TODAY IN THE WORD

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: John 4:1-42
Whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. - John 4:14
TODAY IN THE WORD
Around 215 B.C., Hero of Alexandria invented one of the earliest known vending machines. A customer would drop a coin into a slot, the weight of the coin would cause a cork to pop out of a spigot, and a small amount of “holy water” would be dispensed from the spigot.

The Samaritan woman at the well in today’s reading might have been interested in such a device, for she definitely wanted holy water!

To even speak to this woman, Jesus crossed barriers of race, gender, social class, and religion. The Samaritans were ethnically mixed descendants of colonists transplanted from Assyria after the fall of Israel (2 Kings 17:24–28). Though they had adopted some features of Judaism, they mixed and matched with other religions. Many Jews avoided Samaria by traveling on the east side of the Jordan River. Rabbis did not talk to women, especially women of questionable moral character.

Christ crossed all these barriers in order to offer the woman the living water of salvation (vv. 10, 13–14). As in His conversation with Nicodemus, an opening metaphor prompted a question which led to a spiritual truth. Water is scarce in the Middle East, a fact that heightened the power of Jesus’ words. His picture also evoked Moses striking the rock at Horeb, by which God provided water for the Israelites during the Exodus (Ex. 17:1–6). Later, Jesus would offer this invitation: “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink” (cf. John 7:37–39; Rev. 22:17).

How did the Samaritan woman decide that Jesus’ audacious claim was true? For one thing, He knew about her dubious relationships with men. Then He graciously and gently handled her flustered question about where to worship by pointing out, “God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth” (v. 24).

Finally, He answered her question with a direct claim: “I who speak to you am he [Messiah]” (v. 26). Later the entire village affirmed Him as “the Savior of the world” (v. 42).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
John 4:14, a verse from Jesus’ encounter with the Samaritan woman at the well, is an excellent verse to memorize. Partially quoted in the sidebar, this verse reads in full: “Whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: John 4:43-5:15
Praise the Lord . . . who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases. - Psalm 103:2–3
TODAY IN THE WORD
Many hospitals have disobeyed a federal regulation that requires them to provide emergency care to anyone, regardless of ability to pay. Between 1997 and 1999, more than 500 hospitals were found to have violated this law.

Since the rule took effect in 1986, more than 20 percent of the nation’s 5,000 hospitals have been cited and fined for violations. One activist called this a “national disgrace” and said he believed it was only the tip of the iceberg, since most victims do not complain.

Though hospitals do provide billions of dollars in uncompensated care, there’s no denying that in many cases dollars prove more important than compassion. Not so with Christ. His miracles of healing showed His deep compassion for human suffering, even for those on the lowest rung of society’s ladder.

In the first episode in today’s reading, Jesus healed the son of one of King Herod’s officials. This man showed faith by asking Jesus to heal, and humility by begging Him to come. When He said the man’s son was healed, he showed even more faith by heading straight home. When the boy’s recovery matched the exact time of Jesus’ pronouncement, the entire household believed on Him!

In the second episode, Jesus healed a man who had been a long-term invalid, probably paralyzed or lame. He was waiting for a chance to enter the Bethesda pool, traditionally believed to have healing properties. This miracle was done by Jesus’ sovereign choice, not in response to the man’s faith--in fact, at the time the man didn’t even know who Jesus was!
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Two days ago, we asked you to examine your attitude toward Christ in light of John the Baptist’s positive model. Today, we ask you to do so again, this time in light of the negative example of the Jewish leaders. As shown in John, some people merely wanted an entertaining miracle worker, and others were spiritually small-minded and envious.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: John 5:16-47
For the very work that the Father has given me to finish, and which I am doing, testifies that the Father has sent me. - John 5:36
TODAY IN THE WORD
Throughout the Gospel of John, Jesus built a persuasive case for His deity and Messiahship, and this case unfolds slowly but surely as the narrative progresses. One by one, “witnesses” were called to the stand to give testimony for the Son and against those who refused to acknowledge His identity. These “witnesses” included John the Baptist (vv. 33–35), Jesus’ work or miracles (v. 36), and God Himself, in the Old Testament (vv. 37–40, 46).

Who could reject such convincing arguments? The Jewish leaders. Just as Jesus’ miracles and teaching prompted faith in some, they provoked unbelief and hostility in others. Instead of praising God for the invalid’s healing, they persecuted the healer. They grew even more furious when He called God His “Father,” meaning that He was equal to God (v. 18).

In response to their demands to know by what authority He taught and acted, Jesus described His relationship with God. He had already said that His “food” was to do His Father’s will (4:34). In today’s reading, He gave further characteristics of the relationship.

Father and Son are in perfect agreement in thought and action--Jesus did nothing outside His Father’s will and sought to please Him in everything (vv. 19, 30). The Father loves the Son, and revealed to Him all His plans and purposes (v. 20). Both Father and Son are the source of life and give life, powerfully and sovereignly (vv. 21, 26). The Father has entrusted the task of judgment to the Son, and anyone who does not honor one does not honor the other (vv. 22–23).

From this breathtaking list, Jesus focused on the issues of eternal life and judgment. Eternal life is obtained by listening to His words and believing on Him (v. 24). Those who do so escape condemnation, and they cross over from death to life. This is both a physical and a spiritual reality, since one day the dead will be raised by God (vv. 28–29).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
In today’s reading, Jesus focused primarily on describing His relationship with His Father. By speaking of love, obedience, and submission, He gave us an example to imitate. By speaking of oneness, eternality, and authority, He presented an unmistakable claim to be the Son of God.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: John 6:1-24
I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry. - John 6:35
TODAY IN THE WORD
U.S. Army scientists are working to develop pocket-style “combat sandwiches” that stay edible without refrigeration for three years. One Defense Department administrator boasted, “This bad boy will last a minimum of three years at 80 degrees, six months at 100 degrees. They will travel to the swampiest swamp, the highest mountain, the most arid desert.”

So far, the Army has developed barbecued chicken and pepperoni formulas and is working hard on peanut butter and jelly. The sandwiches are due out to the troops in 2006.

Such long-lasting lunches were not around in Jesus’ day. As we can see in today’s reading, only one bread-and-fish lunch was available to feed a hungry crowd of more than 5,000 people! But that was enough for Jesus, who multiplied it into more than enough food for everyone. This is the fourth “sign miracle” in John, and the only one besides the Resurrection to appear in all four Gospels.

The absurd contrast between the boy’s small lunch and the crowd’s huge need highlighted Christ’s power. This miracle, like the water-into-wine episode, also revealed Jesus to be an abundant provider--since they had twelve baskets full of leftovers at the end, they finished with more than they started with!

Perhaps you are reminded of how God fed Israel with manna in the wilderness. The crowd certainly was, for they decided Jesus must be a prophet like Moses (v. 14; cf. vv. 30–31). In response, they wanted to make Him their king (or at any rate, their revolutionary leader against Rome). Jesus, however, slipped away, since He knew that at this point earthly power was merely a temptation away from His true mission.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
The miracle we read about today reminds us that the simplest things in our lives can be used as reminders of God’s presence in our lives.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: John 6:25-59
I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. - John 6:51
TODAY IN THE WORD
After a fierce Civil War engagement, Christian workers walked the battlefield, searching for survivors. They found hundreds of wounded men, but could turn up no rations for them. Desperate, they prayed for God to provide bread for the injured.

As dawn broke, the astonished workers watched as a farm wagon piled high with bread rumbled toward them. The farmer, who had heard about the battle, said a voice had seemed to whisper to him, “What will those poor fellows do for something to eat?” He awakened his wife, asked her to bake as much bread as she could, and urged his neighbors to contribute all they could as well. Then he set off, feeling, as he said, “just as if I was being sent by our Lord Himself.”

Biblically speaking, bread is often an equivalent term for “food” and symbolizes life. For example, in one judgment passage, God said He would “break the staff of bread,” meaning He would take away the support or means of living (Ezek. 5:16, NASB). Bread also played a key role in Israel’s religious life. It was baked for the grain offering, offered as “showbread” in front of the Holy of Holies, and eaten unleavened during Passover.

All the Old Testament history and symbolism surrounding bread culminated in Jesus’ first “I am” proclamation: “I am the bread of life. . . . I am the living bread that came down from heaven” (vv. 35, 51). After yesterday’s miracle, Jesus wanted to shift the crowd’s focus; God is the Provider not only of physical needs but also of spiritual needs (v. 27). By sending His Son, He had made the ultimate provision!
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Our suggested application for today is a continuation of yesterday’s object lesson. Today, share some bread–either that you baked or bought–with an unbelieving neighbor.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: John 6:60-7:52
He who sent me is true. - John 7:28
TODAY IN THE WORD
Throughout Jewish history, many have claimed to be the messiah. According to The Jewish Messiahs, by Harris Lenowitz, “messiahs” often stepped forward during times of oppression, persecution, or suffering. They would preach a revolutionary message calling for the radical transformation of society, a transformation aimed at helping the Jewish community to endure and to survive against the hardships and challenges they were facing.

Most of these “messiahs” died as failures and have been largely forgotten. In light of this, should Jesus Christ be accepted as the true Messiah or not? This exact question faced the people in today’s reading, many of whom came to a crossroads of faith. Could they believe that Jesus was who He said He was?

Some did not understand Jesus’ words about eating the “true bread from heaven” and His relationship with the Father. Others struggled with accepting these teachings and turned away from following Him. Christ knew this would happen--it only served to prove that no one could come to Him unless the Father enabled them (6:64–65).

Not only did some of Christ’s followers abandon Him, but the existing opposition continued to grow. There were plots against His life. His own half-brothers did not believe in Him. People gossiped about His origin. Rumors, whispers, questions, and misunderstandings abounded. When He went to Jerusalem for the Feast of Tabernacles, a crowd tried to seize Him for blasphemy. Later, the Pharisees sent temple guards to arrest Him. But until His time came, Jesus’ enemies were powerless to touch Him.

Teaching during the Feast, Jesus continued to emphasize His same themes. God Himself was the source of Christ’s message and authority. The Son did the Father’s will. The Law of Moses was on His side, if only the spiritually blind leaders could see it.

Thankfully, some of Jesus’ followers did remain faithful, and some in the crowds did respond in faith. Speaking for the Twelve Apostles, Peter confessed, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We believe and know that you are the Holy One of God” (vv. 68–69; cf. Matt. 16:16).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Today’s reading saw followers desert Christ, crowds puzzle about His identity, and leaders flatly disbelieve His divine origins and mission. Therefore, now might be a good time to revisit the “Today Along the Way” application for March 3, which asked you to complete a sentence or two about what it means to be a disciple of Christ.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: John 7:53-8:11
If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her. - John 8:7
TODAY IN THE WORD
The Scriptures continuously affirm that our God delights to forgive.

To Moses, He named Himself, “The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion, and sin” (Ex. 34:6–7).

What happens when God shows mercy? David sang, “As far as east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us” (Ps. 103:12). And Micah declared, “You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy. You will again have compassion on us; you will tread our sins underfoot and hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea” (7:18–19).

No wonder Isaiah exhorted, “Let the wicked forsake his way and the evil man his thoughts. Let him turn to the Lord, and He will have mercy on him, and to our God, for He will freely pardon” (55:7).

In today’s reading, we see that the Son of God shares this delight in showing forgiving love.

The religious leaders, hoping to trap Him, brought Jesus a test case. According to the Law, a woman caught in adultery should be executed (Lev. 20:10). Would Jesus pass the sentence and appear callous and harsh? Or would He suggest clemency, and come across as opposing the Law? In either case, the people would probably turn against Him. Furthermore, if He did interpret the Law strictly, He would be in trouble with the Roman authorities, for only they were allowed to deliver a sentence of capital punishment. These accusers clearly had malicious motives.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Is there a person you need to forgive today? Take steps to make it happen--don’t let the grudge, bitterness, or self-righteousness fester in your life!

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: John 8:12-30
I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. -
TODAY IN THE WORD
Light is one of the archetypal images of the Bible. From the very start, when “God said, 'Let there be light,’ ” (Gen. 1:3), light has been associated with goodness, hope, truth, and life. Like the psalmist, we turn to God with these words, “The Lord is my light and my salvation--whom shall I fear?” (Ps. 27:1).

It’s no surprise to find that Isaiah prophesied Christ in these terms: “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned” (9:2). Or to read that Simeon welcomed baby Jesus as “a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel” (Luke 2:32).

This biblical metaphor climaxes in Jesus’ claim: “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (v. 12). John used the imagery of light and darkness throughout his Gospel (as well as his first epistle). The prologue had already announced, “In him was life, and that life was the light of men” (1:4).

Verse 12 is Jesus’ second “I am” statement, and once again He laid claim to an attribute of God. By saying He was the “bread of life,” He claimed to be the source of life; by saying He was the “light of the world,” He also claimed to be the source of righteousness.

The hostile Pharisees challenged His statement, and Jesus responded that His testimony was valid because He and the Father were authoritative witnesses. To know Him was to know the Father, and He always did what pleased God (vv. 19, 29). By contrast, the Jewish leaders judged by merely human standards, and in fact did not even know God.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
This second “I am” statement by Christ provides us with another excellent opportunity to meditate on God’s Word. We suggest that you memorize John 8:12, quoted in the sidebar, or choose one of the references on light at the start of today’s devotional.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: John 8:31-59
If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. - John 8:31
TODAY IN THE WORD
The event and doctrine of the Fall (Gen. 3) provide a necessary background for understanding Jesus’ teaching in today’s reading.

When Adam and Eve disobeyed God’s command and ate from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, sin and death entered the world. Humanity stepped into bondage to sin, a slavery from which Christ came to set us free. Satan deceived Eve, but Jesus proclaimed truth. Adam and Eve made a sinful choice, but Christ brought righteousness. The consequence of the Fall was condemnation and death, but Jesus opened the way to justification and eternal life. These contrasts explain why Christ spoke in today’s passage about two types of “children.”

One type of “child,” or follower, belonged to the family of Abraham. They loved Jesus, understood His words, believed all He said, and sought to imitate Him. The other type of “child” belonged to the devil’s clan. Satan had shown his character in the Fall, using deception to lead humanity into choosing spiritual death (John 8:44). As a result, his “children” were full of lies and murderous desires, and wanted to kill Christ rather than follow Him. They would rather believe that He was crazy or demon-possessed than acknowledge Him as the preexistent Son of God (v. 52).

It also seems that some were following Jesus merely as a rabbi, and had not yet shown saving faith in Him. By outlining the marks of a true disciple, He gave them an implicit warning: You cannot sit on the fence forever! A real disciple must hold to His teachings, obeying them and doing all for God’s glory.

One result of obedient discipleship is freedom (vv. 32–36). In Scripture, obedience and freedom are often linked (cf. Ps. 119:32). Though the Jews claimed with remarkable irony that they had never been in bondage, the fact is that all people are slaves to sin. Messiah came “to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners” (Isa. 61:1; cf. Rom. 8:2). One day, all creation will be redeemed or liberated from its sin-imposed “bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God” (Rom. 8:21).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Jesus said, “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (v. 32). This can provide a good jumping-off point for additional Bible study on the topic of freedom.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: John 9:1-41
For judgment I have come into this world, so that the blind will see and those who see will become blind. - John 9:39
TODAY IN THE WORD
American scientists at Sandia National Laboratories are developing a light-sensitive chip that could be implanted on a person’s retina. A tiny camera and radio-frequency transmitter mounted on a pair of spectacles transmits information and power to the chip, which sends signals down retinal nerves to the brain via electrodes.

The chip will work on only certain forms of blindness, and will provide nowhere near the perception of normally sighted people. As one researcher said, “Our aim is to bring a blind person to the point where he or she can read, move around objects in the house, and do basic household chores. Compared to the elegance of the original biological design, what we’re doing is extremely crude.” Still, by the end of the project, blind people should be able to see!

Bringing sight to the blind was one of the prophesied missions of the Messiah (Isa. 42:7). Therefore, the miracle in today’s reading, the sixth “sign miracle” in John, further validated Jesus’ claims as Messiah. It was also a literal complement to the “light of the world” metaphor (v. 5).

Jesus could have healed the blind man any way He chose. Here, He used mud and spittle and told him to go and wash at the pool of Siloam. A rock-cut pool built by Hezekiah in the eighth century b.c., Siloam can still be visited today on the south side of Jerusalem, though it is smaller now. As another challenge to the spiritual blindness of the Pharisees (v. 41), Jesus probably intentionally violated their traditional regulations against applying “salves” on the Sabbath.

The Pharisees investigated, interviewing the man and his parents and arguing among themselves. They found themselves trapped by logic--either the miracle was false, or Jesus was the Son of God. They could not prove the first, but refused to accept the second. They had already decided that Jesus could not be the Messiah (v. 22).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
A tour of the Holy Land can help the pages of Scripture come alive! If you have the means and opportunity, consider planning a trip to Israel.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: John 10:1-42
I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. - John 10:11
TODAY IN THE WORD
One great hymn, inspired by today’s reading and parallel biblical passages, prays, “Savior, like a shepherd lead us, Much we need thy tender care; In thy pleasant pastures feed us, For our use thy folds prepare: Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus, thou hast bought us, thine we are. We are thine, do thou befriend us, Be the Guardian of our way; Keep thy flock, from sin defend us, Seek us when we go astray: Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus, Hear, O hear us when we pray.”

Christ is indeed the Good Shepherd of the sheep, as well as the gate of the sheepfold (vv. 7, 9, 11, 14). These third and fourth “I am” statements, made during His final extended public discourse, capture many dimensions of His character and mission. Similarly, the Old Testament often speaks of God as a Shepherd and His people as a flock (Ps. 78:52).

The Good Shepherd calls, leads, and nurtures His sheep. He owns them, knows them by name, and is personally invested in their care. He gives them abundant life, even sacrificing His own life for their salvation--and He also possessed the authority to take up His life again. He has a purpose not only for the Jews, but also for the Gentiles, people “not of this sheep pen” (v. 16). He protects the sheep, keeping them absolutely secure (vv. 28–29).

By contrast, false shepherds, that is, bad leaders or teachers (also referred to as “wolves”), are not spiritually legitimate. They do not listen or believe. They do not enter by the one gate. Their selfish purpose is to steal, kill, scatter, and destroy the sheep. While there are many examples of such people in Scripture and history, Jesus specifically had in mind here the Jewish leaders, who had repeatedly rejected Him (vv. 26, 31).

Sheep, the most frequently mentioned animal in the Bible, represent us. We know our shepherd’s voice, and should listen to and follow Him (v. 4). When we encounter spiritual strangers or thieves, we should run away! Most profoundly, the relationship between us and the Shepherd should imitate and mirror the relationship between Him and the Father (v. 15).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
As today’s application, we suggest that you spend some time comparing John 10 with Psalm 23 or Ezekiel 34.

If you choose Psalm 23, consider how the characteristics of the Lord our Shepherd parallel those of Christ the Good Shepherd. If you choose the less familiar Ezekiel 34, examine how the shepherd imagery there complements and amplifies the pictures of Christ in John 10. “For this is what the Sovereign Lord says: I myself will search for my sheep and look after them” (Ezek. 34:11).

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: John 11:1-44
I am the resurrection and the life. . . . Whoever lives and believes in me will never die. - John 11:25–26
TODAY IN THE WORD
The so-called “immortality industry” is working hard to develop artificial body parts and prolong human life. According to one news story, “Scientists believe many of the human body parts that wear out eventually can be replaced, extending and dramatically altering the lives of people who are desperately ill.”

An artificial heart is already a reality, and inventions currently being tested in humans include artificial blood and an artificial liver. Doctors have also created for damaged hearts a booster pump-type device, which they hope will become as common as pacemakers.

As we learn in today’s reading, those seeking eternal life need look no further than Christ, “the resurrection and the life” (v. 25). This is His fifth “I am” statement in John, and His resurrection of Lazarus is the seventh and final “sign miracle” recorded in this Gospel.

The miracle was straightforward, an act of tremendous power that demonstrated Jesus’ sovereignty over life and death. It also supported His claim that He was free to lay down and take up His life (10:18). Why did He wait so long before going to Bethany? As in the case of the blind man in John 9, the ultimate purpose of Lazarus’ suffering was God’s glory (vv. 4, 40). As much as Christ loved His friends, He loved God’s glory even more!

Tradition held that the soul of a dead person hovered near the body for three days, so to point out that Lazarus had been dead four days put the death beyond question and removed any reason to doubt the miracle.

After their initial questions about Jesus’ delay, Martha and Mary both responded in faith. Martha’s confession (v. 27) is one of the highlights of the Gospel and connects directly to its purpose of inspiring belief. The brave but confused disciples, who thought Jesus was walking into danger, also had their faith strengthened (v. 15). Others witnessed the miracle, too; the typical mourning period was 30 days, during which time many people visited to grieve with and comfort the family.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
The seven “sign miracles” recorded in John demonstrate the power and creativity of Jesus. Today, use your own creativity to reflect on one of the seven “sign miracles,” from the changing of water into wine to the raising of Lazarus.

• Write a poem that reveals the character of the healed man, or shows the meaning of Jesus’ act.

• Compose a song. You might write new lyrics to a tune you already know.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: John 11:45-12:11
I tell you the truth, wherever the gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her. - Mark 14:9
TODAY IN THE WORD
Some people have odd ideas about what’s valuable. For example, recently a rare beetle sold in Japan for a record 10 million yen, or about $90,000. Known as a “black diamond,” the three-inch stag beetle was sold by an insect specialty store in Tokyo to an anonymous company president. Most stag beetles live for 3–5 years, but larger ones can live as long as a decade. After his prize beetle dies, the buyer plans to turn it into a specimen.

Judas also had some odd ideas about what was truly valuable. He would rather have sold Mary’s perfume than seen it used for a beautiful act of love and worship. Clearly, he did not understand the motive or significance of Mary’s deed.

The Pharisees, having been informed of the “Lazarus situation” in Bethany, held a meeting to discuss what to do. If Jesus continued working miracles, people would believe in Him and the Romans might crack down. In that case, the leaders would lose their privileged position and the Roman occupation might become even harsher. By now, they didn’t care if the miracles were genuine or not. And they ignored God’s sovereignty, speaking of allowing Jesus to continue as if it were in their control. They thought of power and freedom from a short-term perspective.

Caiaphas’ ethical reasoning and prophecy were utilitarian and ironic (vv. 50–52). He proposed a tradeoff: one man for the nation. Though this is not how God thinks about human life, the high priest unwittingly made his point in a way that evokes the idea of substitutionary atonement. To say that Jesus would save the people by dying was true, though not in the way Caiaphas intended!
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Mary’s lavish act of love showed she understood the supreme value of Jesus Christ. Do we?

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: John 12:12-50
The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. -
TODAY IN THE WORD
At His First Advent, Jesus fulfilled many of the messianic prophecies of the Old Testament, while others still await His Second Advent.

In Zechariah, we find a verse specifically fulfilled by Christ’s Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem: “Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout, Daughter of Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and having salvation, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey” (9:9).

The donkey symbolized humility and the fact that Jesus came to make peace, not war. It also represented royalty, an association dating back to the time of King David.

The crowds who welcomed Jesus to Jerusalem had arrived from throughout the country and beyond for Passover. Many had probably seen Him do miracles, and the news about the resurrection of Lazarus had no doubt spread quickly. They were looking for a political messiah, a “king” to lead a revolt against the Roman Empire. “Hosanna” literally means, “Save us!” or “Rescue us!” and the palm branches symbolized victory.

For Jesus, the hour had come--not to start a war, but to make humanity’s peace with God. Significantly, He spoke of His death to a Greek delegation, reminding us of the worldwide scope of redemption. To make His point, Jesus used a picture of a seed falling into the ground (vv. 23–25). Just as it must die to produce life, so He must die to bring us eternal life. This paradox is the same for His followers--to love sinful life is to lose eternal life, and to hate (by comparison) sinful life is to gain eternal life. We must die to sins to live to God (cf. Phil. 1:21; 1 Peter 2:24).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
John’s Gospel is such a treasure trove of verses that we cannot resist suggesting another passage today: John 12:24–26. These verses help us understand the true nature of discipleship (see “Today Along the Way” for March 3).

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: John 13:1-17
I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. -
TODAY IN THE WORD
Long ago, a large boulder stood blocking one of the main roads in a certain kingdom. Many court officials and wealthy merchants passed by. Some complained loudly about the king’s failure to keep the roads clear.

Then along came a humble farmer, taking a load of vegetables to market. When he saw the boulder, he put down his load, put his shoulder against the stone, and pushed hard until he moved it out of the way. To his surprise, underneath the stone was a bag of gold coins and a note from the king. It stated that the money was a reward for whoever made the effort to help others by removing the boulder.

That farmer demonstrated a servant’s attitude and received a king’s reward. In today’s reading, Jesus similarly commanded us to imitate His example and serve others.

It was “Maundy Thursday,” the night of Passover and the Last Supper. The leaders were plotting with Judas about how to put a stop to Jesus’ ministry. The crowds had mixed reactions to His powerful and provocative miracles and teachings, at times responding in faith, at other times accusing Him of blasphemy. Jesus’ time on earth was coming to an end. Under these circumstances, what did He choose to say and do?

Christ chose to wash His disciples’ feet. Why? He did so because He loved His disciples, and knew that He had limited time left in which to teach and show them how to live. Even more importantly, He had complete confidence that He would return to His Father’s side.

The practical need for someone to wash their dusty feet gave Christ a chance to instruct the disciples in servanthood (cf. Matt. 20:25–28; Luke 22:27). What did they learn? First, service is evidence of Christlike love (v. 1). How amazed they must have been to think back and remember that on that night, Jesus knew full well who would betray Him (v. 11). Second, service is built upon faith in God (v. 3), and it involves purity and humility (vv. 10, 16). Finally, service is mandatory for followers of Christ (vv. 14–15).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Although foot-washing is not an ordinance in every church, some congregations hold foot-washing services as a concrete reminder of Christ’s teaching on servanthood. If your church does this, plan to help organize or participate in the next one. If you are unfamiliar with this idea, you could investigate how and why such services are conducted.

Whatever you learn or do, remember that the point is to imitate Christ: “I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master” (v. 16).