Jesus Heals a Man Born Blind

I've always resonated with the story of a man born blind. Maybe, it's because I am nearly blind myself (my optometrist has told me that I am almost legally blind). Or maybe, it's because I have worked as a summer counselor for the blind and deaf. Or maybe, I identify with those famous lines from Amazing Grace that "I once was blind, but now I see". So in today's blog post, let us meditate on Jesus who gives us both sight and salvation.

The Gospel of John in chapter nine says, "And as Jesus passed by, he saw a man which was blind from his birth. And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind? Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him. I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world. When he had thus spoken, he spat on the ground, and made clay of the spittle, and he anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay, And said unto him, Go, wash in the pool of Siloam, (which is by interpretation, Sent.) He went his way therefore, and washed, and came home seeing. (1-7)"

Pool of Shiloam

In the first part of the story, Jesus' disciples ask, "Why this man was born blind?" To us in modern times, this might sound like a strange questions. We know today that there are many factors that could cause blindness: birth defect, bacteria or virus, genetics, diseases or illness. During this time, however, the Jewish tradition stated that people were born blind because either this man or his parents had sinned against God. This idea probably came from the passage in Exodus 34;7 that a person suffered from the sin of their parents or grandparents. However, Jesus abolished this idea by stating that neither this man nor his parents sinned (as to be born blind) but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed. What does Jesus' response teach me? This passages teaches me that we all have faults, imperfections, and defects but God's work can still be displayed in our life. If Jesus can use a man blind from birth, if Jesus can raise the dead to life...then I know Jesus can also use me a sinner saved by grace.

The Gospel of John in chapter nine continues, "His parents answered them and said, We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind: But by what means he now seeth, we know not; or who hath opened his eyes, we know not: he is of age; ask him: he shall speak for himself. These words spake his parents, because they feared the Jews: for the Jews had agreed already, that if any man did confess that he was Christ, he should be put out of the synagogue. Therefore said his parents, He is of age; ask him. Then again called they the man that was blind, and said unto him, Give God the praise: we know that this man is a sinner. He answered and said, Whether he be a sinner or no, I know not: one thing I know, that, whereas I was blind, now I see.(20-25)"

This is my favorite part of the chapter when the man blind from birth says, "Whether he [Jesus] be a sinner or no, I know not: one thing I know, that, whereas I was blind, now I see." Of course, I know Jesus is not a sinner but I love the genuine heart of the man given sight. He states the simple facts. He once was blind, but now he can see. I want to do the same thing in my life and share what Jesus has done for me. I, too, was blind but now I see. I was once lost but now I am found. I am a sinner saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ.

Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand

Has there ever been a time in your life when God has provided for you? In the story of John, a great crowd followed Jesus. Some were curious. Some were amazed. Some were desperate to learn more about the miraculous signs. John shares that Jesus was about to perform a miracle but before He does so...He asks Philip, "Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat?" Jesus was testing Philip because He already knew what He was going to do. Philip replied that even with money saved up for eight months could not buy enough bread for each person to have one bite.

However, Jesus does feed the five thousands and all His disciples. In fact, He provided MORE than what was needed. Five barley loves and two small fishes ended up feeding every single man, woman, and child...In addition, the disciples gathered all the left overs that filled 12 baskets with loaves. What is the deeper significance of this miracle? I believe this teaches us that Jesus will always provide for us and not just provide enough but provide MORE than enough. Obeying Jesus produces an abundant life overflowing with good things. We will be more than satisfied if we can learn to trust in Jesus and His promises to us. I hope that the video of George Muller from Veggie Tales shows you that God hears our prayers! George Muller was a real man in history. His faith in God is a powerful testimony that God is mighty to save and willing to provide. You can Wiki George Muller for a brief biography of His life!

The Real Story of John 3:16

In my last post, I shared that John 3:16 is often a bible verse that people hear often but very rarely understand the story behind the verse. Today, I want to share some of the background of John 3:16: What is the context that this verse is in? What is Jesus answering? Who is Jesus even talking to? Why is this all important?

John 3:1-21 - "Now there was a Pharisee, a man named Nicodemus who was a member of the Jewish ruling council. He came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs you are doing if God were not with him.” Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.”

“How can someone be born when they are old?” Nicodemus asked. “Surely they cannot enter a second time into their mother’s womb to be born!” Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’ The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.” “How can this be?” Nicodemus asked.

“You are Israel’s teacher,” said Jesus, “and do you not understand these things? Very truly I tell you, we speak of what we know, and we testify to what we have seen, but still you people do not accept our testimony. I have spoken to you of earthly things and you do not believe; how then will you believe if I speak of heavenly things? No one has ever gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven—the Son of Man. Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him.”

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall 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. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God."

What is the context that this verse is in? Jesus is talking with a pharisee named Nicodemus and teaching him that no one can see the Kingdom of God without being born again. What is Jesus answering? Jesus is transforming Nicodemus' view of the OT especially of Number 21:4-9, where Moses lift the snake in the wilderness so that all who saw the serpent of bronze would be healed. Who is Jesus even talking to? Jesus is talking to one of the most respected Pharisee's Nicodemus. Why is this all important? When Jesus tells Nicodemus that God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son (John 3:16)...We know that Jesus is giving a parallel example of His life on the cross to Moses lifting up the bronze serpent. Just as God gave mercy to Israel through the serpent of bronze that Moses lifted up. God would also give mercy to the world by lifting up Jesus Christ as the atoning sacrifice. I hope that this paints a picture that we are all deserving of death but that through Jesus we have a second chance at life.

Is John 3:16...the Gospel in a Nut Shell?

In our mass media slogan-filled world, John 3:16 is a popular bible verse in today's pop culture. Is this a good thing? Well, yes and no. The "good" part is that the Bible (and Bible verses) is not hidden but made available to everyone. We have the Bible while watching football, while eating a hamburger, and while shopping at the mall (see picture below). The "bad" part is that the Bible is visible but it's considered just another text book for most people. Yes, even at church, people treat the Bible as another devotional book or spare reading after homework/studies. The "ugly" part is that John 3:16 is misused and misunderstood as the Gospel in a nut shell, when really it was never meant to be used as a slogan.

John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life" ... was never meant to stand alone. In fact, it could be argued that no one Bible verse should ever stand alone without understanding the rest of the story. We would never read one sentence/verse of Moby Dick like "Call me Ishmael." (which is a biblical reference by the way) and say this is Moby Dick in a nut shell. In the same way, why would we read or recite John 3:16 without understanding the story behind the verse?

In my next blog post, I hope to share some background about John 3:16 from the context of its entire chapter. My hope is that John 3:16 can remain an inspiring Bible verse but also a reminder that there is often much more to learn than just one verse. The epistle of John references back hundreds of years beginning with God's story in the Old Testament. Follow along with me so that together we may discover how God reveals His plan of salvation through Christ.

In the Beginning was the Word...

The first chapter of John is one of my favorite portions of Scripture. Why? Because, the author begins the Gospel reflecting back to the Creation. The Gospel of John is known for the theme of light, life, and love...the first chapter shares that all things were made through Him, without Him nothing was made that has been made. Thus, all Creation comes from God.

In John, the author uses the word "life" twice and uses the word "light" six times just in the first chapter. All light and life comes from the Creator God. It is through this picture that the author shares that about the Word becoming flesh, Jesus. Using the Creation narrative language, the reader enters into God's story from the beginning in Genesis to the birth of Christ.

As our devotional goes through John, my prayer is that my eyes are opened to witness God's light, life, and love in my life. If I can see just a little more clearly (with God's light), or feel just a little more vitality (with God's life), or share a little more compassion (with God's love)...I will be satisfied knowing that in Him all things are made through Him. I also pray that your eyes be opened to see God's word unfold in your life. Let's start this journey into John, together!

Our God is Sovereign

Our God is greater, our God is stronger...Our God is Sovereign. In the Gospels, Jesus reveals Himself as the Messiah, Savior, Counselor, Shepherd, and Lord. Most of all, Jesus is Sovereign over all creation. Yet, He does not demand payment. He is the payment. He does not demand sacrifice. He is the sacrifice. He does not demand our life. He is our life.

What a Sovereign Savior is Jesus! He works for our good and His glory. He is the Good News to the whole world because Jesus comes to save the lost. Jesus came to rescue the poor and needy. Jesus came to rescue me. Thank you Lord for being SOVEREIGN.

The Gospel of Luke thus far...

In our bible reading so far, we have finished the Gospel of Matthew and Mark. Now, we are almost to the end of the Gospel of Luke. A question came to surface during our daily morning devotional and I am meditating on this question my devotional through the Gospels: "How are the Gospels all similar? (what is the common thread?) How are the Gospels all different? (what is unique about each Gospel).

Well, the simple answer to the first question would be Jesus is the common thread. However, the second question I believe is more difficult to answer. So for today's blog, I will try to share some of my thoughts about the Gospel of Luke being different from Matthew and Mark.

First, the Gospel of Luke really emphasized the fulfillment of God's promise to Israel through the life of Jesus. In my earlier post on Mary, Luke shares the beautiful song of praise from Mary from Luke 1. In Mary's Magnificat, Jesus is the promise and fulfillment of God's promise.

Second, Luke also shares a lot about "the Spirit of the Lord is upon me [Jesus]". After Jesus return from the temptation in the wilderness in Luke 4, Jesus right at the beginning of His public ministry declares, "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor...to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor".

Third, there is a distinct message that the Good New of Jesus in Luke is to liberation, freedom, and justice. There are many passages in Luke that echoes Isaiah's message that Jesus will break the bonds of oppression and injustice. Jesus brings life to all people especially the poor and needy.

That's my summary so far of Luke, I will continue to write out my thoughts on all the Gospels as we move into John, the Gospel most known for the author's focus on love. I also hope to give a brief summary of Matthew and Mark when I get a chance. Thanks for reading and God bless!

Story of the Rich Young Man...and Jesus! (2/2)

Luke 18:25-30: Those who heard this asked, “Who then can be saved?” Jesus replied, “What is impossible with man is possible with God.” Peter said to him, “We have left all we had to follow you!” “Truly I tell you,” Jesus said to them, “no one who has left home or wife or brothers or sisters or parents or children for the sake of the kingdom of God will fail to receive many times as much in this age, and in the age to come eternal life.”

What did you learn from the story of the rich young man and Jesus? The rich young man went away sad because Jesus knew that his heart was divided. He wanted to do good but since he had all that wealth it was hard for him to let it go. This young man was not necessarily and evil man in fact he was keeping the majority of God's commands (almost all of them!). But one thing was lacking...He was not able to give his WHOLE heart to God because part of it was stuck in worldly riches. Many of us can fall into this easily, the cares of the world can pull us away from God. I know I have fallen into that in my life but for me I have asked myself "what good would it profit me if I gain the world but lose my soul". For me, I want Jesus as the center of my life. The rich young man did not pass the test...but will you pass? Jesus more than anything else wants us to follow him with our whole heart! This is hard! But Jesus gave me hope, gave us all hope when he said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible!"

1) Keep the commands of Jesus 2) Sell everything, give to the poor! 3) Money and things become idols 4) Follow Jesus with your whole heart!

Story of the Rich Young Man...and Jesus! (1/2)

The Gospels uses both parables and stories to teach us about Jesus and His teachings. There are many parables that Jesus told and there are also many stories of people who met Jesus...The story of the rich young man is not a parable but one of the later...A story of a person who actually asked Jesus a question. And if I have learned one thing after reading all those stories...I know the one thing that always happens when a person meets Jesus face to face. That person is never the same. Blind people see. Lepers healed. Fisherman become disciples. Young rich man faced with a life-changing choice.

In this story of the rich young man, I think there are many teaching points and many "learning" points for us to discover. However, I want to focus on one for this devotional today and it is this...Love the Lord your God with all your heart...The rich young man ask what good thing must he do to be saved? Each of us could actually ask the same question and Jesus response is obey keep the commandments. The rich young men replies he has kept all the commands but still feels lacking. Jesus answers if you want to be perfect sell your possessions and give to the poor.

The story of the rich young man can be found in Luke 18:18-24 as follows: A certain ruler asked him, “Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” “Why do you call me good?” Jesus answered. “No one is good—except God alone. You know the commandments: ‘You shall not commit adultery, you shall not murder, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, honor your father and mother.’[a]” “All these I have kept since I was a boy,” he said.

When Jesus heard this, he said to him, “You still lack one thing. Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” When he heard this, he became very sad, because he was very wealthy. Jesus looked at him and said, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God! Indeed, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.”

What is a missional youth? (2/2)

God looks at the heart of the matter namely whether a young person has a heart set on purity, goodness, and faith or on carnality, wickedness, and pride. In 1 Timothy, Paul encourages his young disciple to fight the good fight and holding on to faith with a good conscience. Paul role models what is require to serve God in faith. The apostle's requirements are quite different than what would normally be expected. Paul does not ask Timothy to be perfect, to be a saint, or to be successful at least not in the world's perspective. In fact, Paul begins sharing and repeating his own testimony to Timothy that he was once a blasphemer, persecutor, and violent man who acted in ignorance and unbelief. However, God invites Paul to join His mission of saving and transforming lives in the name of Jesus Christ. Paul does a complete 180 degree turn and does begin to serve God. In addition, the apostle Paul understands that he is a sinner and even confesses that he is the worst kind of sinner because he persecuted believers in Christ. From this example, however, God's heart for the lost is evident as well as His desire to find humble, faithful, and obedient missional disciples.

In Paul's instruction to Timothy, God's desire for every disciple is made apparent that He looks for pure hearts filled with sincere faith and a good conscience to fulfill His mission. God's missional youths all possess a shared quality - a faithful obedient heart. Throughout Scripture, God looks for those who can serve him with faith and obedience. In 1 Timothy, Paul lays out the foundation of faith comes from love that is born out of a pure heart. This does not mean a sinless heart but a heart filled with sincere faith. Apart from Jesus Christ, all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. However, in the power of Christ and with sincere faith, a disciple can follow God's mission with a good conscience through the power of the Holy Spirit.

What is a missional youth? (1/2)

Timothy holds a special place in my life because my middle name comes from this youthful disciple. At my point in life, I resonate a lot with the message that God spoke to Timothy through the apostle Paul. I imagine I'm very close to Timothy's age at the time that Paul wrote this letter to him. I hope, however, that Timothy and I have more than just age and name in common. 1 Timothy is a great epistle on encouragement because the language and style is written from a mentor to a disciple. In this letter from Paul, a lot can be learned about God's heart for His disciples. The first chapter of 1 Timothy introduces the discipling and mentoring nature between Paul and Timothy. Paul calls Timothy a true son in the faith. This acknowledgement only is a powerful one. Paul recognizes and affirms Timothy's faith even in this first address. In this passage, some background is shared about Paul's own life before he met Christ and the lessons he has learned since accepting Christ. Timothy gets a full dose of wisdom, encouragement, and blessing from Paul throughout this epistle beginning in very first sentence.

If there is one point that ought strikes out the most in this passage, the repeated use of the word "faith" ought to stand out the most. The description of "faith" and "faithful" are repeated at least six times in this very first chapter and rightly so for "faith" is a vital element of living out God's mission. Paul encourages Timothy to promote not controversies but encourage God's work which is by faith. In addition, Paul the wise Christian mentor, goes on to say that, "The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith." If I could choose one key theme verse that ties together the need for missional youths to have faithful obedient hearts it would be this! The greatest command ever written in the Bible is summed up by loving God and loving others. Paul states in one sentence that this kind of love comes from a pure heart with a good conscience and a sincere faith. One of God's greatest skill throughout history has always been choosing the right missional youth to carry out His will. For God sees what man does not, the heart.

Mary Did You Know? (2/2)

Often times, the Sunday School lesson stops when the angel leaves Mary. However, the miraculous story continues even after angelic visitation. The Bible records that Mary hurried over to her relative and kin Elizabeth who was also with child. The often overlooked miracle here is that Elizabeth according to the Bible was past the age of child birth. Of course, God also helped Sarah, Abraham's wife, in her old age to also bear child so this miracle has happened before in the Bible. Mary's miracle on the other hand has never happened before! When Mary meets Elizabeth, her cousin filled with the Holy Spirit begins praising the Lord and blessing Mary. Again, here is another often unnoticed miracle, Mary just had an angelic visitation that no one else knew about, and yet Elizabeth filled with the Holy Spirit already knew that Mary would give birth to a child. Even the visitation, tells a story of God's mission namely that God works in mysterious ways! God also has the power to transform lives and often does so with those who have faithful and obedient hearts. Not only did the Story of Mary inspire a beautiful Christmas song, but God's mission also inspired Mary with a song! In fact, Mary's song is one of the most beautiful words of praise to God in Scripture. Mary's Magnificat begins with, "My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant." The penned words of Mary's praise song affirms God's constant search for faithful obedient hearts. Mary is truly an example of a humble servant who listen to her Lord. She offers up praise to God despite the uncertainty of being with a child as a virgin without being married to Joseph. Mary is a testimony of a missional youth, one filled with faith and obedience to carry out God's calling despite the obstacles.