saved. It will damn the soul (Matt. 18:1-8; 23:8-12; Luke 14:7-11; 18:14; 1Pet. 5:1-8).

Peter evidently understood Jesus to refer to spiritual cleansing, so wanted to be completely washed he offered his hands and his head to be washed.

Jews bathed twice to prepare themselves for the passover, and, no doubt, the disciples had done this as well. He that has so bathed needs only to wash his feet of the dust on them from walking between the bath and the supper.

‘You are clean, but not all’ All the disciples were clean from sin except Judas who had permitted satan to use him again. Studying God’s Word washes the mind (renew) and then we can think and act according to the Word.

‘Master and Lord’ this double title was not given except to the most accredited teachers.

‘If I then … have washed your feet; you also ought to wash one another’s feet.’ Jesus explained that if He can condescend to do this for them, then they should be willing to do the lowest service for each other and prefer the least in honour to themselves (Php. 2:1-7). The act of washing feet is given to inspire self-denying acts of kindness to all in need. Literal washing of feet was not practised among Christians as an ordinance until the fourth century. No reference is made of it in any New Testament book, thus not commanded for us to uphold, this was a mere illustration were Christ wanted to teach humility to His followers.

Jesus Came to Save the World

~ iolaHC ~ 1 Comment

John 12:44-50 Jesus cried and said, He that believe on me, believe not on me, but on him that sent me. And he that sees me sees him that sent me. I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believe on me should not abide in darkness. And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world. He that rejects me, and receives not my words, has one that judges him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day. For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak. And I know that his commandment is life everlasting: whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the Father said unto me, so I speak. 

With His last discourse to the people, Jesus spoke in a loud voice saying that he that believes on Him, believe not on Him, but on the Father (John 7:27; 11:43). Faith in Christ does not end here but passes on to recognize the Father (John 5:23; 7:14-19; 10:30; 13:20).

Three things all must do: HEAR in order to believe Christ’s words (Rom. 10:14, 17); then he must BELIEVE in order to keep them and he must KEEP them in order to be saved (Mat. 10:22; Rom. 6:22; Heb. 3:6, 12-14; 6:11; 1Pet. 1:9, 13; Rev. 2:26). Hear = read the words of the Bible so your mind can register and store the words; Belief = to know that God’s word will come to pass: to trust in and rely on every promise, command and judgment; Keep = to live in 100% obedience to every commandment we are giving with regards to Christ’s example set for us (1Pet. 2:21-23).

‘I judge him not’ Christ’s first coming was not to judge, but to conquer death; His second coming will be a judgment through His Word in the last day – the 26th New Testament prophecy in John, unfulfilled.

Jesus never spoke of His own secular interest and personal gain as the teachers in His days did, and in our times and days as well.

The Father’s commandment of life everlasting was given to Jesus to speak: that is the main theme of the gospel of Christ, signed and sealed in His blood and by His life that He gave to us. It must be the main focus of every believer’s living testimony!

This is John’s last mention of Christ’s public ministry – where He answered the people on mostly accusations against Him.

The Unbelief of People

~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

John 12:37-43 But though he had done so many miracles before them, yet they believed not on him: That the saying of Esaias the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spake, Lord, who hath believed our report? and to whom hath the arm of the Lord been revealed? Therefore they could not believe, because that Esaias said again, He hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart; that they should not see with their eyes, nor understand with their heart, and be converted, and I should heal them. These things said Esaias, when he saw his glory, and spoke of him. Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue: For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God. 

‘They believed not on him’ For them to believe was the purpose of the miracles then, and it still is today. Yet, so many still don’t ever become doers of the Word and also serve Christ for earthly benefits and gain (1Cor. 15:19).

The 7th Old Testament prophecy fulfilled in John: ‘Lord, who hath believed our report? and to whom hath the arm of the Lord been revealed?’

The “arm of the Lord” expresses His miraculous power (Psa. 98:1; Isa. 52:10; 53:1; 59:16; 63:5; Acts 4:30; 11:21; 13:11).

The 8th Old Testament prophecy fulfilled in John (Isa. 6:9-10) “He hath blinded their eyes and hardened their heart; that they should not see with their eyes, nor understand with their heart and be converted, and I should heal them.”

‘Converted, and I should heal them’ Two things promised believers here: conversion, a change of direction, a new walk with God (Psa. 19:7; 51:13; Isa. 6:10; 60:5; Matt. 13:15; 18:3; Mark 4:12; Luke 22:32; Acts 3:19; 15:3; 28:27; Jas. 5:19-20) and physical healing, a change of health, a new health in God (Exo. 15:26; Psa. 91:1-16; 103:3; Isa. 6:10; 53:1-12; Matt. 8:17; John 10:10; Rom. 8:11; 1Pet. 2:24; 3Jn. 1:2; Jas. 5:14-16).

To accept the literal fulfilment of only half of this prophecy is wrong. The way Jesus demonstrated healing and conversion together is proof that both are still for all men (Matt. 8:17; 9:5, 35; 10:1-8; 12:28; 13:15; John 10:10; Acts 10:38). Shall we say that it is easier to forgive than heal? That it was only God’s will that He does this for men for a limited time? That God does not care to bless His children this way today? That He loved them for only a few years? That the work of Christ on the cross has lost its power? That the promises, provision, and benefits started with the gospel were only temporary? Or, shall we return to God and the original gospel benefits, trust Him in all our well-being?

‘His glory’ Jesus here applies Isaiah 6:1-13 to Himself, proving His deity and pre-existence. ‘Many believed on him’ only two are named (John 19:38-39).

Many still love the praise of men more than the praise of God. They permit fear of disgrace, love of the praise of men, riches, and temporal advantages to make them cowards and too weak in faith to bear the reproach of Christ (Heb. 11:26; 13:13; 1Pet. 4:14).

Lifted Up

~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

John 12:27-36 Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour. Father, glorify thy name. Then came there a voice from heaven, saying, I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again. The people therefore, that stood by, and heard it, said that it thundered: others said, An angel spoke to him. Jesus answered and said, This voice came not because of me, but for your sakes. Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out. And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me. This he said, signifying what death he should die. The people answered him, We have heard out of the law that Christ abide for ever: and how says thou, The Son of man must be lifted up? who is this Son of man? Then Jesus said unto them, Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while you have the light, lest darkness come upon you: for he that walk in darkness know not whither he goes. While you have light, believe in the light, that you may be the children of light. These things spake Jesus, and departed, and did hide himself from them. 

The devil tried to kill Christ before He could get to the cross, but God heard Jesus’ prayer and saved Him from death (Heb. 5:7; Luke 22:43-44). If satan could have succeeded in killing Christ anytime from infancy to the cross he could have defeated God’s plan of redemption. Christ had to get to the cross where He spoiled satanic powers and triumphed over them (Col. 2:14-17; 1Pet. 2:24). His soul was troubled because of the cup of death on the cross where He carried our sin on Him.

‘I have both glorified it’ referring to Christ glorifying God in satan’s defeat; (Matt. 4:1-11) ‘will glorify it again’ referring to satan’s final defeat at the cross (Col. 2:14-17).

The people heard the voice from Heaven as a sound, like those who heard Christ’s voice to Paul as a sound, not hearing the distinction of the words the voice uttered (Acts 9:7 with 22:9).

‘For your sakes’ – for the sake of the Gentiles that had been brought to Jesus to confirm their faith in Christ.

‘Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out. And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.’ The 25th New Testament prophecy in John that is fulfilled through His crucifixion.

‘Judgment’ is the Greek word crisis. This refers to the judgment of the world upon the cross. Yes, salvation came for those accepting Christ and living as commanded in obedience, (1 Pet. 2:21-23) but judgment for those who seek their own glory or that of other people.

‘The prince of this world’ the Greek word archon; applied to Satan as ruler of the world-system (John 14:30; 16:11); ruler of demons (Matt. 12:24; Mark 3:22); and ruler of the air (Eph. 2:2).

‘Lifted up’ from this we conclude that Jesus being “lifted up” refers more to the heavenly exaltation through crucifixion than merely to the cross itself (John 3:14; 8:28).

‘Draw all men unto me’ It is because of His exaltation that He can draw all men to Him by the Holy Spirit and miraculous works through believers in confirming the gospel (John 7:37-39; 14:12; Acts 2:33; Heb. 2:3-4).

‘Yet a little while is the light with you.’ The Messiah does abide forever, but like the sun He is not always visible. He told them to believe in Him [trust on Him] while they can and be children [followers] of light and that darkness was to come when they longed for Him and couldn’t find Him (Luke 17:22; John 7:34; Matt. 21:43).

Corn of Wheat

~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

John 12:20-26 And there were certain Greeks among them that came up to worship at the feast: The same came therefore to Philip, which was of Bethsaida of Galilee, and desired him, saying, Sir, we would see Jesus. Philip cometh and tell Andrew: and again Andrew and Philip tell Jesus. And Jesus answered them, saying, The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified. Verily, verily, I say unto you, except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abides alone: but if it die, it bring forth much fruit. He that loves his life shall lose it; and he that hate his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal. If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour. 

‘Certain Greeks’ these were Gentile proselytes to the Jewish religion (1Kin. 8:41-42; Matt. 23:1-39). They came to worship in the outer court of the Gentiles. They would not be allowed to eat of the feast unless they were proselytes (Ex. 12:48).

Philip, one of the twelve apostles (Matt. 10:3; Mark 3:18; Luke 6:14; Acts 1:13). His call took place in chapter 1:43-50); he was the brother of Nathaniel and is mentioned three other times (6:5-7; 12:20-22; 14:8-13).

Andrew, one of the twelve apostles (Matt. 10:2; Mark 3:18; Luke 6:14; Acts 1:13). He was a fisherman and the brother to Peter (Mat. 4:18; John 1:41-44). He was a disciple of John (1:40) at first and is mentioned three other times (Mark 13:3-4; John 6:8; 12:20-22).

The 24th New Testament prophecy in John that is fulfilled: The hour is come for Jesus’ sufferings and the glory that will come when the middle wall of partition is broken down between the Jews and Gentiles so they can be united in one body (Mat. 27:51; 1Cor. 12:13; Rom. 1:16; 10:9-14; Eph. 2:12-18; 3:6; Gal. 3:28).

Jesus compares Himself to a grain of wheat: His death to a grain sown and decomposed in the ground; His resurrection to the blade that springs up out of the dead grain; and His manifestation and glorification to the abundant fruit of the many grains produced to sustain life. He should have died to be glorified and fruitful. He could not establish a glorious body of believers unless He was glorified (7:37-39; Acts 2:33; Eph. 1:1-23).

The many elements of mystery surround the death and resurrection of any seed. We believe a dead grain multiplies itself and we are nourished by its multiplication, but we cannot understand how it is done. We cannot tell how one grain becomes multiplied into many – how the earth, air, water, and sunshine cooperate together to create new life. We believe it, not because we understand it, but because it produces results. If we cannot explain and fully understand these earthly things why do we have to understand the infinite purposes and works of God in redeeming men through the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ before we believe?