TODAY IN THE WORD

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: John 11:45-12:19
Do not be afraid, O Daughter of Zion; see, your king is coming, seated on a donkey’’’s colt. - John 12:15
TODAY IN THE WORD
The Jewish climate of Jesus' day was filled with expectations of a kingly figure who would come to Israel to overthrow political oppressors (Rome) and establish God's kingdom (militarily).

These assumptions form the backdrop to today's passage, which records various responses to the raising of Lazarus. First, the religious leaders responded with hostility. They called a meeting and expressed their concern that Jesus was disrupting the political status quo (11:45-48) and seducing the whole world (12:18-19). Their resolution: to kill both Jesus (11:49-53, 57) and Lazarus (12:9-11). To the religious leaders, Jesus was a political liability.

Second, there is the crowd. With the Lazarus miracle still fresh in their minds (12:17), they eagerly awaited Jesus' arrival in Jerusalem. When He approached, they showered Him with palm braches, a symbol of Jewish nationalism, and greetings appropriate for political rulers: “Hosanna!” (meaning “Save”) and “Blessed is the King of Israel” (12:13; cf. 2 Sam. 14:4). These actions and words indicate the crowd's misunderstanding of Jesus as military deliverer. To the crowd, Jesus was an earthly, political liberator.

Our passage, however, indicates that while Jesus was indeed a kingly figure, He was more than that. Though even the disciples failed to understand (12:16), Jesus fulfills the Old Testament promises that God Himself would one day return to Israel as the rescuing king. Sitting upon a donkey, Jesus rides into Jerusalem as our key verse describes, enacting the promise of Zechariah 9:9 that God would come to deliver His people. Deliverance would come as promised, but it was not some earthly king bringing release from Rome. Rather, it was God Himself, the Word made flesh, who now rode before the expectant crowd. How many, though, would follow the king to the end of His journey? How many would remain when He arrived at His coronation on the cross?
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Notice a third reaction to Jesus, easily overlooked in the political climate of the passage. Mary, Lazarus' sister, sat by Jesus and expressed her love and gratitude by pouring expensive perfume on His feet (12:1-3). While some were offended, Jesus explained the appropriateness of her actions: it symbolized preparation for His death. Like Mary, sit today at Jesus' feet, thanking Him that His coming was more than a military victory over Rome, but a sacrificial suffering that provided rescue from the true oppressor: sin and death.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: John 12:20-50
But I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself. - John 12:32
TODAY IN THE WORD
In J. R. R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings trilogy, the maiden-warrior ÉÉÉowyn desires the love of the mighty king, Aragorn. Disappointingly, Aragorn does not offer her his love.

After great battle, however, Éowyn finds herself the object of affection of another: the courageous and wise Faramir. Her original hopes now replaced with something better than she expected, she joins Faramir in a marriage that promises great happiness for both.

Today's passage presents the exchange of one expectation for something far better. A new stage in the drama has arrived: “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified” (v. 23). Yet, as we will see, Jesus' understanding of glorification clashes with the crowd's expectations for the “Son of Man.”

Instead of proclaiming His authority to reign or summoning an army to Himself, Jesus emphasizes the need to die in order to gain life (vv. 24-26). His words in verse 27 make clear that the cross was the very purpose for His coming. Only then will God be glorified, Satan defeated, and people drawn to Christ. Naturally, the crowd resisted such talk. The Messiah, they said, is supposed to reign forever, not die; their expectations are disappointed (v. 34).

Notice Jesus' response. He does not change His mind or give in to the crowd's desires; rather, He asserts His identity as one sent from the Father (vv. 44-45, 49) and urges them to receive what He offers (vv. 35-36, 44-50). He is the light who rescues from darkness and makes those who trust in Him “sons of light” (v. 36). Far better than earthly deliverance, His death brings “eternal life” (vv. 25, 50).

Today's passage offers a warning as well. Refusing to abandon their expectations of how God should work out His purposes, many continued in unbelief. They fulfilled the dark words of Isaiah: their eyes are now blinded, their hearts are deadened (Isa. 53:1). By clinging to their expectations and refusing Christ's sacrificial offer, their end is condemnation (vv. 47-49).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Today's passage reminds us that our expectations and assumptions about God's ways may often hinder us from embracing His work in our lives. The crowds expected the way of military triumph with earthly gain. Instead, they got the way of the cross with eternal life. Are you prepared to accept God as He comes to you? Ask Him today to show you ways in which you have resisted His work in your life. Then in repentance, commit yourself to trusting that His (sometimes puzzling) ways are for your eternal well-being.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: John 13:1-38
Having loved his own who were in the world, he now showed them the full extent of his love. - John 13:1
TODAY IN THE WORD
William Willimon, a renowned American preacher, summarizes well our struggle with receiving God's grace: “I suggest that we are better givers than getters, not because we are generous people but because we are proud, arrogant people. . . . It's tough to be on the receiving end of love, God's or anyone else's. It requires that we see our lives not as our possessions, but as gifts.”

Today's passage demonstrates something about Christ's gift of love to us. In verse 1, our key verse for today, we see that Jesus was willing to show His deep love for others. The most obvious demonstration of this love comes in verses 1-17: Christ's washing of the disciples' feet. In true humility, Christ stooped to perform a lowly task typically reserved for a slave. Although their “Teacher” and “Lord” (vv. 13-14), Christ becomes a true servant and gives His disciples a profound illustration of His love for them. Although initially resistant, even Peter had to set aside his pride and receive what Christ freely offers (vv. 6-9). There is a second, less obvious, demonstration of Christ's love in our passage. In the Greek, verse 1 literally says that Christ loved them “to the end.” What end? The end of suffering and death: the cross.

When the night began, “Jesus knew that the time had come for him to leave this world” (v. 1; cf. vv. 33, 36). He knew His end, and although His disciples repeatedly missed this point (vv. 7, 12, 22, 36), Jesus persisted in His purpose. He knew of the coming betrayal by Judas Iscariot, and was even troubled in spirit by it (vv. 11, 18-30); yet, Christ did not veer from that full expression of love on the cross. He knew that one of His closest friends would publicly deny Him three times (vv. 37-38); yet, Jesus did not shrink back from a love “to the end.”

The disciples remained ignorant and resistant throughout the evening, but Christ fixed His eyes on the greatest expression of His love: the cross.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Today's passage not only presents a moving picture of Christ's love for His people, but also calls us to imitation. Christ models love and He promises blessing for those who follow His example (vv. 15-17). His exhortation is clear: “As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (vv. 34-35). Reflect today on how well you love your family in Christ; then ask God to help you live in tangible imitation of true Love-made-flesh.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: John 14:1-31
On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. - John 14:20
TODAY IN THE WORD
Ancient Christian writers likened the Holy Trinity to the three-fold aspect of the sun. We feel the warmth of the sun on our bodies. Our eyes receive the light by which we see. Finally, there is the orb itself shining in the sky, the source of both the warmth and the light. Yet, these three aspects of the sun are inter-related, for all three are inextricably linked as one: the orb in the sky, the warmth of the rays, the light it produces. To speak of the “sun” includes all three, for all three are equally “sun.”

Today's passage portrays a similar inter-relationship between the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Jesus repeatedly speaks of His connection to the Father. Knowing and seeing Jesus means knowing and seeing the Father (vv. 7-9). The work Jesus does and the words He speaks are all as the Father commands (vv. 10, 24, 31). In His clearest expression, Jesus twice asserts: “I am in the Father and the Father is in me” (vv. 10, 11).

Likewise, the Spirit is closely connected to the Father and the Son. Jesus promises that the Father will send the “Spirit of truth” (vv. 16-17), while Jesus also described Himself with identical words: “the truth” (v. 6). Later, the Spirit is described as one sent from the Father in Christ's very name (v. 26). There is an unmistakably clear inter-relationship between the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

This intimate relationship makes Jesus' invitation all the more astonishing. He invites us to participate in the Godhead through Himself! He is “the way” through whom we come to the Father (vv. 6-7). Likewise, the Spirit is said to “live with you” and “in you” (v. 17). Our life is grounded in His life: “because I live, you also will live (v. 19). Our union with Christ entails a union with the Father and His love (vv. 20-21). Yet our union is not one of essence (we do not become God) but of love and obedience. Only in this way do we participate in the Trinity (v. 23).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Twice in today's passage Jesus says, “Do not let your hearts be troubled” (vv. 1, 27). In other words, there is real-life application to this highly theological text! The Christian life fully united to the Trinity is a life of peace. Though the world may be in turmoil, resting in the Trinity brings confidence, not fear (v. 27). Though we cannot see Christ now, He has promised His return (vv. 3, 18, 28) and has not forgotten us. Submit your anxieties to God and rest in your union with Him.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: John 15:1-16:4
If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. - John 15:5
TODAY IN THE WORD
Any close relationship—whether a husband and wife, parent and child, or intimate friends—requires constant cultivation and nurturing to thrive. A relationship left on autopilot will eventually sputter out and lose its vitality and warmth.

This is true with Christ as well. Eight different times, Jesus commands His disciples to “remain in me” as a branch in a vine (15:4-7, 9-10). The English word remain used in the niv doesn't fully communicate the continuing aspect of this command. It is no mere passive verb, such as remaining at the bus stop waiting for a ride. Some translations convey more clearly the continuous activity with the word abide (e.g., kjv, rsv, nasb).

“Remaining” in Christ is much more like a cultivated healthy relationship than passive waiting. As Jesus' “friends” (15:13-15), relationship with Him requires constant contact with Him through Scripture reading, worship, and prayer (cf. 15:7, 16). Our passage also explains that remaining in Jesus entails obeying His command to love one another. We “remain” in Christ by obedience to Him in following His example of love for us (15:12-17).

Another eight times, Jesus declares the results of remaining in the true vine: fruit that glorifies the Father (15:2, 4-5, 8, 16). This is the ultimate goal. A Christian fruit-bearing life of love and obedience, all in dependence on Jesus, will bring glory to God.

There is another result of our union with Christ: suffering and persecution (15:18-16:4). Don't miss this important truth. Following and remaining in Christ means participating in Him fully, including His suffering. The world hates Christ-followers because it hates Christ (15:18-21; 16:2-3). Mockery in the workplace, ridicule by neighbors, estrangement from family and loved ones, even physical persecution or death—all are part of the call of Christ to remain in Him. This should not surprise us, only drive us closer to the source of our life: Jesus the true vine.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Remaining in Christ produces fruit, but today's passage also provides a stern warning. Dead branches, connected to the vine but producing no fruit, will be cast into the fire (vv. 2, 6). Such branches are on their way to destruction, and the warning must be taken seriously. Examine your life! Your deeds do not ultimately save you, but they can provide an accurate indication of your life in Christ (cf. James 2:14-26). Pray today for a Christian life that produces God-glorifying fruit, recognizing that even this requires connection to Christ.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: John 16:5-33
Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice. - John 16:22
TODAY IN THE WORD
Winston Churchill once gave a short but famous speech about persevering in the face of adversity: “Never give in, never give in, never, never, never, never.” Christ's words in today's passage offer similar admonition, but with a deeper foundation. Churchill appealed to human courage in the face of difficulty; Christ appeals to the promises of God.

In the face of impending crucifixion, Jesus offers final words of comfort to His disciples. Although they will experience great sorrow at His departure, this is not the end of the story. There is the promise of the coming Counselor (vv. 5-15) and the promise to see Jesus again (vv. 16-33). The world and its prince, though seemingly victorious, will ultimately experience defeat and condemnation (vv. 10-11, 33). After the cross, there is resurrection and Pentecost.

What does this mean for believers? First, there will be new understanding (vv. 12-15, 23a, 25). What was once in darkness and mystery is made clear. Jesus' resurrection points to His true identity as God's vindicated Son; the Spirit of truth reveals that reality. Only after the cross is there full understanding of Jesus' words and actions. If we are to understand Christ, we must contemplate His death and resurrection.

Second, believers have joy that cannot be taken away. The disciples rejoiced upon seeing the resurrected Christ, and even now we can rejoice in knowing Christ and awaiting His return. Though trouble remains in the world, Christian joy abides. Sin and death have been overcome; night will not remain. Christian joy finds root in understanding the conquering power of the cross and resurrection (see Phil. 3:1, 10).

Third, we have an intimate connection with the Father. Through Jesus, we approach the Father in prayer, confident of His love, assured that He hears our requests. Only through the cross and resurrection do we gain such access to the Father. Joy finds root in this reality as well. Understanding, joy, and intimacy—all ours in Christ, but only through the cross.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
How often do we fail to embrace the promises of today's passage, especially joy and intimacy with God? Through His Spirit, Christ's presence remains with us; yet, we often live our lives in our own power. Identify areas in your life where you have forfeited your Christian joy or grown cold-hearted toward your heavenly Father. Pray today that God would renew that joy and intimacy with Him as you reflect on the victorious work of Jesus on the cross.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: John 17:1-26
Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name . . . so that they may be one as we are one. - John 17:11
TODAY IN THE WORD
In most theater productions, a moment comes when a character speaks an aside to himself, revealing his thoughts and intentions. Other characters may not have heard the words, but the audience is now privy to the character's true intentions.

Like a theatrical aside, today's passage provides a unique glimpse into the heart of Jesus as He prays for His disciples and us. In that prayer, Christ indicates His purpose for coming: to bring eternal life by revealing the Father to us (vv. 2-3, 6, 25-26). But Christ reveals another purpose: to draw us into His own life so that our lives may reflect God's. Just as Christ “was not of the world” and yet was sent into the world, so too His followers are not of the world yet sent into it (vv. 14, 16, 18). Our lives should reflect our master's.

Further, Christ's prayer for the church specifically asks for our protection (vv. 11, 15), our sanctification (v. 17), and an opportunity to witness Christ's final glory (v. 24). But one request dominates: the unity of the church. Four times Jesus prays for this oneness (vv. 11, 21-23), and each time He relates Christian unity to the oneness between Jesus and the Father. The remaining prayer, which further reveals the divine unity, indicates what Christian unity looks like.

First, there is a unity of nature. Jesus and the Father share in the other's glory (vv. 1, 5). Second, there is a unity of purpose: bringing eternal life to those who will believe (vv. 2-4, 6). Third, there is a unity of activity. The words and mission of Jesus were those from the Father (vv. 6-8, 11-12). Fourth, there is a unity of fellowship and love. Each belongs fully to the other (vv. 10, 21, 23-25). If we want a picture of what Christian unity looks like, we must contemplate the Godhead. Christians, like God Himself, are united in nature (see Gal. 3:26-28), in salvific purpose, in missional activity, and in loving fellowship. This is Jesus' picture of the unity of His church.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
As we know, there are deep divisions within the church today, as denominations fracture and churches split. According to today's passage, this should grieve us profoundly and move us to pray for unity among Christians worldwide. But there is an individual responsibility as well. Today, confess before God any divisiveness you may have caused or perpetuated among your brother and sisters in Christ, asking God to heal those wounds of division. Seek forgiveness and reconciliation from your offended sibling in Christ.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: John 18:1-27
We have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are–yet was without sin. - Hebrews 4:15
TODAY IN THE WORD
John Everett Millais, a pre-Raphaelite artist of the nineteenth century, has a woodcutting depicting a scene from the Parable of the Good Samaritan. In it, the wounded traveler is seen weak and collapsed on the road. Over him stoops the kind Samaritan who, having resisted the temptation to ignore the injured man, embraces him in his arms to lift him to his donkey. Millais displays both weakness and rescue.

Today's passage presents us with a picture of both Christ's rescuing obedience and the weakness of humanity in the face of temptation. First, Jesus demonstrates His full submission to the will of the Father. Although the Gospel of John has no Gethsemane story like the other Gospels (see Matt. 26:36-46; Mark 14:32-42; Luke 22:39-46), John paints a vivid picture illustrating the prayer: “Not my will, but yours be done” (Luke 22:42). Jesus knew why soldiers had come but still went out to meet them. When asked, He freely identified Himself. He was more concerned for His disciples than in saving His own skin. When Peter tried to defend Him, Jesus prohibited hostile resistance in favor of full submission. While being questioned, Jesus freely admitted what He has been teaching, never trying to re-explain it to avoid indictment. Faced with the temptation of rejecting His saving purpose on the cross, Jesus remained resolutely obedient.

Peter, on the other hand, showed mixed loyalty. He first took strong (but misguided) action in defense of Jesus. Later, Peter denies three times that he was a follower of Jesus (vv. 17, 25-27). He was faithful and loyal one moment, a cowardly traitor the next. Faced with the temptation of denying Jesus, Peter fully succumbed.

Without Peter's disobedience, we lose the reminder that we all fail in our loyalty to Christ. Yet, without Christ's firm obedience, we lose any possibility of rescue from our own failures. Today's passage presents us with two necessary portraits of failure and success in the face of temptation, and the only answer for our salvation.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
When we are honest with ourselves, we can all identity with Peter in today's passage: disloyal and disobedient to Christ. Yet, praise God that Jesus' obedience provides rescue from our failings. He is our high priest who both sympathizes with our weaknesses—for He too was tempted like us—and also saves us—for He was without sin. Perhaps search for an image of the Millais woodcutting online today (such as http://tate.org.uk/) and reflect on Jesus our sympathizing high priest who delivers us from our sin (Heb. 4:16).

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: John 18:28-19:16a
For this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. - John 18:37
TODAY IN THE WORD
In the first century a.d., Roman governors of Judea had the charge of maintaining peace. Responsible to the Emperor himself, such rulers knew that Jewish revolt meant dismissal as governor. No time of year had more potential for tumult than Passover, when thousands of Jews streamed to the city. Jerusalem would have been crowded and politically explosive if a revolutionary leader arose.

This political climate is the background to today's text, for these concerns underscore Jesus' entire trial before Pontius Pilate and the crowd. The Jewish leaders clearly present Jesus as a political threat to Roman peace. He is portrayed as a criminal deserving death (18:29-31) and a cunning politician rivaling Caesar himself (19:12, 15). Yet, despite their wicked aims, they consciously try to protect their religious privileges. For them, ceremonial propriety is more important than justice.

Pilate's interrogation demonstrates his political concern for Jesus as an aspiring claimant to the throne (18:33-38). He questioned whether Jesus was a king, had the soldiers mock Him as a royal pretender, and presented Jesus as a “king of the Jews” (18:39; 19:5, 14-15). Furthermore, Pilate's vacillation, diplomacy, and fear indicate a dilemma (18:31, 39; 19:4-6, 8, 12-13). If he frees this alleged insurrectionist, a potential uprising will cost him his job. If he acquits Jesus, Pilate's job is at risk if the crowd revolts. Although Pilate finds no charge against Jesus (18:38; 19:4, 6, 12), he cowardly relents to the crowd to save his own neck. For Pilate, job security is more important than justice.

Finally, Christ's words in our passage, though few, are telling. Jesus is indeed a king, but not in the world's way. His kingdom is greater than any earthly empire, for His is aligned with truth itself. In fact, the only true authority in this world is that which comes from God Himself. In the midst of political wrangling and violated justice, Jesus points us to the truer, often invisible reality: a kingdom and authority that always remains.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Today's passage reminds us that Jesus is the true king, greater than any earthly allegiance. But what is your response? Do you reject him like the crowd? Do you pretend to ignore him like Pilate? Do you prize religious appearances or earthly status more than Christ? Pray the Lord's Prayer today, focusing on the words: “Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven” (Matt. 6:10), Ask forgiveness for your misplaced allegiance and invite Christ to reign as true king over your life.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: John 19:16b-42
For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed. Therefore let us keep the Festival. - 1 Corinthians 5:7-8
TODAY IN THE WORD
In the art of tapestry, weaving two different threads (warp and weft) produces one complete textile product such as a blanket or wall covering. Within it a colorful pattern or image is depicted. The product can be viewed as a whole, but the central image is what draws the attention of the eye.

Today's passage works like a skillfully made tapestry. As a whole, the passage presents the crucifixion, death, and burial of Jesus. Yet, there is another, more central image to the passage which draws us in. By describing the events as the fulfillment of Scripture, our mind's eye is drawn to an important truth.

First, we are told that Psalm 22:18 is fulfilled when the soldiers cast lots over Jesus' seamless garment (vv. 23-24). This psalm despairs over God's apparent abandonment—an appropriate text for the events of the cross. John 19:28-29 also describes the fulfillment of Psalm 69:21 when Jesus is given vinegar in response to His thirst. Both of these psalms end, however, not in despair but in great praise for God's ultimate victory and deliverance (Ps. 22:22-31; 69:30-36). By alluding to these lament psalms in the midst of the cross, we are encouraged to see hope as the final outcome. The pain and suffering of the cross, though terrible, will give way to victory and deliverance.

John 19:31-37 fulfills two additional Old Testament texts: “Not one of his bones will be broken” (Ps. 34:20; Ex. 12:46), and “They will look on the one they have pierced” (Zech. 12:10). The fullest understanding comes again by looking at the images evoked from the context of the quoted material. Exodus 12 refers to the requirements for the sacrificial lamb of the Passover. Zechariah 12-13 speaks of the day when God will destroy Israel's enemies and open a fountain that will “cleanse them from sin and impurity” (Zech. 13:1). Taken together, the implication is clear: crucified during Passover (John 18:28), Jesus is the ultimate sacrificial Passover lamb, cleansing the sins of the world (cf. John 1:29).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Today's passage reminds us that part of God's plan for our deliverance from sin was the sacrificial death of His Son on the cross. Take a moment to read the Passover event in Exodus 12:1-30, remembering that today's passage displays Christ as our Passover lamb. Give thanks and praise to God that like the Israelites of old, we, too, are spared through the blood of the lamb, rescued from oppressive slavery, and invited into the eternal promised land with Him.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: John 20:1-18
I am returning to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God. - John 20:17
TODAY IN THE WORD
In his retelling of his ascent of Mount Everest, John Krakauer explains the need for slow acclimatization to high altitudes. A body placed immediately on the 29,028-foot summit would quickly lose consciousness and die. One must prepare slowly and gradually over a period of weeks to allow the body to adjust to higher altitudes. Only then can a climber reach the pinnacle and behold the breathtaking panorama.

Today's passage is like a miniature acclimatization. We are not presented immediately with the climax, but are brought gradually to the resurrected Christ. First, Mary of Magdala discovers that the tomb is empty. Assuming Jesus' body has been taken away, she runs to inform the other disciples. Peter and “the other disciple” (most likely John) now run to investigate. John sees the linen strips but does not go in. Peter then enters the tomb and observes the burial cloths but not Jesus. Finally, John follows and believes. Along with the disciples, we now realize that something wonderful has happened. The summit is near, but not yet reached.

Alone again, Mary sees two angels sitting in the tomb. What was first a puzzling empty tomb is now imbued with the supernatural; yet, Mary still does not understand. Jesus even appears to her, but Mary mistakes Him for a gardener.

Finally, Jesus speaks a word and the summit is reached. She now realizes the truth of the resurrected Jesus. And at this climax, Jesus reveals something precious: intimacy with God. First, Christ knows us by name (v. 16). We are His sheep and know His voice (cf. John 10:4, 14). Second, through Christ, we have a new relationship with God. Until now, Jesus had spoken of God as His Father. Now, it is “my Father and your Father,” “my God and your God” (v. 17, emphasis added). Here at the pinnacle of the text, we are met by the wondrous reality of true intimacy with Christ as members of God's family. Don't leave the summit too quickly.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Today's passage reveals a stunning and climactic event: the bodily resurrection of Jesus from the dead. But it also reveals a proper response. Upon seeing Jesus, Mary runs to tell the other disciples (v. 18). What is your response to the resurrection? Do you run like Mary to tell others “I have seen the Lord” (v. 18)? Reflect today on what kind of witness you are to the reality of the resurrected Christ in your life and ask God to give you opportunities to share your knowledge of the risen Lord.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: John 20:19-31
These are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name. - John 20:31
TODAY IN THE WORD
In western classical music, composers often introduce an initial melody which is then drawn through the musical piece with melodic variations. As the composition ends, the initial melody returns, giving the sense of a unified, complete musical piece. By use of this technique, a symphony may explore a variety of musical themes, all the while held together by the repetition of the initial and closing melody.

Today's passage works like the closing melody of a symphony, echoing not only the themes of the first chapter of John's Gospel, but also the first chapters of the Bible. John 1 echoes Genesis 1 by describing Jesus, the Word, as God Himself who was “in the beginning” (John 1:1-2; Gen. 1:1). As God created the world through speaking, so too through the Word “all things were made” (John 1:3). Jesus is the light of the world who gives life to those who believe (John 1:4, 12).

Jesus' resurrection appearances in John 20:19-31 return us to these themes and further develop the motifs of Genesis 1-3. Just as out of chaos and darkness, God brought order and beauty (Gen. 1:1-25), so here in the midst of fear and confusion, Jesus brings joy and peace (vv. 19-21, 26). Just as God breathed His Spirit into man, giving him life (Gen. 2:7), so here Jesus breathes His Spirit on the disciples, giving them eternal life (vv. 22, 31). Just as man disobeyed and fell into sin, so here through His obedience Jesus brings forgiveness of sins (v. 23).

The climax of our passage comes from Thomas. Although initially doubtful, Thomas beholds Jesus' wounds and declares: “My Lord and my God” (v. 28). Using the very title for God in the Old Testament (cf. Ps. 35:23), and echoing the pronouncement of John 1:1, Thomas declares that the creating, live-giving, forgiving God of the Old Testament is none other than the death-defeating, risen Lord Jesus. The whole purpose for writing it all, said John, was that we may believe it and have life (v. 31).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
We are blessed if we believe despite being unable to behold Jesus in the flesh (v. 29). And praise God that He has left us His word, like the Gospel of John, to record the living-giving work of Christ. Many in the world, however, lack access to God's Word. Consider making a donation today to provide Bibles for those who desperately need to hear Christ's good news. If your local church does not take such gifts, consider supporting Wycliffe Bible Translators through their Web site: http://www.wycliffe.org/.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: John 21:1-25
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us . . . and purify us from all unrighteousness. - 1 John 1:9
TODAY IN THE WORD
In plays or novels, an epilogue is a piece of writing that appears at the end of the literary work. They can take a variety of forms, but most epilogues either supplement the story through an overarching summary, or they reveal the fate of the characters in the drama after the story reached its apparent conclusion. Either way, epilogues bring final closure to the literary work.

Today's passage, the final chapter in the Gospel of John, is an example of an epilogue. As seen yesterday, John 20:19-31 already provided a certain closure to the Gospel by returning to the initial themes of the book. The Gospel could have ended there. So we may wonder why this extra chapter? Like all good epilogues, John 21 brings final closure by revealing the fate of certain characters, in this case Simon Peter.

Recall that although involved in the resurrection events (John 20:1-8, 19), Peter's last spoken words were denials of Christ (John 18:25). Think of the weight of guilt and shame Peter must have felt. Now in John 21, it is curious that the disciples have returned to their old ways as fishermen (vv. 1-3). Yes, Jesus was alive, but that did not remove Peter's disloyalty. Perhaps this is why we find Peter now out fishing rather than out preaching.

Nevertheless, Jesus does not leave Peter in this state. Appearing a third and final time, Jesus blessed the disciples with a great catch and shared breakfast with them. After the meal, Jesus asked three times whether Peter loves Him. Just as Peter denied his Lord three times by the courtyard fire (John 18:15-18, 25-27), so now by another fire Christ offers a threefold opportunity for Peter's declaration of love for Christ. The result is that Peter is restored three times with an apostolic task to feed Christ's sheep. Jesus does not excuse Peter's disloyalty, but neither does He refuse to forgive. But Peter is also given a cross. Following Jesus will cost him his life, but it is a life fully forgiven and restored.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Do you ever feel like your sins are beyond God's mercy, that there is no chance of forgiveness? Let today's passage remind you that no sin is beyond God's healing grace. Our Lord shows with Peter that for anyone who repents there is hope for restoration and reconciliation. If you are despairing in your struggle against sin, turn to Jesus today in fresh repentance, embracing His forgiveness. If you know of someone who struggles with this, share today's passage with them, reminding them of the restorative power of Christ's love.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Genesis 4:2-15
Sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must master it. - Genesis 4:6
TODAY IN THE WORD
The Arlington Institute think tank in Washington, D.C., hosted an event in 2004 called “Breakthrough Technologies for the World's Biggest Problems.” Some of the world's foremost engineers, inventors, thinkers, and social leaders presented groundbreaking innovations and theories designed to solve issues from world hunger to global warming. John Peterson, the Institute's president, said, “Humanity's future is inextricably tied to technology.”

While such efforts are admirable, this idea has a major flaw. Until man designs a machine that can destroy selfishness or medical research uncovers a sin vaccine, the remedy we need will always lie far beyond the world of science. The root of the world's biggest problems reaches to the darkest parts of the human spirit and the violation of one of God's foundational commands: “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Lev. 19:18).

Because of sin, loving our neighbors defies our natural instincts. It's been that way from the dawn of civilization. Cain couldn't blame his anger on society. He hadn't watched too many violent movies. He didn't grow up in a rough neighborhood. He just did what came naturally—he got angry and killed his brother.

Most people think they are incapable of taking a life. Cain's story proves that everyday anger, common to all, can be enough to provoke a normal person to murder. In the course of human history, it didn't take long for jealousy and rage to materialize. The world's biggest problem, the failure to love properly, has plagued us from the beginning. It drove Cain to deny that he should be held responsible for his brother's well-being, even though he was directly responsible for his death. Technology would not have made a difference.The secret to loving as God commands is obeying His Word instead of following our hearts. Notice how the Lord forbade vengeance against Cain. His act of protection prevented Cain's sin from escalating into an endless cycle of violence. Sin had conquered Cain, but God was still in control.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
God's warning to Cain is applicable to us today. Even if your intention is to love your neighbor, sin is waiting for you to stumble. Ask the Lord to help you master it. Take an inventory of the factors that arouse anger within you. Include any ongoing grudges you might be holding as well as daily occurrences such as bad traffic or irritating neighbors. It's natural to want to respond in anger. Instead, rely on God's supernatural righteousness.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Jonah 4:1-11
It does not, therefore, depend on man’s desire or effort, but on God’s mercy. - Romans 9:16
TODAY IN THE WORD
Survivors of suicide bombings have reported a disturbing detail of terrorist attacks. Adding insult to the horrid wave of injury they inflict on unsuspecting targets, the bombers often smile at their victims before detonating their explosives. A suicide bomber desires the death of his enemies more than he values his own life.

While that type of deranged priorities is expected from a terrorist, it's unthinkable that God's chosen prophet would act in the same way. But Jonah demonstrated a very similar mentality when he ran from God's appointed destination for him in Nineveh. He didn't flee out of fear. He wasn't held back by doubt. Verse 2 reveals Jonah's true motive: he knew that God was gracious and merciful, and he couldn't stomach the idea that Nineveh might escape judgment.

To say that Jonah lacked compassion is an understatement. He preferred his own death over the salvation of 120,000 people (v. 11). He actually criticized God for being gracious and loving, as if those were negative attributes. Jonah had judged the Ninevites out of a false sense of self- righteousness, corrupting his love for God and obliterating his love for people.

But Jonah's disobedient, twisted heart could not stand in the way of God's plan. According to his sinful nature, Jonah desired to see the Ninevites die. According to his perfect love, God had compassion on them. The final verdict: God won.

The story of Jonah is a portrait of the differences between how God and man view love and justice. Sadly, our natural tendencies resemble Jonah's heart more than God's. Sin prevents us from loving like God does. It shrinks our compassion and inflates our pride. Life is filled with a series of opportunities to show love or to show judgment, and our sin nature compels us to do the latter. Jonah was a blatant case, but in tomorrow's study, we'll examine a group of people who more skillfully and subtly exercised sinful pride in place of love.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Take a moment today to identify the Ninevites in your life. It may be a certain group of people whom you have harshly judged. Or maybe you harbor strong feelings against a certain sin and anyone guilty of it. While you shouldn't develop a tolerance of sin, you should never allow judgment to drive out compassion. God has forgiven us all more than we could ever deserve, we should pray for His compassion on those we don't naturally love.