The Living water

John 4: 1~ 14

¹NOW WHEN the Lord knew (learned, became aware) that the Pharisees had been told that Jesus was winning and baptizing more disciples than John--

²Though Jesus Himself did not baptize, but His disciples--

³He left Judea and returned to Galilee.

⁴It was necessary for Him to go through Samaria.

⁵And in doing so, He arrived at a Samaritan town called Sychar, near the tract of land that Jacob gave to his son Joseph.

⁶And Jacob's well was there. So Jesus, tired as He was from His journey, sat down [to rest] by the well. It was then about the sixth hour (about noon).

⁷Presently, when a woman of Samaria came along to draw water, Jesus said to her, Give Me a drink--

⁸For His disciples had gone off into the town to buy food--

⁹The Samaritan woman said to Him, How is it that ^[a^]You, being a Jew, ask me, a Samaritan [and a] woman, for a drink?--For the Jews have nothing to do with the Samaritans--

¹⁰Jesus answered her, “If you had only known and had recognized God's gift and Who this is that is saying to you, Give Me a drink, you would have asked Him [instead] and He would have given you living water.

¹¹She said to Him, Sir, You have nothing to draw with [no drawing bucket] and the well is deep; how then can You provide living water? [Where do You get Your living water?]

¹²Are You greater than and superior to our ancestor Jacob, who gave us this well and who used to drink from it himself, and his sons and his cattle also?

¹³Jesus answered her, All who drink of this water will be thirsty again.

¹⁴But whoever takes a drink of the water that I will give him shall never, no never, be thirsty any more. But the water that I will give him shall become a spring of water welling up (flowing, bubbling) [continually] within him unto (into, for) eternal life.

I. Message:

Content:

1>（v1-3）³He left Judea and returned to Galilee.
2>（v4-6）Jesus, tired as He was from His journey, sat down by Jacob’s well. It was then about the sixth hour (about noon).
3>（v6-8）A Samaritan woman came to Jacob’s well to draw water, Jesus said to her, “Give me a drink.”
4>（v9-14）Jesus took the opportunity to have an one-on-one discussion about faith with the Samaritan woman.

Theme:
1>The Living water.
2>This is an example of a one-on-one discussion about faith.

II. Who is God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit?

1>（v1-2）Jesus Christ wisely avoids conflicts.
2>（v6）Jesus Christ expressed his humanity- tiredness and thirst.
3>（v7-9）Jesus Christ removes racial prejudice and exclusion.
4>（v10-14）Jesus Christ cares about people and shows the Way of Life to people.
5>（v14）Jesus Christ is the source of living water.

III. What is God teaching me (command, promise, model, rebuke, and warning)?

1>（v1-3）Avoiding conflicts with wisdom

A rival situation surged up when the Pharisees heard that Jesus’ followers were increasing in number. Jesus’ teaching was against the Pharisees’ practices and on top of that, Jesus had become a threat to their social status. Plus, Jesus was supported by the crowd and it caused the Pharisees to be uneasy and jealous. Thus, the enmity against Jesus was surging.

Jesus knew the circumstances quite well. It was not the right time for him to get into a public conflict or hostile situations with the Pharisees at the beginning of his ministry. Thus, he left Judea and returned to Galilee. It was not that he was afraid; rather it was to keep the opportunity to spread the Gospel. Nothing was more important than the Cross that he was to take. Therefore, it was not an act of cowardice, it was a wise choice.

Reflection: Have I ever encountered obstacles and hostilities when I serve the Lord? If yes, how did I handle it? Did I rely on God to make the wisest decision?

2>（v4-6）The human Jesus

The Lord Jesus came to a city of Samaria called Sychar, near the tract of land that Jacob gave to his son Joseph. Jacob’s well was there. Jesus was thirsty and tired, so he sat down by the well. Jesus, the living God, came to the world and became a man like us. Therefore, he is fully God and fully man. When he was on earth, he sometimes showed God’s attributes, such as healing the sick, driving out demons and performing miracles. Sometimes, he showed his human nature, such as weeping, being hungry, thirsty and tired. It is mentioned that Jesus sat by the well, because he was tired after a long journey. This was the expression of his human nature.
Reflection: How much of the attributes of Jesus Christ do I understand, both Divine and humane?

3>（v7-9）Break the tradition of racial exclusion

When Jesus asked the Samaritan woman for a drink, she said to him, “You, being a Jew, ask me, a Samaritan woman, for a drink?” For the Jews have nothing to do with the Samaritans. (v7-9) But, why?

After the Northern kingdom was defeated by the Assyrians, many Israelites were taken into captivity by their conqueror. In the meanwhile, pagans moved into the land of Israel. Mixed marriages were common practices among the people. As a result, the offspring of these marriages were despised by the people of the Southern kingdom and they were considered an impure race. Samaria was the capital of the Northern kingdom; thus they were called Samaritans. Since then, they were despised by the Jews of the Southern kingdom and were excluded from them.

When people went from southern Judea to northern Galilee, they would rather take farther route to by-pass Samaria. It was a strict Jewish tradition, because they did not want to have anything to do with each other. Yet, Jesus directly went through Samaria, and furthermore, he took the initiative to speak to the Samaritan woman. Jesus deliberately broke the tradition.

Reflection: Is there any trace of racism in my heart? What is my approach toward the different ethnic groups currently living in Taiwan? Do I treat them as equals?

4>（v7-14）Caring for the social outcasts
It was scorching hot at high noon and normally, no one would choose to go out to draw water at such a time. The Samaritan woman who was living a sexual immoral life had many husbands; and such behavior was despised by the public. It was shameful for her to be seen by the public; therefore she chose to go out at high noon while there was no one around.

Such a person like her living in the corner of darkness was a social outcast. Commonly speaking, this kind of person was despised, rejected by the society and no one would pay attention to her. Jesus did not despise her nor did he reject her, rather, he was sympathetic, he cared about her and showed her the way of life. Her life had completely changed. Though Jesus abhors sin itself, he has mercy on sinners, especially on the social outcasts.

Reflection: Do I follow Jesus’ example to hate sin itself but to have mercy on the sinners? What is my approach toward the social outcasts? Do I despise and reject them? Or do I accept and care about them?

5>（v10、v13、v14） Drink from the Living water and never be thirsty again

¹⁰Jesus answered her, “If you had only known and had recognized God's gift and Who this is that is saying to you, Give Me a drink, you would have asked Him [instead] and He would have given you living water.” ¹³Jesus answered her, “All who drink of this water will be thirsty again.” ¹⁴But whoever takes a drink of the water that I will give him shall never, no never, be thirsty any more. But the water that I will give him shall become a spring of water welling up (flowing, bubbling) [continually] within him unto (into, for) eternal life. Human beings have physical and spiritual needs. We need food and water to satisfy our thirst and hunger. It is same with the human soul.

There was a profound thirst and hunger within the woman’s life. It could not be satisfied by any person or through any means, not even her five husbands (men). Jesus thoroughly understood the woman’s condition and he recognized her thirst and hunger. Using the drawing of water as an initiative, Jesus said to her, “But whoever takes a drink of the water that I will give him shall never ever be thirsty anymore. But the water that I will give him shall become a spring of water welling up within him up to eternal life.”

Jesus had quenched her thirst, satisfied her hunger for life and completely transformed her life. Jesus was not only the Living water to the woman, but also to us. We can only be satisfied by the Living water, so that our life (soul & spirit) will never thirst nor hunger again. Jesus, the Living water, is the water that gives eternal life.

Reflection: For what do I thirst and hunger in my life? Do I have satisfaction in Jesus Christ?

IV. Prayer/ Life Application

Translated by 曾秀娟

Worship in spirit and in truth

September30 th, 2009
John 4:15-26

15. The woman said to him, "Sir, give me this water so that I won't get thirsty and have to keep coming here to draw water." 16. He told her, "Go, call your husband and come back." 17. "I have no husband," she replied. Jesus said to her, "You are right when you say you have no husband. 18. 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." 19. "Sir," the woman said, "I can see that you are a prophet. 20. Our fathers worshiped on this mountain, but you Jews claim that the place where we must worship is in Jerusalem." 21. Jesus declared, "Believe me, woman, a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. 22. You Samaritans worship what you do not know; we worship what we do know, for salvation is from the Jews. 23. Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. 24. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth." 25. The woman said, "I know that Messiah" (called Christ) "is coming. When he comes, he will explain everything to us."
26. Then Jesus declared, "I who speak to you am he."


I. Message:

Content: 

1>（v15）The Samaritan woman asked Jesus for the living water of which she had not understood.
2>（v16-18）Jesus directly pointed out the main problem of hunger and thirst in the woman’s life.
3>（v19）During their conversation, the Samaritan woman gradually got to know more about Jesus.
4>（v20-24） Jesus and the woman talked about the issue concerning worship.
5>（v25-26）Through their conversation, Jesus’ identity as the Messiah was revealed.


Theme:

Worship in spirit and in truth 
 



II. Who is God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit?

1>（v16-19）The omniscient Jesus Christ. (He knew that the woman has had five husbands.) 

2>（v20）Worthy of praise

3>（v21） Worthy of trust

4>（v24）God, the Spirit 
5>（v25-26 ）Messiah(Savior) --- Jesus Christ


III. What is God teaching me (command, promise, model, rebuke, and warning)?

1>（v15、v19、v25-26）Getting to know Jesus Christ（v15、v19、v25-26）
15The woman said to him, "Sir, give me this water so that I won't get thirsty and have to keep coming here to draw water." 19"Sir," the woman said, "I can see that you are a prophet. 25The woman said, "I know that Messiah (called Christ) is coming. When he comes, he will explain everything to us." 26Then Jesus declared, "I who speak to you am he." 

According to the Scripture, we found that little by little the Samaritan woman got to know Jesus. In the beginning, she was only interested in physical water that she saw instead of living water that Jesus was talking about. Therefore she asked Jesus, “Sir, give me this water so that I won't get thirsty and have to keep coming here to draw water". Up to now, we can see that her knowledge of Jesus is still incomplete. First of all, she called Jesus, “Sir” and secondly, she still did not understand the true meaning of living water.

When Jesus pointed out her relationship with men in detail, at that moment, the woman had a deeper understanding of Jesus. 19"Sir," the woman said, "I can see that you are a prophet”. Her perception of Jesus had evolved from “Sir” to “Prophet”. After the in-depth discussion with Jesus, she had a better understanding of Him and knew that He is the Messiah they expected. The woman said "I know that Messiah (called Christ) is coming. When he comes, he will explain everything to us." 26Then Jesus declared, "I who speak to you am he." 
 
Obviously, the Samaritan woman’s understanding of Jesus is getting deeper step by step.

Reflection: What is my perception of Jesus? Where do I stand? Is it shallow or in depth? 




2>（v16-19）The Omniscient Jesus
16He told her, "Go, get your husband and come back." 17"I have no husband," she replied. Jesus said to her, "You are right when you say you have no husband. 18The 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." 19"Sir," the woman said, "I can see that you are a prophet.” 
 
Lord Jesus is the omniscient God, He knows everything. He knew of her relationship with different men including the past and the present. Jesus knew this woman’s whole story all too well. During their conversation, the subject was changed and she was asked “Go get your husband, and tell him to come.”

The woman tried to elude him and said, “I have no husband.” However, Jesus immediately said, “You are right when you say you have no husband. 18The fact is, you have had five husbands, and the man you are with now is not your husband. Your remark is quite true." The woman was amazed at his words and said, 19"Sir, I can see that you are a prophet.” 
 
It is obvious that Jesus is omniscient. Thus, nothing is hidden in his presence.

Reflection: How much do I know about the attributes of Jesus? Do I believe that he is omniscient? Am I hiding anything from him? 




3>（v22）Jesus is the one and only Savior

Jesus said to the woman, 22”You Samaritans worship what you do not know; we worship what we do know, for salvation is from the Jews.” Even though the Samaritans built a temple on the Mount Gerizim to worship God, and await the arrival of Messiah, their faith was misplaced. So Jesus emphasized this and said,”You Samaritans worship what you do not know; we worship what we do know, for salvation is from the Jews.”
However, why salvation is from the Jews? According to God’s salvation plan, grace is to be carried out by Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ is the Way, the Truth and the Life and there is no salvation other than through Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ is a Jewish descendant, and that is why he said, “Salvation is from the Jews.”

In fact, this means that Jesus Christ is one and only Savior.

Reflection: Do I accept that “there is no salvation except through Jesus Christ” as a truth and receive the grace and salvation through Him? 



4>（20-21、23）Worship in spirit and in truth

The Samaritan woman questioned Jesus,20 “Our fathers worshiped on this mountain, but you Jews claim that the place where we must worship is in Jerusalem." 21Jesus declared, "Believe me, woman, a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. 23Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks.

In Old Testament time their worship location was very important, especially when people go to the temple for worship and celebration in Jerusalem. However, the Lord Jesus Christ has made a breakthrough in the concept of worship which completely overturned the concept of the past. Worship is in the human’s mind. Therefore He particularly stressed that the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. This is a very important concept or principle on "worship". It serves as a reminder to us when we worship.

Reflection: When I worship, do I focus on external form or inner mind to attend every Sunday’s worship service and my daily devotion?


5>（v24）The Omnipresent God
Jesus continued to say: “God is a spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth." （v24）”God is a spirit” means that God transcends time and space, He is the omnipresent God. Therefore, in any time and in any place, He can be with any person. In the same way, we can worship Him with a sincere heart in any place and time. Therefore, the worship place is not important; what’s important is how we respond during worship. In addition, because God is a spirit, God is omnipresent, so through prayer we can reach Him any time, any where. Also, because God is an omnipresent God, so our every move is in His hand.

Reflection: Can I prove that God is omnipresent through my worship, my service, and my behavior?

IV. Prayer/ Life Application

Translated by 曾秀娟

Faith from personal experience

Faith from personal experience

John 4: 27-42 (NIV)

27Just then his disciples returned and were surprised to find him talking with a woman. But no one asked, "What do you want?" or "Why are you talking with her?"
28Then, leaving her water jar, the woman went back to the town and said to the people, 29"Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Christ[b]?" 30They came out of the town and made their way toward him.
31Meanwhile his disciples urged him, "Rabbi, eat something."
32But he said to them, "I have food to eat that you know nothing about."
33Then his disciples said to each other, "Could someone have brought him food?"
34"My food," said Jesus, "is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work. 35Do you not say, 'Four months more and then the harvest'? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest. 36Even now the reaper draws his wages, even now he harvests the crop for eternal life, so that the sower and the reaper may be glad together. 37Thus the saying 'One sows and another reaps' is true. 38I 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."
Many Samaritans Believe

39Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman's testimony, "He told me everything I ever did." 40So when the Samaritans came to him, they urged him to stay with them, and he stayed two days. 41And because of his words many more became believers.
42They said to the woman, "We no longer believe just because of what you said; now we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this man really is the Savior of the world."


I. Message:

Content:
1>（v27） The disciples were surprised to find Him talking with the woman.

2>（v28-30）The woman left her water jar and went back to town to invite people to see Jesus. 

3>（v31-34）As they urged him to eat, Jesus taught his disciples the importance of doing God’s work.

4>（v35-38）Jesus emphasized that the ministries of “sowing” and “harvesting” were of the same value.

5>（v39）Many believed in Jesus because of the woman’s testimony.

6>（v40）Those who believed urged Jesus to stay, and he stayed with them for two days.

7>（v41）During those two days, many became believers because of His words.

8>（v42）Those believers professed that they had heard the Lord Jesus for themselves, and knew that He was the Savior of the world. 
 


Theme:

1>Witnessing for Christ. 

2>Faith from personal experience

II. Who is God? Who is Jesus Christ? Who is Holy Spirit?

1>（v27）Jesus Christ gets close with the sinners.

2>（v29）Jesus Christ is omniscient. 

3>（v34）Jesus Christ does God’s will. 

4>（v38）Jesus Christ commissions people to spread the Gospel. 

5>（v39）Jesus Christ is worthy of trust.

6>（v42）Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world. 




III. What is God teaching me (command, promise, model, rebuke, warning)?


1>（v28-29）Life after meeting with Jesus 
This woman’s life had obviously changed after the encounter with Jesus, especially after Jesus telling her everything she ever did. In the past, she isolated herself from the public because of her own feeling of shame. Going to the well at noon time while there was no one around was her way of avoiding contact with people. Now, she changed her regular routine, leaving her water jar and hurried back into town. Not only was she hiding no more, but also relaxed, introducing Jesus to the public. It is clear to us that her life had greatly changed because of the encounter with Jesus. 


Reflection: Do I have the experience of encountering the Lord Jesus? Somewhere or somehow, was there any change in my life after I met and knew the Lord Jesus? 




2>（v28-30、v39）Become the witness of the Gospel 
The Samaritan woman put down her water jar and hurried back to town to publicly introduce Jesus whom she had just met. She said to the people, “Come; see a man who told me everything I ever did.” Many Samaritans believed in Jesus because of her words. The Samaritan woman eventually became a witness of the Gospel.

Reflection: How long have I believed in Jesus? Have I ever witnessed for Jesus? How many people have I brought to know Jesus? Can I call myself a witness of the Gospel?



 
3>（v31-34）Satisfaction beyond food 
The disciples invited Jesus to eat when they came back to Him. Without eating at all, He replied, 32"I have food to eat that you know nothing about." 33Then his disciples said to each other, "Could someone have brought him food?" 34"My food," said Jesus, "is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work. 

Through Jesus’ words we understand that food can satisfy the flesh, but to do God’s work and accomplish the work commissioned by Him can also satisfy our soul; even to the point that we will forget about being hungry and weary. This brings to our mind the Taiwanese saying, “There is satisfaction when you are enjoying your work.”

Reflection: Have I ever experienced the joy of serving God and accomplishing His mission, even to the extent of forgetting about being hungry and weary? 
 



4>（v31-38）The vision for the ministry of Gospel 
In Jesus’ words we also discover that the vision for the ministry of the Gospel is:

a. To accomplish the mission of the Gospel commissioned by God is more important than eating (to satisfy the physical body’s needs). 


b. In our vision and mission, we should have the mindset of “Many are waiting for the Gospel”
Ministry work includes sowing and harvesting; they are of the same value. 


Reflection: What is the status of the Great Commission in my heart? Have I ever enjoyed doing it so much even to the point of ignoring meals and sleep? 



5> According to the passage, there were three steps for the Samaritans to know Jesus.

Listen: Listening to the woman’s testimony was only the initial step to faith. They did not fully know Jesus.

Pursuit: They came close to Jesus and urged Him to stay. This was a critical step, indicating their thirst to pursue Him.

Meeting together with Jesus: Because they came close to Jesus and urged Him to stay, they had the opportunity to meet Him in person and to listen to Him more closely.

Reflection: At which stage is my faith, my life and my relationship with the Lord Jesus? Do I just listen to others, pursue more or listen for myself? Especially, to those who are the 2nd and 3rd generation Christians, do they stay in the stage of faith of listening to their grandparents and/or parents? Do they experience faith for themselves by pursuing more in faith?

IV. Prayer/ Life Application 
 






Translated by 曾秀娟

Believe in Jesus Christ and receive eternal life

Believe in Jesus Christ and receive eternal life

John 3:22~36

22After this, Jesus and his disciples went out into the Judean countryside, where he spent some time with them, and baptized. 23Now John also was baptizing at Aenon near Salim, because there was plenty of water, and people were constantly coming to be baptized. 24(This was before John was put in prison.) 25An argument developed between some of John's disciples and a certain Jew over the matter of ceremonial washing. 26They came to John and said to him, "Rabbi, that man who was with you on the other side of the Jordan—the one you testified about—well, he is baptizing, and everyone is going to him."

27To this John replied, "A man can receive only what is given him from heaven. 28You yourselves can testify that I said, 'I am not the Christ but am sent ahead of him.' 29The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend who attends the bridegroom waits and listens for him, and is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom's voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete. 30He must become greater; I must become less.

31"The one who comes from above is above all; the one who is from the earth belongs to the earth, and speaks as one from the earth. The one who comes from heaven is above all. 32He testifies to what he has seen and heard, but no one accepts his testimony. 33The man who has accepted it has certified that God is truthful. 34For the one whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God gives the Spirit without limit. 35The Father loves the Son and has placed everything in his hands. 36Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God's wrath remains on him."

I. Message:

Content:

1. Jesus Christ and His disciples lived in Judea and gave baptism (v. 22)
2. John the Baptist was also baptizing at Aenon near Salim (v. 23)
3. John’s followers voiced their concerns as they see more people going to Jesus (v. 24~26)
4. John once again affirms that Jesus Christ came from above, is filled with the Spirit and holds everything in His hands; he is overjoyed as Jesus became greater (v. 27~35)
5. Believe in Jesus and have eternal life (v. 36)

Themes:

1. He must become greater; I must become less
2. Believe in Jesus Christ and receive eternal life

II. Who is God? Who is Jesus Christ? Who is Holy Spirit?

1. Jesus Christ lives with His disciples (v. 22)
2. Jesus Christ gives baptism (v. 22)
3. Jesus Christ as witnessed by John the Baptist (v. 26)
4. Jesus Christ attracts people (v. 26)
5. Jesus Christ came from Heaven (v. 27, 31)
6. Jesus Christ gains followers day after day (v. 30)
7. Jesus Christ is above all (v. 31)
8. Jesus Christ testifies to the things in Heaven (v. 32)
9. Jesus Christ is denied by the crowd (v. 32)
10. God is faithful (v. 33)
11. God sent Jesus Christ to this world (v. 34)
12. Jesus Christ speaks the words of God (v. 34)
13. God gives the Spirit to Jesus Christ (v. 34)
14. Holy Spirit is with Jesus Christ (v. 34)
15. Holy Spirit is with Jesus Christ without limit (v. 34)
16. God loves dearly Jesus Christ (v. 35)
17. God has placed everything in Jesus Christ’s hands (v. 35)
18. Jesus Christ received everything from God (v. 35)
19. Believing in Jesus Christ gives eternal life (v. 36)
20. God shows His wrath to those who rejects Jesus Christ (v. 36)

III. What is God teaching me (command, promise, model, rebuke, warning)?

1) Bring people to follow Jesus (v22~30)

John the Baptist began telling people to repent before Jesus did. He baptised many and was actively witnessing for Jesus Christ. Gradually, more and more people followed Jesus, including John’s disciples. Some of them were annoyed by such loss and voiced their concerns. However, John was not jealous of the situation. He was actually overjoyed and proclaimed, “He must become greater; I must become less.” For he knows well the role he was playing, a presenter and witness for Jesus. John the Baptist is a role model for all witnesses for Jesus Christ.

We are all witnesses for Jesus Christ. We all share the responsibility to witness for Jesus Christ. Similarly, we ought to bring people to the Lord so that they may know Christ and follow Him. We must not use this opportunity to gather people to ourselves for our own gain.

Reflection:

Am I witnessing for Jesus Christ? Bringing people to Him? Or I gathered people around me for my own gain?

2) Understand one’s own mission (v28)

As John the Baptist’s disciples realized that more followers went to Jesus, they came to him to express their concerns. However John said, “You yourselves can testify that I said, 'I am not the Christ but am sent ahead of him.'” Clearly, John knew well his mission and the role he must play. In order to finish his mission, he gradually pulled himself away from the spotlight and avoided taking over Jesus’ stage. This is a good example for all servants of God to learn from.

Reflection:

Do I understand fully God’s mission given to me? Did I fulfill my duty?

3) The joy in finishing the task (v29)

John the Baptist then told his followers a parable. “The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend who attends the bridegroom waits and listens for him, and is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom's voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete.” For human beings, it is usually hard to give up, to pull away from spotlight and to mix into the crowd again. But John did not feel that way. He was overjoyed because he accomplished his mission.

Reflection:

Can I take on new role wholeheartedly and give it up if necessary? Can I experience the joy of accomplishing my mission?

4) Jesus came from Heaven (v31~35)

The mission for John the Baptist is to witness for Jesus Christ. He never let go an opportunity. At this moment, as he clears up once more his role, he went on to witness for Christ again. He put an emphasis again on the fact that Jesus came from Heaven. In chapter 3, verses 12 and 13, he has spoken to them of earthly things and of heavenly things. He also mentioned that “no one has ever gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven—the Son of Man.” In verse 27, he talked about Jesus again, saying “a man can receive only what is given him from heaven.” Hence John repeatedly emphasize that Jesus came from Heaven.

He also points out that Jesus was attracting people because God gave Him power and “the one who comes from heaven is above all.” (v. 31b) “For the one whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God gives the Spirit without limit. The Father loves the Son and has placed everything in his hands.” (v. 34~35) According to these verses, John the Baptist is testifying to the truth that Jesus came from Heaven through the words, “above all, speaks the words of God, God gives the Spirit without limit and has placed everything in his hands.”

Reflection:

How much do I know Jesus? Is He a person with great deeds, or a star, a teacher, a founder of religion? Or is He God’s only Son and the Christ our Saviour that came from Heaven?

5) Believe in Jesus and have eternal life (v36)

John the Baptist gave his followers a choice to make, with an eternal consequence. He said, “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God's wrath remains on him.” (v. 36)

Believe or not to believe is a choice that everyone can make. If one chooses to believe and accepts Jesus Christ as personal Saviour, he will receive eternal life. If one denies Jesus, he won’t get eternal life for “God’s wrath remains on him.”

Reflection:

Facing this choice with eternal consequence, how do I make a decision? Should I believe or should I deny?

IV. Prayer/ Life Application

Translated by: 顏偉哲

The essence of the Gospel

John 3:16-21 NIV Bible

16"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son,[f] that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. 18Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son.[g] 19This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. 20Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. 21But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God."[h]

Message:
Content:



1. （v16）God gave His one and only Son through whom mankind could have eternal life. 

2. （v17）Jesus Christ did not come to condemn but to save the world. 

3. （v18）Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already. 

4. （v19）The world is condemned because of its evil deeds. 

5. （v20-21）Everyone who does evil fears the light, but whoever lives by the truth comes into the light.

Theme:

1. The essence of the Gospel.

2. God loves the world.

3. Jesus is the Light to the world. 

4. Whoever believes in Jesus has eternal life. 



II. Who is God? Who is Jesus Christ? Who is Holy Spirit?

（v16）God who loves the world.
（v16）God who gave His one and only Son.
（v16）God who gives eternal life to the world.
（v17）The incarnated Jesus Christ.
（v17）Jesus Christ through whom the world is saved. 

（v19）The Light to the world-Jesus Christ. 

（v20）The rejected and hated Jesus Christ. 




III、What is God teaching me (command, promise, model, rebuke, and warning)? 


1. The Gospel’s true meaning

Though this passage is not very long, it completely describes the Gospel of salvation. These are the main points: 
a. Salvation is from God. 
b. God is love, and His love is for all mankind. 
c. Salvation work is done through His one and only Son Jesus Christ. 
d. Whoever believes in Jesus Christ is saved from sin and death, and will enter the Kingdom of eternal Life. 


Reflection: Do I fully understand the true meaning of the saving grace (the gospel of salvation)? Do I really embrace its goodness? 
 



2. The true meaning of “believing” 
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son,[f] that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. (v16)
The Bible clearly says that whoever believes in God’s one and only Son Jesus Christ will not perish but have eternal life. However, what does it take to believe? Some people rationally accept or believe the fact that Jesus Christ is the Savior; but that’s not all it requires. Other than that, those people need to take a further step to fully rely on Him and entrust their lives to His guidance, this is true believing in Jesus.

Reflection: What is it to believe in Jesus? Do I just rationally accept the fact that “He is the Savior”? Do I fully entrust my life to Him and not to worry about anything? 
 



3. Believe and disbelieve
18Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son.[g]
People responded in two different ways when Jesus Christ (the Light) came into the world, some believed and some disbelieved. The Bible tells us that those who believe will not be condemned; those who do not believe stand condemned already. It does not mean that Jesus initiated the condemnation, but to objectively show their sins. As the Law shows the sin of men, the Light exposes the sin in the darkness. In fact, all sins are committed by human self. 
Whoever believes in Jesus Christ, his sin burden is carried by Jesus Christ; those who disbelieve carry their own sin burdens. This is the difference between those who believe and disbelieve.

Reflection: Do I truly believe in Jesus Christ and rely on His salvation work? 



4. 19This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. 20Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. 21But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God."[h]
There are two kinds of people in the world, the first are those who follow the Truth and walk in the Light; the second are those who live in the state of sin, and live in the darkness. Jesus Christ is the Light to the world, these two kinds of people respond differently when the Light comes into the world. The first are those who walk in the light come into the Light showing that their walk is through the Lord. The second are those who walk in the darkness, because their deeds are evil and shameful, so they hate, reject and escape away from the Light.

Reflection: Which kind of people do I belong to? Do I love or hate the Light? 
 



5. God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son to the world, that whoever believes in Jesus will not perish but have eternal life. Though God anticipates that way and has done all the preparation work, He never forces people into accepting Jesus Christ. He grants the freedom of choice to all people. In verse18, “Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son.[g] .” It indicates two kinds of people; some believe in Jesus and some do not believe.
In other verse, 20-21, “20Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. 21But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God."[h It tells of two kinds of people, one hates the Light and escapes from it; the other comes into the Light. On the one hand it indicates different results of different choices, and on the other it shows even though that He anticipates and provides the salvation for all mankind, God does not force the world to accept the Gospel. It is because of that He gives the freedom of choice to all, and theologically that is called the “Freewill.”

Reflection: How do I manage the freedom of choice (freewill) granted by God? How do I choose? Do I choose the right way or the wrong way?


IV. Prayer/ Life Application



Translated by 曾秀娟 姊妹

Jesus Teaches Nicodemus

John 2:23-3:15 (New International Version)

23Now while he was in Jerusalem at the Passover Feast, many people saw the miraculous signs he was doing and believed in his name.^[a^] 24But Jesus would not entrust himself to them, for he knew all men. 25He did not need man's testimony about man, for he knew what was in a man.

1Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a member of the Jewish ruling council. 2He came to Jesus at night and said, "Rabbi, we know you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the miraculous signs you are doing if God were not with him."

3In reply Jesus declared, "I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.^[b^]"

4"How can a man be born when he is old?" Nicodemus asked. "Surely he cannot enter a second time into his mother's womb to be born!"

5Jesus answered, "I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. 6Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit^[c^] gives birth to spirit. 7You should not be surprised at my saying, 'You^[d^] must be born again.' 8The 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."

9"How can this be?" Nicodemus asked.

10"You are Israel's teacher," said Jesus, "and do you not understand these things? 11I tell you the truth, we speak of what we know, and we testify to what we have seen, but still you people do not accept our testimony. 12I have spoken to you of earthly things and you do not believe; how then will you believe if I speak of heavenly things? 13No one has ever gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven—the Son of Man.^[e^] 14Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the desert, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, 15that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life.^[f^]

Footnotes:

1. John 2:23 Or and believed in him
2. John 3:3 Or born from above; also in verse 7
3. John 3:6 Or but spirit
4. John 3:7 The Greek is plural.
5. John 3:13 Some manuscripts Man, who is in heaven
6. John 3:15 Or believes may have eternal life in him

I. Message:

Content:

1. Jesus sees the heart of people (v.2:23-25)
2. Nicodemus came to Jesus at night, and the precious dialogue between them (v.1-15)

Theme:

1. Born again
2. no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again

II. Who is God? Who is Jesus Christ? Who is Holy Spirit?

1. Jesus Christ who respected and observed the Law (v.2:23)
2. Jesus Christ who performed miracles (v.2:24, 3:2)
3. Jesus Christ who is worthy to be believed (v.2:23)
4. Jesus Christ who saw through the heart of people (2:24-25)
5. Jesus Christ the teacher (v.3:2)
6. God who sent out Jesus Christ (v.3:2)
7. God who is with Jesus Christ (v.3:2)
8. Jesus Christ who came from God (v.3:2)
9. Jesus Christ who is with God (v.3:2)
10. God who reigns in His Kingdom (v.3:3, 3:5)
11. Being born again through the Holy Spirit (v.3:3-8)
12. Jesus Christ who came from heaven (v.3:13)
13. Jesus Christ who ascends into heaven (v.3:13)
14. Salvation through Jesus Christ (v.3:15)
15. The Trinitarian God

III. What is God teaching me (command, promise, model, rebuke, warning)?

1) Jesus knew what was in a man (v2:23-25)

Now while he was in Jerusalem at the Passover Feast, many people saw the miraculous signs he was doing and believed in his name. But Jesus would not entrust himself to them, for he knew all men. He did not need man's testimony about man, for he knew what was in a man. (v.2:23-25)

Christ Jesus is omnipresence, all-knowing, omnipotent, mighty and the everlasting God. Thus He sees all things, both past and future, both revealed and hidden, both outer words and inner deeds – He sees them all. Things that can be hidden from people, cannot be hidden from Christ.

Reflection: By what attitude do I face Jesus? In truth? In righteousness? In transparency?

I may wear mask before people, but do I dare to do so before Christ?

2) All people need Jesus (v.3:1-2a)

Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a member of the Jewish ruling council. He came to Jesus at night (v.3:1-2a)

During the earthly ministry of Jesus, he was often seen around tax-collector, sinners, and those who were sick, weak, or insignificant. We can understand why such people needed Jesus. But how about the others? Those who are rich, prominent or healthy. Do they have no need for Jesus? Of course not.

Because in this Scripture passage, Nicodemus who came to Jesus at night, was certainly not insignificant. What we know is that he was a Law observing Pharisee, a member of the Jewish counsel, a part of the ruling body. Therefore, he was someone who had power, influence, status, and someone who was righteous by the Law.

Such a person should be satisfied with success. But in reality, his heart was empty, thus he came specifically to Jesus, seeking truth, hoping to fill the void in his heart. In this we see that all people need Jesus!

Reflection: No matter rich or poor, all people need Jesus. Do I feel such a need?

3) A Hidden Christian (v1-2)

Nicodemus needed Jesus in his heart, but he did not come during the day because he was concerned about being mocked by other Pharisees. If we consider him to be a follower of Christ, then he would be called a hidden Christian. How many Christians today do not dare to reveal their faith to their classmates, colleagues, or neighbors.

To be honest, a hidden Christian cannot be called a Christian. Because the life of a true Christian stands out; it cannot be hidden; because he/she is the lamp to the world, and the salt of the earth.

Jesus once said, "Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven. But whoever disowns me before men, I will disown him before my Father in heaven.” (Matthew 10:32-33)

A hidden Christian is someone who disowns Jesus. And before God the Father, Christ will also such a person.

Reflection: In front of non-Christians, do I dare to publicly give grace before a meal?

4) Earthly Kingdom vs. Heavenly Kingdom (v3)

In reply Jesus declared, "I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again. (v3)

According to this dialogue, we can discern that there are two kingdoms: first the earthly kingdom, second the heavenly kingdom. Kingdom of God shall be revealed on earth, and the people of God shall enter into it.

The Kingdom of God does not belong to a nation, a tribe or a group; it belongs to individuals. Furthermore, the cost to enter into such a kingdom is through repentance and being born again.

Reflection: Do I belong to the Kingdom of God? Or am I still wondering outside?

5) Born by Flesh or Born by Spirit (v3, v6-7)

Jesus answered, "I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is 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.' (v5-7)

There are, in this world, not only two types of kingdom (earthly and heavenly), there are also two types of birth – that is to be born by flesh, or to be born by water and the Spirit. Water is used for cleansing, and it symbolizes baptism by which one’s sins can be washed away. So, to be born of water and the Spirit, is to be born again. Therefore, a born again Christian, not only being born by flesh, is also to be born of ‘water and the Spirit’.

Reflection: Have I been born of water and of the Spirit, or am I still belonging to the flesh? Do I live the life of someone who is born again?

6) Earthly Things vs. Heavenly Things (v12)

I have spoken to you of earthly things and you do not believe; how then will you believe if I speak of heavenly things? (v12)

Through the words of Jesus, we discern that the world has two concerns – earthly and heavenly. So we need to care not only for things early, we also need to care for things heavenly. The earthly things are temporary; only heavenly things are eternal.

Reflection: In my daily life, how much do I care for heavenly things? Or do I simply care for earthly things?

7) Jesus Prophesized being Crucified (v14)

Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the desert, so the Son of Man must be lifted up. (v14)

The Scripture recorded this following story: “They traveled from Mount Hor along the route to the Red Sea, to go around Edom. But the people grew impatient on the way; they spoke against God and against Moses, and said, "Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the desert? There is no bread! There is no water! And we detest this miserable food!" Then the LORD sent venomous snakes among them; they bit the people and many Israelites died. The people came to Moses and said, "We sinned when we spoke against the LORD and against you. Pray that the LORD will take the snakes away from us." So Moses prayed for the people. The LORD said to Moses, "Make a snake and put it up on a pole; anyone who is bitten can look at it and live." So Moses made a bronze snake and put it up on a pole. Then when anyone was bitten by a snake and looked at the bronze snake, he lived.” (Numbers 21:4-9)

In the Old Testament, as Moses led the Israelites through the wilderness, the people grumbled and complained. As the result, God sent venomous snakes to punish them. When Moses prayed for the Israelites, God instructed him to ‘make a snake and put it up on a pole’. All who were bitten can look at it and live. Therefore, when the bronze snake is lifted up, it symbolizes salvation.

Jesus uses this metaphor described being crucified on the cross, thus fulfilling the plan of salvation. Clearly, Jesus also used this opportunity to prophesize the crucifixion.

Reflection: Do I understand the salvation of Christ through the cross? Do I value this grace, and do I respond to it?

8) Eternal Life through Faith in Christ (v14-15)

Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the desert, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life. (v14-15)

In the Old Testament, in the wilderness, those who grumbled were bitten by snakes. But God had prepared salvation for them. That is to say all those who were bitten by snakes, as long as they look towards the bronze snake, they would live. In the New Testament, sinners can look towards the Christ on the cross, and they would have eternal life.

Apostle John in the Gospel of John, chapter 3, had clearly explained that, "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. (John 3:16)

Reflection: Do I often look towards Jesus on the cross? Am I willing to receive the grace of salvation the Christ has prepared for me?

IV. Prayer/ Life Application