SCRIPTURE:
John 17:24 CSB - "Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, so that they will see my glory, which you have given me because you loved me before the world's foundation.

OBSERVATION:
In John chapter 17, Jesus begins to pray—first for Himself. He knew His time had come; it was the final hours before His crucifixion.

As Jesus begins His prayer, He gives us a foundational truth of utmost importance: John 17:3 CSB – “This is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and the one you have sent – Jesus Christ.”

What Jesus was about to do on the cross would make it possible not only for us to have eternal life but also for us to know the Father truly. Jesus was about to accomplish what the Father had sent Him to do—propitiation.

Romans 3:21-26 NKJV - But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe. For there is no difference; for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed, to demonstrate at the present time His righteousness, that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.

Propitiation is the turning away of God’s wrath—the just judgment for our sin—through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross. It is “averting the wrath of God by the offering of a gift.”

This is clearly stated in Romans 6:23 (NKJV) - For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Through this sacrifice, Jesus accomplished what He asked the Father to do: John 17:17, 19 CSB - “Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. ... "I sanctify myself for them, so that they also may be sanctified by the truth.”

You and I have been set apart (sanctified) because of the truth of the cross. This is how we can be where Jesus wants us—with Him.

Without Jesus' sacrifice on the cross, there would be no sanctification.

To be “set apart” for holy use—especially for the temple—an object had to be cleansed and purified. Spiritually, we cannot accomplish this cleansing by our own efforts. Only the sacrifice of Jesus could atone for our sins.

The question is: Do you want to be with Jesus? Have you accepted the gift of salvation? If not, what are you waiting for? The work is complete—you simply need to believe.

APPLICATION:
Is your joy lacking today? Do you feel uncertain about your eternity? Jesus spoke these words to give us assurance: John 17:13 CSB - "Now I am coming to you, and I speak these things in the world so that they may have my joy completed in them.”

This completed joy was accomplished on the cross—eternal life, fully paid for. All we must do to receive it is to receive it.

John 3:16-17 CSB - "For God loved the world in this way: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. "For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him."

This was Jesus’ mission—He stated it plainly in verse 3.

John 17:3 CSB - "This is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and the one you have sent -- Jesus Christ.”

• Jesus – the Greek form of the Hebrew Joshua, meaning "God’s salvation."
• Christ – His title and mission; the Messiah, the Savior promised by God.

Romans 10:9-11, 13 CSB - If you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. One believes with the heart, resulting in righteousness, and one confesses with the mouth, resulting in salvation. For the Scripture says, Everyone who believes on him will not be put to shame, ...  For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

Call on Him today—let your joy be complete. He desires nothing more than for you to be with Him. Nothing else needs to be done except to receive the free gift of salvation.

If you struggle with assurance today, remember: the Bible says we are saved if we believe—not if we do. Do you believe He has saved you because of the cross? If so, you are saved.

Walk in newness of life. Let the Holy Spirit change you through the Word of God. Grow in your relationship with Jesus—He desires that you know Him more.

Jesus truly loves you and me more than we will ever fully comprehend.

PRAYER:
Jesus, thank You for saving me! May I always be a trophy of Your grace. May my life reflect the sanctification You have granted me—may it lead others to You. May You receive all the glory. Father, thank You for loving me—unending, unfailing, and undeserved.

SCRIPTURE:
John 16:33 CSB - "I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous! I have conquered the world."

OBSERVATION:
In John 16, Jesus tells His disciples He is going away—but will return soon.

John 16:16 CSB - "In a little while, you will no longer see me; again in a little while, you will see me."

The disciples struggled to understand this. As often happens when we face suffering or trials, it didn’t make sense to them. Jesus was speaking of His death, burial, and resurrection.

John 16:19-20 CSB - Jesus knew they wanted to ask him, and so he said to them, "Are you asking one another about what I said, 'In a little while, you will not see me; again in a little while, you will see me'? "Truly I tell you, you will weep and mourn, but the world will rejoice. You will become sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn to joy.

Three times in the rest of this chapter, Jesus speaks of joy:

1. Your sorrow will turn to joy (Vs 20)
2. No one will take away your joy (Vs 22)
3. So that your joy may be complete (Vs 24)

What the disciples didn’t know – often what we don’t know in the midst of the trial – is that our joy is not in wishful thinking but in hope – not that it will happen, but because Jesus made the promise and He keeps His promises.

The disciples didn’t yet know—and we often forget in our own trials—that joy isn’t based on wishful thinking but on hope rooted in Jesus' promises. And He keeps every promise.

Their sorrow would be transformed into a joy no one could take away—because He rose from the dead and is the Victor, their joy would be complete.

Jesus also reassured them with these powerful words: John 16:27 CSB - "For the Father himself loves you, because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God.”

We are loved by the Father—not because of our goodness, but because of what Jesus did for us on the cross. Our debt is paid in full. This was His plan from the beginning.

As someone once said:

When the Father sees us through the lens of Christ’s blood, sealed by the Spirit, He cannot help but love us.

If nothing else brings you joy today, let this truth sink in—God loves you and has proved it.

John 3:16-17 CSB - "For God loved the world in this way: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. "For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him."

APPLICATION:
Jesus ended this chapter with a reminder we need every day: John 16:33 CSB - "I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous! I have conquered the world."

Trials will come. Suffering will occur. But be courageous—Jesus has overcome the world. He has paid the price for sin. Nothing can ever take it from us.

Romans 8:35, 37-39 CSB - Who can separate us from the love of Christ? Can affliction or distress or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? ... No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

If sorrow fills your life, it may be because you’ve lost sight of the source of your joy—Jesus Himself. He loves you more than you will ever fully grasp. If you can’t find joy anywhere else, find it in Him, the giver of complete joy.

PRAYER:
Jesus, thank You for complete joy—the joy of knowing You are victorious and have overcome the world. Father, thank You for loving me—not because I deserve it, but because of Your Son. Let my life reflect that joy so clearly that people ask, “Why do you have joy?”—and may my answer always point them to You, the source of it all.

SCRIPTURE:
John 15:9-11 CSB - "As the Father has loved me, I have also loved you. Remain in my love. "If you keep my commands you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commands and remain in his love. "I have told you these things so that my joy may be in you and your joy may be complete.

OBSERVATION:
In John 15, Jesus instructs His disciples to abide (remain, CSB) in Him. In doing so, we will bear fruit. Along with bearing fruit, we are to love as Christ loves us. We are commanded to remain (abide, NKJV) in His love. But what does this look like?

First, fruit without love is just rotten fruit—no one wants to eat fruit that is spoiled or wormy. Bearing fruit should not be the sole priority; bearing fruit in love—Christlike love—is what truly matters.

Jesus gives us the recipe for love in the following six verses:

1. Remain in My love (v. 10)
2. My joy may be in you (v. 11)
3. Love one another as I have loved you (vv. 12–13)
4. Love—this is what I command (v. 17)

Remain in My Love - John 15:10 CSB - "If you keep my commands you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commands and remain in his love.
 
The Greek word for “abide” means “to remain.”

• In reference to place: to sojourn, tarry, not to depart.
• In reference to time: to continue, to endure.
• In reference to state or condition: to remain as one, not to become another or different.

In a sense, Jesus was saying that abiding and loving are actions. They must be visible, tangible virtues in our lives. Do not depart from love; continue and endure in love; remain in love, and don’t let it become something other than what Jesus demonstrated.

Jesus said, “Keep my commands.” His command, as we will see, is to love—because love fulfills His commands. Therefore, we must remain in His love.

My Joy May Be in You - John 15:11 CSB - "I have told you these things so that my joy may be in you and your joy may be complete.

True love brings a fullness of joy—His joy.

Someone once said that JOY means having the right perspective: Jesus, Others, You. This acrostic shows us how to love. If we follow it, our joy will be complete.

If we are truly loving, His joy will be in us—because He is love.

Love One Another As I Have Loved You - John 15:12-13 CSB - "This is my command: Love one another as I have loved you. "No one has greater love than this: to lay down his life for his friends.”

Big shoes to fill! He not only loved but laid down His life—crucified—for you and me. That is true love.

Remember the Apostle Paul’s words:
1 Corinthians 13:4-8 CSB - Love is patient, love is kind. Love does not envy, is not boastful, is not arrogant, is not rude, is not self-seeking, is not irritable, and does not keep a record of wrongs. Love finds no joy in unrighteousness but rejoices in the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends…

Love has never given up on us—so we should never give up loving others.

Love – This is What I Command - John 15:17 CSB - "This is what I command you: Love one another.
 
This command to love is in the imperative—meaning it must be carried out. This is the only command Jesus gave us: Love one another as I have loved you.

Paul told us it was God’s love that drew us:
Romans 2:4 CSB - Or do you despise the riches of his kindness, restraint, and patience, not recognizing that God's kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?

Kindness is a fruit of love. His kindness led us to repentance. Repentance without love is not repentance, and love without repentance is not love—they go hand in hand.

APPLICATION:
Jesus told us to remain in His love. If our lives look any different—if we set conditions—have we strayed from His love? Jesus placed only one condition on His love: Believe. Come to Him.

Jesus did not say, “Clean yourself up and then come.” He said, “Come.”

When we love with any other condition, we are not loving as Christ loves.

Love as He loves you—why would we want any other kind of love for those around us?
Remain in His love.

PRAYER:
Jesus, thank You for Your love—unending, long-suffering, patient, kind, and enduring to the end. Continue the work of love in me so that I may love as You have loved me.

SCRIPTURE:
John 14:1 CSB - "Don't let your heart be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me.

OBSERVATION:
What is the cure for a troubled heart? Jesus gives us the answer—believe in Me.

The Greek word for believe means: To think to be true, to be persuaded of, to credit, to place confidence in.

All of these definitions are what Jesus said:

• Let your mind dwell in the truth.
• Be persuaded—convinced of who He is and what He has said.
• Give Him credit—He has never failed, nor will He.
• Have confidence in Jesus—trust Him.

He gives us the greatest assurance in the verses that follow:

John 14:2-4 CSB - "In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? "If I go away and prepare a place for you, I will come again and take you to myself, so that where I am you may be also. "You know the way to where I am going."

If Jesus says something, He will do it—He is NOT a liar—never has been, never will be. We can take Paul’s words to heart.

Philippians 1:6 CSB - I am sure of this, that he who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

Today, if you are struggling with a troubled heart, it may be that you do not believe.

APPLICATION:
What is the cure?

John 14:6 CSB - Jesus told him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

Even Thomas, one of His disciples, struggled with doubt—a troubled heart. He became known as “Doubting Thomas” and is famous for what he said to Jesus after His resurrection:

John 20:24-29 CSB - But Thomas (called "Twin"), one of the Twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples were telling him, "We've seen the Lord! " But he said to them, “If I don't see the mark of the nails in his hands, put my finger into the mark of the nails, and put my hand into his side, I will never believe." A week later his disciples were indoors again, and Thomas was with them. Even though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you." Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here and look at my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Don't be faithless, but believe." Thomas responded to him, "My Lord and my God! " Jesus said, "Because you have seen me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe."

These are some of the final words recorded in the Gospel of John. Why? Because the Holy Spirit knew we would struggle as Thomas did.

Let Jesus’ words comfort you today. He gives us three promises to hold onto:

• I Am the Way – Are you feeling lost today, seeking direction? Has it led you to doubt? Believe in Jesus. Trust Him—He is faithful.
• I Am the Truth – Are you struggling to find truth in a world full of lies? Jesus is the truth—there is no lie in Him. Believe in Jesus. Trust Him—He is faithful.
• I Am the Life – Have you lost your sense of purpose? Jesus is the source of eternal, abundant life. Believe in Jesus. Trust Him—He is faithful.

Trust Jesus today—He is the way, the truth, and the life. All the answers we seek are in Him, including eternal life.

PRAYER:
Thank You, Jesus, that You are the way, the truth, and the life. I can trust You and believe You will do what You say because You are faithful. As I walk with You in faith, may others see You in me so they, too, might believe.

SCRIPTURE:
John 13:1 CSB - Before the Passover Festival, Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart from this world to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end.

OBSERVATION:
If you knew today would be your last day to live, what would you say or do? What final words and actions would you share with those closest to you?

In John chapter 13, we see Jesus sharing His final words with His disciples. He knew His time to depart had come—and He loved His disciples to the very end.

What an epitaph! Would this be said of you and me when we die?

Tragically, many may end up with an epitaph like this:

May this not be the case in our lives. May we follow the example of Jesus—and love to the end.

APPLICATION:
We can learn three lessons from Jesus about how He approached His final days and moments here on earth.

1) Wash Feet - Jesus gave us the greatest example of loving to the end—not just by speaking about it, but by demonstrating it.

John 13:4-5 CSB – "So he got up from supper, laid aside his outer clothing, took a towel, and tied it around himself. Next, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples' feet and to dry them with the towel tied around him."

Serve those you love—even if it means washing stinky, dirty feet.

2) Follow His Example - After washing His disciples’ feet, Jesus said, “Follow my example.”

John 13:12-17 CSB – "When Jesus had washed their feet and put on his outer clothing, he reclined again and said to them, 'Do you know what I have done for you? You call me Teacher and Lord—and you are speaking rightly, since that is what I am. So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done for you. Truly I tell you, a servant is not greater than his master, and a messenger is not greater than the one who sent him. If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them.'"

If our Lord and Master washed our feet, should we not follow His example? We must be quick to show unconditional love.

Remember: a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him.

3) Love As You Are Loved - How will those around us know we loved them to the end? Jesus tells us:

John 13:34-35 CSB – "I give you a new command: Love one another. Just as I have loved you, you are also to love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."

This is the key—not just to a clever epitaph, but to leaving behind words and actions we will truly be remembered for.

PRAYER:
Jesus, thank You for loving me to the end. At times, I imagine it must be difficult, yet Your unfailing love says otherwise. May I do as You did—love to the end. Help me wash others’ feet and love as You love. May the world and those closest to me see that I am Your disciple by the love I display. Work in me that love so it may be shown to all.

SCRIPTURE:
John 12:32 NKJV - "And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself."

OBSERVATION:
What do you and I lift up? Athletes, politicians, academics, pastors, leaders, heroes—each has a place, and many have worked diligently to get there. Recognition is even appropriate. But what happens when we lift them to a place of glory? Can they do what Jesus did? Of course not.

But Jesus was lifted up—not only to the cross but also to the place of glory. Unlike men who may become puffed up with glory, Jesus humbled Himself by showing mercy and grace, died on a cross, and now sits at the Father’s right hand, making intercession for you and me.

APPLICATION:
Lift up, Jesus. Worship Him. Give Him all the glory—He deserves it. As we do so, watch what the Lord will do.

Habakkuk 1:5 NKJV - "Look among the nations and watch--Be utterly astounded! For I will work a work in your days, which you would not believe, though it were told you.

Let’s glorify Jesus and lift Him up—perhaps one last great move of God will occur, drawing many more to Him.

PRAYER:
Jesus, be lifted up in my life—all the glory is Yours. Please draw all people to You. Pour out Your Spirit once more. Revive our land, our people, and our hearts. As we lift You up, draw all men to Yourself.

SCRIPTURE:
John 11:43-44 NKJV - Now when He had said these things, He cried with a loud voice, "Lazarus, come forth!" And he who had died came out bound hand and foot with graveclothes, and his face was wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them, "Loose him, and let him go."

OBSERVATION:
In John chapter 11, we are reminded of the account of Lazarus’ death and that Jesus is the Resurrection and the Life.

John 11:25-26 NKJV - Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. "And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?"

In this chapter, we see that Jesus has power over sin and death. It should serve as a reminder that He still holds that power today.

When Jesus heard about Lazarus’ terminal illness, He waited two more days before traveling to Bethany.

John 11:4, 6, 11-12 NKJV - When Jesus heard that, He said, "This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified through it." ... So, when He heard that he was sick, He stayed two more days in the place where He was. ... These things He said, and after that He said to them, "Our friend Lazarus sleeps, but I go that I may wake him up." Then His disciples said, "Lord, if he sleeps he will get well."

Jesus had a plan—to glorify the Father. The best way to do this was to raise Lazarus from the dead. There was no hope for him apart from Jesus. The same is true for you and me. We have a terminal disease—sin—that leads to death. But through His death, Jesus has brought us back to life.

When Jesus finally arrived in Bethany, He was met by both Mary and Martha—each with the same lament: “If only You had been here.” Yet He was!

When Jesus asked that the stone be removed, Martha responded:

John 11:39 NKJV - Jesus said, "Take away the stone." Martha, the sister of him who was dead, said to Him, "Lord, by this time there is a stench, for he has been dead four days."

The stench of death had set in—just as sin brings a stench that only Jesus can cleanse away.

With a loud cry, Jesus called Lazarus forth.

John 11:43 NKJV - Now when He had said these things, He cried with a loud voice, "Lazarus, come forth!"

Imagine if Jesus had said only “Come forth!”—how many would have risen from the grave? Truly, Jesus has power over death—not only in word but also in action, as He demonstrated on the cross.

Another amazing thing happened when Lazarus came out of the tomb—the things that bound him were loosed.
 
John 11:44 NKJV - And he who had died came out bound hand and foot with graveclothes, and his face was wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them, "Loose him, and let him go."

APPLICATION:
What has you bound today? Has sin left you in a spiritual grave? Listen to Jesus’ call: “Come forth.” As you do, the chains of sin binding you will be broken.

At the end of this chapter, Caiaphas spoke something under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Though unintended by him, it was God’s plan all along:

John 11:49-50 NKJV –And one of them, Caiaphas, being high priest that year, said to them, “You know nothing at all, “nor do you consider that it is expedient for us that one man should die for the people, and not that the whole nation should perish.”

Jesus has made a way. Will we come out of that grave? Will we be free from the sin that binds us? Let us walk in newness of life—Jesus paid it all.

PRAYER:
Jesus, thank You for the cross. Thank You that I don’t have to be bound by sin. Help me walk in the newness of life. When I try to put on my old grave clothes, remind me—they stink. Thank You for paying it all. All to You I owe; Sin had left a crimson stain, But You washed me white as snow.

SCRIPTURE:
John 10:27-30 CSB - "My sheep hear my voice, I know them, and they follow me. "I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one will snatch them out of my hand. "My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all. No one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand. "I and the Father are one."

OBSERVATION:
In John chapter 10, Jesus teaches us about the Good Shepherd. In this teaching, He declares that He is not only the gate through which we must enter but also the shepherd who keeps His sheep and gives His life for them.
 
1) I Am the Gate - Jesus plainly tells us He is the gate, and all must enter through Him. There is no other way.

John 10:9 CSB - "I am the gate. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will come in and go out and find pasture.

Jesus said in John chapter 14:

John 14:6 NKJV - Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me."

2) I Am the Good Shepherd - Jesus makes three claims as the Good Shepherd.

• He lays down His life for the sheep (v. 11)
• He knows His own, and His own know Him (v. 14)
• His sheep hear His voice and follow Him (v. 27)

Jesus is both the way to salvation and the guardian of our salvation. We can have eternal life that is eternally secure—all because He is the Good Shepherd.

APPLICATION:
Is it possible to be eternally secure? This has been debated for centuries, but there is a simple answer: Abide in Christ.

Abide in Jesus and find safety in the Father’s hands. We need not fear losing our salvation or messing up so badly that it would be taken from us—no one can take us from the Father’s hands.

Today, live in the reality that you have eternal life and eternal security in Jesus.

PRAYER:
Thank You, Jesus, for being the Good Shepherd. Thank You for hearing my voice and for welcoming me into the fold. Thank You that You keep me, lead me, and know me—may I abide in these truths. May the world know that I am one of Your sheep because I follow the Good Shepherd.

SCRIPTURE:
John 9:8-9 CSB - His neighbors and those who had seen him before as a beggar said, "Isn't this the one who used to sit begging? " Some said, "He's the one." Others were saying, "No, but he looks like him." He kept saying, "I'm the one."

OBSERVATION:
In John chapter 9, we read the account of the man born blind who regains his sight. Once again, Jesus was breaking the “traditions” of man and astounding the doubters with His power to change a man who, in their minds, was blind because of sin.

John 9:2 CSB - His disciples asked him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?"

Jesus’ reply is so full of grace and love—it should cause us to rejoice. He can do the impossible. Nothing is impossible with Him—not even blindness considered incurable.

John 9:3 CSB - "Neither this man nor his parents sinned," Jesus answered. "This came about so that God's works might be displayed in him.

Oh, to be trophies of God’s grace! What an amazing thing. We tend to forget that when Jesus saved us, it was to display God's works in us.

The restoration of this man’s sight was so dramatic, so amazing, that even those who knew him questioned whether it was really him. That is what you call a transformation. Only the grace of God can do that!

It was such a transformation that he had to tell those who knew him, “It's me!”

John 9:8-9 CSB - His neighbors and those who had seen him before as a beggar said, "Isn't this the one who used to sit begging? " Some said, "He's the one." Others were saying, "No, but he looks like him." He kept saying, "I'm the one."

When our family, friends, coworkers, and even those who knew us at our worst ask, “Is this him?” we can boldly say, “I’m the one!”

Of course, there will always be the naysayers—the ones who can’t accept that God would work in such a wretch in such a way. Like the religious leaders, they could only focus on the fact that it was the Sabbath.

Jesus once again shows that He is Lord of the Sabbath—that it was intended for rest, both spiritual and physical.

At the end of this account, the religious leaders summoned the blind man to question him again about this miracle.

John 9:24-27 CSB - So a second time they summoned the man who had been blind and told him, "Give glory to God. We know that this man is a sinner." He answered, "Whether or not he's a sinner, I don't know. One thing I do know: I was blind, and now I can see! " Then they asked him, "What did he do to you? How did he open your eyes? "I already told you," he said, "and you didn't listen. Why do you want to hear it again? You don't want to become his disciples too, do you?"

APPLICATION:
We can learn two things from these verses:
 
1) I Was Blind, but Now I See - Let this be our worship song on repeat—to everyone we meet! "I was (past), but now (present)."
 
2) Do You Want to Hear It Again?  When people scratch their heads in unbelief and want to know again what has happened, tell them with excitement and joy, "I once was blind, but now I can see!"

When the skeptic or the doubter tries to tell you something different, respond as this man did:

John 9:30-33 CSB - "This is an amazing thing! " the man told them. "You don't know where he is from, and yet he opened my eyes. "We know that God doesn't listen to sinners, but if anyone is God-fearing and does his will, he listens to him. "Throughout history no one has ever heard of someone opening the eyes of a person born blind. "If this man were not from God, he wouldn't be able to do anything."

I once was… but now am.

PRAYER:
Amazing grace! Jesus, You have rescued me, redeemed me, and given sight to this blind man. Thank You for Your grace that I truly don’t deserve. May I always be a champion and trophy of Your grace. As my life reflects the work of grace, may others see that: I once was blind, but now I see.

SCRIPTURE:
John 8:31-32 CSB - Then Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, "If you continue in my word, you really are my disciples. "You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."

OBSERVATION:
In John chapter 8, we read the account of the woman caught in adultery. We're told she was caught in the very act.

John 8:4 CSB - "Teacher," they said to him, "this woman was caught in the act of committing adultery.

Jesus handled the situation with both truth and grace. He showed grace by not condemning the woman, but rather by forgiving her. He showed truth by telling her to "go and sin no more." She was set free—but she also had a responsibility: not to return to her sin.

Later, Jesus made a bold statement that reflected His actions toward the woman.

It revealed what He came to accomplish:

John 8:12 CSB - Jesus spoke to them again: "I am the light of the world. Anyone who follows me will never walk in the darkness but will have the light of life."

This brings us back to the beginning of John’s Gospel—and to who Jesus is:

John 1:5, 14, 16-17 NKJV - And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it. ... And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. ... And of His fullness we have all received, and grace for grace. For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.

Jesus is the light of the world—exposing sin while offering grace and truth. He showed that grace trumps the law and that truth sets us free.

As He spoke these things, many believed in Him.

John 8:30 CSB - As he was saying these things, many believed in him.

Jesus then laid out three things that identify us as more than mere followers—they show that we’ve become true disciples, like the woman who had been forgiven:

1) Continue in His Word - The first step from follower to disciple is to remain in His Word. This is where we grow in our walk with and relationship to Jesus. When we realize our sins are forgiven, something happens—we want to know more about Jesus. Who wouldn’t?
Jesus said our lives would change as we remain in His Word.

John 8:12 CSB - Jesus spoke to them again: "I am the light of the world. Anyone who follows me will never walk in the darkness but will have the light of life."

Psalm 119:105 NKJV - Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path.
His Word brings about supernatural transformation—change we can’t make on our own.

2) Know the Truth - What’s the best way to recognize a lie? Know the truth. The more we handle the truth, the easier it is to spot a counterfeit.

As we continue in His Word, we begin to see clearly:

• Without Jesus, we have no hope.
• Without grace, our sins remain.
• We would still be “caught in the very act”—with no power to change.

But truth sets us free:

John 8:34-36 CSB - Jesus responded, "Truly I tell you, everyone who commits sin is a slave of sin. "A slave does not remain in the household forever, but a son does remain forever. "So if the Son sets you free, you really will be free.

3) Know Freedom

We have been set free. We no longer need to be bound by our sins. The Son has set us free—and we are truly free.

APPLICATION:
Live in freedom today. Be His disciple. Know His Word. Know the truth and walk in it.

“Whom the Son sets free is free indeed.”

Don’t go back to being caught in the act. Live in victory over sin and in freedom in Christ because of the grace He showed on the cross.

PRAYER:
Jesus, thank You for Your grace—Grace that enables me not only to be forgiven but also to be transformed into a disciple who walks in Your truth and freedom. May Your Word continue to change me—so those around me would see a man who isn’t just forgiven but forever changed by Your love and grace.

SCRIPTURE:
John 7:45-49 NKJV - Then the officers came to the chief priests and Pharisees, who said to them, "Why have you not brought Him?" The officers answered, "No man ever spoke like this Man!" Then the Pharisees answered them, "Are you also deceived? "Have any of the rulers or the Pharisees believed in Him? "But this crowd that does not know the law is accursed."

OBSERVATION:
In John chapter 7, we see an ongoing debate over Jesus healing a man on the Sabbath. The religious leaders simply could not accept it. They had made it their mission to silence Jesus and eventually put Him to death. Yet the more they tried, the more they failed—because it was not yet Jesus’ time. Yes, He would be put to death, but His death would cause the good news to spread like wildfire.

John describes a scene in which the people begin to wonder: Could Jesus be the Messiah?

This enraged the religious leaders. Rather than investigate honestly, they belittled the people. In their pride and self-righteousness, the religious leaders told the people they were too uneducated to understand the Scriptures—only they, the religious elite, were “enlightened.”

They went so far as to claim the people were deceived and accursed. Yet among the religious leaders, one man stood in opposition: Nicodemus—the same one who had come to Jesus at night.

John 7:51 NKJV - "Does our law judge a man before it hears him and knows what he is doing?"

Nicodemus challenged them with their own law. They knew the law but refused to follow it. Instead of listening, they ridiculed him.

John 7:52 NKJV - They answered and said to him, "Are you also from Galilee? Search and look, for no prophet has arisen out of Galilee."

They didn’t want the truth. They only wanted to protect their sacred traditions and interpretations. They refused to be corrected and refused to see.

APPLICATION:
If you ever find yourself in a church where the pastor tells you that you're too simple or uneducated to understand the Bible, run!

If you ever hear a pastor claim to have a “new revelation” from God and say that anyone who disagrees is deceived, run!

If you ever sit under teaching where Scripture is used only to support personal agendas—and truth is ignored—run!
 
You and I must know God’s Word for ourselves. We must study it. We must learn it.

As Paul instructed:

2 Timothy 2:15 ESV - Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.

Know the Bible, for it contains the words of life. It always points to Jesus; the work is complete. Nothing needs to be added. Hold fast to the truth.

PRAYER:
Jesus, thank You for Your Word. Thank You that it is true—tested and proven over time. Help me know it more—not just for myself, but so I can share it with others, so they, too, might come to know Your truth. May I never be in a place where it could be said of me: “Deceived and accursed” because I did not know Your Word. Keep my heart soft. Keep my mind sharp. And may Your truth forever be my anchor.

SCRIPTURE:
John 6:68-69 NKJV - But Simon Peter answered Him, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. "Also we have come to believe and know that You are the Christ, the Son of the living God."

OBSERVATION:
In Peter’s response to Jesus’ question in verse 67, we see one of his brightest moments. Jesus asked, “Do you also want to go away?”—and Peter’s reply was based on deep conviction and revelation.

Peter was known for openly speaking his mind—though not always at the right moments. But here, he had discovered something of eternal value: the truth of who Jesus truly was.

Many had walked away—the crowds and even some disciples—when Jesus said, “I am the Bread of Life.” (John 6:35)

They had seen Him only as a provider for their physical needs—someone who could give them bread. That was what they believed they needed in a leader. But Jesus understood that their deeper need was not for natural bread—it was for spiritual bread. He Himself is the Bread of Life.

In Jewish culture, bread is highly valued. It nourishes the soul just as physical bread feeds the body. Bread was (and still is) seen as a symbol of life. So when Jesus declared He was the Bread of Life, He fundamentally challenged their understanding. He was not just a provider—He was the Source of Life.

John 6:33, 35-36 NKJV – “For the bread of God is He who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” ... And Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst. “But I said to you that you have seen Me and yet do not believe.

This truth was difficult for many Jews—and still is for many today, both Jews and Gentiles. But the truth remains: Jesus is the source of life—both spiritual and physical.

APPLICATION:
Peter’s response reveals three powerful truths that assist us in accepting this reality:
1. You Have the Words of Eternal Life
Peter understood that Jesus didn’t just speak words of life—He was the Word of Life. Eternal life is found only in Him—purchased through His sacrifice on the cross. You can’t find it anywhere else.

“Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.” (John 6:68)

2. We Have Come to Believe
The word “believe” that Peter uses here suggests he had accepted the truth: Jesus is truly the source of eternal life.

This is the first step toward saving faith—intellectual belief. We understand that what Jesus says is true.

3. We Have Come to Know
The word “know” here means to experience more deeply.

Peter was saying, “We haven’t just believed in theory—we’ve seen it. We’ve lived it.” It shifts from knowing about it intellectually to experiencing it personally—moving from head knowledge to heart conviction and from intellectual understanding to saving faith.

John, the author of the Gospel and of 1–3 John, frequently uses the word "know" in his writings. His goal was for us not only to know Jesus intellectually but also to experience Him personally. Jesus was not just a miracle worker, prophet, or good man—He is the Bread of Life. He is the Savior of the world.

Do you know Him today?

Let your belief turn into experience. Know Him personally. When we reach that point, our lives are forever changed.

 PRAYER:
Jesus, thank You that I can know You—not just intellectually, but also personally and experientially. Like the Psalmist said: Psalm 34:8 (NKJV) - “Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!” Indeed, You are good—and there is no one like You. Thank You not only for saving me but also for inviting me into a relationship where I can get to know You better. As I continue to learn about You, may the lost see that You are good—and come to know You too.

SCRIPTURE:
John 5:16 CSB - Therefore, the Jews began persecuting Jesus because he was doing these things on the Sabbath.

OBSERVATION:
Traditions aren’t inherently bad—in fact, they’re often a good thing. We find joy in our traditions. Whether we realize it or not, we all have them—and we often hold on to them tightly. We celebrate holidays, family, and even religious traditions. There’s nothing wrong with any of these—unless they keep us from what God wants to do in our lives.

In John 5, we meet a man who had been bound by tradition for many years.

John 5:2-4 NKJV - Now there is in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate a pool, which is called in Hebrew, Bethesda, having five porches. In these lay a great multitude of sick people, blind, lame, paralyzed, waiting for the moving of the water. For an angel went down at a certain time into the pool and stirred up the water; then whoever stepped in first, after the stirring of the water, was made well of whatever disease he had.

The tradition was that when the angel stirred the water, the first to enter would be healed.

This man had followed that tradition for years—but had never managed to get into the pool in time. Some believe that people with money would pay to be placed on the lower porches so someone could help them in. Whether or not healings actually took place wasn’t the point. The man’s trust was in tradition—and it hadn’t brought him healing.

Later in the chapter, Jesus is confronted by religious leaders who accuse Him of violating the Sabbath. Once again, man-made tradition takes center stage.

God did say to keep the Sabbath—a day set aside for rest and worship. But tradition had taken that principle and built legalistic rules around it. Instead of rest, they made it a burden. These leaders didn’t even acknowledge the miracle: a man who had been lame for years was now whole.

On the Sabbath—the very day of rest—he finally found true rest. But their tradition blinded them to what God was doing.

Jesus confronted their blindness:

John 5:39-40 NKJV - "You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me. But you are not willing to come to Me that you may have life.”

We can become so caught up in rules, rituals, and even correct doctrine that we miss Jesus. Yet all of Scripture points to Him and to the finished work He accomplished on the cross.

APPLICATION:

Traditions can be beautiful—but don’t let them bury your joy. We can cling so tightly to “how we’ve always done it” that we miss what God is doing today.
Yes—hold tightly to the foundational truths of Scripture, but hold traditions loosely.

The Jesus Movement, which gave rise to Calvary Chapel, happened because people were willing to break with tradition. If God wants to do something new—why would we fight Him?

Remember what Jesus said in this same chapter:

John 5:25 NKJV - "Most assuredly, I say to you, the hour is coming, and now is, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God; and those who hear will live."

God is still in the business of bringing people to life—whether by stirring the waters or by healing on the Sabbath. He is God. He can do it however He wants.
 
PRAYER:
Jesus, thank You for saving me. Thank You that it was by grace alone—not by tradition or ritual, but by Your unearned kindness. Help me to hold loosely the traditions I’ve grown accustomed to—and hold tightly to the unshakable truth of Your Word. Do whatever You want to do in and through me. And may I never get in the way of what You are doing to save others. To You be all the glory, honor, and praise.

SCRIPTURE:
John 4:50 CSB - "Go," Jesus told him, "your son will live." The man believed what Jesus said to him and departed.

OBSERVATION:
In John chapter 4, we see the second miracle Jesus performed—the healing of the official’s son.

By this time, the people of Galilee had already heard about the first miracle—turning water into wine—and they were amazed. Many were eager to see Him perform more signs and wonders, though most were simply interested in spectacle rather than the Savior. But Jesus had a greater mission in mind.

After traveling through Samaria—where a revival broke out—Jesus continued doing what He had come to do: save mankind.

At some point, a royal official had a son who became seriously ill, likely terminal. When he heard Jesus was back in the area, he went to beg Him for his son’s sake.

John 4:46-49 CSB - He went again to Cana of Galilee, where he had turned the water into wine. There was a certain royal official whose son was ill at Capernaum. When this man heard that Jesus had come from Judea into Galilee, he went to him and pleaded with him to come down and heal his son, since he was about to die. Jesus told him, "Unless you people see signs and wonders, you will not believe." "Sir," the official said to him, "come down before my boy dies."

At first glance, Jesus’ words might seem harsh. But in reality, Jesus aimed to do deeper work in the man, beyond mere physical healing.

Even though Jesus didn’t respond with a miracle at first, the official didn’t give up. He persevered.

Jesus knew from the start He would heal the son, but He was also seeking something eternal: the man’s faith and salvation. Just as the son was terminally ill, the father had a terminal condition of his own: sin.

Then Jesus gives a simple yet powerful command:

John 4:50 CSB - "Go," Jesus told him, "your son will live." The man believed what Jesus said to him and departed.

Jesus said two things:

• Go
• Your son lives

Both expressions call for faith.

The man had to trust that Jesus could heal his son from a distance, without touching him, seeing him, or being physically present. The man could have insisted, “No! Please come with me!” But instead, he trusted, waited, and then returned home. What faith. What perseverance. He trusted in the truth of Jesus’ word, believing that what Jesus said, Jesus would do.

Here’s how the story ends:

John 4:51-53 CSB – While he was still going down, his servants met him saying that his boy was alive. He asked them at what time he got better. “Yesterday at one in the afternoon the fever left him,” they answered. The father realized this was the very hour at which Jesus had told him, “Your son will live.” So he himself believed, along with his whole household.

Three miracles happened that day:
1. The official’s faith was strengthened
2. The official’s son was healed
3. The official and his entire household believed

Jesus knows exactly what He’s doing. The question is: Do we trust Him?

APPLICATION:
Today—wherever you are—decide to trust Jesus. Decide to endure. If Jesus said He would do something, He will do it.

In the meantime, let your faith grow, your walk deepen, and your love for Jesus increase. He always sees the bigger picture.

You may one day look back and see the very hour Jesus acted on your behalf. And you’ll realize—He wasn’t just changing your circumstances. He was working out something greater—for you and for others.

He might want to bring salvation to someone else through your story. So go. Believe what Jesus says. And watch what He will do.

PRAYER:
Jesus, thank You for seeing beyond my current circumstances. You understand the greater work that needs to be done—and the lasting fruit it will produce. Help me trust You and persevere until You say, “It is done.” May my journey lead others to the saving grace You’ve given me. Let my testimony point to Your power, Your promise, and Your faithfulness.

SCRIPTURE:
John 3:27-30 CSB - John responded, "No one can receive anything unless it has been given to him from heaven. "You yourselves can testify that I said, 'I am not the Messiah, but I've been sent ahead of him.' "He who has the bride is the groom. But the groom's friend, who stands by and listens for him, rejoices greatly at the groom's voice. So this joy of mine is complete. "He must increase, but I must decrease."

OBSERVATION:
In chapter 3 of his Gospel, John writes about the mission of Jesus and the role of John the Baptist—one was the Savior of the world, the other the voice preparing the way.

As John captures the mission of Jesus, we see that He came with a specific purpose: the salvation of mankind. John the Baptist couldn’t accomplish this, but he joyfully pointed others to the One who could—the Messiah.

At the end of John 3, some of John’s disciples approached him, concerned about the growing influence of Jesus:

John 3:26 CSB - So they came to John and told him, "Rabbi, the one you testified about, and who was with you across the Jordan, is baptizing -- and everyone is going to him."

Notice what they said: “Everyone is going to Him.”

John's response is filled with wisdom and humility. It's a lesson we would do well to learn and put into practice. His response revealed a heart at peace and complete joy.
 
What is the lesson? “He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30).

When God brings change—whether in your life, ministry, or position—you can either respond like John or take the opposite path. John's example leads to complete joy.

APPLICATION:
If you want, like John, to experience complete joy, follow the pattern he laid out—knowing the Who, What, and Where of your calling:

1. Who Called You? (v. 27)
John reminded his disciples who had called him:
 
John 3:27 (CSB) – "No one can receive anything unless it has been given to him from heaven."

Our calling comes from God. He gives it, and He can redirect or complete it according to His will.

John might say to us, “Don’t hold on too tightly!” You never know when God may shift your assignment.

When that happens, we have a choice:

• Complain that God is using someone else
• Try to tear others down to maintain our position
• Hold tightly to what God is trying to change
• Insist, “I’m the one in charge.”

All of these lead to a loss of joy. John recognized that his role was changing—and he was at peace with it. His joy was made complete.

2. What Is Your Calling? (vv. 28–29)
John was confident in his calling. That confidence gave him the right perspective:

John 3:28–29 (CSB) – "You yourselves can testify that I said, ‘I am not the Messiah, but I've been sent ahead of Him.’ ‘He who has the bride is the groom. But the groom's friend, who stands by and listens for him, rejoices greatly at the groom's voice. So this joy of mine is complete.’"

John knew his role—he was the friend of the groom, not the groom. In other words, it’s all about Jesus—not you or me.

True joy comes when we are secure in our identity and our calling. Jesus is the star of the story, the center of attention, and the One the world needs. When we try to take His place, our joy becomes fragile and incomplete.

3. Where Is Your Position? (v. 30)
John summed up his perspective in a powerful statement:
 
John 3:30 (CSB) – “He must increase, but I must decrease.”

This is the posture of true humility. Jesus must become more visible; we must become less visible. Let Jesus increase. Let self decrease.

Remember:
1. Who called you (v. 27)
2. What you're calling is (vv. 28–29)
3. Where your position is (v. 30)
 
This is what makes our joy complete.

PRAYER
Jesus, increase in me. I need less of me—less of my ministry, my desires, and myself. I need more of You. Help me live in this complete joy as I see You as the greatest. Like John, I want to rejoice greatly at the sound of Your voice—to celebrate the work You are doing and to stand back in awe as You call Your bride.

SCRIPTURE:
John 2:5 CSB - "Do whatever he tells you," His mother told the servants.

OBSERVATION:
John, while recounting the first miracle of Jesus—turning water into wine—records one of the most vital lessons for us as followers and servants of Jesus:

“Do whatever He tells you…” (John 2:5)

At the very start of Jesus’ earthly ministry, His mother recognized His authority and shared this simple yet powerful truth with the servants present: "Do whatever He tells you."

I don’t think this was because Mary was a “super saint” or divine, but because she chose to believe what God said about Jesus. She trusted that God sent him and that His word could be trusted.

Now imagine being one of the servants at this wedding feast. The wine had run out—a major social mistake in that time and culture. This would have been considered an insult to both the guests and the family. The celebration, which usually lasted seven days, had only reached day three. The pressure on the servants must have been intense.

Mary saw a chance for Jesus to act. While her motives may not have been completely pure, her advice to the servants was definitely right: Do whatever He tells you.

Are we willing, like those servants, to do the same?

What impossible situations are you dealing with? Are you searching for “Plan B,” or do you turn to Jesus and obey—do whatever He tells you?
Jesus gave the servants two straightforward commands:

• Fill the jars with water (Vs 7).
• Take it to the headwaiter (Vs 8).

The result:

John 2:9-10 CSB - When the headwaiter tasted the water (after it had become wine), he did not know where it came from -- though the servants who had drawn the water knew. He called the groom and told him, "Everyone sets out the fine wine first, then, after people are drunk, the inferior. But you have kept the fine wine until now."

When we follow what Jesus says, the outcome is far better than anything we could have ever imagined.
 
The question still stands: Are we willing to do whatever He says?

APPLICATION:
My former pastor, Doug Wagner (Calvary Chapel Woodland), often said: “God uses crooked sticks to draw straight lines.”

What we see as hopeless, unreasonable, or impossible—God sees as opportunity.

Jesus could have performed the miracle without anyone’s help. A nod of His head, and wine would have flowed abundantly. But instead, He chose to involve those present, giving them the chance to participate in something miraculous—something they could never have done alone.

What is Jesus asking you to do today—even when faced with difficult or confusing circumstances?

Will you do as Mary told the servants, “Do whatever He tells you”?

There is great joy (like the wine) that flows when we follow His lead. It may not be easy, but the outcome far outweighs the struggle.
 
PRAYER:
Jesus, thank You for Your faithfulness. Thank You that You still use Your servants to do great things—even in the face of extreme difficulty. Truly, You use crooked sticks to draw straight lines. Today, in the present moment and situation I find myself in, may I do as Mary instructed—“Do whatever He tells you.” I am Your servant. Lead me where You will.

SCRIPTURE:
John 1:14 CSB - The Word became flesh and dwelt among us. We observed his glory, the glory as the one and only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.

OBSERVATION:
In his opening prologue, John clears up a common misunderstanding about who God is.

God is not a wrathful and vengeful deity, sitting on His throne, waiting for us to mess up so He can punish us. And Jesus is not standing between the Father and us, desperately begging Him not to destroy us.
 
Quite the contrary is true—Jesus is God in the flesh. His nature and character are perfectly revealed to humanity.

John tells us what that nature is: “Full of grace and truth.”

This is one of the most crucial—and most misunderstood—doctrinal truths in all of Scripture. Missing this means missing the true nature of God.

If Jesus is God in the flesh, then God Himself is full of grace and truth.

God is perfectly fair and balanced. Yes, sin had to be dealt with. Yes, judgment was deserved. But grace took the full punishment in the person of Jesus, who was full of grace and truth.

So what makes us see God as only one thing or the other? It’s when we take our eyes off Jesus.

In John 1, John the Baptist twice declares: “Look! The Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.” (John 1:29, 36)

Why say it twice? Because we need to be reminded again and again: Only God—not good works, not morality, not self-righteousness—removes sin. That is both truth and grace.

So why do we sometimes forget about grace as we grow in our faith?

We tend to focus only on truth—criticizing others for not being as righteous as we believe we are—forgetting that we also were once lost sinners, saved by grace.

And why do some become so captivated by grace that they forget about truth?

We ignore the truth that God is holy, and He calls His people to holiness as well. We begin to accept sin under the guise of grace, forgetting that true grace transforms us. Genuine grace always guides us toward truth—toward holiness, toward Christlikeness.

Grace and truth keep us balanced as believers. We need both.

APPLICATION:
The answer lies in what John the Baptist said twice.

John 1:29 CSB - The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, "Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!

John 1:36 CSB - When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, "Look, the Lamb of God! "

Keep your eyes on Jesus. He is full of grace and truth. Don’t fixate on one or the other—focus on Him.

Let that be the most important thing about Jesus in our lives as well. If we keep our eyes fixed on Him, grace and truth will flow from our lives—because they flow from His.

Walk in the freedom of His amazing grace and truth today.

PRAYER:
Jesus, thank You for grace and truth—The truth that my sin was too great for me to atone for, and the grace that You paid for it in full. Thank You for the grace by which I am saved. As I walk in this amazing grace, may my life reflect both grace and truth—so that those around me see not just one or the other, but You. Thank You for Your amazing grace.

SCRIPTURE:
Luke 24:1-2 NLT - But very early on Sunday morning the women went to the tomb, taking the spices they had prepared. They found that the stone had been rolled away from the entrance.

OBSERVATION:
Victor Hugo, the renowned author of Les Misérables, wrote, “Even the darkest night will end, and the sun will rise.” So it was true on the third day. The Feast of Passover had come, the Lamb was slain, and three days later, He was alive.

Early on a Sunday morning—when the storm clouds cleared—the Son started to shine!

This is true both scientifically and spiritually.

When storm clouds clear, the sun can appear very bright because the particles in the atmosphere that scatter light decrease, making the sky clearer and the sunlight more intense. The remaining clouds create a beautiful contrast, and the scattered light beams visible through the gaps are called crepuscular rays, sunbeams, or God rays. Catching the sunlight just right, the sky turns deep orange or pink while the horizon fades to deep blue or purple.

The three women who arrived early that morning to see the place where Jesus had been laid found the stone rolled away—the clouds were clearing, and the Sun was shining. As they considered what had taken place and where His body might be, they heard the words that would change them forever.

Luke 24:5-6 NLT - "Why are you looking among the dead for someone who is alive? He isn't here! He is risen from the dead! Remember what he told you back in Galilee.”

He has risen from the dead! And if He has risen, then the darkness of despair, sin, and death has been defeated, and a new day has dawned in all its glory. All that once bound us and held us captive has now been conquered, leaving nothing but the magnificent glory of Jesus Christ—more vivid, bright, and glorious than the sun after a storm.
 
Matthew 4:16 NLT - “The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light. And for those who lived in the land where death casts its shadow, a light has shined."

APPLICATION:
Though that early morning began with Jesus rising from the dead, the disciples still struggled with disbelief. The women had reported the resurrection, but doubt still clouded their minds. Suddenly, the words they needed to hear called out to them amid their storm.

Luke 24:36 NLT - …Jesus himself was suddenly standing there among them. "Peace be with you," he said.

Luke 24:38-39 NLT -  "Why are you frightened?" he asked. "Why are your hearts filled with doubt? Look at my hands. Look at my feet. You can see that it's really me. Touch me and make sure that I am not a ghost, because ghosts don't have bodies, as you see that I do."

Today, you might feel like the three women at the tomb—or the disciples in disbelief. The evidence of His love is undeniable, and He still bears the scars for our sins. Even if your life still feels stormy, remember:

“Even the darkest night will end, and the sun will rise.” He is risen indeed!

Let Jesus calm the storms in your life, remove the “particles” of sin, let the light of His grace shine through, and realize that a new day has dawned. Salvation has come through the blood of Jesus Christ.

PRAYER:
Thank You, Jesus, for rising on the third day. Death could not keep You down; the storm of sin was defeated at the cross. Through Your death, burial, and resurrection, I receive forgiveness of sins and eternal life.

SCRIPTURE:
Luke 23:34 NLT - … "Father, forgive them, for they don't know what they are doing."

OBSERVATION:
Not much has changed in 2,000 years. Humanity still feels “entitled” to what it had no part in—salvation. When the guilty demand to be treated as if innocent, a problem arises. But with every problem, there is a solution—Jesus.

If you do a quick online search for the word entitled, this is what you find:

The word 'entitled' has two main meanings: it can mean having a right to something, or it can describe someone who acts as if they have special privileges without earning them.
 
Definitions and Usage:

1. Having a right or claim: This is a neutral and formal use of the word, often seen in legal or official contexts.
   1. Example: “This ticket entitles the bearer to free admission.”
2. Believing one deserves special privileges: This is a negative, informal use that refers to a “sense of entitlement.”
   1. Example: “Entitled individuals often feel they deserve perfect treatment and don't consider what they receive as a gift, but as a right.”

This was the attitude of the day in Luke chapter 23—and it persists today.

The chapter begins with a kangaroo court—an unofficial court held by a group of people determined to find someone guilty, especially without good evidence.

Luke 23:1-2 NLT - Then the entire council took Jesus to Pilate, the Roman governor. They began to state their case: "This man has been leading our people astray by telling them not to pay their taxes to the Roman government and by claiming he is the Messiah, a king."

They brought false charges. None of them was true. In fact, Jesus was entirely innocent, while the religious leaders were guilty of lying in their testimonies.

Three times in this chapter, Jesus’ innocence was declared—each time met with shouts of opposition.

• Herod and Pilate (vv. 13–16)
• The criminal on the cross (vv. 39–43)
• The Roman officer (vv. 47–48)

They all said the same thing: Innocent!

Just as we see three times that Jesus was declared innocent, we also see three examples of people claiming entitlement:

• The religious leaders (vv. 18–25)
• The crowd and soldiers (vv. 35–38)
• The second criminal on the cross (v. 39)

Yet, despite man's attempts to claim entitlement, God had a plan.

APPLICATION:
The sobering truth is this: we are not entitled to salvation, but salvation has entitled us.
It may seem like a contradiction, but it’s not.

We need to recognize that we are not good enough, do enough, work enough, or have the religious background of a “saint” to believe we deserve salvation.

Romans 3:23-25 NLT - For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God's glorious standard. Yet God, with undeserved kindness, declares that we are righteous. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins. For God presented Jesus as the sacrifice for sin. People are made right with God when they believe that Jesus sacrificed his life, shedding his blood. This sacrifice shows that God was being fair when he held back and did not punish those who sinned in times past…

Since salvation is a gift of grace—unearned, undeserved, and given to those who don't deserve it—we are entitled to its benefits: forgiveness of sins and eternal life.

Romans 6:23 NLT - For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.

Let us understand what our “entitlement” truly means through the words of Jesus on the cross:

Luke 23:34 NLT - … "Father, forgive them, for they don't know what they are doing."

We cannot demand salvation—only accept it as a gift. Use your entitlement wisely!

PRAYER:
Jesus, thank You for the cross. Thank You that through it I have the right—the entitlement—to salvation, forgiveness, and eternal life. Not because of me or what I deserve; if it were, I would deserve punishment, damnation, and eternal separation from You. All glory, honor, praise, and all I am belongs to You—for I am entitled to nothing except what You have freely given.

SCRIPTURE:
Luke 22:38 NLT - "Look, Lord," they replied, "we have two swords among us." "That's enough," he said.

OBSERVATION:
Luke chapter 22 begins Jesus' journey to the cross. It starts with Judas agreeing to betray Jesus, followed by the celebration of the Feast of Unleavened Bread—the Last Supper. During this time, Jesus announced His betrayer—Judas—which led to an argument among the disciples over who was the greatest, likely provoked by Peter. Then came Jesus’ revelation that Peter would deny Him, not the same as Judas, who betrayed Him. All of this brings us to today’s verse.

Jesus knew that the disciples did not yet fully understand what was about to happen. Peter, with good intentions, tried to rally the disciples to defend Jesus—even to die for Him. When Jesus told them to “be ready,” Peter took it literally.

Luke 22:36 NLT - "But now," he said, "take your money and a traveler's bag. And if you don't have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one!”

Hearing this, Peter—probably one of the two holding a sword—spoke up:

Luke 22:38 NLT - "Look, Lord," they replied, "we have two swords among us." "That's enough," he said.

Jesus was not telling His disciples to fight or defend Him with violence. He had already said that He could summon a multitude of angels to help Him. No, Jesus was saying that the time for His betrayal and crucifixion had come. Three times in this chapter, Jesus told them it would be so.

Luke 22:15-16 NLT - Jesus said, "I have been very eager to eat this Passover meal with you before my suffering begins. For I tell you now that I won't eat this meal again until its meaning is fulfilled in the Kingdom of God."
 
Luke 22:22 NLT – “For it has been determined that the Son of Man must die. But what sorrow awaits the one who betrays him."
 
Luke 22:37 NLT – “For the time has come for this prophecy about me to be fulfilled: 'He was counted among the rebels.' Yes, everything written about me by the prophets will come true."

When Jesus reminded the disciples of their past mission, He was preparing them for what was to come:

Luke 22:35-36 NLT - …"When I sent you out to preach the Good News and you did not have money, a traveler's bag, or an extra pair of sandals, did you need anything?" "No," they replied. "But now," he said, "take your money and a traveler's bag. And if you don't have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one!”

Jesus told them, “Be ready—the time has come; my departure is near.” Soon after, Jesus went to the garden to pray while the disciples slept. So much for their promise to defend Him—even to die for Him.

Jesus understood that he had to face this on his own. His disciples, though well-meaning, couldn't handle what was coming. He had to do it—no one else could.

APPLICATION:
When Jesus said, “That’s enough,” He wasn’t suggesting that two swords would be enough to fight those coming to arrest Him. His words held a deeper meaning—one that’s often overlooked in our own situations.

The phrase could be rendered, “Enough of this!” Jesus was saying, “Enough of this talk. I know what I must do. You may not understand now, but later you will.”

Many have taken these words to develop entire doctrines, but Jesus intended something much simpler. The sword could not save—only the Savior could. The sword brings death, but the cross brings life. If salvation depended on the sword, we would still be fighting today—but because of the cross, “It is finished!”

What is it that you have been fighting, trying to help Jesus in? Are there areas in your life where Jesus has told you to be ready, yet instead of drawing near, you draw your sword?

Peter did exactly that:

Luke 22:49-51 NLT - When the other disciples saw what was about to happen, they exclaimed, "Lord, should we fight? We brought the swords!" And one of them struck at the high priest's slave, slashing off his right ear. But Jesus said, "No more of this." And he touched the man's ear and healed him.

Jesus was saying, “Enough… no more of this.” The question is—do we trust Him in every circumstance?

PRAYER:
Jesus, help me listen and let You do what only You can. I hear the warning—help me respond. Teach me when to be still and trust that You are in control.

SCRIPTURE:
Luke 21:3-4 NLT - "I tell you the truth," Jesus said, "this poor widow has given more than all the rest of them. For they have given a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she has."

OBSERVATION:
Luke chapter 21 begins with the account of the Widow’s Offering—commonly known as the Widow’s Mite. It is believed this may have happened right after Jesus criticized the scribes for devouring widows’ houses (Luke 20:45-47), when this woman came and placed two coins into the offering box.

There is a significant principle in this brief account—God observes how much we give, but He cares much more about the motive of the heart than the size of the gift.
We are not told how much the rich gave, but the poor widow gave two mites.

But the woman gave two mites. She could have given just one, which would have been half of what she had, but she chose to give everything.

The rich, it says, gave from their surplus—you might say, from their interest. It was not difficult, but rather a display of how generous their gift was. According to the NLT, they “gave a tiny part” of their surplus.

Many people today admire the super wealthy who give generously. Since they may have billions, even a small donation can seem significant. Yet few have given everything they own. That would truly be remarkable. However, this is not what Jesus is talking about. The real issue is the heart, not the wealth.

APPLICATION:
How can we apply this to our lives today? Should we give more—or give everything we have? Not necessarily. God cares more about the heart than the size of the gift. What He desires most isn't our wealth—He doesn’t need it; He owns the cattle on a thousand hills. God isn’t broken financially. What He wants is the most important thing—our heart.

Jesus said:

Luke 12:34 NLT - Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.
What do I treasure more than God? That is what He is searching for—that is where our hearts truly belong.

Is God our treasure? Do we pursue Him as we would pursue buried treasure and hidden wealth?

Jesus shared this principle in Luke chapter 7: He who is forgiven much, loves much; but someone who is forgiven little, loves little. The truth is, our sin was not small—it was costly. One sin—my sin, your sin—sent Jesus to the cross.

Jesus left these words with the church in Ephesus:

Revelation 2:2-5 NLT - "I know all the things you do. I have seen your hard work and your patient endurance. I know you don't tolerate evil people. You have examined the claims of those who say they are apostles but are not. You have discovered they are liars. You have patiently suffered for me without quitting. "But I have this complaint against you. You don't love me or each other as you did at first! Look how far you have fallen! Turn back to me and do the works you did at first. If you don't repent, I will come and remove your lampstand from its place among the churches.

Does Jesus have all—or just part—of our heart? Are we willing to give Him everything, like the widow?
 
Jesus paid it all, all to Him I owe; Sin had left a crimson stain—He washed it white as snow.

PRAYER:
Jesus, thank You for giving Your all. May my heart be completely Yours. It is the least I can give for such an incredible gift of salvation. Bring me back to that place of first love—the most important place. May my life reflect Your love, for I have been forgiven much.

SCRIPTURE:
Luke 20:17 NLT - Jesus looked at them and said, "Then what does this Scripture mean? 'The stone that the builders rejected has now become the cornerstone.'

OBSERVATION:
Luke chapter 20 starts with a demand from the religious leaders:

Luke 20:2 NLT - They demanded, "By what authority are you doing all these things? Who gave you the right?"

Previously, in chapter 19, after riding into Jerusalem on a donkey amid shouts of "Hosanna"—"Save now"-Jesus went to the temple and cleansed it. It was a sign of what was to come. Jesus vividly illustrated what needed to be done to reform the religious system of that time. Rules, regulations, and rituals had obstructed what the temple was meant to be—a place to meet with God, find restoration, experience refreshment, and rejoice in God Almighty. Yet it had become, as Jesus said:

Luke 19:46 NLT -  …"The Scriptures declare, 'My Temple will be a house of prayer,' but you have turned it into a den of thieves."

The religious leaders had turned it into something God never meant. Jesus was there to show what God actually intended. This made the people marvel, and the religious leaders started plotting how to kill Him.

All of this raised the question, “Who gives you the right?” Jesus responded with a question:

Luke 20:3-4 NLT - "Let me ask you a question first," he replied. "Did John's authority to baptize come from heaven, or was it merely human?"

Jesus knew they would not answer because they feared what people might think or do. Then, he shared the Parable of the Evil Farmers.

In this parable, Jesus uses a vineyard—a common symbol of Israel. The vineyard was leased to farmers, symbolizing the Jewish religious leaders. This prompts the Owner—God—to send His “beloved Son,” whom they murdered, foreshadowing what they would soon do to Jesus.

Throughout the Old Testament, a rock or stone symbolized God’s presence. Jesus declared that He was that Rock—the one the “builders rejected.” In the minds of the religious leaders, Jesus did not meet their requirements, yet everything the prophets had spoken was being fulfilled right before their eyes. Jesus was and is the Cornerstone, the foundation upon which the Church is built. He is the One on whom our faith, forgiveness, and future rest—nothing else!

APPLICATION:
What does this mean for you and me?

“The stone that the builders rejected has now become the cornerstone.”

Without our Cornerstone—who bore all the weight, stress, and punishment for our sin—there would be nothing for us to stand on. We could never stand before a holy God.
Jesus quotes from Psalm 118, The Rock of Salvation:
 
Psalm 118:22-29 NKJV - The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone. This was the LORD's doing; it is marvelous in our eyes. This is the day the LORD has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. Save now, I pray, O LORD; O LORD, I pray, send now prosperity. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD! We have blessed you from the house of the LORD. God is the LORD, and He has given us light; bind the sacrifice with cords to the horns of the altar. You are my God, and I will praise You; You are my God, I will exalt You. Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.

From the triumphal entry to the cross, all of it was part of the Cornerstone’s work. Jesus would bear all the weight, sin, and shame that we might stumble upon—fall on—Him, our Rock.

Luke 20:18 NLT - "Everyone who stumbles over that stone will be broken to pieces, and it will crush anyone it falls on."

We can either be crushed or broken; the choice is ours. One leads to sorrow, the other to life. Choose wisely.

PRAYER:
Jesus, thank You for being my Cornerstone. You hold me together, bear the weight of my sin, and provide a solid foundation for me to stand on. I gladly rely on You, for Your love endures forever. Save me now, I pray. Blessed is the One who comes in the name of the Lord!

SCRIPTURE:
Luke 19:41-42 NLT - But as he came closer to Jerusalem and saw the city ahead, he began to weep. "How I wish today that you of all people would understand the way to peace. But now it is too late, and peace is hidden from your eyes.

OBSERVATION:
Not much has changed in 2,000 years. Humanity still searches for the “way to peace,” waiting for the right policy, program, or leader to bring it. For 2,000 years, the Way of Peace has stood before them, yet many still refuse to accept Him.

In Luke chapter 19, we see Jesus riding into Jerusalem during what is known as the triumphal entry. The very title of this event can cause people to misunderstand what Jesus was doing—just as many did in His day.

The people were searching for a leader, a king who could overthrow the Romans and restore Israel. However, Jesus was not coming to be king and conquer Rome—He came to be KING and conquer sin, a much greater enemy than Rome.

Jesus did not enter Jerusalem on a warhorse like a conquering general or victorious king. Instead, He rode on a donkey, a colt that had never been ridden before. The colt was a sign of royalty, for He is and always will be the Prince of Peace.

As Jesus entered as the Prince of Peace, ready to conquer sin and death and to claim His rightful place as King of kings, the people started singing songs of praise.

Luke 19:38 NLT - "Blessings on the King who comes in the name of the LORD! Peace in heaven, and glory in highest heaven!"

What could cause the crowd to shift from their exaltation and praise to shouts of “Crucify Him”?

APPLICATION:
We must be careful not to see Jesus just as someone who came to “fix” our society. Without His cross, grace and mercy wouldn’t exist. Without peace with God, there can be no peace from God. The goal is not to fix, but to save.

This, in my opinion, is what caused Jesus to weep—because the people did not recognize their need for salvation, but instead looked for a king to bring peace. This shift would cause the crowds to change their cries of Hosanna (“God save”) to “Crucify Him!” Yet, both were necessary to achieve the peace they truly desired.

As we pray for peace in our world and for those around us today, let our words be the prayer of Jesus:

“How I wish today that you of all people would understand the way to peace.”

The path to true peace has been cleared, made straight, and fully achieved through the cross of Jesus. The peace the world desires can only be found in Him. Let us pray that eyes will be opened and hearts will turn to Jesus to discover true, lasting peace—peace that only the Prince of Peace can provide.

Share the Good News: we can experience the peace of God because we have peace with God through Jesus Christ.

The warning is clear—a day will come when “it is too late, and peace is hidden from your eyes.”

May our eyes be opened to the true peace that only Jesus Christ can bring.

PRAYER:
Jesus, as You prayed, I pray—“How I wish today that you of all people would understand the way to peace.” As the world grows darker and more desperate for peace, may You shine brightly in me. May my life be a beacon, a lighthouse that warns of danger to come and points to the way of salvation.

SCRIPTURE:
Luke 18:6-8 NLT - Then the Lord said, "Learn a lesson from this unjust judge. Even he rendered a just decision in the end. So don't you think God will surely give justice to his chosen people who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? I tell you, he will grant justice to them quickly! But when the Son of Man returns, how many will he find on the earth who have faith?"

OBSERVATION:
In Luke chapter 18, Jesus tells a parable about prayer and perseverance in prayer—never giving up. This word 'persistent' is one we frequently use but may not fully understand.

“Persistent” describes something that continues or lasts longer than usual, often despite difficulty or opposition, or something that is constantly repeated.

We can easily relate to ongoing annoyance or a lingering health issue, but persistence in something that demands time, energy, and sacrifice is often something we’d prefer to avoid. Why is that?

Jesus gave us the answer! In the NKJV, the phrase 'never give up' is translated as 'never lose heart.' Often, our persistence ends when we lose heart.

Unlike the widow who approached the unjust judge—who had neither fear of God nor intention of doing what was right—we often give up too quickly. Still, the widow kept coming, persistently.

Finally, after the judge grew tired, he conceded and granted her request. He admitted the woman was driving him “crazy.” Her persistence overcame significant obstacles, discouragement, and delays until the answer was reached.

APPLICATION:
Jesus asked a very sobering question regarding prayer:

Luke 18:8 NLT - “…When the Son of Man returns, how many will he find on the earth who have faith?"

What have we been praying for? Are we praying amiss? Or have we given up hope when prayer becomes hard? Often, we lose faith before seeing the answer.

As we pray for the lost, remember what Jesus said:

John 3:16-17 NLT - "For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him."

When we pray for answers, remember what Jesus said:

Luke 11:9-10 NLT - "And so I tell you, keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened."

Finally, when you're praying for provision, remember what Jesus said:

Luke 12:29-32 NLT - "And don't be concerned about what to eat and what to drink. Don't worry about such things. These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers all over the world, but your Father already knows your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need. So don't be afraid, little flock. For it gives your Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom."

Let us be those who pray in faith—never give up and never lose hope.

PRAYER:
Jesus, help me not to give up or lose hope. You know the answers before I ask. What is impossible for me is possible for You. Teach me the lesson of persistence in prayer.

SCRIPTURE:
Luke 17:6 NLT - The Lord answered, "If you had faith even as small as a mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, 'May you be uprooted and thrown into the sea,' and it would obey you!

OBSERVATION:
In Luke 17, Jesus takes time to teach His disciples—not the crowds—about faith. The kind of faith He discusses here isn't about getting what we want, but about the faith needed to forgive.

Jesus begins his teaching with a warning about temptation and stumbling blocks. The Greek word is skandalon, which refers to a bent stick that triggers a trap. Sin will always exist, but Jesus cautions us not to be the ones setting the trap that causes others to stumble.

After this, he provides practical steps for forgiveness:

Luke 17:3-4 NLT - So watch yourselves! "If another believer sins, rebuke that person; then if there is repentance, forgive. Even if that person wrongs you seven times a day and each time turns again and asks forgiveness, you must forgive."

In love, we are called to confront sin, hoping for repentance and reconciliation. But even if repentance never happens, Jesus tells us to forgive anyway. Conviction and repentance are the work of the Holy Spirit—not ours. Our role is to forgive.

No wonder the disciples cried out, “Increase our faith!” They understood how difficult this would be.

APPLICATION:
Jesus concludes this teaching with the parable of the servant. Just as a servant doesn’t expect thanks for simply doing his duty, we are called to forgive because it is our obligation to obey Christ.

Luke 17:9-10 NLT - And does the master thank the servant for doing what he was told to do? Of course not. In the same way, when you obey me you should say, 'We are unworthy servants who have simply done our duty.'"

We who have been forgiven much must forgive much. Forgiveness isn’t optional—it’s an act of obedience.

Forgiveness starts with faith, is deepened through love, and is maintained by humility—remembering who we are: forgiven, yet unworthy servants.

PRAYER:
Jesus, increase my faith to forgive. I know there are areas where I hold onto offense. Remind me that I have been forgiven much and that I must forgive others. Uproot the mulberry trees of bitterness in my life so I can forgive as You have forgiven me.