JESUS: THE ULTIMATE ANSWER

JESUS: THE ULTIMATE ANSWER 1

Meet with God an official publication of Back to the Bible Copyright 2007 The Good News Broadcasting Association, Inc. All rights reserved. International copyright secured. Printed in the U.S.A. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without permission in writing from the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews. Scripture quotations are taken from the New King James Version. Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. STAFF: Editorial Assistance: Allen Bean, Ben Zuehlke, Kathy Thorne, Mindy Kroesche, Marlene Lehl Design: Brandy Griffin Produced with the assistance of The Livingstone Corporation (www.livingstonecorp.com). Project staff: Neil Wilson Cover Photo: www.shutterstock.com Meet with God is produced 12 times per year and sent with no obligation. BACK TO THE BIBLE P.O. Box 82808 Lincoln, NE 68501 2

From the Author In our study this month, we will concentrate on the great questions people have asked Jesus as we look at the Gospel of John. I pray that these familiar stories from Jesus life will seem new to you as you discover how God can speak to your life today through His Word. We get to review one of the central lessons about handling questions every time someone asks us one that we can t answer. Believe me, none of us knows the answer to every question, and most of us don t express the answers we know all that well. We need to remember that just because we don t know the answer doesn t mean the question can t be answered, or that we can t find the answer or even that the question will never be answered. When we don t know an answer, it s important to say so. Most people can spot when we re faking it, even if they re too polite to point it out. But experience tells us that people who are honestly searching often find it refreshing to have someone say, That s a great question. I don t know the answer. Shall we look for it together? But God is ultimately the answer. Every line of questioning, if followed long enough, leads us back to Him. What a pleasure to read how Jesus, God incarnate, answered questions and handled questioners. Let s keep learning from the Master as we meet Him in His Word this month. 3

This week, choose a passage of Scripture and abide in it every day. READIT John 8:21 47 And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free (John 8:32). You shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free is a widely recognized saying. People are often surprised to discover that it came from Jesus. They like the statement even though they don t like telling the truth. In fact, the rumor is out that truth either doesn t exist or is too difficult to discover. In a world that rejects absolutes, truth is an endangered standard. Among those who try to explain Jesus words, many suggest that education or knowledge is what Jesus meant to encourage by His declaration. Rather than accepting other people s guesses, however, we can look at what Jesus actually said. He pointed to one requirement leading up to you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. He said, If you abide in My word (John 8:31). To abide means to remain or to live in. When we abide, we make Jesus words our lifestyle and live by what He said. We want our behavior and words to be governed by Jesus behavior and 4

Truth and Freedom words. If someone asks us why we are doing something, we want to be able to say as often as possible, Because Jesus told me to do this. Jesus later made this principle of abiding even more personal when He said, Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me (15:4). Jesus not only expects us to abide in His Word but to welcome His intimate presence in our lives. How does abiding in Jesus Word or knowing the truth set us free? To the degree that we are not living in the truth, we are living a lie. We are living in darkness. We remain captive to sin. But believing the truth about Jesus and from Jesus does set us free free to live, free to avoid sin and even free to experience suffering or disappointment because Jesus reminds us of God s bigger picture. Freedom isn t permission to do anything we want; freedom is the power to do what we ought. In God s Word we discover the hard truth about our sinful condition and the wonderful truth about His love and forgiveness. But we can t pick and choose the parts of truth we like. We can t experience God s forgiveness if we insist we haven t sinned. (See 1 John 1:8 10.) Freedom grows as we expose ourselves to more and more of the truth from the Bible and allow the Holy Spirit to apply it to our lives. 5

CONSIDERIT How did Jesus answer the question Who are you? in verses 25 27? APPLYIT Many have learned that it s easy to follow Jesus until He asks us to do something or points out a problem in our lives. Abiding in Jesus Word can t be on our terms; it must be on His terms. Doing the truth hardly even occurs to us instinctively. We often have to obey despite our earthly or emotional judgment. When did you last take an action for no other reason than you knew it was what Jesus would want you to do? EXPRESSIT As you pray, describe to God your longing to abide in His Word. How would you recognize if you were making progress in letting His Word permeate your life? Let God know what it means to you to have His Son set you free. (See John 8:34 36.) 6

AS YOU READ JOHN 8:21 47, REFLECT ON THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS: In what way does the How do verses Verse 30 mentions that many [people] believed in Him. Why did that happen? audience change from verse 21 to verse 31? 31 47 point out the challenges in abiding in Christ? 7

REMEMBERIT 1. What would the Jews have to do so they wouldn t die in their sins? 2. Who sent Jesus and is the One who is true? 3. The Jews insisted they descended from whom? 4. According to Jesus, what happens when you sin? 5. Who is the true father of these particular Jews, according to Jesus? SEEKIT GO DEEPER INTO YOUR STUDY OF THIS WEEK S LESSON. Truth: John 16:4 15 1 Timothy 3:13 16 Answers: 1. believe in Jesus (John 8:24); 2. the Father (John 8:26 27); 3. Abraham (John 8:33); 4. You become a slave of sin (John 8:34); 5. the devil (John 8:44) 8

Questioning Death READIT John 11:1 44 When Jesus heard that, He said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified through it (John 11:4). Why did Jesus wait? His friends Martha and Mary had sent Him an urgent message that their brother, Lazarus, was sick. They didn t ask Him to come; they assumed He would rush to help them. But He didn t. He waited two more days. By the time He arrived in Bethany, Lazarus had already been dead and entombed four days. In the Middle East (as in a lot of places in the world), burial isn t delayed but occurs on the day of death. Why did Jesus wait? The sequence of events tells us that Lazarus probably died while the messenger was still on the way to find Jesus. We re aware of other instances where Jesus healed sick people without being present. (See Matt. 8:13;15:28.) Not this time. When Jesus got the news, it was already too late. But Jesus knew what He was going to do. He would raise Lazarus and bring glory to God the Father and Himself. So, He told His companions that Lazarus sickness would not end with death but with glory. 9 This week, consider how quickly you turn to Jesus in a crisis.

CONSIDERIT AS YOU READ JOHN 11:1 44, REFLECT ON THE What does it mean From God s What did Jesus want for God to receive glory (vv. 4,40)? perspective, why is death like sleep (vv. 8 15)? Mary and Martha to understand before He raised Lazarus? Meanwhile, the disciples also had death on their minds the possibility of their own. They knew there were people near Bethany intent on killing Jesus. The disciples said to Him, Rabbi, lately the Jews sought to stone You, and are You going there again? (John 11:8). If the stones started flying, who knew how many others might get hurt or killed! When Jesus mentioned Lazarus was sleeping, they took it as a sign he would get better and that they need not go into danger. But Jesus knew they all needed a lesson about death. Yes, He had raised others but never anyone dead for as long as Lazarus. Martha put the situation politely when she said, Lord, by this time there is a stench, for he has been dead four days (11:39). Jesus insisted; and, shortly, out came the living Lazarus, shuffling in his grave clothes. In the spiritual realms, Lazarus resurrection must have been a shattering event. Death s grip had been loosened with three words, Lazarus, come forth! (v. 43). God s glory and power echoed in every nook and cranny of creation. But it was only a hint of the utter defeat death would experience within weeks when Jesus Himself left the tomb, not with a mortal body like Lazarus but with the eternal one like the ones we will put on at the resurrection. 10

FOLLOWING QUESTIONS: Why did Lazarus come out of the tomb still bound? APPLYIT Jesus claim, I am the resurrection and the life, (John 11:25), stands as a gateway to God s glory and presence in this passage. Jesus closing challenge: Do you believe this? (11:26) echoes across the ages and through your life. Do you believe in Him even in the face of death your own or someone else s? EXPRESSIT Talk to God about areas or situations in your life where you ve had difficulty seeing His glory. Put that situation into Mary/Martha language Lord, if You d been there, then would or wouldn t have happened. Let Jesus assurance of resurrection and life sink into your soul and allow God to show you His glory in those places. 11

APPLY IT Most of the physical landmarks that we deal with are part of a long-standing but not eternal creation. But the truth of God s Word stands for time and eternity. The directions God provides (even the painful ones) give us a dependable route and effective rules for living. If we ve got God s eternal landmarks in mind, we ll adopt a pilgrim mindset, never thinking of this world as our permanent home. We will make it a habit to check God s landmark presence every day for correction and encouragement. And we will live by those instructions we find chiseled in the landmark of God s Word. EXPRESS IT Proverbs is filled with short landmark statements that provide us with food for thought and reflection each day. Choose one of the proverbs from today s reading, and express it in a prayer. Ask God to keep bringing His words of direction to mind throughout the days of your journey ahead. 12

REMEMBERIT 1. Where did Lazarus and his sisters live? 2. What did the disciples expect would happen if they went to the town where Lazarus had died? 3. While Martha went to meet Jesus on the road, what did Mary do? 4. Whom did Jesus see weeping that caused Him to weep too? 5. Why did Martha object to rolling the gravestone away? SEEKIT GO DEEPER INTO YOUR STUDY OF THIS WEEK S LESSON. Death: Isaiah 25:1 12 1 Corinthians 15:35 58 God s Glory: 1 Chronicles 29:10 13 Isaiah 40:1 5 Answers: 1. Bethany (John 11:1); 2. they would die (John 11:16); 3. sat at home (John 11:20); 4. Mary (John 11:32 35); 5. because the body would have a stench (John 11:39) 13

This week, make at least one deliberate choice to believe and not be troubled. READIT John 14:1 14 Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me (John 14:1). Like the ocean waves on a stormy night, the tide of trouble seemed to rise among the disciples. In the lamplight of the dinner we now call the Last Supper, their faces betrayed their hearts. They were confused, distracted, questioning. Moments before, Jesus had washed their feet, a moving act of service that got their attention and made them wonder even more about the events swirling in the darkness outside that upper room. If Jesus hadn t known their hearts, He could have certainly read their faces. Jesus saw the symptoms, and He prescribed the cure for troubled hearts. Start with belief in God that grows into belief in Jesus. This lesson s key verse gives us two golden action words to understand and apply: let and believe. These two words anchor a choice that Jesus placed before His disciples and us. He essentially said, Let not your heart be troubled; instead, let your heart believe in Me. That same choice faces us every day. What are we going to let our hearts be troubled or believing? 14

The Cure Actually, our hearts are going to be in some condition every day. Consider some of the reasons Jesus gave in John 14 to keep our hearts believing rather than troubled: Jesus identity. What trouble is greater than God (v. 1)? Jesus home. What hope is greater than heaven (v. 2)? Jesus promise. What promise is greater than Jesus promise of a place for you (v. 3)? Jesus company. With whom else would we rather be (v. 3)? Jesus role. What other way would we choose than the One who is the Way (v. 6)? Jesus Word. Could there be a better life than abiding in the Truth (v. 6)? Jesus presence. What life is there beyond the Life, who is Jesus (v. 6)? The world offers counterfeits to each of Jesus reasons; but as good and tempting as they may look, they turn out to be lies. We can t let our hearts be anything based on the way things look. There is a way which seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death (Prov. 14:12). We must let our hearts believe based on who Jesus is and what He said. Every time we let our hearts believe rather than be troubled, we are acknowledging Jesus presence in our lives. 15

CONSIDERIT Why were the disciples so troubled? APPLYIT Identify at least one situation in your life at this moment that will require you to choose whether to let your heart be troubled or to let your heart believe. How will you remember to make the choice Jesus wants you to make? EXPRESSIT The disciples were troubled. You may identify deeply with them at this moment. Perhaps your heart is habitually troubled. Express to God specifically what is troubling you. Then look at the list of reasons above, and check whether there are answers there for your troubles. And let your heart believe as you talk with God. 16

AS YOU READ JOHN 14:1 14, REFLECT ON THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS: What other reasons Which one of these Describe the relationship to believe rather than be troubled can you find in these verses? reasons do you find most compelling in facing troubling times? between God the Father and God the Son as these verses explain it. 17

REMEMBERIT 1. What does Jesus say there are many of in His Father s house? 2. Who said, Lord, we do not know where You are going? 3. Who did Philip ask Jesus to show them? 4. According to Jesus, how many ways are there to the Father? 5. Why will Jesus do what we ask in His name? SEEKIT GO DEEPER INTO YOUR STUDY OF THIS WEEK S LESSON. Worry: Philippians 4:4 7 1 Peter 5:6 7 Trusting God: Psalm 118:1 9 Isaiah 26:3 4 Answers: 1. rooms/mansions (John 14:2); 2. Thomas (John 14:5); 3. the Father (John 14:8); 4. one (John 14:6); 5. to glorify the Father (John 14:13 14) 18

When Failure Comes READIT John 18:1 27 Peter then denied again; and immediately a rooster crowed (John 18:27). This week, consider the ways you are being faithful to promises you ve made. How often do our claims, promises and vows get challenged? What would happen if immediately after hearing a couple exchange their wedding vows, someone spoke up from the congregation and said, You do realize that in some way you will probably break most of these vows next week? How would we respond if every time we said, I ll never do that again, someone who knew us well said, Unfortunately, you probably will? What would happen if we said to Jesus as Peter did, I will lay down my life for Your sake (John 13:37), and Jesus responded, Will you lay down your life for My sake? Most assuredly, I say to you, the rooster shall not crow till you have denied Me three times (13:38)? At the very least we might start thinking twice before making promises. When we think about our tendency to fail, it helps to remember how Jesus handled Peter. Luke s Gospel records more 19

CONSIDERIT AS YOU READ JOHN 18:1 27, REFLECT ON THE How did Peter s action Explain how each Describe Jesus actions during Jesus arrest indicate that he had good intentions? of Peter s denials was different. throughout this part of His trial. What points did He make? of the conversation: And the Lord said, Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren (Luke 22:31 32). Fortunately for us, we can fail without our faith failing. The Lord planted in Peter s heart a seed of hope even though Jesus already knew he would fall short. Jesus also knew there would be further use for Peter. Once he had returned, he would be able to strengthen others. As we read this lesson s passage, we cringe as Peter repeatedly trips over his words and denies Christ. If the trauma and fear of Jesus arrest caused him to forget his promise, the agonizing crowing of the rooster certainly reminded him of Jesus prediction. He was crushed. He likely couldn t believe he had done it. But what about us? How easily do we fail? Our silence, our lifestyles, our words, our friendships and our attitudes often deny Jesus just as blatantly as Peter s declaration, I am not one of His disciples! When we realize we have failed, our task is not to stay in that place. We must return to Christ. Peter returned to Christ and discovered Jesus eager to affirm him and give him a special assignment. (See John 21:15 22.) Jesus has a purpose for you, too, even after you ve failed. 20

FOLLOWING QUESTIONS: What has caused a rooster crowing moment in your life? What was the outcome? APPLYIT How do you use your past struggles and failures to help others avoid the same mistakes? Failure experiences give us a broader reservoir of knowledge, but they also transform us as individuals. Think of at least one example of these two different impacts of failure and share them with a friend. EXPRESSIT Thank God for working in your life and exercising faithfulness despite your failures. Take a few moments to prayerfully review your recent life. Is this study drawing your attention to a specific area of failure even as that rooster alerted Peter? In what ways? What will you do about it? 21

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REMEMBERIT 1. What was the name of the servant Peter attacked? 2. Who approached Jesus along with Judas? 3. Who was the High Priest at the time? 4. How many disciples followed Jesus to His trial? 5. Who first asked Peter about his association with Jesus? SEEKIT GO DEEPER INTO YOUR STUDY OF THIS WEEK S LESSON. Repentance: Acts 3:19 22 Redemption: Romans 3:21 26 Colossians 1:9 14 Answers: 1. Malchus (John 18:10); 2. troops/soldiers/the Roman cohort (John 18:3); 3. Caiaphas (John 18:13); 4. two (John 18:15); 5. a servant girl (John 18:17) 23

Got a question for God? You re in good company. Thankfully, God welcomes your questions; and His Word, the Bible, is fi lled with answers. In An Interview With God, Woodrow Kroll guides you through Scripture, giving you God s responses to your most commonly asked spiritual questions. Questions answered include: Does my life have a purpose? Is there life after death? If God is good, why does He allow suffering? Beyond presenting God s truth on individual matters, Dr. Kroll will help you discover how God longs to reveal more than specifics He longs to reveal Himself. In the end you ll find not only the answers of God, but the God of answers. #6500-7 $12.00 (U.S.) $18.00* (Canada) *Includes shipping. See below for ordering information! Back to the Bible is a worldwide ministry dedicated to leading people into a dynamic relationship with Jesus Christ. Using radio, the Internet and other media, we share the Gospel message and help Christians grow to spiritual maturity. With broadcasts in 25 languages and an Internet reach to millions, Back to the Bible teaches the Word and touches the world. Contact us for more information: BACK TO THE BIBLE P.O. Box 82808, Lincoln, NE 68501 1-800-759-2425 www.backtothebible.org BACK TO THE BIBLE - CANADA P.O. Box 10, Winnipeg, MB R3C 2G2 1-800-663-2425 www.backtothebible.ca 6036-5 24