Monday, February 28, 2022

I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness

John 8:12-20

When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.

The Pharisees challenged him, “Here you are, appearing as your own witness; your testimony is not valid.”

Jesus answered, “Even if I testify on my own behalf, my testimony is valid, for I know where I came from and where I am going. But you have no idea where I come from or where I am going. You judge by human standards; I pass judgment on no one. But if I do judge, my decisions are true, because I am not alone. I stand with the Father, who sent me. In your own Law it is written that the testimony of two witnesses is true. I am one who testifies for myself; my other witness is the Father, who sent me.”

“You do not know me or my Father,” Jesus replied. If you knew me, you would know my Father also.” He spoke these words while teaching in the temple courts near the place where the offerings were put. Yet no one seized him, because his hour had not yet come.

Jesus again uses one of the ceremonies of the feast to explain his own mission. At dusk they lit four great golden candelabra to symbolize the pillar of fire by which God guided his people through the desert by night. Jesus says he will give the light which is life itself to all who follow him.

There is no validity in claims like these made without back-up, say the Pharisees. Jesus calls God to witness, but they are mystified by his talk of  'the Father'

Why?

When people talk from his own concept and his own standard there is no truth, they won't know what Jesus says. So the Pharisees challenged Jesus.

Jesus is the light of the world, Jesus is the light of the life for all who follow Jesus.

It is useless when people harden their hearts, insist on their own minds, there is no way to accept Jesus. So the way to heaven is narrow and hard to find, but the way to the darkness and destroy is broad and many people walk on it.

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猶太人在住棚節會點蠟燭在廣場,耶穌說他是世界的光。耶穌都針對猶太人的儀式,導正真正的含義。倒水的儀式中,說他可以供應活水。

這個婦女,不要再犯罪,指出人的無知,被蒙蔽。人在黑暗中,不知道從那裏來,往那裏去,不知人的最終目標。我們跟著耶穌走,我們才知道自己的目標。

耶穌把自己和天父畫上等號。

人喜歡做審判者,因為不會被審判。

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How?

I believe Jesus is the light of life, I will follow Jesus through all my life.






Sunday, February 27, 2022

Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin"

John 8:1-11

At dawn he appeared again in the temple courts, where all the people gathered around him, and he sat down to teach them. The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group and said to Jesus, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say? They were using this question as a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing him.

But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger. When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground.

Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?”  “No one, sir,” she said  Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.”

Although this story is probably genuine, it is unlikely that it originally belonged here (some manuscripts place it after Luke 21:38). The lawyers are trying to trap Jesus. They intend to push him either into contradicting the Mosaic law or into falling foul of the Roman authorities, who did not allow Jews to carry out a death sentence. But Jesus did neither - more did he condemn, or condone the woman's conduct. He gave her a second chance.

Why?

The lawers have no mercy and love they try to be a judgment before the men and try to trap Jesus.

Jesus is love and his coming is to teach us the way to getting eternal life. For all the human beings have sinned and have no hope from sins.

Go and leave your life of sin is the word of Jesus to the woman, and it is giving to us either.

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面對法利賽人抓到行淫的婦人,要看耶穌如何處理?是否會遵守律法?若耶穌定她罪,就顯出沒有慈愛了。法利賽人想定別人的罪,耶穌在想赦免人的罪。人喜歡定別人的罪,指出別人的罪來顯出自己的好。他們做了是要人看見,用指責別人來定別人的罪,比濫!耶穌要文士、法利賽人先認自己人的責,動機被耶穌指出,不要雙重標準,他們暗地所行的是否要受罰。

耶穌來本來就不是定人的罪,而是傳恩典與真理!摩西只告訴人律法,耶穌傳律法與恩典!不要再犯罪是律法。我們在指責別人時,也求神光照我們看到自己的罪!讓我們更多憐憫人。

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How?

Jesus is the only righteous man in the world, but his coming is to bring the way of eternal life to all of us. 



Saturday, February 26, 2022

Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them

John 7:37-52

On the last and greatest day of the festival, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.”

On hearing his words, some of the people said, “Surely this man is the Prophet.” Others said, “He is the Messiah.”

Still others asked, “How can the Messiah come from Galilee? Does not Scripture say that the Messiah will come from David’s descendants and from Bethlehem, the town where David lived?”

Nicodemus, who had gone to Jesus earlier and who was one of their own number, asked, Does our law condemn a man without first hearing him to find out what he has been doing?

They replied, “Are you from Galilee, too? Look into it, and you will find that a prophet does not come out of Galilee.”

Again the response is mixed, and the guards sent to arrest him come back enpty-handed, to the anger of the Pharisee authorities. The rabble may know nothing of the law but Nicodemus does - yet they will not hear him.

Why?

If there is no background of the law like popular people when they heard what Jesus said they believe Jesus is the Messiah, the Prophet. But to the Pharisees, they thought they have fully understood the Laws, but they did not identify that Jesus is the Messiah.

Selfish and proud may blind people's eyes and hearts. This is the reason why people refuse Jesus as their Lord. Meanwhile, as Christian we have to care for ourselves don't be proud or think we are saved, it is the way of our life has to be a good followers of Jesus.

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住棚節猶太人求有水喝有瑪哪吃,耶穌說我就是生命的糧,有生命的活水,且信的人要流出活水如江河。可以造福他人。

尼哥的母提出的疑問很普通,但是這些人心中本來就不信不想去查明,預設立場的人,當然不會相信。已經被預設的立場所干擾,阻擋了。

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How?

Dear Lord, please guide my way and remind my heart, let me walk on your word and your Spiritual guidance.

神所差來的…

 要做翻轉的工作,首先翻轉自己,再教會,這個世代。

耶穌:永遠的贖罪祭

和平是什麼?不是與世界妥協。差我來的要做什麼?不是要來得好處?我們是否長大?我們必須是見證人,翻轉時代。時代亂,我們要成爲時代的以斯帖。

了解世界,看透世界,不是融入這世界。

國與國簽約其中有魔鬼,在國與國之間。

在律法中,沒有真理就失去,

聖靈在我們裏面,似江河的水。

我們教會幸福的太自然,誤以為我們可以。如參孫,當聖靈同在可以擊殺千人,神的靈離開,他以為自己還是很厲害!

神給我們平安喜樂不要忘記神的使命,我們的身份!





Friday, February 25, 2022

Because his hour had not yet come

John 7:25-36

Here he is, speaking publicly, and they are not saying a word to him. Have the authorities really concluded that he is the Messiah? But we know where this man is from; when the Messiah comes, no one will know where he is from.” 

Then Jesus, still teaching in the temple courts, cried out, Yes, you know me, and you know where I am from. I am not here on my own authority, but he who sent me is true. You do not know him, but I know him because I am from him and he sent me.”

At this they tried to seize him, but no one laid a hand on him, because his hour had not yet come. Still, many in the crowd believed in him. They said, “When the Messiah comes, will he perform more signs than this man?

Jesus said, I am with you for only a short time, and then I am going to the one who sent me. You will look for me, but you will not find me; and where I am, you cannot come.”

Why?

Many people didn't understand what Jesus says meaning. Bt some people believed in him, for Jesus performs more signs as Messiah does.

People knew where Jesus came from, actually, they did not know where Jesus comes from. Even Jesus mother didn't know.

Jesus said he came from where who sent him to here. Jesus has the authority from heaven.

Jesus has his time, so Jesus said his hour had not yet come. For Jesus is the Lord, no one knows the time and the event will be.

It is truth that Jesus has only a short time, then people look for Him, but they did not find Him.

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三種人議論耶穌:

1.相信傳統猶太律法、傳統的判斷。彌賽亞即使來也沒有人知道,直到以利亞來膏抹,這些又加上人的想法,以致完全背離聖經的本意。傳統是一點聖經說法加上人的私慾、成見。先有傳統、理論在心中來衡量耶穌。我們對耶穌的認識是什麼?

2.想要殺耶穌的人:正在抗拒神還以為為神大發熱心!耶穌已經指出他們的矛盾,他們還是堅持自己的想法,抹殺聖靈的感動、忽略聖靈的指示。

3. 相信耶穌是彌賽亞:根據耶穌所行的來看耶穌。比較接近正常認識神的。比較容易準確,若再加上神的話語就更正確了。我所在的地方: 一個是地方,二是擁有的身份。一位外表看來與我們一樣,但是卻從神而來的。從外表我們很難知道,除非我們願意順服、人用人的想法完全不能認識耶穌,耶穌本來與我們不在同一個層次。

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How?

Jesus is the Lord! He is the messiah! Praise to the Jesus Christ and honor his holy name.


Thursday, February 24, 2022

Stop judging by mere appearances, but instead judge correctly

John 7:11-24

Now at the festival the Jewish leaders were watching for Jesus and asking, “Where is he?” Among the crowds there was widespread whispering about him. Some said, “He is a good man.” Others replied, “No, he deceives the people.” 

Not until halfway through the festival did Jesus go up to the temple courts and begin to teach. The Jews there were amazed and asked, “How did this man get such learning without having been taught?”

Jesus answered, My teaching is not my own. It comes from the one who sent me. Anyone who chooses to do the will of God will find out whether my teaching comes from God or whether I speak on my own. Whoever speaks on their own does so to gain personal glory, but he who seeks the glory of the one who sent him is a man of truth; there is nothing false about him. Has not Moses given you the law? Yet not one of you keeps the law. Why are you trying to kill me?”

Now if a boy can be circumcised on the Sabbath so that the law of Moses may not be broken, why are you angry with me for healing a man’s whole body on the Sabbath? Stop judging by mere appearances, but instead judge correctly.”

As opposition mounts, individuals take sides. Jesus' teaching and his miracles convince some. Others raise difficulties. But no one who genuinely wants to do God's will is left in doubt.

Why?

Jesus comes for teaching people the right way to eternal life. The miracles are for some special love to the people and show his power.

Whoever speaks on their own does so to gain personal glory, but he who seeks the glory of the one who sent him is a man of truth: there is nothing false about him. This is the real man of the Lord. Only Jesus has this character.

The word of the Lord is more important than the feature for Jesus's word is the life and the light to all who come to Jesus.

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耶穌在會堂教訓人,是來耶路撒冷的目的。耶穌沒有讀過聖經,沒有學歷、沒有跟過拉比,怎麼能夠有權威。

人要放下成見,學歷,我們就能認識耶穌,要有願意順服、謙卑的心。明白神的話語。如果不回到神起初的心意,就不能認識神。人常常定下一個規定來要求自己。

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How?

Jesus brings the good news to us, but only the humble men accept Him. This is the mercy choice from the Lord.




Wednesday, February 23, 2022

My time is not yet here; for you any time will do

John 7:1-10

But when the Jewish Festival of Tabernacles was near, Jesus’ brothers said to him, “Leave Galilee and go to Judea, so that your disciples there may see the works you do. No one who wants to become a public figure acts in secret. Since you are doing these things, show yourself to the world.” For even his own brothers did not believe in him. 

Therefore Jesus told them, My time is not yet here; for you any time will do. The world cannot hate you, but it hates me because I testify that its works are evil. You go to the festival. I am not going up to this festival, because my time has not yet fully come.” After he had said this, he stayed in Galilee.

However, after his brothers had left for the festival, he went also, not publicly, but in secret.

The last time Jesus visited Jerusalem there was trouble, ending in a plot against his life. In Judea his life is still in danger. But his 'time'(the time of his death) has not yet come, so he avoids publicity.

Why?

Jesus came it not for welcome in the world, he is not gain the good name from people, but to save the life of sinners. 

My time is not yet here, Jesus knows what he has to do. Jesus did not follow others. 

Even his own brothers did not believe in Him, but Jesus knew his mission and his way, his time.

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第六章是逾越節,耶穌的工作集中在加利利,因為工作還沒有完成,所以沒有去。第七章是住棚節。相隔約六個月。耶穌的弟弟也希望耶穌去人多的地方,藉著神蹟,吸引更多人看見。耶穌弟弟也是看見神蹟才會相信的人。

耶穌做任何事情有他的時候,這裏是指受死的時候。他知道什麼時候做什麼事,不要人要他行事,如水變酒時耶穌告訴他母親,我的時候還沒有到,神蹟是按照神的計劃進行。耶穌來是傳神的話,就是靈就是生命,看神蹟令人振奮,但是神的話更重要。

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How?

What purpose I am doing every day, to do a good witness of Christian and obey the word of the Lord.




Tuesday, February 22, 2022

The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing

John 6:60-71

On hearing it, many of his disciples said, “This is a hard teaching. Who can accept it? 

Aware that his disciples were grumbling about this, Jesus said to them, “Does this offend you? Then what if you see the Son of Man ascend to where he was before! The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you—they are full of the Spirit and life. Yet there are some of you who do not believe.” For Jesus had known from the beginning which of them did not believe and who would betray him. He went on to say, This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless the Father has enabled them.”

From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him.

Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and to know that you are the Holy One of God.”

Then Jesus replied, “Have I not chosen you, the Twelve? Yet one of you is a devil!” (He meant Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, who, though one of the Twelve, was later to betray him.)

Those who put a crudely literal interpretation on Jesus' words were disgusted. The law forbade the drinking of blood. The meat had to be specially butchered to meet the law's requirements. Yet the reason for that rule would have helped them to understand Jesus. Leviticus 17:11 says, 'it is the blood that makes atonement, by reason of the life'. So Jesus is saying. 'I am atoning for your sin; avail yourselves of my sacrifice.

Many of his followers turn away: they do not want this sort of Messiah. But the Twelve remain, in growing faith. Peter speaks for them all: 'Lor... you have the message of eternal life... we have come to know that you are the Holy One of God'. Yet one will betray him.

Why?

Many people refuse Jesus because they have their own idea and concept the eternal life, they do not devote their right to the Lord, they like to make decisions in their own way.

To get eternal life to have to devote our own way and submit the right to the Lord, for the eternal life is given from the Spirit. The words of Jesus is life to those who believe Him.

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許多人無法接受耶穌的話於是離開了,兩種人無法信主1)不明白也不想弄明白 即使真的看到復活的主會信嗎?認為耶穌簡直是離經叛道,就是一直用自己的想法來看耶穌,舊約的神是嗜血的人,基督教狂妄了,以自己為審判者來看聖經 2)只追求物質生活的益處,追求物質享受的人,只關心食衣住行,如猶大。即使教會中也有這樣的人。沒有想到神的心意。

v66 耶穌問他的門徒提出挑戰,你們也要去嗎?彼得說你有永生之道....我們已經信了。屬靈原則是先信才會明白。即使信也是神的恩賜,我們即使屬於彼得這種人,我們也沒有可以誇口的。連猶大這第二種人,耶穌也揀選了。神給我們機會,我們是否把握機會,成為彼得的第三種人?

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How?

Get rid of our own mind and idea and trust in the Lord, for God is good, Jesus and Holy Spirit guide my way and protect us from sins.


Monday, February 21, 2022

Very truly I tell you, the one who believes has eternal life. I am the bread of life

John 6:41-59

At this the Jews there began to grumble about him because he said, “I am the bread that came down from heaven.” They said, “Is this not Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? How can he now say, ‘I came down from heaven’?” 

“Stop grumbling among yourselves,” Jesus answered. No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them, and I will raise them up at the last day. It is written in the Prophets: ‘They will all be taught by God.’ Everyone who has heard the Father and learned from him comes to me. No one has seen the Father except the one who is from God; only he has seen the Father. Very truly I tell you, the one who believes has eternal life. I am the bread of life. Your ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness, yet they died. But here is the bread that comes down from heaven, which anyone may eat and not die. I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats this bread will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.”

This is the bread that came down from heaven. Your ancestors ate manna and died, but whoever feeds on this bread will live forever.” He said this while teaching in the synagogue in Capernaum.

The crowd is all in favor of a Messiah who can provide free meals for the asking. No one can live without good. But Jesus comes to provide 'bread' that will satisfy more than physical hunger. He is the bread God gives, the one who comes to give life to the world. Those who believe in him will never hunger.

Paradoxically, it is by laying down his own life that Jesus is able to give others a life 'for ever'. To receive this life it is necessary to accept his sacrifice. At the Last Supper Jesus gave visible expression to this same truth.

Why?

Jesus provides the bread in physical and also in spiritual. Jesus gave the real bread first, attracted many people come, but next, he said the bread of life is himself, but many people argued about this. They did not believe Jesus came from heaven.

If believes Jesus comes from heaven is the Father who sent to Jesus. It is the mercy of the Lord that comes down so our heart may be changed and turn to Jesus Christ. It is not for our effort or our struggle but it is the work of the Lord. What we have to do, is trust in Jesus and obey his words.

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從猶太人反應可以了解人為什麼不信?因為從人的經驗來判斷,人的經驗有限,他是木匠的兔子。屬靈的事不能從經驗來看,如路得,但以理的三個朋友

2)要敏銳於神的帶領:屬靈的路要怎麼走,現在有聖靈帶領,看不到,但是可以感受到。

3)聽了要願意學習、要改變,用屬天的觀點看事情。不是自己判斷後找聖經來證明自己。吃生命的糧才能讓人永遠活著。吃耶穌的肉與血是指與耶穌連合。我們是否住在耶穌裏面?耶穌住在我們裏面,我們也在耶穌裏面,血代表生命,耶穌就是我的生命。耶穌代表神的道,把神的話吃了,即放在心裏。不是靠我們做什麼事情得永生,只是單純相信耶穌。

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How?

Jesus is  my Lord, my Savior, Praise his Holy Name forever!




Sunday, February 20, 2022

Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry

John 6:22-40

When they found him on the other side of the lake, they asked him, “Rabbi, when did you get here?” 

Jesus answered, Very truly I tell you, you are looking for me, not because you saw the signs I performed but because you ate the loaves and had your fill. Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on him God the Father has placed his seal of approval.”

Then they asked him, “What must we do to do the works God requires?

Jesus answered, The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.”

Jesus said to them, “Very truly I tell you, it is not Moses who has given you the bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is the bread that comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.”

Then Jesus declared, I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. But as I told you, you have seen me and still you do not believe. All those the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away. For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me. And this is the will of him who sent me, that I shall lose none of all those he has given me, but raise them up at the last day. For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day.”

In the synagogue at Capernaum Jesus takes the bread as is starting-point for a deeper lesson.

   The crowd is all in favor of a Messiah who can provide free meals for the asking. No one can live without food. But Jesus comes to provide 'bread' that will satisfy more than physical hunger. He is the bread God gives, the one who comes to give life to the world/ Those who believe in him will never hunger.

Why?

People like followed Jesus is for the miracles and food. but Jesus told them he is the bread of life, whoever comes to Jesus will never go hungry, and whoever believes in Jesus will never be thirsty.

We ate the loaves and had our fill. But Jesus told us do not work for good that spoils, but for good that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you.

To do the work of the Lord is to believe in the one he has sent, Jesu Christ, the Son of God!

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耶穌知道眾人找耶穌是為了要得到好處,有得吃,得醫病等。耶穌不但指出人的問題,還指出該如何行的路。眾人問耶穌要做什麼工作?人很想靠自己做什麼事,人想要主動權,信是把主動權交給神!信是依靠、信任,完全信任神的安排、按照神的方法。更多的神蹟只會習以為常。眾人期待耶穌是第二個摩西。瑪哪更重要的是預表耶穌,瑪哪是解決暫時的問題,耶穌的道才能解決生命的問題。

人會以為自己的信是否不夠,耶穌指出到耶穌面前的神必保守到底,一個也不失落!我們信主的目的是得到永生。

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How?

Blessing is one who believes in the one God has sent, Jesus Christ.


Saturday, February 19, 2022

Jesus Walks on the Water

John 6:16-21

When evening came, his disciples went down to the lake, where they got into a boat and set off across the lake for Capernaum. By now it was dark, and Jesus had not yet joined them. A strong wind was blowing and the waters grew rough. When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus approaching the boat, walking on the water; and they were frightened. But he said to them, “It is I; don’t be afraid.” 

And in the account of how Jesus came to them that evening, walking across the Lake, he remembers how far they had rowed from shore when they saw him.

Why?

Jesus is the Lord, he can walk on the lake, for physically the density higher than water will sink down into the water. For Jesus is a Spirit and Jesus is fresh in the world so he can do the miracle.

Jesus loves us, he said It is I, don't be afraid. Jesus makes us peace and joy.

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5000人吃飽後上山去,為了要離開這些要他做王的人,若要他們付代價,受苦,我們還願意要求耶穌做我們的主嗎?

說完是我不要怕,登船後立時到了他們所要去的地方,一瞬間就到達目的地,與耶穌同行速度加快。看天氣的經驗、遇到風浪多年的經驗全部派不上場。人常在最有把握的事情上出差錯,但是這些經驗、專業很重要,但是不能成為我們的依靠,我們要因神同在才有依靠。人會悔改是因為神的工作,不是因為這人心地善良。依靠主要從生活中的事情做起,我們愈有能力做些什麼的,愈須要依靠主。

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How?

Praise the Lord and Jesus Christ, walking with Jesus has peace and joy!

Friday, February 18, 2022

Jesus, knowing that they intended to come and make him king by force, withdrew again to a mountain by himself

John 6:1-15

When Jesus looked up and saw a great crowd coming toward him, he said to Philip, Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat? He asked this only to test him, for he already had in mind what he was going to do. 

Philip answered him, “It would take more than half a year’s wages to buy enough bread for each one to have a bite!”

Another of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, spoke up, Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many?

Jesus said, “Have the people sit down.” There was plenty of grass in that place, and they sat down (about five thousand men were there). Jesus then took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted. He did the same with the fish.

After the people saw the sign Jesus performed, they began to say, “Surely this is the Prophet who is to come into the world.” Jesus, knowing that they intended to come and make him king by force, withdrew again to a mountain by himself.

That day when Jesus fed the crowd of people stands out clearly in John's mind, and he tells us details missing from the other three accounts. He remembers which disciples replied to Jesus's question: he recalls the lad who gave up his lunch. 

Why?

In people's minds, it is impossible to feed so many people, it needs a lot of money and much effort to purchases from the field.

Philip and Andrew replied as usual people consideration. It is true, but Jesus did the miracle.

People saw these miracles, they intended to make Jesus be a king, but this is not Jesus' purpose to come to the world.

There is no difficulty to Jesus, he can change water to wine, and support food for over 5000 people.

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耶穌行神蹟,是人想看、好奇而來跟隨耶穌,其實人只為吃飽而已。

腓利:他來自伯塞大,他熟悉這個地方,思考模式是覺得沒有能力,我們思考是否能做,而不是思考神是否可能? 他已經看過耶穌兩次行神蹟,還是用人的方法在思考!

小孩子的想法,他能夠拿出他僅有的,這些都是窮人的食物,大麥餅、魚(不是新鮮的),這是窮人且是小孩子的奉獻,神使用這個最不起眼的人的奉獻。

安得烈把人帶到神面前,讓這個神蹟發生,我們把人帶到神面前,我們不知道會發生什麼事情?

人已經累了,耶穌說你們給他們吃吧!現在不是休息的時間,耶穌讓他們經歷神的話,也解決了自己的民生問題。

12籃表示神蹟的影響不僅在這餐,而是超越時間、空間。神蹟大的人會注意,但是小神蹟常常發生,我們卻常不在意。零碎的五餅二魚,累積起來也是神蹟。

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How?

Save people from sins is more important than eating. All of the suffering comes from sins.



Thursday, February 17, 2022

You study the Scriptures diligently because you think that in them you have eternal life

John 5:31-47

You have sent to John and he has testified to the truth. Not that I accept human testimony; but I mention it that you may be saved. John was a lamp that burned and gave light, and you chose for a time to enjoy his light. 

I have testimony weightier than that of John. For the works that the Father has given me to finish—the very works that I am doing—testify that the Father has sent me. And the Father who sent me has himself testified concerning me. You have never heard his voice nor seen his form, nor does his word dwell in you, for you do not believe the one he sent. You study the Scriptures diligently because you think that in them you have eternal life. These are the very Scriptures that testify about me, yet you refuse to come to me to have life.

 I do not accept glory from human beings, but I know you. I know that you do not have the love of God in your hearts.

How can you believe since you accept glory from one another but do not seek the glory that comes from the only God?

 “But do not think I will accuse you before the Father. Your accuser is Moses, on whom your hopes are set. If you believed Moses, you would believe me, for he wrote about me. But since you do not believe what he wrote, how are you going to believe what I say?”

But his claims for himself are mind-blowing. As 'Son of God'

Why?

Jesus didn't testify himself, but John has testified Him. But people rather chose for a tome to enjoy his light.

People believed that study the Scriptures diligently because there has eternal life, but the truth is the scripture testify about Jesus.

People like to show their own capability and their effort has been done to get the glory from human beings. It is selfishness in human beings for it is came from sins.

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提出五個見證

1.約翰是點著的燈:暫時喜歡:當約翰說好的他們喜歡,責備他們就不喜歡。

2.耶穌所行神蹟的見證:神蹟違背了律法,所以猶太人不想提

3.不相信神的話:聖經字句,不等於神的道。形成一套遵守字句的系統就變成律法,卻沒有神的道。在驕傲中不明神的道。

4.查考聖經:創造的聖經神學不能得到生命。不是用聖經來證明我的生命。而是經由聖經,認識到耶穌、相信耶穌才能夠得到生命。

5.摩西的話:只喜歡從人來的榮耀,不在乎神來的榮耀。猶大人看重遵行律法,內心人看不到。我們追求人的讚美,就會流入法利賽人的光景。

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How?

The real problem is the sins, the only solution is Jesus, who brings light and life to all who believe in Him.





Wednesday, February 16, 2022

Son gives life to whom he is pleased to give it

John 5:10-30

The Jewish leaders said to the man who had been healed, “It is the Sabbath; the law forbids you to carry your mat.”

Later Jesus found him at the temple and said to him, See, you are well again. Stop sinning or something worse may happen to you. The man went away and told the Jewish leaders that it was Jesus who had made him well.

So, because Jesus was doing these things on the Sabbath, the Jewish leaders began to persecute him.  In his defense Jesus said to them, “My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I too am working.” For this reason they tried all the more to kill him; not only was he breaking the Sabbath, but he was even calling God his own Father, making himself equal with God.

For just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, even so the Son gives life to whom he is pleased to give it. Moreover, the Father judges no one, but has entrusted all judgment to the Son, that all may honor the Son just as they honor the Father. Whoever does not honor the Son does not honor the Father, who sent him.

By myself I can do nothing; I judge only as I hear, and my judgment is just, for I seek not to please myself but him who sent me.

It was not the general principle of the sabbath as a special day that he disagreed with (he regularly attended the synagogue) but the petty restrictions imposed by the religious authorities, which often worked against God's purpose in giving people a weekly day for rest and worship. Here he is attacked on two counts - Sabbath-breaking and blasphemy- because he puts his own work on the same level as God's. God's activity in the world did not finish with the creation.

Those who opposed Jesus were right; he was making himself equal to God' - though no independent of him. 'I can do nothing on my own... I do the will of him who sent me.'

Why?

Jesus does what the Father does, God is working until now from his creation.

Sabbath is the day that reminds people to worship God and honor the Lord. But it is not a restriction to love others. The healing shows the love of the Lord, but people like to show their ability and work to gain honor from people.

For I seek not to please myself but him who sent me. Jesus is the Son of the Lord. So he can do the miracle beyond anyone.

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猶太人認為耶穌犯兩個罪,1)在安息日治病治病 2)在安息日搬東西

天父也一直在做工,即使在安息日。1.耶穌順服父,順服在這時代似乎讓人不舒服,有反權威的心態。人因為犯罪,所以想擴張主權,不願意順服。若以愛為基礎,順服就是不困難。一個人是愛主,就是順服遵行神的命令。子與父是愛的關係。2.子要做更大的事,1)叫死人復活、得生命。2)最後的審判。子隨自己的意思,使死人活著,也是照著父的意思。靈性死的人要復活。永生不是死後開始,而是從聽從耶穌的話開始。耶穌的審判原則,完全是照著父的意思。耶穌與天父有相同的權柄。

從耶穌與天父的關係,思想我們與神,與耶穌的關係。順服的原因是因為愛,樂意也期待和神的心意一樣。當我們的心意與神的心意一致時就有無限的喜樂。

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How?

Jesus is the Son of the Lord, I trust and believed it. It is the spring of blessing from heaven.



Tuesday, February 15, 2022

Healing beside the Bethesda

John 5:1-9

Now there is in Jerusalem near the Sheep Gate a pool, which in Aramaic is called Bethesda and which is surrounded by five covered colonnades. Here a great number of disabled people used to lie—the blind, the lame, the paralyzed. One who was there had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, he asked him, “Do you want to get well? 

“Sir,” the invalid replied, “I have no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred. While I am trying to get in, someone else goes down ahead of me.”

Then Jesus said to him, Get up! Pick up your mat and walk. At once the man was cured; he picked up his mat and walked. The day on which this took place was a Sabbath.

The healing of a chronically sick man at the Pool of Bethesda is John's third sign. Jesus clashed with the religious authorities a number of times overhealing on the sabbath.

Why?

Jesus knows the needed people and loves them to heal them. 

Jesus did this healing on Sabbath, breaking the law of religion, which means to break the religious ceremony careless the needy people.

Thirty-eight years laid there and keep waiting, it is almost hopeless waiting. Jesus shows his mercy and cured him.

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畢士大是憐憫的含義,但是這裏完全沒有憐憫的地方,是殘酷的競爭地方。

這裏最需要幫助的人反而得不到憐憫!瞎眼的永遠跑不到前面。池水會動可能是地下水的流動。

在這裏就是行為主義,為什麼不是下水的都得醫治。要強在前面的得醫治,完全是行為主義。如廟裏要強頭香,或是誰是苦行最苦得獎賞,最努力的孩子才得到父母的關愛嗎?。其實父母一定是多花心思來照顧軟弱的子女。

這個病38年的人,相信這個傳說。只有強快跳水,這是靠自己的本事。不要再相信靠自己能力。耶穌告訴他,拿起你的褥子起來。他必須相信耶穌,立刻站起來。我們不是不要做,是要努且要努力做。耶穌沒有拉他起來,似乎很殘忍的叫他站起來。他首先要放下第一個下水的觀念。他要自己努力的站起來,先有神的應許在前面,他相信這話,以前靠的是褥子,現在靠的是耶穌的話。根據神的吩咐、照神的命令努力去做,神的恩典就臨到。

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How?

Jesus knows what we need, and Jesus loves us, supports the best gift to us. Not in our way but in His way.




Monday, February 14, 2022

“Go,” Jesus replied, “your son will live.” The man took Jesus at his word and departed.

John 4:43-54

Once more he visited Cana in Galilee, where he had turned the water into wine. And there was a certain royal official whose son lay sick at Capernaum. When this man heard that Jesus had arrived in Galilee from Judea, he went to him and begged him to come and heal his son, who was close to death.

“Unless you people see signs and wonders,” Jesus told him, “you will never believe.”

 The royal official said, “Sir, come down before my child dies.”  

Go,” Jesus replied, “your son will live.” The man took Jesus at his word and departed.

Then the father realized that this was the exact time at which Jesus had said to him, “Your son will live.” So he and his whole household believedThis was the second sign Jesus performed after coming from Judea to Galilee.

This is the second of the signs recorded by John. Jesus never performed miracles simply to impress. They were intended, as here, to lead to and strengthen faith. John's purpose in recording them is precisely the same.

Why?

Jesus performed miracles leads to strengthening the faith of his followers.

Jesus knows most people like to see miracles, but the mission of Jesus is to turn the hearts of people to the way of the truth. Faith is more important, for all these in the world is short and will pass awsy. 

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耶穌來到加利利,先知的本地就是加利利,沒有人相信他,但是耶穌要給加利利人上一個課,這個大臣來自加百農來到加利利,沒有看到神蹟就信了。這個人是有權勢的,是個外邦人。

耶穌就對他說:若不看見神蹟奇事,你們總是不信。好像對大臣說,其實是藉此向加利利人說。

回去吧,你的兒子活了!那人信耶穌所說的話就回去了。一句責備的話,同時帶著應許。

耶穌藉著外邦人的信心,教導猶太人。耶穌的權柄。大臣信了所以成就了。相信神的話語,神必成就!先有耶穌的話,不是我們一廂情願的想法,不是自己宣告相信。

耶穌行神蹟不是按照人的期望、方法,而是按照神的主權、神的方法。大臣本來想要耶穌和他一起去,也許按手。但是耶穌有自己的方法,不用親自去。神的作為永遠高過我們想的。沒有看見就信的人有福了!

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How?

Jesus is the Lord, how about my faith? Under the trouble and difficulty is the chance to check our faith in Jesus.





Sunday, February 13, 2022

They are ripe for harvest

John 4:27-42

Then, leaving her water jar, the woman went back to the town and said to the people,  “Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Messiah? They came out of the town and made their way toward him. 

Meanwhile his disciples urged him, “Rabbi, eat something.” But he said to them, I have food to eat that you know nothing about.”

“My food,” said Jesus, “is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work. Don’t you have a saying, ‘It’s still four months until harvest’? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest. Even now the one who reaps draws a wage and harvests a crop for eternal life, so that the sower and the reaper may be glad together. Thus the saying ‘One sows and another reaps’ is true. I sent you to reap what you have not worked for. Others have done the hard work, and you have reaped the benefits of their labor.”

She sees Messiah as the answer to everything - and he stands before her. As a result of this seemingly insignificant encounter, many others believe some through the woman's testimony, more through Jesus's own words.

Why?

What matters is that worship should be from the heart and with true faith.

This woman found the Messiah, and through her saying many people turned to Jesus and believed in Him.

My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work. Jesus's mission from the Lord is beyond all his eating and drinking.

It is the time for the ripe for harvest, for God is working, and we can reap the harvest. Don't wait, just do it.

How?

After listening to so many talking and discussions, it is the time for doing, preaching the gospel to people. 


Saturday, February 12, 2022

The true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth

John 4:1-26

When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, Will you give me a drink?

The Samaritan woman said to him, “You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?” (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans. 

Jesus answered her, If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.”

Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”

Jesus said to her, “You are right when you say you have no husband. The fact is, you have had five husbands, and the man you now have is not your husband. What you have just said is quite true.

“Sir,” the woman said, “I can see that you are a prophet. Our ancestors worshiped on this mountain, but you Jews claim that the place where we must worship is in Jerusalem.”

“Woman,” Jesus replied, “believe me, a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem.

Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.

Jesus chooses the short route from Jerusalem to Galilee which takes him through Samaria - normally avoided by Jews, since over 700 years of religious and racial prejudice separated the Jew from the Samaritan. Add to this the Jewish prayer. 'Blessed are thou, O Lord... who has not made me a woman', and the Samaritan woman's surprise when Jesus talks to her is understandable.

Tired and thirsty though he is. Jesus never ignores human needs. As the conversation develops it becomes clear that the woman's need is not physical but spiritual, that she has a moral problem which she side-steps with a theological question.

Why?

Jesus is tired and thirsty, but when he saw the need of this woman, he told her the truth and how to get the water of life. 

Worship the Lord is not limited in any place but with the Spirit and in truth.

Jesus gives us the water of life, let us away from the sins, we may enjoy the water of spirit when we trust in Jesus as our master of life.

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高牧師:20220212

主旨: 心靈與誠實的敬拜

In truth: 方法、地點、都沒有用。叫妳丈夫來

基督徒今天最大的危機是重視外表。

耶穌指出一條道路,指出要撒馬利亞婦人帶她丈夫來,指出她內裏的罪,她立即承認了。她是卑賤的身份。

耶穌說我就是道路、真理、生命。敬拜神要用靈和誠實,即真理。真理中沒有虛假。敬拜神不在乎地點、方法。我們卻常常太在乎方法、形式。參加特會以為自己比其他弟兄姊妹高一等。

對付你自己,心要敞開

Chap 6 :15耶穌既知道眾人要來強逼他作王,就獨自又退到山上去了。這些跟隨耶穌的人不是真的跟從耶穌,而是因為耶穌有好處,有神蹟,可以吃飽!

經歷恩典三部曲

1.領受祝福 詩34:7,8 耶和華的使者在敬畏他的人四圍安營,搭救他們。你們要嘗嘗主恩的滋味,便知道他是美善;投靠他的人有福了!

2.長大成熟 彼前2:2,3 就要愛慕那純淨的靈奶,像才生的嬰孩愛慕奶一樣,叫你們因此漸長,以致得救。你們若嘗過主恩的滋味,就必如此。

3. 合乎主用 來6:4 論到那些已經蒙了光照、嘗過天恩的滋味、又於聖靈有分


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How?

Worship the Lord in the Spirit and in truth.