Sound The Trumpet

John 6:28-38 Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God? (29) Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent. (30) They said therefore unto him, What sign shewest thou then, that we may see, and believe thee? what dost thou work? (31) Our fathers did eat manna in the desert; as it is written, He gave them bread from heaven to eat. (32) Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Moses gave you not that bread from heaven; but my Father giveth you the true bread from heaven. (33) For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world. (34) Then said they unto him, Lord, evermore give us this bread. (35) And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst. (36) But I said unto you, That ye also have seen me, and believe not. (37) All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. (38) For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.

As the people were traveling with Jesus, Jesus was doing miracles to show that He was God. The multitude enjoyed the miracles. Perhaps some enjoyed the show, perhaps some enjoyed being healed and there were some who enjoyed the free meals. But Jesus did not come to provide for their daily meals; Jesus came to offer them everlasting life. Many of the people who were following Him did not understand this. They were only interested in their needs for the moment. Which is more important: having your next meal or being saved?

John 6:22-27 The day following, when the people which stood on the other side of the sea saw that there was none other boat there, save that one whereinto his disciples were entered, and that Jesus went not with his disciples into the boat, but that his disciples were gone away alone; (23) (Howbeit there came other boats from Tiberias nigh unto the place where they did eat bread, after that the Lord had given thanks:) (24) When the people therefore saw that Jesus was not there, neither his disciples, they also took shipping, and came to Capernaum, seeking for Jesus. (25) And when they had found him on the other side of the sea, they said unto him, Rabbi, when camest thou hither? (26) Jesus answered them and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled. (27) Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed.

In yesterday’s devotion, we read about how Jesus fed this multitude then traveled to Capernaum. Remember how they all wanted to make Jesus their king. Now, they realize Jesus and the disciples have left them and they want to follow them. However, Jesus knows their hearts. 2 Thes 3:10 says, “…if any would not work, neither should he eat.” Jesus realized that this multitude was not following Him to see the miracles, nor were they following Him to be His disciple (to learn from Him). They were following Jesus to get the free meal. There are many people who even come to church and become free-loaders. No, they may not all ask for food. Some may just sit and soak up the blessings of being in a good church without doing anything in the church. What do you do for Jesus and the church?

John 6:10-21 And Jesus said, Make the men sit down. Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, in number about five thousand. (11) And Jesus took the loaves; and when he had given thanks, he distributed to the disciples, and the disciples to them that were set down; and likewise of the fishes as much as they would. (12) When they were filled, he said unto his disciples, Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost. (13 Therefore they gathered them together, and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves, which remained over and above unto them that had eaten. (14) Then those men, when they had seen the miracle that Jesus did, said, This is of a truth that prophet that should come into the world. (15) When Jesus therefore perceived that they would come and take him by force, to make him a king, he departed again into a mountain himself alone. (16) And when even was now come, his disciples went down unto the sea, (17) And entered into a ship, and went over the sea toward Capernaum. And it was now dark, and Jesus was not come to them. (18) And the sea arose by reason of a great wind that blew. (19) So when they had rowed about five and twenty or thirty furlongs, they see Jesus walking on the sea, and drawing nigh unto the ship: and they were afraid. (20) But he saith unto them, It is I; be not afraid. (21) Then they willingly received him into the ship: and immediately the ship was at the land whither they went.

There was another great miracle here: Jesus took two little fish and five barley loaves (about the size of a biscuit) and fed five-thousand men, plus the women and children. That was an incredible miracle. Jesus not only fed this large multitude with this little bit of food, but they took up more scraps than they had to begin with. This proves that Jesus can provide for any need which we may have. At times, it may seem like everything has turned against us, but Jesus is still in control. Just as Jesus fed that multitude, Jesus can take care of our needs.

John 6:10-21 And Jesus said, Make the men sit down. Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, in number about five thousand. (11) And Jesus took the loaves; and when he had given thanks, he distributed to the disciples, and the disciples to them that were set down; and likewise of the fishes as much as they would. (12) When they were filled, he said unto his disciples, Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost. (13 Therefore they gathered them together, and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves, which remained over and above unto them that had eaten. (14) Then those men, when they had seen the miracle that Jesus did, said, This is of a truth that prophet that should come into the world. (15) When Jesus therefore perceived that they would come and take him by force, to make him a king, he departed again into a mountain himself alone. (16) And when even was now come, his disciples went down unto the sea, (17) And entered into a ship, and went over the sea toward Capernaum. And it was now dark, and Jesus was not come to them. (18) And the sea arose by reason of a great wind that blew. (19) So when they had rowed about five and twenty or thirty furlongs, they see Jesus walking on the sea, and drawing nigh unto the ship: and they were afraid. (20) But he saith unto them, It is I; be not afraid. (21) Then they willingly received him into the ship: and immediately the ship was at the land whither they went.

There was another great miracle here: Jesus took two little fish and five barley loaves (about the size of a biscuit) and fed five-thousand men, plus the women and children. That was an incredible miracle. Jesus not only fed this large multitude with this little bit of food, but they took up more scraps than they had to begin with. This proves that Jesus can provide for any need which we may have. At times, it may seem like everything has turned against us, but Jesus is still in control. Just as Jesus fed that multitude, Jesus can take care of our needs.

John 6:1-9 After these things Jesus went over the sea of Galilee, which is the sea of Tiberias. (2) And a great multitude followed him, because they saw his miracles which he did on them that were diseased. (3) And Jesus went up into a mountain, and there he sat with his disciples. (4) And the passover, a feast of the Jews, was nigh. (5) When Jesus then lifted up his eyes, and saw a great company come unto him, he saith unto Philip, Whence shall we buy bread, that these may eat? (6) And this he said to prove him: for he himself knew what he would do. (7) Philip answered him, Two hundred pennyworth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may take a little. (8) One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, saith unto him, (9) There is a lad here, which hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes: but what are they among so many?

Many people were sick and were following Jesus to be healed and to see how Jesus would heal other people. With so many people following, Jesus wanted to show his disciples another great miracle. So, Jesus asked Phillip how they would feed all these. Phillip answered saying they only had two hundred pennies. How would such a little amount of money buy food for this entire multitude? Another of the disciples pointed out that a boy was in the crowd with five loaves and a few fish. Jesus would use this to do a great miracle!

John 5:43-47 I am come in my Father's name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive. (44) How can ye believe, which receive honour one of another, and seek not the honour that cometh from God only? (45) Do not think that I will accuse you to the Father: there is one that accuseth you, even Moses, in whom ye trust. (46) For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me: for he wrote of me. (47) But if ye believe not his writings, how shall ye believe my words?

Many of the Jews know the Law of Moses. Some have even memorized the first five books of the Bible. As much as they knew about the Bible, the Word of God, they did not know the Living Word. When they stand before God, their accuser will be the very books so many of them memorized. It is proof that we can know about Jesus without ever really knowing Jesus in salvation. Do you really know Jesus in sweet salvation?

John 5:37-42 And the Father himself, which hath sent me, hath borne witness of me. Ye have neither heard his voice at any time, nor seen his shape. (38) And ye have not his word abiding in you: for whom he hath sent, him ye believe not. (39) Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. (40) And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life. (41) I receive not honour from men. (42) But I know you, that ye have not the love of God in you.

When Jesus stood to speak, He had His own testimony to show who He really was. People could look at the miracles Jesus did and see that He was telling the truth. In addition to the miracles, Jesus had the testimony of the Scriptures to show who He was. Still, the Jews did not know that Jesus was the Son of God, that He was their Messiah. If they had only trusted Jesus, trusted the Scriptures, trusted John the Baptist, they could have known the love of God and they could have known Salvation.

John 5:31-36 If I bear witness of myself, my witness is not true. (32) There is another that beareth witness of me; and I know that the witness which he witnesseth of me is true. (33) Ye sent unto John, and he bare witness unto the truth. (34) But I receive not testimony from man: but these things I say, that ye might be saved. (35) He was a burning and a shining light: and ye were willing for a season to rejoice in his light. (36) But I have greater witness than that of John: for the works which the Father hath given me to finish, the same works that I do, bear witness of me, that the Father hath sent me.

Jesus said, “If I bear witness of myself, my witness is not true.” In verse 36, Jesus said, “…the same works I do, bear witness of me…” Can Jesus lie? No, of course Jesus cannot sin. Jesus cannot lie. In fact, Jesus cannot sin at all. So, if Jesus is saying He is God, is He really God?
We can stand and tell everyone around us how we know we are a Christian. However, no matter what we say, what we do will show the people around us what we really are. What do your actions tell people about you?

John 5:24-30 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. (25) Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live. (26) For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself; (27) And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man. (28) Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, (29) And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation. (30) I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.

Jesus is trying to explain why He is here: to offer everlasting life to all who believe. You see, there will be a time when everyone will be resurrected (will come out of their grave). Everyone will stand before Jesus. Those who are saved will be a part of the Resurrection of Life while those who are not saved will be a part of the Resurrection of damnation. The saved will go to heaven and the ones who are not saved will go to hell. What makes the difference? Verse 24 holds the key. Those who believe will be a part of the Resurrection of Life. Do you believe?

John 5:17-23 But Jesus answered them, My Father worketh hitherto, and I work. (18) Therefore the Jews sought the more to kill him, because he not only had broken the sabbath, but said also that God was his Father, making himself equal with God. (19) Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise. (20) For the Father loveth the Son, and sheweth him all things that himself doeth: and he will shew him greater works than these, that ye may marvel. (21) For as the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them; even so the Son quickeneth whom he will. (22) For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son: (23) That all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him.

You can almost imagine the Jew’s hatred for Jesus growing just as a pot boils harder and harder. Every word out of Jesus mouth made them more and more angry. Now, they are ready to kill Jesus, but His work is far from over. Jesus is here to save people from hell but the Jews want to keep their power structure in place.
Now, as if the Jew’s hatred for Jesus is not strong enough, Jesus explains how he and God the Father are indeed one and how God the Father has given power to Jesus. In the eye of the Jewish man, this is blasphemy.

John 5:10-16 The Jews therefore said unto him that was cured, It is the sabbath day: it is not lawful for thee to carry thy bed. (11) He answered them, He that made me whole, the same said unto me, Take up thy bed, and walk. (12) Then asked they him, What man is that which said unto thee, Take up thy bed, and walk? (13) And he that was healed wist not who it was: for Jesus had conveyed himself away, a multitude being in that place. (14) Afterward Jesus findeth him in the temple, and said unto him, Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee. (15) The man departed, and told the Jews that it was Jesus, which had made him whole. (16) And therefore did the Jews persecute Jesus, and sought to slay him, because he had done these things on the sabbath day.

The more we study Jesus, the more we understand how the Jews did not like Jesus. Here, Jesus (who is God, by the way) healed someone and the Jews are accusing Jesus of breaking the law. Remember, Jesus is the one who created the law. By the way, Jesus is also the one who created the Jews, you and I. If Jesus wants to heal one of us, He can. If Jesus wants to do anything, He can. But, it will get more interesting before the end of this chapter.

John 5:1-9 After this there was a feast of the Jews; and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. (2) Now there is at Jerusalem by the sheep market a pool, which is called in the Hebrew tongue Bethesda, having five porches. (3) In these lay a great multitude of impotent folk, of blind, halt, withered, waiting for the moving of the water. (4) For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and troubled the water: whosoever then first after the troubling of the water stepped in was made whole of whatsoever disease he had. (5) And a certain man was there, which had an infirmity thirty and eight years. (6) When Jesus saw him lie, and knew that he had been now a long time in that case, he saith unto him, Wilt thou be made whole? (7) The impotent man answered him, Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool: but while I am coming, another steppeth down before me. (8) Jesus saith unto him, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk. (9) And immediately the man was made whole, and took up his bed, and walked: and on the same day was the sabbath.

Imagine not being able to walk, but knowing a cure was only a few feet away. Every year, you come to this healing pool, but you are pushed aside by people wanting their own healing. How would you feel after thirty-eight years of trying? That is exactly how this man felt. If only someone would help him into the water. No one ever did.
Ah, but one day, Jesus came by. When Jesus came by, this man who could not walk did not need help getting into the pool of water, he drank of the Living Water, he trusted in Jesus and Jesus made him whole.

John 4:46-54 So Jesus came again into Cana of Galilee, where he made the water wine. And there was a certain nobleman, whose son was sick at Capernaum. (47) When he heard that Jesus was come out of Judaea into Galilee, he went unto him, and besought him that he would come down, and heal his son: for he was at the point of death. (48) Then said Jesus unto him, Except ye see signs and wonders, ye will not believe. (49) The nobleman saith unto him, Sir, come down ere my child die. (50) Jesus saith unto him, Go thy way; thy son liveth. And the man believed the word that Jesus had spoken unto him, and he went his way. (51) And as he was now going down, his servants met him, and told him, saying, Thy son liveth. (52) Then inquired he of them the hour when he began to amend. And they said unto him, Yesterday at the seventh hour the fever left him. (53) So the father knew that it was at the same hour, in the which Jesus said unto him, Thy son liveth: and himself believed, and his whole house. (54) This is again the second miracle that Jesus did, when he was come out of Judaea into Galilee.

When we get toward the end of the book of John, we will see that Jesus did many more miracles than could ever be recorded. Here, we see another miracle. A nobleman rushes in to see Jesus – his son is dying. This nobleman is rich, powerful and yet he cannot save his own son. Can Jesus save his son? Jesus said the Jews were looking for a sign. They wanted proof of the power Jesus had. Jesus gave them their proof. Jesus proved Himself to this nobleman by healing his son. Even today, the Jews are still looking for proof that Jesus is their Messiah. Even today, they do not believe. What do you believe?

John 4:39-45 And many of the Samaritans of that city believed on him for the saying of the woman, which testified, He told me all that ever I did. (40) So when the Samaritans were come unto him, they besought him that he would tarry with them: and he abode there two days. (41) And many more believed because of his own word; (42) And said unto the woman, Now we believe, not because of thy saying: for we have heard him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world. (43) Now after two days he departed thence, and went into Galilee. (44) For Jesus himself testified, that a prophet hath no honour in his own country. (45) Then when he was come into Galilee, the Galilaeans received him, having seen all the things that he did at Jerusalem at the feast: for they also went unto the feast.

This woman had just believed in Jesus – she had just been saved. As soon as she was saved, she ran back to her town, to her people and family and told them what had happened. She was so excited that her soul had been rescued. In fact, her joy was so great that others around her wanted what she had. They wanted to know more about Jesus too. When people are around you, do they see the joy of the Lord in you? Do you make people want to get to know Jesus?

John 4:27-38 And upon this came his disciples, and marvelled that he talked with the woman: yet no man said, What seekest thou? or, Why talkest thou with her? (28) The woman then left her waterpot, and went her way into the city, and saith to the men, (29) Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ? (30) Then they went out of the city, and came unto him. (31) In the mean while his disciples prayed him, saying, Master, eat. (32) But he said unto them, I have meat to eat that ye know not of. (33) Therefore said the disciples one to another, Hath any man brought him ought to eat? (34) Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work. (35) Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest. (36) And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together. (37) And herein is that saying true, One soweth, and another reapeth. (38) I sent you to reap that whereon ye bestowed no labour: other men laboured, and ye are entered into their labours.

Harvest time is upon us! Jesus explains to the disciples that the fields are white, or ready for harvest. Everywhere we go; there are people around us who need to be saved. There are people around us who are ready to be saved. However, we often fail to tell people about Jesus. How often do you tell someone what Jesus has done for you?
Jesus was also telling them that no one person is ever responsible for someone being saved. Sometimes, people may plant a seed of faith. Others may encourage that seed to grow. Finally, someone may come along with just the right words to help that person saved.

John 4:20-26 Our fathers worshipped in this mountain; and ye say, that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship. (21) Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father. (22) Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews. (23) But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. (24) God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. (25) The woman saith unto him, I know that Messias cometh, which is called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things. (26) Jesus saith unto her, I that speak unto thee am he.

The Jews are still looking for the Messiah, but what is the Messiah? The Word Messiah means anointed. Jesus is the Messiah, He is the one anointed by God. Not only is Jesus the anointed one, Jesus is also our Deliverer, our Salvation. Jesus is the Savior of the world. Today, there are many people who do not know Jesus as their Savior. The Jews are among these people. They are still looking for the Messiah to come. Are you looking for the Messiah or have you already accepted Jesus as your Messiah, as you Savior?

John 4:15-19 The woman saith unto him, Sir, give me this water, that I thirst not, neither come hither to draw. (16) Jesus saith unto her, Go, call thy husband, and come hither. (17) The woman answered and said, I have no husband. Jesus said unto her, Thou hast well said, I have no husband: (18) For thou hast had five husbands; and he whom thou now hast is not thy husband: in that saidst thou truly. (19) The woman saith unto him, Sir, I perceive that thou art a prophet.

This woman is asking for the water. At first, she still does not completely understand what she is asking for. Jesus is quickly able to prove that He is more than just another man. He explains to her that she has had five husbands. Jesus also tells her that the man she is with now is not her husband. How would a normal man, who she had never met, know this? A normal man would not, but Jesus is no normal man. What does Jesus know about you that no one else knows?

John 4:9-14 Then saith the woman of Samaria unto him, How is it that thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me, which am a woman of Samaria? for the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans. (10) Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water. (11) The woman saith unto him, Sir, thou hast nothing to draw with, and the well is deep: from whence then hast thou that living water? (12) Art thou greater than our father Jacob, which gave us the well, and drank thereof himself, and his children, and his cattle? (13) Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again: (14) But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.

Sometimes, we refer to Jesus as the Living Water. Sometimes, we say that Jesus offers us the Water of Life. This woman had come to a well to draw water to drink. She was thirsty. However, she did not know just how thirsty her soul was. Jesus offered her this Water of Life or the gift of life. Jesus was offering to save her. At first, she did not understand who she was talking to and she did not understand how Jesus could give her water when He didn’t even have anything to draw the water. Soon, she will understand all of this.

John 4:1-8 When therefore the Lord knew how the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John, (2) (Though Jesus himself baptized not, but his disciples,) (3) He left Judaea, and departed again into Galilee. (4) And he must needs go through Samaria. (5) Then cometh he to a city of Samaria, which is called Sychar, near to the parcel of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph. (6) Now Jacob's well was there. Jesus therefore, being wearied with his journey, sat thus on the well: and it was about the sixth hour. (7) There cometh a woman of Samaria to draw water: Jesus saith unto her, Give me to drink. (8) (For his disciples were gone away unto the city to buy meat.)

What is a disciple? A disciple is someone follows another person or someone who learns from another. If we are following Jesus and learning from Him, we are His disciples. Are you a disciple of Jesus? Are you doing what Jesus wants you to do? Are you learning what Jesus wants you to learn?

John 3:32-36 And what he hath seen and heard, that he testifieth; and no man receiveth his testimony. (33) He that hath received his testimony hath set to his seal that God is true. (34) For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him. (35) The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand. (36) He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.

John had testified of Jesus for some time, yet there were only a few people who believed him. Those who did believe the testimony of John the Baptist were saved. These people have everlasting life. However, those who did not believe what John the Baptist said have the wrath of God. Which is better?
What does it mean to be saved? What does it mean to not be saved? Pretend someone asked you how to get saved. Could you answer them? Use the next page to briefly describe what you would say to them.

John 3:27-31 John answered and said, A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven. (28) Ye yourselves bear me witness, that I said, I am not the Christ, but that I am sent before him. (29) He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom's voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled. (30) He must increase, but I must decrease. (31) He that cometh from above is above all: he that is of the earth is earthly, and speaketh of the earth: he that cometh from heaven is above all. .

Everything we ever get which is good comes from God. This includes our salvation. The Jews were still trying to get John the Baptist to say something they could use against him. John the Baptist kept telling these Jews that he was not Jesus. Then John the Baptist explains why he was so happy. John the Baptist explains that he was the friend of the groom and that Jesus was the groom. When there is a wedding, it is natural for the friends of the groom to be happy. This is why John the Baptist was happy. John the Baptist adds, “He must increase, but I must decrease.” John the Baptist was telling the Jews that Jesus was the most important person. Do you see good in your life because of Christ?

John 3:22-26 After these things came Jesus and his disciples into the land of Judaea; and there he tarried with them, and baptized. (23) And John also was baptizing in AEnon near to Salim, because there was much water there: and they came, and were baptized. (24) For John was not yet cast into prison. (25) Then there arose a question between some of John's disciples and the Jews about purifying. (26) And they came unto John, and said unto him, Rabbi, he that was with thee beyond Jordan, to whom thou barest witness, behold, the same baptizeth, and all men come to him. .

The Jews were always confused about Jesus. The Jews were also looking for every chance they could find to catch Jesus or His disciples in a mistake. This is just another example of the Jews trying to cause problems. They were asking who was right: Jesus or John the Baptist. They were both baptizing and the Jews didn’t know what to think. Of course, both John the Baptist and Jesus were right in what they were doing.

John 3:17-21 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. (18) He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. (19) And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. (20) For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. (21) But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God. .

Can you imagine what heaven must be like? Can you imagine anyone leaving heaven and coming to the earth to live? That is what Jesus did. This passage tells us why Jesus left heaven and came to the earth. God came to the earth to save all of mankind. Everyone doesn’t want to be saved. Remember from chapter 1 where we saw that Jesus was the light, but most men don’t want to receive the light (Jesus). In this passage, Jesus is explaining that men love to live in darkness. People love to live in their sin. Sin is fun, no one wants to give it up. Jesus offers us a chance to come out of the darkness and come to Jesus – the light.

John 3:13-16 And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven. (14) And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: (15) That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. (16) For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. .

Jesus refers to Numbers 21. Because the people were speaking against God, God sent serpents in among the people. Anyone who was bitten by one of these serpents would die. God, in His mercy, gave them an escape. God instructed Moses to hold a brass serpent (snake) up on a pole. When someone was bitten, all they had to do was look at one of these serpents and they would be healed.
Jesus explained that He would be lifted up just as Moses lifted up a serpent. Jesus went on to explain that anyone, no matter who they were, could believe in Jesus and be saved.

John 3:7-12 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. (8) The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit. (9) Nicodemus answered and said unto him, How can these things be? (10) Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things? (11) Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness. (12) If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things? .

Jesus had already told Nicodemus that he must be born again and Nicodemus did not understand how this could be. Jesus was trying to explain to Nicodemus that there are many things that we do not understand. We don’t understand where the wind comes from or where it goes, but we believe in the wind. Likewise, we cannot see how someone can be saved or born a second time, but it is still true that we must be born again.

John 3:1-6 There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: (2) The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him. (3) Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. (4) Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born? (5) Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. (6) That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. .

Jesus told Nicodemus something very strange. Jesus said a man must be born a second time. At first, Nicodemus did not understand this. He thought, “How can someone be born again when he is grown?” Nicodemus did not realize Jesus was talking about a Spiritual birth. When a baby is born, that is their physical birth. That is the birth of water Jesus was speaking of. However, Jesus said a person must be born of water and of the Spirit to see the kingdom of God.

John 2:23-25 Now when he was in Jerusalem at the passover, in the feast day, many believed in his name, when they saw the miracles which he did. (24) But Jesus did not commit himself unto them, because he knew all men, (25) And needed not that any should testify of man: for he knew what was in man. .

As we read in John 21:25, Jesus performed so many miracles that all of them could not be recorded. John 2:23 shows us another example of this. He did many miracles, but they were not all recorded.
Do you really believe Jesus did so many miracles? Can you image what it would have been like to follow Jesus when He was alive?

John 2:18-22 Then answered the Jews and said unto him, What sign shewest thou unto us, seeing that thou doest these things? (19) Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up. (20) Then said the Jews, Forty and six years was this temple in building, and wilt thou rear it up in three days? (21) But he spake of the temple of his body. (22) When therefore he was risen from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this unto them; and they believed the scripture, and the word which Jesus had said. .

The Jews were always looking for a sign. They did not believe Jesus was the Messiah and they still do not believe in Him. When Jesus ran the merchants and money changers out of the temples, the Jews were almost mocking when they asked what Jesus was trying to show them. The answer is simple: Jesus wanted them to know that His house was not to be a store. But Jesus also said He could rebuild the temple in three days if it were destroyed. When Jesus said that, He was not talking about the actual building, He was talking about Himself. He knew that the Jews would try to destroy Him and He knew that He would come out of the grave after three days.

John 2:15-17 And when he had made a scourge of small cords, he drove them all out of the temple, and the sheep, and the oxen; and poured out the changers' money, and overthrew the tables; (16) And said unto them that sold doves, Take these things hence; make not my Father's house an house of merchandise. (17) And his disciples remembered that it was written, The zeal of thine house hath eaten me up. .

As the Feast of the Passover was approaching, Jesus went to the temple. When He got there, he found people selling things and changing money inside the temple. The temple was a place of worship – God never intended it to be a place where people bought and sold things to make a profit. However, that is exactly what these people were doing. They were trying to make a profit in God’s house. Jesus was very angry with them. He was so angry that He made a whip out of some small cords and drove these profiteers out.
Do you think it makes Jesus happy when people sell stuff in church?

John 2:12-14 After this he went down to Capernaum, he, and his mother, and his brethren, and his disciples: and they continued there not many days. (13) And the Jews' passover was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem, (14) And found in the temple those that sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the changers of money sitting: .

The Feast of the Passover was a very important time for every Jew. This feast was when all of Israel looked back to the time when they were delivered from the Egyptians. Remember how the Israelites were slaves to the Egyptians? Remember how God killed the firstborn of all the Egyptians? Remember how God skipped over the houses which had lambs blood on the door? That was the Passover or the time when the angel of death passed over. This was a very important day for the Israelites and everyone wanted to go to the temple to make a sacrifice. Of course, whenever a lot of people get together, there will also be a lot of people trying to sell stuff and make a little money. Does Jesus want the temple (or the church) to be a place for us to sell stuff and make money?

John 2:9-11 When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and knew not whence it was: (but the servants which drew the water knew;) the governor of the feast called the bridegroom, (10) And saith unto him, Every man at the beginning doth set forth good wine; and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse: but thou hast kept the good wine until now. (11) This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him.

The servants have filled the pots with water and Jesus made that water into sweet, unfermented grape juice. Now, the ruler of the feast is confused. They have been drinking for a long time. Usually, when they had a big feast like this one, they would put the best of the sweet-wine out first. When that was gone, they would put out some that was a little older out. So it would go until they would eventually get down to the wine which had spoiled. Now, the servants are putting out the best wine of the day. Some of the people there knew what Jesus had done. Jesus had performed His first recorded miracle.